Blue Star Ferries serves more than 20 destinations in the Aegean Sea, making it the largest ferry company in Greece. So if you’re planning on visiting these parts by sea, there’s a good chance it’ll be with Blue Star. With that in mind, here’s everything you need to know about Blue Star Ferries.
What should I know about Blue Star Ferries?
Blue Star Ferries is Greece’s premier ferry company and connects over 20 Aegean islands with a modern fleet. The brand is known for its diverse routes, precise schedules, competitive fares, and enticing amenities. All these feats combined make Blue Star Ferries a great choice for discovering the best of Greece.
How much is a ferry ticket with Blue Star Ferries?
The cost of a ticket with Blue Star Ferries can vary widely depending on your destination and the type of seat or cabin you select.
Standard economy seats start from as low as:
- €23 for a trip to Lemnos, the island closest to Thessaloniki.
- Tickets to the Cycladic islands start at €20 for a Super Economy ticket.
- For certain routes like Piraeus to Paros or Naxos, prices range between €42.53 and €51.76.
Additionally, discounts are available, with up to 20% off on economy class tickets and cabins and up to 25% off on four-bed cabins. Don’t forget that you can book your Blue Star Ferries tickets with Ferryscanner and discover an array of picturesque destinations.
Are there any discounts?
Blue Star Ferries offers a variety of other discounts, with the aim of catering to different passenger categories.
- Children under five can travel for free in Economy Class
- A 50% discount applies to cabins and aircraft-type seats.
- Those aged between five and twelve get a 50% discount on all passenger fares.
- ISIC cardholders also benefit from a 50% discount on all fares, excluding LUX cabins.
Various discounts are available for disabled persons, war victims, students of Greek universities, military staff, and families with three or more children. There’s also a 30% discount for mariners and their spouses.
However, it’s worth noting that these discounts are not cumulative, and they don’t apply to unaccompanied cars and motorcycles. All eligible passengers need to present supporting documents when purchasing tickets and boarding the ship.
Where do Blue Star Ferries travel?
One of the big selling points of Blue Star Ferries is its services to a wide range of Greek destinations, providing an essential link between the mainland and the islands. Routes include popular tourist destinations such as,
- Mykonos
- Santorini
- Rhodes
- Amorgos
- Ikaria
- Folegandros
- Piraeus
- Thessaloniki
- Volos
- Donoussa
- Nisyros
- Tilos
Such an extensive offering means passengers can explore major destinations as well as less crowded yet equally beautiful parts of Greece. With so much of Greece to see, having so many options bodes well for tourists after different Greek experiences.
What can I do while aboard a Blue Star Ferries ferry?
Blue Star Ferries has plenty of amenities and services. You can choose from several seating options, including business class, VIP seats, airplane-type seats, and economy deck seats.
Business and VIP seats offer a private lounge, while airplane-type seats provide a designated seating area that is less crowded and quieter than the economy class. Economy deck seats, on the other hand, are open seats on the ship’s deck where you can sit wherever you like.
On board the ferry, you’ll find a range of facilities for entertainment and convenience. These include restaurants and bars serving a variety of food and drinks. You can also enjoy onboard shopping at the mini-market and duty-free shop. For families, a children’s play area is available, and pets are also welcome on board in specific cabins and kennels.
Can I bring pets on Blue Star Ferries?
Yes, you can bring pets on Blue Star Ferries, but there are some restrictions. Pets aren’t allowed in cabins, bars, restaurants, or other indoor public areas. They must also be kept on a leash and muzzled when on the open deck. Pets need a valid EU Pet Passport and must be up-to-date on their vaccinations. There is a fee for bringing a pet on board, which varies depending on the size of the pet.
The fee for bringing a pet on board varies depending on the size of the pet. For small pets, the fee is €10 per pet, €15 per medium-sized, and €20 for large pets.
Here are some tips for traveling with pets on Blue Star Ferries:
- Book your ticket in advance and declare your pet when booking.
- Bring proof of vaccination and a valid EU Pet Passport.
- Keep your pet on a leash and muzzled at all times when on the open deck.
- Do not allow your pet to eat or drink from the ship’s water fountains.
- Clean up after your pet immediately.
Top 5 Blue Star Ferries destinations
It’s all about the destination, and Blue Star Ferries sail to a lot of them. Here are five of the most popular and appealing spots you can travel to on Blue Star Ferries, from beautiful islands to captivating cities.
