Blue Star Ferry lounge airline seats

Old Apr 3rd, 2011, 04:41 PM
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Blue Star Ferry lounge airline seats

Am looking for the quietest seating area with the airline lounge seats so we can sleep some --someone had mentioned area 1 and 2 since they are smaller areas and at the front of the boat...but also wanted to have easy access to the outside decks too. Is there outside access to a deck from 1 or 2? Can I have both quiet and easy outside access in airline seat area 5 or is that area noisy since it is near the deck???
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Old Apr 3rd, 2011, 08:02 PM
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Just ask for seats "in the smaller areas directly by the windows" .... that would be what used to be called 1 and 2 on some boats, not on others. They used to be the nonsmoking until they made all the indoor areas non smoking. The seating varies ... somtimes 2 seats each side, center Isle. Others, 2 aisles with 2 - 4 -2 seats. I cannot give you exact info lik those gurus about trains and airplanes, because each vessel differs. Blue Star Paros Blue Star Naxos Blue star Ikaria all different ... Why don't you e-mail blue Star and ask them what the areas are by the windows, on each boat. OR -- better still, just go into the ticket agency and make them tell you before you buy? No point in buying these before you get to Greece.
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Old Apr 4th, 2011, 12:11 AM
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Blue Star Paros, Naxos, and Ithaki are sister ships, set up in a similar way. By the time you get to Greece the route may be served by Blue Star Delos, the new ferry expected to be delivered in June.

Although seating areas 1 & 2 are smaller, they aren't necessarily quieter. They are next to the aisles leading to the toilets, so get a lot of nearby traffic. As I recommended in another post, the best place to sleep is in Business Class, and it's only about €10-12 more than the air seats. If you are taking the 7:30 am Blue Star, you can board as early as 6:30 and stretch out on the sofas. Many people do that and sleep half way to Santorini. ;-)
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Old Apr 4th, 2011, 05:55 AM
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That is true, Heimdall ... but if they cannot board in time to get "stretch-out" space, or if they feel self-conscious about doing so, the business class seating otherwise consists of upholstered "club-chair" kinds of seating grouped around tables, where one cannot lean back or rest one's head. At least that has been my impression, walking through; I will be glad to be corrected.

And while the Seating classes 1 & 2 may get foot traffic, I still find them quieter than the big central seating area, which has layout like a movie theatre seating 300 or so, 2 aisles, loud TV and bright lighting.
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Old Apr 4th, 2011, 07:26 AM
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Our business class seats reclined, very comfortable.
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Old Apr 4th, 2011, 09:16 AM
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How far ahead should ferry tickets be bought for travel in July?
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Old Apr 4th, 2011, 09:24 AM
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These vessels hold between 1200 - 1800 passengers. Unless you are taking the Friday afternoon ferry to Paros-Santorini, or the Sunday afternoon back o Athens you don't need to worry about getting them way ahead. Only "Type A" people do ... not Greeks, anyway. Are you going to be in Athens a few days before heading out?? Then just buy when you arrive. Will you be in the islands a few days before coming back? Then buy when you reach your island.
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Old Apr 4th, 2011, 09:27 AM
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happy travler, you are talking about Blue Star Ferry, correct? Not a fast-ferry?
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Old Apr 4th, 2011, 11:01 AM
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Jan, if you'd ever used Business Class you would know why it is more comfortable. Many of the Business Class passengers are knowledgable Greeks who travel on the ferries frequently, and wouldn't pay the extra ~ €10 if Economy Class air seats were more comfortable. I have travelled on Blue Star ferries many times: deck class, air seat, and Business Class. Once I tried Business Class there was no going back to Economy — the extra €10 is the best bargain in travel.

Business Class has a variety of seating arrangements, including sofas in the forward area of the lounge. Of those who want to nap, some curl up on the sofas, others push two chairs together, and still others stretch out on the carpeted floor. Yes, there are also chairs arranged around tables, with waiter service from the Business Class snack bar. The snack bar has a nice menu, not available to Economy Class passengers.

Bornintheusa arrives at Athens Airport at 11:30 pm, and was considering hanging around the airport until time to leave for Piraeus. If that is still the plan, best tactic is to get there an hour before departure when the ferry first opens for boarding, and they will have pick of the seats. Last time I did that, Business Class was almost empty until 15 min before departure. ;-)
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Old Apr 4th, 2011, 12:17 PM
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I do not disagree at all Heimdall. I understand the advantage of Blue star Business Class.

