How taking a highspeed ferry in Greece (with Seajets) works
Greece, with its over 200 inhabited islands, often requires ferry travel while island hopping to get from one island to another. There are different types of ferries, on which I elaborate in my complete ferry travel guide blog. This blog is about taking a fast or highspeed ferry, a Seajets ferry in particular. Cause Seajets has the biggest highspeed ferry network, the change is large you will embark one of their ships. Although they are way faster than the slower (mostly Blue Star) ferries, they are smaller and less stable and tend to make you more seasick in rough seas. They are also more expensive than slow ferries. These are the larger and more stable boats. So if you’re wondering how taking a highspeed ferry in Greece with Seajet works, this guide is for you.
Click here to read my complete guide to ferries in Greece. The guide contains everything you need to know ferry travel in general. Such as how to save money on tickets.
Or check out my blog about how taking a slow ferry with Blue Star Ferries works.
In case you do not like reading, I made a video about the complete process as well
@tzatchickie This is how taking a Seajets ferry (fast ferry) in Greece works, in case you’re going island hopping in Greece 🇬🇷. Hopefully it answers some of your questions about ferry travel. DISCLAIMER: we took the Champion Jet 2 this time: this is a larger fast ferry / catamaran ship with a car garage & outside deck. Seajets has many vessels of different size. But the larger the ferry, the steadier the ride. In general it works the same: you have a designated seat and when walking you’ll have some difficulty with the ship going from left to right. Personally it doesnt bother me but if you ALWAYS get seasick plz take the slow ferry! . #greekislands #greekislandhopping #ferrytravel #greeceislandhopping #islandhopping #islandhoppinggreece #greekferry #greekferries #ferryhopper #tzatchickie #greekislandlife #greecetravel #greece #greecetraveltips #greecetrip #greekislandhop #greece2023 #seajets #seajets #seajetsgr #seajetstravel👍🥶
♬ Good Vibes (Instrumental) - Ellen Once Again
How to book a highspeed (Seajets) Greek ferry?
You can easily find and book ferries on a comparison website such as Ferryhopper. This way you can compare all companies and times available on one website before you book, instead of having to browse the website of different ferry companies. They have even implemented the bonus / loyalty programmes of the ferry companies into their platform. So you can save your points and miles even when booking through Ferryhopper. All you need to do is select the route and date and follow the steps. It’s important to check the timetable of the specific route you’re taking as ferry times can change depending on the destination and the time of year.
With the Ferryhopper widget below, you can start searching directly!
Tickets and Check-in
- E-tickets and Online Check-in: The digital age has made ferry travel in Greece incredibly convenient. Most ferry companies, including Seajets, offer e-tickets and online check-in facilities. This means you don’t have to worry about collecting physical tickets. If you’ve booked your journey through Ferryhopper (the platform I recommend for comparing ferries), their app will seamlessly direct you to the check-in page of the ferry company you’ve chosen. Otherwise, you’ll have to go to the check-in page on the Seajets website. Once checked in, you’ll receive your e-tickets directly in your e-mail.
- Checking if your ferry is on time: If you’ve booked your journey through Ferryhopper, you can check in their app whether the ferry is on time, or will be late. Cause they have the real-time ferry position on a map and the latest ETA. In case there is a big delay this might save you from waiting in the port in the sun.
- Finding Your Gate and Ferry: If you’re embarking from Piraeus in Athens, your e-ticket will have the gate number mentioned. This makes it easy to locate where you need to be. When you arrive at ANY port, it’s essential to double-check the name of your ferry and its destination. Given that multiple ferries might be docked at the same port, at the same time, this step ensures that you board the right one.
Boarding the Ferry
Boarding the ferry can be described as organized chaos, especially when it is busy during high season. Hundreds of people are getting on at the same time. And in case of Seajets they are on a tight schedule so the process is swift, especially when compared to slower ferries.
- Foot Passengers: Those traveling without a vehicle will MOSTLY find a separate bridge for boarding on the side of the entrance bridge, while if the ferry takes cars, int the mean time via the larger bridge cars are embarking and disembarking as well.
- Luggage: Seajets asks those who are using public lounges to leave their larger luggage pieces in storage racks in the car garage upon entering the ferry. There is no tagging of the luggage, although sometimes there is one rack per island or stop that the ferry makes on its journey. So make sure to remember where you placed your luggage (or make a picture) and put your valuables and the stuff you need on board in a smaller daypack to carry with you. Don’t worry, 99% of the time you’ll find your luggage safe and well at the end of your trip. Only rarely luggage in the garage gets stolen or lost. It is good to know that when the boat is sailing, the garage is also off-limits to anyone, so there are no other passengers entering this area. And please also think of the fact that, on Seajets ferries large suitcases do NOT belong in the public seating area. There is no space at all between the rows of seats to store them!
- Vehicle Passengers: If you’re traveling with a vehicle, you’ll be directed to the appropriate parking spot on the ferry. They will let you board directly after the vehicles leaving the boat have disembarked and if it is safe in terms of embarking passengers on the entrance bridge. If you are nervous, let them know and ask them to be calm with you and help you. The normal Greek practice is to scream and whistle. It is nothing personal, but I prefer making sure they will not try it on me.
- Scanning your ticket and entering the seating area: your ticket will be scanned after which you have to walk up a set of stairs (no escalator or elevator here) that end up in the deck where all the seats are located.
Onboard Experience
- Seating Options: All seating on Seajets ferries (and fast ferries in Greece in general) is allocated seating. Inside the ferry. So whatever class you have booked, you need to find the right seat number. You can NOT choose a seat number while booking ,they are randomly allocated. Passengers can choose between regular seats (economy class), business class and VIP/Platnium class. Economy class are airplane-type seats in rows, with a small tray table. Business class basically is exactly the same, but these blocks of seats might not be as busy as economy class and therefore some people like to book them. Some Seajets ferries have Platinum class as well. If I had the choice during the crowded high season, I’d go for this option. It is often a closed off space with way better seating, an actual table in front of you and a separate bar. Ensuring you do not have to stand in a long line for refreshments. You’ll still have to pay for the drinks though.
- Amenities: Seajets ferries are at least equipped with a bar offering snacks and drinks, and of course, public toilets. There can be a little souvenir shop as well. Larger Seajets ferries have an outside deck you can go stand on, but keep in mind that unless the sea is very calm and there’s not too much wind, this is not a very pleasant experience on open sea. If you want to enjoy sitting outside during the ride, I’d advise taking a slow ferry.
- Wi-Fi: Stay connected with the onboard Wi-Fi. Some Seajets ferries offer free Wi-Fi. You have to get a small piece of paper with a code from the so-called ‘accounting office’. Although it definitely does not always work.
Disembarking
Disembarking is again organized chaos, but it comes down to two simple steps:
- Order: Once the ferry reaches its destination, foot passengers are the first to disembark all together, followed by vehicles. About 10 minutes before the ferry arrives, an announcement will be made and people can start making their way to the garage to collect their luggage and get ready for disembarkation.
- New Passengers: The process is then repeated for new passengers who are boarding for the next destination.
Why Choose a highspeed ferry in Greece?
You should choose a fast, highspeed ferry if you do not easily get seasick and want to get to your destination as fast as is possible by boat. And if you do not care about sitting inside in an airplane type seat for a couple of hours. If you want more stable and cheaper option where you can sit outside, opt for a slow ferry.
Thank you for reading this blog on how taking a highspeed in Greece (with Seajets works. Enjoy your holiday in Greece!
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