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.

[@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.

[@erictaylor5462]

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

[@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?

[@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! 😍❤️

[@aprianto1985]

Great experience on ship trip

[@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.

[@jesshumphries3745]

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

[@MattandJulia]

So glad you enjoyed it Jess 🥰

[@frankb1]

This is great KZbin content!

[@MattandJulia]

Thank you so much Frank 🥰❤️

[@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.

[@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.

[@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!!!

[@gabbystein7078]

One of the best vlogs in a awhile!

[@MattandJulia]

Thank you so much Gabby 🥰❤️

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@geeeeeee3]

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

[@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.

[@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! 😮❤️

[@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 😊

[@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 🥰

[@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 😍

[@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 🪦

[@deniseeulert2503]

That room looked clean and secure. Probably a heck of a lot cheaper than a cruise ship. It's all I would need to get someplace.

[@bodegabreath4258]

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

[@MattandJulia]

Thank you so much ❤️🥰

[@wytube2009]

love how they tell you breakfast is served!

[@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 😊❤️

[@pete5534]

A fantastic adventure. Thank you for sharing.

[@XY_Dude]

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 🥰❤️

[@BrianBaileyedtech]

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

[@georgeburns7251]

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

[@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 🥰❤️

[@johnlinnemeier9624]

We took one container ship from Malta to the UAE passing through the Suez Canal with a 18 hour stop in Beirut. Absolutely great! We stayed in the owner's suite which was very luxurious. Next trip was from Seattle to Shanghai. During the crossing our company, Hanjin went bankrupt so we were stuck in international waters for a week while accountants and lawyers fought over the assets of a corporation with 82 ships. The company we booked with, Maris told us we can't go again due to Covid until who knows when. Your ship seems to have been more like a truck ferry so they must operate under different rules. Do you know of any commercial ships where you can book directly through the company that owns the ship? Like you, we love traveling on working ships.

[@jasonpetersharpe]

What a marvelous adventure!

[@MattandJulia]

So glad you enjoyed it Jason ❤️

[@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.

[@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 😊❤️

[@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!

[@kabardinka1]

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

[@MattandJulia]

Couldn’t agree more 😉😁

[@Bondecieo]

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

[@mrbill4830]

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

[@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!

[@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

[@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.

[@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 😍❤️

[@enricoguess6457]

Wow the ship is rocking, people not use travelling by sea got sea sick.

[@MattandJulia]

Takes some getting used to for sure 😅

[@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 😍❤️

[@robertyoung7823]

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

[@kazzicup]

When that woman said: "Keep the room clean! " I would need a vacuum cleaner to keep the room clean. Dust and debris accumulate. Can't help it.

[@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 😍

[@pancake5707]

I used to work on oil tankers as 2nd officer. Longest I have been at sea are five and a half months. Loved my job! By the way I cannot understand why ship/ vessel is called a boat by you. A boat is so much smaller and with oars…

[@jvstcu76]

Yes, that is something that always makes me laugh, "it is a ship guys, not a boat"!🤣. I have to give them a "pass" as they are "landlubbers". 👍❤️🛳

[@MattandJulia]

5 1/2 months! Wow! That is incredible, did you ever get tired of those sunsets? 😍

[@MattandJulia]

Hahahah, we were obviously just too excited 😂❤️

[@pancake5707]

@@MattandJulia 🌅No, never! I also enjoyed the storms - man against the force of nature! We study a lot to be able to navigate ships of different sizes with different cargoes around the oceans. 🚢So ship it is!

[@dawnmoriarty9347]

It's an odd usage. For example the car ferries are often called ferry boats, but I tend to agree with you

[@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 🥰❤️

[@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 ❤️❤️

[@mikejuba9228]

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

[@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 🥰❤️❤️❤️

[@dalejirschele1299]

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

[@jimg9613]

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

[@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

[@ezzd43]

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

[@MattandJulia]

So glad you enjoyed it 🙏🏼❤️

[@tonray9395]

Great Video guys....Thanks

[@MattandJulia]

So glad you enjoyed it Ton! ❤️

[@bdmmanbdmman3526]

Chris again. Just saw a video on KZbin you need to check out. "What happened to the Ekranoplan? The Caspian Sea monster" It shows it being tested on the Caspian. At time mark 9:45 it passes a structure that looked like the abandoned soviet weapons plant that you went to offshore by boat. It was in your episode "Stopped by the KGB in an abandoned soviet...." When you were in Kaspivsk, Dagestan.

