Not into flying? Traveling to Ireland by boat may be an option for you!
If you've always wanted to travel to Ireland but are afraid of flying, or if it's been a lifelong dream to set sail on the seas, why not consider traveling to Ireland by boat?
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Cruise lines and passenger services still operate trans-Atlantic routes from ports like Ft. Lauderdale, Los Angeles, and of course New York in the US, and many sail into the Irish port towns of Belfast, Cork, and Dublin.
While there are several companies that make stops at Irish ports, most do tours of Ireland and the British Isles based out of London, rather than a trans-Atlantic route with a port of call in Ireland.
Silversea, Regent, and Cunard, which owns Queen Elizabeth, Queen Mary 2, and Queen Victoria, all offer routes with an Irish stop. Certain tours from Princess Cruises offer stops in Ireland, such as their Trans-Atlantics and British Isles tours.
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The alternative to a pricey cruise is to travel by cargo ship. Ireland as an island nation receives plenty of freighter traffic, and it’s easier than you might think to hitch a ride on a commercial ship.
Freighter travel agencies exist, and among the best are A la Carte Freighter Travel and Maris Freighter Cruises. If you live close to a major port city in the US, call any of these companies to see what they have available heading towards Europe and Ireland.
Next, call the port authority itself, to see what freighter companies operate out of your nearest seaport.
Prices vary widely based on time of year, the number of passengers, and ports of call, but the one certainty is that you’ll need traveler’s insurance. It’s a near-universal requirement of freighter companies.
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It's important to note that travel aboard a freight isn’t a cruise, though! You’ll need to bring along your own entertainment, as well as any food you want to have with you, since you’ll be eating with the crew, and you’ll be eating whatever is prepared in the galley.
Whichever way you cross the seas, there are a few things to keep in mind. Naturally, you’ll need a passport – seaports have customs and immigration officers, too.
Traveler’s insurance is also a necessary requirement of crossing international waters. Rates vary widely based on the ports of call visited, so it’s necessary to have a complete itinerary before getting insurance. It protects things like travel disruptions and unforeseen emergencies. It’s also a legal requirement for the unconventional cargo ship option.
Happy sailing!
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H/T: USA Today and Edwin Thomas Demand Media
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* Originally published in October 2015.
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