New Seafarer

[Mitch]

Hello,
This is my first post on your forum.
Have booked passage on CMA CGM Matisse for Feb 2009 and interested for any feedback on this vessel.

[Mitch]

If not the Matisse I would be interested in any information about similar CMA CGM ships.

[lunamara]

I just crossed the Atlantic in the CMA-CGM Manet. It was fine. The crew very friendly, food good including wine with meals. The lead officers were Croatian. Some of those ships are with French officers.  The aft-facing pax cabin is not great.
There was some hassle to get boarding info in Rotterdam so be sure your agent is on top of it. CMA-CGM passenger contact in France was not helpful.

 

[Mitch]

Thanks Lunamara.
You mention that the aft cabin is not great, I presume this is the SuperCargo cabin on E deck if it the same as Matisse. Could you please elaborate as I believe that is the cabin I have booked.I have a deck plan and it didn't look too bad because there are no common walls with other cabins.

[Mitch]

I understod that the six vessels doing the Europe -Australia service via Panama were all CMA-CGM ships, owner/operated. When I startred booking negotiations I was dealing direct with their tourism division and later changed to a travel agent in Sydney who got things moving quicker for me. I have booked on Matisse but I believe there are two or three other identical ships on the same service, all built 1999 - 2001 and approx 195m in length. Would be interested in further feedback from any one who has done this trip.

[Mitch]

Thanks for that information Matz. LaTour is a vey similar vessel to Matisse so I would be interested in your comments down the track.  

[Kiwinz]

Mitch,

Below is a link to some of my photos taken back in 2006 when I was on the LA TOUR from Rotterdam to New Zealand. Unfortunately I've not loaded (yet) the trans-Pacific or Australia photos..

http://www.pbase.com/kiwinz/home_by_sea

Excellent vessels..not big..not small. Was Croatian officers and Philippino crew when I was onboard. I was in the 'owners' cabin on E deck.

http://www.pbase.com/kiwinz/image/64590598

Simon

[Mitch]

Thanks Simon,
They are great photos. I will spend more time studying them over the next few days. I would be interested in the trans pacific instalment when you get the chance to load them.
I will have the cargo super cabin for my voyage as I wanted the luxury of a double bed for myself!
cheers

[Mitch]

Thanks for the information Matz. I see that Matisse is under GSM management also so by the time my voyage comes around in January maybe there will be more changes. I am disappointed to hear about the BBQ's as they seemed to be a good social activity.Were there many social nights with the officers and crew. In your cabin did you have CD, TV, fridge and coffee making? I have the cargo super cabin on rear port side any comments on that.Were you able to get transport easily in port to visit town for shopping/sight seeing.Are there quiet areas outside out of the wind to realx.Sorry to hit you with so many questions but as it is my first freighter cruise I'm hungry for info.
 

[lunamara]

Hi Mitch,

If I might add my comments to Matz - I was on the Manet in Nov/Dec.

Barbeques are up to the capt. They don't need special food. The guys are just happy to get the free beer. Every crew combination is different. Some just hit it off and make a happy ship. There are no "social evenings." If one wants to socialize the best way is to visit the bridge during quiet times such as long sea passage days (and nights). You can find out who's friendly and who isn't.
The lounge is spacious with tv,  dvd player, frig and coffeemaking setup. I never saw the officers use it. It was off-limits during authorities/agent, etc visits. I had the cabin next door on starboard side. It had a frig.
The cabin you booked has a window looking aft at equipment. I think there was a walkway which could affect your privacy. I always bring a lace type piece of fabric to affix with magnets. You would be next to the outside door which is nice.
You can always find a place out of the wind  on the bridge deck or accomodation decks. I bring a foam rubber thing to sit on that gardeners use for kneeling. They are light and cheap.
On my ship we had an "information officer" which was funny because he spoke little English and could answer no questions at all. He conducted the safety drill and the other passengers (Brits) and I made him put on the immersion suit - quite a show.
As for help in ports, you can ask the capt if he would have the agent order a taxi for you or if you can speak with the agent yourself when his business is finished. The important thing is that they owe you nothing. If they are friendly and helpful , you are lucky if not - you are on your own. I have found out info from the pilot (When his work is finished), and stevadores about things like where the gate is, can one get a taxi alongside the ship. You can look at the port chart to get an idea how far the city is.
The best advice anyone can give you is to be flexible and keep your sense of humor. Don't have expectations and be self-sufficient.  
Cheers!

[Mitch]

Lunamara,
Thanks for the advice. I'm sure that it will all be a learning curve for me. By the time February comes around I'm sure I will be a lot more "streetwise" about things.
I saw Manet when she was in Melbourne laste last year. She looked a treat entering the Yarra river from the bay.

[Mitch]

Thanks again Matz.I actually have a floor plan of E deck for La Tour which I am sure is very similar to Matisse.I am not a drinker so won't be much concerned about the beers just so long as I have a fridge to keep my soda pop and snacks cool. I have a little 2 cup travel jug which I think will come in handy.Good advice about the port hole too. I may try to rig up some sort of curtain.Were you able to use the pool at all and you mentioned about the gym having a table tennis table , was there much else. Did the ship have a sauna.

[Mitch]

Matz,
I will be on Matisse and understand there is a swimming pool on this vessel.I'm sure I will be able to buy some snacks to take back to the ship when in port - confectionary and soft drinks.I am an enterprising sort of fellow so who knows what entertainment I may be able to conjure up.

[Mitch]

Matz, did you use your own electrical gear on board, eg: shaver, laptop, radio. If so could you tell me what the power sockets are on the ship. I was told they were a round two prong type. Thanks.