Thessaloniki
As the second-largest city in Greece, Thessaloniki is known for its vibrant culture, rich history, and gastronomy. The city’s long history is reflected in its diverse architecture, from Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman structures to modern designs.
Top sights include the White Tower, the Rotunda, the Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki, and the city’s Byzantine Walls, which provide panoramic views over the city. Thessaloniki is also renowned for its food scene, with a variety of eateries and cafes. The city’s lively nightlife, events, and festivals, such as the Thessaloniki International Film Festival, add to its appeal.
Looking for somewhere to stay? Try one of these Thessaloniki hotels
Cycladic Islands
This group of islands in the Aegean Sea is famous for its unique architecture – white-washed cubic houses with blue domes – and stunning beaches.
Santorini is known for its dramatic views, stunning sunsets, and the white-washed buildings of Fira and Oia. The island’s unique volcanic history has resulted in striking landscapes and beaches with red and black sand. Visitors can explore the archaeological site of Akrotiri, a Bronze Age settlement preserved under volcanic ash.
See the best hotels to stay in Santorini
Mykonos is famous for its vibrant nightlife, beautiful beaches, and iconic windmills. The historic district of Mykonos Town, also known as Chora, features narrow, winding streets lined with boutiques, art galleries, and restaurants.
Check out a selection of Mykonos hotels
Leros
This island in the Dodecanese is a tranquil destination known for its beautiful beaches, clear waters, and green landscapes. Visitors can explore the Castle of Leros, a Byzantine fortress offering impressive views of the island, or visit the War Museum, housed in a World War II-era tunnel. The island’s many fishing villages, such as Agia Marina and Panteli, provide a taste of traditional Greek island life.
Paros
The island of Paros is a balance of traditional Greek charm and modern amenities. It’s known for beautiful sandy beaches, such as Kolymbithres Beach, with its unique rock formations, and Golden Beach, a hotspot for windsurfing. Parikia, the capital, is home to a beautiful old town with white-washed houses and the impressive Church of 100 Doors (Panagia Ekatontapiliani). The charming village of Naoussa is known for its Venetian Port and lively tavernas.
Naxos
As the largest of the Cycladic Islands, Naxos offers a mix of beautiful beaches, ancient ruins, and charming villages. The island’s most iconic sight is the Portara, a massive 2,500-year-old marble doorway standing on a promontory near the harbor. Naxos is also home to Mount Zeus, the highest peak in the Cyclades, offering hiking opportunities. The island’s interior features traditional villages like Chalki and Apiranthos, where visitors can explore the local culture and history.
Q&A: Everything you need to know about Blue Star Ferries
Is there accommodation?
Yes, Blue Star Ferries offers a variety of accommodation options, including cabins, dormitories, and reclining seats. Cabins are available in a variety of sizes, from single cabins to family cabins. Dormitories are also available, and they can accommodate up to 12 people. Reclining seats are a good option for budget travelers, and they offer a comfortable place to sleep.
Are there dining options available?
Yes, Blue Star Ferries offers a variety of dining options, including restaurants, cafes, and bars. The restaurants offer a variety of Greek and international cuisine. The cafes offer snacks and light meals. The bars offer a variety of drinks, including beer, wine, and cocktails.
Can I get Wi-Fi on a Blue Star Ferries ferry?
Yes, Blue Star Ferries offers Wi-Fi on all of its ferries. You can enjoy free Wi-Fi for the first 15 minutes before a €3 per hour charge applies.
What is accessibility like?
Blue Star Ferries is committed to providing accessible travel for all passengers. The ferries have ramps and lifts for wheelchair users, and there are accessible cabins and bathrooms available.
What is customer service like?
Blue Star Ferries has a 24/7 customer service line, which can be used to book tickets, make changes to reservations, and ask questions about the company’s policies and procedures.
Is there a frequent traveler program?
Yes, Blue Star Ferries has a frequent traveler program called the Blue Star Miles Club. The Blue Star Miles Club offers members a variety of benefits, including discounts on tickets, priority boarding, and access to special events.
Traveling with Blue Star Ferries
Blue Star Ferries is your passport to explore Greece’s diverse and enchanting islands, offering a seamless, affordable, and relaxing journey. Uncover history, indulge in culture, and discover picturesque landscapes, all while enjoying top-notch amenities and services. Embrace the voyage as much as the destination.