What to Pack for a Freighter Voyage: The Complete Cargo Ship Packing List
Last updated: 22 October 2026
Packing for a cargo ship is different from packing for a cruise. There are no shops at sea, no formal nights and no laundry service you can rely on every day, but there are steel decks, steep stairs, wind and weeks of quiet time. Use this freighter packing list to bring exactly what you need.
The essentials
Passport, visas and printed copies of your booking, insurance certificate and medical certificate
Medication for the whole voyage plus at least a week extra, with prescriptions
Cash in US dollars or euros for the ship’s shop and port days
Phone, chargers and a universal adaptor: sockets vary by ship and may be European, UK or US style
A small first-aid kit with plasters, painkillers and seasickness tablets
Long ocean crossings mean several climates in one trip, so pack layers.
Clothes for life at sea
Freighters sail through several climates in one voyage, and decks are windy. Pack layers rather than lots of outfits:
A windproof, waterproof jacket
A warm fleece or jumper, even for summer voyages
Comfortable trousers and T-shirts for daily life on board
A hat, sunglasses and high-factor sunscreen: reflection off the water is strong
Swimwear, in case the ship has a pool
One smarter outfit for an invitation to dinner with the captain or a port evening
Shoes: the most important item
Decks are steel, stairs are steep and surfaces can be wet. Bring flat shoes with good grip that cover your toes, such as trainers or deck shoes. Leave heels and flip-flops for your cabin or port days.
Seasickness and health
Seasickness tablets or patches, even if you have never been seasick
Ginger sweets or acupressure bands as a backup
A reusable water bottle
Earplugs and an eye mask, as ships are never fully silent or dark
An e-reader, a camera and binoculars make the long, quiet days at sea even better.
Entertainment for long days at sea
Internet may be limited or unavailable, so prepare to be offline:
E-reader loaded with books, plus a couple of paperbacks to swap
Downloaded films, series, podcasts and music
Offline maps and language apps for each port
Binoculars for whales, dolphins and passing ships
A camera with spare batteries and memory cards
A journal, cards or a travel game for evenings
Practical extras
Small torch or headlamp
Laundry soap and a travel washing line
Zip-lock bags for documents and electronics
A day bag for port visits
Snacks you love that you cannot easily buy on board
What not to pack
Formal or evening wear beyond one smart outfit
Drones, unless the captain gives written permission
Anything flammable, such as camping gas
Heavy hardback books and too many shoes
Luggage tips
Most freighter lines are generous with luggage, but you may have to carry your bags up the gangway and several flights of stairs. A medium suitcase plus a backpack is ideal. Label everything with your name and the ship’s name.
Frequently asked questions
What should I wear on a cargo ship?
Practical layers, a windproof jacket and flat shoes with good grip. Dress is casual, with one smart outfit for special occasions.
Do I need a power adaptor on a cargo ship?
Yes, bring a universal adaptor, because sockets vary depending on where the ship was built and registered.
Can I do laundry on a freighter?
Many ships have a washing machine for crew and passengers, but bring travel wash and a washing line just in case.
How much luggage can I take?
Freighter lines are usually generous, but you must be able to carry your bags up the gangway and stairs.
What entertainment should I bring?
An e-reader, downloaded films and podcasts, binoculars, a camera and offline maps, as internet may be limited.
All packed and ready to sail?
Tell us where you want to go and we will find your perfect freighter voyage.
Passionate about slow trip travel and sea. Steve know most shipping route and procedure to discover our beautiful world from sea on a container ship. He have been at most trips from 7 days on cargo travel to 140 days on board.
