freighter tours

• AFRICA CARGO TRAVEL
• AMERICA CARGO TRAVEL
• MIDDLE EAST CARGO TRAVEL
• AUSTRALIA CARGO TRAVEL
• BAHAMAS CARGO TRAVEL
• BARBADOS CARGO TRAVEL
• BELGIUM CARGO TRAVEL
• BOLIVIA CARGO TRAVEL
• BRAZIL CARGO TRAVEL
• CANADA CARGO TRAVEL
• CHILE CARGO TRAVEL
• CHINA CARGO TRAVEL
• COLOMBIA CARGO TRAVEL
• COSTARICA CARGO TRAVEL
• CUBA CARGO TRAVEL
• CYPRUS CARGO TRAVEL
• DENMARK CARGO TRAVEL
• AUSTRALASIA CARGO TRAVEL
• CARIBBEAN CARGO TRAVEL
• CENTRAL AMERICA CARGO TRAVEL
• DUBAI CARGO TRAVEL
• ECUADOR CARGO TRAVEL
• EGYPT CARGO TRAVEL
• FIJI CARGO TRAVEL
• FINLAND CARGO TRAVEL
• FRANCE CARGO TRAVEL
• GERMANY CARGO TRAVEL
• GREECE CARGO TRAVEL
• HAITI CARGO TRAVEL
• ICELAND CARGO TRAVEL
• INDIA CARGO TRAVEL
• INDONESIA CARGO TRAVEL
• ISRAEL CARGO TRAVEL
• ITALY CARGO TRAVEL
• JAMAICA CARGO TRAVEL
• EUROPE CARGO TRAVEL
• FAR EAST CARGO TRAVEL
• JAPAN CARGO TRAVEL
• KUWAIT CARGO TRAVEL
• MALAYSIA CARGO TRAVEL
• MEXICO CARGO TRAVEL
• MOROCCO CARGO TRAVEL
• NEW-ZEALAND CARGO TRAVEL
• NORWAY CARGO TRAVEL
• PANAMA CARGO TRAVEL
• PARAGUAY CARGO TRAVEL
• PERU CARGO TRAVEL
• PHILIPPINES CARGO TRAVEL
• RUSSIA CARGO TRAVEL
• SAOUDI ARABIA CARGO TRAVEL
• SINGAPORE CARGO TRAVEL
• SOUTH AFRICA CARGO TRAVEL
• NORTH AMERICA CARGO TRAVEL
• SOUTH AMERICA CARGO TRAVEL
• SOUTH KOREA CARGO TRAVEL
• SPAIN CARGO TRAVEL
• SWEDEN CARGO TRAVEL
• THAILAND CARGO TRAVEL
• TURKEY CARGO TRAVEL
• UAE CARGO TRAVEL
• UK CARGO TRAVEL
• URUGUAY CARGO TRAVEL
• USA CARGO TRAVEL
• VENEZUELA CARGO TRAVEL
• VIETAM CARGO TRAVEL
• BUSINESS CARGO TRAVEL
• COUPLES CARGO TRAVEL
• EXPEDITION CARGO TRAVEL
• AFRICA CARGO CRUISE
• ANTARTICA CARGO CRUISE
• ASIA CARGO CRUISE
• LONG TERM CARGO TRAVEL
• SENIOR CARGO TRAVEL
• STUDENT CARGO TRAVEL
• AUSTRALIA CARGO CRUISE
• EUROPE CARGO CRUISE
• NORTH AMERICA CARGO CRUISE
• SOUTH AMERICA CARGO CRUISE
• SINGLE TRAVELLER CARGO TRAVEL
• CARGO SHIP VIDEOS
• HOW TO BOOK
• CARGOHOLIDAYS FREIGHTER AGENCY
• PASSENGER CABINS
• PEAK SEASON CARGO SHIP CRUISES
• LIFE ON A CONTAINER SHIP
• CARGO SHIP VESSEL LIST
• LAST MINUTE CARGO SHIP
• FREIGHTER CRUISES CABINS
• FREIGHTER CRUISES TO EUROPE
• CRUISE AROUND THE WORLD
• CARGO SHIP TRAVEL FROM USA
• CARGO TRAVEL PORTS LIST
• TRAVEL BY CARGO SHIP FOR FREE
• CARGO SHIP TRAVEL FARES
• TRAVEL FROM SOUTHAMPTON
• CARGO SHIP TRAVEL CHEAP
• CHEAP CARGO CRUISE
• GRIMALDI FREIGHTER CRUISES
• CARGO TRAVEL TO ANY DESTINATION
• CARGO SHIP TRAVEL FROM UK TO ASIA
• CARGO SHIP TRAVEL FROM EUROPE
• CARGO SHIP ACCOMODATION

Cargo ship cruise to every destination

Cargoholidays the best freight cruise arround.

Cargo ship cruise to every destination. A freighter is probably exactly what you think it is: a cargo ship that travels the world delivering goods and products. Most of the major global freighter lines, CMA-CGM, Canada Maritime on Cargo ship cruise, and Freighter World Cruise offer any person seeking adventure the chance to come aboard for a fare on Cargo ship. As a paying passenger, you are accommodated in guest cabins and have access to most areas of the ship. While freighter travel is not as unaccommodating as one may think, it is generally for people who would prefer a laid-back setting on ship cruise, with a more rugged edge to it than your standard Carnival cruise. Some amenities you’ll see on a large cruise ship won’t be available on a smaller freighter ship for Cargo ship cruise.

