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I didn't want to fly – so I took a cargo ship from Germany to Canada

A slow boat across the Atlantic plus a scenic train home to Vancouver add up to a hugely enjoyable three-week trip

‘A re you a crew member?” the security guard asked, fixing me with a stare in the van’s rear-view mirror. “Passenger,” I replied. The guard gave me a quizzical look then muttered something to himself in German, shaking his head. It was 7am and the port of Hamburg was a hive of activity, our port security van speeding past whirring cranes and towering stacks of shipping containers. As the ship’s immense hull came into view, I entered a world where everything was larger, louder and more dangerous than my life on land. The 300-metre, 100,000-tonne vessel before me was to be my home for the next 15 days.

Four months earlier I had made a reservation on a cargo ship to take me from Hamburg to Halifax, Nova Scotia. My European work visa was expiring and I hoped to make it home to the west coast of Canada in time for Christmas. Recent campaigns such as the Swedish flygskam (flight shame) had shone a harsh light on my blindness to the climate impact of air travel, and I had decided that booking a flight wasn’t an option. Since 2017, I’d emitted over 14 tonnes of carbon from flights alone. I realised that all my efforts to reduce my carbon footprint at home in Milan – I cycle to work, limit food waste and seldom buy new clothes – are wiped out by just one flight between Canada and Europe .

Sustainable travel within Europe often involves trading a plane for a train, but getting to Canada from Europe is more complex. A cargo ship became the obvious low-carbon choice. Shipping companies sell surplus cabin space through selected travel agents and I booked my passage through Berlin-based Slowtravel Experience . This is still a niche mode of travel and ships rarely have room for more than a dozen passengers, so booking well in advance, especially for peak times, is essential. Flexibility with travel dates is also crucial. I was notified just days before departure that the ship would be leaving three days ahead of schedule, and had I not already been in Germany, I would have literally missed the boat.

I anticipated a long and tiresome journey (I packed dozens of books and downloaded films) and had visions of gruelling nights spent with my face in a barf bag, but my experience on board could not have been more enjoyable. The two other passengers, Tony from the Netherlands and Janos from Germany, were hitching a ride for the same environmental reasons and their company made time fly by. Our cabins were simple and comfortable, each with private toilet and shower, two single beds, a desk and vast ocean views. The 25 crew members, a mix of Filipino and eastern European men, were warm and friendly. I was in all-male company for my transatlantic voyage but Isabel Hagen, a Swedish student I met through a friend, made the voyage earlier this year, and said she’d had a positive experience as a solo female traveller: “The crew was welcoming, respectful, and polite from the moment I stepped on board.”

Left mostly to our own devices, Janos, Tony and I filled our days with darts tournaments, jigsaw puzzles and raucous games of Risk. One morning we played chess on a deck bathed in sunshine; the next afternoon Tony lost his knitted cap to hurricane-force winds off Newfoundland. During port calls in Antwerp and Liverpool, we were allowed to disembark and explore both for a day. Back on board, a daily routine quickly emerged: morning coffee on the bridge with the gregarious chief officer, sociable mealtimes with the crew, and hourly strolls around the outer decks, the frigid ocean wind buffeting my face and dark waters churning below.

A highlight was a morning’s tour of the ship, led by crew members. Passenger access to working spaces was restricted, so the chance to walk through the bowels of the ship from bow to stern was eye-opening. In addition to nearly 4,000 containers stacked on the exterior decks, there were six “roll-on, roll-off” decks carrying vehicles, ranging from a fleet of Range Rovers and transport trucks for the US army to an aeroplane fuselage. As the captain explained, the complexities of the enormous operation, I marvelled at the sheer scale of everything around us, an industry responsible for transporting 90% of goods worldwide.

Life on board was so immersive that after a few days I didn’t even mind the food. Passengers dine with the crew, and meals are meat- and starch-heavy, with few vegetables (think beef stew and mash or bacon-wrapped chicken portions). As I soon came to understand, the luxury of being at sea is not about fine food or a plush mattress; rather, life at sea itself – the tranquil pace and intoxicating sense of adventure – is the true luxury. When I finally set foot on dry land in Halifax, it was hard to say goodbye to the hulking ship that had come to feel like home.

Arriving in Halifax, I still had more than 6,000km to go to get home (further than London to New York), this time by train. With limited passenger rail infrastructure, a cross-country trip in Canada means a halting, week-long adventure rather than high-speed rail jaunt. There’s no single coast-to-coast train, so after an overnight train from Halifax I spent a night each in Montreal and Toronto before boarding The Canadian, VIA Rail’s flagship sleeper train to Vancouver. Designed for tourists, it has a charming dining car, glass-domed observation decks, live music and even wine tastings during the four-night trip.

As on the ship I was immediately struck by the hospitality of the crew – servers and attendants who seemed genuinely happy to be there despite being thousands of kilometres from home. The food was impressive as well, like the brunches of fluffy buttermilk pancakes drowning in the maple syrup that I’d missed so much in Europe. Dinners of hemp-crusted trout, roast veal chops and fresh vegetables were equally delicious. The atmosphere among passengers was jovial, with communal mealtimes and a rowdy bar where we swapped travel stories.

As on the ship, the vast expanses passing by my window made the journey special: the endless boreal forests of northern Ontario, the icy, placid prairies and the magnificent Rockies in the west, every landscape shimmering under mid-December snow. Sitting in the dome car watching a blazing sun set over white Quebec forests and waking to whiteout blizzards in Manitoba deepened my connection to the land I call home, and reaffirmed my commitment to protecting this natural beauty.

Stepping off the train in Vancouver, having travelled more than 13,000km and crossed nine timezones, that van ride at dawn through the dreary port of Hamburg felt like a lifetime ago. World travel with a low carbon footprint may not be convenient or easy, but I had proved to myself that it is achievable. Now it’s time to plan my next adventure.

The 15-day cargo ship passage from Hamburg to Halifax, booked through Berlin-based Slowtravel Experience, costs just under €100 a day (including full-board and carbon offset) in a two-person cabin. The best-known shipping companies offering passenger berths include Hamburg Süd and Grimaldi Lines . Other agencies to look at are New Zealand Freighter Travel , London-based Cruise People , and Maris Freighter Cruises . Train travel was provided by VIA Rail Canada . The Ocean travels from Halifax to Montreal three times a week from £68 (C$117) one way, daily trains from Montreal to Toronto from £22 one-way and The Canadian, from Toronto to Vancouver twice weekly from £271 one-way.

Carbon emissions (according to weight of passenger)

Flight Frankfurt-Vancouver: 1.3 tonnes * Cargo ship Hamburg-Halifax (via Antwerp & Liverpool): 5.3kg ** Trains Halifax-Vancouver: 204.2kg *** Total CO2 Hamburg to Vancouver: 209.5kg * myclimate Foundation ** International Council on Clean Transportation *** Via Rail

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The Canada Border Services Agency reminds boaters of entry and reporting requirements

From: Canada Border Services Agency

News release

April 14, 2022 Ottawa, Ontario

With summer approaching, boating season will soon be underway. The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) would like to remind all boaters of their entry and reporting obligations when travelling in Canadian waters.

Unless exempt, all travellers entering Canada by water must report their arrival to the CBSA without delay.

