Container Ship Cruising
 

This thread is probably more appropriate in the Hangar, but I want the opinion of real freight dogs, so what better place than here?

I have often dreamed of going on a cruise on a working freighter. Never been one for the rock wall or formal nights or endless buffets or the towel folding demonstrations.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/17914533/

http://www.freighterworld.com/

So, two questions:

Has anyone ever gone on something like this? How was it?

Is something similar possible at FedEx or UPS? I think going all over the world in an MD-11 would be a lot of fun. How about it, Redeye? I’ll even pitch in and unload some boxes. I don't smell, I don't snore, and I don't have annoying habits (except maybe I talk too much). Oh, and I have 15 hours of flight time, in case you need me up front. ;)

This should produce some interesting replys....

Positive experience
 

I flew with a captain at a previous carrier who did the "freighter cruises". He had very positive experiences, basically for the reasons you mentioned. No golfing off the end of the ship, so coat-and-tie dances, no floating casinos. Just a relaxing time at sea with great food and five star accomodations. The pax accomodations rival first class on Carnival Cruises for steerage prices. I am an engineer and this pilot said that if you're lucky, you can get tours of the bridge and engine room.

Honey...our 25th anniversary is coming up!

Sounds great! Along those themes, I've got a few ideas of my own:

For $45 dollars a day I'll arrange for you to visit a REAL post office. You can sit in a quiet corner and catch up on your reading while you watch the exciting action as people sort and arrange thousands of daily packages.

For $62.95 a day you can ride along in an 18 wheeler. Only meal service provided will be the occassional truck stop (and food service is ala carte) but again--a great relaxing ride and a chance to catch up on all of your reading, needlepoint, or soduku puzzles.

Of course it's possible. We call guys who do these types of flights RFO's. Recreational Flight Officers, although they don't unload the boxes.:D

Thanks everyone! I knew revealing that I talk too much would have a negative impact on the type of responses I get! My husband always said that will be my downfall.

And now I'm just waiting for this thread to be deleted because the premise lacks intrinsic value. heeeeeee heeeeeee heeeeeeee ;)

I didn't know those "freighter cruises" existed until a couple of years ago. You find these occasionally on the charity auction circuit in ANC. A 6 day cruise for 2 on a container ship ANC - Tacoma goes for about $1500 usually. I've heard the food and accomodations are outstanding... Don't think you even have to load or unload boxes!