Where can you go? Anywhere goods are delivered! The global shipping industry is huge; think of how many ports welcome cargo ships every day. For example, Freighter World Travel offers a 55-day trip from Long Beach, California via two ports in New Zealand, three ports in Australia and other stops in Tahiti, Mexico, Washington, and British Columbia in cargo cruise to travel by Cargo ship cruise to every destination for Cargo ship cruise. This, however on Cargo ship, is just one of Freighter World Travel’s routes. All shipping companies have certain freighters covering routes specific to their company. So shop around for a freighter that goes to the right places for you. The length of the trip will depend on you. Many tickets can be bought round trip or from your starting port to only one other port; it all depends on where you want to go, which is the beauty of freighter travel! Some trips can be as short as 15 days or as long as 120 days for Cargo ship cruise. The shortest passages are transatlantic and these vary between 8 and 12 days each way, while a freighter voyage can make it around the world in between 80 and 120 days on ship cruise. Many people do not like to go all the way around the world due to time and money. Segmented trips are possible with a stopover in port for as long as you want. You can resume your voyage or fly home by plane if you have had enough. Segmented trips are perfect for people who do not have a lot of time to spend.

Enquire Now

Enquire Now We will get back to you in 24 Hours!

Talk to our holiday team!

Our advisors are more than welcome to respond to you

Download our brochure

Find 2019 Prices and offers in our brochrure

Thank you for your Enquiry, we will contact you very Shortly!

Freighter Travel Gets You There Slowly but Surely

Take a leisurely cruise to China or Chile

Hans-Peter Merten / Photodisc / Getty Images

Boat travel is a charming alternative to long-haul flying, and far better for the environment, too. A little known and inexpensive boat option, freighter travel, is popular with student travelers and adventurers of all ilk, but figuring how to hop aboard a freighter isn't as simple as you may expect.

When it comes to budget travel, with Easy Cruise ships bobbing up in world ports, "regular" cruises are now navigating the cheap boat travel world. So what's up with freighter travel, cruises, and boat travel in general?

About Freighter Travel

Freighter travel is more expensive than flying (fares range from $65 -$130 per person per day, depending on the freighter company you travel with), but it's a life-changing experience. Freighter boats travel the same seas as do their luxurious sisters in cruise lines, like Cunard, but there the boat travel similarities only begin.

Because of the length of freighter boat trips ( Long Beach, California to Tokyo generally takes about 13 days), you'll have time to strike up friendships and possibly meet travelers returning home -- your destination area -- who can become contacts and give you valuable travel tips. Keep in mind that freighter travel is the opposite of glamorous, and you may find yourself without much to keep yourself amused. Keep yourself entertained with a well-stocked Kindle and a newfound appreciation of boredom. 

How It Works

Most freighter travel is set up in the form of a cruise that returns to a starting point, but almost all freighter companies offer one-way fares, which is the way to go. You can set up one-way trips, or "segments," as they're called in the freighter industry, and arrange for a segment to get there and a segment to get home.

Or you can choose to fly either way -- taking a boat to your destination can be a great segue from your busy life here to your busy life there, but you may want to fly back in the interest of time.

Cost and Reservations

Hopping a cargo boat without a reservation and with the intent of working off your passage is seldom feasible; most freighter company crews come from the Pacific and the Far East, and the captain is rarely looking for a temporary boy/girl. Go through Freighter Cruises -- a freighter boat travel agency (yes, there's such a thing).

About Cruise Ships

Freighter travel ( freighter cruises ) is the most economical way for student travelers to sail the high seas (though most definitely not the cheapest way to cross the oceans), but if you just won big bucks on a game show, you might consider a luxury ocean liner for the sheer comfort factor. Bear in mind that fellow cruise ship passengers are likely to be older and the cruise ship atmosphere far more formal and insulated than that of a freighter boat.

Short and Sweet (and Cheap) Cruises With Easy Cruise 

Meet Easy Cruise, a no-frills cruise line touring the Mediterranean Sea and the Caribbean islands (and one day, the world, evidently - expansion plans are underway). EasyCruise is meant for young people* on a budget - if you fit that bill, you probably wouldn't fit in with passengers on an expensive cruise line hunting down seafood buffets and the shuffleboard court anyway.

*Easy Cruise defines "young people" like this: minimum passenger age is 18; Easy Cruise says, "We have not, however, set a maximum age restriction, as people older than our target range (20-40 years old) might be young at heart!"

Whether traveling by spendy cruise ship or freighter boat, boat travel is boat travel. It's vital to pack sparingly, avoid motion sickness, and spend onboard pennies sparingly to enjoy your high seas adventure.

Packing for travel on a boat , whether a cruise ship or a freighter boat, is no different than packing for any student travel. Spare the stuff , and spoil your back.

You're probably traveling with a backpack anyway. Backpack packing is smart for boat travel because it can be hard to get at your stuff in a "cozy" boat berth (bedroom or cabin), just like accessing your things in a  hostel  can be problematic. Traveling with a daypack is smart; you'll want to take it with you onshore explorations.

Motion Sickness Prevention and Remedies

The bigger the boat, the less likely you are to experience motion sickness . Be prepared for this potential pest, though; spending a boat trip tossing expensive onboard cookies overboard is no fun.

Onboard Food and Drink

Food and drink on a freighter is almost always included in your freighter passage cost - do not count on carrying any food with you as the ship may forbid it. Food and drink on a cruise ship is usually spendy, but eating is a primary onboard activity, and some cruise ships have truly terrific cuisine.

How to Take the Catalina Island Ferry

How to Be a Smart Yosemite California Trip Planner

Traveling Safely in Greece

What $100 Can Get You in Southeast Asia

Why Cruising Solo Is Worth it

Small Ship Alaska Cruises in 2018

Do You Need to Worry About Rogue Waves on a Cruise?

The Best Alaska Cruises

How to Pack for an Alaskan Cruise

How to Rock Your First Solo Trip Overseas

8 Disney Cruise Hacks for Grown-Ups

Everything You Need to Know About The Masters

San Francisco Tourist Tips

What to Pack in Your Carry-On Bag When Flying with Kids

The 11 Best Two-Person Tents of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

14 Amazing Private Travel Experiences

Imagine for a moment that you are on the deck of a ship, sipping a glass of wine. You turn your head towards the water just in time to spot a pod of dolphins swimming by or flying fish, providing company in the ocean. After lingering in the sunshine for a while, it's time to head inside for a 3-course evening meal and a splash in the pool before retiring to bed.

