Freighter passengers enjoy contact with the officers and crew and often become part of the shipboard family. Many passengers have navy, coast guard or merchant marine experience and love the opportunity to get back to sea and be a part of a working ship. Time spent on the bridge and the ensuing conversations with officers are special experiences not possible on cruise ships where passengers in groups of 30 or more are given bridge tours. Most foreign flagged freighters are liberal with bridge visitation and unrestricted bridge visitation is not uncommon. With passenger loads typically from 2 to 12 passengers, lasting friendships are often formed between passengers and also with officers.
Passengers generally eat the same meals as the officers.
No special diets are accommodated. Some lines offer a choice of entree. Passengers can always expect a well-balanced and varied menu, which while not fancy is at times of gourmet quality. For a change of pace away from crowds, you may discover that freighter cruising is a way of traveling you'll love.