I have just contacted the Steam Packet Company to get an idea of prices and when we need to book the ferry the information she gave me was based on this years prices.   Return fare for rider and bike is £230 pillion passenger is £96   The booking opens the first Monday of Practice week for the following year – the maximum booking for a group booking on line is 8 - any larger group bookings will have to be done over the phone with a £30 deposit per person   The prices for 2014 will be released in November 13 so in effect we are booking blind on the prices.   I also tried Direct Ferries - they were not very forthcoming with information and said it was £230 for a foot passenger and about another £50 for a motorbike but she was not sure   Has anybody done this before and have any hints or tips about booking the ferry etc   hotel is booked - there is about 20 of us going.                                                                                                                                                                              

Find 4 friends , hire a transit van and take your bikes and gear over in that . It was £330 last year .