And the final post for this incredible trip will cover our ride home. We both love to fly, but only little planes, looking out the windshield, and not over 3 hours. So a long intercontinental flight at the end can serve to dampen a great trip. And there were no cruise ships heading west from Europe to America in March. So we took a freighter. CMA CGM is the third largest container shipping company in the world, and if you ask nice they will take passengers. Coral was scheduled to sail from Malaga Spain to Savannah GA via New York and Norfolk about when we wanted to come home, so we took her. Total time was 13 relaxing days. We needed to provide our own entertainment, and food and price were similar to a 3 star cruise ship. 
Unlike a cruise ship, and to the delight of Phil, we were allowed to go anywhere. The bridge during docking, main deck during loading, engine room while underway, the ship was our playground. Talking our way into the freight terminal in Spain was interesting, as no one had remembered to notify the non-english speaking guard that two passengers were coming in. But we eventually figured it all out, and climbed aboard.
A school of dolphins escorted us safely through the Straits of Gilbralter.Our cabin was approximately 300 square feet with three windows that opened, full bed around the corner to the right, and a full bathroom. We were 5 decks above the main deck, and 2 below the bridge, facing stern and starboard. One elevator and one stairway.
In addition to individual cabins for each crew member, there were three recreation rooms with TV, DVD player, chess set and dart board.As you can see the pool was rather small, inside and unheated, but still better than no pool.
Approximately 1/3 mile walk around the main deck.
View from the bridge looking forward. A whole lot of ocean out there!
View from the crow's nest looking aft towards the bridge.
This ship is commonly called a Panamax, meaning it is the largest that will fit through the existing Panama Canal locks. Rated at 4400 TEU, it can carry up to 4400 20' long containers, or half as many 40 footers.
Margie posing on the bow of the Titanic.
Single engine and propeller, with no transmission. That means the prop turns at the same rate as the engine, and to reverse it they stop the engine, change the timing of the injectors, and restart it going the other way. Quick maneuvers are left to other ships. The 8 cylinder diesel engine, burning heavy fuel oil, generates 62,040 horse-power peak, and at normal cruise of 16 knots it turns at 65 RPM.Chief Engineer posing with a spare cylinder.
Friendly crew, they seemed to enjoy the break in their normal routine having passengers. 23 men, including 19 Filipino and 4 Croatians. Wonderful Captain, on the far right in this group shot.
Verrazano Narrows bridge at 4:30 am as we enter New York harbor.
We've all seen the container ships, with boxes stacked 6 high above deck. Here's the view below deck.
That's it for now, see you all on the next trip.
