Recently, many people have become disenchanted with flying, airport security, crowds and rushing when they travel. There is a renewed interest in travelling in passenger freighters.

What are passenger freighters?

They are working cargo ships with a few extra cabins for carrying passengers. Freighters may carry one to twelve passengers. Four or five is the norm. Twelve is the magic number because carrying more makes her a passenger ship and requires a doctor on board. Most are container ships with a few bulk or general cargo ships thrown in. It is important to remember that the cargo comes first and schedules and itineraries are always subject to change, sometimes even after sailing. Container ships typically have short port stops (four to eight hours) whilst general cargo ships stop longer.

What advantages are there to passenger freighter travel?

Freighters provide a calm, restful and unstructured way of getting from A to B. There are no crowds and, other than mealtimes, you follow your own schedule. Want to nap all day? Go ahead! Like to be about in the wee hours? Sure! There will be crew on duty 24/7. Forget the tux and evening gown, freighters are casual but do remember comfortable walking shoes. Need time to yourself? Like to read or listen to music? Writing a log or a book? Like the sea? Like machinery? Listen to short wave radio? What could be better?

What disadvantages are there?

There is no entertainment unless you create it. No one will call you to BINGO, the casino or a gold sale at the shops. No Vegas-style shows. No lining up for dinner. I doubt you'll see a baked Alaska. You'll dock in the worst areas and depend on taxis to get you to town and back. You'll have to carry your own luggage up the steep gangplank and store it in your cabin. You will have memories that will last you a lifetime. Most clients come back time and time again.

Who travels in passenger freighters?

Passengers tend be very healthy and to have ample time and funds to travel at leisure. This often means retired folks and business owners or people on leaves of absence. Passengers are usually independent and enjoy their own company. You could be the only passenger or have a small group on board. You must get along with the others or you could become lonely. A love of the sea is important and being a "back-seat driver" who enjoys being on the bridge and learning the workings of the ship and ports is common. Many enjoy machinery and enjoy a tour of the engine room (with the permission of the chief engineer). Most companies have an age limit - usually between 70 and 79 - and young children are not allowed for safety reasons. Sorry, you may not bring your pets and vehicles are shipped separately.

What about accommodations, food and service?

Passenger freighter cabins vary but are usually comparable to cruise ship cabins. Most are on high decks and have windows (rarely blocked by containers). Cabins have private facilities often including sitting areas and refrigerators. Stewards tend the rooms and serve meals in the senior officers' mess with the captain and other senior officers. Food is usually very good but will vary with nationality of the officers. The mess is usually on a lower deck so you have four to six decks to descend and climb for meals. Sorry, clients with wheelchairs, canes or crutches can not be accommodated.

What other features do passenger freighters supply?

Most common facilities are a pantry open 24/7 for snacks and a passenger lounge with TV, VCR, stereo, books and a place to chat or play cards and games. Many offer duty free with low prices on beverages and other items. Some ships provide a small pool or workout area. Most decks have an outside area where you can sit, sun, read and watch the world go by. If lucky, you might spot whales, dolphins or other wildlife.

What about safety?

Freighters are deep-hulled ships which are usually heavily loaded which means deep in the water and quite stable at sea. Officers and crews are trained to the highest standards and the ships carry the latest safety equipment. Crews often "adopt" the passengers and take very good care of them. They will advise if any ports are dangerous. Sometimes they even take the passengers with them to seaman's clubs or trips ashore. In most cases, they've been here many times and know the best places to visit.

These are working cargo ships, not passenger ships so decks and outside stairs are bare steel, entrances will have high coamings which can bruise shins and you may have to climb an unsteady gangplank. Cargo terminals require caution and care to keep from being injured by heavy equipment and containers. You do have to remain alert at all times.

What are the requirements for passenger freighter travel?

Valid passports are required and, in some cases, visas and shots are necessary. You will be sailing in a ship with many stairs to climb and with no doctor on board. Your physician must sign a form indicating you are healthy enough to do this AND you must have out-of-country emergency hospital/medical insurance that includes evacuation (sometimes called air ambulance) coverage. Cancellation insurance is not required but is highly recommended. It is the passenger's responsibility to supply all necessary paperwork before boarding.

Where do freighters sail?

Itineraries vary from a week across the Atlantic to over 100 days around the world. You can sail through the Caribbean, the South Pacific, the Far East, to Australia and/or New Zealand or through the Panama Canal to South America. Due to the Jones Act, you can't sail to Hawaii or Alaska or between ports in the same country such as New York to Miami.

How much does it cost?

Most freighters are originally priced in Euros or pounds and converted by wholesalers. The going rates are approximately Eu 65 to 120 a day. When the Euro was U.S. $0.80, this was very reasonable for North Americans. Now that the dollars (Canadian and American) have fallen so much, our buying power is down about 60% making the product seem higher priced.

What's included?

The fare includes passage, all food and accommodation. Most passengers tip the steward. You will need some funds for duty-free purchases and shore trips. Some lines charge separately for port taxes and fees and deviation insurance. Others build these charges in to the fare.

How can I get more information?

Check the web under passenger freighters or give us a call or send an e-mail inquiry.