For some time now [years, matter of fact], I've been trying to find a way to return to the Spice Islands, by cargo ship/freighter. For health reasons I can no longer fly.
I am hoping to start this journey from Vancouver, or any other port on the Canadian west coast [Victoria?].
Ultimate destination is Surabaya, in East Java; but if I can land anywhere near it such as Jakarta, Semarang, or somewhere else in Indonesia; or even in neighbouring Singapore, that should be OK.
Though I can travel anytime, given a choice, I would like to start sailing sometime in November or December.
At this point I don't quite know where to start. So any ideas, suggestions, recommendations will truly be appreciated. Which shipping company, and when, do I get in touch with? What are the on-board facilities; for example, is there internet, ATMs? What are the pros [ocean air?], and cons [piracy?] of this mode of travel? What to bring with me, and what to leave the rest at home. How to find a travelmate for this sort of travel? Approximate return cost, etc.
Could some traveller out there who already has done this type of travelling please help me, thank you.