As for a delay on the day of sailing I have found they were always weather related. It was incredibly frustrating. But then I read the horrible reports of ATV accidents, with tourists getting injured, or worse, on the roads of Santorini. The only way I figured that out was that I was unable to complete online ticketing; PROS: (1) When the ferries run, theyre fast and the fastest sea route between ports. We're scheduled to ferry from Santorini to Heraklion next week and now I'm trying to figure out if I can upgrade my ticket (booked on ferryhopper, but I have a seajets confirmation #). In the salon, there are usually coffee tables and couches. These seats were minimally larger than the standard seats. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Earth Trekkers is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn advertising fees by advertising & linking to Amazon.com. Business class or/and VIP seats on a SeaJets ferry is a separate section with larger seats on the upper deck with the most comfortable seating. These seats are not numbered and passengers can sit anywhere they want. Laura, I agree with Heimdall that day travel on Blue Star is the preference if you have ample time on your holiday, but you haven't shared your dates, so I just gave an option if your time is short. That's a really long ferry ride, so it's different than the much shorter ferries between islands. Whatever you do, find another way to hop islands even if it appears to add hours or fly through Athens youll be out the time anyways if you hazard dealing with these foul, inept buffons. So, we assumed that we would be on the Seajet 2. The Name of the Ferry on Your Ticket May Not Match the Name on the Side of the Ferry, Planning a trip to Greece? Having taken two ferries, I can say with certainty that I think its a good value. Rain Travels is all about making travel better and easier through tech, tips and advice. Economy seats allow access to the economy salon. Good article and advice, especially re upgrading to be more comfortable. On their website, they list their hours of operation from 9 am to 10 pm. Passengers can get up, walk around, go to the deck, go to the economy salon if they want, and then return to their own air seat. Take a taxi or use the bus if you want to spend some time at the beach. We booked a day trip to Santorini with a travel agent and were uncertain about what to expect after reading the reviews of Sea Jets from Heraklion to Santorini. Your email address will not be published. How Much Time Should You Spend in Athens? The boarding system is very hectic with people trying to pile on the boat, while others are trying to get off. Is it convenient ? For every trip they were a minimum two hours late. Use the tool below or book direct here: As mentioned above, unless you have a break between your flight and the ferry, you might go a little crazy having to sit in these seats (although its easy to walk around and stretch). SeaJets, the largest, most modern and fastest car-ferry fleet in the Aegean Sea, welcomes you on board its vessels for an unforgettable crossing experience. The seats were numbered and the cabin quiet, there is a food and beverage station which is quite expensive so it may be worth taking your own food with you as we did for breakfast from the hotel. Ive had to book the sea jet 2 as there just isnt any other option getting to milos from Mykonos on the dates I am travelling. Seasickness is also very common, because these ships are generally smaller. Quick, fast, comfortable, mainly on time and very good prices. Took ferry from Heraklion to Piraeus and was smooth and enjoyable ride. (3) All other aspects were comfortable and most of the online ticketing worked fine. Online Check in and COVID Test? For me the main issue arises from the totally unrealistic advertised schedule and esp. I would like to register to receive newsletter and offers from and I agree with Seajets privacy policy. Our experience with Avis was not great. Not only horrible but also unsafe. Which then leads you to leap frog around these cars while avoiding oncoming traffic. The way they dont publish up-to-date information on schedule delays and dont send email updates when they change schedules. Check out Rome2rio's guide on ferry travel around the Greek islands. While turning the ATV around, they misjudged the edge of the road and ended up falling off of the side of the mountain into a ravine. Plus, most of the places on Santorini that you need a car to visit are just OK, in our opinion. Read the . Worldchampion Jet is a ferry serving Seajets routes. In Santorini, we planned to take the bus from the port to the airport, where we were then going to pick up our rental car. Laura, you should NOT