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, she 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.
If cruise ships are more appropriate for your needs remember The Cruise Peoplehas been handling bookings and reservation for them since 1969. We are Canada’s original cruise agency.
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 has resulted in a reduction of berths. We can still offer some spaces to those who are interested.
NORTH AMERICA TO/FROM EUROPE
We are now able to offer these products on trans-Atlantic service.
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MSC Alessia – (NSB) – East coast of USA to Europe, Bahamas, and Mexico – 41-Day round trip with segments allowed (space permitting).
Savannah, Charleston, Felixstowe, Antwerp, Bremerhaven, Le Havre Charleston, Freeport, Veracruz, Altamira, Houston, New Orleans, Freeport, Savannah.
One single cabin and two doubles, each with a double bed.
We will be happy to research availability and pricing for a segment or a complete voyage.
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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.
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 – Hong Kong – 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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New – MSC Florida
New product will sail a 42-day round trip from Houston to the Bahamas, the Mediterranean, Mexico and back to Houston.
Round voyage may be booked from Houston to Houston or from La Spezia to La Spezia.
Eastbound segments may be booked from Savannah to La Spezia or from Freeport (second call) to La Spezia.
Westbound segments may be booked from La Spezia to Freeport (first call), Vera Cruz, Houston or Port Everglades.
Cabin – Owners Apartment – 10th deck with individual sitting room and bedroom with 2 single beds (90 x 200 cm).
- Cabin cleaned weekly by steward.
Rates start at less than CAD $155 a day (plus taxes and deviation insurance) and vary with length of voyage and whether single or double occupancy.
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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. Cost, with taxes, approx. $6300 U.S. per person
- One way from the Lakes (usually Cleveland) to Europe or Africa for approx. $2200 U.S.
- One way from Holland to the Lakes (usually Cleveland) for approx. $1500 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!
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.
