General Information and Reservations
|
Bookings are available for roundtrip and longer one way voyages, between the continents only. Departure date and itinerary can vary, and the steamship line can use a substitute vessel of a similar size and standard. Port time varies from half a day to two days. Service on board a freighter is simple, and sometimes may not be very timely, especially during the peak working periods. Passengers on freighters are paying guests who have to adapt to this reality. Dress code is casual and meals reflect the preferences and needs of the young officers and crew. Self-service laundry facilities are available. The electrical current is 220/50 AC. A two-prong round adapter and converter are needed for North American appliances. A steward will clean the cabin once a week, or more often if required. |
 |
|
Passenger cabins and shared facilities, such as the dining room, lounges, exercise room and swimming pool are located on various decks. There may be an elevator on board; nevertheless passengers must be in good health and fully mobile to negotiate the stairs. Front and aft views may be obstructed by the containers stowed on deck. A small on board shop provides a limited selection of beverages, cigarettes and toiletries at duty free prices. On board expenses may be paid for with cash in USD, only. Tipping is at the passenger’s discretion; $3-$5 per day is recommended. Telephone, fax and e-mail (but not the Internet) connections are available. These being satellite connections, through the Captain's office, make the fees expensive, as high as $5 per minute. However, short email (without attachments) is free of charge. You can send an email out once you get on board, and advise your family how to reach you through the ship's address. |
  |
Reservations can be made by completing a Registration Form and providing a 25% deposit. The balance of the fare, plus management fees (varying between €45-75 per person, per voyage), is payable 70 days before departure. The fare may be paid by emailing a copy of personal check in USD, or by a bank transfer in USD/CAD at the prevailing exchange rate (€EUR to $US/CA) and subject to a final adjustment a few weeks before departure, when ticket is issued. Credit card payments are not accepted. With the ticket, port agent contact details are provided by email, for you to obtain details and updates on the ship's arrival and location in port. Requirements: The lower/upper age limits are 14/80 on German ships and 16/77 on French ships (CMA CGM). Passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the anticipated return home. Medical Statement - you'll receive the Form with our offer, to be completed and signed by you and your doctor. International Health and Accident Insurance is required on all voyages, as well as Vaccination Against Yellow Fever (no exceptions) for Brazil, Mexico and transit through the Panama and Suez Canals. Visa must be obtained in advance for Brazil, China, India, Russia and the USA (ESTA waiver is not good for travel on freighters). If and when required, we provide a support letter for your visa application. Our web page Before You Sail provides more information with links to relevant websites. |
| Cancellation fees are as follows: over 60 days, loss of deposit; 45-60 days, 50% of the fare; no refund will be made within 45 days of departure. Cancellation and Interruption Insurance is highly recommended; it protects your investment from the moment you buy the policy. And if you buy it within three weeks of your confirmed reservation, Travelex waives pre-existing conditions. Travelex Insurance packages are available to Maris customers worldwide on our web page Before You Sail. We recommend the Q&A Freighter Guide page to familiarize yourself with the procedures and what to expect before and during the voyage. For reservations, and if we can help provide any additional information, please inquire through the Reservations Page. |
 |