Originally Posted by
staylor9
I breifly looked at the ferries, but didn't go too far with them since they were more expensive and I really didn't know how the accomodations, etc. were. How was it? Which ferry line did you go with? I've also heard stories of the strikes that ferry lines go on, or how they cancel due to weather sometimes. I didn't know if either was more or less likley in September and started to just wonder if we should go with an airline. Did you book your ferry through the
www.ferries.gr site? SEems sort of awkward to me and I almost didn't trust it. They have such limited information on the ships and all it seems. Anyone able to provide more info on the ferry option? It's not a bad one since we'd get into Athens super early. It would be a hassle to take our luggage all the way out to the airport, but might give us some more time.
I would definitely go for the overnight ferry. From Heraklion there are about four competing ferry companies that have daily service to Piraeus. I would contact a Greek travel agent about selecting the ship which has the best overnight accommodations.
Regarding your concerns about strikes....you're just as likely to have the airport hit with a strike as a ferry line, so don't worry. The weather in September should be good. Most problems occur in the Spring, when the Mistral winds blow in from the north. And, frankly the Heraklion-Piraeus ships are so big, they'll sail under all but the most extreme weather conditions.
Luggage storage can be done at the train station in Athens. Monastiraki, Omonoia, and Larissis Metro Stations have large storage lockers.