POLSKA ZEGLUGA MORSKA (Polish Steamship Company) FREIGHTER PASSENGER SERVICE TRANS-ATLANTIC VOYAGES ROUND VOYAGES TO/FROM THE GREAT LAKES Passenger voyages aboard five modern ships of Polska Zegluga Morska (PZM) of Szczecin, Poland, are available from April through November on the very interesting route between Amsterdam (Port of IJmuiden), and the Great Lakes. The round trip normally lasts about 45-70 days. These ships, IRMA, IRYDA, ISA, ISADORA and ISOLDA. all built in 1999-2000, are 35,000-ton geared bulk carriers constructed in Japan, and can accommodate up to six (6) passengers each. The vessels' officers and crew are Polish and are experienced in navigating the Great Lakes and St Lawrence Seaway. Passengers can choose among three basic services: 1. Full Round Voyage boarding in Europe or North America. 2. Europe to Great Lakes Trans-Atlantic Voyage from IJmuiden (semi-liner) 3. Great Lakes to Europe Trans-Atlantic Voyage (tramp). VESSEL SPECIFICATIONS Dimensions: 200 x 23.5 metres (about 656 x 78 feet) Tonnage: 35,000 deadweight tonnes carrying capacity No. of passengers: Six (6) maximum per voyage. PASSENGER FACILITIES All cabins are equipped with wardrobe, sofa, desk and private facilities. The lounge and dining saloon are shared with the ship's officers. PASSENGER FARES Fares include accommodation, all meals and deviation insurance. TYPES OF VOYAGE, ITINERARIES AND PORTS OF CALL The Trans-Atlantic voyage from IJmuiden to Cleveland or Burns Harbor is classified as a "semi-liner" voyage as the ports usually remain the same, but the duration cannot be guaranteed and ports and sailing dates are subject to change. The Full Round Voyage and Trans-Atlantic voyage from the Great Lakes to Europe are classified as a "tramp" voyages as the European port is not known until close to sailing date and can include ports in the Mediterranean, North Africa, the Black Sea or the Baltic, as well as Continental Europe. Passengers booking the eastbound voyage need to have a sense of adventure and the utmost flexibility. There is no guarantee that any particular port will be called at on any particular voyage, and passengers need to be flexible with regard to their expectations. Ports could include any out of but not be restricted to the following: Full Round Voyage: IJmuiden/Amsterdam (Netherlands), to Cleveland (Ohio), Burns Harbor (Indiana) and Thunder Bay (Ontario) or Duluth (Minnesota) or other Great Lakes port to first discharge port in the Mediterranean, North Africa, the Black Sea, the Baltic Sea and/or Continental port to Ijmuiden. Passengers may also book full round voyages from Cleveland or Burns Harbor and return. Europe to Great Lakes (semi-liner): IJmuiden/Amsterdam (Netherlands), to Cleveland (Ohio) and Burns Harbor (Indiana). Great Lakes to Europe (tramp): Burns Harbor (Indiana) or Thunder Bay (Ontario) or Duluth (Minnesota) or other Great Lakes port to first discharge port in the Mediterranean, North Africa, Black Sea, Baltic Sea or Continent. AGE LIMITS: As the vessels carry no doctor, the maximum age is 79. Children under the age of 6 cannot be accepted, and children must be travelling with parents. A medical certificate is required of all passengers aged 65 or above. SHIP SUBSTITUTIONS: Depending on cargo requirements, other passenger-carrying vessels may be substituted from time to time. UNITED STATES VISAS: All passengers other than US and Canadian citizens (or in some cases residents) require a valid US visa for voyages calling at US ports. HOW TO BOOK: For 2005, applications will be accepted by first or second half of each month in each service from April through November. A deposit of US$500 per person will confirm a reservation.