Travelers exploring Greece’s islands have been sharing experiences of rough ferry rides and bouts of seasickness. Many have used social media to describe these journeys, referring to some ferries as ‘vomit comets,’ based on reports from The Wall Street Journal.
High-speed ferries are a common option for those seeking quick travel between the islands. Mina Agnos, founder of luxury travel company Travelive, notes the demand for fast routes. She explains that conditions can become uncomfortable when winds and seas worsen, notably around the Cyclades due to seasonal Meltemi winds.
Greece’s beaches and historical sites attract many tourists, with a 21% increase in tourism from January through May compared to 2025, according to the Bank of Greece. For instance, Santorini saw around 3.4 million visitors in 2023. Despite the attractions, the ferry rides can be challenging, as revealed in several social media posts.
Some ferries in the region reach speeds of 40 to 50 knots, equivalent to 46 to 58 miles per hour, enabling quicker journeys. On routes between Athens and the Cyclades, these ferries cut travel times compared to traditional ferries. However, this speed can make the ride bumpier during inclement weather, heightening motion sickness risks as reported by Direct Ferries.
Concerns have been shared on platforms like Reddit. Travelers recount experiences of seasickness during trips from Piraeus to islands like Naxos and Milos. One person shared their experience of severe seasickness during a ferry from Milos within 15 minutes of the journey.
Reports of high-speed ferries being dubbed ‘vomit comets’ are widespread. Agnos argues that while social media amplifies these incidents, such experiences are not new or more frequent. In 25 years, she has encountered rough rides only twice. Yet, for visitors with limited time in Greece, such experiences can impact their holiday.
Agnos advises consulting a travel adviser familiar with Greece to plan itineraries, avoiding extended ferry rides when possible. Kelly Shea, a travel adviser from Indiana, suggests flying to islands like Santorini, Mykonos, Crete, Paros, and Milos to bypass potentially rough crossings. She notes the Cyclades are particularly challenging due to high winds and waves.