Australia to Europe

[jindy]

Hey guys,

I just discovered freighters as an option of travel today. I have plans to head to Spain one way in May 2009 and thought this might be a cool way to do it.

Just after any advice, info, tips or warnings from anyone with some experience. Anyone know where they leave from (I am in Brisbane, but could easily depart from Sydney, Melbourne etc) and where they go to (can be pretty flexible as flights within Europe are pretty cheap) and where they stop over.

I would like to stop at a few places along the way to break it up a bit, how would this work, do ships make multiple stops or would I have to change ships? How long would it take to get to Europe from the east coast of Australia?

What are the pros and cons as apposed to cruise ships. I am thinking a more casual laid back, friendly atmosphere, cheaper, slower... Chance to soak up the feeling of being at sea rather than being in a floating casino.

Any replies appreciated, as I am a total noob to this!! Cheers!

[lunamara]

CMA-CGM is maybe the most direct you can do. They go out of Austr. ports to Savannah Georgia. Then you can pick up another ship to Europe. All this will take time but you will have an unforgetable adventure on many levels. Plus you will experience a Panama Canal transit- a really fascinating sight.

Explore the internet and read people's accounts of freighter travel. It is casual for sure, you need to be self-contained and able to occupy your hours. There are stops along the way.

Good luck!