[@MattandJulia]

That is the place yes! 🥰😀

[@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 🙌❤️☀️

[@williamcass68]

This was awesome. Thanks so much for sharing!

[@MattandJulia]

Thank you so much William! Really appreciate it 🥰❤️

[@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!! 🥰❤️

[@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.

[@johnburke5384]

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

[@MattandJulia]

Thank you so much John! 🥰❤️

[@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.

[@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 😅❤️

[@assmanxhire]

That is a Ferry, not a cargo ship, never the less, it was a good choice of travel, hope you keep your adventures around the globe without problems, enjoy the journey.

[@drdata1967]

Odd question,. If you'd have wanted to smoke a cigarette, or more than one was there a smoking area on the ship? Also, how was the food?

[@MattandJulia]

Yes you could smoke anywhere outside 😊 and the food was pretty decent, obviously not cruise quality 😅

[@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.

[@arthurblundell6128]

Something you will never forget, nor want to !

[@fredericktmiller]

Looks like it was a great break. Beautiful!

[@ch64621]

Cargo ship travel is the way most people travel between the islands here in Vanuatu. Most vessels have no distinction between a passenger or cargo ship. This type of ship would be of good use here in Vanuatu

[@Hazmatt4700]

Because of my arthritis I've always thought this was a cool way to travel. Too bad most of the big ocean lines have stopped this service.

[@MattandJulia]

I knooow 😣 have heard rumours of some companies reopening in early 2023 🤞🏻❤️

[@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 😍

[@firstlast1047]

Another undpoken stress level is the food The ship my receive different sailing orders. You can end up in a place not covenient with no visa. Or the ship may have to temporarily anchor before it can go into port to discharge cargo. Altogether this ship has a dedicated run for trucks.

[@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.🤣👍

[@Bondecieo]

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

[@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 😮😍❤️

[@bdmmanbdmman3526]

Chris here in the US. Watching julia bouncing off the bulkheads I figured she found the bar room. Ask me sometime about rough weather at sea. I got some stories after about 18 months on a carrier. Currently they do this kind of shipboard travel here on the Great Lakes on freighters and iron ore carriers. Hope you guys managed to keep down all your meals! Neat change of pace for you two, a romantic cruise accompanied by a few dozen truckers! Matt, you are such a romantic.🤣 did you take advantage of the rolling motion at night (wink wink). Thanks for a different perspective. Be safe and God bless.

[@MattandJulia]

Wow! 18 months! 😮 incredible! Hahahah, I really try, Julia is so lucky 😉😅 So glad you enjoyed it Chris ❤️

[@Williamk492]

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

[@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 ❤️🥰

[@jayr9948]

Awesome beautiful video . Thank you ❤👍 .

[@MattandJulia]

So glad you enjoyed it 🥰❤️

[@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 ❤️🥰

[@22ergie]

It's a crude oil tanker built in 2010 by a Japanese company.

[@domgrayson3227]

Mad how that's a lake

[@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!

[@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 🥰❤️

[@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.

[@johnfalstaff2270]

Caspian is more like a lake than sea. Without access to the ocean it is a lake.

[@kwektans]

Good job guys 👍. Very insightful.

[@MattandJulia]

Thank you so much 🥰❤️

[@maesc2001]

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

[@iancarter4196]

As a retired seafarer, this is the way I would prefer to travel. Mix with the crew and have a bit of fun. Trouble is, it’s just as costly as a cruise. Was a time when you could work your ticket. Sadly long gone. Love the vlog.

[@MrGruffteddybear]

I would love to travel by cargo/container ship. I like peace and quiet and no crowds. I so enjoy just being on the water. I would like to do the longest journey possible. A month long trip would be nice.

[@LMays-cu2hp]

Thank you for sharing your trip.

[@Luke73195]

Its crazy that that is technically a lake.

[@Slykkpkins]

A good adventure. I enjoyed this, thank you.

[@nicholasdavies6264]

Matt and Julia living the dream! 👍