Last updated: 22 October 2026

Not every cargo ship takes passengers, but more do than most people realise. Several shipping lines keep a handful of cabins on selected ships and sell them to travellers, often through specialist agencies like us. This guide explains which kinds of shipping lines take passengers, where they sail, and how to choose the right one.

Why some cargo ships carry passengers

Large merchant ships are built with spare cabins for supernumeraries: extra people such as owners’ representatives, trainees or technicians. Under international rules, a cargo ship can carry up to 12 passengers without being classed as a passenger ship. Some lines sell these cabins to the public, which adds a small income and keeps a long tradition alive.

Types of passenger-carrying cargo ships

Shipping lines and passenger cabins

Which lines offer cabins changes over time, as ships are sold, routes are changed and crewing rules are updated. Recently, passenger berths have mostly been offered on:

• Container lines with European, Asian and Australian services, especially on larger ships with spare accommodation
• Ro-ro specialists on Europe–West Africa and Europe–South America routes, where some ships have a dedicated passenger deck
• Regional and island operators in Scandinavia, the Atlantic islands and the Pacific

Because availability depends on individual ships and voyages, the most reliable way to find a cabin is to tell an agency your route and dates. We check which ships with passenger accommodation are sailing your way.

Popular routes that take passengers

• Transatlantic: UK and northern Europe to the US east coast or Canada, about 9–14 days. See boat from the UK to the USA.
• UK to Australia: about 5–6 weeks via Suez. See ship from England to Australia.
• Europe to Asia: about 4–6 weeks to Singapore and China.
• Europe to South America: about 3–6 weeks to Brazil, Uruguay and Argentina. See our cargo ship to South America guide.
• Short European loops: about 1–3 weeks around northern Europe or the Mediterranean.

Rules every line applies

• Age limits: commonly up to 75–85, with minimum ages for children
• Medical certificate: confirming you are fit to travel, because there is no doctor on board
• Travel insurance: must cover medical evacuation at sea and deviation
• Flexibility: departure dates can shift by days

Read more in is freighter travel safe? et how to book cargo ship travel.

What does it cost?

Most lines charge per person per day, around US$90–150, including your cabin and three meals. Single supplements and larger “owner’s cabins” cost more. Add the booking fee, insurance, port taxes where applicable, and travel to the departure port.

Frequently asked questions