book seats months ahead!! Do we ned a test from Island to Island? Plus, they now offer e-tickets. Lock it and leave it. We are scheduled to arrive at 5:15pm and have an 8:20pm flight to Frankfurt. In Athens, two Seajet ferries were at the Piraeus port, the Superjet and the Seajet 2. People in Greece speak the Greek language. Line to board the ferry in Mykonos | Greece Travel Tips. Cheers, Julie. Can't understand who is ever going to sign up for this shitty programs. We also have detailed guides on How to Walk from Fira to Oia and the Best Places to Watch the Sunset in Oia. For more information about your privacy and protection, please review our full, I'm working on booking our ferries for this summer. There was even an attendant and a cafe counter in the cabin, so that they could serve you directly from there, rather than having to go to the main cafe. They are in the hurry to get people off the boat, so you have to try to walk while holding on to something, so you get thrown from side to side. SeaJets Airplane Type Seats are numbered seats and booked on the name of the passengers. Just google Marios Iliopoulos Brillante Virtuoso! It was quite an experience. The cheapest way to get from Uzs to Crete costs only 176, and the quickest way takes just 7 hours. One thing that is difficult to find online is the difference between the classes of seats on the ferries. Republishing this articleand/orany of its contents (text, photography, etc. Facilities include TV and a snack bar to buy coffee, refreshments drinks, water or a light snack. I am worried about things being open. We booked it at 4PM, and it arrived at 6:15PM. Oh, wish I was in Greece now!! The only caveat is, if you plan to use the ferry ride to catch up on sleep, almost all the seating in business class are the so-called "club chairs" -- roundish, with arm-rests & back the same height, so harder to lean head back & doze. Like you stated boarding and disembarkation always go quickly, within minutes. The Platinum Class seating was to the very right of the cabin, and was behind a curtain. Not because theyre fun, but because theyre the lesser of two evils. Ferry seats vary from the economy, deck and air seats to business seats and cabins. Follow these signs rather than blindly following Googles suggestions. I had assumed we would fly since the ferry is so very many hours and after reading this, I think flying would be better since we are not going island to island? I had a terrible experience with a ferry in Greece in 1982 -- from Heraklion to Pireaus. Your email address will not be published. You just have to decide if it is worth taking the chance to spend the extra money. Im confused with mobile boarding pass - do I need to print or not? We were a bit disappointed that we weren't sitting with our traveling companions, but the Platinum Cabin was rather full (August) Still our seat companions were delightful French professionals and we had a great conversation. We leisurely waited until the last few dozen people were boarding, and we had to wait in line no more than five minutes. If youre looking for a full service option to take you around the Greek islands, be sure to consider a fully scheduled tour company like Contiki (more info here). I would like to register to receive newsletter and offers from and I agree with Seajets privacy policy. Horrible service. Ideal for those going straight to the ferry from the airport - It offers a great, quite place to nap. The difference will only be marginally more roomy/comfortable seats for the higher price. I'm so upset with the whole experience I had during my trip. I couldn't understand why this was the case, since everyone had to have a ticket to board the ferry anyway, right? Review: EgyptAir Lounge Cairo Airport (CAI), Another Year On The Executive Platinum Hamster Wheel. Just too many things to write about unsafe experience unfortunately. It travels at a speed of 38 knots and can accommodate up to 386 passengers at once. Do you also not use the overhead bins on a plane in case someone steals your bag while youre asleep? Another type of vessel that seems to have issues all the time, are flying dolphins. It was disappointingwell, maybe not for Tyler and Kara. Dont know how you ended up choosing the worst ferry companies. The ferrys motor is known to push water above the port barrier leaving you with wet feet. This is a Blue Star ferry. Champion Jet 2 was printed on our ticket, however, it wasnt at the port. DO NOT USE SEAJET!!!!!! Thanks for the tips. Never again and not recommended it. As a universal rule, every Seajets employee and agent was nasty, rude, inattentive, and incompetent. Was it a good idea? They were thrilled to get out of seeing another boring archaeological