People choose to travel by freighter for a variety of reasons. No itineraries or onboard activities allow for long, quiet days at sea--perfect for reading, playing cards or simply sitting on deck and watching the horizon with binoculars. Dress is casual; no need for suits or formal attire. There is a limited capacity for travelers--generally, no more than a dozen passengers per ship--so there are no crowds to contend with. And you have a chance to visit places rarely seen on commercial cruises.
The very things that draw some people to these cruises might be viewed as disadvantages to others, particularly the fact that there are no scheduled activities--passengers are left to create their own fun. Elevators are rare, so be prepared to climb a lot of stairs. Passengers take their meals with the crew in the ship’s mess. And although food is plentiful, there are no menus--you eat what the cook prepares for the day. Freighters are working ships; ports of call are based on cargo to be delivered, and they can change without notice during the cruise. Cargo docks often are a long way from tourist spots, and getting to and from places of interest is up to the passengers--there are no planned shore excursions with arranged transportation. There also are no doctors on board, although crew members might have some medical training.
Age limits vary somewhat from ship to ship, but passengers generally are required to be at least 13 years of age and no older than 79. Passengers over age 65 might be required to provide a medical certificate from a doctor stating that they are in good health. Pregnant women are not allowed. Freight cruises tend to be longer than traditional cruises, but it is possible to book only a segment of a cruise, get off the ship and then continue to travel or fly home. Cost typically ranges from $65 to $130 per person per day.
