Advise re: Ferryhopper app vs. using ferry operator app directly

I only use Ferryhopper to quickly check ferry schedules and prices. Otherwise, I either buy my tickets at the local ticket offices 1 day or 2 before boarding, or sometimes directly on the ferry company's website.

I’ve been doing it this way for 30 years—in fact, before 2017, it was the only way to do it.

Yes, Ferryhopper is a third-party service, so why go through a middleman for something as simple as buying a ferry ticket? And honestly, what's the point, other than creating unnecessary headaches for yourself if there’s a cancellation or a schedule change?

99 times out of 100, there's absolutely no need to book ferry tickets more than two days in advance.

Thank you JoLui..
I was about to download the Ferryhopper App, and I see all these 1 star ratings on Apple App store..
Doing some research.. Youtube seem to endorse it.. and yet TripAdvisor is advising the same recommendation (booking directly with the Ferry Operator)

My Ferry schedule is in early September... Santorini - Naxos and then Naxos- Athens route... Should I wait to book this once I reach Greece? or would you recommend booking it now..

thanks again..

We’ve always purchased our ferry tickets directly from the ferry operator once we arrive on an island, a couple of days before we plan to leave.

If weather looks iffy during your stay, you can stop by for reliable information & easily swap your tickets if need be.

If I read your previous messages correctly, you’re staying 3 nights in Santorini after Crete.

So, for example, you can buy your Santorini–Naxos ticket while you’re in Crete, either directly on the Blue Star Ferries website or through a local agency.

The same goes for Naxos–Piraeus.

Blue Star ferries have a large passenger capacity (1,900 or 2,400 on the routes you’ll be taking, plus space for hundreds of vehicles), so there is no risk of the ferry being fully booked, especially in September.

Charlene gave you an example of schedule changes due to the weather. This is exactly why it’s best to avoid booking through third-party services.

Just look at what's happening with the schedules this week because of bad weather:

https://www.bluestarferries.com/en-gb/informations/2026/16-07-2026-17-7-26-itineraries-modifications-due-to-bad-weather-conditions

If you’re already on one of the islands, the local ticket offices will have the most up-to-date information regarding any ferry schedule changes.

Here's an earlier ferry tickets discussion: https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/greece/ferry-booking

Like JoLui I only use Ferryhopper (and others) for information purposes. And I always buy my tickets on the spot 1-2 days before in a local ticket office. Very easy, if something happens (like bad weather) and there is a cancellation the ticket office calls you or sends you a message (that's why they always ask your phone number). You go back to the office, get your money back and you buy new tickets.
For September there is no real need to book weeks ahead because there will never be a full ferry on those routes at that time. And if you want to book ahead for peace of mind, do it directly through the ferry company website (or app).