We are taking a ferry in early June from Paros to Santorini. I’ve downloaded the Ferryhopper app and can’t seem to decide on a type of ferry. 2 out of the 6 are very prone to seasickness. We’ll take anti nausea meds with us… but what’s the best option? Quickest seajet in 90 minutes and risk it being choppy? Or take the 3 hour Blue Star which is slower, stable, and you can go outside? Need some advice!! I see there are some bigger SeaJets that take cars… just wondering what the best experience has been for everyone? Thank you!
Posted by
France Southwest - Occitanie
3750 posts
Which Seajets ferry are you referring to? There's a big difference between the smaller ones (Super Cat Jet , Superjet or Superjet 2) and the larger ones like the Champion Jet.
Here is a small Seajet ferry:
A larger one:
That being said, with Seajets you'll have an assigned seat, just like on an airplane. The optional outdoor deck on the larger Seajets ferries is simply a kind of open terrace, exposed to the wind and sun, with no real seating (it's mainly convenient for smokers).
Blue Star ferries are completely different; they're almost like a mini-cruise and are less affected by swells and waves.
A Blue Star ferry:
Unless you have no other option, take a Blue Star without hesitation.
Posted by
OP
10 posts
Ok thanks! So our options are:
Super Jet -SeaJet
World Champion Jet - SeaJet
Super Express - Golden Star Ferries
Blue Star Delos - Blue Star Ferries
Posted by
France Southwest - Occitanie
3750 posts
If you tend to get seasick, it’s best to steer clear of the SuperJet (and SuperJet 2), as it’s quite small and can be a bumpy ride. The World Champion Jet & the Super Express on the other hand, are larger ferries that can accommodate around 2,000 passengers. You can take it if you're in a hurry,
My advice: take the Blue Star Delos, are you on vacation or do you have a business meeting? :-)
Posted by
Ostend, Belgium
66 posts
My choice would always be Blue Star Delos. Yes, it is slower but it will be more comfortable and there will be a lot more to see. This ferry has several outside decks (on decks 6, 7 & 8). The fastest one will be the Superjet because it goes directly from Paros to Santorini. This is the smallest ferry in the Seajet fleet where you can not go outside. The 2 other highspeed ferries are much bigger. The Superexpress has a stop in Ios, The Worldchampion Jet has a stop in Naxos like the Blue Star Delos. But it is possible that the only time they allow to go outside is during the intermediate stop. Furthermore, if you sit in the middle on the highspeed ferries you don't see anything outside. If you have a windowseat it is possible the view is obscured by watersplashed windows. And....highspeed vessels don't sail through the Caldera on arrival in Santorini.
The Blue Star Delos goes along the North coast of Paros and then to Naxos. Stay in Naxos is about 20 minutes so you have a nice view of Naxos Town. From Naxos to Santorini the ferry goes along the East Coast of Paros, through the Strait between Ios and Sikinos and then goes through the Caldera so you will have a view of Oia, Imerovigli and Fira from the sea before arriving at the port of Athinos in Santorini.
The Blue Star Delos: https://www.bluestarferries.com/en-gb/our-fleet/blue-star-delos.
Posted by
OP
10 posts
Thank you! Yes we’ll be on vacation with a group of 6 so we might just do the Blue Star Ferry then for comfort. We’re not in a rush, just want to make the most of our vacation time. Thank you for the advice!
Posted by
Oregon 🌲
532 posts
I love the slow ferries. Especially being able to go outside when entering the Santorini caldera. PS, I've never taken a Seajet for comparison. If I remember correctly, you'll also stop at Naxos on this route. Another reason to be outside on the ferry.
Posted by
Omaha, NE, USA
36 posts
If you ask me, this is what I call a no-brainer. Blue Star every time. It’s one of the joys of a Greek vacation.
Posted by
Philadelphia, PA, USA
3739 posts
I also vote for BLUE STAR -- but you should know that the best expeience involves some strategy. The "fast ferries -- both large & small" -- are expensive, all rserved seating, indoor seating. No view, but you just show up shortly before departure. BLUE STAR has capacity of 1200 - 1800 depending on which craft ... and the "Economy" ticket is cheapest ... For just slightly over 2 hr sail, No point in Business Class (no deck). The "Reserved Economy" is about €5-8 more than straight Econ, but reserves you a numbered inside seat... however, again. no caldera view. (NOTE: you can buy Reserved-Economy seats but then try for the unreserved deck seats -- but then, what's the point?).
Economy gets you a first-come-first-served seat on the 2 upper-level back decks, or (if they are full already) seats in the multiple cafes on board, or seating in chairs along the corridor. Want those deck seats? plan ahead:
• Be at Dock at least 30 mins before ferry arrival, yes I know, but you want the view! there's an open "shed" for waiting; be assertive & try to be near front of line. Psgrs will be held there while trucks, cars and Paros visitors come out.
• When the crowd dashes for ramp, divide tasks. Your Big luggage stays on Vehicle level (perfectly safe: Just carry valuables in shoulder bags) Assign 3 people to stack bags together). The other 3 scramble up escalator then stair to back deck(s) to snag seats & wave to luggage-trio as they arrive. NOTE: if you cant all get deck seats, watch for Naxos-visitors to depart, to get further seating.
• People getting off at Naxos/Paros must go down before docking, in order not to be caught on board -- ferries dock & depart very quickly. But Santorini is last stop... so you can stay & enjoy view until close to pier.