The last few years the markets have been stormy for the shipping industry, with the overcapacity and low freight rates exacerbating each other. Restructuring continues, creating new alliances, particularly on the world’s number one and two trade routes: Asia-North America and Asia-Europe.

The APL Paris, CMA CGM Aquila and sisterships offer weekly sailings:        Seattle, WA (Day 1); Vancouver, BC (2); Tianjin Xingang (27); Qingdao (28), Ningbo (32) and Shekou (35), all in China; Singapore (41); Jebel Ali, Emirates (52); Port Kelang, Malaysia (70); Singapore, 2nd call (71); (Yantian (77), Xiamen (79), Ningbo (81) and Shanghai (82), all in China; Pusan, Korea* (85); transpacific to Seattle (97). * No embarkation        More Info - Columbus PNW Line

The CMA CGM A. Lincoln, G. Washington and T. Jefferson sail approx. every two weeks:        Los Angeles (Day 1) and Oakland, CA (5); Fuking (22), Nansha (23), Honk Kong (24), Yantian (25) and Xiamen, China (27), back to Los Angeles (42).        More Info - Pearl River Line

The CMA CGM Thames, Estelle and sisterships offer the following sailings approx. every two weeks:        Hong Kong, China; Kaoshiung, Taiwan (Day 1); Ningbo (4) and Shanghai, China (5); Pusan,* Korea (9); transpacific to Manzanillo (26) and Lazaro Cardenas, Mex. (27); Buenaventura, Colombia (32); Calao, Peru (37); Guayaquil, Ecuador (41); Lazaros Cardenas (49) and Manzanillo (50), 2nd calls; Yokohama, Japan (68); Pusan, 2nd call (71); Shekou (75) and Hong Kong (77). * No embarkation        More Info - ACSA-1 Line

Vessel Details --- Passengers: 10 / 12 Containers: 9,400 / 14,400 Deadweight: 114 / 149,000 tons Length: 349 / 365 m Built: 2006 / 2017 Speed: 25 / 21 knots Officers & Crew: French/Int’l Owners: CMA CGM, French

On all the above servicses a combination of double bed, twin-bedded cabins are avaialble - sitting-room, photo above, and single cabin, photo below, located on the upper decks with forward and/or side views - EUR €100-140 / €120-160 double - single occupancy, per day.

The following excerpts are from a first-hand passenger story, traveling on one of the sisterships:        "... I get a nice big, modern cabin, with lots of storage space, two comfortable beds, a sofa, desk and spacious bathroom and toilet. This is just like a really good hotel room. After unpacking my belongings, I proceed downstairs to the combined officers’ and passengers’ mess for breakfast. The ‘mess’ is bright and airy, beautifully furnished and cozy, with a view over the stern overlooking the ocean ...

Back in my room I suddenly see a container sailing by outside my window! I look out totally fascinated. I can see a number of huge cranes lifting the giant containers, one after the other, with incredible precision. Insect-size men are moving around looking after the cargo high up in the air. They seem to be totally unconcerned about the height and the feverish activity. It all happens quickly and efficiently ...

Travelling along China’s coast now, it is beautiful with the mountainous horizon through the light clouds. My fellow passenger, a pleasant interesting person who, like me, also enjoys some time alone in a pretty scenery ...        During the afternoon we take a walk around the ship, about 700 metres. We do this 4 times. It is necessary to get some exercise especially with all the delicious food we get here! The mist has disappeared and, hopefully we will get some sunshine. When I come back to my cabin, I find a message on my door; the Captain is serving champagne in the officers’ mess before lunch! A dozen young officers enter, one after the other, into the long beautifully decorated room. We are also served small appetizers whilst we mingle together ...        I go out for some more walks to compensate for the massive meal. Fortunately dinner is a bit lighter and my hunger has had little time to develop! We sit at the dining table for a while longer and become rather philosophical, sipping another glass of rosè wine ...        The ship is sailing slowly into the Hong Kong harbor and as we get closer, the boat traffic increases. There are boats and ships of all kinds, everywhere. Even a small sailing boat is daring to join in. Brave one! We eat a light lunch and take a tour around the harbour for 2 1/2 hours. What an amazing city. The architecture and the atmosphere! I am totally fascinated and hope to return one day ..."

General Information and Reservations

Thanks to the support received from our customers, as well as from the steamship lines and media, including the following comments, today's Maris is one of the leading independent freighter cruise specialists:

	"Maris is sailing with fair winds and following seas under your command." John Carrick Editorial writer Sydney, Australia Sep/99

	"Q: It has always been my dream to take a long voyage on a cargo ship. Can you tell me if this is possible any more? - A: Maris in New York offers such voyages on a daily basis." Sunday Times London July 1/01

	"Maris Freighter Cruises website, as well as the newsletter which illustrates itineraries, ships, prices etc., is a good place to learn about this type of cruise and travel." New York Times May 18/03

	"We are very appreciative of the work you have undertaken on our behalf for many years and the effort you have put into making our passenger service a success ... Our sincere and grateful thanks." Richard Mellor P&O Nedlloyd London Jan/05

	"As a faithful reader of your Seaworthy News publication, I wish to compliment you and your staff on the informativeness and thoroughness, setting forth in honest and detailed manner descriptions of this means of travel." Martin Ems Retired Manager Passenger Services, American President Lines - Feb/07

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	"Hopefully, when the dust (and Covid) has settled, we'll be able to envisage a new adventure. With renewed gratitude for your unfailing support and guidance, kindest regards." Jacques Carrio Vienna, Austria Oct/2020

Become a member of Maris Freighter Travel Club Int'l - or give a gift membership Take advantage of the knowledgeable advice that comes from our vast experience, starting by reviewing the recommended pages.Find the freighter and voyage that's right for you and, for each booking, you will receive a discount of up to $800, depending on the steamship line and voyage.

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