mohan

Some weeks ago there was no info on the website so I stopped checking for awhile, I thought I was still too early to check but I did anyway and I realized what I have in mind is no longer available.
From Santorini to Rodos, the CABIN Α2 (2-berth outside), the website says 'not available', does it mean it's all sold out? Already?
Should I buy any cabin just in case ?
If I buy the CABIN ΑB2 (2-berth inside) now online, can I upgrade to CABIN L2 (LUX 2-berth outside) if it is available in Greece?
Reasons being I worry if there is any cancellation due to weather or whatever, I might lose everything.
I am a little confused right now. What happened to the theory that there is always plenty of tickets and no need to buy beforehand?

brotherleelove2004

There are plenty of tickets, there just aren't plenty of 2-berth cabins. Apples and oranges. If you want a sleeping berth then book what's still available.

Heimdall

Well, at least the sailings for May are finally showing up on the Blue Star website. I just checked the dates 2, 4, 7, 9, and 11 May, and all categories of tickets are still available on all of those dates <i>except</i> the CABIN Α2 (2-berth outside) on the 7th of May. If that's the date you are travelling and you want a 2-berth outside cabin, then it would be wise to book the CABIN L2 (LUX 2-berth outside) for €99 instead of €82.50. Wait much longer and the LUX cabins may be sold out as well.

If the extra €16.50 is a problem, then you can book air seats for only €37.50, and check with a Blue Star agent when you are in Greece to see if a cabin is still available.

mohan

Thanks brotherleelove2004 . For some reasons I was under the impression that i would have no problem getting any cabins or any type of seats in early May. Life is a learning experience isn't it? Now I know. It's no fault on anyone but my own that I came to that conclusion.
Thanks Heimdall, do I really have to book the airseats in advance? Are they likely to run out?
Prevelis is also running on the same day which is good news. However, it's a 14 hour ride with 5 stops(not complaining, just saying). I am really trying to explore all my options with a smile on my face(wish I knew how to type that face).

brotherleelove2004

The airseat lounges on the Blue Star ferries are very large. I seriously doubt that these would all be sold out in May.

Heimdall

No, I don't think you need to book air seats, but can if you wish. I was simply using that as a comparison with the CABIN L2 (LUX 2-berth outside) which seems to be still available.

Bedar

Is deck class still available on these ships ?

Heimdall

I can't imagine deck (economy class) ever being full except maybe during high season and on certain holiday weekends.

Bedar

I meant do these ships still have deck class. And, is it reasonable price-wise ?

brotherleelove2004

deck class = economy class

It's the least expensive method of travel between the mainland and the islands.

Bedar

Right, in other words are there chairs on the top deck, outside, as there used to be ? Thanks.

brotherleelove2004

Yes. Chairs, benches and tables.

Heimdall

Mohan and Bedar, to see what Blue Star 1 & 2 are like, go to:
http://www.bluestarferries.com/site/...2&loc=2&query=

I don't believe the panorama shows the outside deck, but an economy class ticket allows you to sit in any non-reserved public area, including restaurants and other inside sections. Yes, of course the outside decks have seats, and if the weather is nice it's a popular place to be. The outside decks are also the refuge for smokers, who can no longer light up inside.

mohan

Thanks Heimdall.
For us, a good night sleep is essential. A 2 berth cabin is what we have in mind. I saw something on the Blue Star about pure air cabin. Will look into that.
Between the Blue Star ferry and Prevelis, which is better? Any preference? Anything I need to know before I buy? I am prone to motion sickness.
With Blue Star, boarding is at 1 am. Is there a restaurant in or around the terminal that opens in those hours? What do you suggest we should do while waiting in those odd hours? I figure we could go for a looong dinner. Any suggestions? Where?
Can I check in the luggage earlier in the day or leave at the hotel and pick up last minute?
I do get a bit obsessive when I plan. Please forgive me.

Heimdall

Prevelis is an old Japanese ferry built in 1980, and after changing hands a couple of times is now owned by ANEK. Blue Star 1 & 2 were both built in 2000, and have many modern features, including escalators to the passenger deck. I've never used either of those ferries, but with a choice would opt for Blue Star.

Last month Prevelis spent a few days in drydock after hitting a breakwater at Kassos, one of the stops between Santorini and Rhodes. It's now back in service, so the damage couldn't have been severe.

Here are some details of Prevelis: http://www.marinetraffic.com/ais/shi...mmsi=239297000. The default photo is a bit scary, but there are 144 more to scroll through. ;-)

And here is the corresponding page on Blue Star 1: http://www.marinetraffic.com/ais/shi...MMSI=239710000. ;-)

mohan

Oh Dear! Thanks for the info. Blue Star it is.

Heimdall

The departure time of Blue Star from Santorini is a bit inconvenient, since it's a mid-way stop on the overnight route between Piraeus and Rhodes. I know there are cafes at the port, but I wouldn't want to spend all evening hanging around there waiting for the ferry.

My suggestion would be to find a nice taverna in Fira, have a late dinner, then take the bus or taxi to the port about an hour or so before departure. As for the luggage, it depends on where you are staying, but you may be able to leave it at the hotel even after checking out, then pick it up that evening. From my experience on other islands most hotel owners are happy to help. If that doesn't work, take your bags with you to the taverna.

I hope brotherleelove will add his comments, since he is much more familiar with Santorini and it's Athinios port than me.

clausar

I am curious why there are no AB2 cabins available on that particular day..
Maybe they are booked for some group? I will call Blue Star tomorrow, see if i can find out, and see what the chances are...

Will inform you tomorrow...
It is for the 7th of May, from Santorini to Rodos, right?

mohan

Thanks Heimdall, I have not booked hotel in Santorini but i know i won't be staying in Fira because of all the traffic. The luggage is an issue.
clausar, Thankyou so much for doing this. Yes, 7th of May, from Santorini to Rodos is exactly right. I am curious why it's sold out. Do you know how many cabins outside and inside?

Heimdall

Luggage is always an issue when you have to check out of the hotel in the morning and wait for an evening ferry. Few hotels are likely to be fully booked in early May, so there should be some scope for flexibility. Perhaps you could arrange for a late check-out, even if you have to pay extra to keep the room longer. Some hotels have a courtesy room where you can freshen up and take a shower after you've been out for the day.

I hope clausar can help you with the AB2 (2-berth outside) cabin, but it's worth repeating there are still AB2 (2-berth inside) and L2 (LUX 2-berth outside) cabins available.