Blue Star Ferries is a Greek ferry company established in 1965. Along with Hellenic Seaways and ANEK/Superfast, it is a subsidiary of Attica Group.
It serves one of the largest networks of domestic destinations, connecting the port of Piraeus in Athens to Crete and the islands of the Cyclades, the Dodecanese, the North Aegean, the Sporades, and the Saronic Gulf. The most popular routes include, among others, the ones from Athens to Santorini, Athens to Rhodes, and Athens to Paros.
The fleet includes 9 conventional vessels sailing under the flag of Greece, with the most popular being Blue Star Delos, Blue Star Patmos, and Blue Star 1. All vessels are equipped with garages for vehicles, cabins, air-type seats, and modern onboard facilities for comfortable short and long-distance journeys.
Read on to learn about the routes, seating and cabin types, the onboard facilities, and much more.
Destinations and routes
Blue Star Ferries operates its signature domestic services between Athens (Piraeus) and the Aegean islands all year round. The company’s network covers the Cyclades, the Dodecanese, the North Aegean, the Saronic Gulf, and Crete with frequent departures from Piraeus and regular stops at major island hubs such as Mykonos, Santorini, Paros, Naxos, Syros, Chios, Samos, Rhodes, and Crete. Most ferries depart in the morning or the evening, with journey times ranging from a few hours to a whole night.
The Athens-Mykonos and Athens-Santorini routes are among the most popular, operating daily all year round. The Athens-Paros and Athens-Naxos routes are also in high demand, especially during the summer season.
In the Dodecanese, the Athens-Rhodes and Athens-Kos routes are available all year round, with the frequency of itineraries increasing during the high season. Other popular routes include services from Athens to Patmos, Athens to Leros, and Athens to Symi.
In the North Aegean, Blue Star Ferries maintains regular year-round connections such as routes from Athens to Chios and Athens to Lesvos. The Athens-Samos and Athens-Ikaria connections are also active throughout the year.
The company also operates several Public Service Obligation (PSO) routes. Otherwise known as non-profit lines, they connect smaller islands whose accessibility depends on government subsidies. The Athens-Anafi, Athens-Karpathos, and Athens-Halki routes are among the key subsidised connections and are available throughout the year. Other PSO-supported routes include routes from Athens to Amorgos, Athens to Koufonisia and Athens to Astypalea.
For those heading to Crete, Blue Star Ferries operates seasonal routes such as routes from Athens to Heraklion and Athens to Chania, with added frequency during the peak summer months.
Connections between the islands themselves are also offered, particularly during the summer. Some of the most-used inter-island itineraries include routes from Paros to Naxos, Naxos to Amorgos, Kos to Rhodes, and Chios to Lesvos.
Vessels
Blue Star Ferries operates a modern fleet of conventional Ro-Pax (Roll-On/Roll-Off Passenger) vessels.
- • Blue Star Delos, constructed in 2010, is 145 meters long and 23 meters wide. It can accommodate 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, is 145 meters long and 23 meters wide. It can accommodate 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 the 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, is 124 meters long and about 19 meters wide. It can accommodate roughly 1,474 passengers and 240 vehicles. The ferry primarily runs the Piraeus-Syros-Tinos-Mykonos route.
- • Blue Star Myconos, constructed in 2005, is 141 meters long and 21 meters wide. It can accommodate 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, is 141 meters long and 21 meters wide. It can accommodate 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, is about 176 meters long and 25 meters wide. It can carry 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, is about 176 meters long and 25 meters wide. It can accommodate 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 can accommodate 1,465 passengers and 274 vehicles. It primarily serves the Piraeus-Chios-Lesvos (Mytilene) route.
Seats and cabins
Blue Star Ferries offers a variety of seating and cabin options designed to suit the needs of different kinds of travelers.
Economy Seats
These are non-numbered seats in indoor lounges or open-air areas. They are ideal for short daytime crossings.
Air-type Seats
These are reserved, numbered seats located in specific lounges. They offer more comfort and quiet than standard economy seats and are available at a slightly higher price.
