wedok

For some time now [years, matter of fact], I've been trying to find a way to return to the Spice Islands, by cargo ship/freighter. For health reasons I can no longer fly.

I am hoping to start this journey from Vancouver, or any other port on the Canadian west coast [Victoria?].

Ultimate destination is Surabaya, in East Java; but if I can land anywhere near it such as Jakarta, Semarang, or somewhere else in Indonesia; or even in neighbouring Singapore, that should be OK.

Though I can travel anytime, given a choice, I would like to start sailing sometime in November or December.

At this point I don't quite know where to start. So any ideas, suggestions, recommendations will truly be appreciated. Which shipping company, and when, do I get in touch with? What are the on-board facilities; for example, is there internet, ATMs? What are the pros [ocean air?], and cons [piracy?] of this mode of travel? What to bring with me, and what to leave the rest at home. How to find a travelmate for this sort of travel? Approximate return cost, etc.

Could some traveller out there who already has done this type of travelling please help me, thank you.

Kathie

I have no first-hand knowledge of freighter travel, but I've read reports by travelers in the International Travel News. (It's a publication by travelers - sort of an in-print Fodors forum) While the facilities on freighters vary, they typically have a few state rooms and a dining room and a small library. None that I read about had ATMs (but why would you need an ATM on board?), nor internet access. Google freighter travel - I know there are agencies and websites devoted to freighter travel.

JamesA

Try this:
http://www.freightercruises.com/

or
1-800-99-maris

Try calling some of these, if they don't have it they no doubt will give you some ideas who to call
http://www.shipnet.com/shippingdirectory/agency.htm

Good luck, if you have the time could be interesting!

JamesA

Here's another, Toronto based
http://www.thecruisepeople.ca/tcp_frat.htm

There are of course the cruise ships, within SE Asia also:
http://www.starcruises.com/

afterall

Wonderful. Just bloody wonderful!!

A post that isn't about whether this or that 5 star hotel is best.

The question is - are there any logical reasons why a freighter might be travelling from Canada to Indonesia? Do you export anything to them?

My parents once did a trip from the UK to the West Indies on a "banana boat". That probably doesn't exist any more.

Have you checked out possibiites from a US port?

KimJapan

Afterall, if you don't like the kinds of questions, answers and discussions you read here, then don't read them. Simple.

Or, stick around. You've only been posting here since January. Get to know the people you seem so quick to judge and whose travel styles you seem to have a problem with...even though you don't really know what their travel style is.

I'm sure you must have some experience and knowledge to share, and I for one would love to hear about your travels...without the snide and judgmental attitude you include in some of your posts.

Gpanda

Afterall-first of all, snide and judgemental is not all bad. The key is to be funny while being s and j. Without the humor, one is just another flamer.

Second of all, one of the reasons that this forum is so effective is that it has room for many opinions, price ranges and aesthtic choices. We try to exchange freely without concern for a super-imposed template of correct/incorrect taste.

Perhaps most importantly, it seems that the OP has been given some suggestions to acheive his/her goal.

thursdaysd

afterall - you wouldn't be chimani reborn, would you?

wedok - I haven't done freighter travel (I get bored on boats) but I've read that it's quite popular, and books up early. You'll find a report of a trip that included freighter travel from the US to Australia here: www.mariesworldtour.com (not mine, alas!)

Hanuman

thursdaysd,

I was thinking of exactly the same thing!

Kathie

Wow, I wonder where afterall is from that he thinks there would NOT be freighters going between Vancouver and Indonesia.

Freighters typically carry goods going to a variety of ports, so a freighter from Vancouver might have goods for a number of Pacific Islands (and would often pick up as well as drop off goods at each stop) as well as a number of Asian destinations. So a freighter from Vancouver to Indonesia would make a number of stops between (and after, since freighter travel is typically not point to point, but a continuous cycle of taking on and letting off cargo).

I'm in Seattle, and used to live where I had a view of several of the remote berths for cargo ships (that is, when there wasn't enough space at the dock, there are a series of places the boats anchor). So I'd make note of the ship's name and check the shipping news in the paper that lists the origins of the ships and the last dock and nest dock. There were often Indonesian ships anchored in my view.

marmot

wedok, I don't know anything about "luxury" (joke, afterall) travel by freighter but I know quite a lot about shipping. Several lines travel between Singapore and Vancouver. They may call at several ports along the way or go directly if they are fully loaded. From Singapore to Jakarta or Semarang they use smaller, feeder vessels.

