After Oosterdam, what's next?

[Aloise]

Have just returned from a very very good cruise to Mexico on the O'dam. This was our second cruise ever. the first being NCL to Bermuda, which we also enjoyed incidentally. But HAL was in a different league. More about that later however.

While on board took the opportunity to discuss with more experienced Cruisers what they recommended for future trips. We actually dined one evening with an old fella who was on his 118th voyage.

Consensus seemed to be:

Alaska is a must with the Med. a close second.

However two other suggestions intrigued me. The first was a riverboat cruise on the Mississippi and the second was taking a container/cargo ship.

It seems that HAL (and the others) offer some pretty exotic destinations if you have the time and the money. I liked the look of their 73 day trip around Africa. Any thoughts out there on travelling on board a container ship and the advantages it could offer vs. a "regular" cruise?

[hammybee]

As I understand it, Freighter cruising has its pros and cons, depending upon your point of view.

It's less costly.
There are fewer pax.
The ships are very port intensive.
Cabin accommodations are supposed to be consistent with a cruise ship, which I find hard to belive.
No entertainment/lectures.
Port times are often shorter on a freighter.
No shore excursions so it's DIY in port.
Crew is less likely to speak English.
Food is not as good.