About Maris

Incorporated in Westport, CT as Maris USA Ltd. and doing business as Maris Freighter Travel Club Int'l and Maris Freighter & Specialty Cruises, offering a variety of voyages from coastal and island specialties to one-way ocean crossings and around-the-world cruises, mostly on freighters but also on mail and supply ships and vintage coastal traders.

We promote these services through our publications, as well as through direct contacts with both steamship lines and you, our customers and club members, hoping to fulfill an early supporter's wish, who wrote:

"I have taken a number of trips on the lines listed and can say without hesitation they are all wonderful. I wish you much success in bringing together all the people who enjoy this type of travel."
~ Carlita Malloch, San Francisco, CA, September '93.

Thanks to all the support received over the years, including comments such as the following, today's Maris is one of the most successful independent cruise specialists:

	"Maris is sailing under fair skies with a following wind under your command." John Carrick Editorial writer Sydney, Australia Sep/99

	"Q: It has always been my dream to take a long voyage on a cargo ship. Can you tell me if this is possible any more? - A: Maris in New York offers such voyages on a daily basis." Sunday Times London July 1/01

	"Maris Freighter Cruises website, as well as monthly newsletter which illustrates itineraries, ships, prices etc., is a good place to learn about this type of cruise and travel." New York Times May 18/03

	"We are very appreciative of the work you have undertaken on our behalf for many years and the effort you have put into making our passenger service a success ... Our sincere and grateful thanks." Richard Mellor P&O Nedlloyd London Jan/05

	"As a faithful reader of your monthly publication, I wish to compliment you and your staff on the informativness and thoroughness, setting forth in honest and detailed manner descriptions of this means of travel." Martin Ems Retired Manager Passenger Services, American President Lines - Feb/07

	"I just wanted to send you my thanks for the beautiful publication you produce each month. I hope you'll keep freighter travel as your primary focus always, as it sets you apart." Alison Senter (Member since '95) New Lisbon, NJ Jan/10

On this very broad but most interesting subject to write about, our website is intended to provide you with answers to the more commonly-asked questions, supported with passenger comments and stories from their personal voyages. Combined with the news pages and details on specific ships and itineraries, it should serve as a well-illustrated guide to help you chose your voyage and then contact us with your specific queries through the Inquiries & Reservations page. Our team includes maritime, editorial and Internet professionals led by our Captain, the founder and driving force of the organization, who will outline his long maritime career in the following article. Ian K. Turner, Editor

"Sailing in front of our idyllic seashore home during my early childhood years in the mid ‘50's attracted me to the sea and convinced me to follow the family seafaring tradition.

My first real journey took me from the island of Brac where I was born, 100 miles down south to Dubrovnik. My new school regimen, as well as all the other new things that city life brings, such as catching and riding the tram to school, required an adjustment at the beginning.

Nevertheless, it all ended well with my graduation from the Nautical Academy in 1961 and, in 1968, from the Nautical College.

Between the years of formal schooling, there were a couple of years of apprenticeship at sea and, most importantly, falling in love and marrying Maja.

The Zenica, 12-passenger 4,000-ton general cargo ship, of Croatia’s Jadroplov (Adriatic Steamship) offered voyages to the Great Lakes since 1959, the year when new Seaway opened. In 1961, I began my seafaring career on this ship.

As a sea captain, I revelled in the experience of so many voyages in many parts of the world. This lasted until 1980.

Since then I held a number of executive positions, first with the Croatia's Adriatic Steamship in Chicago and Montreal, then with the Canadian Cast Line in Montreal and Bermuda, until 1993, the year when I embarked on this part of my own journey.

Sunny and warm day, but choppy seas with passenger Armand in charge.

While at sea and in offices ashore, passenger service was always an important part of my responsibilities. Ships with itineraries such as the Adriatic - Red Sea, Adriatic - Australia, and Adriatic - Great Lakes, carried 12 passengers each.

The voyage to the Great Lakes, much sought after by passengers, was highly challenging to seamen. I was on that run throughout the ‘70's, sailing from warm, colorful Mediterranean ports, across the wintry North Atlantic and icy St. Lawrence River, to Montreal, carrying general cargo and the very first shipments of what came to be known as ‘containerized’ cargo. And, at the end of the winter, when the ice would begin to melt, the voyage would continue through the St. Lawrence Seaway and Welland Canal and into the Great Lakes.

For me personally, the greatest challenge, as well as satisfaction, was to sail on the Great Lakes and dock the ship in ports without assistance from the local pilots. Such a privilege was entrusted only to those sea captains who were experienced on the Great Lakes and who had passed a rigorous examination process. The exam had to be taken every two years.

My fourth and last Great Lakes Navigation Certificate.

And the greatest thrill was to be the first captain of the season to reach a Great Lakes port.

Greeting the first overseas vessel of the 1978 season, Harbor Master John Mann of the port of Toronto, Canada presents an aneroid barometer.

'Capt. Ranko Zunic sailing the Makarska into Cleveland’s port to open the 1978 international shipping season. He was welcomed by Mayor Dennis Kucinich and Cleveland’s Junior Chamber of Commerce'. The Cleveland Press, April 10, ‘78

Representatives of all the steamship lines serving Canada and the Great Lakes region. Montreal, 1981

The Maris office, supported by Maja, my right hand, and young family members Jean-Pierre, Sabi, Maris and Sean.

Back on the island, one of many    nostalgic good-byes to my mother".

Ranko Zunic

Become a member of Maris Freighter Travel Club Int'l - or give a gift membership Take advantage of the knowledgeable advice that comes from our vast experience. Find the ship and voyage that's right for you and, for each booking, you'll receive an automatic discount of up to $500 -- Please see the Special Discounts page.

To subscribe, simply use your credit card through Google or PayPal, or mail your check. As a bonus, you'll receive our monthly e-mail with SEAWORTHY NEWS, starting approx. the 1st of the next month, and be among the first to read about new services and passenger firsthand stories. It's a well-illustrated e-publication, often being the only one available anywhere for many of these voyages.

$59 Lifetime Membership The same low price (in USD) is valid internationally. By placing your order, you agree with our Terms