Now, what kind of vessel are you on?

No, you are not on a standard commercial cruise ship. You are not on a packed luxury liner hopping between Caribbean islands. You are aboard a modern freighter. Hundreds of cargo ships, carrying everything from fire engines to apples, are crossing the world's oceans, and many are happy to take you along for the ride. Adventurous travelers, including the Transitions Abroad family, have been doing so for years, as have many long before us.

What Does Travel on a Cargo Ship Feel Like?

A far more intimate and relaxed experience than you might imagine! The experience on board contrasts sharply with the rough and industrial outward appearance a container ship tends to project. You will be one of a handful of passengers among a crew likely to number up to a dozen or a few more. There will be no evening cabaret shows as on a standard cruise, though you may have access to TV, video, and board games in a common area on the ship where passengers may meet the crew. You may even play cards with the crew under the night skies. You might be invited to karaoke with the sailors, and you will almost always dine alongside the captain, who is far more likely to turn up in shorts and a t-shirt than in full uniform. Some cargo ships also offer equipped exercise rooms or pools.

Here was our first taste of the wonders of sea travel. Our introduction to freighter travel was a relatively short 5-day sailing between Australia and New Zealand. We joined the French ship CMA CGM Utrillo in the busy port of Melbourne, where our luggage — including two bicycles and bags — was quickly hauled on board and into a spacious cabin by a host of cheery Filipino deckhands.

What are the Costs of Cargo Ship Travel?

Depending upon your destination (Transatlantic, Transpacific, South Seas, Worldwide, and other special combinations), your daily freighter travel costs will be about $100-$130 per day per person per day with a luggage allowance of approximately 30kg-100kg (66-220lbs) depending on the line you are taking. Generally, US dollars are the primary currency used onboard to buy soft drinks, snacks, beer, and toiletries. You can then use your credit cards at each location you disembark.

What kind of Hospitality Can You Expect on Board?

Our next surprise was how quickly we felt part of the family. Just moments after arriving, our fellow passenger (a French woman "going around the world in 80 days”) hinted that the captain was sure to throw us a welcome barbecue. “He does that for every one new,” she said with a wink. Sure enough, the next evening was spent on the back deck of the ship, feasting on grilled fish and chatting with the seamen as the sun went down.

One of our concerns before sailing was that we'd find the days long. It was just the opposite. There were three square meals a day (hearty plates of meat and vegetables for workers) and our time between eating was filled with strolls around the deck and trips up to the bridge to check our position and ask questions.

Had there ever been stowaways? Yes, once a harmless passenger was allowed to board. What about pirates? Not here, but there were off the coast of Africa. And just how much fuel did a cargo ship need? In the current era of relatively low oil prices, $60,000 U.S. a day will generally cover the trip.

Why is it a Relaxing Way to Travel?

With our curiosity temporarily curbed, we would return to our cabin for reading our books or Kindle, journal writing, and a bit of table tennis if we felt especially energetic. Far away from the hustle and bustle of life on firm land, we were truly relaxed. The experience was in complete contrast to our usual hurried airplane trips.

For Hamish Jamieson, the owner of Freighter Travel NZ and one of only a handful of travel agents in the world licensed to book tickets on cargo ships, the simplicity of being at sea is the main attraction.

“When you're sitting up the front of the bow of the ship, on your own, and all you see is the sea going past and you hear the wind and waves, you're in heaven. For me, an afternoon...sitting right on the bow, watching the world go by with my binoculars, that's my heaven,” he said.

What Kind of Flexibility is Needed for Freighter Travel?

Of course, nothing in life is all smooth sailing. While we didn't encounter any problems during our trip, we did struggle with the uncertain nature of freighter travel before we boarded. Our initial departure date jumped forward first by three days and then seemed to bounce around by 12-24 hours every time we called to check the latest news. Ours was not an uncommon experience and you must prepare yourself for flexibility.

Even ports of call are not guaranteed because on a cargo ship, freight comes first, not the passengers. If the demand is not there for a certain stop, the ship will go where the business is.

“Our trip from the USA to Europe changed three times after initial booking,” said Rebecca Hogue and Scott Drennan, then on a journey around the world without using airplanes . Their initial trip from South Carolina to Belgium was from Florida to Italy. “Had we not been flexible with our departure times and locations, things would not have worked out.”

As Mr. Jamieson is fond of telling his passengers, when you go to sea, there are two things you must pack: a sense of humor and a sense of patience.

What are the Practical Issues?

Your trip may also involve some red tape, particularly concerning U.S. stops. American citizens are not permitted, for example, to travel within their country by cargo ship, although they can make international journeys. Meanwhile, travelers to the United States must have a visa, even if they would not need one to arrive by air. Only Canadians are exempt from this rule.

Be sure to budget time and money to get vaccinations like Yellow Fever if you are going through the Suez and Panama canals. A medical certificate declaring you in generally good health is another typical requirement.

Where in the World Do You Want to Go?

The hardest part of booking your cargo ship voyage is deciding where to go. Will it be to South America and around Cape Horn? How about a 55-day round trip from California to Australia and New Zealand via Tahiti and Mexico? Mr. Jamieson offers a few more ideas and favorite voyages based on years of experience.

“For me the ultimate voyage is from Auckland, in New Zealand, to Singapore. It takes 40-45 days to sail what you can fly in just under 12 hours but it visits nearly every island in the Pacific on the way and it stops for 2-3 days. The second choice for me would be from Singapore through to Houston in Texas. It goes up through Thailand, Vietnam, half a dozen ports in China, into Japan, then straight across the Pacific and through the Panama Canal.”

With enough time and money at your disposal--round-the-world trips can take 80 to 100 days or more--there are few places a cargo ship can't reach. Voyage destinations on cargo ships can change, so the many options available will often surprise you. You need to be adventurous enough to do your research, find a specialized cargo ship travel agent (see resources below), and then get on board.

