Hellenic Seaways
by 25,342 customers
Sections:
1. Destinations and Routes
2. Vessels
- Blue Star Delos, constructed in 2010, measures 145 meters long and 23 meters wide. It accommodates around 2,400 passengers and over 430 vehicles. The ship primarily runs the Piraeus-Paros-Naxos-Ios-Santorini route.
- Blue Star Patmos, built in 2012, measures around 145 meters long and 23 meters wide. It accommodates approximately 2,000 passengers and up to 430 vehicles. The ship serves the Piraeus-Lipsi-Kalymnos-Kos-Nisyros-Tilos-Rhodes-Kastelorizo and Piraeus-Patmos-Lipsi-Leros-Kalymnos-Kos-Symi-Rhodes-Kasos-Karpathos connections.
- Blue Star Naxos, built in 2002, is approximately 124 meters long and 19 meters wide, with a capacity of 1,474 passengers and about 240 vehicles. The vessel operates on various routes in the Dodecanese and Cyclades, including the Piraeus-Syros-Paros-Naxos-Donoussa-Amorgos, Aegiali-Astypalea and Piraeus-Syros-Paros-Naxos-Iraklia-Schinoussa-Koufonisia-Amorgos-Katapola connections.
- Blue Star Paros, constructed in 2002, measures 124 meters long and about 19 meters wide. It accommodates roughly 1,474 passengers and 240 vehicles. The ferry primarily runs the Piraeus-Syros-Tinos-Mykonos route.
- Blue Star Mykonos, constructed in 2005, measures 141 meters long and 21 meters wide and holds up to 1,915 passengers and 418 vehicles. The vessel operates mainly on the Piraeus-Mykonos-Ikaria-Fourni-Samos-Chios-Lesvos-Limnos-Kavala route.
- Blue Star Chios, built in 2007, measures 141 meters long and 21 meters wide. It accommodates about 1,782 passengers and 418 vehicles. The ship primarily runs the Piraeus-Santorini-Anafi-Heraklion-Sitia-Kasos-Karpathos-Chalki-Rhodes route.
- Blue Star 1, built in 2000, measures about 176 meters long and 25 meters wide. It carries up to 1,890 passengers and 780 vehicles. It is primarily used on the Piraeus-Milos-Chania route as well as the Piraeus-Paros-Naxos-Ios-Santorini connection.
- Blue Star 2, built in 2000, measures about 176 meters long and 25 meters wide. It can host 1,890 passengers and 780 vehicles. The ship mainly operates on the Piraeus-Syros-Patmos-Leros-Kalymnos-Kos-Rhodes crossing.
- Diagoras, constructed in 1989, is 141 meters long and 23 meters wide. It accommodates 1,465 passengers and 274 vehicles. It primarily serves the Piraeus-Chios-Lesvos (Mytilene) route.
3. Seats and cabins
Economy Deck Seats
Aircraft-type Seats
Business Class
Cabins
4. Facilities
Eat & Drink
Shopping Facilities
Entertainment
Pet-Friendly Facilities
Accessibility Features
Wi‑Fi and Connectivity
Additional Services
- Reception/Info Desk: Vessels boast reception desks that are staffed 24/7 for any travel inquiries or assistance.
- Luggage & Valuables Storage: Dedicated storage areas are available on all ships, including refrigeration for perishables and safekeeping at the purser's.
- ATM & Payphones: Onboard ATMs are available, along with satellite payphones.
5. Vehicle transportation
6. Luggage
7. Pet policies
8. E-tickets and Check-in
9. Cancellation and amendment policies
Cyclades, Dodecanese, North Aegean & Sporades Routes
- Up to 7 days before departure: Tickets are cancelled without charge and are fully refundable, or they can be converted to open-date tickets or rebooked for another departure date.
- Up to 4 hours before departure: A 50% cancellation charge is applied, or tickets can be converted to open-date tickets or rebooked for another departure date.
- Up to the departure: A 50% cancellation charge is applied. Tickets cannot be converted to open-date or rebooked.
- After departure: No refund is granted after departure, and tickets cannot be converted.
- Up to 3 days before departure: Tickets are cancelled without charge and are fully refundable, or they can be converted to open-date tickets or rebooked for another departure date.
