Coolmover

Bought a ticket Piraeus to Ios with Hellenic----a 7.15am departure from Piraeus

And reading some of the sailing details it mentions be at departure point 60 minutes prior to sailing

Is that the usual and how strict are they on it because getting there at 6.15 requires early transport

Any advise please

frugaltraveler

I was on a Hellenic boat from Santorini to Athens and it was nuts getting on. I wouldn't chance it. Also, take some anti nausea pills 1 hr before if you are prone to any seasickness.

greg

I don't know which of the Hellenic Seaways ferry you are taking, but these are 700+ passenger ferries.

You might be thinking of getting onto a sedan or at most a 40 passenger bus and extending this thinking to a huge boat. Imagine what happens if these 700+ people want to get on at the last 5 minutes.

Coolmover

Exactly Greg and the way you explain it I understand the need to get people there as early as possible for a punctual departure.

I am 5min walk from Omonia so a metro I see at 5.37am should get me there 7min past 6am

Heimdall

Theoretically you can arrive at the ferry anytime before they raise the ramp, but it's a good idea to arrive at Piraeus early, especially if you have an economy ticket. That way you can find somewhere to sit before all the seats are taken. Recommend spending a few euros more for a reserved air seat.

Heimdall

I forgot to mention, there is a ticket booth next to the ferry if you don't already have one.

neckervd

There would have been no problem if you had booked a cheap Bluestar slow ferry, leaving Piraeus at 7.25 and arriving at Ios at 14.05.
But as you booked a (much more expensive) Hellenice Seaways catamaran in order to arrive at Ios 2 hrs earlier, you better reach the departure pier at 6.15.

Coolmover

Blue Star was the target but repeated checks with their sailing times were not getting answers

And costly or not I chose the more exe option as I bit by bit
pre pay for the journey

Spent 40 + years travling damn cheap and now at 77yrs I just book what suits

Heimdall

Oops, missed that you said Hellenic. Aren't you travelling in May? The ferries are never full then, even the highspeeds.

Coolmover

Friday May 12th from Piraeus to Ios is first ferry

Could have wated I guess but somehow feel better I am organised

Gotta be happy yourself and I am