Greek Ferry Question

Is there any reason to prefer one to the other?

Only in terms of the size of the ferry. If Sea Jets is using the SeaJet2 or Superjet, or if Hellenic is using the FlyingCat4, avoid if at all possible (I don't think these are in use on that route anymore). These are small and if the seas are rough they bob in the water like corks and everyone gets seasick.

But if Hellenic is using a "Highspeed" or Sea Jets is using the ChampionJet or Megajet, it doesn't matter which company's ferry you take.

Thanks, Lee. One other question I forgot - - actually, two. Is there any preferred way to buy tickets, and how far in advance should one do it?

You can buy them on Crete from any authorized ticket seller/travel office. Look for company logos in the window/sign. A couple of days in advance is usually sufficient.

Both companies are very reliable.

One thing to consider is the Championjet 1 and 2 both have open decks at the back so you can be on deck for the arrival in Santorini.
The Hellenic Highspeed ferries do not so you are in a cabin with sea sprayed windows, With equal price equal performance and schedules that open deck is the trump card in favour of Championjets

Hi Stan, you seem to be a wealth of info, so I'm jumping in. We are travelling mid May for 2 weeks, 4 women, and landing in Athens, staying overnight at the Triton, then next morning, heading to port to board the Blue Star to Santorini for 6 nights, the first leg of our trip. From what you say that can long and arduous, and maybe it might be better to take a SeaJet. My concern with those fast ferries, was people getting sick which is why I suggested to my buddies we take Blue Star, but now having second thoughts. So we can specify the Champion1, I can't see myself not be able to go out on deck, are they very confining?

Also, can we purchase tickets day before easily? Flying did sound better, but we've already booked Hotel in Athens, and it might be difficult to add a day to our hotel reservation in Santorini, arriving a day early, things are getting booked up, btw we are staying at Cori Rigas Suites.

Thanks for any input,
Julie
Ottawa

Too late in the evening to do any ferry research. However my comments were about ferry from Heraklion Crete to Santorini. It seems that you are looking at Athens to Santorini. That is a totally different proposition. The Blue Star is a wonderful ferry but will take about 8 hours. Have you looked at Aegean Airlines for your arrival date. If there is a connecting flight to Santorini on your arrival date you need two hours to make that connection. fly to Santorini as soon as you can on your arrival in Athens airport. that's a much better plan than transport to Athens overnight metro to ferry plus 8 hours ferry ride next day. More info tomorrow morning,

Ok here goes. Can you cancel the Triton? There are several flights a day to Santorini so if you can fly that would be best. Leave Athens to the end of the trip. Athens needs at least two to 3 days.

I just checked the ferry schedules. There are 4 ferries on May 16 Just chose that date randomly. The good news is Championjet 1 is on that route. It is a large car carrying fast cat. The interior is like a gigantic airplane with aircraft style seats and some with tables. There is lots of room to walk around.

Championjet 1 has an open deck on the back. It is open throughout the trip. Mind you at 40 MPH its a tad windy but if you shelter at the front of the deck the wind is cut way down and there are also little spots by the stair wells with little wind. This is particularly important as you arrive at each port particularly Santorini. The ship has to slow down so the wind is not a factor and you will have an incredible experience approaching Santorini.

The first few images of this album were taken last year on Championjet1
Naxos 2016 https://www.flickr.com/photos/stanbr54/albums/72157671589993576

stanbr - I looked at your beautiful Naxos photos. Can you tell me where some of the pictures are with the restaurants, chairs on the beach, patio? I'm looking for a place to stay in Naxos in mid-July and always love the forum participants' recommendations on restaurants, beaches, sites, and accommodations. they've always been great! Thanks!

Well I have a couple thousand Naxos pictures out there however I suspect you are looking at the ones from Nicolas and Marias or Patrino. Both are on Plaka beach and both serve great food. Patrihno has a very unusual twist on Naxos foods while Nocolas
and Maria are traditional. However Nicolas and Maria is the one with tables on the beach.

Hi Stan,

I hadn't checked for replies, and my notifications were turned off, but thanks for replying. Unfortunately, we cannot cancel Triton, we are 5 women now and plans are getting tricky! To change plans at this stage wouldn't work simply because we could not add a night to our hotel in Santorini, all booked. But I guess what will do is take a Champion jet, after our stay in Athens. II think your suggestion about flying straight to Santorini was a good one, but too late. All a learning experience.

Thanks for all your info!
Julia