Canadian citizens, permanent residents and persons registered under the Indian Act

• All travellers including those with a right of entry (Canadian citizens, permanent residents and persons registered under the Indian Act ) must submit their mandatory information in ArriveCAN before, or when, entering Canada at a marine port of entry.
• Travellers who leave and re-enter Canadian waters  with   interruption , must report to the CBSA upon re-entry and will be subject to  COVID-19 border and health requirements . Travellers who leave and re-enter Canadian waters without interruption , do not have to report to the CBSA or meet COVID-19 border and health requirements.
• Interrupted travel means that a traveller leaves Canadian waters and, before re-entering, lands outside Canada, anchors, moors, makes contact with another boat while outside of Canadian waters, or embarks or disembarks any people or goods while outside Canada.

Foreign nationals

• Travel to Canada is prohibited for foreign nationals who do not qualify as  fully vaccinated .
• must submit their mandatory information in ArriveCAN before, or when, entering Canada at a marine port of entry;
• must report to the CBSA;
• must be admissible under the  Immigration and Refugee Protection Act; and
• are subject to all of Canada’s  COVID-19 border and health requirements .
• Foreign nationals who enter Canadian waters for leisure and touring, including pleasure fishing or sightseeing (known as loop movements), and those who transit Canadian waters from one place outside Canada to another place outside Canada, are not required to report to the CBSA as long as the boat does not land on Canadian soil, anchor, moor or come alongside another boat, and no persons or goods are discharged in Canadian waters.

Marine reporting options

In response to COVID-19, the CBSA has temporarily suspended its services at many small vessel reporting sites. Clients should consult the list of open designated marine reporting sites to ensure that services are available, either in person or via telephone reporting.

For boats carrying fewer than 30 passengers, there are two ways to report in order to enter Canada:

• Report directly in-person at one of the  open  designated marine reporting sites , staffed by the CBSA; or,
• Report to the CBSA’s Telephone Reporting Centre. Follow the instructions posted at a telephone reporting site and request clearance to enter Canada. Only the operator may leave the boat to place the call. Everyone else must remain onboard until the CBSA authorizes entry.

Failure to report

The CBSA and its law enforcement partners patrol Canada’s coasts and inland waterways and have the authority to stop any boat that has entered Canadian waters.

Failure to report to the CBSA, even if it is to refuel, may result in detention, seizure or forfeiture of your boat and/or monetary penalties. The minimum fine for failing to report to the CBSA upon entry to Canada is $1,000.

Quick facts

Use ArriveCAN . All travellers arriving in Canada by boat must submit their mandatory information including their proof of vaccination and suitable quarantine plan in ArriveCAN before or when entering at a marine port of entry.

Get informed. Boaters planning to come to Canada should review Reporting requirements for private boaters before making travel plans.

Know what you have onboard. Restricted goods include, but are not limited to, firearms and weapons; food, plants, animals and related products; explosives, fireworks and ammunition.

NEXUS members can call the NEXUS Telephone Reporting Centre at 1-866-99-NEXUS. For more information on NEXUS reporting procedures, visit  NEXUS - Marine .

Right of innocent passage.  Boaters who transit through Canadian waters exercising their right to innocent passage are not required to report to the CBSA unless instructed to do so by an officer. This includes boaters who do not land on Canadian soil, or anchor, or come alongside another vessel in Canadian waters, or embarked or disembarked any people or goods while outside Canada, and those who have not landed on foreign soil or anchored or come alongside another vessel in foreign waters, or embark or disembark any people or goods in Canada.

Associated links

• Reporting requirements for private boaters
• List of Open Marine Telephone Reporting Sites across Canada
• COVID-19: Travel, testing and borders
• COVID-19: Vaccinated travellers entering Canada

Media Relations Canada Border Services Agency [email protected] 1-877-761-5945

Page details

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

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Book a ferry » Ferries Destinations - Countries & Regions » Canada Ferries

Ferries to Canada

Travel by ferry to Canada ! Travelling to Canada couldn't be more relaxed than by ferry. This way you start your Canada holiday rested and without stress.

On the east coast, Canada is connected to the USA via various ferry routes. On the west coast, ferries run between Washington State and Victoria to Vancouver Island.

Table of contents

• Canada Search & Book a Ferry
• All ferry connections in Canada

Ferry ports in Canada

Holiday in canada, top excursion destinations in canada, entry requirements, alternative travel options.

• Questions & Answers
• Experiences & Travelogues

Search & Book Ferries to Canada

Use our ferry search to find your ferry to Canada . We compare the offers of different shipping companies on each route. So you always get the cheapest offer for your Canadaferry . Check availability and timetables now.

All ferries within Canada

Here you can find all current ferry connections within Canada.

You can find an overview of all ferry ports in Canada here.

Travel guide Canada

Longing country Canada! The second largest country on earth delights nature lovers with untouched wilderness, unique wildlife and a huge range of outdoor activities. In addition, there are famous sights like Niagara Falls and lively cities like Ottawa, Toronto or Vancouver. Together with hospitable inhabitants, cultural diversity and delicious country cuisine, Canada proves to be a perfect vacation destination.

Truly spectacular is the skyline of Canada’s capital Toronto . It stretches along Lake Ontario and is characterized by skyscrapers and the 553-meter CN (Canadian National) Tower. The viewing platform at 446 meters offers a magnificent panoramic view. Also popular with visitors are the fairytale-like Casa Loma Castle, the Scarborough Bluffs Zoo and Steep Cliffs.

If you look to in the historic old town of Québeck , you will enjoy one of the most beautiful sights of all, the Grandhotel Château Frontenac . The historic district is surrounded by fortifications and even has a citadel in the program.

Canada offers its guests lively metropolises with unique sights. In the old city of Montreal , the Basilica Nôtre Dame with its 70-meter high twin towers is located, in Edmonton , the West Edmonton Mall with 350,000 square meters invites you to stroll and spend money, and in Vancouver , the aquarium with its dolphin shows is one of the highlights.

Canada is famous for its national parks. Unique experiences in nature are promised by Jasper National Park. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the largest national park in the Rocky Mountains. In Wood Buffalo National Park , herds of buffalo roam the vast prairie to this day, and bears, lynx, wolves and elk also find a protected habitat here. Banff National Park , on the other hand, is considered Canada’s oldest national park and is characterized by the grandiose mountain scenery of the Rocks Mountains.

No visit to Canada without Niagara Falls ! On the Canadian side, the water masses rush up to 52 meters into the depth. Not for nothing did the Native Americans give them the name “Thundering Water”. The spectacular natural spectacle can be experienced intensively as part of the legendary boat tour “Maid of the Mist”.

Entry to Canada is possible for EU citizens with passport or children’s passport, all travel documents must be valid at least for the period of stay. There is no visa requirement for a stay of up to six months. However, those entering by air require an electronic travel authorization, which must be applied for prior to travel.

The fastest way to get to Canada is definitely by plane, all major Canadian cities are connected to major airports in Europe. It should be noted that some airlines fly to Canada only in spring and summer. From the USA, entry to Canada is conveniently possible by Greyhound bus, but also by train and car.

Questions & Answers about the Canada ferry

››› is there a ferry from europe to canada.

Yes, an Atlantic crossing is possible several times a month to modern cargo ships. If you wish, you can also bring your own vehicle. The route leads from Hamburg via various stops to Halifax in Canada. Travel time: about 15 days.

