Post #228934 by cheekytiki on Thu, Apr 27, 2006 1:44 AM

On 2006-04-26 13:24, thejab wrote:

On 2006-04-26 13:03, freddiefreelance wrote:
Something I've always wanted to do is travel around Polynesia via tramp freighter, sleeping in a stateroom where available, sleeping on deck where not.

http://www.freightercruises.com/05/08/-news.html

The Aranui is my dream South Pacific trip. A few years ago Sven (bigbrotiki) took that voyage.

http://www.aranui.com/

It's relatively easy to get between islands by jumping on supply boats and sometimes the only way (to the more out of the way Islands).
I got on board a boat on Rarotonga to get to Samoa, took three days, slept on deck, saw the northern atolls and cost around $100 NZ which at that time was around £25.
You usually have to ask the captain for permission and you need to have your paperwork, otherwise just remember to take some food!
I was going to return from New Zealand to the UK by container ship, but the budget wouldn't allow (flying is Cheaper), it's around £50-£80 a day (40 days sailing!)and if you have ever been on a cruise ship a container ship is probably more Luxurious if you are a passenger hence the price. Gym, Swimming pool, Although you are expected to eat with the captain most evenings and a dinner suit is apparently needed.
There is a great book with all the shipping routes, passenger prices, contacts etc, but I've lost my copy unfortunately