How to travel from England to Canada by cargo ship (cheaply)?

I'm interested in getting to Canada by ship for free (by volunteering on board) or for as cheap as possible, I don't mind how uncomfortable it is and I'm fully aware that a flight would probably be cheaper and faster. I'm having trouble finding out about how to do this so if anybody could point me in the right direction I'd really appreciate it. ThanksHow to travel from England to Canada by cargo ship (cheaply)?
It is likely that any travel on any merchant vessel under North American registry will not allow you to ';volunteer services for passage';. This is not because they are mean or stingy, it is because they are generally under a Union or Trade restriction, and are bound by set rules as to what one can and cannot do under a particular job description. ie:you are a painter, therefore you cannot be an electrician, so put down that lightbulb and wait for the 'specialist trained to perform that function' to arrive.


Once upon a time (as the story goes) one could just ';hop a tramp steamer to the orient'; and live out your fantasies. But in a post 9-11 world, one cannot move about quite so easily.


I have posted a couple of links found that might assist your search for reasonable accommodation at sea.


May your travels be safe and successful.


(Some of this information I have gleaned from Ships Agents as they tend to their vessels at port. I work at a shipyard/POE, so I know this information to be substantially true)


Respects,


TimothyHow to travel from England to Canada by cargo ship (cheaply)?
many thanks for all your help Report Abuse

Cabins exist on cargo vessels but they usually attract the business


travelers who have time for merchant marine port scheduling. Yes, passage is longer and recreation options sparse. Inexpensive it is


not. Working your crossing is not an option today out of Europe.


The USA Department of Homeland Security has unwelcome mat


at all ports for unauthorized arrivals. Asian merchant marine have


an established history of making their unauthorized guests vanish


mid-transit to avoid difficulties with USA Port Authority.