Passenger freighters are working cargo ships, usually container ships, which carry a small number of passengers as well as freight. The limit for passengers in a freighter is twelve. If the ship carries more than twelve, it becomes a passenger ship and must carry a doctor. The average passenger load in freighters is approximately five. 

Passenger freighter cabins are usually quite large and comparable to ocean view cruise ship cabins. Usually, you will find private facilities (shower and toilet) and a comfortable bed. It is common to have a sitting area and a desk as well. Cabins are usually bright with more than one window although some will have the view blocked by containers if the ship is heavily loaded. Read the information sheets for more on a view and on-board facilities. 

Most ships will have a passenger lounge, small pool or fitness room and there is usually access to the bridge (varying with the captain). Passengers must be fit enough to travel in a ship without a doctor and to handle stairs to reach the dining room. Few passenger freighters have lifts or elevators. 

The big advantage of passenger freighters over cruise ships and ocean liners is the lower prices for singles. Those travelling alone may pay the same fare as those travelling double occupancy. If there is a single supplement, it is much lower than the 100% commonly charged in the cruise industry. 

Since 9/11, many travellers have avoided flying. Passenger freighters became an alternative, especially for those fit persons with flexible schedules and time to enjoy a voyage. A few years ago, we had about twenty ships sailing to Europe from Halifax, Montreal, the Great Lakes or the United States. Unfortunately, increasing security and declining trade have resulted in a reduction of berths. We can still offer some spaces to those who are interested.

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Jonni Ritscher (formerly CMA-CGM Caribbean) sails every 21-days (approx.) from Montreal to Liverpool and Antwerp except winter. 

Daily rates vary from $189 - $237 Canadian depending on accommodations and occupancy. Port taxes/fees and deviation insurance are included.

The "V" ships sail every 21 days from Montreal to Liverpool and to Antwerp before returning to Montreal. These two ships will accept passengers all year round. We are very happy to have the winter crossings back.

MS Melfi Iberia - Halifax to the Mediterranean via Cuba. 32-day round trip. One-ways allowed but no segments from Halifax to Cuba. Itinerary - Halifax, Havana, Naples, Leghorn, Genoa, Barcelona, Valencia and back to Halifax. Passengers must provide Cuba Tourist Card. For security reasons, passengers must carry a Canadian or European passport. Prices from $163 CANADIAN per day. Vessel has experienced some delays in the past.

Passage 0821 - 33-day service between the east coast of the USA and the Mediterranean.
New York, Norfolk, Savannah, Valencia, La Spezia, Barcelona, Fos sur Mer, Valencia, and back to New York.
Facilities include air conditioning, fitness room, sauna and inside pool.
Two double cabins and two singles.
Segments sold subject to availability. No segments USA/USA or Eur/Eur without a major foreign port in between due to Jones Act (cabotage).
Prices from Eu 75 per day plus port taxes/ fees and deviation insurance.
Ask for an information sheet for this voyage.

MSC Uganda (ex Punjab Senator) - 49-days Eastern USA to/from Bahamas, Mexico , and northern Europe. Dates can vary because of all the ports.
Charleston, Savannah, Freeport, Veracruz, Altamira, Houston, New Orleans, Freeport, Port Everglades, Savannah, Charleston, Antwerp, Felixstowe, Bremerhaven, Le Havre, and back to Charleston.
Segments sold subject to availability. No segments USA to USA without a major foreign port due to the Jones Act.
4 double cabins with dayroom, bedroom, Shower, wc, TV, CD, DVD player, radio, and mini fridge.
>From Eu 80 per day plus taxes/fees and deviation insurance.

IBN Sina (NSB) - East coast USA to Europe and the Far East - 77-day round trip with segments allowed (space permitting).

New York, Norfolk, Savannah, Valencia, Genoa, Gioia Tauro, Suez Canal, Jeddah, Khor Fakkan, Bin Qasim, Mundra, Nhava Sheva, Jebel Ali, Jeddah, Suez Canal, Alexandria, Gioia Tauro, La Spezia, Fos sur Mer, Barcelona, Valencia, New York.
Two single cabins and three doubles (each with one bed).
We will be happy to research availability and pricing for a segment or a complete voyage.

Polish Ocean – Sails between the Great Lakes and Europe during the St. Lawrence Seaway season. Can be booked in one of three ways:

-         Complete round voyage – approximately 60-days usually from Cleveland or Holland. Cost, with taxes, from approx. $5950 U.S. per person

-         One way from the Lakes (usually Cleveland) to Europe or Africa from approx.
$2050 U.S.

-         One way from Holland to the Lakes (usually Cleveland) from approx. $1450 U.S.

NOTE: This is our least predictable product. It is partially tramp and ports and itineraries can change even after sailing. You could be asked to change ships to complete your journey. You might not know sailing dates until a few days prior. We request space by the half-month – early June or late September, for example. These are “mystery” voyages. Port times can be longer due to general cargo and the uncertainty of the itinerary can be fun.
Do not even consider this product if you have time constraints!

West Coast service to the Mediterranean and the Far East in German ships - 84-day round trip with segments available (space permitting).

Long Beach - Oakland - Tokyo - Osaka - Pusan - Shanghai - Ningpo - Kaoshiung - Hongkong - Singapore - Port Said - Naples - La Spezia. - Barcelona - Suezcanal - Port Kelang - Singapore - Hongkong - Yantian - Osaka - Tokyo - Long Beach

Two double cabins and a single (subject to change if ships substituted).
We will be happy to research availability and pricing for a segment or a complete voyage.

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Feel free to inquire about other itineraries including Australia, New Zealand, South America, Far East, South Pacific and even a wonderful around the world voyage. 

Passengers must provide a valid passport, medical certificate from your doctor, proof of out-of-country hospital/medical insurance including emergency evacuation (sometimes called air ambulance) coverage and, in some cases, visas (China, Brazil and Australia for example).

For more information and a check on availability and other possibilities, please supply birthdates, citizenship of passport and final destination as well as desired month of sailing.

Updated: 10 Dec 08