Kos to Piraeus with Blue Star Ferries
I chose the Blue star because internal Greek flights have skyrocketed and are never very convenient linking up with ferries and noone ever helps or is sympathetic to young families these days in fact people tend to despise you and your screaming kids and show it unreservedly. So instead of my kids and I being packed in like sardines on the plane and going through painful security checks through an airport. We had our very affordable and clean cabin in the blue star ferry. I was able to hook-up my lap-top with ease to entertain them with endless hours of cartoons and movies and my bag of food. The room had a fixed wall table and two chairs. Two fold down beds (bigger rooms available) and a small shower and toilet with mirror. Obviously small and a little cramped...but there are luxe cabins available and even allergy clean cabins! so My kids were able to scream and kick off and I didnt have the stress of them doing it in public! And when it got too much for me I could take them for a walk. Plenty of cafes on different levels and an open air one. Cafe snacks and fast food available as well as simple home food and restaurant food. A tourist shop....internet availabilities....child tv room (which didnt seem to be playing when I was there but I had the laptop anyway). The list was endless. But I was so impressed with the free valet service. You check in with reception to get your cabin key (so keep your ticket stubs) and a fellow appears immediately grabs your bags and whisks you away to your cabin and sets the room up for you. You often don't get that even in actual hotels. The whole ferry was immaculate...I didnt see a hint of any tired furniture or even cracks or marks or tarnishes anywhere. Not even a hint of frayed or stained carpet. And all the staff were friendly and lovely and helped me a lot (being on my own with baggage and two young grumpy little girls). I could imagine a childless couple enjoying themselves even more than I did! The only problem....don't necessarily rely on arriving bang on time if you need to make a connection. I went to Athens and back....each time arriving atleast 30mins late.
Piraeus to Santorini with Blue Star Ferries
This was my first holiday in Greece and my first ferry trip; it will stay with me forever and set the scene for a geat holiday. It was a long journey (8 hours) but I have so many terrific memories: the buzz of Piraeus first thing in the morning; the rich greeny blue of the ocean; the clear azure skies; the wide variety of passengers on board; the professionalism of the crew; my first sight of the white villages of the islands; and, that wonderful, spectacular approach to Santorini. By ferry really is the only way to go to that fabulous island. I hope it's not the last time I do it.
Naxos to Santorini with Blue Star Ferries
My husband and I were duly impressed by the amenities provided on this boat. There was a range of hot and cold foods to choose from, drinks, seating areas, outside seating, etc. The bathrooms were large and accommodating. Check in procedure is chaotic and unclear, it would be better to have an employee (or a few) directing passengers and organizing a line and luggage.
