Travelling on a CARGO SHIP across the Caspian Sea (stuck for 7 DAYS!)

[@MattandJulia]

Thanks so much for watching! ❤️ Is cargo ship travel for you? What’s the longest maritime journey you have taken? 😊

[@julespastor8149]

15 day cruise 🤗 would love to do 30 days 👏👏👏

[@MattandJulia]

Wow! We would love to do a long cruise like that too 😍

[@Ded_Silu]

Я проводил 50 часов на корабле через Чёрного мора.

[@davidmitchell3462]

Cool voyage , how long and how much $$??. I worked for my passage wayyyyy back in 1979 on a Hamburg Sud container ship Columbus Queensland from Halifax ,Nova Scotia to New Zealand we sailed straight to Sydney after going through the Panama Canal ,then I got off in Port Chalmers NZ , near Dunedin , an amazing trip ☺.

[@petertaylor5775]

Hi there fantastic video. I have done a lot of Cal Mac ferry routes in Scotland, Oban to Isle of Mull and the Ullapool route too to Stornoway. It is good fun. Next time try taking a car too.

[@rofkr]

Its Nice to see a couple enjoying themselves and not complaining about each other.

[@petraroos3413]

I completely understand your sadness Julia. When you dream about something and work so hard towards it, there's always bitter sweet feelings when it's accomplished. Further, striving to accomplish your dream gives one's life tremendous meaning and purpose. So once the goal is accomplished it can leave you both with joy and emptiness.

[@2Travelis2Live]

I loved this video. The Caspian Sea does seem so far away. Knowing some Russian is incredibly helpful I think to getting your way around. I was impressed with how nice and clean the boat was. What an adventure!

[@MattandJulia]

Thank you so much Marcia! Really appreciate it! 🥰❤️

[@navydad8916]

Ship not boat !

[@blackbob3358]

If you just "attempt" to speak their langauge, where ever you are, it goes a long way towards a "smiley face ", let's just say that.

[@katerinazervata]

My favorite way to travel too . Maybe because I grew up on a Greek island . I love the freedom of movement and breathing the fresh air from the sea . I love the whole experience . This video brought me home . Thank you guys 😘

[@MattandJulia]

Couldn’t agree more! I think it’s ours too! 😍❤️

[@geeeeeee3]

What a delightful couple. I am happy that they have each other and daring enough for this memorable adventure. I wish them happiness

[@angelounson2175]

Thank you for taking us with you on your journey to places far and wide. To countries one would never get a chance to visit. I can't wait for the next video. Keep up the great work!! Wow, a cargo ship!!!

[@jesshumphries3745]

Love a bit of boat travel.... so relaxing

[@MattandJulia]

So glad you enjoyed it Jess 🥰

[@cordeliav3055]

You're building so many memories from your experiences, and you are letting us share it all. Many thanks.

[@MattandJulia]

Thank you so much for coming along with us 😊❤️

[@erictaylor5462]

11:35 I love the way she looks at him when he says, "It may be my favorite way to travel."

[@tobymayhew1437]

Amazing video guys! I’m a U.K. uni student currently studying Russian in Bishkek largely due to your travel videos there and I’m loving it! May actually be on a weekend Almaty around the time that you’re there ironically. Was thinking of trying to make my way back on land so these videos have been so interesting, good luck traversing Kazakhstan!

[@MattandJulia]

Спасибо большое Toby! That is incredible! 🥰❤️ if and when you are in Almaty let us know 😊

[@costasworldofmusicmemories5792]

You guys are incredible to travel by cargo ship which is not an easy thing to do . Always, Great Video, smiling and forging through some rough stuff. The longest trip that I (Jim) took was with my dad who was in the merchant marines . It was on a oil tanker from Galveston, Texas around the horn of South America up along the West Coast of South America to San Diego, Calif. It was many many years ago. I was very young and at the time they couldn't use the Panama Canal because the locks weren't working. It wasn't always smooth sailing. I'll never forget it. I'm sure it was a lot better for you guys. Hope you're doing ok. Sending you lots of love. ❤❤❤ Harriet, Jim and Yuki. Richmond, Va.