- Up to 1 hour before departure: A 50% cancellation charge is applied, or tickets can be converted to open-date tickets or rebooked for another departure date.
- Up to the departure: A 50% cancellation charge is applied. Tickets cannot be converted to open-date or rebooked.
- After departure: No refund is granted, and tickets cannot be converted or used.
Saronic Islands Routes
- Up to 4 days before departure: Tickets are cancelled without charge and are fully refundable, or they can be converted to open-date tickets or rebooked for another departure date.
- Up to 2 hours before departure: A 50% cancellation charge is applied, or tickets can be converted to open-date tickets or rebooked for another departure date.
- Up to the departure: A 50% cancellation charge is applied. Tickets cannot be converted to open-date or rebooked. Exceptions are made for the Piraeus-Aegina-Agistri route; tickets can be converted to open-date tickets or for another departure date up to the departure date.
- After departure: No refund is granted after departure, and tickets cannot be converted.
- Up to 1 day before departure: Tickets are cancelled without charge and are fully refundable, or they can be converted to open-date tickets or rebooked for another departure date.
- Up to the departure time: A 50% cancellation charge is applied, or tickets can be converted to open-date tickets or rebooked for another departure date.
- After departure: No refund is granted after departure, and tickets cannot be converted.
Crete Routes
- Up to 14 days before departure: Tickets are cancelled without charge and are fully refundable, or they can be converted to open-date tickets or rebooked for another departure date.
- Up to 7 days before departure: A 25% cancellation charge is applied, or tickets can be converted to open-date tickets or rebooked for another departure date.
- Up to 2 hours before departure: A 50% cancellation charge is applied, or tickets can be converted to open-date tickets or rebooked for another departure date.
- Up to the departure: A 50% cancellation charge is applied, and tickets cannot be converted to open-date or rebooked.
- After departure: No refund is granted after departure, and tickets cannot be converted.
- Up to 1 hour before departure: Tickets are cancelled without charge and are fully refundable, or they can be converted to open-date tickets or rebooked for another departure date.
- Up to the departure: A 50% cancellation charge is applied, or tickets can be converted to open-date tickets or rebooked for another departure date.
- After departure: No refund is granted after departure, and tickets cannot be converted.
Refunds for Special Circumstances
If one leg has already been used, the used portion is charged at full price, and the remaining segment is refunded based on the applicable cancellation timeframe.
Refunds may be considered in cases of serious illness or accident, provided valid medical documentation is submitted.
No refund is granted if the passenger fails to board the vessel and has not modified or cancelled the ticket ahead of time.
Tickets can be converted to open-date if the request is made within the eligible cancellation timeframe. Open-date tickets are valid for one year from the date of conversion. They can be rebooked for a future sailing, subject to availability and payment of any fare difference.
10. Special offers and loyalty program
Available Discounts
- Children: Infants under 5 years old travel free without a reserved seat or bed, while children aged 5 to 10 receive a 50% discount on all routes.
- Youth and Seniors: Passengers aged 17 to 25, as well as those over 60, benefit from discounts of up to 20% on selected ferry routes, depending on availability and route-specific offers.
- Students: Students of Greek universities and international ISIC cardholders receive special discounts on passenger fares and, in some cases, on accompanying vehicles, particularly on routes to the Cyclades, Dodecanese, and North Aegean.
- Families & Friends: Groups of 3 or 4 people traveling together in a triple or quad cabin with a vehicle may receive up to 20% off the cabin fare.
- Return Discount: A 20-30% discount is applied to return tickets when both legs are booked at the same time.
Loyalty Program - SeaSmiles
11. FAQ
What documents are required for travel?
Are meals included in the ticket price?
What currencies are accepted onboard?
How early should I arrive at the port?
Is insurance included in my ticket?
Are there medical facilities on board?
Can you smoke on board?
12. Key milestones
Founding and Acquisition by Attica Group
- 1965: The company is established as Strintzis Lines, operating small ferries in the Ionian Sea.
- 1998: The company begins expanding into larger-scale Aegean Sea operations.
- 2000: Attica Group, owner of Superfast Ferries, acquires 48% of Strintzis Lines, rebranding it as Blue Star Ferries. Blue Star 1 and Blue Star 2 are delivered, marking a shift toward modern, high-capacity ferries.
