cargo ship cruise

Book Your Next Cargo Cruise

Featured adventures

Eco Pacific Voyage: Australia to Fiji

From australia to fiji, leaving in april 2024.

North Sea Nature Cruise: UK to Norway

From united kingdom to norway.

Baltic Breeze: Denmark to Estonia

From denmark to estonia, leaving in march 2024.

Mediterranean Eco-Tour: Greece to Spain

From greece to spain, latest videos.

Travelling on a Cargo Ship across the Caspian Sea

I Hitchhiked a Cargo Ship to Wherever it's Going

14 Days on a Cargo Ship During the Pandemic

Leaving soon.

Pacific Solar Glide: Japan to Australia

From japan to australia, flexible booking, book now and only pay once the reservation is confirmed by your ship captain., we make cargo cruise easy.

Curated experiences

We do research so you don't have to. every trip is verified for safety and stoke..

Sustainable travel

We care deeply about our planet and only work with responsible ship companies..

Adventure garantee

Didn't have a good time we'll adjust it in the future to improve further., latest articles.

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

What it's like to sail aboard a container ship [...] for solitude

Why Travelers Are Choosing Cargo Ships Over Cruise Ships

Need help finding your next trip.

Sustainability

Request a route, privacy policy, ship owners, travel agencies.

© 2024 CargoCruise. All rights reserved.

Tips for Cruising on a Cargo Ship

All About Traveling on a Freighter

 Dan Barnes/Vetta/Getty Images

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.

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.

So for the more adventuresome travelers among us, freighter cruises provide opportunities the vast majority of cruise passengers never experience. Are freighter cruises cheap? Price tags can be weighty, but the daily costs often work out to be quite reasonable. Also, keep in mind that you might need visas for some of the countries you stop at in the event you plan to disembark.

Freighter Cruise: Europe, Africa and Middle East

Mark D. Kahler

The Grimaldi Line  offers itineraries as short as 14 days from Southampton, U.K., but a more typical trip is of the 28- or 35-day variety. These trips can be booked through Maris Freighter Cruises starting at just more than 1,000 euros for the shortest trip and up to 3,600 euros or more for double-occupancy on the longest itinerary. The ports-of-call on these voyages are attractive. They include stops in Italy, Greece, Israel, and Turkey, as well as Dublin and Antwerp. 

The Royal Mail Ship RMS St. Helena makes frequent runs between Cape Town, South Africa, and the British island Ascension. 

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.

Freighter Cruise: North and Central America

Mark Kahler

Hamburg Süd has freighter cruises leaving from a number of European ports with itinerary lengths of up to 84 days. It can cost from 600 euros to 1,300 euros to go to ports cities in Norway, Sweden, Germany, and the Netherlands.

Maris' FreighterCruises.com offers trans-Atlantic itineraries that explore a number of American ports , including Miami, New Orleans, and Savannah. Daily charges for these trips can be quite economical. It is about the price of a discounted traditional cruise. However, a hidden cost on these trips may also be "port and vessel fees" that be significant on some trips.

Note that on these trips, the itineraries sometimes begin and end in Europe with multiple stops in North America. For those who want to start and end a freighter cruise in North America, a lengthy (think months) commitment of time usually is needed to sail to another continent and back again.

Freighter cruise: South America

Freighter cruises that explore South American ports typically leave from Europe. Embarkation takes place in Antwerp and Hamburg. You can also find trips leaving from Hong Kong.

Grimaldi offers departures about every nine days for South America from Tilbury, England, via West Africa. Yellow fever inoculations are compulsory. Another shorter freighter cruise ends in Buenos Aires. Costs for an inside cabin are paid in euros.

Hamburg Süd offers South American freighter itineraries that vary between about one to three months. Because the number of days is large, the costs mount quickly. But the ports-of-call would be hard to match on many conventional cruise lines. Included in the trip itinerary: Rio de Janeiro, Santos, Zárate, Buenos Aires, Montevideo, and Paranagua.

Freighter cruise: Asia and Australia

CMA CGN offers a Trans-Pacific itinerary connecting the Americas with China and Japan.

Hamburg Süd has a few long-transit options between Singapore and Hamburg. Daily costs are low, but again, remember that the number of days at sea can result in a large bill. Quite a few ports-of-call are along the Pacific Rim. These voyages are for people who are willing to leave home for months at a time. If you're planning a trip of this magnitude, you should compare prices and itineraries with traditional cruises and other freighter lines.

Hamburg Süd also offers an East Asia/Far East route, on "the largest container vessel of the world." 

The Aranui 3 line operates round-trip cruises from Tahiti and will arrange picnic lunches and shore excursions for its passengers. Unlike many freighter cruise operations, Aranui will even make arrangements for special diets if given proper notice.

Freighter Cruise Pros

So, why should you even consider a freighter cruise? Take a look at the savings: fares are often under $200 per person per day, according to Margi Mostue, retired president of Freighter World Cruises. Many traditional cruises run that much or more per passenger, per day.

There are no planned activities, but the trade-off is a high degree of privacy. A typical freighter only can accommodate about 20 passengers—and many take even fewer. You can spend the day on deck in a lounge chair, reading your favorite book with no disturbances. Many of us prefer that experience to a highly orchestrated shipboard experience.

Many freighters do offer basics like an exercise room, reading room, and a movie collection at your disposal. A few even have swimming pools.

One traditional cruise activity that should be better on a freighter is the bridge tour. The ship's officers are likely to have much more time for your questions. Mostue says many freighter passengers actually forge life-long friendships with crew members. Obviously, this will vary from ship to ship and crew to crew.

Cruise lines tend to target ports that are favored tourist destinations. While this is not a bad thing, it can mean incredible congestion. Some relatively small port cities host several large luxury liners at the same time. Freighter captains pull into ports to deliver cargo. The odds are slim that you will put into a small port congested with tourists.

Freighter Cruise Cons

Taking on a few paying passengers to create an added revenue stream is nice, but it is not priority one on a freighter cruise. For that reason alone, this is not a good option for many budget travelers.

For example, if the crew decides for business reasons to bypass a port you have targeted, you will probably get a brief explanation and perhaps an apology. That's it. The cargo comes first. You must accept that before leaving port, and for many budget travelers, this is not acceptable.

Passenger cruise ships are engineered for comfort, and all but a few of the oldest ships have modern stabilizers that steady the ship in rougher seas. On a cargo ship, you might need your sea legs. So, if you are someone who is prone to motion sickness, think carefully about booking passage on a cargo ship. Check with the freighter line for an estimate of how stable the ship will be in the conditions of seas typical during your intended season of travel.

The odds of traveling with a qualified ship's doctor are smaller than what is found aboard a traditional cruise. Maximum and minimum ages are often part of the agreement.

Delays can occur as shipments of freight are weighed, loaded, or unloaded. Also, if you want to dress up for dinner with the captain, attend lavish cocktail parties, and experience culinary pleasures like ice carvings, you will not get that and may be disappointed. Special dietary needs may not also be accommodated. 

In short, if you require a lot of attention from the staff, freight cruising might not be a good choice. These trips are for people who have no qualms about landing in port, making their own local arrangements, and taking off for a day of exploring. Prepaid shore excursions through the line are not an option. 

Accommodations differ from traditional luxury cruises, too. Although cabins might be bigger, beds probably will fall mostly in the twin and double categories. Furnishings will be pleasant and functional, but do not look for luxury.

The biggest drawback of all prevents most budget travelers from booking a freighter cruise. The lengths of these trips often are measured in months rather than days. Even the shorter freighter cruise itineraries can require a time investment of a  month or more. That said, it is possible to book shorter segments in places like Europe or the Americas.

The Bottom Line

Freighter cruises are favored by retired travelers or those who have arranged extended leaves of absence from the workplace. Families with a traditional window of vacation time (three weeks or less in most of North America) will find freighter cruise options difficult to arrange.

But if you have that precious commodity of time on your side, these trips come with some handsome financial rewards. For those who enjoy the itinerary and the exploration more than the water slides and the organized shipboard entertainment will find freighter cruise options quite attractive. Load your mobile device with a variety of good book titles, exercise some patience, and revel in the sea air.

These trips are rare in our hurried society. If you are privileged to take one, be grateful for the money you will save and the uncommon cruising experience you will have.

Mediterranean Cruise Maps

10 Strategies for Booking Cheap Cruises

Freighter Travel Gets You There Slowly but Surely

The Best October Anniversary Travel Ideas

River Cruises Offer Pros and Cons for Budget Travel

Cruising to Antarctica: Ships and Time of Year to Go

The Different Types of Adventure Travel

Cruise Ship Shore Excursions on the Cheap

How to Travel From Civitavecchia to Rome by Train and Shuttle

Guide to Marseille and Aix-en-Provence

How to Charter a Private Yacht

18 Things You Didn't Know About Cruising to Antarctica

Top Tips for Planning a European Cruise Vacation

I Sailed on the World's Largest Cruise Ship. Here's What It Was Like

Holland America Eurodam's Best Shore Excursions

Disney Magic - Western Mediterranean Cruise Travel Log

• IDEAL STARTERS TRIPS
• WITH VEHICLE
• PHOTOS AND VIDEOS
• IN THE MEDIA
• STEP BY STEP
• FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
• CONSCIOUS TRAVEL
• INFO MOMENT

Your next adventure starts here.

You ever wonder what life on board a cargo ship is like from 100 euros a day you can travel aboard an ocean giant, with your own cabin. voyages take from 6 to 119 days and the ships sail to just about anywhere in the world., living between water and air., travel with us aboard a cargo ship, are you looking for time a unique and authentic way to travel do you allow yourself to travel slowly and consciously do you long to escape the masses and don't need entertainment, for you, being on the road is more important than the destination curious about what the beauty of seas and oceans does to you do you want an adventure that will last a lifetime or even change your life.

How's it going? in his work?

A unique and authentic way to travel, do you allow yourself to travel slowly and consciously your story starts with telling us on which sea or ocean you want to spend time and when you want to start your adventure. we will help you arrange all the necessary paperwork for a carefree cargo ship adventure., an overview of the ports where our cargo ships call., join us aboard a cargo ship., who is the inspiration behind cptnzeppos, joris van bree, seeper of cptnzeppos, driven by curiosity, inspired by the red star line museum, i left the port of antwerp in the summer of 2018. living between water and air, away from the masses, being on the road with just a few passengers, with seas of time, without internet... it gave me peace and inspiration, crossing the atlantic ocean., i divided the time on board between conversations with fellow passengers and crew, writing, photographing and filming, enjoying the colours of water and sky. my stay on board the atlantic sun, on my way to new york, was an overwhelming experience. cptnzeppos was born, with only one mission: giving people the chance to make their dreams come true by travelling aboard a cargo ship..

Stay on the altitude.

Sign up for the newsletter with new stories, destinations and much more. we respect your privacy and therefore we act in accordance with the data protection act gdpr..

CptnZeppos uses cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site, we assume that you are satisfied with it.

Privacy Preference Center

Privacy preferences.

CptnZeppos use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site, we assume that you are satisfied with it.

• 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

What it's like to sail aboard a container ship, where travelers trade the amenities of a cruise ship for solitude

• Leisure cruising aboard a freighter vessel is a beloved but niche form of travel.
• Unlike a cruise ship, there are no nightclubs, water slides, and crowds of people aboard a freighter.
• See what it's like sailing aboard a cargo vessel and how it compares to a traditional cruise.

Imagine two weeks out at sea aboard a behemoth ship.

No, not on a cruise ship with bars, pools, water slides, and hospitality — we're talking about a freighter vessel used to transport cargo between ports.

Sailing on a freighter doesn't have the same frills of taking a cruise with Royal Caribbean or Carnival: There's no WiFi, no nightclubs, and no plush bars.

And for the most part, you could be stuck on these ships for two to three weeks at a time.

To some leisure travelers, this form of travel may seem hellish. After all, aren't you vacationing for a relaxing, pampering getaway?

But to a niche set of travelers, sailing aboard a cargo cruise — just you, a handful of other travelers, and the crew — is a dreamy way to unplug from the excess luxuries of the world.

And travelers are willing to pay $100 to $150 a day to cruise on a cargo ship.

Source: Insider

"It's got a unique smell of pitch, sea salt, food, and stale bodies. It gets in your blood," Hamish Jamieson, founder of New Zealand-based Freighter Travel, told Insider. "It's a wee bit like going to your favorite cabin in the middle of autumn."

You won't find the typical cruise sights of sunburning tourists, nighttime shows, and children swimming in pools on a freighter ship.

Instead, imagine a quieter, more meditative form of travel.

"The limited activities you can do onboard helps you calm down," Arne Gudde, founder of Berlin-based Slowtravel, told Insider.