[@MattandJulia]

Oh my god, Jim, that must have been the adventure of a lifetime! Incredible 😍 did you make stops along the way? ❤️ Thank you both so much , really appreciate it 🥰❤️

[@costasworldofmusicmemories5792]

@@MattandJulia We made many stops

[@frankb1]

This is great KZbin content!

[@MattandJulia]

Thank you so much Frank 🥰❤️

[@deadzone1109]

This is pretty neat. Didn’t even know this was an option for travel. You both always so positive it’s up lifting to just watch your videos. You’ve also added a lot of places we now want to travel to in the future. 💖

[@MattandJulia]

Thank you so much, glad we can bring you along with us 🥰

[@Jadyra]

My aunt and uncle took freighters around the world for a wedding honeymoon. It's not restricted to cruise ships, or wasn't when they did their trip. I'm not sure about now though.

[@matthewvincent5034]

The journey you guys are having looks so sureal. The energy you both have and way you both work together is so perfect. Thank you for these videos and the journeys you have. I envy you both.

[@gabbystein7078]

One of the best vlogs in a awhile!

[@MattandJulia]

Thank you so much Gabby 🥰❤️

[@TomPauls007]

Your travel logs are so cool! Haven’t considered a Caspian Sea ship tour. You are really thinking out of the box!

[@MattandJulia]

Thank you so much! So glad you enjoyed it 🥰❤️

[@rickymiller5297]

Enjoyed your video. It was so interesting. I think you guys did a wonderful job filming the ship ride. You could see and fill the excitement, the beauty ,the romance. Keep up the good work.

[@MattandJulia]

Thank you so much Ricky! That means a lot 🥰❤️

[@terrygaar8466]

I traveled from San Francisco California to Taranga New Zealand to Melbourne and Sydney,Tauranga, Suva Fiji and back to San Francisco 48 days

[@MattandJulia]

Wow! Now that, is an epic journey!! 😍❤️

[@golflover65]

What was the name of vessel that you traveled from San Francisco?

[@golflover65]

What is the name of the the cruise line?

[@lynlandham3779]

Sailing a leg of your journey on a cargo ship is just the epitome of budget world travel! Good job!

[@MattandJulia]

Thank you so much Lyn! Really appreciate it 🥰

[@aprianto1985]

Great experience on ship trip

[@adambentley3171]

Wow I never realised that I'd been on so many cargo ships in my life until I saw this! Everyone has always called them ferries whenever I've used cargo ships in the past.

[@BrianBaileyedtech]

What a great story and adventure - I love it!!

[@pammiller1985]

Who knew passengers could travel on cargo ships??!! Y’all do the most exciting adventures! Can’t wait to see more! ❤️

[@MattandJulia]

Thank you so much Pam! Really appreciate it 🥰

[@maggiepacific]

In February 1947 when I was 6 years old I travelled with my parents from England to Australia on a cargo ship. Took forever!

[@pammiller1985]

@@maggiepacific how exciting! I am sure it did take a long time but what wonderful memories!

[@edwardmeade]

Most cargo ships have extra rooms set aside for 'tiger teams' which are temporary at-sea maintenance crews. If there is no tiger team scheduled they will sell the rooms to travelers.

[@maggiepacific]

@Bruhhh Channel Yes I'm enjoying my 83rd year.. I now live in France.

[@wytube2009]

love how they tell you breakfast is served!

[@hamishchalmers7353]

Love it! Who knew, 'Cargo Class VIP'. This must be the way forward for sea travel. You've surely shown a KZbin 1st - such a cool way to cross the Caspian - very jealous! Must have also been a delight to have no internet for a bit - luckily your VIP upgrade didn't include that! 😉

[@MattandJulia]

Thank you so much Hamish! Really appreciate it! 🥰 totally agree, it was incredible to switch off from the internet for a bit 😍❤️

[@dairuna]

I was waiting for this video....it's been beautiful to watch you being so full of emotions. ❤❤

[@MattandJulia]

So glad you enjoyed it 🥰 it was just the most incredible journey ❤️❤️

[@7797795]

You two are great visual journalists. Very good composition and video scope. Not at all boring. That requires skill. Keep it going. As a permanent “team”. Cheers! Jim. From New Jersey, USA.

[@georgeburns7251]

What a nice clean vessel. Looks well maintained. No rust. That last meal you videoed looked so good. Now I’m hungry

[@Bergerons_Review]

That cabin was bigger than most captains have on their own ship.