The Golden Rules of Cargo Ship Travel

• Be prepared to make your own fun. There are seldom programmed activities aside from the odd safety drill.
• Go before you're too old. An upper age limit of 77-80 years is not uncommon, as no doctor on board and there are often plenty of stairs.
• Check that your travel insurance covers freighter travel.
• Be flexible. Schedules can and do change frequently. You may need 2-3 ships to reach your destination.
• Book in advance. Cabins are limited and the most popular routes can be sold out by ships months ahead.
• Forget about working in exchange for your passage. Current union rules mean this is no longer permitted.
• Take a good supply of seasickness pills. While not very common, rough weather can occur, sending tables, chairs, and your stomach flying across the room.
• Wifi and other modern electronics are now often available on cargo ships for travelers . If connectivity is important to you, ask whether those options are accessible and free in advance.

Friedel Rother gave up her job as a journalist for Reuters to ride a bicycle around the world with her husband. They have published two books in addition to cycling.

GoNOMAD Travel

Inspiration and links to plan your trip.

A Freighter Cruise Experience

By Maggie Freleng

Are you a person who has anywhere from 15 to 120 days to spend on the most exhilarating, unique, and nonstop adventurous time of your life? If so, then freighter traveling might be perfect for you!

What Is Freighter Travel?

A freighter is probably exactly what you think it is: a cargo ship that travels the world delivering goods and products. Most of the major global freighter lines, CMA-CGM, Canada Maritime, and Freighter World Cruise offer any person seeking adventure the chance to come aboard for a fare.

As a paying passenger, you are accommodated in guest cabins and have access to most areas of the ship. While freighter travel is not as unaccommodating as one may think, it is generally for people who would prefer a laid-back setting, with a more rugged edge to it than your standard Carnival cruise.

Some amenities you’ll see on a large cruise ship won’t be available on a smaller freighter ship.

FIND A FREIGHTER CRUISE HERE

Think it’s strange to be aboard a freighter? Well, think again! Captains and crew spend a lot of time on the water and are generally happy to have fresh and enthusiastic faces onboard. Many people who have traveled by freighter reported very friendly and accommodating crew.

Andrew Horsman traveled from Singapore to Brisbane, Australia on an awesome nine-day journey in 2006 to fulfill a dream of traveling from England to Australia without flying. He and his girlfriend Danielle were the only passengers among 22 crew and officers. GoNOMAD interviewed him about a trip he recounted in his freighter travel blog.

Andrew said, “Every one of them wanted to chat with us and hear about our lives, as much as we wanted to hear about theirs. In the evenings we would play board games with them, or challenge them to darts (which they usually won!).

“The Filipinos love karaoke so they managed to fit in a great night of barbecue followed by a singing session as we neared Brisbane.”

Many other people describe crewmembers as excited to give tours of the ship and often invite passengers to join them for get-to-know each other happy hours during the long hauls at sea.

On Andrew’s blog, he describes his freighter experience as “an amazing world.”

“I met some fantastic people, some of whom I know I’ll keep in touch with for a very long time to come. It’s also allowed me to see people who lead completely different lives to me, people who have comparatively very few material goods but who seem happier than many people who have more.”

Getting Around

Where can you go? Anywhere goods are delivered! The global shipping industry is huge; think of how many ports welcome cargo ships every day. For example, Freighter World Travel offers a 55-day trip from Long Beach, California via two ports in New Zealand, three ports in Australia and other stops in Tahiti , Mexico, Washington, and British Columbia.

This, however, is just one of Freighter World Travel’s routes. All shipping companies have certain freighters covering routes specific to their company. So shop around for a freighter that goes to the right places for you.

Duration of the Voyage

The length of the trip will depend on you. Many tickets can be bought round trip or from your starting port to only one other port; it all depends on where you want to go, which is the beauty of freighter travel! Some trips can be as short as 15 days or as long as 120 days.

The shortest passages are transatlantic and these vary between 8 and 12 days each way, while a freighter voyage can make it around the world in between 80 and 120 days.

Many people do not like to go all the way around the world due to time and money. Segmented trips are possible with a stopover in port for as long as you want. You can resume your voyage or fly home by plane if you have had enough. Segmented trips are perfect for people who do not have a lot of time to spend.

Port Stopovers

Generally, freighter traveling is for people who enjoy being at sea, not necessarily sightseeing in port. Freighters do not stay in port very long, usually no more than one or two days.

However, it is possible, if you choose a freighter which returns to a particular port to have your own layover of a week or two and return to the same ship when it again stops in that port.

Many people would think that because freighter travel seems much less glamorous than a cruise ship that the cost will be less; however, this is not always the case. Because the voyages are usually longer and go to more destinations, the average cost per day is usually around $100. Costs usually run between $65-$125 per day for a single person traveling in a single cabin.

While freighter traveling may be a bit more costly than flying and sometimes even a cruise, consider that your ticket pays for your room, meals, numerous sights and ports, and a once-in-a-lifetime unique experience!

Food and Sleep

One may think that because they are on a working cargo ship that accommodations would not be that nice, but that is a misconception. Accommodations on freighters are rather nice. Rooms usually have two bunks, a desk, a sofa, and a bathroom with a shower.

Sometimes rooms have a small refrigerator in each cabin, but not necessarily a TV or VCR, and instead of a workout room there are usually no elevators, so many stairs will give you your cardio for the day! Officers’ rooms are also offered but are larger and therefore cost more than standard crew rooms.

Meals on freighters are generally pretty good, and there is plenty of it. There is no choice of menu, except usually the crew will have different meals depending on their nationality, and then passengers are able to opt for whatever the crew is eating.

A stewardess serves meals in the mess hall or passengers have the option to eat with the crew in their mess but serve themselves. On Andrew’s trip, he ate with the officers in their mess hall. He said the food was usually a mixture of Filipino, Polish, and German.

What Is There To Do?

Passengers must keep in mind that they are aboard an active vessel. You will be surrounded by the everyday life of the vessel and crew. Schedules usually revolve around mealtimes, but besides that, the rest of the day is spent as you please.