Travelers still get their own hotel room-like cabin filled with furnishings like a bathroom, bed, closet, couch, desk, and power outlets.

And there are some onboard amenities reminiscent of that of a cruise ship, like a communal library, and gym.

Like a typical cruise, passengers still get three meals a day, including occasionally luxurious feasts like steak, coq au vin, and salmon.

But unlike a Royal Caribbean cruise where tours of "behind the scenes" sections of the ship come at an extra cost, travelers on a freighter ship are free to explore the engine room and visit the bridge, the vessel's command center.

And the crew aren't there to provide travelers with on-call hospitality, comfort, and service, although they're often eager to chat about the ins and outs of a freighter and life at sea.

Gudde suggests bringing a book, watching a movie, or exploring the nooks and crannies of the ship.

Just make sure you pack efficiently — Freighter Travel allows about 221 pounds worth of luggage per person, and about 55-pounds per bag, Jamieson said.

But most importantly, bring your patience. You’ll need lots of it while managing the superfluity of time to yourself at sea and dealing with the logistics of cargo transport.

Travelers looking to cruise on a freighter are still subject to the unpredictability of the ship’s schedule: It’s not there for the purpose of bringing you from one destination to another.

"Flexibility is the key," Jamieson said. "But it's also half the fun."

If this has piqued your interest in freighter travel, unfortunately, you'll have to be patient.

Cargo cruises are still stalled amid COVID-19, creating wait lists as long as hundreds, maybe thousands of people, Gudde said.

Fans of this much-beloved form of "slow travel" are patiently hoping for a return later this year or in 2023.

• Main content

5 Cool Cargo Ship Cruises

Conjure an image of what’s it is like to go on a cruise. Are you picturing buffet dinners? On-deck spinning classes? Retirees playing shuffleboard? Many cruises really are like that. But if you’re looking for a different sort of cruise scene consider traveling by cargo ship.

Cargo ship travel is the un-cruise. There’s nothing fabricated about it. Every day thousands of freighters ply the high seas. Some of them have extra state rooms and accept passengers to tag along for the ride. This is as “real” as travel gets.

Of course, cargo ship cruising is not for everyone. Cargo ships don’t have swimming pools, evening entertainment, rock climbing walls or organized mixers on Lido decks. Go on a cargo ship cruise and there might be as many as four or five other paying passengers like yourself. Or, you may be the only one. And while cargo ships often have comfortable sleeping quarters they’re unlikely to be luxurious.

To book passage on a cargo ship you can go directly through some shipping lines. But we recommend working through a travel agent that can vouch for the quality of the food and accommodations and can make sure your itinerary includes sufficient shore leave time. One of the best agents for cargo ship cruises is Intrepid Travel . Here’s a look at their five cool cargo cruise ship itineraries:

Tahiti is teaming with small beach-filled islands. So what better way to see the country than by boat? Of course, you don’t want to spend your entire trip on a boat. The itinerary of Intrepid’s Tahiti cargo ship cruise is 14 days long; 12 of those days include shore time. And on every day you’ll have gourmet meals made from local produce and fresh-caught fish. Visit island outposts, gaze upn green jungles and jump into swimming holes . . . if the tiki gods allow it.

Departs from: Papeete | # of days: 14

England to Argentina

Wow! One working container ship. One month. Three continents. The exact itinerary of this Intrepid freighter cruise depends on the cargo being carried by your specific ship. Typically, this cruise calls upon ports in Belgium, France and Spain before stopping in Casablanca. From there you’ll bounce around West Africa—the opportunity to explore in Senegal, Sierra Leone, Gambia and Guinea are all possible—before heading out across the Atlantic. You’ll make your South American landfall in Brazil, visiting Rio and up to three other Brazilian ports, before stopping in Montevideo, Uruguay on the way to your final destination, Buenos Aires.

Departs from: Tilbury, UK (near London) | # of days: 32

Italy To Israel and Back

Venice is one of the world’s great, ancient sea ports making it the perfect location from which to start your cargo cruise exploration of great, ancient Mediterranean civilizations. The first stop on this Intrepid cargo cruise is Piraeus (the port adjacent to Athens, Greece) for a visit to the Acropolis. Then you head to Israel, where you’ll have enough shore time to experience Jerusalem (one of Spot Cool Stuff’s favorite cities in the world) and the Druze villages around Haifa. On the return trip to Venice you’ll make port stops in Turkey, by ruins of Ephesus, and in Ravenna, Italy, an ancient city that’s connected to the Adriatic by a canal and that’s teaming with early Christian monuments on the World Heritage List.

Departs from: Monfalcone, Italy (near Venice) | # of days: 15

Northern Europe to Western Africa

Dakar is known as “the Paris of Africa”—the Senegalese capital has that sort of high culture, romantic vibe and outstanding food. (Dakar might also be known as “the Paris of Africa” because they speak French there and have snooty taxi drivers). What better way to get to Dakar from Europe than by freighter? Intrepid’s two week cargo ship journey starts in Amsterdam and calls upon ports in Germany, England and Belgium before steaming for Senegal.

Departs from: Amsterdam | # of days: 14

England and the Aegean

We saved our favorite of Intrepid’s cargo ship cruises for last. The itinerary starts with port stops in a few cities of Europe’s coolest yet least-visited port cities: Bristol (England), Flushing (Netherlands), Antwerp (Belgium) and Setubal (Portugal). Then there’s a stop in exotic Casablanca before your cargo ship heads into the Mediterranean. Explore the full length of what is arguably history’s most important body of water. Stops include ports in Greece, Turkey, Italy, Egypt and Spain before your ship returns to England.

Departs from: Southampton, UK | # of days: 35

LEARN MORE & BOOK (click on “Adventure Cruising”) | JOIN US ON TWITTER / FACEBOOK

I would like to travel in a cargo ship from England to Argentina with my family in next year. Great info here. Thanks.

[ Reply to this comment ]

Twitter: TravelExplosion Tahiti is a little hard to get to but man is it beautiful! There’s no stress in a day that that clear blue water can’t cure.

Michelle Reply: March 5th, 2013 at 12:29 am

With flights leaving Los Angeles everyday non stop to Tahiti it’s very easy to get there and it’s only an 8 hour flight.

Cruises are the best, I went on one this past summer and it was by far one of my favorite vacations.

Thanks for all the helpful information about cargo ship cruising which I look forward to with great enthusiasum however, at this time I’m not quite ready financially but in due course this is what I anticipate!

I am fit healthy and experienced in luxury cruising but would love to find people who are of the same mind to explore places anywhere in the world on cargo ships. I am an attractive educated Australian woman of 62

Any suggestions on how to find adventuous companions who also read and converse?

I can be reached at 255 N El Cielo Rd, Suite 140-433, Palm Springs, Ca 92262 USA

Jackie J Reply: June 8th, 2012 at 9:48 pm

I am interested in a cruise with a cargo ship as well. Send me an email to [email protected]

Kevin Reply: December 8th, 2012 at 9:09 pm

Looking for a travel companion and would love to try a cargo ship. I’m a 51 year old single male who lives in California & Colorado in the USA. I’m 6’2″, 220lbs, have all my hair and am spontaneous. Would love to her from like minded females!!

Kevin Lv4wine at yahoo

How can I travel by cargo or container ship from Hawaii to Canada, the US Mainland, or Mexico?? How do I arrange this? Mahalo for any help! aloha BJ

Thank you for the very informative blog. I and my husband are due to set on our freighter trip soon organised by Sea Travel Limited – seatravelltd.co.uk and we have told a few people about our freighter travel plans and we have had wonderful responses. A lot of our friends expressed interest in going, and I referred them to your blog as it has been very helpful. By the way Sea Travel Limited has been very efficient and responsive. If anybody is interested their contact email is [email protected] Regards, K. Wheeler

Hi, My wife and I would like to travel in a cargo ship from Australia to Europe next year (2012). Our preference is for a French ship. Can you help with information? Thanks in anticipation and kind regards, Hugh Webb

I would love to have information on how to get an opportunity to work on board of one those cargo ships. I did worked before on some different cargo ships (Panamanian flag, Cyprus flag), also on a cruise ship of the Carnival Cruise Line. But is been a while since, and now I would like to go back. Please any information how , where or whit whom I need to talk to get a job on board a cargo ship. Thanks in advance. Johnny [email protected] 0523114565571

Just came across your article. I had a wonderful experience. Just finished a trip on Eiffel with Sea Travel Ltd – http://www.seatravelltd.co.uk . They are agents booking cargo ship travel. I went from Charleston to Egypt and had excellend service from them and the crew. Recommend it to all. You will love that type of travel.

I have done a few freighter cruises and I booked them through Sea Travel Ltd. here are their details [email protected] or web page http://www.seatravelltd.co.uk . Hope that helps. People might visit their site and see what they can do and offer. Good luck and happy sailing

Hello, My main interest in Cargo Ships stems from author Alex Haley’s description of the extremely bright stars visible out at sea unhindered by light and smog pollution. Can anyone attest to this? Are the ship’s lights very bright and defeat the whole purpose? Thanks!

I’m interested and ready to take a trip. I’ve worked on lots of equipment used on a ships. Everything from Hydrauilics, air conditioning, to generator sets. Is there a way I can some how leverage a postion by performing such work in return?

I am looking to see if there are cargo ships accepting passengers travelling from North America. If so where do they travel to and could you give me an idea as to duration and cost.

Twitter: seatravelltd Dear Nora,

We can assist with reservation aboard cargo ship from Europe to Argentina. Please visit our website and particularly freighter travel destinations to choose which voyage would you be interested in and we can revert with availability and offer.

We hope to hear from you soon. Our email address is: [email protected]

Twitter: seatravelltd Hi Everybody,

Sea Travel Ltd offers freighter travel worldwide. We can certainly assist with a booking. Please email us on : [email protected] or visit http://www.seatravelltd.co.uk Hope that helps.

Hi, my name is Nora. I would like to contact the cargo ship company from U.K. to Argentina as I am planning to move with my family in mid December along with my belonging.Any useful information, please? Thanks

Do you have any options from the Philippines to the US?

Spot Cool Travel Stuff Reply: October 20th, 2009 at 8:26 am

I don’t think Intrepid does but you can contact them directly and ask. There seems to be interest in other cargo ship route. We’ll put our research team on it and come out with another post.

please check, if there is a possibility, to go from israel, haifa or ashdod to mainland greece or italy at beginning of july, not later then 7.th. one way. for 1 women with a dog. thank you. dieter luensee

Spot Cool Travel Stuff Reply: June 9th, 2009 at 12:58 pm

We don’t run these cargo cruises ourselves. I suggest you check with Intrepid Travels and/or contact the cargo lines opperating out of Israel directly.

i need some concrete info on how to get from Panama to South America on a cargo ship. i have NO idea how to do this. thanks.

Spot Cool Travel Stuff Reply: June 5th, 2009 at 2:28 pm

I so wish we could help. There’s not even a good guidebook on the subject.

The best of the guides is Travel by Cargo Ship . In its day it was an excellent book that day was back in 1995. I don’t know how much of the info in the book is still good.

Vacation Adventures on a Cargo Ship is a very recent book but only around 20% of it deals with hardcore practical advice. The rest is more of a travel narrative. (A very good travel narrative but maybe not what you yourself are personally looking for).

So, if you have any inclination to write a practical guide to do-it-yourself cargo ship cruising the market could really use one. Or, if you figure out how to make your voyage and want to write a guest post about it for our site we’d love to have you.

We love cargo ships!

It is really a great way to travel. You can really go about any where on them and you don’t need to book them through anyone. It is easy to just book your own and go independently to exactly where you want to go.

Another great one is the one that goes from the UK to Sweden! Fabulous new ship with great food. There were only 3 other passengers besides our family. It is a very peaceful way to travel.

Soultravelers3’s last blog post.. Family Travel Photo-Happy Earth Day!

Well you are right. Cargo Ships travel is different that all others. You will not have good French kitchen, no spa centers, maybe one pool and fitness hall. But if you want to feel the sea-life this is the right choice definitely. I worked on cargo ship about 10 years and visited so many places – Abigan, Barcelona, Casablanca, Rio, Rotterdam and really hundreds more. I can tell you that some of these places are even better than clasic cruise destinations.

Leave a Response

Name (required)

Email (will not be published) (required)

XHTML: You can use these tags: <a href="" title=""> <abbr title=""> <acronym title=""> <b> <blockquote cite=""> <cite> <code> <del datetime=""> <em> <i> <q cite=""> <s> <strike> <strong>

Notify me of followup comments via e-mail

View All Voyages!

Below you will find a list of our very best offers all of which are brought to you exclusively by Cargo Ship Voyages! Feel free to give our friendly team a call should you not be able to find what you are looking for. Voyages are listed alphabetically.