Fleet Expansion and Modernization
- 2000-2005: Blue Star Ferries expands its network, focusing on key Aegean routes and standardizing its fleet with large Ro-Pax vessels. Vessels such as Blue Star Ithaki and Blue Horizon are introduced to the fleet.
- 2006: The company acquires DANE Sea Lines, incorporating the vessel Diagoras into its Dodecanese network.
- 2011: The company launched Blue Star Delos, a modern ferry built by Daewoo Shipbuilding in South Korea, and introduced it on the Cyclades route.
- 2012: Sister ship Blue Star Patmos enters service, further strengthening the company's flagship fleet.
Strategic Vessel Additions and Transfers
- 2014: The company sells Blue Star Ithaki to the Government of Canada, where it is renamed Fundy Rose. The vessel is delivered in November.
- 2015: Blue Star purchases Lefka Ori from ANEK Lines and renames it Blue Galaxy, introducing it on the Piraeus-Chania line.
- 2018: Attica Group acquires a majority stake in Hellenic Seaways, marking the beginning of integration into a wider network that includes Blue Star Ferries and Superfast Ferries.
- 2020: Two former Hellenic Seaways vessels, Nissos Chios and Nissos Mykonos, are transferred and renamed Blue Star Chios and Blue Star Mykonos, expanding fleet flexibility and coverage.
ANEK Acquisition & Fleet Optimization
- 2023-2024: ANEK Lines was acquired by Attica Group and integrated into its corporate structure. Older conventional ferries Blue Horizon and Blue Galaxy are phased out and transferred to Superfast Ferries and ANEK Lines, respectively, as part of Attica Group's internal restructuring.
13. Environmental efforts
Emission Reductions & Sustainability Initiatives
- In 2023, the company achieved a 1% reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions intensity per nautical mile compared to 2019, along with a 3% cut in SOₓ emissions and a 4.4% drop in water use intensity per passenger.
- The company's Environmental Policy mandates ongoing improvements, including fuel-saving operations, alternative fuel studies, and fleet renewal with eco-design principles.
EU Emissions Trading Compliance
- As of January 2024, routes such as those to Crete fall under the EU Emissions Trading Scheme (EU ETS). Blue Star Ferries began purchasing emission allowances and applying a modest ETS surcharge (up to €2.78) on tickets to offset carbon emissions in compliance with new regulations.
Alternative Energy & Operations
- Initiatives include trials of solar panel systems to power auxiliary systems.
- Ongoing efforts to optimize vessel speed, improve hull and propeller efficiency, and reduce onboard electricity and water usage are part of their carbon-reduction strategy.
Community Engagement & Education
- Blue Star Ferries hosted a climate-focused community conference on Amorgos in December 2022, partnering with Aegean Rebreath to raise awareness of climate change and marine pollution.
- In 2023, 86% of employees participated in environmental training programs.
Reporting & Transparency
14. Contact data and ownership
Ownership & Management
Central Office Contact Details
- Address: 1-7 Lysikratous & Evripidou Street, 176 74 Kallithea, Athens, Greece
- Telephone: +30 210 89 19 800
- Fax: +30 210 89 19 829
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: https://www.bluestarferries.com
In brief...
Gallery
Discover some photos
Useful links
Offices
Discover the offices of Hellenic Seaways
Find an Office
Cancelation and amendment Policies
Discover the policies of Hellenic Seaways
Find your policies
Route
ROUTES IN CYCLADES - DODECANESE - NORTH AEGEAN
If the trip date is duringHIGH SEASON(03/04/26-19/04/26 & 28/05/26-13/09/26), the following applies:
• 14 days before departure: Tickets are canceled without cancellation fees or they can be converted to open date tickets or for another departure date.
• From 14 days up to 7 days prior to departure: A 25% cancellation charge is applied or alternatively tickets can be converted to open date tickets or for another departure date.
• From 7 days up to 12 hours prior to departure: A 50% cancellation charge is applied or alternatively tickets can be converted to open date tickets or for another departure date.
• From 12 hours up to the departure: A 50% cancellation charge is applied and the tickets cannot be converted to open date tickets or to travel another date.
• After departure: Tickets cannot be canceled or converted to open date tickets or to another date.
