Tourists traveling between Greece’s islands on high-speed ferries often face rough rides and seasickness. Social media is filled with accounts of rocky journeys, sick passengers, and crews distributing sickness bags. As a result, the term ‘vomit comet’ has emerged, reflecting these challenging experiences, according to The Wall Street Journal.
Mina Agnos, founder and president of luxury travel company Travelive, states that high-speed ferries are favored by travelers seeking quick transit between islands. However, adverse wind and sea conditions, particularly the seasonal Meltemi winds around the Cyclades, can make the journey unpleasant. Agnos emphasizes that tourists are drawn to Greece’s beaches, sunsets, and rich history. Tourism increased by about 21% from January to May compared to the same period in 2025, as reported by the Bank of Greece.
Despite the appeal, high-speed ferry rides can be unsettling for some visitors, as seen in various social media posts. High-speed catamarans and speedboats in Greece can reach speeds of 40-50 knots, or 46-58 miles per hour. While these vessels significantly reduce travel times, they also come with drawbacks. Rough weather makes the ride bumpier and increases the likelihood of motion sickness, as noted by operator Direct Ferries.
The Wall Street Journal highlights that the speed of high-speed ferries often results in discomfort during choppy seas. A traveler expressed concerns on Reddit about ferry trips from Piraeus to Naxos after reading multiple accounts of challenging crossings. Even those not prone to seasickness reported discomfort on certain routes.
In Greece, high-speed ferries primarily connect islands to Athens through the port of Piraeus. Discussions on platforms like Reddit reveal mixed feelings about these trips, with some users even suggesting alternative modes of transportation like flying.
While the ‘vomit comet’ reputation might be amplified by social media, Mina Agnos of Travelive argues that the phenomenon isn’t as common as portrayed. She notes that, despite a surge in tourism, social media magnifies the issue. Agnos mentions having experienced such rough rides only twice in her 25-year career.
She advises working with a travel expert to plan routes minimizing long and potentially rough ferry trips. Kelly Shea, a travel adviser based in Indiana, suggests that her clients fly between Greek islands like Santorini, Mykonos, Crete, Paros, and Milos rather than risk challenging ferry journeys.
Tourism’s rise, coupled with unpredictable weather, poses challenges for island hopping in Greece. While high-speed options save time, the associated risks of seasickness and discomfort cannot be ignored.