Can't find what you're looking for?

No problem, simply tell us what you want using the form below and we will find it for you!

CALL NOW ON

+44 (0) 1983 303314, to secure your cabin, sign up for our, latest news & offers.

GoNOMAD Travel

Inspiration and links to plan your trip.

Freighter Travel Costs and Questions

Travel by Cargo Ship: What You Should Know about Freighter Travel

By R.F. Ahern, “The Freighterman”

LISTEN TO OUR FREIGHTER TRAVEL PODCAST EPISODE

Remember the old stories of adventurers who would hop a cargo ship to get to an exotic port of call, traveling like a sailor or Merchant Marine? Well, the good news is that it’s still possible. Travel by cargo ship continues to interest our most curious and intrepid readers.

Freighter Travel is Popular

You can travel from one port to another or around the world by freighter. It’s relatively inexpensive (compared to other cruise ships) and easy to do as more and more freighter companies come on board to offer passenger service.

Freighter Travel

Most freighters only have room for a limited number of passengers, and, while you won’t be bunking with the crew anymore, traveling by freighter is still enough of an alternative mode of transportation to keep regular cruise tourists standing in the buffet line.

Your accommodations will be quite adequate–sometimes even a reconfigured Captain’s berth! – and all your meals while at sea will be provided. But unlike a regular cruise ship, you won’t find an onboard disco or gambling casino.

On the other hand, you may have more than one-night playing cards with the crew or sitting quietly on the deck watching the stars. Some freight ships have swimming pools!

Check out these FAQs on freighter travel , provided by R.F. Ahern, “The Freighterman,” who has traveled around the world and then some by freighter ship. Then hop a freighter and sail the seven seas like a real voyager!

WHERE CAN I GO BY FREIGHTER?

You can travel from just about any major port in the world to any other port. Some freighters also go to places you’ve never even heard of. Most lines have regular routes and transatlantic crossings. Frequently you can catch a “tramp” that has no fixed ports of call. Americans cannot travel between one U.S. port and another. From South America to Asia, the ships cross all of the world’s oceans.

CAN ANYONE TRAVEL ON A FREIGHTER?

No. Usually, the upper age limit is 79, the lower is about 5 years. These upper and lower limits may vary from one shipping company to another. If you are over 65, you will generally be required to get a medical certificate from your physician certifying you are fit to travel. Pregnant women are usually not permitted.

If you have difficulty negotiating stairs, this will also preclude you from travel on a freighter. Since all of the passenger-carrying containerships are sailing under a foreign flag they are not subject to American laws requiring accommodation of disabled individuals

HOW LONG IS A FREIGHTER VOYAGE?

The average length of a freighter voyage is 40 to 50 days, though there are some shorter trips available last a couple of weeks. A roundtrip from the U.S. West Coast to Australia/New Zealand and return takes about 46 days. An around the world voyage lasts generally 80 to 100 days or more. Hong Kong China to Los Angeles USA, has an estimated average time between 18 to 20 days of transit port to port.

A westbound voyage from Los Angles, CA. to Hamburg , Germany is about 41 days.

CAN I TAKE A SEGMENTED CARGO SHIP TRIP?

Many people do not like to take a roundabout freighter travel voyage, having neither the time nor the 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. These kinds of voyages are popular with people who only have a couple of weeks to travel, and only want to spend some it at sea.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO TRAVEL ON A FREIGHTER?

Travel by freighter, the average cost of a voyage is just about $100.00 US per day, for a single person traveling in a single cabin. It is always more expensive for a single to book a double cabin and always cheaper per person for double occupancy of a double cabin.

There is an additional charge of about $262.00 for deviation insurance and a $12.50 customs charge per person departing or entering the country. Keep in mind that more than one owner/charter may have vessels on a given route. The fare charged by different owners on the same route can vary considerably. Shop around.

Historically, German owners have had a two-tier pricing system, with euro prices lower than the prices quoted in US dollars. If you want to convert euros to dollars, you can use a currency converter. I have been advised that American agents are striving for a single pricing system so that the cost of a voyage is exactly the same for a given ship, regardless of where the traveler calls home, or currency of payment.

HOW DO I BOOK A FREIGHTER VOYAGE?

Most travel agents do not book freighter voyages. You will have to book through an agent that specializes in freighter cruises or directly through the ship’s agent/manager. Remember that there may be voyages available that the travel agent is not advertising on the Internet or elsewhere. If you want to go on a particular voyage, ask the agent what they have available. Remember also that not all agents offer the same voyages.

WHEN SHOULD I MAKE MY TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS?

Unlike an airline, you cannot call your travel agent on a Friday evening and expect to leave on Monday (except for hopping a Tramp Voyage–covered later). Allow several months to plan your trip. I usually start early in January to arrange for a mid-April departure. However, some routes are very popular and you may have to arrange for your voyage many months ahead of your desired departure date. While some freighters depart on exact date and time, others have a window for departure. Be flexible.

New offerings are becoming available every month, so it is possible you can schedule a trip on short notice, but it is better to plan far in advance. Remain flexible with your travel plans. I recently booked a voyage only to be notified the ship I was to board in Los Angeles had grounded and would be unavailable for more than a month after my planned departure date.

Luckily, I was able to hop another ship leaving a few days earlier than I had planned.

WHAT IS A FREIGHTER TRAVEL OPTION?

An option is a period of time within which the pre-payment of a portion of the cost of a voyage must be made. Once your travel agent tenders your voyage, your agent will ask for payment of $500.00, to be paid within a couple of weeks, if you live in the US, to secure your cabin. Full payment is due usually 60 days before the ship’s departure.

If you live in Europe it is customary to be required to make a deposit equivalent to 25% of the cost of the voyage. One agent told me that it is customary in some European countries for the agent to expect payment in full once you have contracted for a voyage, even if you are required to cancel the trip.

WHAT IS A TRAMP VOYAGE

Tramps are cargo ships that have no fixed schedule or ports of call; they go where the cargo is and drop it off where it’s supposed to go. Often, tramp voyages have passenger rooms and travelers can book them. The advantage is that you can get a cheaper voyage to a remote destination at the last minute.

The downside is that you might not be able to get away from that port until another tramp comes along. Tramp voyages are often listed in booking agency’s “Last Minute Specials.”

WHAT SIZE OF SHIP IS BEST?

Having traveled on small container ships (those carrying 1,000 or fewer containers, under 15,000 d.w.t. and about 485 feet) and large ones (4,500 containers or more, over 63,000 d.w.t. and 950 feet in length) I much prefer the former. Traveling on large ships is like being on a cruise ship. By this, I mean it is very stable. The majority of the time you are unaware of the fact that you are at sea!

So, if you like the feel of the sea, think small. Another potential disadvantage of a larger ship is the possibility that it may berth at a newer pier and thus, it may be inconvenient or far away to get from the ship to the port city (for example, the Port of Kaohsiung, Taiwan ).

Large ships obviously have larger engines. Accordingly, the engine air intakes, usually on the “A” deck, generate a lot of noise outside of the vessel. These large engines produce a lot of carbon discharge, making decks D and E, where passenger cabins are usually located, quite dirty.

Video: What’s It Like Inside a Cabin on a Freighter Ship?

CAN I WORK ON A FREIGHTER FOR ALL OR PART OF MY PASSAGE?

The answer is simple. NO! Sit back and enjoy the ride.

SO WHAT CAN I DO ON A FREIGHTER?

Remember, that a freighter is a working ship and passengers are secondary. Thus, there is no such thing as a cruise director or any planned activities other than watching a VCR or doing your laundry. But there’s plenty of time to read, get some sun, hang out on the bridge. What is life on board a freighter trip like? What is the daily routine?

Meals are something I looked forward to as they provided an opportunity for some interesting conversation with the ship’s officers. Some ships have pools, often below the main deck. One smaller container ship that I was on was only able to fill the pool half full to prevent the water from sloshing out in rough weather. Bring plenty of books or your Kindle filled with reading.

You can buy all the beer and hard liquor you want to mellow out, tax-free. But, don’t expect to find your favorite Scotch or Rye whiskey on board. Selections are limited, but there is enough booze on board to keep any hardcore alcoholic happy.

WILL I GET SEASICK?

Could be. Unlike cruise ships, there are no stabilizers on a cargo ship voyage. Accordingly, there can be a significant amount of pitch and roll, depending on the size of the ship, the amount of cargo, and the weather. Most of the time, waves do not exceed 15 feet (about 3 meters), usually less.

There are two things to remember about being seasick: You feel like you are going to die and then you realize that you won’t! As a general rule, the bigger the ship and the more cargo aboard, the smoother the “ride”. I recently sailed on the Cho Yang Atlas, a 965-foot, and 4,500 T.E.U. container ship and was not even aware of the fact that I was at sea.

CAN I BRING ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES?

All ships have a 220-volt power supply. The U.S. standard is 110 volts. Accordingly, you should check to see if your computer, razor, radio, etc., have a 110-220V-option switch. If not, you will need a converter. If you are from the U.S., you will need a plug converter (square to round prongs, but you can usually find one on the ship). A small, portable, AM/FM/SW radio is nice to have along, so you can stay in touch with what’s going on in the world.

WHAT CAN I BUY ON-BOARD?

Cigarettes, beer, soft drinks, toothpaste, and the like. All transactions are in U.S. dollars, no checks, or credit cards; often the price of these items is quoted in the currency of the country of registry or vessel ownership, but there may be exceptions. There is no tax on items purchased on the high sea, however, the ship’s “slop chest” is locked while the ship is in port.

WHAT SHOULD I PACK TO WEAR?

It depends on where you are going and the time of year. Attire is very informal. Jeans, T-shirts, and shorts will work. Leave your coats and ties at home as well as any fancy dresses, unless you want to wear them ashore. Rubber-soled shoes (not boat shoes) are a must. Leather-soled shoes should be left at home. Since shoes are removed in all carpeted areas of the ship they should be easy to take on and off. This is important as often the deck is wet or has residue from the engine’s exhaust.

IS A FREIGHTER NOISY?

Not really, unless you like to hang out in the engine room. There is a much higher noise level than on a cruise ship, but, like vibration, it is minimal.

One exception is the noise generated by the engine intake fans located on the main deck or first deck. Engine exhaust noise is felt and heard on large ships, though not to the extent that it is annoying.

WHAT LANGUAGES ARE SPOKEN ABOARD SHIP?

English, but not necessarily American English. On my last cruise, the Belgian Captain spoke excellent English, but the Ukrainian officers had limited ability with English. Most of the Filipino crew had a decent command of the language.

WHAT ABOUT SHIPBOARD ETIQUETTE?

All members of the ship’s crew are addressed as “Mister” unless they tell you to call them by their first name. Do not go on the bridge without asking for permission. Usually, passengers have access to the bridge at all times.

The only exception may be during the period the harbor pilot is aboard. As you will be in an entirely new environment, it will take a few days to get a feeling for the ship and its crew.

It is a good idea to learn the name of all officers and crew (there are only 17-20) as soon as possible. It is also recommended that you learn a few words or phrases in the native language or languages of the crew members.

CAN I BRING MY PET?

No. However, you can ship your four or five favorite polo ponies from here to there in a container! Of course, the owner is required to have them accompanied by a trainer/keeper, and they will be subject to quarantine regulations.

WHAT ABOUT VISAS?

Check with your travel agent to be sure of the visa requirements of the various countries. Non-US citizens must have a visa to enter the United States by cargo ship. Australia requires a visa for all foreign nationals arriving by ship. Ditto for China , but not Hong Kong. The fact that you never leave the vessel is of no consequence. Most countries do not even bother to stamp your passport, though they do check it.

It has been my experience that the Captain will ask for your passport after you board and you may be invited to his cabin for a “chat” with immigration officials after docking, though in this is not the case in most large ports, such as Hong Kong.

Again, it depends on where you are going. No immunizations are required for travel between Europe, the U.S., Canada , and Australia. However, for the transit of either Panama or Suez Canal, you will need an inoculation for yellow fever and cholera. In the U.S., these will cost $50 to $60 each. To find physicians or clinics in your area, call your local Public Health Department. Your travel agent can advise you as to the inoculations you will require.

