Has anyone taken the overnight ferry from Athens to Crete? I was wondering if that was better than taking a flight. The costs are roughly the same (actually the flight is actually cheaper!). Just wanted to know if anyone has done it and if it's worth the experience.

I did, but it was in 1982, so no doubt the ride has changed! I had one of my best travel experiences, ever, sitting up on the deck and watching a lightning storm ahead of us.

People used to take overnight ferries to the islands, because they were much cheaper than a flight.
Now that flights can be cheaper, i don't see any reason as why to spend a night on a boat.....
It is not as exciting as you might think....
outside it will be dark, so there's nothing to see... and you will be sleeping !!
The ships are big,cabins are nice, but still these are no cruise ships, if that is what you had in mind.

My threshold of boredom on ferries is about 5 hrs, and for anything longer than that I would rather fly. I suppose one advantage is: you would save one night's hotel bill. Personally I would rather spend the evening in Athens or on the island, then go to sleep in a comfortable bed. ;-)

There will always be a need for such ferries to carry heavy goods vehicles and their drivers, and for passengers with cars. The Greek ferry system is the lifeline between islands and mainland.

We caught the overnight ferry from Chania (the port is a short taxi ride away) to Piraeus about 3 years ago. It was early October so off season and the ship was pretty empty. We booked a cabin which was reasonably spacious and had twin beds and a private bathroom with shower and loo. As the ship left around 10pm and got in about 5am, all we did was sleep. We did notice places to eat and drink on the ship, which was huge.

In Piraeus we connected up with a smaller boat (Flying Dolphin I think) to Hydra. It all went smoothly and suited us at the time. I would do it again, taking into consideration travel time and costs.

Kay

I've done the journey several times overnight. The ships are amongst the biggest and best in Greece, with restaurants, lounges and a choice of cabins. It will actually be quicker than flying because you will spend the time sleeping in bed; if you fly, will have to spend a night in a hotel.
The three ferry companies are Minoan Lines (www.minoan.gr), Superfast (www.superfast.com) and ANEK (www.anek.gr).

We took an overnight ferry from Heraklion to Piraeus several years ago - I think we were on an ANEK ship.

Our cabin was pleasant, pretty much just like a cruise ship. The public areas were pretty nice, but they were rather crowded with lots of people smoking in certain areas.

I recall that perhaps you were not required to book a cabin on these ferries and probably these people were spending their time in the public areas during the trip.

At any rate, we had a good night's sleep in our cabin and we were able to save one night's hotel cost taking the ferry.

thank you so much for all your replies, this will definitely help my husband and i as we decide on our transportation!

My friend and I jumped on the Chania to Pireaus ferry a couple of years ago. Unfortunately we couldn't get a cabin and after a sleepless night in a very noisy and smokey cabin we bought beach mats and slept under the stairs on the return journey. The best part was arriving in Athens at 5am and after having a shower on the ferry we got to the acropolis in time to see the sun rise over it. We were the first visitors of the day there and managed to fill in a full days sightseeing before we returned to Chania the same day.

It depends on how you would like to spend your time and your money.
Having on mind a night on the ship could be beautiful as long as you have booked a room for the route. Then you can spend time on the restaraunts aboard, the bars or the cafes, while you are heading to Crete.Ok that maybe won't be like a cruise but for me travelling with ship is a must-do when visiting Greece.
In case your plans are not include a room in the ship there is absolutely no need of doing that. It would be much tiring for you, as you would hardly rest or sleep. That choice is usually be chosen by students who want to travel in a budget no matter what.

I too have done this several times. I love overnights on a ferry, the feeling of being rocked to sleep. Depends if you like that kind of thing. I'd rather ferry than fly any day.
The Athens-Crete ferries are huge, they have every facility, you can book a cabin ahead or probably get one as you turn up: I have always done that. You arrive in Crete around 5-6am, time for a shower and breakfast. Nothing better.