Champion Jet1

The Champion Jet 1 is a high-speed ferry built in 1997. Measuring 87 meters in length and 26 meters in width, the vessel accommodates up to 1,000 passengers and 200 vehicles.
Continue reading to learn about the routes, the seat types, the onboard facilities, and more.

The Champion Jet 1 primarily operates in the central and northern Cyclades, providing connections between the port of Piraeus (Athens) and some of the most frequently visited islands in the Aegean Sea. Its main route network includes Syros, Tinos, Mykonos, Paros, Naxos, Ios, and Santorini, forming one of Seajets’ key high-speed links between the mainland and the Cyclades. These crossings are popular among both tourists traveling between major islands and residents relying on frequent service during the summer months.

The Athens-Mykonos and Athens-Santorini routes are among the busiest, with typical travel times of approximately 3 and 6 hours, respectively, depending on weather conditions and intermediate stops. Shorter island-to-island segments such as Tinos-Mykonos, Paros-Naxos, and Ios-Santorini are also well-traveled, with travel times of around 40 minutes. Occasionally, the Champion Jet 1 is deployed on extended summer circuits linking Santorini with Heraklion (Crete).

Operations are seasonal, typically running from April or May through October, when travel demand in the Cyclades is at its highest. During this period, the vessel maintains daily departures, serving all islands on its route. In the off-season, sailings are reduced or suspended entirely, as the ship undergoes maintenance in preparation for the upcoming summer season.

Discover the seat types available onboard the vessel:

Economy / Silver Class

The standard category on the Champion Jet 1 is Economy (Silver) Class, featuring numbered, aircraft-style seats arranged in large, air-conditioned lounges. Passengers travel in comfortable indoor areas with wide windows and easy access to the snack bar and other shared amenities. As the most economical and practical option, this class is ideal for short and mid-length crossings between Athens and the Cyclades, such as the routes to Syros, Tinos, Mykonos, and Naxos.

Business / Club Class

Club Class, also known as Business Class, provides a more refined travel experience in smaller, quieter lounges. Seating is similar to that of Economy but offers extra legroom, fewer passengers, and preferential placement onboard. This class suits passengers who prefer a calmer environment and additional comfort, especially on busy summer crossings or longer legs such as the Piraeus-Naxos or Mykonos-Ios-Santorini legs.

VIP Class / Platinum Class

At the highest level, Platinum Class offers an exclusive and private lounge environment with spacious reclining seats, panoramic windows, and a quiet, premium atmosphere. Several seats are arranged around small tables to create a more relaxed, sociable layout. This category provides the greatest level of comfort and privacy available on board and is ideal for travelers seeking a more peaceful and upscale experience during longer or peak-season voyages across the Cyclades.

The vessel provides a selection of onboard facilities to ensure a pleasant and comfortable travel experience.

Food & drink

The Champion Jet 1 features a snack bar and café serving a selection of hot and cold drinks, sandwiches, pastries, and light snacks. The bar is located in the main passenger lounge, easily accessible from all seating areas.

Shopping facilities

A small onboard shop is available, offering travel essentials, refreshments, and local souvenirs. Passengers can purchase snacks, bottled beverages, or simple personal items during the trip.

Pet-friendly facilities

The vessel is pet-friendly, featuring onboard kennels for pets weighing over 10 kg. Animals up to 10 kg may travel in appropriate carriers provided by their owners. Certified assistance animals and guide dogs can travel without the need for a carrier, provided that proper documentation is presented.

Accessibility features

The Champion Jet 1 is designed with facilities for passengers with reduced mobility, including elevators, ramps, and accessible restrooms. The main lounges, snack bar, and restrooms are all wheelchair-accessible. Crew members are also available to assist with boarding, seating, and disembarking upon request.

Wi-Fi and connectivity

Paid Wi-Fi service is available throughout the ferry, allowing passengers to stay connected during the crossing. Connection quality may vary depending on signal range and sea conditions.

Additional services

The ferry includes an information desk, available to assist passengers with schedules and travel inquiries.

The Champion Jet 1 has a dedicated garage deck and can transport a total of 200 vehicles, including cars, motorcycles, bicycles, campervans, caravans, trailers, and light trucks. Bicycles are accepted on board and are typically transported free of charge.

Passengers may carry up to 50 kg or 1 cubic meter of luggage, free of charge. If this allowance is exceeded, the company does not offer the option to purchase additional allowance; excess baggage may be refused at boarding if it cannot be accommodated.

The company accepts responsibility for damage or loss of luggage only when it has been formally handed in for safekeeping and a receipt has been provided. Seajets is not responsible for money, valuables, or luggage left in common areas of the vessel.

The transportation of flammable or hazardous materials is strictly prohibited.

Discover the history of the vessel below:

Construction and early service with Condor Ferries (1997-2014)

Built in 1997 by Incat in Hobart, Tasmania, the vessel entered service the same year for Condor Ferries under the name Condor Vitesse. It operated high-speed crossings across the English Channel, connecting Poole and Weymouth in the United Kingdom with the Channel Islands and St. Malo in France. For nearly two decades, it remained a key part of Condor’s operations, providing fast passenger and vehicle transport between the UK and northern France.

Major incidents under Condor Ferries

During its years in Channel service, it experienced a few operational incidents. In 2008, it sustained damage after striking a pier while docking at St. Malo and was temporarily withdrawn from service for repairs. In 2011, it collided with a French fishing vessel south of Jersey in foggy conditions, resulting in a fatality and limited hull damage. After repairs and investigations, it returned to full service and continued regular operations until its withdrawal in 2014.

Acquisition by Seajets and introduction to Greece (2015)

In 2015, the vessel was sold to Seajets and renamed Champion Jet 1. Following a refit to adapt it for Aegean service, it was deployed on domestic routes linking Piraeus with several of the Cyclades islands, including Syros, Tinos, Mykonos, Naxos, Ios, and Santorini.

Greek service and present operations (2015-present)

Since joining the Seajets fleet, the Champion Jet 1 has remained active in the Cyclades, operating seasonally from April to October. It provides some of the fastest crossings between Athens and the central Aegean islands and supports inter-island routes during the summer.