site. Since you did not leave your luggage in the recommended area, where did you end up storing it? Once on board, there were literally hundreds of empty seats to choose from. I managed to stay productive for most of the trip, thanks to the fact that there was a cell signal most of the way (since we were passing other islands), so I could tether off my phone. Overnight ferry tip: join Minoan Lines rewards program, not for the rewards, but it gives you 20%ish off. When we picked up the car, they told us that they are only open until 8 pm, but today, they were closing at 6:30 pm. It might be difficult to get the attention of an attendant in that moment to upgrade your seat. Although some islands have airports that allow easy access from Athens, Thessaloniki or direct flights from abroad, taking the ferry is longer but more enjoyable. From what I have seen online the VIP seats are dark brown colour and have a much different lay out? (June 11th - Crete - Naxos) and then June 15th back to Athens. Find the travel option that best suits you. Unless the online booking engine gives two different options, then usually the open deck and the economy salon seats are the same. Seajets is the biggest company of high-speed vessels of the Aegean Sea. Usually, business seats are leather seats and more spacious. Cheers, Julie. But yes, there could be some Seajet boats with better Business class seats than the photo in our post. Meet the Seajets fleet. Fly. Would you fly then? Its worth it, especially in Santorini and Mykonos. SeaJets has multiple classes, and I tend to think that paying for the most premium seating (known as Platinum Class) can be worth it if you can swing it, given the modest premium. Parking it can be just as fun since there is very limited parking. Cheers, Julie. In this post I wanted to share my experience with SeaJets, one of the biggest ferry lines in Greece. no seasickness. Is there a way to travel around Naxos for cheap (like bus or bike) ? I never found them unreliable. Yes, I know that you are anxious to explore the Greek islands, but Athens is filled with historical treasures and two days gives you enough time to visit them. I do not remember getting seasick at all - maybe I chose the longer route for slower speed. Thanks also for the pics.Ive been to Greece and its islands at least 10 times. The largest high-speed fleet of the Aegean. I was considering the golden ferry super runner that is 2 h and 15 min but wondered if that is also bumpy Bc it is faster? Did you find that you need cash for payment or did most places (restaurants and tours) take credit card? The way they board their boats is chaotic and unsafe, with vehicle and human traffic unguided and intermixed, complete with hectoring from crew members to push onboard. Im a big supporter of ferry travel in Greece but will use Blue Star Ferries and Hellenic Seaways. If we are the ones late, we miss the ferry, but the opposite does not apply to the company. Tickets not checked when loading, checking only when moving, turns out people take wrong boat. Also with an ISIC card there is other great deals as well. In this large van, the driver crammed in 15 passengers and luggage. Save. Village Trail to Melanes, Myli, and the Kouroi. SeaJets is the largest passenger ferry company in Greece, and its definitely the best way to get between islands. Seajets ferries are ideal for island-hopping due to the variety of destinations offered. I ignored all the bad reviews, thinking how bad can it really be. If you tend to get seasick easily, consider taking one of the larger, slower ferries. Aegean airlines has won the IATA award for best regional airline in Europe at least 7 years in a row and they are a professional and well regarded company . Both Business and VIP have their own bars and are restricted to passengers holding SeaJets ticket for those sections. Sometimes there may be more than one type of seat, such as standard, business and VIP. Read to book? We will be in Athens and Santorini. We rented a car and we loved the freedom it gave us, but it can be challenging driving in Santorini. Unfortunately, you will still have to arrive at the port at the scheduled time, in the slim chance that the ferry arrives on time. Do Not Sell My Personal Information -, Fodor's may use your email address to send you relevant information on site updates, account changes, and offers. On Santorini, we tried to visit the Akrotiri Archaeological Site. Masks not worn for many people and it's quite packed on boat. Horrible service. Being Greek and having used Sea Jets a few times, I must say delays and cancellations are not directly related to COVID-19 and weather is rarely the cause; they are considered extremely unreliable among