How to...cross an ocean without flying

There are no ferries or passenger ships across the Pacific and only the QE2 or Queen Mary cruise ships across the Atlantic. You’ve got to take a cargo ship...

There are a few tour operators who deal in freighter ship travel, two of which are in London:

Strand Travel
Cruise People
NSB (through Frau Gloger)


A few things we learnt about cargo ship travel:

a) Cargo ships only carry up to 11 passengers

b) Therefore you have to book your berth in advance

c) Cargo ships rarely go where tourists want, they go where cargo is needed. Your journey is somewhat determined by the routes available (but there are plenty)

d) When you’ve found a good route, note that they go infrequently (e.g. monthly)

e) Even when you have a departure date, it’s likely to change (depending on weather, loading of cargo etc)

f) Paying for the voyage is going to hurt. So you have to be philosophical about it; the price includes travel across a massive distance and includes accommodation and three meals a day. You probably would pay the same price flying to the same destination and staying in hotels over the same time period. But in addition you get the cargo ship experience (sea dogs, swells and sunshine) for FREE! It’s a bargain really.

g) You need visas for every country the ship stops in. For us, this means a Chinese and American visa. Arriving in America on a cargo ship discounts you for a waiver-free tourist visa. You need to get a B-1 ten-year multiple entry tourist visa, and for that you need a visa interview. The travel agencies can help here.