Press - Round-the-World Passenger / Cargo Service with The Cruise People

Round the World Passenger / Cargo Service Still Available

The Rickmers Hamburg and eight sister ships each carry up to seven passengers in round-the-world service.

PRESS RELEASE

It was announced in mid-June that the long-standing Bank Line 120-day round-the-world passenger/cargo service was being ended, followed by the news in August that three of the four ships engaged in this service had been sold for scrapping. However, Kevin Griffin, managing director of London-based The Cruise People, says "this is not the end of the line for round-the-world passenger travel by cargo ship as we have a wonderful alternative in modern ships that spend more time in port than the usual container ship."

That alternative is the 126-day round-the-world route of the Hamburg-based Rickmers Pearl String service, which operates nine sister ships in a twice-monthly service from Hamburg, Antwerp and Genoa to ports in Southeast Asia, China, Korea and Japan, then across the Pacific to the US Gulf and East Coasts before returning to Europe. Additional calls may be made in India, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam or Taiwan, subject to cargo requirements.

Much more modern than the Bank Line ships, the Rickmers Hamburg and her eight sister ships are multi-purpose heavy-lift vessels that entered service in 2002/04. Capable of speeds up to 19.5 knots, they carry seven passengers and up to 29,750 tons of cargo. Masters and officers are for the most part Polish and Croatian and crew International. These “Superflex” vessels carry four heavy cranes and transport project and other unusual cargoes that often mean longer port times than in conventional container ships.

Passenger accommodations include a 320 sq ft (30 m2) Owners suite, a 195 sq ft (18 m2) double cabin and three 160 sq ft (15 m2) single cabins. Each ship has a passenger lounge with televison, DVD player and a small library, as well as coffee making facilities, and meals are taken together with the officers in their dining room. There is an outdoor swimming pool and an open area with deck chairs and also a large recreation area featuring full length windows that face both forward and aft and can be used in inclement weather and also for birthday parties.

Fares for the full 126 days start at Euros 8,680 (about £7,890) per person double, Euros 9,920 (about £9,020) for single passengers or per person in the Owners suite, plus Euros 375 (about £340) for dues and taxes. Passengers qualify for a 10% reduction if bookings are made a year in advance and 5% for reservations six months before departure. Part passages are also available, with fares based on the number of days spent on board, for example from Antwerp to Singapore, Shanghai or Houston, or from Houston to Hamburg, Singapore or Shanghai or from Singapore back to Hamburg.

For further information and availability for Rickmers Pearl String please contact The Cruise People's Miri Lopusna at 020 7723 2450, Freephone 0800 526 313 or CruisePeopleML@aol.com or visit their web site at www.cruisepeople.co.uk.

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Notes to editors:

1) For further details please contact Kevin Griffin at The Cruise People on 020 7723 2450 or at cruise@cruisepeople.co.uk.

2) The Cruise People specialise in niche cruise markets including ultra-luxury, small ship cruising, expedition voyages and freighter travel.

3) The Cruise People's round the world and extended voyages web page is www.cruisepeople.co.uk/world.htm.

Enquiries & Reservations 020 7723 2450

/ Prepared 1st September 2009

Posted 1st September 2009