How Taking a Slow Ferry in Greece (with Blue Star Ferries) 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 slow ferry, Blue Star Ferries in particular, since they have the biggest network hence the chance is quite big you’ll embark one of these. They have larger and more stable boats. Obviously they are slower than highspeed ferries, but they are way more spacious, will not make you seasick and even have cabins you can book to sleep in. So if you’re wondering how taking a slow ferry in Greece with Blue Star Ferries works, this guide is for you.

How to book a slow (Blue Star) Greek ferry?

You can easily find a 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 & check-in

1. E-tickets and Online Check-in: The digital age has made ferry travel in Greece incredibly convenient. Most ferry companies, including Blue Star Ferries, 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 Blue Star Ferries website. Once checked in, you’ll receive your e-tickets directly on your phone.
2. 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.
3. 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 or coming in 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. If you did NOT choose business class, an airplane type seat or a cabin: be early! This way you get to board early and choose a good seat before all the public lounges are full. The boarding process goes as follows:

1. Foot Passengers: Those traveling without a vehicle will find a separate bridge for boarding on the side of the boat’s entrance bridge.
2. Luggage: Blue Star Ferries 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 passenegrs entering this area.
3. Vehicle Passengers: If you’re traveling with a vehicle, you’ll enter via the main bridge and be directed by an officer to the appropriate parking spot on the ferry. 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.
4. Scanning your e-ticket: Upon embarkation your ticket will be checked or e-ticket will be scanned
5. Cabin Bookings: If you’ve booked a cabin, head to the reception once onboard. A reception member will give you your cabin key and a staff member will guide you to your cabin.

Onboard Experience

1. Seating Options
   • Deck: Passengers that have a ‘deck’ ticket can choose between sitting inside the public lounges or enjoying the outdoor views from the outside terraces. Most ferries have shaded and non-shaded outdoor seating options. As I said, these areas fill up very quickly and everybody is sitting and laying down everywhere and nowhere. So try to board early and do not expect to get any good sleep if you’ve booked a deck ticket.
   • Business Class Lounge: For those who’ve opted for business class, a closed off public lounge awaits you. I’d say in high season this is definitely worth it, as you’ll have a way bigger chance of a nice place to sit down at, in a separate area.
   • Airplane seats: You can also choose to purchase an allocated seat in the area with plane seats. In this case, just like in a plane, you have one comfortable chair in a row of 3 to yourself. You have to check your ticket for the right number and find the seat. Personally I don’t like the airplane seats as they are often in a more closed off space where I like to sit in a light area with large windows, or outside. However if I knew the ferry would be busy and was not going to book a cabin, I’d definitely book one to assure myself of a seat.
   • Cabins: In case you are on a long (6+ hours) or overnight ferry, I’d recommend you to consider booking a cabin. You can book a shared cabin (like a bed in a hostel room) or a private one, with up to 4 beds (2 bunk beds unless there’s a LUX type available). The cabins have a toilet, shower, desk and closet and are very much airconditioned. I always sleep like a rose on the ferries. You can choose for an outside cabin with seaview window or inside cabin without a window.
2. Amenities: Blue Star Ferries are equipped with multiple bars, snack bars, and even a souvenir shop. So, whether you want to grab a bite, have a drink, or shop for keepsakes, you’re covered. Of course, there are public toilets for those who did not book a cabin.
3. Wi-Fi: Stay connected with the onboard Wi-Fi. While it’s available, there is a charge of € 3 – € 12, depending on the plan you choose.
4. Pet Policy: Generally, pets aren’t allowed inside unless there are designated pet cabins. There is a pet kennel on the outside deck on some Blue Star Ferries. Always carefully check the pet policy of the company you’re traveling with before booking!

Disembarking

Disembarking is again organized chaos, but it comes down to two simple steps:

1. 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.
2. New Passengers: The process is then repeated for new passengers who are boarding for the next destination.

Why Choose a Slow Ferry?

Opting for a slow ferry, like the ones offered by Blue Star Ferries, has its perks. They tend to be more spacious, offering a more relaxed (stable) and enjoyable journey. It’s arguably the best way to truly experience the beauty of islandhopping in Greece!