Last updated: 23 October 2026

Sailing round the world on a cargo ship is one of the great travel adventures. It’s slow, it takes planning, and it isn’t cheap, but you cross every major ocean, pass through famous canals and call at ports most travellers never see. Here’s how to do it.

1. A single round-the-world service

Some container lines run pendulum or round-the-world services that call at ports across several continents before returning to Europe. When passenger cabins are available on these, you can stay on the same ship for the whole voyage. A typical loop from Europe might pass through the Panama Canal, cross the Pacific, call in Asia and return via Suez or around Africa.

2. Linking several voyages

More common is linking separate voyages, for example:

You can spend time on land between legs, or travel overland. This option gives you more flexibility, but needs careful timing.

How long does it take?

• Single round-the-world service: typically 80–120 days
• Linked voyages: 3–6 months or more, depending on stops

How much does it cost?

At about €90–€150 per person per day, a round-the-world voyage typically costs €8,000–€16,000 per person, before insurance, visas and land costs. See how much cargo ship travel costs.

Famous waters you might cross

• The Panama Canal: see Panama Canal cargo ship transit
• The Suez Canal: see Suez Canal cargo ship transit
• The Pacific Ocean: see transpacific freighter travel
• The Strait of Malacca and Singapore: see cargo ship to Singapore
• The Cape of Good Hope, when ships route around Africa

Planning tips

1. Book 12 months or more ahead.
2. Check visas for every country, including transit ports.
3. Get long-voyage insurance that covers the full trip. See cargo ship travel insurance.
4. Think about the seasons on each ocean. See best time for cargo ship travel.
5. Pack for every climate and plan laundry. See what to pack for a freighter voyage.
6. Plan connectivity for months at sea. See wifi on cargo ships.
7. Expect changes: schedules shift and port calls can be dropped.

Is it right for you?

A round-the-world freighter voyage suits patient, independent travellers who love the sea. Many are retirees, writers or people taking a career break. It’s less suitable if you need a fixed return date.

Read the cargo ship travel guide and exploring the major global shipping routes.

Frequently asked questions