My only question was, happy traveller talked about Reclining seats in Business Class ... and it was my impression that business-class Reclining seats (nice ones, like bus. class on airline) were only on the fast-ferries, not Blue Star. That's all.
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Old Apr 4th, 2011, 12:39 PM
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In Business Class the seats don't recline, but some of the passengers do.
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Old Apr 4th, 2011, 06:25 PM
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I scrimp on some things but always book business class on Blue Star. I am amused to see that a smart traveler like Heimdall (my Antiparos mentor) does also. I have stretched out and taken naps, sprawled with others on comfy chairs and padded benches, and gathered around a table striking up conversations. We've learned a lot of Greek from cornering friendly local travelers on the ferry.
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Old Apr 4th, 2011, 07:33 PM
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Great comments-- now never having been on a ferry at all where are the outside decks..on the sides, in the front, at the back..on one level or two??? Where is the business class area?? I went onto Blue Star website but it is difficult to determine --after flying from Thursday evening and getting on the ferry Saturday morning all I will want to do is sleep for a few hours and then spend time out on the deck enjoying the beautiful scenery. Thanks to all you "seasoned" travelers from a first timer!!!
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Old Apr 5th, 2011, 12:01 AM
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Outside decks are at the stern of the ship, and there is no problem at all getting there from Business Class, which is near the front. One of the great things about Business Class is there are windows on three sides, including some looking out over the bow. You get much the same view as the captain of the ship! Then you can walk back to the stern to watch the loading and unloading when the ferry stops at Paros and Naxos, or join the smokers on the outside deck who can no longer indulge their habit inside the ship. ;-)
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Old Apr 5th, 2011, 06:10 AM
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What are "Air Lounge Seats" on Blue Star Naxos ? Was looking at fares from Piraeus to Paros on Blue Star, where the Economy shows at 32.50 Euros, Air Lounge at 37 Euro and Business Class at 45 Euros. Heimdall, do I understand that you would recommend the Business Class over Air Lounge ?

Also, while traveling from Athens to Paros, it is advisable to take the Blue Star, or the faster Hellenic Seaways (faster by only 40 minutes, almost same timings) ?

Sorry to butt in on bornintheusa's thread - but this thread is of interest to me also, as we will be there in late June.
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Old Apr 5th, 2011, 10:18 AM
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Hi Indiancouple,

There is nothing wrong with air seats — I just happen to prefer Business Class, and am willing to pay the extra €10.

When you board Blue Star Naxos you will go up an escalator, and when you reach the top crew members check tickets and direct ordinary Economy Class passengers to the outside decks and non-reserved seating areas. Non-reserved seats around the snack bars get snapped up quickly, and those sitting down are reluctant to get up and lose their seats. Air seat ticket holders go straight forward, and the air seats lounges are there. Business Class is at the front of the ship, restricted to passengers holding those tickets. Business Class passengers are free to roam throughout the economy sections and outside decks, but Economy passengers can't enter Business Class.
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Old Apr 5th, 2011, 11:38 AM
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Air Lounge Seats or Aircraft style Seating used to be called "Economy Reserved Seating." And no, these seats are not like the Procrustean-Bed Torture Seats that you are forced to ride in while crossing the Atlantic!! These are upholstered lean-back seats, yes, but they are WIDE and have ample leg room and you have your own arm rests ... there is a tray table if you want to have a beverage or snack while sitting there.

These "lounges" are just sections of the boat. ON either side, there are narrower sections, with one aisle. THe larger section is in the center of the boat on the top (economy) deck level ... it has about 200+ seats, rather like a theatre, divided by aisles into thirds.

I likved the previous label "Economy reserved" because of this feature .. this is reserved for you when you want to be indoors... but you are free to go outside and find a white plastic patio-type chair on deck, if you want to sunbathe & watch the wake for awhile. When you are travelin gin May, June or September, there are usually ample seats ... then when you want to read or snooze, you can go in to your reserved seat... which jut costs €4.50 more than the unreserved economy. It's certainly worth it.

NOTE: unless the boat is TOTALLY packed (in high season at beginning & end fo weekend), you have options... if you board and decide that you want to upgrade from Air seats to Business class or from Deck (Economy) class to Air Lounge Seating, just find a Blue Star staff member and ask for an upgrade.
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Old Apr 5th, 2011, 06:53 PM
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Thanks Heimdall and travelerjan, your replies have been very helpful.

And any views of taking the Blue Star versus faster Hellenic Seaways (from Piraeus to Paros) ? The Hellenic leaves Piraeus about the same time as Blue Star in the morning, and arrives Paros slightly earlier (journey shorter by 40 mins).
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Old Apr 5th, 2011, 07:09 PM
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The HS ferry is enclosed and you can't get up and walk the decks because there aren't any. Take the Blue Star and spend the money you save on something fun.
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Old Apr 6th, 2011, 01:17 AM
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I've taken both those ferries, and can see no big advantage in getting to Paros an hour or so earlier in the morning. Back in the days when conventional ferries sailed at around 16 knots, highspeeds had a big edge. The modern Blue Stars cruise at about 26 knots, so there is not as much difference in speed.

Afternoon sailings are a different matter — the highspeed departs earlier and reaches Paros at 8 pm, while Blue Star doesn't arrive until 9:45 pm. The earlier arrival gives you time to check into your hotel, have dinner, and still get to bed at a reasonable time.

I agree with brotherleelove — for the morning sailing, save your money and take Blue Star.
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