Blue Horizon ferry

MS Blue Horizon ferry is a Ro-Ro passenger vessel operated by the Greece-based company BLUE STAR FERRIES. The ship has a maximum capacity of 1,488 passengers and 780 cars. Launched in 1987, the vessel currently operates on the Greece-Crete ferry route Piraeus-Heraklion (crossing time: 9 hours).

Cabins

As a cruise ferry, Blue Horizon has 164 cabins with a total of 530 berths. All staterooms are air-conditioned and feature en-suite bathrooms. The cabins can accommodate up to 4 passengers and are available as both inside and outside (with large windows). Each stateroom is equipped with an LCD TV, radio, phone, good sound insulation, and adjustable lighting (bedside and central).

• Bed linens, towels, and toiletries are provided. Some staterooms are wheelchair-accessible (adapted for disabled passengers). Cabins designed for passengers with special needs must be booked in advance by phone (+30-210-8919800).
• Pet-friendly cabins are available but cannot be booked online. As these cabins are limited, advance reservation is required. If pet cabins are fully booked, the ship also offers a small number of kennels (dog booths). Pets are not allowed in cabins (except "A4 Pets" rooms) or in indoor areas such as bars, restaurants, and lounges. Dogs may be walked on open decks but must be leashed and muzzled.

Lounge seating categories include Super Economy, Special Economy, and Economy. Cabin categories are as follows:

• (Outside) LUX single (1-bed), LUX double (double bed), A1 (single), A2 (2-bed), A3 (3-bed / 2 lower + 1 upper), A4 (4-bed / 2 lower + 2 upper), A4 Pets (4-bed, with linoleum flooring)
• (Inside) AB1, AB2, AB3, AB4
• All passenger cabins are located on decks 8 and 9.

All passengers must vacate their staterooms 30 minutes prior to arrival at the homeport.

Shipboard dining and entertainment options

Blue Horizon's facilities include:

• Deck 7: passenger cabins, 2 restaurants (buffet and a la carte), seating lounge with airline-style reclining seats, Boutique, Reception, Café, Bars
• Deck 8: passenger cabins, Bar, swimming pool, muster stations
• Deck 9: officers' quarters and passenger cabins
• Deck 10: Navigation Bridge/Wheelhouse
• GOODY's (self-service restaurant with hot and cold meals, including children’s menus)
• FLOCAFE / Open Deck Bar (serving sandwiches, cakes, pastries, hot/cold drinks, with TV screens)
• Gift Shops/Boutiques (selling gifts, souvenirs, spirits, wines, tobacco, perfumes, cosmetics, leather goods, toys, confectionery, clothing, cameras, sunglasses, jewelry) and promotional sales
• Sickbay (Telemedical System)
• Kennels
• Wi-Fi Internet (available at a fee), ATM/cash machine (next to the Information Desk/Reception)

A helipad (helicopter landing area) is located midship-forward on the top deck, behind the Navigation Bridge, for emergency use.

Designated luggage storage areas are available onboard. Luggage up to 50 kg (or 1m³) is carried free of charge. Luggage must not contain valuables; such items can be deposited with the Chief Purser (Reception) for safekeeping.

All Blue Star vessels are equipped with CCTV cameras for image recording. Wi-Fi and Internet access are available for an additional fee. Mobile phone chargers and iPad rentals are offered. Emergency instructions are displayed in all staterooms, on TV screens, and at muster stations. Life jackets are provided at the assembly stations. During emergencies, elevator use is prohibited.

Smoking is strictly prohibited in all indoor public areas and cabins. Designated smoking areas are located on open decks.

Blue Star ferry deals

• Bicycles are transported free of charge.
• On Greek Islands routes, the company offers a 20% "Special Economy" discount, EUR 20 per person "Super Economy" discount, 15-20% cabin discount (all staterooms), and 20-30-50% discounts for SeaSmiles (loyalty program) members. These offers apply only to Piraeus departures.
• On Piraeus to Heraklion (Crete) routes, the company offers discounted cabin-plus-car packages. These are valid for one-way crossings only and require booking a full cabin (categories A2, A3, A4, AB2, AB3, AB4). A 20% discount is offered on return tickets with each package.

Year-round discounts are also available:

• 50% for children aged 5–10
• Free travel for children aged 0–5 in Economy Class seat or 50% discount in a cabin
• 50% for students with ISIC cards
• 30% on combined Greek domestic and Greece–Italy tickets
• 20% roundtrip discount on Piraeus–Paros (summer evening departures)
• Ferry plus train travel: 50% off seat tickets and 25% off cabin tickets (valid for FIP members and their families, excluding July-August and LUX cabins)

Pets on the ship

The cruiseferry offers pet cages. When booking, passengers must indicate the type of cage required. Large Blue Star ships provide two cage sizes: small (max height 50–75 cm, pets under 30 kg) and large (max height 70–90 cm, pets over 30 kg). Passengers may also bring their own pet carriers.

Cage prices are fixed per voyage and vary by route. Valid health cards for pets are required. Pets must remain in their cages/carriers throughout the crossing.

During embarkation and disembarkation, dogs must be leashed and muzzled. Pet owners disembark last.

Car decks

Cars are stored on garage decks 2, 3, and 5. Safety procedures include:

• Passengers with disabilities or needing assistance should visit the 24-hour Information Desk.
• Apply the handbrake, place the vehicle in park or 1st gear, turn off the ignition, alarm, electronics, and lights. Shut off gas cylinders, if present, and lock the vehicle.
• Take only valuables and essential hand baggage from the vehicle.
• Note the vehicle’s location and garage deck/stairway number before leaving.
• Access to vehicle decks is prohibited during the voyage.
• Smoking is forbidden on vehicle decks, in cabins, and in lounges.
• Wait for the onboard announcement before returning to your vehicle.
• To avoid air pollution, do not start the engine until instructed.

Blue Star Ferries (fleet), founded in 2000 and headquartered in Athens, Greece, is part of the Attica Group. It offers ferry services from mainland Greece to the Aegean Islands. As Greece’s largest ferry company (alongside its sister company, Superfast Ferries), Blue Star serves over 20 island destinations.