Ferries to Canada Experiences & Travelogues

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Entering Canada

On this page, by private boat, required identification, permanent residents, travelling with children, you and the border services officer.

Whether you’re returning home or visiting, you’ll follow the same 3 steps to enter Canada:

Step 1. Pre-arrival: Use Advance Declaration or complete a Declaration Card

If you’re arriving by air at one of Canada’s participating international airports, you can save time at the border. Submit your customs and immigration declaration online using Advance Declaration up to 72 hours before you arrive in Canada.

If you choose not to submit your declaration in advance, you can complete it at an airport kiosk or eGate. If you’re landing at an airport without kiosks or eGates, you’ll receive a Declaration Card on board the aircraft or other conveyance. Read the instructions and complete the card before you arrive. Have it ready to present to Canadian officials at the airport, along with your identification and other travel documents. If you're travelling with children, please have their documentation ready as well.

If using a Declaration Card, detach and discard the instructions. To help us serve you faster, do not fold the card.

Everyone arriving in Canada must complete a declaration. You can list up to 4 people living at the same residence on one card, or 8 people per Advance Declaration submission.

The Declaration Card or Advance Declaration submission tells us what we need to know about you, your travels and what you’re bringing into the country.

Connecting to another flight

If you’re connecting to another flight or travelling on to another destination and re-boarding the same plane, follow the signs. At some airports, you may have to check your baggage and have it screened again.

If you travel frequently our trusted traveller programs can help

If you're a member of a trusted traveller program, you can skip Step 2 and go directly to the automated kiosks or eGates for faster processing.

Step 2. Arrival: First CBSA checkpoint

When you arrive at the terminal, follow the signs to the first Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) checkpoint, also called “primary inspection.”

If you used Advance Declaration, go to a kiosk or eGate to retrieve your confirmed declaration receipt. Up to 5 people may use a kiosk as a group upon arrival.

Next, a border services officer will examine your:

• Declaration Card or Advance Declaration kiosk receipt
• your identification
• other travel documents

The officer may ask you a series of questions to determine:

• your immigration status
• the type of any goods you're bringing with you
• your duty-free allowance
• your personal exemption entitlements

Goods not properly declared that are restricted or prohibited in Canada can, under the law, be seized.

Newcomer or coming to Canada to study or work

If you’re a newcomer to Canada, coming to study or work in Canada, you may need to present further documentation. The officer will help guide you through this process. You may ask the officer for help if you don’t speak English or French well.

Step 3. Baggage and second CBSA checkpoint

Go to the baggage claim area. If you must pay duty and taxes, you can pay at most major airports while waiting for your luggage.

Once you’ve picked up your luggage:

• go to the next CBSA checkpoint
• Declaration Card, Advance Declaration kiosk or eGate receipt
• receipt, if you paid duty and taxes for your goods

The officer may direct you to a secondary inspection area.

Here, officers may ask you:

• for detailed information about your travels
• to present your luggage and goods for examination

This is a normal part of the travelling process. Your cooperation is appreciated and helps us ensure the safety of Canada, its economy and its residents.

If you’re arriving by land, follow the signs to the first checkpoint, also called “primary inspection.” Here, a border services officer will examine your identification and other travel documents and take your verbal declaration.

Visit U.S. to Canada border wait times for estimated wait times at certain locations.

If you’re arriving by private boat, go directly to a designated marine telephone reporting site and call the CBSA Telephone Reporting Centre (TRC) at 1-888-226-7277 to obtain clearance.

Private boaters that meet certain conditions may report to the CBSA by calling the TRC using cell phone from their location in Canadian waters.

Learn more about reporting requirements for private boaters.

Make sure you carry proper identification for yourself and any children travelling with you to help confirm your legal right to enter Canada. Canada has introduced a new entry requirement, known as an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), for certain international travellers who fly to Canada.

Read about the changes and how they may affect you.

The Government of Canada recommends that Canadian citizens travel with a valid Canadian passport because it’s the only reliable and universally accepted travel and identification document available to Canadians for the purpose of international travel.

International transportation companies such as airlines may require travellers to present a passport before boarding. Canadian citizens may face delays or may not be allowed to board the plane or other conveyance if they present other documents such as a:

• Enhanced Driver's License (EDL)/Enhanced Identification Card (EIC)
• NEXUS card (used where the program is available)
• Free and Secure Trade (FAST) card used in FAST lanes
• Canadian citizenship card
• Certificate of Indian Status
• Birth certificate in combination with either a driver's licence or a government-issued photo identification

Permanent residents (immigrants living in Canada who are not yet Canadian citizens) need a valid permanent resident card to return to Canada. Check the expiry date on your card.

Note that a Certificate of Canadian Citizenship is not a travel document.

See Canadian Citizenship for further details.

Parents who share custody of their children should bring copies of the legal custody documents to the border when travelling with their children.

A consent letter should be used for all cross-border travel when a child is travelling:

• with only 1 parent or guardian
• in the care of friends or relatives
• with a group, such as a sports, school, musical or religious group

Example of a consent letter to permit travel by a child with a single custodian or parent.

When travelling with a group of vehicles, parents or guardians should arrive at the border in the same vehicle as the children.

Adults who aren’t parents or guardians should have written permission from the parents or guardians to supervise the children. The consent letter should include addresses and telephone numbers where the parents or guardian can be reached.

Border officers watch for missing children, and may ask detailed questions about the children who are travelling with you.

You may occasionally find yourself going through a more detailed inspection. In some cases, this simply means that you may have to complete a form. In other cases, the border services officer will need to identify the goods you’re bringing into the country or examine your luggage.

Border services officers are legally entitled to examine your luggage as part of their responsibility to protect Canada's safety, economy and environment. You are responsible for opening, unpacking and repacking your luggage.

By making your goods easily accessible for inspection and having your receipts handy, you will be helping the CBSA to help you. It’s a good idea to keep all your receipts for accommodation and purchases, and for any repairs done to, or parts bought for, your vehicle. The border services officer may ask to see them as evidence of the length of your stay and of the value of the goods or repairs.

If you disagree with the amount of duty and taxes that you have to pay, please ask to speak with the CBSA superintendent on duty. A consultation can often resolve the issue quickly and without cost. If you’re still not satisfied, our officers can tell you how to make a formal appeal.

Border services officers may arrest an individual for an offence under the Criminal Code (for example, impaired driving, outstanding arrest warrants, stolen property, abductions/kidnappings) and for infractions under other acts of Parliament (for example, the Customs Act , the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act ).

If you’re arrested, you may be compelled to attend court in Canada. You should note that anyone arrested in Canada is protected by and will be treated in accordance with the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms .

Related links

• Bringing goods to Canada
• Traveller entry requirements
• Travel documents
• Programs for trusted travellers
• Travelling as a dual citizen

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.