Business Class
Some ferries offer a Business Class option. It is usually a lounge located in a quieter area of the ship. Seats are not assigned and are mostly arranged as comfortable sofas. A café/bar is available, and a waiter will take your order directly at your seat.
Cabins
Cabins are available in multiple configurations. Typically, there are 2-, 3-, or 4-berth cabins that include a private bathroom with a shower. Cabins may be internal or external (with windows). For added convenience, there are pet-friendly cabins, as well as accessible cabins designed for people with reduced mobility.
For travelers seeking more comfort, Luxury cabins are also available; usually, they are outside cabins with a double bed and upgraded amenities.
These options do not vary significantly by vessel, and pricing depends on the route length.
Facilities
Blue Star Ferries offers a rich array of onboard facilities, most of which are consistent across vessels.
Eat & drink
On most ferries, you'll find fast-food-type restaurants, cafés, and snack bars, with menus offering Greek and international fare. Some ships include à la carte dining.
Shopping facilities
All vessels feature a boutique or souvenir shop, selling essentials, snacks, and travel goods.
Entertainment
The @sea infotainment portal, which is accessible on passengers’ personal devices via Wi-Fi, provides music, podcasts, real-time ship tracking, weather updates, and games, and is available across the fleet. On some vessels, there's also a children’s play area.
Pet-friendly facilities
The company welcomes pets, offering pet kennels, pet-friendly cabins, and dedicated outdoor pet areas. Pets weighing over 10 kg can travel on the outer decks and must be leashed (and muzzled if necessary), while pets weighing under 10 kg can travel indoors as long as they are kept in appropriate carriers.
Accessibility features
Vessels are fully wheelchair-accessible, featuring ramps, lifts, and special cabins and bathrooms for passengers with reduced mobility.
Wi-Fi and connectivity
Wi-Fi is available fleet-wide, with paid plans sold on board. Satellite roaming for calls and data is also supported.
Additional services
- • Reception/info desk: Vessels have reception desks for any travel inquiries or assistance.
- • Luggage & valuables storage: Dedicated storage areas are available on all ships. Refrigeration for perishables and safekeeping are available at the purser’s office.
- • ATM & payphones: Onboard ATMs are available, along with satellite payphones.
Vehicle transportation
Blue Star Ferries transports all types of vehicles, including cars, motorcycles, campers, caravans, trailers, trucks, and bicycles. Bicycles are carried free of charge and can be stored in designated areas.
It should be noted that the “camping on board” option, which allows passengers to stay in their camper during the crossing, is not available on Blue Star Ferries vessels.
Luggage
Blue Star Ferries allows passengers to carry up to 50 kg or 1 cubic meter of luggage free of charge. If a passenger exceeds the allowance, additional arrangements must be made with the Chief Purser, who may refuse excess baggage or direct it to paid storage.
Valuable possessions can be handed over to the Chief Purser for safekeeping, upon issuance of a receipt. The company is responsible for the damage or loss of luggage on board only if it has been handed over for safekeeping and a relevant receipt has been issued. The company is not responsible for any loss of money, valuables, or luggage left in the cabins, the vessels’ common areas, or inside vehicles.
The transportation of flammable and hazardous materials is strictly prohibited.
Pet policies
Blue Star Ferries allows each passenger to travel with up to five pets.
All ferries offer pet-friendly cabins, which accommodate up to two pets. Pet kennels are also available on deck.
Alternatively, pets weighing over 10 kg must remain on the outer decks and be leashed as well as muzzled, if necessary. Pets weighing under 10 kg are allowed to travel indoors, as long as they are kept in appropriate carriers. Certified assistance dogs are allowed to travel indoors.
Pet owners are required to have their pet’s valid health documents with them while traveling. The pet owner is held fully responsible for the care, safety, and hygiene of the pet.