The crew is usually very accommodating. Feel free to chat with the captain about sea navigation or schedule a tour with the head mechanic to see the underbelly of the vessel.

Plenty of Time to Read

Freighter travel may seem to have much less going on than a regular cruise ship because there are no planned activities, but there is plenty of time to read, get some sun, and take some time for yourself in the great outdoors! Some ships, like the one Andrew went on, have saunas, table tennis, and seawater pools, not too shabby!

Andrew spent every day standing outside on the bow watching dolphins and flying-fish race them through the waves. They passed the erupting Paulau Komba Volcano near Flores , saw sharks, sea snakes and turtles passing by.

You may think that just one week at sea may give you cabin fever, but for one who is looking to escape the daily grind of life in suburbia, a freighter may be the perfect place for you! And if it turns out you still have a few weeks left and you’re ready to call it quits, there is always an abundance of booze onboard to turn your frown upside down, and it’s all duty-free!

Packing for your Voyage

When packing, be sure to pack for the weather appropriately. You will be traveling to many different places, so take into consideration your many destinations. Also, pack with a worst-case scenario in mind; be sure all your luggage is manageable if you have to interrupt your trip somewhere and fly back.

Bring books (also guide books). Most of your time will be spent reading and writing. DVDs/VHS’s are also good, however, make sure your freighter has the appropriate equipment first (they usually do).

Laptops are a great tool while aboard ship. Sometimes ships do not have internet, but wireless access can usually be found at the port for quick online business.

A medical emergency kit is always good, although the ship will probably have one.

Bring valid prescriptions for any medications you are taking, and try to bring an extra pair of glasses, etc., that you may need in case you cannot replace them.

Universal adaptors are key to traveling outside your country. Bringing along a power strip means you only need one adapter and can use six plugs to recharge your devices.

Medical Issues

Freighters usually carry a maximum of 12 passengers. Ships carrying 12 or fewer passengers are not required to have a physician on board. This could be a downside to your travels, so make sure you do your research and do not have any serious medical conditions before you set sail.

One or more of the officers usually have some training in emergency medical treatment, but nothing major like surgery. Travelers over 65 are generally required to present a medical certificate.

Passengers below five and above 79 are usually not allowed on board as well as pregnant women. And because most ships are sailing under a foreign flag they are not subject to U.S laws requiring accommodation for disabled individuals. Most freighters do not have elevators, just many, many stairs.

Because of the limited number of people allowed on board, trips should be planned several months in advance. Some routes are very popular and will require even more time to book. Freighter traveling is much less informal than your standard cruise. While some freighters depart on the exact date and time, others have a window for departure so you must be flexible.

Most travel agents do not book freighter voyages, so you will have to book through an agent that specializes in freighter cruises or directly through the ship’s agent/manager. Not all agents book the same voyages, so shop around when booking and picking a freighter that is right for you.

Why Freighter Travel?

The pace is relaxed and the setting is informal. It is all about you, you, you, and time for you.

What’s even better is you are not surrounded by neurotic tourists. You are also meeting exciting and interesting people, many of whom are usually not of your native tongue, so you could possibly pick up a few new words in another language and break some cultural barriers.

Freighter voyages are not for the ordinary traveler; they are for people who want to escape from the norms of planned, routine travel, and step into the world of unpredictable adventure.

Flying is for people who would like to get somewhere quickly. Freighter travel is for people who would like to slow life down a few notches and enjoy the world around them.

In Andrew’s words: “By not flying we got to see a way of life that impacts our own lives so much – to hear about the people who transport all the white goods to our homes, the clothes we wear and the cars we drive, around the world.

It’s an incredibly nomadic existence and not one that we get to hear about very often, unless you put yourself in that position of sharing part of the journey with the crew.”

Find out more about Freighter Cruising

Freighter Travel book a trip

Freighter World (a website about freighter travel)

Frequently Asked Questions about Freighter Travel

Maggie Freleng is a former editorial assistant at GoNOMAD. She now works at WNYC as a radio producer.

• Latest Posts

• Tips on Keeping Your Footprint Green and Sustainable - May 12, 2024
• Montreal’s Breweries Await Your Thirst - May 7, 2024
• Mother’s Day Ideas - May 6, 2024

2 thoughts on “ A Freighter Cruise Experience ”

Several years ago I travelled on a freighter – 4 months around the world. Except for a few weeks towards the ende of the trip I (a 30 year old female) was the only passenger on board. It was the best time of my life, I absolutely loved it!

I’ve written a quite extensive travelogue about the experience which can be found here:

https://frachtschiffreisen-pfeiffer.de/wp-content/uploads/Reisebericht-Frau-S-Weltreise.pdf

or as a blog here:

https://dublinwhatsthecraic.wordpress.com/cargo-ship-adventure/

Maybe it is of interest to some of you! Mareike

It must be very interesting to travel on a freighter. I would like to be in a ship of King Ocean (www.kingocean.com), it would be an unforgettable moment of my life!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Insert/edit link

Enter the destination URL

Or link to existing content

Voyage Quick Search

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY BEFORE CONTACTING US

UPDATED SPRING 2024

Travelling on a cargo ship is a unique experience.  Whether you love the sea, are conscious of your carbon footprint, don't like flying or simply prefer to sail in a relaxed atmosphere, away from the crowds, then travelling by cargo ship is the right choice for you.

We've been doing this for over 30 years and are passionate about providing a personalised service tailored to your needs.

Alas, since the pandemic and with only a few exceptions, deep sea intercontinental voyages are no longer possible; shipowners and/or their charterers have withdrawn this discretionary activity, we are seeing little enthusiasm from them to resume the activity any time soon.

That means:

- No transatlantic voyages

- No Australia/New Zealand/Europe voyages

- No Europe/South America voyages

- No transpacific voyages

- No round the world voyages

- No voyages in around Asia or Oceania

However, still possible are:

- short haul European, Mediterranean, Baltic are bookable however 2024 availability is already limited on some routes.