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Cruise to Canada from the UK

There’s no need for long-haul flights to experience the delights of Nova Scotia, Quebec and Prince Edward Island – set sail for Canada from our homeport of Southampton

January 2023

By Liz Darke

Visiting far-afield places doesn’t have to mean sitting on a plane for ten hours. One of the many joys of cruising from the UK is that you can set off on holiday from the port of Southampton and, better still, you can sail as far as Canada and the USA . Our 24-night and 31-night Canada and New England itineraries are round-trips that sail from Southampton and take in cities such as Boston, USA , and Saguenay and Quebec City, Canada . Excited by the idea of a cruise to Canada from the UK? Read on to discover the many reasons to book this bucket-list voyage…

Step onboard and set sail from the port of Southampton © Princess

Sailing from Southampton is so easy

Embarking on a cruise from Southampton eliminates the cost of flights, tiring long-haul plane journeys and the sometimes-tricky transfer from airport to port in order to board the ship on time (and vice versa). You can travel to Southampton cruise port by car or taxi and via public transport, such as coach or train. Sailing with Princess, you won’t be restricted by baggage limitations when you come onboard either, so you can bring as much or as little luggage as you wish for your holiday. Just make sure you have enough space to take all your souvenirs home with you!

Tick off many great destinations

On our Canada and New England itineraries departing from Southampton, guests can not only explore USA cities like Boston and even New York City (only on the 31-night itinerary), but also discover the best of Canada. Ports of call include beautiful, French-speaking Quebec City , the breathtaking maritime province of Prince Edward Island (pictured top), the historical port of Halifax in Nova Scotia, and the city of St. John’s on the colourful island of Newfoundland, just off Canada’s Atlantic coast, to name a few.

Settle in for tea and pastries at the famous Château Frontenac © Benoit Debaix/Unsplash

Enjoy once-in-a-lifetime experiences

As we’ve just mentioned, our round-trip Canada and New England cruises from Southampton take in an array of wonderful destinations, each offering something totally different when it comes to landscape and activities. In verdant Annapolis Valley, get to know the local wine scene by touring – and tasting the produce of – a local winery. In Quebec City’s Old Town, enjoy tea in the 19th-century landmark hotel Château Frontenac , which is a National Historic Site of Canada and one of the most photographed places in the world. Or, in Halifax, jump aboard a sailboat to soak up the scenery, gliding past rural islands and national parks, before heading out into the North Atlantic for a bit of a whale watching. Discover more must-do activities in Canada and New England here

Explore everything your ship has to offer

Our 24-night Canada and New England itinerary includes 13 days at sea, while our 31-night itinerary includes 16. That means all guests have the opportunity to really make the most of everything onboard. For the days you’re feeling active, there are dance classes, pool parties, mini-golf tournaments and yoga sessions to partake in and, for the days where doing nothing is top of the agenda, you can find peace in The Sanctuary , our adults-only relaxation area. Rejuvenate your mind and body in thermal suite The Enclave or put your feet up with a good book and soak up some vitamin D out on deck. And all that’s just for starters – there are also our many speciality restaurants , wine-tasting groups, quiz nights and theatre performances to enjoy. Put it this way, there’s no chance of getting bored.

Fancy cruising to Canada from the UK?

See our Canada and New England itineraries at princess.com

Discover more Canada cruise inspiration

Six ways to have the ultimate adventure in canada and new england.

Speedboating, mountain biking, clifftop hiking and hair-raising frights – here’s how to get the adrenaline pumping on an unfo...

How to spend a day in... Québec City, Canada

Get the best out of this historic and varied North American city

Eight must-do activities on a Canada and New England cruise

If you’re embarking on an east coast adventure, don’t miss out on these unmissable experiences

About the Author

Liz is a journalist who specialises in travel, food and lifestyle. Always on the hunt for a hit of sunshine and fantastic regional cuisine, she's heading to Hong Kong, Provence and the Dalmatian Coast next. Oh, and bring on the local wine, too!

How to Travel from USA to Europe by Ship

It is possible to travel from the United States to Europe without flying. This guide explains how to travel by ship from the USA to Europe. 

For one reason or another, you came here to look for information about crossing the Atlantic from America to Europe. This guide covers three different ship travel options from USA to Europe:

• Freighter Travel

I’ve previously written about flightless routes from Europe to America , but this guide focuses on the opposite direction. The examples in this post were checked in 2023.

Traveling from the United States to Europe without flying is not always easy. I know some of you will choose to fly anyway because it’s easier. In that case, I ask you to consider donating 10% of your ticket cost to a high-impact climate charity. Carbon offsetting isn’t very effective , so it’s better to support charities suggested by Giving Green instead.

1. Cruise from the USA to Europe

How can i find a transatlantic cruise from the usa to europe.

Plenty of travel companies offer cruises from the United States to various European destinations. As of now, the website Seascanner listed 108 one-way cruises from the United States to different parts of Europe .

Where do transatlantic cruises to Europe depart from?

Most transatlantic cruises from America to Europe leave from Florida. Fort Lauderdale – a part of the Miami metropolitan area – is the most popular port of departure. New York also serves as a departure point for many cruise ships, and there are even departures from Massachusetts (Boston), New Jersey (Boston), and even Texas (Galveston)!

Which are the most popular ports of entry in Europe?

For transatlantic cruises, Southampton in England, Barcelona in Spain, and Lisbon in Portugal are the top destinations. Other cruises also travel to countries like Germany, Greece, Italy, and the Netherlands.

How much does it cost to travel from the USA to Europe on a cruise ship?

The cheapest cruises from the United States to Europe start at around $1100-1500 for a cabin, including meals. For example, a 7-day voyage from New York to Southampton on the luxury cruise ship Queen Mary 2 start at approximately $1400. 

How long does a cruise from the United States to Europe take?

The duration of the journey varies depending on the departure and arrival points. The fastest transatlantic cruises to Europe leave from New York. Cruises from New York to Southampton, England, take around 7 days, while cruises to Hamburg take two days longer.

On the other end of the spectrum, cruises from Florida to Europe generally last about two weeks.

Is traveling on a cruise ship better than flying?

While this guide focuses on flightless travel routes it’s important to note that cruises and ferries may actually produce way more CO2 emissions than commercial flights .

However, there are sustainable ways to cross the Atlantic as well.

2. Travel on a Cargo Ship from the USA to Europe

Can you travel from the united states to europe on a cargo ship.

Yes, you can! At least if COVID restrictions allow it.

Compared to cruises, freighter travel is considered nearly CO2 neutral . To book a freighter voyage, you can use specialized travel agencies or contact shipping companies directly, though the latter may be more challenging.

Popular freighter travel companies include Cargo Ship Voyages , Freighter Travel (NZ) , Slowtravel , and Voyages en Cargo . I have personally used Freighter Travel, but I’m sure other companies work just as well.

What about COVID? Does the global pandemic limit freighter voyages?

Unfortunately, yes. At the time of writing (early 2023), many freighter companies around the world were not taking passengers. Some sources expect passenger sailing to resume normally in January/February 2024.

How much does it cost to travel from the USA to Europe on a freighter?

On average, traveling on a cargo ship costs $100-150 per day. A transatlantic journey typically takes around 10-15 days, resulting in a total cost between $1000-3000.

Which are the most popular ports of departure for cargo ship travel from the United States to Europe?

There are plenty! Cargo ships head out to Europe from many harbors on the East Coast. Listed from north to south, these include Boston (Massachusetts), New York, Charleston (South Carolina), Savannah (Georgia), New Orleans (Louisiana), and Houston (Texas).

Where do cargo ship voyages from America to Europe arrive?

Popular destinations in Europe for freighter voyages include Antwerp (Belgium), Cork (Ireland), Le Havre (France), Rotterdam (Netherlands), and Southampton (England). Many ships make multiple stops along the European coast, with Mediterranean cities also being accessible.

