Judy and I decided to take a "slow boat" to America after 38 years in The Hague. Our friend, Huibert, suggested a freighter, since he has twice traveled to the States on container ships. We discovered a company in London that arranged freighter travel for passengers. It turns out that the Peter Dohle Company from Hamburg, Germany owns 350 freighters that take passengers. Each ship has the word Independent in its name. The Independent Pursuit is one of the smallest ships in the fleet: 170 meters long and 30 meters wide and 7 meters deep. The ship can carry 1500 containers, but on our voyage there were only 750 because some were over-sized.
Captain Pop, the Master, was Romanian and explained, "This is the smallest of the ships I've captained. You will see why it is so small when we travel to Richmond, VA. Most of my ships have been at least 3 times larger." We couldn't believe that because, in our eyes, this ship was huge.
Our decision to take a freighter turned out to be complicated than we imagined. First of all, we had to prove that we were healthy enough to travel, with full insurance and a medical certificate. The insurance proved that we personally were insured, BUT we also had to sign statements releasing the Peter Dohle Company from any responsibility in regard to our health. Even if we die and have to be placed in a freezer, the company is not responsible. Furthermore, we had to prove that we could afford the trip (cost about $100 a day perperson) by fronting all the money. We were told that we should be ready to board on October 16 in Antwerp and wouldn't be allowed to enter the ship without a stamp from the Belgian customs police.
We had a 20 page document explaining "Life on Board" a freighter and it said things like: "Bring string to tie down your radio if the ship should roll in a heavy sea." "You will be able to buy small items from the ship's store, so bring small change in dollars." "Do not expect to be waited on like a cruise ship, you will be on your own for most of the day." "In ports, beware of the busy trucks and other vehicles that are moving quickly. Also, some ports are dark and dangerous for tourists, so always check with the Captain before you leave the ship. He will organize a taxi for you." "If you are allowed shore leave, be certain that you know the exact location of the ship and be back on time well before the ship departs, otherwise you will left behind."
So, it was with a bit of trepidation that we loaded up a van with our 10 suitcases, 2 computer bags, Judy's purse, my backpack, and a bag with apples, Evergreen biscuits and water bottles. We called the ship's agent and were told, "Do not arrive before October 17." One day later and we thought one day later to arrive in America. Little did we know.
