MrWalker's Ferry Experiences

• Goutos Lines: • C/F Macedon • Supercat Haroulla

• Saos Ferries: • C/F Nissos Lemnos^*

The Greek ferry system is usually an efficient way of getting around, although previous events tells us that the worst rust buckets should be avoided. The condition of the ferry should also tell you something about the condition of the onboard safety equipment. Keep this in mind, especially when traveling at night. A flashlight close at hand makes sense. However, the fleet has been largely renewed in later years.

Still, it does happen that ships break down, and other demands might also throw smaller, slower ships into an itinerary previously run by a much faster boat.

In high season, when the traffic is heavy in most parts of the Aegean, some of the oldest equipment will seldom keep up with its schedules, and delays may be subsequently larger than the rest of the year.

My impression is that hydrofoils and catamarans that are scheduled in low season might more easily get canceled with "engine problems" (i.e lack of sold tickets) than in high season. They might also easily be canceled because of too much wind in any part of the season. Of course the Meltemi kicks in for real about at the same time as the high season... As always, if at all possible, keep out of at least the ultimate high season in August.

More info on all relevant Greek ferries can be found in the indispensable book Greek Island Hopping (their web site contains important ferry updates to the information published in their latest printed edition), and at Ferry schedules within Greece by GTP. GTP, or "Greek Travel Pages", is a publication originally available just in print, their appearance on the web is about the greatest news ever for ferry travelers in Greece.

The most accurate info on the large Hellenic Seaways fleet is probably on their own web site. You can also try Ferries in Greece (both international and domestic), goGreece's Travel or ABC for all Greek ferries.

A good web camera for watching ferries come and go is in the harbour of Parikia - Paros. The movement of the entire fleet of ferries and highspeed boat can be followed at Live Ships Map - AIS.