Storms prompt Crete ferry schedule changes, skipping Serifos and Milos stops
Ferry routes connecting Crete with Piraeus are proceeding as scheduled on the evening of Wednesday, September 30, despite adverse weather conditions in the Aegean, though several vessels will skip intermediate port calls, according to an announcement from Hellenic Seaways.
The changes affect the company’s night sailings between Piraeus and Heraklion and between Piraeus and Chania. Both main routes are operating, but scheduled stops at Serifos and Milos have been cancelled for tonight’s departures.
Heraklion route
The ASTERION II departs Piraeus at 21:00 bound for Heraklion, with arrival scheduled for 06:15. Due to the weather conditions, the ship will not call at Serifos. Passengers on the main Piraeus-Heraklion journey do not need to change their tickets, but those who had planned to board or disembark at Serifos are asked to contact the agency that issued their ticket.
In the opposite direction, the NISOS RODOS departs Heraklion for Piraeus at 21:00, with arrival set for 06:15, also without a stop at Serifos.
Chania route
On the Piraeus-Chania line, the KISSAMOS departs Piraeus at 22:00 and is expected to arrive in Chania at 06:15. The scheduled call at Milos will not take place because of the bad weather.
From Chania to Piraeus, the ELYROS departs tonight at 21:30, with arrival in Piraeus scheduled for 06:00, likewise without a stop at Milos.
The same modifications are planned for the corresponding sailings on Thursday, October 1: ships will continue to connect Crete with Piraeus, but Serifos and Milos will not be included on those routes.
Weather forecast
The changes come as the National Meteorological Service (EMY) forecasts heavy rain and storms over Crete starting this evening, mainly in the regional units of Chania and Rethymno, while northeasterly winds of 8 to 9 Beaufort are expected in the Aegean. Similar conditions were outlined in the EMY orange warning for Crete issued earlier this week. EMY says the severe weather in Crete could continue intermittently until Sunday morning, October 4, in line with forecasts detailing a broader storm system bringing winds up to 8 Beaufort to the region from Wednesday.
For passengers travelling to or from Crete tonight, the main sailings to Heraklion or Chania remain scheduled, with the changes limited to the intermediate port calls described above. Blue Star Ferries has said that, in the event of further emergency modifications, travellers will be informed through the company’s official website, its call centre, or travel agencies, consistent with earlier guidance issued as Crete braced for the new storm system earlier in the week.
