UK - USA By Ship!
 

Is there anyway to get across the pond for both bike and rider by ship? I rather like the idea of starting an adventure with one. The thought if flying in and clearing at an airport doesn't do it for me. Four or five days at see would be much better I think. Not sure if is possible to book a cabin on a commercial contaner ship? Any ideas???

Thanks

Muzz

The only RORO i've heard of is the Atlantic shipping line.They sail out of Southampton i think.I looked into it,about £500ish.Don't think they take passengers though.If you decide to fly i have just got a good deal with Air canada.Speak to Tim in Sales at heathrow.

Paneuropean took his bike as hand luggage on a cruise ship a few years back, but they wouldn't accept his leathers as a suit for the evening meal...

Other than that, by sea is very difficult! Everyone flies OR takes a fancy cruise.

Cheap sea travel is over it seems.

DO let us know if you find anything.



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Grant Johnson

Seek, and ye shall find.
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One world, Two wheels.
www.HorizonsUnlimited.com

Thanks chaps. Yes, looks like by Cunard! Still the Mrs is overdue a nice holiday! Will let you know if I do find anything....

although I eventually flew to South Africa with my bike, I had a good rummage on google and spoke with a few freight operators and did eventually find a boat that would have taken me and my bike to Durban for about £1500-2000. that was 2 years ago.

give it a go!

Hi Muzz:

As Grant mentioned, I took the Cunard ferry (Queen Elizabeth II) from New York to Southampton. It was an interesting experience - I have always wanted to cross the Atlantic by liner - but a lousy way to ship a motorcycle.

Air freight is simpler, faster, and - cheaper. I recommend you ship to either Toronto or Montreal in Canada, rather than directly to the United States. It costs less to ship to Canada (about 40% less), and you don't have to deal with all the paranoia and fear, uncertainty and doubt associated with air travel to the USA. I have used Motorcycle Express in the past, and have always been very pleased with their service.

Michael

I 2002 I flew myself and my Pan to Vancouver and returned six weeks later via Toronto. VERY expensive at £1700 return for the bike alone but quick.

Next year I'm returning to the US, again with the Pan, but this time with Wallenius Line which leaves Southampton every Wednesday for a number of ports on the East Coast - about £500 single for the bike. Speak to Tony White on 02380-637233 (Website www.2wglobal.com)

Is £500 approx price for one way?

Is there any way i can contact you Paul? I am thinking of doing a USA trip and would like to talk to you and hear your experiences?

I am also based in the UK.

Cheers

Graeme

Our bikes will go to the shippers in less than3 weeks time on their way to Florida. Ring us on 07791 739449 if you want the info as we have found a really cheap shipping agent. Cheaper than Tony White in Southhampton and just as nice and helpful. Will put the details on the shipping pages when we have complete it and collected out bikes. Also tried Advance Forwarding and they are also very helpful but more expensive. The crates at Advance are what bumped up their charges.

Graeme

The latest price for Southampton to the US East Coast is £532 single. I have emailed you.

Any idea what the same route would cost with a Landrover?

I took Dave & Cheryl's advice and contacted 'their' shipping agent and at first glance, it was cheaper than Wallenius Wilhelmsen, however a couple of things disturbed me. Firstly the crate of my bike was going to cost about £170, and when it arrived in New York, it had to be deposed of. There was no facility to store it for the return journey. Secondly I was told to expect post charges of at least £170, although I couldn't pin them down to just how this figure was arrived at. I've since decided to remain with WW for my US trip in early May.

The shipping turned out well for us. We liked the idea of crates as all our gear could go with the bikes. The agent in miami was easy to deal with and so were the customs people. We custom cleared the bikes ourselves at no cost at all and there were no costs to pay at the arrival end.
The shipping agent gave us an area of their yard to put the two bikes back together......front wheel, gear etc, gave us coffee and disposed of the crates for us.

NYC to UK
 

Hi

does your agent ship to UK also from NYC rather than Moami by any chance ?

Kevin