Maggie I went on a cargo type ship that did take passengers and they cruised and they gave the passengers usually about 14 max the holiday of a life time food was excellent and so were the cabins did not see Billy Fury I went on the ss France who held the blue ribbon for the fastest Atlantic crossing those were the days.
Some of those freight/passenger ships were fabulous and the fares were cheaper. I do remember before my first journey to Oz,phoning up what I though was Tilbury docks to enquire about steerage and the voice at the other end piped up " City of Lichfield " ,in a Paul O'Grady voice. I was in a fit of giggles and couldn't speak.
What I'd pictured and envisaged was to " cruise " there and fly back,but it didn't materialise so I flew both ways.
It was my late husband who told me to enquire because he said I'd be well treated and would enjoy good food.