Advice For A New Traveller

[samara]

Hi ,I am travelling with my husband from Auckland to Tibury mid July on the MV Marfret Provence via the Panama Canal and returning on the MV Aenne Rickmers
via Suez Canal.
The ship is running 2 weeks late for our return voyage so we will have a month in total in Britain and Europe.
                                   Questions

1.What sort of clothing would you recommend for being on a freighter for such a long time.
2.Are meal times formal or infomal?
3.What is the correct procedure for tipping?
4.Do you need much cash while on board?

I would love to hear from anyone who can give me a few hints on anything at all.

Samara.

[njc]

I would say take enough clothes for about 10 days.  You'll be able to use the officers laundry on the ship at least once a week.  Freighters can be sooty at times so take clothes that you don't mind getting soot or rust on.  There is salt water everywhere so keep a paper towel or napkin in your pocket in case you need to wipe down where you plan to sit.  Dress on the ships is very casual.  Shorts and t-shirts are all you need and maybe a jacket and a pair of long pants in case the weather is cool.  As for tipping, maybe $4-$5 per day for the steward who will take care of you at meals and change your linens every week.  About half that amount would be good to give the cook.  You'll be able to buy beverages, snacks, etc. for low prices onboard.  They will give you a bill at the end of the voyage and it can be paid in dollars.

[lucy]

Can you tell me what made you choose the Marfret Provence?

[lunamara]

Just back to computer and saw the post-

I bring paper towels or cloth to wipe down "sitting places." don't count on lounge chairs being available. If you visit a USA port early on, you can buy a light weight folding camp type chair for $10. at places like Walmart etc. A good investment - then leave on board.
I don't wear white on board as it can be too dirty. also the laundry water may have specks of iron in it.
It is a working ship and NOT formal. But one should be fresh and neat for meals. No slobs - no skimpy things.
Tipping is a gift for good service. Passengers do add a lot of work for the steward for which the company does not compensate him. Also the amount would depend on how demanding you are i.e. special requests.
Don't depend on snacks, toothpaste etc. being available in "slop chest." More ships carry only alcohol and cigarettes.
Be flexible and keep your sense of humor. Even the worst experiences will make a good story when you get home!

[ISLANDMAN]

I sailed from Melbourne to Tilbury on the Marfret Provence earlier this year at that time she had a Polish Captain and Electrician the rest of the Officers were Romanian. The crew were Sri Lankan but were due to be paid off and replaced with another crew nationality unknown at the time.
There is a washing machine on decks D & E but I'm not sure about the deck the owners cabins on. I would take a small washing line with me but there is a good drier in the officers laundry on D deck.
We had a BBQ on leaving NZ waters which was attended by all but the crew on watch at that time. The Chief Engineer had made a small BBQ and several informal BBQ's were held in good weather.
I found the Marfret Provence a happy and comfortable ship and the crew friendly.