Reliving Navy Days?

[ahopkins]

As a US Naval officer driving attack cargo ships and cruisers around the Pacific in the late 1960's, I enjoyed the pitch and roll of the ship, the dark, dark night skies, being able to walk around decks, onboard operations, and the loading and unloading activities in port.  I want to take a freighter cruise to approximate that experience.  Anything from 2-4 weeks, probably winter, would work for me.  

I was disappointed last year when I crossed from San Diego to Hawaii on a Holland America cruise because the ship was so lit up that I could hardly see the stars.

All suggestions welcome!

Thanks,

Howard Richmond
Tucson, AZ

 

[lunamara]

Howard,

That is like saying "How high is Up." The great part of freighter travel is you can go a LOT of places. You can do just segments of long trips with destinations at either end for some land travel. Pick your area first considering the weather at the time of year you want to go. The shortest trips can be a week. You can see what is out of Houston/Galvestion if you want to embark close to home.

For info look at websites for Travltips, Freighterworld, Maris Cruises, The Cruise People UK, Hamburg Sued, etc.

Seems like the voyages down the coasts of South America have the prettiest night star-watching. Must add that getting a visa for Brazil when you are on a cargo ship is a real headache. And don't jump ship there. They have a sneaky penalty - cost me $700.

Go for it! The world is yours...

[ahopkins]

Thank you for the insight
Howard

[njc]

Hi, Howard -

My husband and I took our first freighter trip out of Houston last winter and we gone 48 days to South America and back.  When people ask what the best parts were, the portsare always mentioned after the wonderful, friendly crew, the anticipation of finishing dinner to get out to the main deck and watch the sunset and the brightness of the stars at night.  Then there's the great food, spending lots of time on the bridge, endless peaceful days at sea .......   I could go on and on.  Loved it and am doing it again this winter.

[ahopkins]

Thank you for your reply
Howard Richmond