Bali Expat Forum - Bali Travel Forum

[Bert Vierstra]

Hi,

after reading this:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/7421948.stm

I thought, well, lets go to Indonesia by ship this time

Has anyone experience with this, or can point me in the right direction?

[Sanurian]

Travel by cargo ships was a "popular" option to get around the planet many years ago. For well-heeled alternate travelers, in the know.

I say that because the fares then were nearly as expensive as going on a typical cruise ship, (sometimes even more so). Cargo ships used to have a special cabin or two for the odd adventurer. The food was excellent, the accommodation extremely good. But no "entertainment" included. And no guarantee of any exact itinerary. Depended on the cargo and ports of call.

There were several notable cargo shipping lines that offered this alternative, (especially Dutch ones). I don't know about these days. I would try and contact shipping companies directly for further information.

I remember an old travel book that was specifically devoted to this subject. Back in the 1970s.

[Git]

My family left indonesia via ship,it took a few months to get to Amsterdam,Not too pleasant,constant boat drills/everyone must put on life vests/out towards the decks.

[Bert Vierstra]

There are some companies specializing in travel by cargo ships:

http://www.seatravel.nl/ (dutch)

Unfortunately booking needs to be lots of time in advance. No places available...

[Pa_Yan]

Are you getting scared of flying Bert?
I know of this site http://www.cargoshipcruises.nl/ that does cargo cruises. There was a discussion about it in another forum, indahnesia.com, but I couldn't find anymore.