RECOMMENDATIONS

• Plan what you are going to need on your voyage; bring a short wave radio, DVDs, reading material, a camera, or whatever. A laptop computer makes for a handy companion. The ship might have one available for your use, but don’t count on it.
• Once your ship leaves port, that’s it; there is no going back. Ships have many stairs and they are steep, so hold on at all times. A few have elevators. After a couple of days (weeks) you will get used to them (smile)
• When booking a cabin, get one as high as possible in the superstructure, assuming you have available options. If you do not, containers will block your forward view. Almost always cabins are outside with a view forward, port, or starboard; some have two views.
• Of course, the downside to higher cabins is that you will have to go down several flights of stairs to get to the officer’s mess, which is usually located on the poop deck (one deck above the main deck on ships not stowing containers aft of the superstructure) or the main deck. Usually, passenger cabins are on the fourth or fifth deck.
• Visit this great updated 2020 Freighter Travel site
• Tipping is optional. Other than the mess steward, there is no one to tip other than the cook, and then only if the food is exceptional. The steward may make up your bed and empty your wastebasket daily; then again, it might be only on a weekly basis, so tip accordingly, if at all.
• If you need information about shipping cargo, such as your car (in a container), household goods, etc., here is the place to start to get information. Cargo can be transported on the same vessel you travel on, however, you are probably better off shipping with the line usually used by the freighter forwarding company.

Freighter Travel in South America

• Latest Posts

• Exploring Kenya’s Night Markets - May 3, 2024
• Exploring the Lesser-known Gems of France: - May 2, 2024
• Tunisia: Being of Service in Zammour - April 27, 2024

60 thoughts on “ Freighter Travel Costs and Questions ”

I was looking at a short trip from Brisbane Australia to New Zealand in the North Island/Auckland.,Tauranga in September..are there many options to do this and do I have time to do this?

“These faqs are helpful if you ask me. They answer all the questions that one might have, so I am delighted that I read all about these faqs and whatnot. “

Great info.,worth the read.

Do you know if there is any chance of me traveling w my Harley Davidson on a ship from eastern US to Panama or Costa Rica ?

You post is not originally this taken directly from Cargotravel.com

Travel by cargo ship with dog with cargoholidays. No. However, you can ship your four or five favorite polo ponies from here to there in a container! Of course, the owner is required to have them accompanied by a trainer/keeper, and they will be subject to quarantine regulations

How may I travel between US NY-NJ Ports and Iran Ports? any experience, recommendations, or guidance?

Very doubtful you can do this on a freighter. Too many restrictions plus Covid.

thanks for this article. Very helpful. Would love information about How to get to the US (east coast) from Sweden. (Im in Stockholm). Any freighters still leaving from Gothenburg to the US that accept passengers? or we have to find another out- port going across the Atlantic? thx Ewa

I am wanting to go Capetown SA from the US. I live in the Baltimore Washington area with that be possible

do they have ship longbeach to manila

can one take a dog/pet with you on a container ship? i am trying to find an alternative to putting my dog on a 24 hour flight.

No, you can’t bring any pets on a cargo ship. NO.

I think you need to be a little more clear. Maybe something like “the one I went on does not allow it” or “Its a standard that every single cargo ship I know of does not allow it”.

When I read your answer it makes me believe that your just saying no to the cargo ship you have been on and other companies may allow it. But then again I know less than you about this industry… in fact I know nothing.

Finding a cargo ship is the last effort I have before either giving up my 2 dogs or chartering a private jet just to move them to south America from the US. No airline will take them and you can not drive it.

“No, you can’t bring any pets on a cargo ship. NO.”

How could it possibly be any clearer that pets aren’t allowed on cargo ships?

The guy posting this article is an expert on cargo ships… and I think it’s pretty clear where he says: NO you cannot bring pets onboard the cargo ship. As for shipping your dogs via the airline, I’m not sure why it would be a 24 hour flight – can’t you put the dogs (per standard procedure) in the dog crate area of the plane, and be flying on that same flight, which will NOT take 24 hours?

what is the point travelling like this? This is the most expensive way, not cheap at all.

Hi I am looking for a cargo freighter to travel from South Africa to Australia with motor bike at the end of 2022?

Back in 1971 I took a cargo ship from South Africa to Australia with my BSA Bantam on which I actually ended up going round the world. i was allowed 40 cub.ft in the hold as accompanied ‘baggage’ and my bike was approx that size. It actually went in a room, never in a crate. And that was true of: Bombay to Mombasa; S. Africa to Australia; Australia to nZ; nZ to Singapore and Bangkok to Hong Kong. I was always a passenger. What the conditions are nowadays I know not. But good luck.

A FOURTY CUBIC FEET BSA BANTAM – Really? My ex-Bro-in-Law worked Tankeres as a Second Officer back in the day for SHELMEX in their first SUPER TANKERS and both my sister and sometimes his Mum and Dad travelled with him. I believe ‘the missus’ went free but Mum and Dad had to pay. My son was an Officer i the RAF for eight byears and I used to visit heim regularly [I was myself and ex-EArmourer Sergeant] for the odd weekend. Atbthe time [the late 90’s it cost nhim the princely sum for rather excellent Full Board and Lodgings for me from Friday Evening to Monday Morning ££5.00 aand bar prices wer about 1/5th and probably still are of normal Pub Prices. I monce went nto mthe Officers Mess New Years Eve Party. It had to be experienced to be believed – a WHOLE BLOODY FUNFAIR for starters. Talk about the AIR STAFF letting their hair down on the Bumper Cars!!!!

Are there any cargo ships taking passengers from Southern Africa to Australia?

Is it safe for a woman over age 60 for a voyager? Are most ports are safe to travel to during the day?

I have the same question and don’t see any answers

How reliable is the Satellite Hotspot? Is it safe for a woman over 60 to travel solo? How do you find out the layout of the ship before choosing the cabin?

No need to play the gender card. Everyone is welcome subject to their age limits, and if it wasn’t safe, they wouldn’t go.

Thank you for this article. I was especially interested in the difficulty of moving around the ship. As a former navy man I forgot just how hard it was to go up and down the stairs. At my current age, I do not believe I could do that much anymore. Too bad.

This was an interesting article. I recall a long time ago hearing about such methods of travel and must have just forgotten about it. I was just reminded in an old movie. There were a lot of good comments that answered some questions. I also watched the video of the fellow showing us his room. It looked quite adequate and not at all cramped. I’m 72 years old but I don’t look it and I’m in good physical condition. I did read that some of these companies do have age restrictions, and I can understand why. But going up and down some steep stairs isn’t an issue for me and I do swim every day in my pool. Getting a certificate for this from my doctor wouldn’t pose a problem. I have to say that taking a cruise on a regular cruise ship has had no appeal to me. I’ve watched videos and talked with family who do that and it’s just not something I want. They seem way too crowded and just not for me. I do however enjoy a nice Hindricks and tonic, smooth jazz, and interesting conversation. Those things seem to be plentiful on one of these ships. I would have to bring my own Hindricks (gin), my laptop, some reading material and maybe my Xbox. It all sounds much more interesting to me than the alternative. Going up on the bridge, conversations with the Captain and crew, that all sounds great. I’m glad I found this article.

Who or where can I get detailed info on what freighter ships offer this service from Los Angeles to Manila/Cebu Philippines? I don’t even know where to start. TIA for any info on this subject!

I’m in the same Boat, no pun intended. I want to go to the Philippines from either Portland Oregon, or Seattle Washington but can find no one who ships there. I cannot believe no vessels travel from Major US Ports such as Portland and Seattle. Any help you can give us would be greatly appreciated. Thank You, Mike

HOW OLD is this article?? Its telling people to bring videotapes to watch and talked about the cost of film. How many people use a film camera anymore, 1 out of a hundred? Who has videotapes lying around?!?!

Yes, that story was published in 2000, but we have edited the copy so it’s been updated for 2021. Thank you, dear reader.

You are so polite to some of these commenters.

Many tnx for the response. Can you please update what online services like wifi and email are available???

Vickie and Paul say: what are you doing looking at cargo ship cruises? If that’s you… Please write. Paul

Hi I am looking for a cargo freighter to travel from Vancouver to China the shortest route cause I can’t take flight due to my conditions. Thanks

Hello Zoey, Did you make it from Vancouver to China by ship? I’m trying to do the same trip. Would like to know more.

Thank you so much!

I am hoping to travel from the Seattle area to Costa Rica on a cargo ship… can anybody tell me if the ports in Costa Rica are open now (August 2020) and how can I travel in one of these ships? Thank you for your help!

I had no idea that from Europe to the US, shipments can take about 41 days. Since we just started offering an online shipping option, I wonder if we should look into a contract with a port agent to help us get our products shipped without too much delay between getting an order placed. I would imagine it would be easiest to get a warehouse in the countries we will ship to and then fulfill orders from those warehouses.

Do cargo ships have internet access? Thanks

yes they almost always do. But it might be slow and it will cost money in most cases.

Hey R.F. Ahern and fellow boaters! Thank you for the article I really enjoyed reading it and I did not know that you can travel on a cargo ship! That’s really amazing. Me and my husband have a world travel vlog called Dawn Hunters where we post our sailing adventures and also tips for travelers (well, currently we are fixing our 1985 steel motorsailer, so there is much more boatyard adventures for now). I’ve just started special series for aspiring digital nomads and posted a video called Digital Nomad Series – How to Travel for Free and Get Paid – Hopscotch the Globe on a Boat about crewseekers so you might want to see the video if you are looking into boat travels – they have super cool and unexpected opportunities for cheap or even free travels on boats. They do NOT have cargo ships over there, but maybe not everyone here wants to go on one? Anyways I thought that might be useful for some people!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yTpW5uIJE7E

Also would love to collaborate on the blog/vlog to make an interview or a podcast for some interesting “boaters” stories if you are interested – shoot us an email.

Thank you for sharing! Dawn Hunters

Wow, I never knew this! I wish I were not so prone to seasickness, this sounds incredible. I would definitely go for the experience, the opportunity to visit other countries and take in the sights and sounds, plus the operations of a cargo ship are seriously impressive.

I am trying to get to Southeast Asia from Saudi Arabia. I am trying to leave in May. Because of COVID the airlines are grounded. Is there anyway I can book on a cargo ship?

great site thanks for all the info. I am looking to go from Barcelona to USA May of 2021, thanks in advance for any help

I have read that one can’t go to Hawai’i, Alaska, or any of the US insular terretories (Guam, Northern Marianas, American Samoa, Puerto Rico, USVI), by freighter because US-flagged freighters don’t take passengers, and foreign-flagged freighters (try saying that three times fast!) are not allowed to take passengers (or cargo, for that matter) between US ports.

However, would it be possible to take a freighter to these places from a Mexican or Canadian port?

Not that I’m a professional traveler, but why pay over $4k to travel in less luxury, and for over a month? You could go an an actual cruise for that money, or if you’re purely looking to travel, fly for a whole lot less. Is it just for the experience?

JR, I think the appeal of freighter travel is that you don’t have to deal with the huge crowds on a regular cruise ship, if you just want time to write, think, look at the ocean and chill totally, that’s the attraction. Yes it’s costly because the cruises are longer!

Some of us hate to fly.

Outside of the mental/health appeal of slow travel, it is much more environmentally friendly (as freighters carry cargo regardless of passenger, so your journey is essentially carbon neutral). Additionally, it is more expensive than a flight, but you’re also paying for several days of lodging and food.

I think some people are “simple” and don’t want luxury or to be pampered. I learned a lot about myself and personality over the years. I hold multiple college degrees—including a post-graduate degree in business. However, I learned and realized that I am happiest and most satisfied working on blue collar skilled trade industries. I learned that I don’t like suits and ties. I don’t like snooty people. I don’t like all the pomp and circumstance of luxury. I enjoy being around everyday working people. I think it will always be that way no matter how much money I have. I feel out of place in luxury places, but I feel right at home around everyday people. I love quiet and having lots of reflection time. I wear working man’s jeans and work boots everywhere I go. I think that living with humility and humbleness makes me feel comfortable.

Are there often any medicines not allowed on freighters?

lookin to travel from Miami to Portsmouth any ideas of cost and travel time

What about wifi?

Forget about wifi!

If one must, one can always bring a satellite phone or a satellite modem. With a satellite phone you pay per minute. With a satellite modem you pay for data. Both can be expensive so I highly suggest you not use, say, a satellite modem to watch YouTube videos or Netflix, but you can do email or chat or even place a phone call via GooglePhone or free VoIP Calls top actual phone numbers via TextNow.com and you can link your laptop to it!! So, you don’t have to be fully off-line. Or you could, if you must, here’s a “low-cost” option: https://satellitephonestore.com/catalog/sale/details/iridium-go-252 No, I don’t work for them. lol -but it’s the type of thing I’ve seen. Good for emails and chat or iMessaging. Just don’t do big Powder Puff attachments. lol Enjoy!

Did the Satellite modem or phone work out as you expected? Is it reliable? Which part of the world did you travel to? Does the cargo ship has wifi for their staff or captain?

