How can you travel the world in a cargo ship?

To travel the world on board of a cargo ship, contact a travel agency such as Freighter Expeditions to book passage on a ship that accepts cruise passengers. Cargo ship cruises are usually booked through international agencies, and travel destinations include Africa, Asia, Australia and Europe. To secure a cabin, passengers must pay a deposit and non-refundable booking fee. Cargo ship passengers must be under age 80 and in good physical and mental health.

American citizens wishing to travel by cargo ship cannot legally do so within the United States but are free to travel by cargo ship in international territories. Passengers traveling to the United States from other countries must have a visa to enter the country via ship, except for Canadian citizens. To avoid these restrictions, U.S. citizens can opt for cargo ship voyages that travel to and from destinations abroad. The cost and duration of cargo ship travel varies, but the travel packages include meals, deviation insurance and port charges.

Cruising via cargo ship offers passengers a "no frills" way to see the world, because there are no cruise ship luxuries or accommodations. Crews are small, and passengers are able to mingle and chat with crew members during the voyage. Cargo ship travel involves some uncertainty of departure times due to freight issues, and passengers must be flexible.