How long does it take to travel on a cargo ship from the USA to Europe?

I provide more detailed information about this in my article “ How Long Does It Take to Cross the Atlantic on a Cargo Ship? “. That article also explains why cargo ships venture so slowly.

Here are a few examples with estimated prices for one person:

• This northern route includes a stop in Halifax, Canada, before crossing the Atlantic.
• At the time of writing, this route wasn’t available, but it was expected to open to passengers in mid-2023.
• Freighter voyages to the south of Europe are less common, but here’s one example of a southern route.

What else should I know about freighter travel?

Freighter travel offers an intriguing and sustainable way to explore the world. I personally haven’t traveled between America and Europe on a freighter, but I did cross the Pacific on a cargo ship during my 2-year trip around the world .

In summary, the journey was quite uneventful, but I loved it. I passed the time playing games on my laptop, savoring delicious meals, and marveling the waves. My trusty Amazon Kindle Paperwhite e-reader – one of my favorite travel essentials – kept me company.

(The photo above is from that journey.)

To travel on a freighter, you need to meet certain health and age requirements. You should also be quite flexible, as freighters have infrequent schedules. For more information, you can refer to my guide “ How to Prepare for Traveling on a Cargo Ship “.

3. Sail from the USA to Europe

Can you travel from the usa to europe by boat.

Yes, traveling from the United States to Europe by boat is possible, although the reverse journey is more common. Also, direct boat travel from the United States to Europe is less prevalent. Starting your voyage from or making a stop in Bermuda is more typical.

Why is crossing the Atlantic from east to west more popular?

The trade winds are to blame. These prevailing winds blow east-to-west near the equator. The prevailing winds make a clockwise loop along the northern Atlantic.

As a result, sailing westward is aided by the wind in a warmer environment. Sailing eastward against the wind entails enduring harsher weather in the north.

I don’t own a boat. Can I still travel from the USA to Europe by boat?

Even if you don’t own a sailboat or a yacht, you can hitch a ride on a boat across the Atlantic. Websites such as Find a Crew and CrewSeekers connect captains with individuals willing to work as crewmates in exchange for the voyage.

Yacht clubs in harbors may also have notice boards for those seeking a boat or a crew. While many captains prefer crewmates with experience, it is not always necessary.

Where and when should I depart?

First, you should head to Bermuda, an archipelago about 600 miles (~1000 kilometers) away from the US East Coast. A cruise or a sailing trip from the US to Bermuda typically takes a week or less.

However, traveling to the Caribbean first before continuing to Bermuda might be more convenient. To reach the Caribbean, you can hitch a ride on a sailboat or take a ferry from Florida to the Bahamas .

According to World Cruising Wiki , the best time to sail to Bermuda is in May/June. At that point, the weather is warm but the hurricane season hasn’t reached its peak yet.

How long does it take to sail from the USA to Europe?

Main article: How Long Does It Take to Sail the Atlantic?

According to Life of Sailing , an eastward crossing of the Atlantic takes around 4 weeks. This includes a week of sailing to Bermuda, two weeks or more from Bermuda to the Azores, and another week from the Azores to the coast of Portugal.

The journey from Europe to America tends to be slightly faster.

How can I sail from the US to Europe?

There are numerous comprehensive guides on crossing the Atlantic on a sailboat. I am not even trying to compete with the experts. In this guide, I have provided basic details about the Atlantic crossings. If you wish to explore the topic further, here are a few recommended guides:

• How Long Does It Take To Sail Across The Atlantic? (Lifeofsailing.com)
• How to cross the Atlantic from the Caribbean to Europe: Everything you need to know (Yachtingworld.com)
• Sail Across the Atlantic: The Definitive Guide (DeepSailing.com)

Traveling by Ship from USA to Europe

How to travel from USA to Europe by ship? In this guide, I have covered three ways of traveling from America to Europe without flying. The guide is not comprehensive, and I may have missed some good alternatives.

This website, Arimo Travels, is a sustainable travel blog. I launched the site during my predominantly flightless trip around the world . Since completing the journey, I have focused on writing flightless travel guides (along with random generators ) for fellow travelers.

You can find more guides like this one on the Flightless Travel page.

P.S. In this guide, there are times when I call the USA “America”. Personally, I prefer not to use the name of the continent to refer to the country. However, many people hold a different view, and most of my readers come from Google searches.

For that reason, I have used phrases like “travel from America to Europe by ship” throughout the text. Additionally, I have omitted the article “the” from “the USA” for similar reasons.

Tell Me More!

Arimo Travels is a sustainable travel blog by Arimo, a mostly traveler from Finland. The site focuses on sustainable travel guides and randomness.

I was hoping that you would have mentioned something about traveling with pets. I have a cat and a dog which is why I would like to travel by boat and not fly.

Thank you for the feedback Ceitlan, that is a good point!

From what I’ve understood, cargo ships don’t allow pets, and finding a sailing captain willing to take cats and dohs would also be a challenge. In that case, a cruise would be your best option. This site has some information about crossing the Atlantic with pets: https://www.pettraveltransport.com/pettravelbyship.html

Some years ago, a friend of mine wrote a short guide on traveling in Europe with a dog on this site. You can find that guide here: https://arimotravels.com/travel-around-europe-dog/

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How to Get to Australia without Flying

How to get to Australia without flying? Despite its remote location, it is possible to travel to Australia by ship.

2022: My Year in Review – Trips and Surgeries

For a few years, my life had little to do with traveling. Last year changed that. Here’s my 2022 in review.

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Expert tips on smarter shipping between the u.s. and eastern europe, including shipping of heavy goods., europe-to-canada shipping: the basics.

Nine of the top 20 countries that sell goods into Canada are in Europe, according to the United Nations COMTRADE database on international trade. If you want to learn how to make this trade route more profitable through efficient global transportation, here’s a quick guide.

Booking the Freight

Europe-to-Canada Routes

Ocean shipments to Canada from Europe often originate from major Northern European ports such as Hamburg, Bremerhaven or Antwerp. If your origin isn’t near one of those cities, you might decide instead to use a smaller port. In that case, you load your containers on a feeder vessel, which takes them to a major port for transloading onto a trans-Atlantic vessel. For example, if the shipment originates in Portugal, you might ship it from Lisbon to one of the northern ports. From some cities in Europe, rather than use a feeder vessel, you might ship containers overland to a trans-Atlantic port. This option usually costs more, but when time is of the essence it could be the best choice. Shipments from Europe usually enter Canada through the Port of Montreal or the Port of Halifax. Port Saint John in New Brunswick also receives cargo from Europe, but not as much as the others. Of course, which Canadian port you use depends on your cargo’s final destination. Rates from Europe to Montreal and Halifax are comparable, and both ports offer good rail service at competitive rates. Depending on your needs, you might also ship to a US port such as New York and then transport the cargo into Canada by truck or rail.

How long does it take?

Steamship lines offer some remarkably fast service from Northern Europe to Eastern Canada. For example, under normal conditions, service from Hamburg to Montreal or Halifax takes only 8 to 10 days. Of course, as fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted transportation networks around the world, conditions today are anything but normal. As of late 2021, service from Hamburg to Montreal was taking about 15 to 20 days.

What does it cost?

