Last updated: 22 October 2026
The Pacific is the biggest ocean on Earth, and crossing it on a working cargo ship is one of the great slow-travel adventures. For American travellers, a freighter from the west coast is a way to reach Asia, Australia or New Zealand without flying. For Europeans, it can be the second half of a round-the-world voyage.
| Route | Typical ports | Approximate sea time |
|---|---|---|
| US west coast → North Asia | Los Angeles/Long Beach, Oakland, Seattle → Busan, Shanghai, Yokohama | About 2–3 weeks |
| North Asia → US west coast | Shanghai, Ningbo, Busan → Los Angeles, Oakland | About 2–3 weeks |
| US west coast → Australia / NZ | Los Angeles, Oakland → Auckland, Sydney, Melbourne | About 3–4 weeks |
| US east coast → Australia via Panama | Savannah, New York → Panama → South Pacific → Australia | About 4–5 weeks |
| Round-the-world services | Europe → Panama → Pacific → Asia → Suez → Europe | About 3–4 months |
Ships with passenger cabins on Pacific routes are fewer than on Atlantic routes, and availability changes from season to season. Flexible dates help a lot.
Read Das Leben auf einem Containerschiff for a typical day on board.
Fares are usually charged per day, around US$90–150 per person, including cabin and meals. A three-week crossing typically costs about US$1,900–3,200 per person, plus booking fees, port taxes and specialist insurance.
Many travellers combine a Pacific crossing with an Atlantic one to circle the globe without flying. Start with a boat from the UK to the USA, cross the country by train, then sail the Pacific to New Zealand or Australia. Or sail from England to Australia and return via the Pacific.
Yes. Some container ships between the US west coast, Asia, Australia and New Zealand carry a few paying passengers.
Roughly 2–3 weeks between the US west coast and North Asia, and 3–4 weeks to Australia or New Zealand.
Usually US$90–150 per person per day, including meals.
Yes, from west coast ports or from the east coast via the Panama Canal, subject to cabin availability.
The North Pacific can be rough in winter. Southern and tropical routes are usually calmer.
Tell us your departure port and dates and we’ll check Pacific freighter cabins.
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