Sailing times are usually prompt but they can change daily, according to the weather and to forecast sailing conditions.

Hand your tickets to the official standing on the gangway when the ferry arrives. Place your luggage at the side of the vehicle deck (you will usually be shown where) and climb up the steps to the passenger decks. There is no rush to get aboard - there is usually plenty of seating for everyone and, although it may seem like chaos it's just the Greek way in these things.

If you use the sundeck make sure you wear sunblock. Sea breezes give a false impression of just how hot it is out there. And don't sit behind a funnel or you'll gag on the fumes.

It's best to buy snacks before you get on board. Ferry food is very basic and often expensive - unless you have a passion for microwave mini-pizzas, bags of chips and cans of cola.

Check on your route as you go along and make sure you get off on the right island - harbors can look very much alike when you arrive. Announcements are usually made in Greek, English, German and French when approaching islands but many ferry PA systems hard to understand.

As of July 2009, smoking is prohibited in any area inside any ship by law.