I’m planning on a move to Japan and would like to know what freight ship companies handle transit between the U.S. (Port of Seattle Washington) and Japan. Unlike people doing really early planning for a trip later in the year, I’m aiming to make my move in a very short period of time (1-2 weeks). My last concern is if there are any direct shipping routes between the U.S. and Japan. I’d prefer as direct as possible for the quickest trip. I’m certainly not worried about finances.

How can i travel from Toronto to india by frieght

Put your car on the ship. Then you get on. There you go.

I traveled from Japan to southern California in summer 1985. From the above article now in the age of Internet, it looks like you have to (1) find what cargo companies travel your routes, (2) contact each one to get availability/price/procedure, (3) take the trip!

How can I travel one way from the US on a cargo ship, and take my own car on the same ship? I’d like to travel from the north-east US coast (possibly New York,…) to a northern port in France, Belgium, Netherlands, or Germany.

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

There are freighters, and there are freighters. But the fleet of ships that sail among the island groups in the South Pacific and Micronesia—copra boats, island traders, government field service ships, mission boats, and inter-island ferries—are rarely mentioned and are largely unknown to travel agents. They lie ready and willing to transport passengers into the “back of beyond.” So if in your round-the-world travels you want to go where tourists never tread, try hitching a ride on a local cargo ship. It’s easier than you might think. Let’s start in the South Pacific.

French Polynesia

The inter-island ship docks are a little beyond Papeete (on Tahiti ), where the land hooks out to form the harbor. Taxi out there and have a look at whatever ships are in port. Stroll aboard any vessel that looks interesting and ask where they’re going, for how long, the fare, and if you can see one of their cabins. (It helps if you speak a little French, but you can always make yourself understood.) If a certain ship appeals to you, go to their shipping office. This is what you’ll find:

To the Society Islands (the islands to the west of Tahiti—Huahine, Raiatea, Tahaa, Bora Bora, and Maupiti): The ships of the Compagnie Francais Maritime de Tahiti make 4- to 6-day voyages to most of the islands. Most ships do not supply food, so come aboard with a relaxed attitude and plenty of rations (which are easily obtained in Papeete).

To the Tuamotus

The 69 islands of this group of jewel-like atolls lie to the east of Tahiti and cover an immense patch of the ocean. To get there, check with the Compagnie Francais Maritime de Tahiti. Their ships provide cabin class or deck passage and plenty of local color but no food. A week’s voyage will run about $180. Also, be sure to check around the docks in Papeete for a copra boat and experience the warts and all of the romance of South Sea cruising. Some ships provide a cabin and meals for voyages of 10 or so days for about $250.

To the Marquesas

These rugged, green, mysteriously beautiful and remote islands 750 miles east of Tahiti bear such magical names as Nuku Hiva, Hiva Oa, and Fatu Hiva. To get to them—and to the Tuamotus as well—you’ve got two choices: By far the most comfortable one is a cargo ship named Aranui, operated by the Compagnie Polynesienne de Transport Maritime. Travel agents in the U.S. know about her. She carries 60-100 passengers in both cabin and dormitory class.

The other option is aboard a ship a bit more authentically Polynesian. The Taporo V of the Compagnie Francais Maritime de Tahiti is a trading vessel that makes a 15-day voyage to the Tuamotus and the Marquesas. Fares, including cabin and meals, come to $750. Look at the ship in Papeete.

The Cook Islands

Rarotonga, with its forested mountains, verdant coastal plain, and fringing reef, is the principal island of the group. The beauty of the island when first seen will cause a gasp. Sea travel in the Cooks is only for the hardiest and most flexible voyagers, but the benefits make the voyage more than worthwhile.

To the Northern Group (Penryhn, Manihiki, Puka Puka, and Palmerston): The Tapi Taio Shipping Company in Avarua, Rarotonga has a ship named the Tai Moana, a small, spartan vessel that makes the 800-mile run to all the islands. Because only one of them, Penhryn, has a safe lagoon and wharf, the ship must stay at sea and use whaleboats to unload cargo and passengers.

To the Southern Group (Aitutaki, Atiu, Mitiaro, and Mauke): A somewhat larger ship, the Maungeroa of the Tapi Taio Company, visits the closer islands—150 or so miles from Rarotonga.

Western Samoa

A delightful destination even if you don’t go to sea. For one elusive but wonderful opportunity write well ahead of time to the Office for Tokelau Affairs, Apia, Western Samoa and ask about the sailing dates of their chartered ship. It carries 12 cabin and 68 deck passengers on a voyage of eight to nine days and stops at each of the three atolls—Fakaofa, Nukumonu, and Atafu. None have ports, so the ship must stand off while whale boats negotiate the openings in the reef to pick up the only export, copra. Good luck to you. I’ve come close but never been successful. I keep trying.

The Kingdom of Tonga

Polynesia’s oldest monarchy consists of three main island groups—Tongatapu, the capital, Ha’apai, and Vavau.

To Ha’apai: This archipelago scattered over a large stretch of the sea about 100 miles north of Tongatapu consists of dozens of low-lying atolls. Lifuka is the administrative center. To get there by sea, check with the Shipping Corporation of Polynesia in Tongatapu and ask about the Olovaha. This ship—more inter-island ferry than cargo ship—sails from Tongatapu every Tuesday and fetches up in Lifuka 12 hours later.

The same ship leaves Lifuka in the evening and arrives at Vavau the following afternoon. I’m sure you’ll agree with the yachters who have found Vavau. They know a good thing when they see it.

The total land mass of Fiji’s 332 islands comes to about 8,000 square miles. By South Pacific standards, it’s a big, diverse country, and there's much to see and do among her beaches, mountains, towns, and cities. The harbor at Suva always has many trading vessels, inter-island boats, and copra ships tied up at the docks. As in Tahiti, walking aboard and discussing things with the captain is easy.

In Nadi, on the other side of the island from Suva, everyone knows about the glamorous cruise boats that sail off to the dozens of idyllic islands of the Yasawas and Mamanucas. However, the better and much less expensive choice is the Kaunitoni, from Suva to the Lau Group (east of Fiji, towards Tonga). On its 10-day run, the Kaunitoni makes about 12 stops at green and volcanic islands to deliver cargo and pick up copra. While the ship provides no food, cooking facilities and utensils are available.

In Port Vila on Efate Island, the capital of Vanuatu, the harbor is right in the center of town, and the vessels tied up there are available for examination. Ask around the piers about the Konanda, the Lali, and the Onma II. These and other ships like them are on the elemental side. Still, for few dollars a day, simple meals included, someone will take you to remote outer islands—places such as Malekula, where they were killing and eating each other as late as 1930, and Pentecost island, where men tie vines to their ankles and leap out of trees. You’ll be taken ashore by canoe to other islands where you’ll be stared at, smiled at, and given the chance to buy some good carvings. The outer islands of Vanuatu will stay in your memory forever.

The Solomon Islands

Honiara, on Guad-alcanal, the capital of this independent nation, offers visitors all amenities but few tourists are seen. If this is the capital, think what the myriad outer islands are like.

Go to the Coral Sea Shipping Company and ask about the sailing of the Iuminao. This ship, carrying 50 deck passengers, also has two first-class cabins, but meals are not provided. Think of it as camping in an air-conditioned cabin with a small refrigerator and a full bath. Food is easily purchased at Honiara shops. On its 3- to 4-day voyage to Gizo in the Western Provinces it makes 11 stops—all picture-postcard quality.

For other ships to remote areas visit the local yacht club in Honiara and talk to some of the members about other destinations. Maybe, as once happened to us, you’ll be invited on short cruise.

Papua New Guinea

The eastern half of the second largest island in the world includes a cluster of islands off its north coast—New Britain, New Ireland, Bougainville, Manus, The Trobriands, and scores of smaller islands. These areas, as well as the north coast of New Guinea, offer everything an adventurer or escapist might want, and one can expect a good meal, a cold drink, and a fair bed every night.

Ships can easily be found. We’ve sailed away on several of them just by approaching the captain. Ask about trips up the Sepik River, to the Trobriands, New Britain, Samarai—almost anywhere they go. Fares are reasonable, and some of the ships are quite comfortable. So it goes in the South Pacific.

The 2,100 “tiny islands” of the Pacific, mostly north of the Equator, are scattered over three million square miles of the sea between Hawaii and the Philippines and make up four new countries: The Republic of the Marshalls, The Federated States of Micronesia. The Republic of Palau, and The Northern Marianas Islands. Accommodations and food are reasonable. People are friendly. English is spoken. There are no unusual health problems. And American currency is used.

Some seasonably comfortable Government Field Service ships sail to some of the world's most remote, often exotic, islands.The best places to find the ships are Pohnpei, Yap, Majuro, and Palau. You’ll sail away with a collection of island administrators, doctors, a judge, or maybe even a dentist on working voyages. Check with the Field Service Office in each of these places. You just have to be on hand when a ship is in port. Shipping offices rarely reply to people requesting space or information.

For those who do not wish to book directly with shipping companies, Maris Freighter and Specialty Cruises and Maris Freighter Club Int'l offers a variety of voyages to many destinations. You can go from island to island. You may cross the ocean 1-way. You may even choose from around-the-world cargo ship cruise options.

TOM BOOTH is a retired dentist who, in the process of practicing his profession, lived and worked in California for years. Then, with two grown sons, he and his wife have lived, worked, and traveled in the Congo (Zaire), Australia, the South Pacific, Europe, Guam, and Hong Kong. All of this has contributed to his enthusiasm for writing. He is a member of the North American Travel Journalists Association and lives in Eugene, O R.

• 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.

First container ship arrives at Port of Baltimore since Key Bridge collapse

B ALTIMORE -- The first container ship arrived at the Port of Baltimore since the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapsed more than a month ago.

The MSC Cargo Passion III made it through the 35-foot temporary channel on Sunday, carrying nearly 1,000 containers.

"Another milestone today! First container ship to arrive at Seagirt Terminal since the crisis began," the Port of Baltimore said on social media.   

Four temporary channels have been opened since the bridge's collapse on March 26.

This fourth channel will only be open for a few days, but at 35 feet deep and 300 feet wide it will allow several ships that are stuck in the Port of Baltimore to get out.

"Around that 35-foot draft is where you're really starting to get some of the inventory that's coming onboard that had really been some of the hallmarks of The Port of Baltimore," Maryland Governor Wes Moore said.

The opening of these channels follows the largest of four recent openings on Thursday, which restored 15% of the pre-collapse commercial activity at the Port of Baltimore. The adjustment will allow large commercial ships that were stuck to depart and others to enter, including those carrying containers, vehicles, and farm equipment.

Recreational boats allowed

Recreational boats will also be able to pass through the Key Bridge collapse salvage area during specific hours.

Larry Lewis has spent the last 20 or so years on the water. He says the opportunity to pass through the collapse site is important for recreational boaters, not just chartering businesses.

"We have boaters and owners who are stuck on the other side of the bridge, and some who are trying to get out for maintenance and things done," Lewis said.

Traffic through the temporary channels will be strictly one-way, with outbound movements scheduled from 3:30 to 4:30 PM and inbound from 4:30 to 5:30 PM.

"There's going to be plenty of people out there that's going to be directing and keeping this a very safe and orderly passage," Lewis explained.

Salvage effort at Key Bridge site ongoing 

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is leading the salvage effort. The branch said its priority is to clear the main channel through the river to reopen access to the Port of Baltimore. 

Massive floating cranes  are being used as wreckage and debris removal continues. Engineers have to break the mangled bridge into smaller pieces to lift them away, and Navy  sonar images  revealed wreckage in the deepest part of the channel. 

Gov. Wes Moore  announced Friday  that over 1,300 tons of steel from what used to be the Francis Scott Key Bridge have been removed from the river so far. 

The rubble and debris are going to nearby Sparrows Point for processing and recycling.

Main shipping channel timeline remains end of May

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers expects to reopen the main shipping channel - which is 700 feet wide and 50 feet deep - by the end of May. 

"There's no way around it that in terms of the impact on the local and the state economy, we want to resume 100 percent of pre-collapse activity because it just contributes to so many jobs in the economy, contributes to so much income that flows through both the city, the county and the rest of the state," DePasquale said.

With the main channel closed, businesses have had to use alternative methods to transport their products. 

With nearly half of the 700-foot main shipping channel cleared, salvage teams are now focused on the portion of the span on top of the Dali.  

2 bodies remain missing 

The  men killed  in the Key Bridge collapse were working for Brawner Builders, filling potholes on the center span of the bridge. 

"Most were immigrants, but all were Marylanders." President Joe Biden said shortly after the collapse. "Hardworking, strong and selfless. After pulling a night shift fixing potholes, they were on a break when the ship struck."  

As  a memorial  grows on Fort Armistead Road for the six men killed in the accident, recovery efforts to locate the two workers still missing under the wreckage are ongoing. They have been identified as Miguel Luna, of El Salvador, and Jose Maynor Lopez, of Guatemala.

