Summertime in Greece means many different things. For some people, it conjures up images of sunbathing on the beach and for others, it means having seafood by the water. What all Greek natives (and anyone who has been in Greece long enough) know for sure is that summertime definitely means taking trips to the islands. In total there are 6,000 islands in Greece – although only 227 of those are inhabited. In short, you’ve got tons of amazing holiday options. Some are accessible by car or plane but for the most part, you’ll be taking a ferry.
When booking ferry tickets you’ll notice a few different seating options. Read on to get a breakdown of what they all mean. Also if you’ve got the option, choosing an e-ticket is definitely preferable. Although, keep in mind that not all ferry companies currently offer this.
Cabins
When taking a long or overnight journey, it’s recommended to book a cabin. Especially if you are looking for an option that provides more comfort and privacy. It allows you to sleep in a bed, take a shower, and then wake up in your destination feeling refreshed. You’ll still be able to walk around, explore the ship and use the facilities but you’ll have your own area to return to when you’re ready to sleep. Cabins are ideal for families traveling with small children. Choose an ‘exterior’ cabin in order to get a room with a porthole so you can have a view during your trip. There are cabins for two, three, or four people to share, with some modern ferries even offering more luxurious options, that include a double bed. Many vessels also have special cabins for passengers with disabilities or those traveling with pets.
Airline Seats
If you are looking for comfort but don’t want to book a whole cabin, you can book an airline seat. They are numbered and are specifically assigned to a certain passenger. Either you can get the standard seat, which means sharing the lounge and snack bar area with the economy/deck passengers. Or, opt for the Business ticket. Which are higher quality airline seats which include access to the private Business class lounge and considered out of bounds for the other air seat/economy passengers.
Economy
The most common type of ticket is the economy (also known referred to as deck) option. There is no assigned seating here so finding a spot for you and your large group could be a challenge if you don’t arrive at the port early enough. The earlier you board the better chance you have of finding a good spot! Something near the window with an outlet close by? Yes, please! Between the outdoor deck, various lounge and seating areas, it is a total free for all. If you don’t mind a bit of wind, sitting outside on the deck is a great way to soak up the ferry experience, take in the surrounding beauty of the sea and watch the islands floating by.
Now you’ve got the knowledge needed to make your booking and truly enjoy the journey – not just the destination.