High-speed ferries transporting tourists between Greek islands are becoming notorious for rough crossings and passenger seasickness, with social media users dubbing the vessels the "vomit comet." The issue has intensified as tourism to Greece sees a significant increase.
Mina Agnos, founder and president of luxury travel company Travelive, acknowledged that ferry journeys can be rough, particularly in the Cyclades region where seasonal Meltemi winds frequently churn the Aegean Sea. These conditions can affect high-speed catamarans and speedboats that travel at speeds between 46 to 58 miles per hour, significantly reducing travel times compared to conventional ferries.
While Agnos believes the extent of the problem is being amplified on social media, she noted that the surge in travelers means more people are sharing their experiences. She stated that in her 25 years operating in Greece, she has encountered such rough ferry experiences only twice. However, she cautioned that for tourists on short 10- to 14-day trips, such an occurrence can significantly impact their vacation quality.
Social media platforms feature numerous accounts from travelers describing severe seasickness. One Reddit user recounted a trip on a fast ferry where the motion was particularly unsettling, even for someone not prone to seasickness, suggesting it causes a different kind of nausea that is difficult to predict. Another traveler shared an experience from the previous year, describing a violent rocking motion on a ferry to Milos that led to vomiting within 15 minutes and observed others being similarly affected.
Direct Ferries, a booking operator, notes that high-speed ferries can feel bumpier in rough weather, increasing the likelihood of motion sickness. Direct outreach to Seajets Ferries, a major operator of high-speed vessels in the Aegean, has been made.
Travel adviser Kelly Shea recommends clients consider flying directly to islands like Santorini, Mykonos, Crete, Paros, or Milos to avoid potential rough ferry crossings, especially given the unpredictable weather patterns this summer. She emphasized that the combination of boats, winds, and waves can lead to difficult journeys.
Bank of Greece data indicates a 21% rise in tourism from January through May compared to the same period in 2025. Santorini alone attracted approximately 3.4 million visitors in 2023. Agnos suggests that working with a travel adviser familiar with Greece can help plan routes that minimize long ferry rides and the potential for adverse sea conditions.