I just read the FAQ of the freighter magazine that James posted [thanks! I may become a convert.]The first A said that only 1% of all vessels carry both passengers and freight and then only 4-12 travelers on board. So I guess you'll have to do so searching. Maybe concentrate on the big routes like Long Beach to Singapore.

Since 9/11 security regulations for cargo ships, especially container ships, have become very stringent and the procedures extremely formal.

Good luck in getting back to the Spice Islands. Don't know when you were last there, but they had some rough times in the 90's with sectarian violence. I understand that things have mostly calmed down and the inter-island ferries are operating again.

JamesA

I think someone asked many years ago, that is why I noted that website. It's the sort of thing that if life was different would be an 'experience'.
Overall it seems they take anything up to about 12 passengers, food etc seems food, some put up a mini pool, but really to while-away-the days reading or looking out to sea.
When they call at ports appears they have longer stays that cruise ships, schedules can easily change.
Just glancing through prices although not 'cheap' are not so bad when you take into account accommodation and meals.
If you are retired and have plenty of time seems an interesting option to getting to some places. I think you have to be very healthy as of course they do not have medical facilities like cruise liners.
Looks fun and hope Wedok posts back and if goes tells us all about it.
There are also Caribbean and S.Am ships

JamesA

Here's another, based in Pasadena CA

http://www.freighterworld.com/general.html

Here's some examples ( if nothing else a break from airline talk )
12 day ex SIN to Malaysia and Chennai ( Madras ) India $1,950

15 days ex Tahiti around the S.Pacific Islands $2,000-5,000

Seems quite a few Oakland(SFO) to Singapore via Japan, Korea, China, Taiwan, HKG

Washington Post article (2000 )
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn...2000Aug25.html

Old article but probably helps OP get an idea

janisj

I think you all misunderstood afterall's post. I read it as - &quot;Isn't this great!- <b>finally</b>, an interesting post that isn't about 5 star hotels&quot;

He did ask a reasonable question IMO - are there many exports from western Canada to Java?

I didn't see that post as mean or snarky or anything of the sort. I just think some are being too bloody literal instead of reading the whole of his post . . . . .

kuranosuke

theres a local producer here by the name of jack cione. he and his wife travel extensively on freighters, and there was an article about their freight travels. try and google his name.

the thing i remember distinctly about their freighter travel, was that the women never worn the same outfit twice to dinner. so, it seems freighter travel can be chic.

afterall

Janisj,

Thank you for those kind words.

Look - I am passionate about travelling by sea. There are fewer and fewer opportunities. If the OP finds a way I would be the first to celebrate.

I make no apologies for being excited by a question from someone who wants to do something different. Beyond package tours, cruise lines, and booking everything from accommo to day trips before they leave home.

I salute the OP and hope she/he finds a way to make the trip.

Femi

Keep us posted as to your decisions Wedok, and eventually I'll be hoping for a trip report!

tower

afterall:


well-stated...you are completely absolved IMHO. It is refreshing to hear about something different travel-wise. JanisJ, I agree with you!Thanks, wedok!

Stu T.

wedok

I wish to thank all those respondents up until February 17, especially Kathie, marmot, and kuranosuke. And particularly JamesA, for providing real info by mentioning all those useful websites. I owe you, JamesA.

There are many personal reasons why I do not wish to fly anymore. Now that I’m a senior, I’m trying to get away from all that rushing and running around. And since 9/11, trying to avoid all those unpleasant, ego-burdened airport security personnel, especially in the US.

Then there are health reasons. Suffice it to mention one medical condition, OAB. This means I have to use the washroom quite often. What happens when they are all occupied on the aircraft?

I thought going by freighter would be more relaxing, and healthier, what with all that ocean air. And who knows, perhaps I can finally get down to seriously start writing again. And I also prefer that certain element of unpredictability, in the sense that a freighter’s routing is not set.

Finally, for all I know I may be able to hitch a ride on a cargo ship that carries Canadian wheat, or potash, or beef, or forest products.

Kathie

Do let us know what you find!