by Rosie Eden
Arrive an hour early
Once you arrive at Piraeus port, there can be a lot of walking to your assigned ferry gate. Sometimes, it can even be challenging to find your specific ferry company. If you get lost, you can ask staff members at the various kiosks located around the port for help. Arriving early allows for a lot of time to get yourself settled and to make sure you’re in the right place. Ferries oftentimes leave on time, and you do not want to find yourself making a last-minute dash to your departure spot (trust me, it is not fun)! Once you have confirmed your pick-up location, it is helpful to get food and water, if you do not wish to purchase it on the ferry itself.
Keep valuables with you
Ferry boarding can be a hectic process. Unlike with air travel, boarding the ferry does not involve any kind of security screening. In some cases, you may even be boarding alongside cars that are driving onto the ferry for transportation. Most ferry companies will ask you to store your larger roller bags in the bottom cargo compartment, before scanning your ticket and proceeding upstairs to your seat. While this is a safe process, it can be anxiety-inducing to leave your belongings out of your sight. As such, it is recommended that you pack your most important belongings in a small bag or backpack that you can take with you to your seat. In my experience, some companies will allow you to take your roller bag up with you, but given the limited storage, this is no guarantee. As ferry companies do not take personal responsibility for your stowed bags, it is wise to keep your valuables close.
Download entertainment
Some ferry rides can involve long hours on choppy waters. I found it to be a great benefit to download entertainment on wifi, before departing for my ferry ride. Some ferries offer wifi for purchase, but as you are traveling by sea, the internet connection can be spotty in certain areas. Downloading entertainment in advance reduces the likelihood that you will be caught onboard without something to do. I quite enjoyed listening to audiobooks during my ferry rides: they allowed me to close my eyes and to tune out my surroundings.
Bring a sweater
Sweaters were not high priority on my packing list for summer island trips, but I quickly regretted not bringing something warm to wear on the ferry. Depending on your ferry company and your seat, you may find yourself sitting under a powerful air conditioner. It is definitely a wise decision to bring something long-sleeved that you can put on if you get chilly during the ride.
Pay attention to your environment.
Depending on what kind of traveler you are, you may be better suited for different areas of the ferry. As someone who can be prone to sea sickness, I found myself more comfortable in the middle of the boat where the rocking is less severe. If there was extra space, I would have no trouble moving seats. Other ferries allow passengers to step out onto the deck for some fresh air. If this appeals to you, make sure to secure belongings, especially hats, as it is very windy outside. If you prefer a window seat, you will be treated to a lovely view of the water and neighboring islands. Traveling by ferry is an adventure in itself, so no matter what your travel style is, make sure to enjoy your environment!