[@MattandJulia]

Haha, we struck gold 😅

[@adambentley3171]

Because it's a ferry, ferries have those rooms as they are used for ferrying peoples and vehicles, not cargo.

[@ezzd43]

This is an uniquely incredible adventure that you're on. Thanks for sharing.

[@MattandJulia]

So glad you enjoyed it 🙏🏼❤️

[@pierremainstone-mitchell8290]

Thank you for a great video. I've never taken a maritime journey though my wife did (ferry Inside Passage Alaska) and my parents did. My Dad was an Anglican Priest and my parents did 3 or 4 cruises with Chandris Lines. As for travelling by cargo ship well not these days (I'm 72 and my wife is 62) but in my younger days, hell yeah!

[@williamcass68]

This was awesome. Thanks so much for sharing!

[@MattandJulia]

Thank you so much William! Really appreciate it 🥰❤️

[@bodegabreath4258]

I also love the soft gentle background music. Very soothing.

[@MattandJulia]

Thank you so much ❤️🥰

[@jasonpetersharpe]

What a marvelous adventure!

[@MattandJulia]

So glad you enjoyed it Jason ❤️

[@sorinturbut4313]

Not so much a cargo ship as a ferry, albeit mostly for trucks. Similar services exist for crossing other seas too -- we took one between Igoumenitsa (Greece) and Bari (Italy) several years ago.

[@barryfletcher7136]

We were scheduled to travel from Hong Kong to Portland Oregon (USA) on a cargo ship. The ship was delayed for 11 days so we spent the time exploring HK. It was supposed to stop at multiple islands on the way to the USA but the delay meant all of the stops except for one day in Taipei were cancelled. It was still a great experience.

[@MattandJulia]

Oh wow, it is crazy how entire schedules can completely change ‘just like that’. Sounds like an incredible experience though! 😮❤️

[@Felicia594]

I know you two are a month behind in your uploads but, God bless both of you! Always on the move! Lately, I’ve had anxiety about your travels. Be safe!!

[@MattandJulia]

Thank you so much Felicia! We are absolutely fine, sometimes a little tired but love it 😊, thank you so much 🥰❤️❤️❤️

[@capricorntwenty]

Dear Matt and Julia, I love your travel blogs, and Julia your giggles brighten my days, thank you. And greetings from a cold and wet Cornwall!

[@kabardinka1]

Hugging against the setting sky... you ARE VIPs!

[@MattandJulia]

Couldn’t agree more 😉😁

[@nickhardy8300]

I wed from Perth, Australia to Genoa, Italy in a cargo ship in 1955 5 weeks 9 passengers on board and had a good time. And I was 23 years old at the time.

[@Truth21a619]

May you rest in peace 🪦

[@jackyyuen1939]

Like this video very much. Sailing across the Caspian Sea must be a marvelous experience especially by a cargo ship. Thanks for sharing.

[@MattandJulia]

Thank you, so glad you enjoyed it ❤️🥰

[@mrbill4830]

this is outstanding i love it that room is bigger than a 20 grand cruise ship

[@johnburke5384]

So exciting.....keep safe you two !

[@MattandJulia]

Thank you so much John! 🥰❤️

[@tonray9395]

Great Video guys....Thanks

[@MattandJulia]

So glad you enjoyed it Ton! ❤️

[@lsrose]

Just found your videos. What an adventure this must have been! Never knew you could travel on a cargo ship. Now I do. Loved it.

[@leifsonoferik]

I used to work on commercial fishing boats. The longest I went without setting foot on land is 20 days. We had a freezer boat so we could freeze our catch and not have to bring our fish in every 3 days like the ice boats did. The season was 20 days long and we filled the boat. 1982 King Salmon season, Fairweather grounds, Southeast Alaska, USA. I loved every minute of it.

[@MattandJulia]

Wow! That is incredible! What an experience that must’ve been 😍

[@mikejuba9228]

Good to know that “Tramp Steamers” are still a thing. Bogey and Hepburn would be proud! Happy trails guys!

