World Cruise OR World Voyage?

For those who wish to be pampered with the best of service, facilities and food, there are several world cruises available. Recent price inquiries for 2006 sailings of over 100 days produced ocean-view single rates of CAD $53,000 to $130,000 per person including taxes. These products represent excellent value for those who want to be treated like kings or queens and to be royally entertained. Double occupancy prices should be lower. We, at The Cruise People, Ltd., are most happy to discuss the various levels of product with you and to help you choose the option best for you.

For those with more limited budgets and/or simpler tastes, there is another choice available – around the world passenger freighters. These voyages vary from approximately 80 days to 126 days or more. Ships in the 126-day voyage service carry some general cargo and spend more time in ports than do container vessels. These ships are also partially tramp meaning they have two port lists – regular calls and calls if there is cargo – lending a little mystery to the itinerary and making the length more flexible. Single passenger-freighter rates vary from CAD $12,000 to CAD $20,000 per person including taxes and deviation insurance depending on the product and cabin availability.

Obviously, you can’t expect the same service, facilities, entertainment and food for a small fraction of the price. Here is a brief comparison, which may make it easier for you to decide if a freighter voyage is for you.

Fitness and health – Cruise lines do everything they can to cater to passengers regardless of health and fitness. Ships are designed with lifts, ramps and low coamings to accommodate wheelchairs and walkers, hospitals, special cabins with wide doorways and raised toilet seats just to name a few.

Passenger freighters cannot accommodate passengers unless they have a doctor’s permission to travel in a ship without a doctor on board and they are fit enough to climb gangways and stairs several times a day. As working freighters, outside hatches (doors) are on lower decks and subject to sea water so the coamings are too high for people with canes, crutches, walkers or wheelchairs. Freighters cannot accommodate young children due to adult-size railings and steel outdoor stairs. Pregnant women cannot be carried for insurance reasons.

Cabins – Cruise ships supply excellent accommodation with private facilities, which may include a bathtub in addition to your shower and toilet. You are treated to a bed turn-down service and frequent cleaning and tidying by cabin stewards. You may have a balcony for a private breakfast or just sitting and watching the world sail by. Stewards will be happy to take care of your laundry and other requests and to keep your ice bucket full and, depending on the line, keep your en-suite bar stocked.

In a freighter, you’ll have a high-deck cabin with windows. Usually, there is a view but containers could block some windows if the ship is heavily loaded. You can expect private facilities (sink, shower and toilet) and often you’ll find a fridge, desk and sitting area. Cabins are usually spacious and the beds quite comfortable. Stewards will change the linens. Service will vary with lines. Each deck has a landing on the outdoor staircase with room to set a deck chair and watch the world sail by, enjoy a book or even take a nap in the fresh air. Star gazing from a dark part of the ship can be amazing.

Meals – Cruise ship dining rooms are usually luxurious and you will be presented with many choices from a menu and service from attentive stewards. Fine food and attention to detail are to be expected. The chefs do an excellent job of preparing tempting soups,appetizers, entrees and desserts. You can even get healthy choices , specisl diets and less-fattening options. Dining is an experience in itself.

In freighters, meals are taken in the senior-officers’ dining room and you eat what they eat. Food can best be described as nourishing. It will tend to follow the nationality of the officers. An Indian crew means food with an Asian flavour, for example. There is usually steward service and breakfasts are often more like North American food – cereals, toast, etc. Don’t forget most ships provide a pantry with snacks available 24/7.

Entertainment – Cruise ships excel in this department. Offerings include Vegas-style shows, piano bars, cooking demonstrations, casino, BINGO, pool-side games and activities, sports bars and on and on. You can spend hours reading the programme for the next day and deciding what you wish to try. Unfortunately, bridge and engine room tours are very rare due to increased security.

Passenger freighters rely on you to entertain yourself. Passenger lounges usually contain TV with VCR and tapes, CD player with disks and books and games. The bridge is open to visits and offers an excellent view of loading and pier-side operations as well as learning navigation (varies with captain). A word with the chief engineer will usually get you a very detailed tour of the engine room and below-deck machinery. Weather permitting, strolls along the deck will reveal many of the workings of a cargo ship.

Shore Excursions – Cruise ships provide the opportunity to walk around in ports or to spend anything from a few dollars to hundreds on shore excursions to show you the countries they visit.

Passenger freighters allow you ashore in safe ports and you can get a taxi or other transportation to visit on your own or with other passengers. Some passengers even rent cars, which can be arranged by the ship through the port agents in most countries. Please note that many freight terminals are far from the cities and it can be a long walk to the gate. Increased security will often prevent taxis from picking you up at the ship.

On-board Expenses – Cruise ship costs vary with the level of the product. On some, you pay bar prices for beverages and on some beverages are included. There are always places to spend funds from casinos, inch of gold sales, shore excursions, bingo, art auctions and souvenir shops to Internet cafes. Spas, barber shops and hairdressers are all extra-cost facilities.

Passenger freighters have small duty-free “slopsinks” where you can stock up on beverages and small items. Usual on-board currency is U.S. Funds.

Crowds – Most cruise ships carry 500 – 2000 passengers. Try as they may, crews can’t prevent some crowding, lining up and waiting for tenders, baggage or at check-ins.

Passenger freighters carry a maximum of twelve passengers (average 5-6) so crowding is hardly a concern. Since all passengers dine in the same small, senior officers’ dining room, you quickly get to know all passengers and senior officers. Most passengers in freighters are friendly as they either get along with their fellow passengers or they get rather lonely.

Wardrobe – Most cruise lines have a dress code and you’ll need a variety of clothes. This could vary from a suit and tie to formal evening wear depending on the line and your personal likes. Of course, a long cruise includes visits to the barber or hairdresser. Many passengers feel the dressing up is part of the whole cruise and enjoy it. Sometimes this results in heavy luggage, which can be a consideration on flights or even trains.

Passenger freighters require comfortable clothing and some protection from wind and spray. Soft-soled shoes are safer on moist metal decks and indoor shoes or slippers are usually worn in the cabin. There is no reason to tote the tux, evening attire or dress shoes. Jeans and comfortable tops are the order of the day. Many even bring gloves and a hat for strolling the decks in the breeze. With on-board laundry facilities, one can travel much lighter.

Please remember there is a ship and itinerary for everyone but not always the same ship and itinerary.

Rev: 22 Nov 05