E-tickets and check-in
The company provides e-tickets that passengers can use either on their mobile devices or in printed form. After booking, travelers receive a reservation number and access code. We will notify passengers via email when they can complete the Web Check-In process, which can be done between 2 and 48 hours before departure. Once check-in is complete, the e-ticket is sent directly to the passenger via email or SMS.
To board, simply present the e-ticket on your device (or in printed form) along with your photo ID.
Special offers and loyalty program
Blue Star Ferries offers a range of discounts tailored to specific passenger categories and travel types. Most discounts are available throughout the year, and proper documentation is required during the embarkation process to receive the discounted fare.
Available discounts
- • Children: Infants under the age of 5 can travel free of charge 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, the Dodecanese, and the 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)
The company operates the SeaSmiles loyalty program, which is open to passengers aged 18 and over. The program is valid across Blue Star Ferries, Hellenic Seaways, and ANEK/Superfast. Members earn SeaSmiles points on ticket purchases and onboard spending in shops and restaurants. The program has three tiers, Blue, Silver, and Gold, with increasing benefits.
Members enjoy exclusive discounts, such as up to 40% off passenger fares, 20% off vehicle fares, and 10-15% off onboard services. Points can be redeemed for discounted tickets, while higher-tier members gain access to priority services and additional bonuses.
FAQ
- • What documents are required for travel?
Passengers must present a valid ticket along with a form of identification, such as a passport, ID card, or driver's license. - • Are meals included in the ticket price?
Meals are not included in the fare. Food and beverages are available for purchase at onboard restaurants, cafés, and bars. - • What currencies are accepted on board?
The onboard currency is the euro (€). Most credit and debit cards are accepted. - • How early should I arrive at the port?
Passengers are advised to arrive at the port at least 1 hour before departure. - • Is insurance included in my ticket?
There is no insurance included in the fare. Travel insurance should be purchased separately. - • Are there medical facilities on board?
Blue Star Ferries offers medical facilities, including a first-aid station and telemedicine services. For medical emergencies, passengers should notify the reception immediately. - • Can you smoke on board?
Smoking is strictly prohibited in all enclosed spaces, including cabins, lounges, and other indoor lounge areas. Smoking is only permitted in designated outdoor areas.
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 to expand into larger-scale Aegean Sea operations.
- • 2000: Attica Group, owner of Superfast Ferries, acquires 48% of Strintzis Lines, rebranding it as Blue Star Ferries. The vessels 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: Blue Star Delos, a modern ferry built by Daewoo Shipbuilding in South Korea, is introduced on the Cyclades route.
- • 2012: The sister ship of Delos, the Blue Star Patmos, enters service, further strengthening the company’s 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 its integration into a wider network that includes Blue Star Ferries and Superfast Ferries.
- • 2020: Two former Hellenic Seaways vessels, Nissos Chios and Nissos Myconos, are transferred and renamed Blue Star Chios and Blue Star Myconos, expanding the fleet's flexibility and coverage.
Retirements and 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 were phased out and transferred to ANEK Lines as part of Attica Group’s internal restructuring.
Environmental efforts
Blue Star Ferries, under Attica Group, has taken steps to reduce its environmental impact and CO2 footprint:
Emission reductions & sustainability initiatives
- • In 2023, the company achieved a 1% reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions per nautical mile compared to 2019, along with a 3% cut in SO2 emissions and a 4.4% drop in water use 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 have fallen under the EU Emissions Trading Scheme (EU ETS). Blue Star Ferries has begun purchasing emission allowances and applying a modest ETS surcharge (up to €2.78 per passenger) 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 in 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
Attica Group consistently publishes detailed Sustainability Reports, following GRI (Global Reporting Initiative) frameworks, which outline quantitative improvements like a 5.6% reduction in CO2 emissions in 2019, and documents plans for monitoring emissions across its fleet, including Blue Star Ferries.
Contact details & ownership
Ownership & management
Blue Star Ferries operates as a wholly owned subsidiary of Attica Group (officially Attica Holdings S.A.).
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: bluestarferries@bluestarferries.com
Website: https://www.bluestarferries.com