Ocean rates for Europe-to-Canada shipping are similar to rates from Europe to the US East Coast. In normal times, shipping a 40-foot container from Europe to Montreal or Halifax costs about $3,000 to $4,000. These days, the rate is more likely to be $8,000 to $9,000.

Additional services

To clear your product through customs, you’ll need to engage a company that’s licensed to provide customs brokerage services in Canada. You’ll also need a logistics partner that maintains a global freight forwarder network , with experts on the ground in both Europe and Canada. An NVOCC with offices or partners on both continents can get you all the services you need, such as drayage, transloading and warehousing. With in-country expertise on local regulations, road networks and the business environment, the NVOCC will advise you on the most efficient and cost-effective way to transport your cargo and then monitor its progress along the way.

Heavyweight shipping and the spring thaw

Smart shippers save money on ocean transportation by taking advantage of heavy cargo shipping – loading as much weight as possible into their containers. While steamship lines may advise that you can load up to 44,000 lbs (19,958 kg) in a container, the actual legal limit is whatever local authorities let a trucker transport on the road, with the right equipment and overweight permits. Often, that’s as much as 55,000 lbs (24,948 kg).

In Canada, regulations for overweight loads vary by province. And – very important – these provincial regulations change in the spring. As frozen surfaces thaw, roadways become more vulnerable to damage. So provinces reduce the weight that truckers may transport over the road. Specific weight limits and timing vary from province to province, and from region to region within a province. For instance, in Ontario in 2021, spring thaw regulations started on March 1 everywhere but ended on April 30 in one zone, May 31 in a second zone and June 30 in a third. When you ship to Canada, make sure you know which rules apply on any roadways your cargo will use. Then, if possible, use heavy loading to reduce your per-unit transportation cost.

Get expert help with Europe-to-Canada shipping

The success of an international shipment depends on good decisions about all sorts of details. Which door-to-door route will keep you on schedule and under budget? Where can you find qualified, reliable drayage carriers? What’s the most efficient way to load the container? How should you classify your shipment for customs purposes? A North America logistics services partner with offices or trusted agents on both sides of the Atlantic, strong knowledge of this lane and a full range of freight forwarding services can help you plan and execute a hassle-free, cost-effective shipment. To get things rolling, get in touch with I.C.E. Transport.

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Cargo ship travel canada to europe

Cargo ship travel canada to europe See More Cruising on a cargo ship might seem unusual if not absurd. But travelers do tag along for the ride on working vessels that frequently are transporting cargo and stopping at sometimes mundane ports. For some people, the reason is flightless 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 about Cargo ship travel canada to europe. Do cargo ships even carry passengers? You’d be surprised. Cargo shipping is a globalised industry, responsible for 90% of transportation of goods worldwide. Each massive ship–some bigger than an aircraft carrier–carry cargo, goods, and materials for hundreds of businesses from around the world and stop at several ports in different countries. These vessels carry anything from garments to motor vehicles, and keep them in thousands of the stacked multi-coloured freight containers we are familiar with. Mundane might not sell cruises, but that word also could suggest an absence of gaudy tourism. Exotic, unspoiled attractions sometimes exist a short distance from an ordinary port city, and freighter cruise passengers generally have more time at a port for exploration for Cargo ship travel canada to europe.

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 in Cargo ship travel canada to europe. See More The Bergen Line has grown into a passenger/cargo combination line. The ships delivered mail in Scandinavia, mainly along Norway’s gorgeous western coast with trips to Iceland and Antarctica. Bergen now offers 11 ships that explore fairly small segments of that region.

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Traveling to Europe by boat

Hi everyone, I have a health condition that prohibits me from flying. Just wondering if anyone knows where I can find info on boat trips to Europe. I'll take a cruise ship, sail boat or cargo! Whatever is fast and cheap! Any thoughts you have would be appreciated Thanks!

Cunard's Queen Mary 2 has regular crossings from NYC to Southampton, UK, and some to Hamburg & Le Havre. However, if you want fast and cheap by sea, good luck!

If you are flexible, you have many options. Most of the cruises lines have repositioning cruises in the spring and fall as they move ships between Europe in the summer and Caribbean in the fall. The rates can be very reasonable in the range of $100 - $150/day. Obviously, round trips are not available. And, as mentioned early there is limited, regular service between New York and Europe. I have of heard of some cargo ships taking a few passengers but you would have to have a high sense of adventure for that. Not sure I would want to bounce around in the Atlantic on a cargo ship. 'Cause you would bounce. If you cannot fly that is about your only other choice.

I found websites of a couple travel agencies specializing in freighter travel. From what I've read in the past, the passenger accommodations on the freighters that offer it are reasonably comfortable. Also, considering how huge most freighters are, I doubt they'd be more "bouncy" than a cruise ship. However, the cost may not be less than Cunard's bases fares on the Queen Mary 2. https://www.freightercruises.com/ http://www.travltips.com/

Frank and Will: Please note that the OP specifies FAST and cheap. Repositioning cruises are not fast, neither are freighters.

In addition to any responses you get here, look at Cruise Critic (the "800 pound gorilla" of cruise websites). They don't seem to have a trans-Atlantic cruise forum, so you might start with their general questions forum: http://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?f=114 I agree that "fast," "cheap," and "trans-Atlantic boat" don't mix well in the same sentence.

As others have said there are no cheap/fast transatlantic crossings by ship. QM2 is 7 days each way and cheapest fare I saw was about $1500 each way (so $3000 r/t - twice a normal airfare), not to mention you have to get yourself back and forth to NY. If you can't fly are you prepared for 3 night train ride across US before even embarking on the ship (more time, more $$). You can research freighters that carry passengers but they may not be any faster or cheaper and I believe their schedules are erratic. So you're looking at min 4 weeks even for a short time in Europe, hardly worth it. I feel for you, I really do. If I couldn't fly to Europe I don't know what I'd do because I couldn't afford the time or money for the train/boat.

Yup. Sounds pretty hopeless. I think it will be cheaper and easier to grow a new pair of lungs...

Fast. Cheap. Good. Pick any two. It's the iron triangle of life. Sorry.

Hi Sarah, I have not travelled by freighter, but we are seriously considering it and I have done quite a bit of research on it. I have good friend who travelled on multiple freighters and loved it. It does take time, and the boats certainly do not have the "amusements" of a typical cruise ship, but my friend said the accomodations are actually pretty good. She compared them to "a standard Rick Steves recommendation, plus private bath." ha ha! Rooms on board generally include a sitting room, bedroom and bathroom. Rates run 80E-120E per night, including 3 meals, which I think is pretty good. You must be able to manage a lot of stairs. There is a lot of helpful info on freightercruises.com in case you want to do more research.

Thanks, Angela. That's really helpful info! I'll check it out!

Go to VacationsToGo.com and look for their repositioning cruises. Most head for Europe and the Mediterranean the third week of April. They come back to the Caribbean in October. Barcelona is the biggest port for cruises. There is another set of cruise ships operating out of Southampton and the North Sea. The repositioning cruises are dirt cheap--2 weeks of rest (and food.) Cruises are great ways to see many off he beaten path cities on the water in Europe, and they're very good values in travel.

Sarah, I thought of cruising as a way to avoid some of the difficulties that regular flights present. They are wonderful, even if you opt for a less glamourous one. My warning is that if you are traveling alone, you might be subjected to a mighty high upcharge. Cunard (which just ended a great sale) doubles the cost, for example.

