Westport, CT March 14, 2004 -- As an alternative to the traditional cruise experience, a variety of mail ships, lighthouse maintenance ships and coastal and island freighters offer a unique combination of first-class cruise ship and working ship, carrying cargo and local passengers as well as a small group of privileged cruise passengers from large cosmopolitan cities to magical small ports. The basic service provided by these ships is connecting local communities, and most of the passengers on board are local commuters. Typically the voyage takes one to three weeks with short and frequent port calls. The following represent only a few examples of what might be in store for you this season:

Norwegian Coastal Voyages

For more than 100 years these vessels have been an integral part of coastal life. They are relied on to bring children to christenings, newlyweds on honeymoons and to supply milk and vegetables to the colorful communities they serve. A fleet of 11 modern ships, carrying up to 500 passengers each, offer daily sailings year-round and 12-day roundtrips as well as one-way trips. Cruise package consisting of a 6-7 day one-way voyage, transatlantic flights and hotel accommodations in Oslo and Bergen can be as low as US $1,620 - $2,995 per person double occupancy.

Caribbean Expeditions aboard a "Barefoot" Freighter

Built in Scotland, the "Amazing Grace" once had a tradition of braving the ferocious North Sea, delivering supplies to lonely lighthouse keepers along the coasts of England and Scotland. A classic "workhorse" vessel, her fine appointments were still elegant enough to host the British Royal family on board. Acquired by Windjammer Barefoot Cruises in 1988, she underwent a multi-million dollar restoration. Today, the "Amazing Grace" transports supplies to the more welcoming islands of the West Indies, supplying monthly provisions to Windjammer's Caribbean-based fleet of tall ships. She offers 13-day one-way voyages to 100 passengers between Freeport, Bahamas and Port of Spain, Trinidad, visiting a selection of 9-12 islands. One-way fares range from US$1,300 to $1,575 per person double occupancy.

The Coasts of England, Wales and the Channel Islands

April through October each year the "Patricia", flagship of the British Trinity House fleet, offers one-, two- and three-week voyages while on her regular rounds of lighthouse, lightship and navigational buoy maintenance. High quality accommodation and service is available for 12 passengers. While offering an ideal refuge from the pressure of everyday life, office facilities are made available for those who either want to work on a project, or who cannot afford to lose touch with the business world. The fare for a 14-day cruise in a standard double cabin is US $4,900 per person.

A Freighter in Paradise: 16-day South Pacific voyages from Tahiti to the Marquesas

The "Aranui III", a specially-designed cargo liner with passenger comfort in mind, is renowned for its friendly atmosphere, fine French and Polynesian cuisine as well as for the raw beauty of its destination, the spectacular Marquesas Islands. Per person fares range from US $1,980 for a dormitory style berth to $4,200 for a double deluxe cabin. "We are world travelers – usually on cruise ships – but the Island Trader was by far the most interesting and enjoyable of all. The ship's sailors and personnel treated us as family. Dollar for dollar it was a great value". Alice and Donald McDonald, East Hampton, NY.

For more information or to book a voyage, call 1 800 99-Maris (62747) or visit www.freightercruises.com.

Maris Freighter Cruises (since 1993)
Freighter Travel Club of America (since 1958)
215 Main Street
Westport, CT 06880





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