Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > Europe
Black Sea Ferries Black Sea Ferries
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Europe Topics specific to Western and Eastern Europe, from UK to the Russian border, and south-east to Turkey.
Photo by Alessio Corradini, on the Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia, of two locals

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Alessio Corradini,
on the Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia,
of two locals



Like Tree1Likes
  • 1 Post By klausmong1

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 29 Nov 2020
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Salisbury
Posts: 204
Black Sea Ferries
Has anyone used any of the Black Sea ferries to travel across to Batumi/Poti, Georgia, from either Ukraine or Bulgaria recently (2019 or pre Covid 2020)? Is booking a space reasonably straight forward, are delays to sailing times a common occurance, would you recommend their use, or any other information you deem useful would be appreciated?

Alternatively, have you had your motorcycle tansported from northern Europe (pref UK) by road or air to Georgia? Again any advice and recommendations would be very useful.

I hope I am not being too optimistic in planning to travel mid/late May 21.

Many thanks
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 30 Nov 2020
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: Tartu, Estonia
Posts: 1,103
If your primary goal is to ride Georgia on two wheels (and you're not interested in the journey there and back), consider flying there and renting a bike locally. It feels expensive but it often turns out not to be.

Shipment on a truck should be doable in terms of getting a local freight forwarder to book you two europallets' worth of trailer space. But from the UK, your vehicle will be crossing multiple borders (out of UK into EU, out of EU into Turkey, out of Turkey into Georgia) without the owner present - that means you will need to clear customs at the destination freight terminal, and probably arrange some unusual paperwork for the truck driver, etc.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 30 Nov 2020
Grant Johnson's Avatar
HU Founder
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Dec 1997
Location: BC Canada
Posts: 7,304
Contact the Tbilisi HU Community, see if they can help. Also I'd fly not ship by truck, as AnTyx notes, could be a lot of issues. However you get it there - assuming you do - please put your info in the Shipping Database!
__________________
Grant Johnson
Seek, and ye shall find.
------------------------
Inspiring, Informing and Connecting travellers since 1997!
www.HorizonsUnlimited.com
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 1 Dec 2020
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Oxford UK
Posts: 2,116
Quote:
Originally Posted by EMBEE View Post
Has anyone used any of the Black Sea ferries to travel across to Batumi/Poti, Georgia, from either Ukraine or Bulgaria recently (2019 or pre Covid 2020)? Is booking a space reasonably straight forward, are delays to sailing times a common occurance, would you recommend their use, or any other information you deem useful would be appreciated?

I presume you've seen the information on Black Sea ferries on the Caravanistan site -

https://caravanistan.com/transport/black-sea-ferries/ if you haven't
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 1 Dec 2020
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Salisbury
Posts: 204
Grant, now submitted a request. Thanks for the prompt.

Backofbeyond, I have seen that website, thanks. The time involved for the return crossings with a flexible schedule means the ferries appear not to be a viable option as I fear I shall still be working next year.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 1 Dec 2020
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2019
Posts: 276
Quote:
Originally Posted by EMBEE View Post
Has anyone used any of the Black Sea ferries to travel across to Batumi/Poti, Georgia, from either Ukraine or Bulgaria recently (2019 or pre Covid 2020)? Is booking a space reasonably straight forward, are delays to sailing times a common occurance, would you recommend their use, or any other information you deem useful would be appreciated?



Alternatively, have you had your motorcycle tansported from northern Europe (pref UK) by road or air to Georgia? Again any advice and recommendations would be very useful.



I hope I am not being too optimistic in planning to travel mid/late May 21.



Many thanks
FWIW in fall of 2019 I shared a room with 3 ukrainian truck drivers on ferry from azerbaijan to Kazakhstan; they told me that ferry from odessa to Georgia was much nicer and like this one was filled up with ukrainian trucks as russia didn't let loaded trucks through. The situation changed a month later ukraine/russia strike transit agreement and it should have had impact on ferry operation.

I don't believe the CV situation will be resolved by May and then the ferry would be in service but maybe it will if russia impose restrictions. Your best bet to take one from Varna or just ride through turkey though turkey/Georgia border was closed since April..
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 1 Dec 2020
klausmong1's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Vienna
Posts: 734
I did it.

And it was kind of straight forward.

I contacted UKR Ferry over they website with email.
Vladen replied and we made everything with mail.

Then I got to the company, paid for the ticket and got information, what to do next.

It depends, what kind of cabin you book.

We went from Ukraine to Poti.

The ferry itself is ok, bit old but OK, you get 3 meals a day and they have a bar for drinks.
And with the truckers, you might have a lot of fun....

It is possible, that there are delays.
That depends on the ports too, we had 1 day delay, because the port was full of ships.

and yes, its much better than the ferry from Aserbaidschan to Kazakhstan, did this one too....
__________________
www.klausmotorreise.com
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 9 Dec 2020
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2019
Posts: 276
Well the truckers told me that one from AZ to KZ is much worse, so keep it in mind if you decide to use it. How much was it, $230?
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 10 Dec 2020
klausmong1's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Vienna
Posts: 734
Az to KZ was around 180 $

Ukraine to Poti I have to look, not sure, but might be around 230 $

Depends on the room too.
__________________
www.klausmotorreise.com
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Around the Black sea (and how we failed!) dgregovi Ride Tales 0 11 Oct 2017 07:32
Black Sea Ferry to e.g. Novorossiysk/Kavkaz? cpct Route Planning 1 15 Nov 2016 14:42
UK ~ Scotland to Romania – Black Sea. etd July ’15 andyb74 Travellers Seeking Travellers 7 19 Jan 2015 10:48
Black sea Martinlasson The HUBB PUB 0 30 Aug 2013 00:42
London to The Black Sea - 1st June - All costs covered pawperso Travellers Seeking Travellers 4 14 Jun 2012 14:25

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

  • Virginia: April 24-27 2025
  • Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
  • Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
  • CanWest: July 10-13 2025
  • Switzerland: Date TBC
  • Ecuador: Date TBC
  • Romania: Date TBC
  • Austria: Sept. 11-15
  • California: September 18-21
  • France: September 19-21 2025
  • Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 07:16.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top