Ancona to Igoumenitsa ferry

[DA1ES]

after being inspired by the turkey trot and other likeminded threads this is probably the first question of many, so please bear with me.
To all you seasoned veterans, on the above ferry route, i fear a cabin would be too expensive, so my question is has anybody used the dormitory accomodation, aircraft style seat or deck? im swaying towards an aircraft seat but are they comfy enough to get a decent kip bearing in mind the amount of riding that is required? its going to be mid to late October so is it worth booking cheapest and trying to upgrade on the day if they do that kind of thing?
thanks D

 

[ExpatinIstanbul]

I used an aircraft type seat in a France / Uk crossing, which was fine. I don't know about October, but I tried using the deck on the Anc-Igou ferry in August, and it was crap. The foot passengers and those in vehicles where passengers can walk on always get the best spots while you're dealing with the bike. October might be easier though, but try to get a spot inside....could be chilly.

 

[L]

I tried the deck... never again. The 2nd time I went for a dormitory room. There are five or six small rooms (think navy style), each with 6 beds (3 to each side, so its pretty "cosy". Each room is closed off by a curtain, no door, so don't expect a luxurious, quiet night sleep. However, when I was there, half the rooms were either empty or half empty, so I was able to move half way through the night to a room with no snorers... and with the earplugs in, I did get some kip.

Also thrown in are lockers and dormitory bathrooms which make the purchase worthwhile as you don't have to cart stuff round with you and you're not sharing the bogs with a million other people!

 

[DA1ES]

wow how quick was that, thnx, your advice will no doubt be called upon again as i see you reply to alot of the turkey questions

 

[johnnyboy]

I used the deck and didn't have any problems; take your sleeping bag (assuming you will be camping) with you as it does get cold.

 

[jeff]

Acona Ferries

after being inspired by the turkey trot and other likeminded threads this is probably the first question of many, so please bear with me.
To all you seasoned veterans, on the above ferry route, i fear a cabin would be too expensive, so my question is has anybody used the dormitory accomodation, aircraft style seat or deck? im swaying towards an aircraft seat but are they comfy enough to get a decent kip bearing in mind the amount of riding that is required? its going to be mid to late October so is it worth booking cheapest and trying to upgrade on the day if they do that kind of thing?
thanks D

Live in Crete so use ferries a lot. October can be cold and wet. Usually its OK but you can be unlucky. The best of the cheap ways is to take a sleeping bag and kip down in the corridors of the cabin decks. Don't worry , you won't be the only one and the Greek crew won't bother you. Forget about English ferries and jobsworth anals.

Never tried dormitores but watch your stuff as they are often used by Albanians etc who are as bad as the English (ie if it's not nailed down I can have it.) Leave everything you don't need on bike. Ferry decks are locked up
during voyage.

Food is good and reasonable.

Take some webbing straps and secure your bike yourself

Have a good trip.

Jeff

 

[Skippy]

Difficult to say but ...

.... I did the Brindisi to Igou trip then the return to Ancona. I paid less for the outbound as you'd expect because of the distance. It's an overnighter and I had a cabin thankfully. It was basic but did the job.

A word of warning, you need to be careful of your stuff if you get on the truck ferry like I did. I took everything off the bike and I mean everything except I forgot the contents of my bar bag and the toerags nicked my sunglasse and Buff.

Much better standard on the return but cost a small fortune for the private cabin. Had a window too. Very nice mini-cruise!

Incredible view of the wildlife en route inc turtles, sun fish, dolphin and even a very large shark.

Have a safe trip.

 

[babisadve]

just booked tickets 45% discount, meaning 80 euros, igoumenitsa ancona, one way, cabin 4 beds inside.
dont know if its comfy for you.

 

[DA1ES]

thanks for all replies, lots to think about, think i'll probably go with aircraft seats. 45% deal is looking good. 70 euros return. billy no mates so a cabin is not really an option.

 

[George R]

If you are travelling south through Italy to get to Ancona and cannot be bothered with the Italian Kamikazi Driving, there is a ferry from Venice to Igoumenitsa which takes about an hour longer - about the same price and cuts out a day and possibly a stop off on the way down.
Let me know if you wish more info.
HTH

 

[DA1ES]

cheers for the info George R , looked on t'internet and checked it out, looks like a good option but the 45% discount from Ancona is swinging it at the moment.

 

[Toyo]

Carry pair of ratchet straps and secure your own bike.
Just book passage
Sleep on top deck
Take sleeping bag AND mat and wash gear (hot showers and loo there by bar)
Take a Pacsafe to put all your stuff...
Take proper food with you- bar snacks expensive and not good
Keep valuables with you
Sorted-

 

[babisadve]

cheers for the info George R , looked on t'internet and checked it out, looks like a good option but the 45% discount from Ancona is swinging it at the moment.

ιinfos here

http://www.superfast.com/site/content.asp?sel=291&loc=2

 

[Sharik]

just booked tickets 45% discount, meaning 80 euros, igoumenitsa ancona, one way, cabin 4 beds inside.
dont know if its comfy for you.

What was the cost of your cabin?

 

[babisadve]

What was the cost of your cabin?

Normally the cost is 121 euros + 25 euros for the bike.
45% super early booking means finally i paid 80 euros.
ps. u can change the departure date in 2011, if something goes wrong but not cash for money.

 

[petkostas]

Avoid deck during the month you mention unless you have warm clothes and a good sleeping bag...
I travelled in August from Patras to Ancona and tried the vip, bit more expensive but you are inside, take a sleeping mat and a sleeping bag with you and make sure you don't have lots of expensive stuff around you...
My opinion...avoid deck, if it was during July / August I would say ok, but October

 

[ExpatinIstanbul]

As I said before about July and August, if traveling alone and intending to use the deck, you'll find the backpackers and Turks will have taken all spots before you finish with the bike and get upstairs.....I've done this myself. The backpakers take all the tables and seats and the Turks take the inside landings and open deck areas (they travel in large groups and take up space). Don't chance it, get a flight seat if you can't stretch to a cabin.

 

[DA1ES]

many thanks for all of the info, i must have changed mind more often than the mrs.
all booked now went for aircraft seats after all.
now for the fine tuning, working out routes etc from uk - Side, Turkey.
watch this space i may be back but only after numerous searches of course.