For travelers looking for cruises specifically out of Toronto Harbour, Canada's oldest cruise agency, The Cruise People, offers full-service booking that includes airline tickets, coach tours and hotel bookings. The service it offers that is over and above the norm of international cruise lines is its unique freighter cruises. The Cruise People works with cargo ships to book freight cruises. For anyone who loves ships, the opportunity to eat in the senior officer's mess, visit the bridge or engine room or get a general tour of the ship, this mode of travel is a special treat. Accommodations usually include private facilities, desks, sitting areas, windows and a fridge. Lounges with movies, games, pools, fitness centers and snacks provide the comforts of conventional cruise ships.
The Cruise People
1252 Lawrence Ave. E., Suite 210
Toronto, Ontario
M3A1C3
Toronto: 416-444-2410
Toll free: 800-268-6523
Although Great Lakes ships are not certified to carry passengers for hire, these working freighters can offer cruises to nonprofit agencies for their fundraisers. The average cost is about $200 Canadian per day, including port taxes/fees and deviation insurance and are usually two weeks to five months. Longer voyages are usually less expensive per day without a "single" supplement. For many people, the appeal of taking a freight cruise from the busy port of Toronto is the general peace and quiet of your deck chair while traveling to ports and exotic locations. Freighter cruises offer a romantic getaway for newlyweds and couples celebrating their golden anniversary alike. Raffles and information are available at BoatNerd.com and the corporation itself is located at:
Great Lakes & Seaway Shipping Online Inc.
51 Water St.
Port Huron, MI 48060
Maris Freighter Cruises and Freighter Travel Club International, at FreighterCruises.com, book transatlantic, transpacific, Europe-Asia and South Seas freighter cruises and exotic tours daily. As a member of the club, discounts and special destinations are available. Toronto is a natural for freighter cruises because it connects the entire Great Lakes Seaway. Whether you fly to New York or embark in Toronto, the cleanliness and friendly privacy of the ships has made this form of travel very popular and sought after.
