Last updated: 22 October 2026

Many of the most enthusiastic freighter travellers are retired. They have time for a slow voyage, enjoy the peace and quiet, and value travelling without airports. But cargo ships have age limits and health rules that cruise ships do not, so it pays to know them before you book.

Is there an age limit for cargo ship travel?

Yes. Each shipping line sets its own upper age limit, and it commonly falls between 75 and 85. One transatlantic operator, for example, has accepted passengers from age 2 to 85. Some lines ask for extra medical checks for travellers over a certain age, and limits can differ by route.

Health and fitness on board

A cargo ship is a working vessel. You should be able to:

• Climb steep internal stairs between decks, as many ships have no passenger lift
• Walk up a gangway or steep boarding steps, sometimes in wind or rain
• Move safely on steel decks that can be wet and moving
• Manage without a doctor on board for weeks at a time

If you have mobility issues, ask whether the ship has a lift and how boarding works at each port.

Medication and medical certificate

Your doctor needs to confirm you are fit for the voyage. Bring all your regular medication for the whole trip plus at least a week extra, with prescriptions in English. Keep a written list of your conditions and medicines to give to the officers.

Insurance for older travellers

Check carefully that your policy:

• Has no upper age limit that excludes you
• Covers pre-existing conditions you have declared
• Includes medical evacuation at sea and deviation cover
• Covers the whole voyage plus delays

Tips for senior freighter travellers

• Choose a summer sailing for calmer seas and long daylight
• Book an owner’s cabin if you want more space for a long trip
• Start with a shorter voyage to see how you feel at sea
• Travel with a partner or friend if you can, for company and support
• Plan rest days before and after the voyage, as dates can change

Why seniors love freighter travel

No crowds, no queues, no airports, and plenty of time to read, talk with the officers and watch the ocean. Many retired travellers return again and again, building a whole new way of seeing the world one voyage at a time.

Frequently asked questions