- Europe/South Africa/Europe voyages but are fully booked well into 2025; waitlisting/standby is possible for additional cargo induced voyages on a rolling 6-week basis.

- French Polynesian voyages (mv Aranui V)

- mv Bella Desgagnes (St Lawrence River, Canada)

- mv St Helena, global voyages supporting the Extreme E organisation are available but bookable only close to departure.

There may be cruise ship alternatives, please ask if you have a specific voyage in mind as several Voyage Options are possible on some of the routes popular with cargo ship travellers. Note please that owing to the restrictive policies of the major cruise lines, in most cases you may only book cruises through a travel agent in your country of residence. 

Do please take some time to check our website for available routes, also our ‘Ask the Captain’ section for frequently asked questions BEFORE contacting us!

Our website is updated regularly with currently bookable options; please do not contact us regarding deep sea international cargo voyages that are not listed as without the support and co-operation of willing shipowners we can no longer viably respond.

Try us and travel the world your way!

Follow @CargoShipVoyage

Registered Office: 10 Westway, Cowes, Isle of Wight, UK

TTA Member: Seabreaks Ltd Q1569

• PLAN A JOURNEY
• CARBON EMISSIONS
• RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL

Cargo Ship Travel  

• Cargo ships often cover less touristy parts of the world which are not serviced by cruise ships
• Not only is it real travel but it's one of the greenest forms of travel as you form a very small part of the container ships total cargo
• Cargo ships travel throughout the year unlike cruise ships which are influenced by passenger demand, this means that cruise ships often only sail in the high season (usually the summer)
• When you are a passenger on a cargo ship you usually get to dine with the captain of the ship and his officers
• The standard of passenger accommodation is generally very good with most cargo ship passenger cabins having their own toilet and shower (you don't have to sleep in a container!)
• Cargo ships usually accommodated just 12 or fewer passengers (a doctor is required for more than this), so the cargo ship is not going to be over crowded with other passengers

There are quite a few websites out there which specifically focus on alternative travel by cargo ship, we have listed all the sites that we are aware of. To save you time trawling through all the websites below, email us at [email protected] and we will forward your query to select agents who can help you book your freighter trip, if the route you want to do is possible.

Although the sites below offer some very useful information we would also recommend phoning the harbour master for your preferred passenger departure point. They will often provide you with local contacts and up to date and local information.

Useful Websites

• UK agencies booking passenger travel on cargo ships are: Cargo Ship Voyages , Strand Travel , The Cruise People Ltd , Pathfinder & Sea Travel Ltd
• CMA CGM is a French cargo transportation and shipping company and is the third largest cargo shipping company in the world. - www.cma-cgm.com , you can book direct or via several of the agents listed above
• German freighters, Hamburh SED, have a useful website that details numerous routes and prices for cargo ship travel around the globe. - www.hamburgsued-frachtschiffreisen.de
• Italian freighter company, Grimaldi Line - covers routes to and from Europe to South America and Africa. www.grimaldi.co.uk/ , Pathfinder ( www.safemariner.co.uk ) and Cruise Cyprus ( www.cruisecyprus.com ) act as agents for Grimaldi Line
• German freighter company, Rickmers-Linie with cargo ship travel routes around the world. - www.rickmers-linie.de
• Neptune Orient Lines (NOL), global cargo transportation company centred in Singapore. - www.nol.com.sg
• FAQ's & general information on passenger travel by cargo ship: Gonomad.com , Seaplus.com , A la Carte Freighter Travel & Freightertrips.com

Featured Routes

There are a number of popular passenger ship routes on cargo ships, we have featured a few interesting ones below to help inspire you to take a trip which is a real travel alternative to traditional modes of travel.

TransPacific

The South Korea (Busan) to California crossing on the Hanjin Dallas cargo ship was featured on the BBC series "Around the world in 80 days" for Children in need (2009). The crossing should take ten days but departure times are unpredictable. There are a number of other cargo ships which carry passengers and cross the Pacific Ocean which are detailed in some of the web sites listed in the above section. Contact details for Hanjin can be found on their website www.hanjin.com .

The Royal Mail Ship St Helena

This is sold as a magnificent island cruise from Cape Town to the island of St Helena in the Atlantic Ocean, just south of the Equator. This cargo/passenger ship also calls in at Luderitz and Walvis Bay in Namibia where the desert meets the sea. Go to www.aws.co.uk for more details.

French Polynesia

Sail around Tahiti and the Marquesas islands over 14 days on the Aranui www.aranui.com . The Aranui is a mixed passenger/cargo ship which offers comfortable, air-conditioned accommodations for about two hundred passengers. Passengers are able to sunbathe on deck and swim in the pool. The ship operates under the French flag, and her crew are all local Polynesians.

2025 Schedule  

1-250-286-3347

See Availability

Our 2024 season is sold out! & 2025 is now open for bookings and filling up fast!

Explore The Working Coast

Aboard the m.v. aurora explorer.

With Marine Link Tours, cruise the inland waterways of coastal BC on the magical MV Aurora Explorer! Our 135-foot landing craft transports heavy equipment & freight as you enjoy rugged coastal scenery & abundant sea life. The ship’s chef will prepare first class meals while you experience the ambience of small group cruising and visit working logging camps, remote villages and other unique coastal destinations.

About the M.V. Aurora Explorer

About the aurora explorer.

The Aurora Explorer is a 135-foot landing craft that transports a wide variety of heavy equipment and general freight.

Cruise off the beaten path in the inland waterways of coastal British Columbia.

Schedules and availability for our current and future seasons.

Settle into our double occupancy staterooms that all feature 2 single beds and opening exterior windows.

From the Galley

Indulge in our Chef prepared west coast local cuisine.

get in touch

• Sign me up to receive your newsletter!

This website uses cookies. Learn more

Advertisement

Supported by

Ship That Hit Baltimore Bridge Had 2 Electrical Failures Before Departure

A report from the National Transportation Safety Board said crew members had adjusted the electrical configuration of the ship even before it left port.

