Ferries will leave on-time from their first departure port in the morning (usually large ports like Piraeus, Heraklio, and Rhodes) but will often be late arriving and departing from all onward ports – usually getting later as the day progresses.
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The ferries in Greece are some of the most efficient and busiest in the world. During summer there are hundreds of them connecting between the Greek Islands and mainland ports at any given time. The boats are well maintained and have an excellent safety record.
Not all Greek ferries sell out fast but if you're planning to take your vehicle aboard, book a cabin or get an early booking offer, it's better to book your ferry tickets in advance. Also, you should note that some Greek island ferries are seasonal with limited onboard seating.
Ferries are notoriously late.They tend to leave the first port on time and then run late for the rest of the day. We rode three ferries and each one was late, sometimes up to an hour late. Unfortunately, you will still have to arrive at the port at the scheduled time, in the slim chance that the ferry arrives on time.
There is 14,5% tax levied on each ticket and then 13% VAT. One of the ferries' major cost is fuel. and its price doubled since last year. There are 74 long distance ferries in Greece, 53 “conventional” and 21 “fast” (ie catamarans) ferries.
Getting Around the Greek IslandsKeep in mind that sailings can be cancelled because of bad weather (more likely off-season). To save time, consider flying. Compared with boats, flights are less likely to be delayed or cancelled, tend to offer more frequent connections, and are much faster — but often more expensive.
However, in contrast with what many people believe, the Aegean Sea is not considered as particularly rough, especially when compared with other destinations worldwide. This does not mean that it is benign.
In that case, ferry companies are not required to pay passengers additional compensation or provide extra benefits. However, if your departure is cancelled or delayed for a long period of time, you should be offered an alternative solution and be provided with a full refund of your ticket amount.
That said, some ferries sell out, or require you to reserve a spot in advance (especially if you bring a vehicle). Tickets are often more expensive when purchased at the last minute, so by planning ahead and buying your tickets online you can likely save some money.
Usually, the ticket that you purchase is only valid for the crossing you have booked. Some ferry companies allow you to change your departure time at the port, but this usually only happens if multiple ferry sailings are available per day.