CptnZeppos': travel on board cargo ships
- by Michiel Leen, Flows, 17/02/2019
If it were up to Joris Van Bree, soon not only containers would be leaving Antwerp. Under the name 'CptnZeppos' the Antwerp native is working on a wide range of trips on board cargo ships.
The concept had already existed abroad for some time: certain shipping companies made the empty cabins on their ships available to travellers. Van Bree decided to develop a similar operation for Belgium and the Netherlands. Once CptnZeppos is fully up and running, it will offer trips from Antwerp, but also from Zeebrugge, Rotterdam, Vlissingen, Moerdijk and Amsterdam. Van Bree wants to develop a product range that covers all major shipping routes.
Red Star Line
"After visiting the Red Star Line Museum, I decided I wanted to sail across the Atlantic," says Van Bree. In July 2018, he managed to sail with the Atlantic Sun to Liverpool, Halifax (Canada) and New York: a 14-day sea voyage in the company of 5 passengers and 32 crew members, organized by a German agency.
"A trip like that does something to a person," Van Bree knows. "No social media, the tranquillity of the ocean, the focus on being on the road rather than on the destination. Really something for people who are looking for peace and quiet, who want to take the time to think about a few things."
Sauna, fitness and swimming pool
According to Van Bree, things are surprisingly comfortable on board: many ships nowadays have a gym, a recreation room, sometimes even a swimming pool or sauna. But it's not a cruise at all. "I am well aware that these are trips for a niche audience, for people who are not looking for entertainment. It's my job to inform the passengers about life on board."
Are sailors really waiting for a bunch of glorified stowaways on board? "Ship crews are sometimes away from home for months at a time without seeing any new faces. If you are friendly and show some interest in their activities, they will open up. Sailors are the monks of the sea, and sensitive to interest in and appreciation of their work."
4 shipping companies, 150 shipping lanes
If all goes according to plan, you will be able to book a sea voyage with CptnZeppos from April. Van Bree boasts of commitments from four shipping companies, good for 150 shipping routes and trips from 6 to 119 days. Cost: about 100 euros per day, depending on the shipping company.
Van Bree participates in Bizidee, a contest for innovative new business concepts. If you want to give him a push, you can vote here.
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