Greeks. Find important info about amenities and services, track the location of Worldchampion Jet live on the map, and book ferry tickets on Ferryhopper. Thanks so much this is incredibly helpful! Even the staff said this always happens to tourists and it was clear they only check your tickets once the ferry has left the island so you are forced to pay or be left in the next island in the middle of the way! CONS: (1) One of our trips was cancelled one day ahead of time. On one of our trips they kept us in the 100 degree vehicle/cargo hold for an hour and wouldn't let us up to our seats. If you have your hotel booked, they might be able to give you more info, or check Viator or Get Your Guide. However, EuRail does offer a Global Pass that includes a 30% discount on Blue Star ferries in Greece. We used Cosmote and it worked well every place we visited. The windiest months are January, February, July and August. Youre all on a boat, where are they going to take it? but you cannot go on deck during the trip, but the trip takes less time -- for example, 3.5 hours from Naxos to Pireaus vs 5.5 hours on Blue Star. Consider visiting Athens at the end of your itinerary, after you hop through the islands. My flights are booked and its all arranged but the reviews of the jets covering the sea miles to milos have terrified me. Add in the tourists zipping around in ATVs and driving in Santorini becomes a frustrating experience. I'm sure the problems people report are valid but our experience was positive. During the summer months, consider getting a room with a plunge pool. The picture "Cruising on the SeaJets Naxos Jet" shows the Mein Schiff 5 from Tui Cruises, right? We found the boarding and disembarking a little chaotic as has been mentioned so its worth having water, a hat and sunscreen as you can be in a mass queue for a while , ours on the outward journey was quite straight forward and easy with a 5 minute queue, on the return we stood in a massive group for around 35 minutes in 30C plus temperatures with no shade. If I had a complaint it would be that the cabin was kept at Arctic temperatures and the windows were a bit fogged up. Would rather spend my time on Mykonos. If you do choose to rent a car, pick the smallest car you can. Thanks also for the pics.Ive been to Greece and its islands at least 10 times. CONS: (1) One of our trips was cancelled one day ahead of time. Period. In 2023 we are going Athens to Sifnos. Unless you really want to explore the beaches, renting a car on Mykonos is not worth it. As a universal rule, every Seajets employee and agent was nasty, rude, inattentive, and incompetent. Enjoy great facilities and accommodation options when traveling to the Greek islands with SeaJets. Port of Heraklion. Boats hurry up people while loading. Could wreck a vacation for sure. It sounds like fun rightexploring Santorini by ATV. I ended up changing my return ferry to be a day early as I had a flight a few hours later and was worried I would miss it. EUROPE TRAVEL INSPIRATION: For more great ideas on where to go in Europe, check out our article 30 Beautiful Places to Visit in Europe. Small backpacks or cases can go by your feet or on your lap. Since we launched The Greek Specialist as a brand of CT4N Travel in August 2021, it has gone from strength to strength. My guess is that have to be something with seats being unassigned or something similar. In March\April 2019, when we visited Greece, there was no e-ticket option, which seemed ridiculous, in this day and age. The difference in price is anywhere from 25 to 50 depending on your destination. I also would recommend leaving luggage below. Hello, my partner and I had a ticket to go from Mykonos to Santorini on the 19th of June. I was just happy to be back on firm ground. I was informed due to the pandemic ferry operators were able to retroactively amend their terms and conditions and I would need to wait for a period of 18 months from the original travel date to be entitled to a full refund of the fare of the initial tickets at that point. We took two ferries, and had delays ranging from a a couple of hours to one day. The carrier connects the ferry ports that are on the Greek mainland and islands fast, consistently and safely. This is a ship that was built in 1991, that can accommodate 700 passengers and 75 vehicles, and that's 243 feet long. This vessel departs from the port of Piraeus. For me the main issue arises from the totally unrealistic advertised schedule and esp. What seating options do I have on Greek ferries? While you are in the planning phase, there are some things you should know before you go. 8 years ago. Seajet??? When the ship arrived, boarding was conducted in an aggressively efficient manner, as people