G1andC2

In early July, we will be taking a high-speed ferry from Crete to Santorini, and a few days later, one from Santorini to Athens. I believe that we have reserved seats on the ferries. We will have two rolling suitcases and two backpacks. Where do we stow our luggage during the trip? If stowed near our seats, is it safe to leave it while walking around the ship, or should one of us stay with it the whole time? What type of food service is available -- a dining room, or take-out that you eat at your seat? Is there any seating on outside decks from which to watch the passing scenery? Are there any special lounges or entertainment available on the 5 hr. Santorini to Athens trip? Thank you for any information.

Heimdall

There are different types of highspeed ferry: the small passenger-only like FlyingCat 4 and Superjet, and the larger car-carrying catamarans like the Hellenic Seaways highspeed series, and Sea Jets Consortium's Cosmosjet and Megajet. In each case you will leave your luggage in the storage area near the boarding ramp, taking your day bag with passport and valuables with you to the seat. Is it safe to leave while walking around the ship? Of course! No one is going to grab your bag and run while the ship is at sea. ;-)

The small passenger-only catamarans have small snack bars, but no other amenities. It's a bit like sitting in an oversized airliner. The car-carrying catamarans have more room to walk around, but no special lounges that I can recall. Some ferries have television screens broadcasting programs in Greek.

All seating on the catamarans is inside. The larger ones have a small outside deck at the stern, but it is off limits except while the ship is in port. That said, I have been on the outside deck while the highspeed was at sea, but you don't want to stay there very long. It's a bit like sticking your head out of a car window at 40 mph.

Heimdall

Oh, I forgot to mention, the larger highspeeds have a bar/restaurant with some seating around it. You can buy your food and drink and eat it there, or take it back to your reserved seat.

dunia123

We took the high-speed cat from Crete to Santorini - the passenger only variety. There was a small snack shop but nothing fancy. Oddly enough, there was also some live music.

You are able to walk around, but given the movement of the boat, it seemed wiser just to stay put. (Lurching around is probably a more accurate description than walking.) Interestingly, for some reason, the movement of the boat also seemed to create a decent amount of sea-sickness on board. (The ship attendents even walked around with sea-sickness bags.) It didn't seem like the water was particularly rough (didn't both me or my husband at all), but thought I'd give you fair warning.

brotherleelove2004

One method you can use to minimize the chances of seasickness on the smaller cats is to find seating along the centerline of the ship so the side-to-side rocking is kept to a minimum. The further to the left or right of center you sit the more you will feel the rocking motion.