Solo Travel on a Cargo Ship: What It's Really Like

Last updated: 23 October 2026

Cargo ships are one of the best ways to travel alone. There are only a handful of passengers, you eat with the officers every day, and you have the ocean to yourself. Many solo travellers say a freighter voyage is the most peaceful trip they’ve ever taken. Here’s what to expect.

Single cabins and prices

Single cabins are available on many ships, often officer-style cabins with a bed, desk and private bathroom.
Price: solo passengers usually pay a little more per day than a person sharing a double, about €110–€150 a day. See how much cargo ship travel costs.
Owner’s cabins are sometimes sold to solo travellers at a single rate.

Deck officer on a cargo ship — Solo passengers often get to know the officers well.

Who travels solo on cargo ships?

Traveller	Why they choose it
Retirees	Time, comfort and the chance to cross an ocean without flying
Writers and artists	Peace, routine and inspiration
Remote workers	Long stretches of focus. See working remotely from a cargo ship.
Flight-free travellers	A lower-carbon way to travel. See eco benefits.
People taking a break	A digital detox and time to reset

Is it safe to travel solo on a cargo ship?

Cargo ships are professional, disciplined working environments. Safety rules are strict, and passengers are briefed on safety procedures when they board.

Your cabin locks. Keep valuables secure, as you would anywhere.
Solo women travel on cargo ships regularly. You will often be the only woman or one of very few on board, so a professional, friendly approach works best.
Follow the crew’s rules, especially on deck and during cargo operations.

Read is freighter travel safe?.

Seascape — Long days at sea are perfect for reading, writing and thinking.

A day at sea on your own

Meals at fixed times with the officers, which is the social highlight of the day
The bridge: many captains let passengers visit the bridge, which is fascinating
Reading, writing and watching the sea
The ship’s gym, lounge or pool, on some ships
Port days: you can sometimes go ashore, depending on time and local rules

Tips for solo travellers

Bring plenty to do: books, a journal, offline films, a hobby.
Learn a few words of the crew’s languages. Many crews are Filipino, Eastern European or Indian.
Rispettare l'orario di lavoro: the crew work hard and keep watches.
Bring snacks and small treats you love.
Plan for limited internet. See Wi-Fi sulle navi da carico.
Pack well. See what to pack for a freighter voyage.

Travelling with a partner instead? Read cargo ship travel for couples.

Domande frequenti

Can I travel alone on a cargo ship?

Yes. Many passengers travel solo, and many ships have single cabins.

Is it safe for a woman to travel alone on a cargo ship?

Solo women travel on cargo ships regularly. Ships are professional working environments with strict rules.

Do solo travellers pay more?

Usually a little more per day than each person sharing a double cabin.

Will I be lonely on a cargo ship?

Most solo passengers enjoy the peace, and meals with the officers give daily company.

What do solo passengers do all day?

Read, write, watch the sea, visit the bridge, use the gym and sometimes go ashore in port.

Travel solo, by sea

Ask us about single cabins on working cargo ships.

Find a single cabin →

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Steve Joury

Consulente di viaggio Cargo at Cargoholidays

Appassionato di viaggi lenti e di mare. Steve conosce la maggior parte delle rotte di navigazione e le procedure per scoprire il nostro bellissimo mondo dal mare su una nave container. Ha partecipato a molti viaggi, da 7 giorni di viaggio in cargo a 140 giorni a bordo.