DuringLOW SEASON(all other dates):
• 3 days before departure: Tickets are canceled without charge or can be converted to open date tickets.
• From 3 days up to 3 hours prior to departure: A 50% cancellation charge is applied or alternatively tickets can be converted to open date tickets or for another departure date.
• From 3 hours up to the departure: A 50% cancellation charge is applied and the tickets cannot be converted to open date tickets or to travel another date.
• After departure: Tickets cannot be canceled or converted to open date tickets or to another date.
ROUTES in SARONIC ISLANDS
If the trip date is duringHIGH SEASON (03/04/26-19/04/26 & 28/05/26-13/09/26), the following applies:
• 4 days before departure: Tickets are canceled without cancellation fees or they can be converted to open date tickets or for another departure date.
• From 4 days up to 4 hours prior to departure: A 50% cancellation charge is applied or alternatively tickets can be converted to open date tickets or for another departure date.
• From 4 hours up to the departure: A 50% cancellation charge is applied and the tickets cannot be converted to open date tickets or to travel another date. In Piraeus-Aegina-Agistri-Methana route, tickets can be converted to open date tickets or for another departure date, up to the departure.
• After departure: Tickets cannot be canceled or converted to open date tickets or to another date.
DuringLOW SEASON(all other dates):
• 1 day before departure: Tickets are canceled without charge or can be converted to open date tickets.
• From 1 day up to the departure: A 50% cancellation charge is applied or alternatively tickets can be converted to open date tickets or for another departure date.
• After departure: Tickets cannot be canceled or converted to open date tickets or to another date.
ROUTES PIRAEUS-HERAKLION & PIRAEUS-MILOS-CHANIA
If the trip date is duringHIGH SEASON (03/04/26-19/04/26 & 28/05/26-13/09/26), the following applies:
• 14 days before departure: Tickets are canceled without cancellation fees or they can be converted to open date tickets or for another departure date.
• From 14 days up to 7 days prior to departure: A 25% cancellation charge is applied or alternatively tickets can be converted to open date tickets or for another departure date.
• From 7 days up to 3 hours before the departure: A 50% cancellation charge is applied or alternatively tickets can be converted to open date tickets or for another departure date.
• From 3 hours up to the departure: A 50% cancellation charge is applied and the tickets cannot be converted to open date tickets or to travel another date.
• After departure: Tickets cannot be canceled or converted to open date tickets or to another date.
DuringLOW SEASON(all other dates):
• 1 hour before departure: Tickets are canceled without charge or can be converted to open date tickets.
• From 1 hour up to the departure: A 50% cancellation charge is applied or alternatively tickets can be converted to open date tickets or for another departure date.
• After departure: Tickets cannot be canceled or converted to open date tickets or to another date.
Partial cancellation of tickets in special packages "1 Passenger and Car" & "Whole Cabins and Car" of this route is not allowed. Tickets of these packages can only be cancelled in total.
ROUTES in ADRIATIC SEA (INTERNATIONAL ROUTES)
Ticket cancellations are made at the central offices of Superfast Ferries or at the travel agency that issued the tickets.
• Tickets are 100% refundable if the cancellation is made up to 22 days before the departure.
• Tickets are 80% refundable if the cancellation is made from 21 days to 8 days before the departure or they can be converted to open date tickets.
• Tickets are 50% refundable if the cancellation is made from 7 days to 24 hours before the departure or they can be converted to open date tickets.
• If the cancellation is made less than 24 hours before the ferry departure or if the passenger does not show up at embarkation, then the tickets are not refundable at all but they can be converted to open date tickets up till 4 hours before departure time.
• Above refund policy is not valid to tickets issued with a special offer (e.g. Early Booking). In such cases, the cancellation terms of the offer are applicable.
OPEN DATE TICKETS for Domestic routes: Open date tickets are valid for two years. Tickets which have been converted to open date, are cancelled according to the cancellation terms and conditions of the originally issued tickets. If passengers wish to travel on a date when a higher fare is in force, then they must pay the difference between the current and the pre-paid open ticket fare. If the new tickets are cheaper, the difference in rates is not refunded. Open date tickets are cancelled without fees when they have been originally issued as open date.
Super economy tickets are offered for limited number of tickets. These tickets cannot be cancelled or amended for another hour or departure date.
