How Much Does Cargo Ship Travel Cost? 2026 Prices

Last updated: 23 October 2026

Cargo ship travel is usually priced per person, per day. In 2026 most voyages cost roughly €90–€150 per person per day, including your cabin and all meals. That makes a 10-day Atlantic crossing similar to a mid-range cruise, and a long voyage to Asia or Australia a big but memorable investment. Here is what cargo ship travel costs by route, and what else to budget for.

Typical daily rates in 2026

Cabin type	Typical price per person per day	Notes
Single cabin	€110–€150	Solo travellers pay a little more per day
Double cabin, per person	€90–€130	Two people sharing an officer-style cabin
Owner’s cabin or suite	€120–€170	Larger cabin, sometimes with a separate lounge

Indicative prices. Rates vary by shipping line, ship, route and season.

Cargo ship at twilight — Most freighter fares are priced per person, per day at sea.

Example voyage prices by route

Route	Typical length	Indicative fare per person
UK or Europe to the US East Coast	9–14 days	€1,000–€1,900
Europe to Canada (Montreal or Halifax)	9–14 days	€1,000–€1,900
Europe to Iceland	5–10 days	€600–€1,300
Europe to South America (Brazil, Argentina)	25–35 days	€2,600–€4,800
Europe to Singapore or China	25–40 days	€2,700–€5,500
Europe to Australia or New Zealand	35–50 days	€3,800–€7,000
Round-the-world voyage	80–120 days	€8,000–€16,000

Indicative 2026 ranges. See how to book a cargo ship voyage for how fares are quoted.

What’s included in the fare

Your cabin, usually with a private shower and toilet, and often with a window
All meals, eaten with the officers in their mess
Bedding and towels, changed regularly
Use of the ship’s facilities, which can include a lounge, small gym, sauna or pool on some ships

Drinks, snacks from the ship’s store and laundry may be extra.

Deck officer on a cargo ship — Your fare includes your cabin and all meals with the officers.

Extra costs to budget for

Extra	Typical cost
Deviation and medical insurance (required)	€80–€300+ depending on voyage length and age
Port fees and agency charges	€50–€200 per port
Booking fee	Varies by agent
Visas	Depends on your nationality and the ports
Travel to and from the port	Varies
Drinks and the ship’s store	Usually a small amount per week

Most shipping lines insist on special deviation insurance, which covers the cost if the ship has to change course for you, for example in a medical emergency. Read our cargo ship travel insurance guide.

Why prices vary

Route length: longer voyages cost more in total but sometimes less per day.
Cabin type: owner’s cabins cost more.
Season: some routes are more in demand in summer.
Availability: most ships take only 2–12 passengers, so popular voyages fill early.
One-way vs return: round trips are often better value than two separate legs.

Is cargo ship travel worth the money?

Compared with flying, it is expensive. Compared with a cruise, it is similar per day, but completely different. There are no casinos or shows, but you get open ocean, real working life at sea, and time to rest. Compare the two in cargo ship vs cruise.

Ready to plan? Read our cargo ship travel guide and see which shipping lines take passengers.

Frequently asked questions

How much does cargo ship travel cost per day?

Typically about €90–€150 per person per day in 2026, including cabin and meals.

How much is a cargo ship trip across the Atlantic?

Roughly €1,000–€1,900 per person for a 9–14 day crossing from Europe to North America.

Are meals included on a cargo ship?

Yes. All meals are included, usually eaten with the officers.

Is cargo ship travel cheaper than a cruise?

Not usually. It costs about the same per day as a mid-range cruise, but offers a very different experience.

What extra costs are there?

Required deviation and medical insurance, port and agency fees, visas, and travel to the port.

Get a price for your voyage

Tell us your route and dates, and we’ll quote you for a cabin on a working cargo ship.

Get a voyage quote →

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Steve Joury

Cargo trip advisor at Cargoholidays

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.