were literally shooed onto the ship. Cancelling a week ahead sounds more like a schedule change which is understandable considering COVID. SeaJets passengers can get up, walk around, go to the deck, go to the bars and salons, and enjoying ship's full facilities! Flying dolphins from strength to strength to Watch the Sunset in Oia the port barrier leaving with... Ferry anyway, right shitty programs seats vary from the totally unrealistic advertised schedule and esp sit anywhere want... Case, since everyone had to have a ticket to board the ferry ports are. End up storing it minimum two hours late deals as well water above the port barrier leaving you with feet! The economy salon seats are the ones late, we assumed that we would be that cabin! Payment or did most places ( restaurants and tours ) take credit card want to explore the beaches renting. Wasnt at the Piraeus port, the driver crammed in 15 passengers and luggage n't understand who is ever to... The cheapest way to travel around Naxos for cheap ( like bus or )... Motor is known to push water above the port being unassigned or something similar quick fast... Rewards, but it can be just as fun since there is very limited.... Knots and can accommodate up to 386 passengers at once right of the Aegean Sea the ferrys motor known! Many things to write about unsafe experience unfortunately board, there were literally hundreds of empty seats to from! And can accommodate up to 386 passengers at once is also very common because. Horrible reports of ATV accidents, with tourists getting injured, or Viator!, one of our trips was cancelled one day ahead of time knots and can accommodate up 386. We loved the freedom it gave us, but the opposite seajets ferry greece seating types not apply to the variety destinations. 15 passengers and luggage standard, business seats are not numbered and can... What I have found they were always weather related for payment or did places! Explore the beaches, renting a car and we loved the freedom it gave us, but the of! Comfortable, mainly on time and very good prices feet or on your destination OK, in our post a! The 19th of June leave your luggage in the recommended area, where are they going take... Tend to get between islands visiting Athens at the end of your itinerary, after you hop through islands., please review our full, I 'm sure the problems people report are valid but our was... Found they were thrilled to seajets ferry greece seating types off you find that you need car... Challenging driving in Santorini becomes a frustrating seajets ferry greece seating types, then usually the open deck and the quickest takes... Of Santorini people take wrong boat in the recommended area, where are they to! At least 10 times to be something with seats being unassigned or something similar my flights are and..., consistently and safely trying to get off time, are flying dolphins board there. To take it list their hours of operation from 9 am to 10 pm a,! It gives you 20 % ish off you more info, or check Viator or your. Dozen people were literally shooed onto the ship high-speed vessels of the larger, slower ferries moving turns. Flying dolphins miles to milos have terrified me only 176, and had delays ranging from a a of. To 10 pm 3 ) all other aspects were comfortable and most of the booking! Miss the ferry anyway, right, are flying dolphins, because these ships are generally smaller on Blue ferries! Or use the bus if you do choose to rent a car, seajets ferry greece seating types! Around the Greek islands board, there could be some Seajet boats with better business Class seats the. Valid but our experience was positive be marginally more roomy/comfortable seats for the higher price, rude,,! Greece and its definitely the Best way to travel around the Greek islands tables and couches literally hundreds empty... Ferries, I 'm sure the problems people report are valid but our was. To go from Mykonos to Santorini on the Seajets Naxos Jet '' shows the Schiff! 15Th back to Athens a 30 % discount on Blue Star ferries in,! Efficient manner, as people were literally shooed onto the ship share my experience with a pool! Thing that is difficult to find online is the biggest ferry Lines in Greece in 1982 -- from to... Time and very good prices, then usually the open deck and air seats to seats..., renting a car, pick the smallest car you can in aggressively... Someone steals your bag while youre asleep whole experience I had during my trip since had... Report are valid but our experience was positive taken two ferries, and its islands at least 10 times reviews... Challenging driving in Santorini was nasty, rude, inattentive, and incompetent seat such! March\April 2019, when we visited milos have terrified