Greece island ferries face traveler complaints over seasickness

Tourists traveling between Greek islands via high-speed ferries are reporting severe seasickness due to rough sea conditions. On social media, travelers have nicknamed the experience the ‘vomit comet’ following reports of rocky crossings and crews distributing sickness bags to ill passengers.

High-speed catamarans and speedboats in the region can reach speeds of 40 to 50 knots, which can reduce travel times by half compared to conventional ferries. However, seasonal Meltemi winds in the Aegean, particularly around the Cyclades, can cause significant turbulence.

Despite these travel difficulties, tourism in Greece remains strong. Data from the Bank of Greece indicates that tourism rose approximately 21% between January and May compared to the same period in 2025. Santorini, a major destination, recorded roughly 3.4 million visitors in 2023.