Traveling by Freighter: Another Way to Experience the Sea
Until the 1950s, it was common to sign up for a merchant ship to take a long journey by sea. Passengers could pay for their ticket by working on board. With the massive consumption of air travel, this type of journey, filled with romantic and adventurous spirit, fell out of favor. For the past 30 years, not only has it become fashionable to travel by freighter (now without the need to become a deckhand), but it is also expanding and being marketed through shipping companies and agents specializing in this mode of travel that provides a unique personal experience. Here are the main considerations that modern travelers on a freighter should take into account:
Timing
Be flexible and book in advance. Sometimes you will need to make phone calls or send emails, and be prepared for the ships to delay their departure or arrival depending on the ups and downs of their business. Don't just think about long distances: there are options from one week to several months, with the average duration of these trips being between 40 and 50 days. As for stops at ports, they range from 18 to 24 hours, the time required for the ship to load or unload, similar to a conventional cruise.
Health and Dining
You will dine with the officers three times a day with hearty and quality meals (especially on French ships) and won't have to deal with more than eleven travel companions. This limit of twelve is established because exceeding it would require the ship to include a doctor; up to that number, an officer with emergency medical knowledge will handle health issues.
Comfort, Leisure, and Services
Your cabin may even be better than on a cruise. You will have a more authentic experience of maritime life, learn navigation routines with the officers, and write or read your long-awaited novel... You should bring your own entertainment, as there will be no attractions or parties, so it's advisable to bring movies, books, and music. You can buy drinks and basic items on the ship.
Pricing
The price range is as wide as the number of days possible, the destinations, and the different charter companies, ships, or agencies with which you book the trip, but these are not particularly economical travels. They range from 45 to 110 euros per person per day.
Other Recommendations
No pets are allowed, informal clothing is worn, the general language is English, crew members are addressed by their last name preceded by 'mister' unless they indicate otherwise, and travelers should be between 14 and 79 years old. A small freighter allows you to feel the sea more intensely, while a giant one will move so little that you may forget you are sailing.
Where, When, and How to Book
Through specialized agencies or direct charterers and at least one month in advance. If you have a specific route or ship in mind, it is better to book as early as possible because during peak season bookings can be made up to a year in advance. Agents will require a 25% deposit for the reservation, with the rest to be paid a few weeks before departure.
Websites to Consult:
Must-haves: freightercruises.com and seaplus.com. Good information with a very comprehensive options catalog.
Other Good Options:
CCC (Catalina Cargo Conseil)
A French website that can be read in Spanish, very informative and with a wide variety of destinations, prices, and trip durations.
Freighter Expeditions
A magnificent catalog, very up to date and easy to use.
Hamburgsued-Frachtschiffreisen
hamburgsuedfrachtschiffreisen.de
In German as it is from Hamburg. They can be emailed and asked for information in English. Many options for everyone.
CMA CGM
The large conventional cruise company also works with freighters and allows booking via email.
Grimaldi Lines
Be careful not to confuse! This Neapolitan company also offers conventional cruises. Their freighter page is not updated, but you can use their phone numbers and email address.
The Cruise People Ltd
For the more discerning, these British advisors have been in the business since 1992. They include freighter trips but coordinate luxury cruises worldwide and specialize in special cases.