* Tickets can only be invalidated by the issuing agency and they cannot be invalidated over the phone. Passengers who wish to cancel their tickets must hand them over to the issuing agency.
OPEN DATE TICKETS for International routes: Open date tickets are valid for one year from the initial travel date. Open date tickets are not valid for embarkation unless replaced by new tickets with the date of departure.
If the fare of the new ticket is higher, passengers have to pay the difference. If the fare of the new ticket is lower, the difference in price is not refundable.
Open date tickets and replaced tickets are subject to the cancellation policy of the initial ticket.
Tickets issue:
All tickets must be issued with the name of the passenger on it, the sex and the age. If the passenger is a person with special needs, this must be made clear during the ticket issue. It is forbidden to issue a ticket on board, which is why passengers must issue tickets on time. Children up to 4 years old do not pay a ticket but they have to hold a ticket with zero fare.
Ticket cancellation:
The tickets can be cancelled only through the travel agent. You can not cancel a ticket by phone. The cancelled tickets must be returned to the travel agent.
Passengers Tickets Conditions
Approved by the Hellenic Ministry of Mercantile Marine
• The ticket is issued in the passengers name, is personal and non-transferable. It is valid only for the class and the trip for which it was issued.
• The fare does not include catering.
• Passengers should be at the embarkation area of the ship one (1) hour before departure. If the passenger is not in time for sailing, he/she is not entitled to a refund of the fare.
• Children up to 4 years old travel free of charge and are not entitled to bed, while children over 4 and up to 10 years old pay a reduced fare and are entitled to bed.
• The bearer of a full ticket is allowed to carry free of charge luggage up to 50 kilos or 1 cubic meter.
• In case of loss of the ticket, it will not be replaced nor the fare will be refunded. The shipping company is not responsible for any damage or loss of the passengers luggage that is under the personal care of him/her during the trip.
• Jewellery, money and valuable objects may be delivered to the ships accounting office for safekeeping.
• The shipping company will not be responsible for any delay in sailing, deviation and not keeping normal route, due to bad weather conditions or orders of the Ministry of Mercantile Marine or the Harbor Authorities or due to force major.
• It is forbidden to the passengers to carry explosives, inflammable, incendiary and dangerous in general materials.
• The passengers are responsible for the observance of the Harbor, Sanitary and Custom regulations. The passengers should comply with the captains and the crew orders regarding the maintenance of order and the safety of the ship.
• The passenger should address any complaint during the trip to the ships captain or first mate and after the arrival, to the shipping company or to the Harbor Authorities.
• If for any reason the travel is cancelled due to the ships responsibility, the fare is refunded without any further obligation of the shipping company towards the passenger.
• The shipping company has the right, after approval of the Ministry of Mercantile Marine, to replace the vessel for which the ticket was issued with another vessel.
Vehicle Transport Receipt Conditions
Approved by the Hellenic Ministry of Mercantile Marine
• The drivers are obligated to load and unload their vehicle.
• The vehicles should be at the waiting for shipment area one (1) hour before departure and in any case on the time prescribed by the Port Regulation in force.
• The driver is not entitled to refund of the fare if he is not in time for sailing, while if he states before sailing his intention not to ship his vehicle, he is entitled to a refund of half of the fare.
• In case of loss of vehicle transport receipt, the fare is not refunded.
• The vehicles passengers have to get out of them before their shipment aboard.
• The passengers should carry with them objects that they need during the travel. After sailing the entrance to the vehicle station is forbidden.
• The transportation of explosives, incendiary and dangerous in general materials is forbidden. The priority order is determined by the Port Regulations of each Harbor Authorities, where the vehicles are shipped.
• Unaccompanied alternative fuel vehicles (AFVs) are not permitted to be transported - boarded. Furthermore, AFVs that have damage in their power supply, their tanks, or accumulators, in case these have not been removed, will not be allowed to board the vessels. The respective driver-owner of the AFVs shall be solely responsible for ensuring that the vehicle in question is not damaged or defective in its fuel supply system or batteries. Alternative Fuel Vehicles (AFVs) are considered hybrid & electric vehicles and vehicles using liquefied and compressed gaseous fuels.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most frequently asked questions about Hellenic Seaways