• Share full article

By Mike Baker and Nicholas Bogel-Burroughs

In the hours before a wayward cargo ship lost electrical power and knocked down Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge, killing six people, the vessel suffered two blackouts while still in port, according to a preliminary report released Tuesday.

In a 24-page summary of findings so far, investigators with the National Transportation Safety Board said the Dali cargo vessel had experienced at least two electrical failures on the day before the accident, causing the crew to adjust the configuration of the electrical system about 10 hours before setting out.

The investigators said they were still examining what effect the earlier repairs may have had. But they said it was apparent that the trouble that led to the accident began when the vessel’s electrical breakers tripped, leading to a loss of propulsion and steering capacity.

Read the N.T.S.B.’s Preliminary Report on the Baltimore Bridge Collapse

The 24-page report includes investigators’ initial findings into the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge after it was struck by a container ship.

Investigators recounted the crew’s desperate efforts to restore electrical power and halt the ship’s drift toward the bridge. They described how one of eight maintenance workers still on the bridge that night managed to sprint to safety moments before the bridge collapsed.

The 985-foot-long vessel departed the Port of Baltimore around 1 a.m. on March 26 and traveled along a heavily used shipping channel that would take it under the Francis Scott Key Bridge. But as it approached the bridge, the power went out on the vessel and alarms blared . The ship issued a mayday call.

As the authorities on the bridge rushed to close the bridge to traffic, the vessel drifted and ultimately crashed into one of the bridge’s supports, knocking most of the bridge into the water and killing six of the eight construction workers.

Investigators were able to collect the ship’s data and speak with crew members. The F.B.I. has also launched a criminal investigation into the crash.

The accident has spawned questions in the shipping industry about how to better protect against such a disaster at a time when cargo vessels have grown much larger . Transportation officials have been re-examining structural protection systems on bridges, which in some cases are missing or flawed , that are supposed to deflect wayward ships away from bridge piers.

The cargo ship’s wreckage remains in the water. On Monday evening, crews working to dislodge the Dali set off dozens of small explosives placed around a huge section of bridge that had been blanketing the bow of the ship since the night of the collapse. The operation appeared to send the section of bridge into the water in a giant plume of black smoke. When the wreckage on top of the Dali is cleared, the ship will be refloated and brought back to the port.

This is a developing story and will be updated.

Campbell Robertson contributed reporting.

Mike Baker is a national reporter for The Times, based in Seattle. More about Mike Baker

Nicholas Bogel-Burroughs reports on national stories across the United States with a focus on criminal justice. He is from upstate New York. More about Nicholas Bogel-Burroughs

Restaurant Globus

RESTAURANT GLOBUS, Elektrostal - Restaurant Reviews & Photos - Tripadvisor

Baltimore bridge span demolished with controlled explosives to free cargo ship

Crews in Baltimore "successfully" detonated controlled explosives on Monday to remove a large section of the collapsed Francis Scott Key Bridge from the bow of cargo ship Dali that struck the bridge in March , officials said.

The planned demolition occurred shortly after 5 p.m. Monday after weather conditions, including high winds and lightning, delayed the operation over the weekend. Videos of the demolition showed the small explosives detonating and releasing puffs of smoke into the sky before steel trusses appeared to break apart and fall into the water.

Precision cuts using small charges were made along pieces of the bridge's span that had been lying on top of the Dali's bow since the massive ship lost power and collided with one of the bridge’s support columns on March 26, according to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for the Baltimore District. The crash caused the bridge's span to collapse into the Patapsco River, killing six construction workers and disrupting shipping traffic at the Port of Baltimore.

"Thank you to everyone at Unified Command for a flawless, safe execution of these precision cuts and for the care you’ve shown our city during this process," Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott said on X, formerly Twitter.

The operation marked a major "milestone" in efforts to clear the Port of Baltimore's 700-foot-wide, 50-foot-deep Fort McHenry Channel, Scott added. The demolition will allow crews to re-float the Dali and free it from the channel, which will help restore maritime traffic through the critical port.

In 2023, the port ranked first in the nation in several cargo categories, including autos and light trucks, farm and construction machinery, imported sugar, and imported gypsum, according to the state of Maryland. Prior to the collapse, between $100 million and $200 million of cargo passed through the port every day, USA TODAY previously reported .

U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg warned in March that the collapse would cause devastating economic impacts, costing about $2 million in wages a day and 8,000 jobs.

How many ships hit bridges, lose power? Data shows jarring numbers on the rise.

Officials hope to move container ship Dali within two days

During a news conference Monday, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Col. Estee Pinchasin said the precision cuts were the "safest and most efficient" method to break down the steel span — which was estimated to be about 500 feet long and weigh about 600 tons.

Small, linear charges were placed inside cuts made along the bridge's truss to create pressure, separate the metal and cut through the steel, Pinchasin said. The controlled detonations were meant to break the truss into small sections and enable crews to use cranes and barges to remove the wreckage, according to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

"After we do the precision cutting, we will then go back and resurvey the channel as well as survey around the Dali to make sure there are no obstructions that come from that precision cutting that would interfere with traffic," U.S. Coast Guard Rear Adm. Shannon Gilreath said at the news conference. "Then we will reopen the limited-access channel to traffic at that particular time."

Officials hope to re-float the Dali and remove it in about two days, Gilreath added.

The 21 crew members of the Dali, who have been on board the ship since the collapse, were safely sheltered during the controlled demolition, CNN reported . The crew has been maintaining the ship and "performing their normal crew duties," Darrel Wilson, a spokesperson for Synergy Marine Group, which manages the Dali, told CNN.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Synergy Marine Group did not immediately respond to USA TODAY's requests for comment Monday.

Salvage crews work to deepen Fort McHenry Channel

Salvage crews have been working for weeks to clear debris from the Fort McHenry Channel, according to Gilreath.

"They have now deepened that channel to 48 feet in depth and it's now 350 feet wide," Gilreath said. "They will continue to work on that channel after we are able to do the precision cutting (Monday) on the Dali."