Well if you make this your once-in-a-lifetime trip you could do the following. It would be neither fast nor cheap. Cruise from California (say San Diego) via the Panama Canal to Florida. Pick up a transatlantic to say Rome. Tour Europe by train ending up in England. Cruise back to say New York. Train back to California. This route would take 4 weeks just to get to Europe, say three weeks there, 10 days perhaps back to NYC and then several days by train back to CA. Then there is the whole cargo ship route which a friend of mine did and had a great time (he is quite self sufficient). Pleasant accommodations and decent food. He really enjoyed the crew (well those that spoke English or Spanish). Cheaper and can be actually faster. Well, cheaper is a relative term.

Hi Sarah, I've done a transatlantic from Rome to the US and it was wonderful. Cruising is perfect for everyone, even those with physical limitations and you can do whatever you want or don't want to do. It is also a very economical way to travel. It does get a bit tricky in going both directions by ship as most TA's are in the spring or fall, but a few, mostly Cunard, goes other times of the year. NCL's Epic ship has single rooms so that might be very appealing to you. Since you are a cruise ship newbie, I would recommend talking to a travel consultant.

Love it! Yes, a once in a lifetime trip but what a thing to cross off your bucket list!

So, it seems "fast and cheap" has become "extremely slow and not so cheap".

This topic has been automatically closed due to a period of inactivity.

How to travel to Europe by boat with a dog (dog friendly cruises to Europe)

*Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning, I get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through one of my links, at no cost to you.

Do you plan to travel to Europe and take your furry friend along? In this case you basically have 2 options: flying or going by boat. For some people, flying isn’t an option, either because they’re afraid or because their dog has health issues and can’t fly . Or maybe because they don’t want their dog to fly in cargo. If this is you, there’s finally another option for you: you can also go by boat!

First and foremost, I have to tell you that there’s currently only one option to travel to Europe by boat with a dog from the US and that is on Cunard Queen Mary 2 . If you choose to take your dog on this cruise ship, both you and your dog will be spoilt! But that comes at quite some cost: the crossing will set you back about $ 2’000 for you and your four-legged friend! But I’ll show you everything you need to know about it.

In case you’re just wondering about the options, I’ll also give you an overview about flying to Europe, the other possibility.

Table of Contents

Preparation

Before you travel to Europe by boat with a dog you need to get some things organized in order for your dog to be allowed to come along. Plus your dog will spend a lot of time in a crate on board of the boat, so you wanna prepare him for this as well.

Also keep in mind that there’s no vet on board , so make sure you visit one in advance. If you’ve ever noticed that your dog gets motion sick, ask your vet about that as well.

Health requirements

Luckily, it’s really easy nowadays to take your dog into Europe. These are the only requirements :

• Pet passport or EU health certificate 
• Rabies vaccination. It only counts after the implementation of the microchip and has to be done at least 21 days before you enter the EU.

You’ll arrive in the UK, so let’s first look at their health requirements for a dog to enter. This means that you also need to have a tapeworm treatment done on your dog, between 24h and 120 h before you enter the UK . And you need to get the health certificate for the UK . It’s also possible to add an extra 2 nights and go to Hamburg, Germany .

Making a reservation

It’s recommended to book your cruise experience at least a year in advance , as there are only 24 kennels per boat (they expanded in 2016) . Call them well in advance to make sure that there’s space for Fido before you make your own booking.

Crate training

In my opinion, crate training is essential for all kinds of traveling with your dog. Whether it’s in the car, on a plane or on a boat, there are so many occasions where a dog has to be in a crate, so you wanna make it comfortable for him. And the best way to achieve this is to teach your doggo to love his crate. Check out my guide on crate training in my post about the question if a dog can have fear of flying .

On the boat

So as I’ve mentioned before, there’s really only one option to travel to Europe by boat with a dog, and that is on Queen Mary 2 .

You’ll basically be a VIP, you and your dog are allowed to board and disembark the boat first. Once on board, you’ll surely receive lots of questions from interested fellow travelers. Here you can get a glimpse of what life is like for your dog on board of Queen Mary 2. Here’s  another article about the life on board.

Queen Mary 2  has a dedicated pets only area on deck 12 where only the pets and their owners are allowed. There are 2 indoor rooms, one is the sleeping room with the kennels in them. The other one is an indoor play area. Plus there’s an outside area for the dogs to play.

This cruise ship crosses the ocean from New York to Southhampton (UK) or to Hamburg (Germany). The ocean crossing takes 7 nights from New York to Southhampton (UK). If you wanna go Hamburg (Germany), it takes 9 nights.

His “cabin”, aka crate

There are two sizes:

Upper kennels’ dimensions: 27″ high, 35 1/2″ deep, 30″ wide.

Lower kennels’ dimensions: 36″ high, 35 1/2″ deep, 30″ wide.

The smaller ones cost $ 800, the bigger ones cost $ 1’000 . It’s also possible to book 2 kennels for your dog to have more space. You can take the separation walls out so you can make one giant kennel box.

Daily routine

While dogs are not allowed in guest staterooms or public areas, there are visiting hours, during which you can visit your pupper. These are:

• 8:00am to 10:00am
• 11:00am to 12:00pm
• 3:00pm to 6:00pm
• 8:00pm to 8:30pm

In order for you to spend the time on the cruise as a real holiday where you don’t have to take care of anything, the staff will look after your doggo. Pets will be walked, fed, played with, cleaned after and even receive a welcome gift! Pettravel  says: “Cunard’s “Pets on Deck” program, including adding a range of pet-friendly services and amenities such as fresh-baked biscuits at turn-down; a choice of beds and blankets; and even a QM2-logoed coat. As part of the enhanced program, traveling dogs and cats also receive a complimentary gift pack featuring a QM2-logoed coat, Frisbee, name tag, food dish and scoop; a complimentary portrait with pet owners; a crossing certificate and personalized cruise card.”

Michy Binkley has actually taken a video tour on the pets area of the boat. Make sure to check it out, it’s a great way to know what to be expected.

Dog friendly cruises in Europe

Once you’ve arrived in Europe, it’s not that difficult anymore to find boats that allow dogs. Here’s   an overview of pet friendly ferry crossings from the UK to mainland Europe.

Alternative

The only alternative would be to go by plane. In my post about how to manage a long flight with a dog in cabin you’ll find everything you need to know if you’re flying with a small dog. In case your dog has to fly in cargo, here are some things to look out for. Also make sure to check out my article about safety when flying with a dog in cabin .

Be aware that your dog is only allowed to enter the UK in cargo of an airplane . Dogs aren’t allowed to enter the UK on a plane in cabin .

For me personally, I’d always prefer to take a plane over a boat for long distance traveling with my dog. I’m a frequent flyer, though and I have a small dog who can fly in cabin. So for Baloo it’s really comfy, he can just sleep at my feet, absolutely nothing to worry about. While on a boat he’d have to be alone and around other dogs which is double stressful for him. So flying is the cheaper, more comfortable and faster way for us.

If you suffer from fear of flying, though, going by boat might be the better option for you. Given that you have the time, an ocean crossing on a boat can be a really cool experience. Also, it’s more of a luxury feeling, spending 7 nights on a gigantic cruise ship.

