has been largely forgotten: freighter cruising.

For decades, freighters provided the only way for people to travel. But it was eclipsed as wealth spread and companies began building ocean liners to meet the demand.

Nevertheless, freighter companies still make room for passengers and, in many cases, they offer less-than-expensive itineraries that can range far off the beaten track.

A brochure recently sent to The Royal Gazette indicates the freighter market is alive and well, and extensive.

US-based Maris Freighter Cruise Lines is a company that matches would-be passengers to freighters travelling to interesting locations all around the world.

Its brochure lists 28 freighter companies, their ships and their schedules along main shipping lines.

For example, its table of contents lists ABC Containers "heading east around the world'', and Bank Line "heading west ...'' There is Bergen Line "along the coast of Norway'' and Deutsche Seereederei Rostock "around the world in 84 days.'' South Africa, New Zealand, the Far East, Ecuador, Vietnam and Iceland are some of the many destinations listed.

But before you think about booking, it is important to understand the differences between being a cargo and cruise passenger.

Itineraries are longer than the standard cruise schedules. So they may not be appropriate to travellers with limited time. Meals are fixed and passenger numbers are limited.

The ships are business ships and not designed for daily onboard pleasures such as the party and activity schedules found aboard cruise ships.

So it seems the mindset of a cargo traveller may need to be different from a cruiser. Time is the friend not the enemy. Being an individual with a purpose might also help.

Take the late author Alex Haley as an example. He once told The Royal Gazette that he sailed regularly on freighters to get away from the distractions of celebrity. Freighters gave him the seclusion and peace of mind to write -- something not so easy for the former Navy sailor on land.

He described how he would sleep most of the day and begin writing about 10 p.m. and continue through to first light.

Maris's brochure touches on the difference of the cargo ship experience.

"Your departure date, length of voyage, ports and port time may be subject to change; only meals are served on a fixed schedule. And without the inconvenience of crowds or overcrowded activities, you will enjoy yourself to the utmost.

"If you enjoy cruising in a casual, relaxed fashion, freighter travel may be ideal for you.'' A flyer for the Geest Line trumpets old fashioned service and modern ship comfort aboard British registered freighters, the Geetsbay and Geetsport .

"The Geest Line provides the ultimate in service and accommodations aboard passenger freighters,'' the flyer says.

"They are modern working ships carrying bananas and exotic fruits in refrigerated holds from the Caribbean Islands to Southampton (England), returning with general cargo.'' While in Southampton, passengers are asked to remain onshore during the four-day changeover "to allow for the vessel's preparations for the next voyage.'' The two vessels can carry 12 passengers in five double and two single cabins -- all with unobstructed views and all "tastefully appointed with their own showers and baths, including a dressing table, wardrobe and occasional furniture.'' Photographs indicate the cabins are bigger than cruise ship cabins and with very large windows to the sea.

"There are no organised activities, although many games like Backgammon and Scrabble are provided,'' the flyer continues.

"Between meals, relax on the sundeck or cool off in the ship's `dip pool'. Or meet up with fellow passengers in the lounge for relaxed conversation, morning coffee or afternoon tea.

"You will have the individual attention of helpful staff at all times ...

Gastronomic food is served in a spacious and elegant dining room and the ships carry a large selection of fine wines and spirits.

"Except around the islands and the nights before and after Southampton, dinner is always a formal, black tie occasion.'' The cost for the experience runs as follows: Round trip from Antigua in a double room over July and August is US$3,965 per person.

Other examples of cargo cruising costs are as follows: ABC Containers of Belgium -- "heading East around the world -- has 100 day one-way voyages from US ports to Australia via the Suez Canal -- $9,990 to $14,150. Age limit: 80; Bergen Line's cargo/mail ships take 12-day voyages along Norway's coast with calls at approximately 34 ports. "In many cases, if time permits, passengers can enjoy a walk into town. The scenery is spectacular at all times of the year.'' Rates ranging from $1,185 to $2,835.

Lykes Line -- the only US freighter line that carries passengers -- has services to all parts of the world. It offers an African service to such places as Dakar, Maputo, Mombaso, Cape Town and Dar es Salaam. Duration 60-70 days, $4,300 per person.