[@jvstcu76]

Hi Matt and Julia 👋. I loved this video. ❤️ 👍💯 What an incredible and beautiful adventure. Your shots of the sea and sky were stunning! I have friends who have traveled by cargo ship and their stories have always intrigued me. One friend took a cargo ship from San Franciso to Japan years ago. She was the only "passenger" on board(not including the crew/officers). It took about two weeks and she did quite a bit of walking around the ship, reading in the library and eating steak and salads every day 😋. The crew apparently treated her "like a queen" as she was the only woman on board and they were like her "honorary sons". She lost 15 pounds and said she felt so good when she arrived in Japan. Personally, I would much prefer taking a cargo ship over a "cruise ship". I really don't care for the whole "cruise ship atmosphere" 😱🤣 Take care. Can't wait to see your next video. 🫂❤️🙏🌎

[@MattandJulia]

Wow! That is a hell of a journey 😮 Us too John! I think we fell in love with this method of travel 😍 Thank you so much! Can’t wait to share more 🥰❤️

[@jimg9613]

It's always a bonus when the transportation is the adventure.

[@kwektans]

Good job guys 👍. Very insightful.

[@MattandJulia]

Thank you so much 🥰❤️

[@daylightdaylight6612]

Visited a small cargo ship in the port of Hamburg, where you can visit as a museum, this ship had more than one room for passengers and it had even a small swiming pool.

[@joannmcgowan9394]

How exciting ! The sunsets were just stunning, beautiful, gorgeous - oh how nice it would be for some nice quiet solitude! You guys are amazing ! We did a vacation of about 5 days on a houseboat which was fun. However I a, booked for a cruise from Seattle WA to Alaska next June, I’m so excited! Thank you for sharing this incredible journey ! Xxoo ❤️

[@MattandJulia]

Wow that should be incredible!! 😍 have you ever been to Alaska before? 😘 So glad you enjoyed it Jo Ann! 🥰❤️

[@joannmcgowan9394]

@@MattandJulia no its my first cruise and my first time to Alaska :) my parents went several times so I'm really excited - I have a bucket list of sorts to visit all 50 states and with Washington and Alaska I only need 3 maybe 4 left - so I am so pumped and its a crafting cruise so we will craft during the sea time :) Thank you for always being so kind

[@MattandJulia]

Wow! It sounds absolutely incredible! 😍 I am sure you will have the most amazing time! ❤️ Also, that’s one hell of an achievement to get to every state 😮😍❤️

[@heathermccready8794]

I’ve been waiting for this video! There actually aren’t that many good recent videos about this ferry route. It was fantastic seeing it through your eyes! If you’d like another experience like this, there’s another route that goes from Turkmenbashi to Baku. Apparently it’s more frequent, almost every day, and they have some passenger ferries in addition to the cargo ones. I’d love to see how the experiences compare.

[@MattandJulia]

Thank you so much Heather, so happy you enjoyed it! 🥰 We would love to! As soon as Turkmenistan opens, we are there 😍

[@jayr9948]

Awesome beautiful video . Thank you ❤👍 .

[@MattandJulia]

So glad you enjoyed it 🥰❤️

[@cherylcarlson3315]

Several years ago I wanted to hop a cargo ship and go to New Zealand to explore and learn sheep herding but suddenly disabled with Myasthenia Gravis and with this am not OK to go adventuring then hit the 60 no cargo ship limit. I am so jealous as wanted to do so much more travel when kids out from under me. Glad you recorded it because life can change in a minute and dreams evaporate

[@Bondecieo]

i worked at sea in my younger years. That looks like a real good adventure. Good luck.

[@dalejirschele1299]

Whatever they served you at about 15:17 into the video looks awesome, I could eat the meals on that Steamer everyday.

[@stevensmith743]

The editing and composition on this video is quite brilliant. I like all your stuff, but this is outstanding!

[@MattandJulia]

Thank you so much Steven! ❤️

[@gadgme73]

Mangistau, I worked there several years, have been to Kuryk several times, not through choice I may add, it is proper bandit country!! Aktau is a lovely place, have many friends there. A place many Kazakhs go to enjoy the seaside!

[@MattandJulia]

Haha, yeah, it really did feel like the Wild West to be honest 😁 Can’t wait to share Aktau in the next one 😊❤️

[@vdcg2010]

I just found your channel and I love it, my dream job as a youngster was going to be a seafarer and work in cargo ships but life had other plans for me. I never knew regular civilians could rent rooms on the ships and that’s great to know, this is now going in my bucket list.

