Tourists undertaking journeys between Greece's popular islands are increasingly experiencing severe seasickness on high-speed ferries, leading some to nickname the vessels the "vomit comet." Social media platforms have been abuzz with accounts of rough crossings, ill passengers, and crews distributing sickness bags, according to The Wall Street Journal.
High-speed ferries are a favored choice for travelers seeking swift transit between islands, with many clients prioritizing the quickest route from point A to point B, according to Mina Agnos, founder and president of luxury travel company Travelive. However, deteriorating wind and sea conditions, particularly around the Cyclades archipelago where seasonal Meltemi winds can agitate the Aegean Sea, can transform these journeys into turbulent experiences.
Greece's allure, with its beaches, sunsets, and historical sites, draws millions of tourists. Tourism figures saw a notable increase of approximately 21% from January through May compared to the same period in 2025, according to the Bank of Greece. Santorini alone hosted around 3.4 million visitors in 2023.
Despite the appeal, the speed of some of these vessels, which can reach speeds of 40 to 50 knots (approximately 46 to 58 miles per hour), contributes to the bumpy rides. These high-speed catamarans and speedboats can cut travel times on popular routes, such as those from Athens to the Cyclades, by roughly half compared to slower, conventional ferries. Yet, this speed comes with the drawback of increased choppiness, which can exacerbate motion sickness, according to booking operator Direct Ferries.
Travelers have voiced concerns online about potentially rough crossings. One Reddit user expressed apprehension about a ferry trip from Piraeus to Naxos after encountering numerous anecdotal reports of difficult journeys. Despite not being prone to seasickness, they sought advice due to widespread accounts of passengers experiencing continuous motion sickness on faster ferries.
"I’m not prone to seasickness, but my stomach did not enjoy the fast ferry on a different route [Paros to Milos]," one user commented. "It’s a different kind of motion sickness, and I guess you cannot really guess if you will get [nauseated] or not." Another added, "It’s a relatively windy area, so ferries can move quite a bit. If people start feeling sick, it usually causes a domino effect."
Similar experiences have been shared previously, with one Reddit post from the previous year detailing a violent ferry ride to Milos that induced vomiting within 15 minutes, noting that others onboard were also affected. Thousands of social media posts have characterized these boats as "vomit comets" and "your worst nightmare."
However, Agnos suggests that while these incidents are unpleasant, social media may be amplifying the perception of their frequency. She noted a significant surge in travel to Greece, leading to more travelers sharing their experiences. Agnos, who has operated a business in Greece for 25 years, stated she has personally encountered such severe conditions only twice, characterizing it as not common but impactful for tourists with limited vacation time.
Travel advisors are offering guidance to mitigate the risks. Agnos recommends working with advisors knowledgeable about Greece to plan routes that minimize lengthy ferry rides and potential rough crossings. Kelly Shea, a travel advisor based in Indiana, advises clients to opt for air travel to Greek islands like Santorini, Mykonos, Crete, Paros, and Milos, especially if they are prone to seasickness. Shea pointed out that the Cyclades region can be challenging, particularly with high winds and waves observed this summer, making sea travel unpredictable.