Three of the victims recovered were identified as: Dorlian Cabrera, 26, who was originally from Guatemala and lived in Dundalk; Alejandro Hernandez Fuentes ,  35, who lived in Baltimore and was from Mexico; and Maynor Yasir Suazo-Sandoval, 38, of Guatemala.

A fourth body was recovered last week. He has not been identified at the request of his family, but he is known to be from Mexico.

Nude cruise to set sail from Florida next year: Here are the starting costs, itinerary

The "Big Nude Boat" cruise, which allows passengers to bare all − yes, even at the buffet − is set to sail from Florida next year.

The "11-day adventure" to the Caribbean is set for the first two weeks of February on the Norwegian Pearl, according to the Bare Necessities Tour & Travel website.

"Bare Necessities’ newest nude cruise is a private island double-dip with a brand new travel partner!" the company wrote on its website.

The trip which embarks from Miami, includes "an exclusive visit to an idyllic private island" in The Bahamas as well a another exclusive stop on the way back to the Port of Miami.

"Two opportunities to enjoy a new slice of Bare-adise, coupled with a beautiful selection of Eastern Caribbean island stops, will make this a can’t miss Big Nude Boat experience," the travel company posted.

Why cruises are popular with swingers: 'What happens on the ship ... stays on the ship'

A cruise to nowhere: Royal Caribbean sailing canceled after guests boarded

Big Nude Boat cruise sailing dates and destinations:

The ship departs from the Port of Miami on Feb. 3 and returns to the same port on Feb. 14.

The itinerary includes stops at the Bahamas, Puerto Rico, St. Maarten, Dominica, Martinique and St. Lucia.

How much does the Big Nude Boat cruise cost?

Rates for an inside cabin start at $2,000 per person.

They stretch as high as $33,155 for the top room on the ship: a Haven three-bedroom garden villa.

Laws of the land (and sea)

Guests are encouraged to park their bare behinds on towels provided on board in areas including the pool deck and the buffet area, according to the website.

"Passengers can easily follow our rule on nudist etiquette by always placing a towel down before sitting," it reads. "Remember to pack a swimsuit; not all excursions are clothing optional."

Natalie Neysa Alund is a senior reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at [email protected] and follow her on X @nataliealund.

• 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

How to find cargo ship travel australia

How to find cargo ship travel australia. There’s a reason you probably haven’t heard of cargo cruises — most travel agents don’t book them. You’ll need to go through an agent that specializes in cargo cruise travel or get in touch with a ship’s manager. Freighter voyages usually require months of advance planning, but they rarely have set schedules. Arrivals and departures can depend on how long it takes to load or unload cargo, how busy a port is, and weather conditions. Sometimes, a departure window is given instead of an exact date. Bottom line for cargo ship travel australia: flexibility is a must to How to find cargo ship travel australia The crew is there to work, not entertain, but everyone on the ship eats meals together How to find cargo ship travel australia, which gives you plenty of great opportunities to chat. There’s no wifi, and phone access is limited to a ship’s single satellite phone cargo ship travel , so make sure you come equipped with plenty of books, games, writing materials, knitting projects, or whatever will keep you occupied. There will also be gorgeous views of sunrises, sunsets, and constellations to marvel at ship travel australia.

Cargo cruises cost between $65 and $125 per day, which includes lodging and three meals a day. Voyages usually last between 40 and 50 days, but some people opt for segmented trips that last a few weeks, leaving on a boat, disembarking at a port, and returning home by plane and How to find cargo ship travel australia. For example, a round trip from the US to New Zealand lasts about 46 days. At $65 a day, that comes to just under $3,000 for a month and a half of all-inclusive, full-time travel ship travel australia. In 2016 we travelled from Asia to Australia by cargo ship . Our freighter cruise was one of the most interesting experiences of our fourteen month journey from the UK to New Zealand (read more about our cargo ship journey), but it was also one of the most intimidating parts of the trip to consider. Cargo ship travel is a bit of an oddity, and in the age of online flight booking and limitless access to travel information, not knowing quite how it worked for cargo ship travel australia, or if it would work, was kind of stressful for us. There was definitely limited information available about cargo ship travel, and what there was seemed out of date and alarmingly vague. When I first put feelers out to find suitable freighter cruise routes a year before we hoped to sail, the agents I contacted politely but firmly told me they couldn’t possibly know so far in advance cargo ship travel . In the end, it was only six weeks between us trying to book onto a cargo ship voyage, and clambering up the gangplank.

CGMA CGM CARGO

GRIMALDI CARGO

MAERSK CARGO TRAVEL

HAPAG LLOYDS

HAMBURG SUD

LANGSAMREISEIN TRAVEL

MOWGLI ADVENTURE

FREIGHT EXPEDITIONS

RAIL EUROPE

CARGO INSIDER TRAVEL

TEN BIGGEST CARGO

10 LARGEST SHIPING COMPANY

DISCOVER INDIA

DISCOVER INDIA 2

DISCOVER AUSTRALIA

LONELY PLANET

VISIT NEWZEALAND

VISIT BERMUDA

VISIT MELBOURNE

VISIT BRUSSELS

VISIT BRISBANE

VISIT NAMIBIA

VISIT CHILE

VISIT CANADA

SEARCH CARGOHOLIDAYS

AS THE CAPTAIN

AMERICA CARGO SHIP TRAVEL

SOUTH AMERICA CARGO SHIP TRAVEL

AFRICA CARGO SHIP TRAVEL

AUSTRALASIA CARGO SHIP TRAVEL

CENTRAL AMERICA CARGO SHIP TRAVEL

CARRIBEAN CARGO SHIP TRAVEL

NORTH AMERICA CARGO SHIP TRAVEL

Recent Posts

Steve Joury

Latest posts by steve joury ( see all ).

• Salalah cargo cruises travel - December 12, 2022
• Guangxi Beibu cargo cruises travel - December 12, 2022
• Dongguan cargo cruises travel - December 12, 2022

Customer/Login

Login To Our Booking System!

Forum / Discussion

Find Travel Advice from Travellers and Cargo Enthousiasts

FIND A NEW HORIZON

CARGO CRUISE AT THE BEST RATE

• Search for:

Guangxi Beibu cargo cruises travel

Dongguan cargo cruises travel, salalah cargo cruises travel, santos cargo cruises travel, colon cargo cruises travel.

• CARGO CRUISE
• CARGO SHIP ACCOMMODATION
• CARGO SHIP CABINS
• CARGO SHIP FOOD
• CARGO SHIP TRAVEL
• CARGO SHIP TRAVEL AUSTRALIA
• CARGO SHIP TRAVEL BOOKING
• CARGO SHIP TRAVEL DEALS
• CARGO SHIP TRAVEL FRANCE
• CARGO SHIP TRAVEL INDIA
• CARGO SHIP TRAVEL NEW YORK
• CARGO SHIP TRAVEL SOUTH AMERICA
• CARGO SHIP TRAVEL TO AFRICA
• CARGO SHIP TRAVEL UK
• CARGO SHIP TRAVEL USA
• CARGO SHIP TRAVEL VISAS
• CHEAP CARGO SHIP TRAVEL
• FREIGHTER TRAVEL
• LAST MINUTE CARGO SHIP TRAVEL
• LIVING ON A CONTAINER SHIP
• TRAVEL BY CARGO SHIP FREE
• Uncategorized

Jeddah cargo cruises travel

Foshan cargo cruises travel

Rizhao cargo cruises travel

Tokyo cargo cruises travel

Savannah cargo cruises travel

FIND BEST UK CARGO PORT THAT SUIT YOU

Travelling by cargo ship is a fascinating way to see the world. SEE MORE DESTINATIONS LIVE CHAT FIND HOLIDAYS CALL US +44 020 8032 6945 DESTINATIONS ASK THE CAPTAIN ABOUT US HOW TO BOOK ENQUIRE BLOG CONTACT US CARGO EXPEDITIONS GRIMALDI TRAVEL CLASSIC SAILLING CARGOHOLIDAYS FREIGHTER AGENCY PASSENGER CABINS PEAK SEASON CARGO SHIP CRUISES LIFE ON A CONTAINER SHIP GRIMALDI FREIGHTER CRUISES CARGO TRAVEL TO ANY DESTINATION CARGO SHIP TRAVEL FROM UK TO ASIA CARGO SHIP TRAVEL FROM EUROPE CARGO SHIP ACCOMODATION CARGO VESSEL LIST CARGO SHIP TRAVEL PORT LIST CHARTER A YACHT CHARTER A JET CARGO SEA LOGISTICS CAR SHIPPING LOGISTIC CAR SHIPPING USA ONIJET PARTNERSHIP FORUM / HELP LIVE CHAT VIMEO

CARGOHOLIDAYS

• STAY CONNECTED

© 2020 All rights reserved CARGOHOLIDAYS a Mlkcorporate Group : development Muovi and Cybermetrix .

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

More From Forbes

Would you travel on a nuclear-powered cruise ship.

• Share to Facebook
• Share to Twitter
• Share to Linkedin

Is the future of cruise ships, nuclear energy?

Cruises are increasingly popular but not the most environmentally-friendly option for travelers keen to keep carbon emissions low. It's also true that cruise companies need to meet goals of being carbon-neutral by 2050—one possible solution then, would be to start building nuclear-powered cruise ships.

Using nuclear power for shipping is not new. There are currently 200 nuclear reactors on ships globally, mostly submarines and naval ships. In the 1950s, the U.S. government built a passenger boat run on nuclear power—it could hold 60 travelers and lots of cargo—but it was rife with issues, not entirely related to its energy source. Now, the NS Savannah sits inside a dock in Baltimore, designed more as a proof-of-concept than anything else, reports NPR .

The forward part of the ship held a pressurized water reactor that used low-enriched uranium to produce heat—the steam that was produced ran the ship's turbines, spun the propellors and so produced electricity to power the ship up to 20 knots, equivalent to the speed of many cruise ships today. The Russian government also commissioned Sevmorput, a nuclear-powered cargo ship in 1988, that's still in operation. Two other boats—the Japanese Mutsu and the German Otto Hahn—started out life as nuclear but were fitted to take diesel later on.

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) is the United Nations agency that regulates global shipping and it's set a target of carbon neutrality by 2050 for the cruise industry—shipping currently produces 300 million tonnes of carbon emissions every year, around 3% of global emissions.

This obviously poses some issues, because while boats are being built more efficiently, cruise ships are increasing in size—the largest, Icon of the Seas, set sail this year, and ships are installing ever-more diverse activities onboard, such as go-karting, moving bars, zip lines, rollercoasters and skydiving and surfing simulators.

OpenAI Gets Better Memory, New Lawsuits, And Sora’s First Music Video

Russian military personnel move into niger air base housing some us troops, madden 25 hall of famer will discontinue his relationship with ea.

Most ships still run on diesel fuel with about one quarter now using alternative fuels such as liquefied natural gas, methanol, or hybrid propulsion—all lower in carbon emissions. According to the Cruise Line Industry Association (CLIA) there are 25 ships using Liquified Natural Gas that will start operating in the next five years. Seven ships belonging to Norwegian Cruise Line, Celebrity Cruises, and Disney Cruise Line are also coming online that are methanol ready or methanol capable. Carnival is also looking to retrofit ships to take methanol. One of the issues though is that these fuels could be used for other purposes, as could the green power that produces them.

At the annual Seatrade Cruise Global conference that took place in Miami this month, industry leaders believe that using nuclear technology is increasingly a possibility. Inside the NS Savannah, there is a small wooden cube that fits into a person's hand that represents the volume of uranium needed to allow the ship to travel 454,000 nautical miles to circumnavigate the world more than a dozen times (a boat traveling the same distance on fuel would need 28 million gallons). These ships could go for years without refueling (some usually carry some diesel in reserve), can carry more passengers and/or cargo without the need for large fuel tanks and more importantly, fourth generator nuclear reactors are smaller and make operations much simpler.

Cruise ships have long lives and could theoretically be retrofitted with nuclear power when they go in for a refit. Some companies are engaged in studies for using nuclear power aboard ships, like the partnership between Italian shipbuilding company Fincantieri and Newcleo—the results of a feasibility study to assess the practicality of deploying a 30-megawatt reactor on marine vessels is due at the end of this year.

The NS Savannah taught a lot of lessons about how to run a nuclear passenger ship but also laid bare some problems. It can be difficult docking a ship that runs on nuclear fuel into harbors—special documentation is naturally required, people need to be trained on what to do in emergencies and some countries, like New Zealand, have all out bans on nuclear ships entering their waters.

And finally, the biggest problem might just be the paying customer—unsurprisingly, many people believe the public might not be particularly favorable to the idea.