[@MattandJulia]

So glad we could share it with you!! 🥰❤️

[@fredericktmiller]

Looks like it was a great break. Beautiful!

[@billjoat]

It looks like you had a wonderful time and an interesting ferry ride over. Best of luck in the future!!

[@MattandJulia]

Thank you so much Bill ❤️🥰

[@alaplaya89]

I just discovered your channel a couple of weeks ago and I'm obsessed. These videos are so incredibly interesting and at the same time very relaxing. Man, I wanna go on that boat. What a great adventure! All the best to you both 🙌❤️☀️

[@arthurblundell6128]

Something you will never forget, nor want to !

[@ericconrad5256]

Back in 2002, I did an overnight ferry from Stockholm to Helsinki. Very enjoyable trip. Did a shorter trip from the south island of New Zealand to Wellington on the north island in 2003.

[@MattandJulia]

Both sound awesome! Was the Helsinki/Stockholm trip during the winter? 🥶

[@ericconrad5256]

@@MattandJulia It was in July so I got to experience the midnight sun in Helsinki. The Caspian Sea looks amazing

[@michaels3474]

I say that Julia was intoxicated!!! The ship doesn't sway that much! Just kidding, a great way to travel. I bet it was nice not having to answer the phone. Just let life pass by. Thanks for taking us...

[@MattandJulia]

Hahaha, combined with the boat rocking I would’ve probably walked straight if I was drunk 😂 Thank you so much Michael ❤️❤️

[@Hank-the-Writer]

Nicely presented. Thank you!

[@Bondecieo]

I worked at sea in my younger days. That adventure looks great i would have. loved that. Safe sailing 💪👍👍

[@Slykkpkins]

A good adventure. I enjoyed this, thank you.

[@massivley]

I find these sort of videos fascinating to watch have now subscribed to your channel

[@LMays-cu2hp]

Thank you for sharing your trip.

[@marcioreis2648]

What an awesome and adventurous trip. You both look like a couple of kids playing. The Caspian sea is beautiful. Congratulations to you and best of luck on your next adventure.

[@MattandJulia]

Thank you so much Marcio! Really appreciate it 🥰❤️

[@Jensie50]

Idyllic! 😍 This video really showcases some of your best clips, stunningly beautiful! I so understand your emotions as you approached the end of the voyage Julia, I feel with you... That voyage on the cargo ship is a dream, I would love to have such a few days of solitude and introspection in that beautiful setting! Not with stormy seas though, I guess I am a bit of a coward, but the footage you showed made me cringe! 😣 Glad you're in Kazakhstan, I'm ready for your next adventures! ❤❤

[@MattandJulia]

Thank you so much Johan! To be honest, we were kind of hoping for stormy seas for the experience, is that weird? 😅 Can’t wait to share Kazakhstan with you 🥰❤️❤️❤️

[@Jensie50]

😁 Not weird at all! Especially if that meant spending another few days on the ship! You two are adventurers at heart! Rather me that is weird, I very nearly drowned in a stormy lake as a kid, the experience probably scarred me for life and made me afraid of any stormy waters! ❤❤

[@donovandavidsonAlton]

Matt and Julia you are so brave and its wonderful that youre able to get to such remote places in the world Hope you fullfill the journey that you want to undertake 😀

[@MattandJulia]

Thank you so much Donovan! Really appreciate it 🥰❤️

[@apc9878]

I went from Baku across the Caspian to Turkmenistan 15 years ago and this brought back so many memories.....there was no timetable then either and our 12 hour journey turned into 36 hours.....you were lucky to get a modern ship, and food included no less!!! It is definitely an adventure 😀

[@MattandJulia]

Oh wow! It is crazy how much these ferries can be delayed by! 😮 What an experience it must have been ❤️

[@chalemibug7079]

was this for the mongol rally?

[@andrewcoogans471]

@@chalemibug7079 it was actually.

[@chalemibug7079]

@@andrewcoogans471 hahaha. I did the same thing. Was a big shit show, kids stole our stuff from my cars, food ran out, we would eat the crew leftovers.