Since the collapse, four temporary alternate channels have been opened to allow for some shipping to resume. Gilreath said that authorities have moved 365 commercial vessels through the temporary channels over the last seven weeks.

Officials reopened the Fort McHenry Channel with limited access for shipping traffic last week, Gilreath added. In April, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers announced an "ambitious" timeline to fully reopen the channel by the end of May.

Gilreath confirmed Monday that authorities were "on track to fully reopen the (channel) to 50 feet (deep) and 700 feet wide by the end of the month."

Aftermath of Baltimore Key Bridge collapse

Eight construction workers were fixing potholes on the bridge when the Dali struck it, causing it to collapse into the Patapsco River. Rescuers pulled out two workers, but six were presumed dead after an hourslong search.

Recovery operations for the victims concluded last week after the sixth body was found in the Patapsco River, the Baltimore County Police Department said.

The National Transportation Safety Board and the FBI have opened investigations into the bridge collapse. Safety investigators have recovered the ship's "black box" recorder , which provides data on its position, speed, heading, radar, and bridge audio and radio communications, as well as alarms.

State officials have also estimated that it will cost about $1.7 billion to $1.9 billion to rebuild the bridge and wouldn't be completed until fall 2028.

Contributing: Reuters

Current time by city

For example, New York

Current time by country

For example, Japan

Time difference

For example, London

For example, Dubai

Coordinates

For example, Hong Kong

For example, Delhi

For example, Sydney

Geographic coordinates of Elektrostal, Moscow Oblast, Russia

City coordinates

Coordinates of Elektrostal in decimal degrees

Coordinates of elektrostal in degrees and decimal minutes, utm coordinates of elektrostal, geographic coordinate systems.

WGS 84 coordinate reference system is the latest revision of the World Geodetic System, which is used in mapping and navigation, including GPS satellite navigation system (the Global Positioning System).

Geographic coordinates (latitude and longitude) define a position on the Earth’s surface. Coordinates are angular units. The canonical form of latitude and longitude representation uses degrees (°), minutes (′), and seconds (″). GPS systems widely use coordinates in degrees and decimal minutes, or in decimal degrees.

Latitude varies from −90° to 90°. The latitude of the Equator is 0°; the latitude of the South Pole is −90°; the latitude of the North Pole is 90°. Positive latitude values correspond to the geographic locations north of the Equator (abbrev. N). Negative latitude values correspond to the geographic locations south of the Equator (abbrev. S).

Longitude is counted from the prime meridian ( IERS Reference Meridian for WGS 84) and varies from −180° to 180°. Positive longitude values correspond to the geographic locations east of the prime meridian (abbrev. E). Negative longitude values correspond to the geographic locations west of the prime meridian (abbrev. W).

UTM or Universal Transverse Mercator coordinate system divides the Earth’s surface into 60 longitudinal zones. The coordinates of a location within each zone are defined as a planar coordinate pair related to the intersection of the equator and the zone’s central meridian, and measured in meters.

Elevation above sea level is a measure of a geographic location’s height. We are using the global digital elevation model GTOPO30 .

Elektrostal , Moscow Oblast, Russia

• International edition
• Australia edition
• Europe edition

Ship in Baltimore bridge collapse lost power hours before leaving port - report

Cargo ship experienced electrical outage 10 hours before departing then lost power again before collision, preliminary report says

Investigators examining the March collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore said in a preliminary report on Tuesday the cargo ship Dali experienced an electrical blackout about 10 hours before leaving the port of Baltimore while undergoing maintenance.

The power outage was caused by a crew member mistakenly closing an exhaust damper, causing the ship’s engine to stall, the report issued by the National Transportation Safety Board said. The ship lost power again and crashed into one of the bridge’s supporting columns shortly after leaving the port on 26 March, which brought the bridge down in seconds.

A full investigation could take a year or more, the agency said.

The board launched its investigation almost immediately after the collapse, in which six members of a roadwork crew fell to their deaths. Investigators boarded the ship to document the scene and collect evidence, including the vessel’s data recorder and information from its engine room, according to the board chair, Jennifer Homendy. Investigators also interviewed the captain and crew members.

“Our mission is to determine why something happened, how it happened and to prevent it from recurring,” Homendy said at a news conference days after the disaster.

The bridge collapsed within seconds after the cargo ship Dali lost power and struck one of its supporting columns. The ship, which was headed from Baltimore to Sri Lanka, issued a mayday alert with just enough time for police to stop traffic, but not enough to save the workers filling potholes on the bridge.

The last of the victims’ bodies was recovered last week.

On Monday, crews conducted a controlled demolition to break down the largest remaining span of the collapsed Francis Scott Key Bridge, a major step in freeing the grounded Dali container ship.

The board’s preliminary report released on Tuesday probably includes a fraction of the findings that will be presented in its final report, which is expected to take more than a year.

The FBI has also launched a criminal investigation into the circumstances leading up to the collapse.

• Baltimore bridge collapse
• Shipping industry

Most viewed

Category : Gorodok factory

Subcategories.

This category has only the following subcategory.

• Gorodok pipe bridge ‎ (7 F)

Media in category "Gorodok factory"

The following 41 files are in this category, out of 41 total.

• Factories in Pavlovsky Posad
• Gorodok (Pavlovsky Posad)
• 1900s architecture in Russia
• Weaving mills in Russia
• Brick architecture in Pavlovsky Posad
• Uses of Wikidata Infobox
• Uses of Wikidata Infobox with maps
• Pages with maps

Navigation menu

• Freighter World Cruises
• Specialty Cruises
• Transatlantic
• Transpacific
• South Seas & Coastal
• Before You Sail
• Press & Guest Stories
• Q&A Freighter Guide
• Reservations Info.
• Contact Page
• Subscribe to the Club
• Special Discounts
• About Maris

Due to Covid, The CMA CGM have decided to permanently cease passenger services on their cargo ships. Without the French Line, the only large pre-Covid provider, our activity will remain based on Specialty Cruises only, such as the ARANUI and Bella Desgagnés