• Editorial Standards
• Reprints & Permissions

You can pay as little as $2,000 to join a nude cruise leaving Miami that wraps up on Valentine’s Day

Finally! A vacation where you don’t have to stress about what to pack.

A nude cruise is setting sail from Miami next February, with promoters promising a “stress-free, clothes-free experience” for up to 2,300 passengers. “ The Big Nude Boat ” will allow passengers to let it all hang out on the lido deck and be buck naked on the bow.

You might want some pockets when the bill comes, though, because you’re going to have to reach deep in them, depending on the level of luxury you’re looking for. Prices for the cruise start at $2,000 for an inside cabin on the lower levels and reach as high as $33,155 for a three-bedroom suite.

The ship will set sail on Feb. 3, 2025, and return to port on Valentine’s Day. Passengers will have to cover up (and not just in lingerie, the travel company emphasizes) when they go ashore, are in port, or opt to eat in the dining room, rather than the self-serve buffet on the pool deck (where you can chow down as naked as you please).

While there will be private parts everywhere you turn, the cruise operator, Bare Necessities, says this is not the bacchanalia some might envision. Fondling and other overt sexual behavior is prohibited, and the cruise site notes that “ lingerie , fetish-wear, and excessive genital jewelry are not appropriate at any time.”

You’re welcome to take photos on your cruise, just not of other guests without permission and not in the pool or dance venues of the ship. And standard nudist protocol is in effect: If you sit down, put a towel underneath you.

Bare Necessities is a nudism-focused travel company that, according to its website, aims “to break down the barriers against social nudity and make clothing-optional vacationing a viable and acceptable option for all.” Two other cruises exploring the Greek isles, one currently underway and one set to sail in about a week, were both sold out. Those cruises only accommodated between 150 and 200 passengers each, though. This will be the company’s largest expedition.

As for that what-to-pack conundrum? Sunscreen. The answer is lots and lots (and lots) of sunscreen.

Latest in Lifestyle

This GenZ entrepreneur started mowing lawns aged 12 for $35 a go—he skipped college and now his gardening business turns over $1 million a year

Gas stove pollution harms poor and minority Americans the most, due in part to different home sizes, study says

The NCAA and top college conferences could pay $3 billion and share revenue with athletes to settle an antitrust lawsuit

Japan’s child population falls for the 43rd straight year to a fresh record low, weighing on economic prospects

How to watch the 2024 Kentucky Derby for free—and without cable

Duke Ellington, Louis Armstrong, and Count Basie transformed America with their music—and were financially exploited because of their race

Most popular.

Another Boeing whistleblower is dead—this time a healthy 45-year-old who battled a sudden, severe infection

Elon Musk has turned Tesla into a meme stock as he tells Wall Street to value the EV maker like an AI company, top economist says

Warren Buffett warns on AI, teases succession, and hints at possible investment during Berkshire Hathaway’s annual meeting

‘They get you hooked on having that money’: Meet a 60-year-old who pays interest to get cash between paychecks and has nothing left over

New Florida resident Jeff Bezos pumped $60 million into making lab-grown meat taste better. Ron DeSantis just banned it from the state

Elon Musk publicly dumped California for Texas—now Golden State customers are getting revenge, dumping Tesla in droves

Protect Your Trip »

Cruise packing list: the essentials chosen by experts.

This cruise packing list includes all of the essentials – plus items you didn't know you needed.

Essentials to Pack for a Cruise

Packing for any trip takes some planning, but cruise vacations present a unique challenge – particularly due to limited stateroom storage space and sparse (or overpriced) options for purchasing accidentally forgotten items.

To help you decide what to pack for a cruise, we've curated a list of essentials recommended by cruise experts who regularly sail the high seas. Download the U.S. News Cruise Packing List pictured above to reference while you pack, and read on to learn more about the recommended items and where you can purchase them if needed.

• For packing and planning
• For travel and embarkation day
• For the cabin
• For the ship and shore excursions

Find your perfect cruise

Carry-on bag

Regardless of whether you bring checked luggage, you'll need some type of carry-on bag . Since checked bags need to go through security as they do at airports – and because you may need to wait for your stateroom to be ready, just like at a hotel – you'll want to be able to access any necessities pre-cruise. These might include a swimsuit, sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat for the pools; medications; a bottle of water; and your smartphone, of course. You'll also want to keep your credit card , passport, and any other important documentation or valuables close by. A carry-on backpack works especially well since it can double as a day bag for shore excursions.

Checked bag

While you'll likely want to bring a checked bag, consider sharing one with your ship mate(s) to maximize stateroom storage space. Or, consider bringing medium-sized luggage, such as the The Medium by Away , for checking in.

Read: The Best Checked Luggage Options

Garment bag

Courtesy of Halfday

While many cruises are less formal these days, a garment bag can still be handy for keeping select garments wrinkle-free (since clothing irons are prohibited on cruise ships). Top-rated options include the The Garment Duffel by Halfday and the Briggs and Riley Baseline 22" Carry-On 2-Wheel Garment Bag , both of which double as traditional luggage. If you pack your luggage right, you can make this your only suitcase, in addition to a carry-on bag.

Packing cubes or vacuum-sealed bags

Packing cubes are one of the best ways to organize your belongings for travel – especially in a tight cruise ship cabin. Top-rated options include the Veken packing cubes on Amazon (usually priced around $20) and all of the Pack-It Sets by Eagle Creek. The Pack-It Starter Set is especially ideal for cruising since it includes a garment folder designed to minimize wrinkles in clothing. Some cruisers also swear by vacuum-sealed bags , even though they can be a bit more tedious to pack.

Carry-on caddy

Ashley Kosciolek, senior cruise writer at The Points Guy, recommends a carry-on caddy , particularly if you're flying to your embarkation point. "I have a fabric sleeve that slides down over the telescoping handle on my carry-on to provide pockets for my passport, phone, coffee – all the things I used to have to juggle during check-in."

Digital luggage scale

The compact Etekcity scale – approximately $10 on Amazon – can weigh bags up to 110 pounds and help you avoid overweight baggage fees.

Bungee cord

"Especially for travelling with the family, I use a bright-green bungee cord to strap multiple pieces of luggage together," says Aaron Saunders, senior editor at Cruise Critic. "It's a lifesaver when boarding trains or disembarking ships, particularly when you ' re maneuvering a stroller and a little one around, too."

Luggage tracker

Courtesy of Apple

A luggage tracker isn't just useful for air travel. Attach one to your checked cruise luggage to see when it has arrived in your stateroom (or if it's stalled at security). Chris Gray Faust, executive editor at Cruise Critic, doesn't go anywhere without her Apple AirTag after her luggage got stuck in Vancouver for over a week last June. "My AirTag use has expanded beyond my checked luggage, too. I also have AirTags in my handbag, my carry-on, my keychain and my wallet."

Cruise insurance

Due to the unpredictable nature of travel, cruise insurance can be a wise purchase ahead of your voyage. Travel policies can cover unforeseen expenses such as trip interruptions and medical emergencies.

While a passport is often required for cruising, rules can vary depending where you're traveling. Determine whether you need a passport for your upcoming cruise ; if you do, triple-check that you have it packed the day of departure.

Credit cards and local currency

When cruising internationally, consider getting small amounts of each country's currency to have on hand in port. Depending where you go, some local markets may only accept their own country's currency, not U.S. dollars or credit cards. It's also nice to leave cash gratuities for cab drivers, tour guides or servers; in the European Union, 1- and 2-euro coins are convenient and appropriate tips. In ports with vendors that do accept credit cards, be sure to carry a Visa or Mastercard , as some shops and restaurants do not take American Express .

RFID wallet

It's important to protect your travel documents with an RFID wallet like the TIGARI Passport Holder or the ZOPPEN RFID Travel Passport Wallet , the latter of which can hold multiple passports for a family. "Thieves and hackers can steal your credit card information just by using skimming devices," explains Jill Schildhouse, a cruise expert and U.S. News contributor who always travels with her RFID wallet. "And because your wallet wasn't even touched, you won't know it happened until you see your credit card statement."

Medications

Pack more than enough of your prescription medications as well as any over-the-counter medicines you'll need, just in case you encounter an itinerary change or travel delay. While some travelers find it easiest to bring personal medicines in their prescription bottles, others find travel pill boxes to be especially helpful for organization. The Sukuos Weekly Pill Organizer is a well-rated option, with detachable boxes for each day as well as compartments for morning and evening medications.

Sheet masks

Since flying can be so drying for the skin, Faust likes to use sheet masks. "My first step the night before I board (because you should always fly in a day early) is to hydrate with a sheet mask (usually from a Korean brand like Ballon Blanc or FaceTory )," she says. "If I'm meeting up with a friend, I bring an extra sheet mask so our trip starts out feeling a bit like a spa day!"

Magnetic hooks

A surprising fact: Cruise ship cabin walls are made of metal, which means you can optimize your storage space by hanging some of your belongings on magnetic wall hooks. The hooks are perfect for holding bulky coats or boots if you're traveling to a colder climate. You can also use them for wet gear on expedition ships and adventure cruises, or for drying out bathing suits after days at the beach or pool. Purchase a set of magnetic hooks for less than $10 on Amazon .

Like hotels, cruise ships can only provide so many hangers. Bring a few extras from home or pick up a pack from your local dollar store. You might also try packable hangers .

Wrinkle release spray

Whether or not you bring a garment bag, a travel-size bottle of wrinkle release spray, such as Downy Wrinkle Releaser spray , is useful to have on board. If you combine a spritz or two with the steam from your shower, you should be able to smooth out some of the wrinkles in your clothing.

Laundry detergent

"If you don't want to pay for laundry service or spend precious time in the self-service laundry room, bring a small bottle of laundry detergent like Woolite to wash key items in the sink: underwear, bras, quick-dry hiking shorts, bathing suits, etc.," recommends Schildhouse. "Every cruise ship shower has a retractable clothesline you can extend to drape the clothes over while they dry. This can also help cut down on the number of items you need to pack."

Over-the-door organizers

Over-the-door organizers with clear or mesh pockets allow you to find your feminine hygiene products, makeup, jewelry and other small items quickly – without having to hunt through multiple drawers or a tight stateroom closet. It's a good idea to purchase a two-pack like this option by Simple Houseware Store (available on Amazon), since you can also use one to store shoes and maximize floor space.

Courtesy of Poo-Pourri

It goes without saying, but to say it anyway: A toilet spray like Poo-Pourri is a must for your cruise packing list. Any smell – pleasant or not – will travel quickly in small staterooms with small bathrooms. Buy a travel-size bottle to keep in your cabin.

Shampoo and conditioner

Cruise experts agree it's best to bring your own shampoo and conditioner in travel-size bottles, as most cruise ships don't provide separate shampoo and conditioner anymore; instead, they offer all-in-one dispensers. Colleen McDaniel, editor-in-chief at Cruise Critic, likes to pack her shampoo and conditioner in the popular Cadence Capsules , noting she also uses them for another essential: sunscreen. "These capsules are easy to fill, never leak and have clear labels, which you can customize," she says.

Wine or Champagne

Most major cruise lines allow each guest to bring one to two bottles of wine or Champagne on board, while some luxury cruise lines allow even more than that. Disney Cruise Line also gives guests the option to bring a six-pack of beer instead of wine or Champagne. Be sure to consult your cruise line's policies when packing for your trip.

If you plan to bring wine or Champagne, you'll likely need a corkscrew . While some cruise lines may prohibit corkscrews, others allow them onboard; check your cruise line's policy before sailing. Bringing wine with a twistable cap may be a good alternative.

Portable humidifier

Cruise ship cabins can feel dry – especially in the colder months. A portable humidifier like the GENIANI Erie (around $25 on Amazon) can provide some relief. At about half a pound, this USB-powered device will fit neatly into your checked bag or carry-on luggage. The travel humidifier features two mist settings and has an automatic shut-off option, plus a night light to help you see around your cabin in the dark.

International travel adapter or converter

You'll likely need a travel adapter, since cruise lines homeported in international locales may have different electrical sockets and voltage strengths than you're used to in the U.S.

McDaniel recommends the OneWorld65 Travel Adapter . "I've used a lot of different travel adapters over the years, but this is my favorite. It charges up to six devices at once, has USB and mini-USB options, and works in over 200 countries," she says. "While many cruise ships have U.S. outlets, most usually also have European outlets. This adapter lets me take advantage of that outlet I'd otherwise ignore." She also notes that while cruise lines are getting better about having more outlets on their ships, it never feels like enough to keep your phone, camera battery, tablet, watch, headphones/earbuds and laptop charged (times two or more if you're traveling with others).

