Frequently asked questions

Traveling as a passenger on a cargo vessel is a different way to discover the world at the rhythm of life at sea, certainly not your average trip from the travel brochure. Do you wish to sail around the world from Rotterdam or Antwerp, do you want to see Belfast, Helsinki, Klaipeda, the Caribbean, or would you like to go ashore in a bustling Chinese port? Just let us know, and we will take you there.

Cargo vessel voyages vary in length from a week to several months. Limitless flexibility allows you to disembark in Shanghai, Auckland, Cape Town or any other port, to continue your voyage on another ship of your choice.

Enjoy the sights of New York, the Panama Canal, Papeete or Hong Kong, where many generations of sailors have gone before you. Follow in the footsteps of the great discoverers and experience what the ocean has to offer.

Quality and assurance

Cargo Ship Cruises represents well known shipping companies like the Bank Line, Buss, CMA-CGM, Grimaldi Lines, Hamburg Sued, Horn Linie, the Oldenburgische Portugiesische Dampfer Reederei (OPDR), Rickmers and Wegener. We represent over 200 cargo vessels that can take you to:

• England, Ireland and Scandinavia

• Spain, Portugal and the countries around the Mediterranean Sea

• West- en South Africa

• North-, Middle- and South America and the Caribbean

• Far East, Australia and Oceania.

All vessels comply with the high standards set by insurance companies like Lloyds of London, Germanische Lloyd or Norske Veritas. Captains and officers are usually European and the rest of the crew is international.

The vessels you find in our program are all service liners following a preset itinerary, which allows you to plan your trip well in advance.

Cargo vessels transport cargo

Cargo is their priority. Be aware of the fact you are traveling on a working vessel that has been constructed to transport goods from A to B. Passengers are expected to adapt to the rhythm of life on board. Departure and arrival times may change at short notice, because there may be less cargo to load than expected, or because an extra port has to be visited. It is all part of a sailor's daily routine, a routine you will experience first hand as a passenger on a cargo vessel.

General information

Your trip to and from the ship is at your own expense. All ship's agents charge a fee for embarkation, disembarkation and custom clearance. Should your vessel leave from a foreign port, you have the opportunity to book a flight to your port of embarkation at a reduced rate. Details can be found in the information package we will send you after you have booked your trip. This package also informs you about life on board, remedies against seasickness, the ports you will be visiting and many more subjects relevant to your itinerary. You will only receive the exact departure time a few days before you are scheduled to leave, as soon as the vessel has left its previous port of call.

General sales conditions

A copy of our general sales conditions will be sent to you at your request.

Travel agreement

The travel agreement is between you and the shipping company that owns the vessel, and binds both parties. Expenses like travel from home to the port, obtaining visa, medical certificates and inoculations are not included in the passage price.

Frequently asked questions and answers

How many passengers can simultaneously travel on a cargo vessel?

Usually between 2 and 5 passengers.

What kind op people travel on cargo vessels?

Individualists who dislike rules and regulations. They avoid large groups of people and organized activities. They tend to seek adventure and the unknown. Often they can afford to stay away from home for longer periods at a time ( teachers, retirees etc.).

What is the accommodation on board like?

All cabins are comfortable and spacious, have air conditioning, wall to wall carpet, sturdy furniture and a bathroom with shower. Cabins are located on the upper decks and have one or two windows. The view may be obstructed by containers. Some cabins are equipped with TV/video and a refrigerator. Bed linen and towels are changed regularly.

Are there more facilities for passengers?

Larger vessels are usually equipped with a swimming pool, fitness studio and a sauna. Most ships have a lounge with TV/video and a small library with books, cd's and videotapes. Deck space is limited, but you will always be able to find a spot to enjoy the sunshine in a deckchair.

What services are included in the price?

Use of the cabin and three meals a day are included in the price. Passengers have their meals with the officers, and for snacks in between  meals the cook in the galley will usually be able to accommodate you. Alcoholic  and non-alcoholic beverages can be obtained on board, often at tax free prices.

Is there an age limit?

Usually the age limit is 75 years, sometimes 79. There are exceptions, often on the shorter itineraries closer to the coastline, or when the vessel is carrying more than 12 passengers. In that case a physician is traveling with the ship.

Are there any health restrictions?

Passengers cannot suffer from chronic health problems and have to be able to negotiate stairs. A questionnaire is issued by shipping companies, to be filled out and signed by a physician.

Is there a dress code?

Comfortable clothing is advisable. Bring a warm jacket, raingear, hiking boots, gloves and a hat, and do not forget to bring a set of binoculars and your camera.

How far are ports located from the nearest city?

Ports are usually located outside urban areas. The ship's agent (who will be on board in every harbour) can organize transport to the city by taxi for you.

What about money?

Purchases on board are paid in cash. Personal cheques, credit cards and traveler's cheques are not acceptable. It is best to bring American dollars and Euro's, preferably in small bills. Most ships are not able to change money for you.

Is a passport necessary?

You have to be in possession of a valid passport that does not expire before six months after the anticipated disembarkation date. Some countries require an additional visa, and transcontinental travel often requires inoculations against tropical diseases or a regimen of malaria medication.

What kind of insurance do I need?

You will need travel and health insurance with worldwide coverage. Shipping companies require proof of such insurance. If you decide to cancel your trip before the expected day of embarkation, cancellation fees are owed, sometimes as high as 100% of the passage price. Cargo Ship Cruises can arrange for cancellation insurance, and advises you to use this option, since your ticket is strictly personal and not transferable to third parties.

What is a deviation insurance?

A deviation insurance is a mandatory insurance included in your contract with the shipping company. It covers situations where the vessel would have to dock in the nearest port in case a passenger needs urgent medical attention. With Italian, French and English shipping companies the deviation insurance is included in the price of your ticket, and so are the custom clearance fees.