Dear Ms Weber, Dear Ms Pfeiffer,
I have now completed the cargo ship voyage. It absolutely exceeded my expectations.
I found the way your company organised the trip to be very friendly, efficient and straightforward. In my view, the information provided was clear, easily accessible and
comprehensive for further planning. The arrangements regarding the ETA and shuttle booking were handled promptly and without any complications.
The journey from Bremen to Rotterdam also went according to plan, and the recommended hotel, the ‘Port Hotel’, was easily and quickly accessible from the main station. I found the hotel to be practical and comfortable. The pick-up by the ‘driving4You’ shuttle service was very punctual, and both boarding and transport to the ship were well organised and proceeded very smoothly. The same applied to the return journey.
On board the ship, I was given a very warm welcome right from the start, and everyone involved went out of their way to help. The cabin was excellent and absolutely exceeded my expectations. In addition to a relatively large bathroom, there was a large desk next to the bed and various cupboards. The view deserves special mention. There was a direct view of the ship’s cargo hold, as well as two side windows. The view was impressive, and it was possible, for example, to watch the loading and unloading operations at close quarters.
The food was very good (European and Asian!) and, after a brief getting-to-know-you phase, I was very warmly welcomed and accepted by the crew. We ate together, had good conversations and shared a few laughs. Some of the crew were keen to take souvenir photos, which I was very happy about. It was very important to me to take only authorised photos – particularly of the crew or individuals. According to the feedback, this was well received.
I was free to move about on the aft deck and, most importantly, I had access to the bridge. After a brief getting-to-know-you phase, I was also made to feel very welcome by the captain and the officers in charge, and I was allowed to observe all port entries and exits, as well as docking and undocking manoeuvres, at close quarters. I was always welcomed on the bridge (I always asked briefly for permission to enter) and was able to have some very interesting conversations with the captain and the officers. I was able to spend a lot of time there, which I will never forget. Finally, the captain organised a tour of the engine room for me – which was also very impressive!
For anyone interested in seafaring or cargo ships, this is an incredibly fantastic and absolutely unmissable experience!