Ferry Costs

[lmm0043]

Can anybody give me some guidance re ferry costs please? We are driving over to Crete next February/March in a transit and are in the process of working out the route we want to take - we are bringing our dog with us so that has to be taken into consideration too! So if anybody knows approximately how much it costs from Bari to Piraeus and then on to Crete I would be very very grateful. Recommendations as to which ferryline to use would also be much appreciated. Many thanks for your help.

[Caroline13]

We have been looking at Ancona to Igoumenitsa and have found that Anec lines are the cheapest and they allow dogs for free - am not sure if they do other routes but well worth a look

[lmm0043]

Thanks Caroline for that. I've just looked at Anek website and there is a really good deal from Brindisi to Igoumenitsa. We are looking forward to the drive out as far as we can, as we don't want to spend ages on a ferry!

[Caroline13]

I can understand that but just be aware that the trip from ancona to Bari or brindi is a long way so you'll have to cost in toll roads (about 10 euros per 100 km's) plus you may need an extra night accommodation. The ferries from Ancona are pretty civilised, by the the time you've eaten, had a drink and even been to the cimena the night has passed - have a good nights sleep and have breakfast and you're in greece (i should be a sales rep!!) we have done it three times and always found it to be very pleasant, not like the dover crossing!! good luck with it!

[lmm0043]

Hey Caroline, you seem like an old hand at this - hope you don't mind me pestering you! We are going out to Crete end Feb beg March 2010 for 1 year to see what we think of the place and if we want to settle there. So we are going out on a one way ticket, selling everything here except for all of my 'precious and sentimental things', getting a transit or a minibus and then setting off for a new adventure alone with the dog! Still looking at potential routes, so if you could give any advice, details of cost etc I would be really grateful. Many thanks, Frances

[Caroline13]

Don't blame you, time doesn't wait for anyone these days.... Dependant on where you are crossing from in the UK try to avoid driving through France, its a lovely country and all BUT, the toll roads can really add up - if you're driving a minibus it will be more expensive than a car so maybe about 15euros for every 100 km's. Also don't try and drive on the normal roads to avoid paying for tolls as it will take you twice as long and there are virtually no services.

We have done the trip from Calais, Rotterdam and Zeebrugee and all are fairly straightforward - the signage throughout Europe is great and you'll find you stay on the same road for hours...

If you want to get the best prices for the ferries and you're feeling brave you should book your tickets at the port as you can get a better price by bartering with the different companies although Anek online seem to have the best price.

I've never been to Crete on a ferry but I'm sure that someone reading this will have and they'll be able to give you some furthe advise

take care, Caroline

[Cairokid]

We travel between Greece and France about once a year with dogs and drove out here initially when we moved 8 years ago.

When we came out we made the mistake of catching a ferry from the south of Italy. I would not do it now. We usually head for Venice on the way over and catch a ferry from Ancona on the way back. Either of these work out less stressful than driving further south and costs are comparable by the time you take fuel and tolls into account.

There are plenty of websites that will give you up to date costs. Hellenic Seaways is one but they only run internal ferries. Do a search for Greece-Italy ferries and ferries to Crete and you should find prices.

One warning - ferry timetables are often only published a week ahead when the seasons change so don't expect to be able to plan too accurately in advance.

[lmm0043]

[Many thanks for your reply. Can I ask why you don't catch the ferry from either Brindisi or Bari as I would have thought a shorter crossing would be less stressful for the dog. Thanks, Frances

[Cairokid]

Originally Posted by lmm0043

[Many thanks for your reply. Can I ask why you don't catch the ferry from either Brindisi or Bari as I would have thought a shorter crossing would be less stressful for the dog. Thanks, Frances

I honestly don't think it makes any difference to the dogs. We thought the same as you until we tried it.

They are all fairly long sea journeys so its not as if one is just 2 or 3 hours. The kennels are on the upper deck and you can walk them around there. Most of the time they just sleep anyway and don't seem any more bothered by one journey than the other.

After all, all you are doing is exchanging being on a boat for being in a vehicle. The longer sea journey means less time in the car.

We've always been amazed how well they cope with the journey.

By the way Italian hotels tend to be dog-friendly so we usually have a night in a hotel before the trip back and give them a good walk.

[lmm0043]

That's interesting, thanks for that. Any other tips at all?