Tips on Trips and Expert Picks Newsletter

Travel tips, vacation ideas and more to make your next vacation stellar.

Sign up to receive the latest updates from U.S News & World Report and our trusted partners and sponsors. By clicking submit, you are agreeing to our Terms and Conditions & Privacy Policy .

Sound machine

Cruise experts agree a sound machine can be helpful for blocking out the sound of late-night partiers returning to their staterooms (or your snoring spouse). Schildhouse likes the LectroFan Micro 2 for cruising. "It plays non-looping white noise and doubles as a speaker to play tunes while you get ready for dinner."

Tech organizer

Courtesy of Bagsmart

A tech organizer like the BAGSMART electronics organizer case – available on Amazon for about $20 – can store all your cables, plugs, SD cards and earphones in one zippered, compact bag that will fit easily in your carry-on luggage. Despite its small size, it can also hold bulkier items like a small laptop charging cord.

First-aid kit

A first-aid kit is a good thing to have on hand no matter where you go. You can make your own using supplies you already have at home, or buy a premade first-aid kit on Amazon for about $20. While all cruise ships have medical facilities, it's useful to have these items with you on shore excursions, especially those involving active adventures.

Hand sanitizer

Regularly washing your hands and/or using hand sanitizer is essential to staying healthy while traveling, especially on a cruise ship. Stock up on a few travel-size bottles of hand sanitizer (less than $2 each at Walmart) ahead of your trip. If you're looking for something with less alcohol that's also less drying, check out Babyganics Alcohol-Free Foaming Hand Sanitizer .

If you're a parent, you know that your infant or toddler needs a very specific size – and in some cases brand – of diapers, which may very well be unavailable to you on your cruise ship or in the ports of call. Bring more than enough diapers to play it safe at sea.

Most cruise lines also require that non-toilet-trained infants and toddlers wear swim diapers in the children's water play areas. For the sake of sanitation, kids must be toilet-trained to use the pools on cruise ships.

Many cruisers like to personalize their cabin with stateroom door decor. Not only is it a fun tradition, but decorating the door can make it easier to locate your room, too. You can find lots of fun decor ideas on Pinterest as well as Amazon.

" Duct tape is a life-saver in many situations," says Kosciolek. "I primarily use it to attach my printed luggage tags, but it's also great for mending clothing issues on the fly and fixing broken luggage until you can get it back home."

"As a parent, I like to bring lanyards with sleeves so my kids can wear their keycards and not lose them," says Erica Silverstein, senior cruise editor at The Points Guy. "We hang them on the magnetic hooks I put on the wall, so they don't get lost in the cabin either."

Courtesy of Sea-Bands

If you're prone to (or think you may be prone to) motion sickness on cruise ships, put a pair of Sea-Bands on your cruise packing list. These soft wristbands use acupressure to prevent and minimize nausea and vomiting on board, and they are a reusable, drug-free alternative to traditional anti-nausea medications. You can purchase Sea-Bands on Amazon or at most drugstores.

If you need something a bit stronger than Sea-Bands (or to use in conjunction with them), Dramamine remains a tried-and-true solution for both preventing and treating sea sickness. Choose the Less Drowsy formula to avoid getting sleepy, and consider the chewable tablets (dye-free) if traveling with kids who are prone to queasiness. Many travelers like Bonine as a remedy for sea sickness as well.

Mix-and-match clothing

Pack a variety of mix-and-match items, also known as a capsule wardrobe, for your cruise. To do this, choose a base color – black or navy blue – for your wardrobe. Next, pack plain, neutral-colored items, then add a few patterned items to the mix. Remember to include a variety of styles (T-shirts, long-sleeved shirts, pants, shorts, dresses, rompers and jumpsuits) and also consider reversible clothing and outfits that can easily transition from day to night.

Sports jacket or blazer

Adam Coulter, executive editor of Cruise Critic UK & Australia, recommends packing a sports jacket or blazer. "While cruise lines are getting more casual, what happens if you get that last-minute invite to meet the captain, or there's a meet and mingle where you want to look put together? A jacket will always elevate your elegance (even if you're wearing a T-shirt underneath)," he says. If you're in need of a travel blazer, Bluffworks has some well-rated options; the Gramercy , in particular, gets great reviews.

Themed party attire

Some cruise lines host themed voyages or parties on select nights where passengers can dress up to participate in the fun. You'll want to review your cruise itinerary before you go so you're prepared for the festivities. Bring your buccaneer gear if you're sailing aboard Disney Cruise Line; ships host fun events like Pirate Nights, pirate-themed dinners and a "Pirates in the Caribbean" show. On "The Love Boat"-themed cruises offered by Princess Cruises , pack your platform boots, glittery dresses, bell-bottom pants and halter tops for the line's 1970s-inspired disco party on the deck. No matter the theme, you can't go wrong with a couple of captain hats .

Travel wrap

A travel wrap is a versatile accessory that's useful for any trip – even more so on a cruise ship where it can get chilly when the sea breeze picks up. Available in nearly 10 different colors, J.Crew's Oversized Cashmere Wrap is a timeless staple, albeit a bit of an investment; for something less expensive but well rated, try this off-brand pashmina shawl on Amazon .

Packable jacket

Courtesy of Patagonia

If you're cruising to a cold weather destination such as Alaska, you'll need something heavier than a travel wrap, but not so bulky that it requires additional luggage. Consider a packable jacket that folds easily and compactly; travel experts highly recommend the Patagonia Nano Puff Jacket .

Packable hat

If you're headed to the Caribbean or another warm weather destination, you'll want a beach hat to protect your scalp and face from the sun. This packable straw hat by FURTALK (available on Amazon for about $25) is a stylish women's option that features a broader brim and offers UPF 50 sun protection.

Comfortable walking shoes

Courtesy of Allbirds

Even if you never step foot off the ship, there is still plenty of walking to do between bow and stern. Closed-toe shoes or sandals with straps are safer than flimsy flip-flops when boarding a slippery tender into port (if your ship can't dock directly). Check out our recommendations for the most comfortable walking shoes , which include the popular Allbirds Wool Runners and the ECCO Yucatan Sandals .

Water shoes

Depending on your scheduled shore excursions, you might also need a pair of water shoes. For something that's both functional and fashionable, Crocs' Classic Clogs are a good option. While not totally waterproof, the Native Jefferson is a water-friendly, versatile option.

Versatile heels

"Over the years, I've learned that the key to avoiding overpacking is to bring one neutral pair of low heels that match every single eveningwear outfit I've packed – from flowy pants to dresses," says Schildhouse, who loves her Rockport Tabitha 2-Strap Heeled Sandals . "They have a cushioned footbed and shock-absorbing heel so you can dance the night away in the club, and a 3-inch block heel with traction to keep you steady on your feet even if the ship's rocking a bit."

Reusable water bottle

A reusable water bottle is useful for filling up at water and beverage stations on your cruise ship; it's also a necessity for shore excursions.

Bathing suit

Pack a couple of swimsuits for the pools, hot tubs and any shore excursions.

Swim cover-up

Another must-have for your cruise packing list is a swimsuit cover-up or two. These are great for wearing over your bathing suit during days at sea, as well as on excursions – especially if you're going on a Caribbean cruise . Amazon sells a variety of stylish, affordable cover-ups, and you can never go wrong with a classic white button-down shirt .

Dry bags are useful for shore excursions where you're likely to get wet but don't want the same to be true for your phone, camera and other precious items. "I use the Outdoor Research Unisex Dry Isolation Pack   and have never had so much as a drop of moisture enter it, which is important for me – it keeps my cameras, documents and important items from getting wet," says Saunders, adding that it functions as a great everyday backpack when it's not raining.

If you need more than one dry bag, cruise expert Brittany Chrusciel recommends the Sea to Summit Lightweight Dry Bag Set . "Having these dry bags, in a variety of sizes, means I can bring all my gear along during a Zodiac cruise or snorkeling excursion without having to worry about it getting wet."

Waterproof phone case

A waterproof phone case is also essential, especially if you plan to take photos. The Hiearcool Waterproof Phone Pouches (available in a two-pack) come with a lanyard so you can both protect your phone and wear it around your neck. They are compatible with most smartphones.

"I like to bring collapsible pails, small shovels , inflatable beach toys, a floppy Frisbee or other things to entertain the kids on the beach if we're going to a private island or beach destination," says Silverstein. "If you can inflate your own inner tube, you don't need to rent a floating mat."

Beach towel

"Although cruise lines provide guests with towels to take off the ship on excursions, they are often bulky and sometimes small," explains Chrusciel. "The Surfer Towel folds up to nearly nothing, so it takes up almost no room in your suitcase and is super convenient to pack in a day bag. What's more, its quick-drying technology means that the lightweight fabric won't be soaking wet when you need to pack up for the day and head back to the ship."

Towel clips

"Even though giant plastic towel clips shaped like a flamingo are a bit cringey, they make it easy to find your spot in a sea of sun loungers," says Chrusciel. "They also solve a common cruise problem: keeping your towel securely fixed to your chair while reading or sunbathing."

Reef-safe sunscreen

Courtesy of Badger

When choosing a sunscreen, look for something that's reef-safe; not only are these sunscreens safer for the environment, but they're also better for you . The active ingredients in reef-safe sunscreens, also known as mineral sunscreens, are zinc oxide, titanium dioxide or a combination of both. Top-rated mineral sunscreen brands include Think , Badger and Raw Elements , all of which also sell lip balm with sunscreen (another essential at sea).

After-sun lotion

You'll want an extra dose of moisturizer if you've been basking in the sun. COOLA makes an after-sun body lotion that cools and hydrates the skin with aloe vera, agave and lavender oil. Previous buyers rave about this lotion, noting they appreciate that the scent isn't overpowering.

A good book

Sea days are the perfect time to kick back and relax with a book you've been meaning to read. Find an oceanfront lounge chair in a shaded area on the pool deck, or grab a cup of tea and settle into a quiet nook indoors. There's no need to pack more than one book, however, as many cruise ships have libraries.

What not to pack for a cruise

Power strip.

Many cruise lines do not permit power strips as they present a fire hazard, while others allow them as long as they are non-surge-protected. Instead of a power strip, purchase a portable charger such as this highly rated one by Anker , which can power up multiple devices at once. This can be especially useful for shore excursions. When packing for your cruise, also think about your luggage: If it has an included charging port, you may not even need to purchase an additional charging block.

Weapons and restraints

Firearms, handcuffs and the like are not permitted on cruise ships. This rule also includes toy guns on most cruise lines.

While most major cruise lines allow guests to pack a limited amount of wine or Champagne per person, they do not permit hard liquor. Of course, those of age can purchase cocktails at any of the bars on board.

Household appliances

Irons and steamers are not permitted on cruise ships, which is why the aforementioned garment bags, wrinkle release spray and packing cubes are recommended for keeping clothing tidy and neat. Coffee makers and mug warmers are also prohibited.

While you can technically bring you own, it's not necessary as hairdryers are available in every bathroom on most ships.

CBD and marijuana

CBD that's derived from hemp and contains 0.3% THC or less is legal at a federal level. However, each state interprets and enforces this law differently; for example, many states require a prescription for it. Due to the ambiguity of the laws, most cruise lines continue to ban CBD in any form.

Marijuana remains illegal under U.S. federal law, which means you cannot bring it on a cruise ship – even if you're legally able to purchase it in your home state for recreational or medical use.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

For the U.S. News Cruise Packing List, travel writers Gwen Pratesi and Amanda Norcross tapped leading industry experts for their cruise essentials. They regularly update this checklist with new and useful items to pack.

You might also be interested in:

• The Best Cruise Lines
• The Best Adults-Only Cruises
• The Best All-Inclusive Cruises

Vacation Ideas for Every Traveler

Tags: Travel , Cruises , Travel Gear

World's Best Places To Visit

• # 1 South Island, New Zealand
• # 4 Bora Bora

If you make a purchase from our site, we may earn a commission. This does not affect the quality or independence of our editorial content.

You May Also Like

The 13 best key west tours of 2024.

Gwen Pratesi May 3, 2024

Swimming With Pigs in the Bahamas

Amanda Norcross May 2, 2024

The 15 Best Chicago Tours for 2024

John Rodwan May 1, 2024

The 10 Best Harry Potter Tours in London

Marisa Méndez April 30, 2024

12 Cheap Fourth of July Getaways

April 29, 2024

The Best Tours of Buckingham Palace

Laura French April 29, 2024

Flight Canceled or Delayed? What to Do

Amanda Norcross April 26, 2024

The Best Beach Hats

Megan Johnson and Sharael Kolberg April 26, 2024

The Best Florence Tours

John Rodwan April 25, 2024

The 9 Best Louisiana Swamp Tours of 2024

John Rodwan April 24, 2024