[@JESkitchen]

That was really an adventure, Take care always

[@MattandJulia]

Thank you so much ❤️

[@mikey4406]

Enjoyed that. All the best

[@MattandJulia]

Thank you! You too ❤️

[@sarchstar]

I love your channel so much!! You travel to places that I hardly know anything about so it's been really interesting learning more through you two! The views of the sky were 😍

[@nicholasdavies6264]

Matt and Julia living the dream! 👍

[@bodegabreath4258]

Thank you for sharing all your videos. Just recently found you and love them.

[@MattandJulia]

Thank you so much! Really appreciate it 🥰❤️

[@firasawad9937]

Oh my goodness that's really incredible 😍

[@nixmor5333]

What a very cool journey. I loved how much you guys embraced every aspect of it...even the down time.

[@MattandJulia]

Thank you so much Nix 🥰❤️

[@jideolaarowolo1692]

you guys are living the dream!!

[@robertyoung7823]

I have been working on container ships for 26 years. I still love my job

[@prontsc]

I've sailed around the world on cargo ships for 30 years and loved every moment. No pool. spa, casino night clubs/shows, fancy ports but more fond memories of crew and ships that I will never forget, years longer than cruise ships. Plus they do a service by transporting goods, not spending millions of fuel just for profit and harming the enviroment.

[@malcolmabram2957]

If you are not into the night life, it is probably a more enjoyable way of travelling by sea. Be 'part' of the crew, be part of the environment you are travelling in.

[@ashleyupshall7641]

Interesting vid. Thanks for posting.

[@richardc488]

Boy what a fun experience

[@richardwoad6477]

I worked on cruise ships for years and your little trip brought it all back to me. By coincidence I'm driving trucks in the UK as we speak. I watched your train video across Russia.🤣👍

[@lindauhrig1513]

What a cool experience in crossing the Caspian Sea!!! Fantastic!

[@Williamk492]

Super video and very entertaining. A little advice, how about some drone shots above the boat you are travelling on?

[@macktruckergirl6049]

Wow! I had no idea this was a thing! I would TOTALLY disconnect from the world and travel on a cargo ship! I just googled it and found one that looks pretty cool and goes to Quebec!

[@willywilliscroft8910]

And you had NZ butter with breakfast. So pleased to see that.

[@eliassideways2032]

Amazing video! But you guys were lucky. Eva Zu Beck got stuck for a number of days due to bad weather!

[@MattandJulia]

Is it weird that we were almost hoping we would get stuck for the experience 😅❤️

[@alejandroheld9527]

It's good to continue traveling with you... I doubt very much that traveling by cargo ship is for me... My longest trip on a ship is when I take the ferry from Buenos Aires to the port of Colonia in Uruguay. It only lasts an hour. Then I have a 3 hours car drive to my summer home. But my dream would one day be to do the seven-day trip between Southampton and New York. For the story of that trip more than anything...By by

[@MattandJulia]

Oh wow! I knew it was close to Buenos Aires but I didn’t know Uruguay was just an hours ferry away 😮 Southampton to New York would be an amazing trip 😍❤️

[@badenpobjoy8274]

Loving this video of you guys...best of luck from Australia...

[@daveweir5582]

Great video, great trip! In May of this year my friend & I did basically the same thing; many of our experiences were identical to yours. We spent a few days in Baku, went to Alat to get tickets, but they insisted we get Covid PCR tests first, so we had to go back to Baku. To Alat again the next day for the tickets, and just like you, started waiting- had an airbnb in Astara, by the Iran border. Once settled in there, we got the call that the ferry was leaving at midnight! So we scurried back to Alat and, after waiting several hours, boarded the ship. Like you we were the only tourists on board; in fact the first in 2 years, since the start of Covid. Our ship was not like yours: old Soviet style & rusty, but that somehow enhanced the experience… We opted then to continue through Uzbekistan & Kyrgyzstan before finally landing in Almaty.

[@Bobby-hm4dz]

What a nice and clean ship...

[@patrickhaney2735]

You are a lot of fun to watch! Nice ship!!!

[@MattandJulia]

Thank you so much 🥰❤️

[@maesc2001]

Cargoships are awesome. CMA CGM are very good on long travels. And you guys are likable as well ☺️✌️