Cargo Ship Travel FAQ – Everything You Want to Know Before You Go
Thinking about travelling on a cargo ship? Here are the questions I wish I’d had answered before I booked my own freighter trip from France to the Caribbean in 2012. These are honest, first-hand answers — not brochure speak.
→ Read the full travel diary of my cargo ship journey here.
Is it possible to travel on a cargo ship as a passenger?
Yes, absolutely! Many cargo ships offer a small number of passenger cabins — typically between 2 and 12 passengers. It’s a niche but well-established way to travel. You won’t find it on mainstream booking platforms, but specialist agencies like Frachtschiffreisen Pfeiffer offer a wide range of routes and can answer all your booking questions.
How long does a cargo ship cruise usally take?
Everything is possible: from a one-night passage from one island to another to a full 90-day round-trip to another continent and back. Most passenger-friendly freighter routes fall somewhere in the range of 2–6 weeks.
How much does a cargo ship trip cost?
Roughly speaking, you can expect to pay a similar price to a conventional cruise — but without the entertainment, pools, or luxury. Costs vary depending on the route and duration. For a transatlantic trip of 3–4 weeks, budget somewhere in the range of €2,800-€3,000+. It’s not a budget travel option, but for the experience it offers, many people find it well worth it.
What does a typical day on a cargo ship look like?
Honestly? Lots of free time. The ship is a working vessel, not a tourist boat, so there’s usually no entertainment programme or organised activities. You read, you write, you watch the ocean, you take photos. Our captain was wonderfully proactive and organised activities for the crew that I was sometimes included in — but that’s not something you can count on. If you struggle with unstructured time, a freighter trip might be a challenge. If you love it, you’ll be in heaven.
What are the cabins like?
Functional and clean, but not luxurious. Think: a proper bed, a desk, a small bathroom. More like a basic hotel room than a cruise ship cabin. The ship is a workplace first, and that’s reflected in everything — including where you sleep.
Here, you’ll see some impressions.
Can you go ashore at the ports?
Yes, during port stops you’re generally free to explore — but on your own initiative. There are no guided tours or organised excursions. You need to be comfortable organising yourself, and crucially, you need to be flexible: the ship’s schedule has first priority and can change at short notice, and you must always be back on time. Missing your ship is a very real possibility if you’re not careful.
Is there internet or phone reception on board?
For most of the open ocean crossing: no. You’ll be offline for days at a time. As of my trip in 2012 this was definitely the case, and I’d assume it’s still largely true today — worth confirming with your booking agent. If you’re used to being constantly connected, this can feel surprisingly disorienting at first. But for many passengers, it’s actually one of the best parts.
What languages do you need to speak?
This really depends on the ship’s flag and crew. My ship was French-flagged with a predominantly French-speaking crew — and my French was, let’s say, minimal. This was by far the hardest part of the trip for me personally. I felt quite isolated at times and had to rely on the few English speakers on board. Before booking, I’d strongly recommend asking your agency about the working language on board and whether the crew speak any English.
Is cargo ship travel safe?
Yes. These are professional commercial vessels with trained crews and full safety equipment. On my first full day aboard, we had a proper safety briefing and were shown emergency procedures. Modern cargo ships are subject to strict international maritime regulations. That said, the ocean is the ocean — if you’re prone to seasickness, be prepared and pack accordingly.
Who is cargo ship travel right for?
It’s ideal if you’re independent, curious, comfortable with long stretches of solitude, and genuinely interested in the experience rather than a destination. It suits slow travellers, writers, photographers, people between chapters of life, and anyone who’s ever stood at the ocean and wondered what’s on the other side. It’s not for people who need constant entertainment, social buzz, or a packed itinerary.
Would you do it again?
Without hesitation — if the timing, destination, and budget aligned. Despite the language challenges and the tough days, it was one of the most memorable and unique travel experiences of my life. There’s simply nothing else quite like crossing an ocean on a working ship.
Curious what it’s actually like day by day? Read my full cargo ship travel diary