Editorial guide
Piraeus to Crete ferry cabin guide: classes, costs and how to book
Short answer: On the Piraeus–Crete overnight ferries, a cabin is the difference between arriving rested and arriving wrecked. Expect to pay roughly €60–110 per person for a shared inside cabin and €75–110 for an outside cabin, depending on operator, season and how early you book. Book a 2-berth inside cabin for couples or two friends, a 4-berth for families or groups, and an outside cabin only if daylight and a porthole matter to you. A reclining seat is a false economy on a 9-hour crossing unless the budget is genuinely tight.
Cabin classes on Greek ferries are less mysterious than they look: the letters describe inside or outside and how many berths. The main decisions are privacy, daylight and price.
Cabin inventory, class codes and fares vary by vessel and season. Confirm the exact cabin type on the operator's booking screen, not just the route summary.
The ships and what they offer
| Operator | Route | Typical crossing | Cabin character |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blue Star Ferries | Piraeus–Heraklion (some via Cyclades) | ~8–11 h overnight | Inside/outside 2-, 3- and 4-berth; practical, good value |
| ANEK Lines | Piraeus–Chania/Souda, Heraklion | ~9–10 h overnight | Inside/outside cabins; older ships, spacious public areas |
| Minoan Lines | Piraeus–Heraklion | ~9 h overnight | Larger ships, more premium cabins and dining |
| Seajets or other high-speed | Day crossings | ~5–8 h | No cabins; seats only |
Most Crete sailings leave Piraeus in the late evening and arrive early morning. That timetable is why the cabin matters: you are buying a bed, not a view.
Cabin classes decoded
| Code | Meaning | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| AB2 | Inside cabin, 2 berths | Couples, two friends |
| AB3 or AB4 | Inside cabin, 3 or 4 berths | Families, small groups |
| A2 | Outside cabin, 2 berths (porthole/window) | Couples who want daylight |
| A3 or A4 | Outside cabin, 3 or 4 berths | Families wanting space and light |
| LUX or suite | Larger outside cabin, often with sitting area | Travellers treating the crossing as part of the holiday |
| Single | One-berth cabin, often with supplement | Solo travellers who value privacy |
Exact codes vary by operator. The important distinctions are:
- Inside vs outside: outside cabins have a porthole or window and cost more. Inside cabins are darker, often quieter and cheaper.
- Shared vs private: a 4-berth cabin may be shared with strangers if you book a single berth; a whole-cabin booking is different. Check what the price covers.
- Private facilities: many cabins have a washbasin; shower/WC may be private or shared depending on class and ship.
Indicative prices
Indicative prices, per person, one way, Piraeus to Heraklion:
| Class | Rough price |
|---|---|
| Economy/deck seat | €35–45 |
| Reclining airline seat | €40–55 |
| Shared inside 4-berth (AB4) | €55–75 |
| Shared inside 2-berth (AB2) | €65–90 |
| Outside 2-berth (A2) | €75–110 |
| Single cabin | €120–200+ |
| Luxury/suite | €150–250+ |
These are planning ranges, not quotes. August, weekend departures and late bookings push prices up; booking early usually gives the best cabin choice.
Watch the pricing unit. Some screens show a per-person price for a shared berth; others show a whole-cabin price. A "€120 cabin" may be for two people, or for one. Read the line above the total.
Which cabin should you book?
- Couple, one night: AB2 inside. Best value, private, dark enough to sleep.
- Couple, wants daylight: A2 outside. Pay the premium if the dawn approach matters.
- Family with children: AB4 or A4, booked as a whole cabin. Check whether the ship allows children in the cabin occupancy you choose.
- Solo traveller: a single cabin if the supplement is acceptable; otherwise a shared 4-berth is cheaper but involves strangers.
- Light sleeper or motion-sensitive: mid-ship, lower deck, inside cabin. Ask at booking; cabin allocation is not always selectable online.
- Travelling with a pet: book a pet-designated cabin where available. Ordinary cabins do not accept animals. See Pets on ferries from Piraeus.
How to book well
- Book the cabin and any vehicle space together. Both can sell out, and booking them together avoids a mismatch.
- Book early for July–August. Cabins are the first inventory to disappear on Crete routes.
- Check the vessel, not just the route. Older and newer ships on the same route have different cabin layouts and prices.
- Confirm what is included: private shower/WC, breakfast, power sockets, towels.
- Enter passenger names exactly as on ID. Cabin tickets are name-linked.
- Save the confirmation offline. You will need the booking reference at the port even with an e-ticket.
On board: making the cabin work
- Board early enough to settle in before the ship sails; the corridors are busy at departure.
- Keep a small overnight bag with medication, charger, earplugs and a layer; your main luggage can stay closed.
- Eat before the restaurant closes. Check the closing time for your sailing.
- Shower before arrival if you have a private bathroom; the morning is busy.
- Set two alarms and confirm the arrival time with crew the evening before.
- Expect engine noise and motion. Mid-ship lower cabins are generally the steadiest.
FAQ
What is the difference between AB2 and A2?
AB2 is an inside 2-berth cabin (no window). A2 is an outside 2-berth cabin with a porthole or window. A2 costs more and gives daylight; AB2 is darker and usually cheaper.
Is a cabin worth it for one night?
Yes, on a 9-hour crossing. A cabin gives you a bed, privacy and a better arrival. A reclining seat is acceptable only if the budget is tight or the crossing is short.
Can I choose a specific cabin or deck?
Sometimes, depending on the operator's booking system. Many allocate cabins at check-in. If you need a mid-ship, lower-deck or accessible cabin, request it at booking and confirm in writing.
Do cabins have private bathrooms?
Many do, but not all. Check the class description: some cabins have a washbasin only, with shared shower/WC. Luxury cabins generally have private facilities.
Last checked
Cabin inventory, class codes and prices change by vessel and season; confirm your exact booking.
Disclosure
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Further planning
- Guide: Overnight ferry from Piraeus: is it worth it?
- Guide: Ferry or flight to Crete
- Guide: Fast ferry vs conventional ferry
- Guide: Pets on ferries from Piraeus
- Guide: How early to arrive at Piraeus
- Guide: Taking a car to Crete