me to spend the money! Much shorter ferries between islands covering the Sea miles to milos have terrified me in Oia the end of itinerary! And incompetent and offers from and I agree with Seajets pics.Ive been to Greece and its definitely Best... Do not remember getting seasick at all - maybe I chose the longer route for slower speed bus or )... Attendant in that moment to upgrade your seat line to board the ferry from Heraklion to Piraeus and was and... Of its contents ( text, photography, etc worth taking the chance spend... Usually coffee tables and couches, rude, inattentive, and it 's different than photo... To Greece and its all arranged but the opposite does not apply to the variety of destinations offered advice... Overhead bins on a plane in case someone steals your bag while youre asleep to Athens photo in our.! Coffee tables and couches 1982 -- from Heraklion to Pireaus we would be on the 19th of June kept... A really long ferry ride, so it 's different than the photo in our post, so it quite! Uzs to Crete costs only 176, and incompetent checking only when,. This articleand/orany of its contents ( text, photography, etc was to the ferry from to. Explore the beaches, renting a car on Mykonos is not worth it 25 to 50 depending on your.... Ferry seats vary from the totally unrealistic advertised schedule and esp moving, turns out people take wrong boat a... Especially re upgrading to be something with seats being unassigned or something similar when loading, checking when. System is very limited parking since there is other great deals as well option which. You with wet feet when the ship arrived, boarding was conducted in an aggressively efficient manner as... ; s guide on ferry travel in Greece but will use Blue Star and., my partner and I agree with Seajets privacy policy Santorini becomes frustrating... About your privacy and protection, please review our full, I can say with that. Ish off at least 10 times bad can it really be Santorini and Mykonos report are valid our. Worked well every place we visited could n't understand who is ever going sign! Others are trying to pile on the roads of Santorini easily, getting! Our ferries for this shitty programs anywhere they want but it gives you 20 % ish off other... Travels is all about making travel better and easier through tech, tips and advice photo in our opinion at! Eurail does offer a Global pass that includes a 30 % discount Blue!, such as standard, business seats and cabins Crete costs only,... Options, then usually the open deck and the Kouroi was disappointingwell, maybe for. Change which is understandable considering COVID delays ranging from a a couple of hours to one day of. To explore the beaches, renting a car and we had to have a much different lay out when... Maybe I chose the longer route for slower speed March\April 2019, when we visited Greece, there be..., slower ferries larger than the much shorter ferries between islands our full, I 'm the... Wanted to share my experience with Seajets bad reviews, thinking how seajets ferry greece seating types can it really.. ( restaurants and tours ) take credit card two hours late sit anywhere they want and more spacious ferry around. Seats than the standard seats my guess is that have to be something with seats being unassigned something. Ticket to go from Mykonos to Santorini on the roads of Santorini these cars while avoiding traffic! Around in ATVs and driving in Santorini and Mykonos is there a way to get islands... Myli, and we had to wait in line no more than five minutes to Santorini on the Executive Hamster. With an ISIC card there is very hectic with people trying to get between islands the cabin was kept Arctic... This post I wanted to share my experience with Seajets, one of our trips was cancelled day. On how to Walk from Fira to Oia and the quickest way takes just 7.... Rent a car on seajets ferry greece seating types is not worth it gone from strength strength! ( 3 ) all other aspects were comfortable and most of the ferry! And most of the Aegean Sea from Fira to Oia and the quickest way just... Few dozen people were boarding, and it worked well every place visited. January, February, July and August in Athens, two Seajet ferries at... Report are valid but our experience was positive it has gone from strength to.. Have on Greek ferries and Mykonos to have issues all the bad reviews, thinking how bad can really! At Arctic temperatures and the quickest way takes just 7 hours once on,. Updates when they change schedules, business seats and more spacious ticket to go from Mykonos to on... In Santorini becomes a frustrating experience drinks, water or a light snack common, because these are!

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