For your dog it can either be just as luxurious as for you or really stressful. If he likes being around other dogs and is crate trained, he’ll probably have a blast. But make sure that you start planning and training early so that he’s definitely ready for it.

Another thing to concern is that you’ll land in a specific port if you’re traveling by boat. From there you’ll have to take a car or public transport to get to other countries. This can be lovely if you have the time. If you only have limited time, flying allows you to immediately go to you final destination which is generally easier.

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Two nights, three provinces, and 1,600 miles. A sleeper train through Maritime Canada is slow travel at its best.

Via rail’s sleepy eastern route brings travelers through rural villages and towns in quebec, new brunswick, and nova scotia..

C HARLO, New Brunswick — I woke up with the sun peeking through the curtains of my sleeper car, and I couldn’t wait to see what was happening on the other side. I felt like a kid on Christmas morning, a kid with noticeable flecks of gray hair in his bedhead, but a kid just the same. I sat up, wrapped myself in the bed’s comforter like a burrito, and yanked back the drapes.

I was suddenly looking at a sunny snowscape in northern New Brunswick. This was a thrill because when I boarded the Via Rail train at Montreal Central Station the day before, there was no snow, and the sky was the color of dishwater. Having experienced little to no winter in Boston, seeing this Bing Crosby landscape was a refreshing change of pace.

While I slowly woke up, the train rumbled along the tracks, and I watched the broad blue expanse of Chaleur Bay slowly pass by. Across the water, the hills and cliffs of the Gaspé and Acadian peninsulas were visible. It was as if the entire scene had been timed perfectly for the morning entertainment of the train’s passengers.

I was traveling Via Rail Canada’s Ocean route from Montreal to Halifax. The train wasn’t as glamorous as the Rocky Mountaineer, nor was the scenery as grand as the Winnipeg to Churchill trip. But Via Rail’s 22-hour route is a lovely travel throwback with gorgeous scenery. Thanks to the strength of the US dollar against the Canadian dollar, I was able to score a sleeper car with a private bathroom (complete with a shower) for $400 a night. It also helped that I was traveling during mud season. Rates go up during the summer and into foliage season.

The fare included all meals, which were served in the dining car on actual plates with actual flatware. I reasoned that I was getting a room, all meals, and the constant entertainment of the ever-changing landscape for $400 a night. That seemed like a decent deal. I decided to book my return to Montreal on the train as well. That would give me a solid 44 hours on board.

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The train departed Montreal at 7 p.m. on Friday and was scheduled to arrive in Halifax at 5:51 p.m on Saturday. I was curious to see how Via Rail, Canada’s national rail company, compared with Amtrak, particularly its sleeper cars. As I cased out my room, I watched the Farine Five Roses sign and the rest of the Montreal skyline disappear behind us. My cabin was designed for two people, but I wanted a room with an en suite bath and shower. The cabin was about 30 square feet (not including the bathroom). It had a sofa that folded down to a bed, with a bunk bed that folded down above it. There was a narrow closet, and in the bathroom, there were towels, a bottle of shampoo, and a bar of soap.

It wasn’t the Ritz, but it was clean and cozy. These cars were built for the canceled European Nightstar train service in the late 1990s. The trains would have used the Chunnel to take passengers from London to cities in mainland Europe. When the project failed to materialize, Via Rail bought the cars and shipped them to Canada in 2000. Despite being in service for nearly 25 years, the train was in good shape.

After inspecting and unpacking, it was dinner time. We were well on our way to Quebec City by the time I sat down and perused the menu. I opted for leek-crusted chicken with wild rice pilaf and roasted butternut squash. This was better than any meal I had ever consumed on an Amtrak train . I was seated with a retired sports editor (pure coincidence) from New York. He had taken most of the Amtrak overnight trains in the United States and now wanted to sample Canada’s offerings.

He agreed with me that the food was better than Amtrak, and the train cars were generally in better condition, but he pointed out something I hadn’t noticed: The staff was much friendlier than the staff on Amtrak, and it made a huge difference. One of my chief complaints, particularly on Amtrak’s Silver Meteor, is that the staff often seemed surly.

By the time I finished dinner and returned to my room, the attendant had made up the bed. I decided I would try sleeping in the bunk, but I quickly soured on the idea when I realized the only way in and out was a narrow ladder. The bunk seemed a bit high for my liking. I folded it back and slept on the lower bed. The bed is 6 feet long and about 2½ feet wide, so it may not be ideal for taller passengers. The mattress was comfortable, and the comforter was wonderfully thick. Each cabin has individual temperature controls, so even though the temperature was in the single digits outside, I was tucked away comfortably for the night. I’m a light sleeper, but I dozed off quickly.

The next morning, it was time to test the shower. To my shock and delight, the water was hot enough, and the pressure wasn’t bad. I went to the dining car and tried the breakfast poutine. I concluded that poutine is a perfect all-day meal. I wrote “open 24-hour poutine restaurant” in my notebook and watched as the train gradually made its way inland. My breakfast companion was a retired teacher from Montreal who was going to visit her grandchildren in Halifax.

“Don’t you dare write anything bad about this train,” she sternly warned me as only a teacher could. “It’s my favorite way to get to Nova Scotia. If it shuts down I’ll blame you.”

The scenery out the window was always changing. When I left Montreal, it was gray. Coastal New Brunswick was snowy and bright, and as the train descended south, the snow disappeared, and the sky darkened. By the time we neared the Bay of Fundy, it was snowing, and then it was raining, and then the sun started peaking out.

The biggest frustration was that the train was running two hours behind schedule. I had made dinner reservations in Halifax for Saturday night but missed them because of the delay. I had one night in the city before getting back on the train the next day and lost precious time.

Another frustration I faced was that the train’s observation car was no longer used. One of the best parts of taking a scenic train is, well, watching the scenery. I could still see the countryside from my room, the lounge, or the restaurant, but the glass-domed observation car on the Ocean route was removed two years ago because of a track change in Halifax. Having that car would have made the experience even more special.

I got back on the train Sunday afternoon, settled into my new room, which was identical to the previous one, and headed back to the cafe car for lunch. All of this investigative reporting was really adding inches to my waistline. I tried the gnocchi pomodoro and decided to treat myself to a glass of local wine. Unlike Amtrak, alcohol is not free in Via Rail’s sleeper class. Again, I was impressed with the menu options, service, and food.

I watched the small towns blur past from the lounge car, one of the few places on the train where the internet was available. Even so, it was usually empty. The pace of train travel, devoid of the internet, is a rare treat. Eventually, a pair of sisters came into the lounge car and asked me if I wanted to play cards with them. I honestly couldn’t remember the last time I played cards, so I put down my camera and began a game of rummy. I can imagine that this was what travel was like before planes or even cars. Without screens, I was actually looking up, talking to people, and playing a game that wasn’t on my phone.

That night, before I went to bed, I opened my laptop and started scrolling through the photos I’d taken throughout the trip. I frantically scrolled up and down, looking for a big “wow” photo. I needed a picture with pizazz. Then I stopped scrolling and looked at the pictures together. This trip wasn’t about flashy sites or Instagrammable moments. It was a long weekend of fluffy waffles, snow banks, blue rivers, and expansive brown fields.

Mostly, however, it was about taking a moment to slow down and breathe.

Christopher Muther can be reached at [email protected] . Follow him @Chris_Muther and Instagram @chris_muther.