Blue Star 1 ferry

MS Blue Star 1 ferry is a Ro-Pax passenger vessel owned by the Greece-based company BLUE STAR FERRIES. The ship has a maximum capacity of 1,890 passengers and 780 cars.

Launched in 2000, Blue Star 1 operated for BLUE STAR FERRIES on the Greece–North Aegean Islands route Piraeus–Psara–Oinousses–Chios–Lesbos (crossing time: 12 hours).

Since April 2021, the cruise ferry has been chartered by the Ireland-based company IRISH FERRIES for the Ireland–Wales route Rosslare Europort–Pembroke Dock (crossing time: 4 hours), replacing the Isle of Inishmore.

Cabins

As a cruise ferry, Blue Star 1 has 192 cabins (161 for passengers and 31 for truck drivers), offering a total of 430 berths. All staterooms are air-conditioned and feature en-suite bathrooms. Cabins accommodate up to four passengers and are available in both inside and outside categories (with large windows). Each cabin is equipped with an LCD TV, radio, telephone, good sound insulation, and both bed and central lighting options.

The ship also features a unique class of "PURE Cabins," specially designed for passengers with allergies and asthma. These cabins undergo a cleaning process that purifies all surfaces and removes airborne particles and dust. PURE cabins are available in LUX Outside (double/2-bed) and A4 Outside (quad/4-bed with 2 bunk beds) categories.

The ferry provides bed linens, towels, and toiletries. Some cabins are wheelchair-accessible and adapted for disabled passengers. These specially designed cabins must be booked in advance by calling (+30-210-8919800).

Pet-friendly cabins are available but cannot be booked online. Since they are limited in number, reservations must be made in advance. If pet cabins are fully booked, the ship also offers a small number of kennels (dog booths). Pets are not permitted in cabins (except in “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.

The ship also offers 72 Pullman (fully reclining) seats.

Among all staterooms, 24 are 2-bed LUX, 81 are 2-bed, 54 are 4-bed, and 2 are 2-bed accessible cabins.

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 with 2 lower + 1 bunk), A4 (4-bed with 2 lower + 2 bunk), A4 Pets (4-bed with linoleum flooring)
• (Inside) AB1, AB2, AB3, AB4

All passenger cabins are located on Deck 8.

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

Shipboard dining and entertainment options

Facilities onboard Blue Star 1 include:

• Deck 7: seating lounge with airline-style reclining seats, Yacht Club, Roma Cafe, lounges, two restaurants (buffet and à la carte), shop, lobby area with Reception Desk, Purser, ATM, and outdoor seating.
• Deck 8: passenger cabins, Atrium Bar.
• Deck 9: Doctor's Office (First Aid), helipad, kennels.
• Goody's Burger House (self-service restaurant with hot and cold meals, kids' menus).
• FLOCAFE (indoor bar) and FLOCAFE Bar (open-deck patisserie bar on Deck 7, serving sandwiches, cakes, pastries, hot and cold drinks).
• Gift Shops/Boutiques offering discounted gifts, souvenirs, spirits, wines, tobacco, perfumes, cosmetics, leather goods, toys, confectionery, clothing, electronics, designer sunglasses, and jewelry.
• Cinema (36-seat capacity) – tickets available at the Information Desk.
• Sickbay (Telemedical System).
• Kennels with outdoor walking area for dogs.
• Helipad located top-deck midship, behind the Wheelhouse and officers’ quarters, used for emergency landings.
• Wi-Fi Internet access (available for a fee), ATM/cash machine (next to Reception), payphone.
• All bars and lounges are equipped with flat-screen TVs.

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

The ship is equipped with four lifeboats (total capacity: 600), 28 liferafts (total capacity: 700), and one fast rescue boat.

All Blue Star vessels are fitted with CCTV systems for image recording. Wi-Fi and Internet access are available for a fee. Mobile phone chargers and iPad rentals are also offered. Emergency instructions are displayed in cabins, on TV screens, and at muster stations. Life jackets are located at assembly stations. In case of emergency, elevators must not be used.

Smoking is prohibited in all indoor areas, including cabins and lounges. Smoking is permitted only in designated outdoor areas.

Blue Star ferry deals

Bicycles are transported free of charge.

On all Greek Island routes, the company offers a 20% "Special Economy" ticket discount, a €20 per person "Super Economy" ticket discount, 15–20% discounts on all cabin types, and 20–50% discounts for SeaSmiles loyalty program members. These offers apply only to departures from Piraeus.

On routes from Greece to Crete (Piraeus–Heraklion), discounted cabin and car packages are available for one-way crossings. These apply to full cabin bookings in grades A2, A3, A4, AB2, AB3, and AB4. Each package also includes a 20% discount on the return ticket.

Year-round ticket discounts include: 50% for children aged 5–10, free travel in Economy for children under 5 (or 50% discount for cabin travel), 50% for ISIC student cardholders, 30% for Greek domestic combined with Greece–Italy routes, 20% for roundtrip Piraeus–Paros (summer evening departures), and 50%/25% discounts on seat/cabin tickets for FIP members (railway personnel and families), excluding July and August and LUX cabins.

Pets on the ship

The cruiseferry offers Pet Cages, which must be selected during booking. Large Blue Star vessels provide two cage types: small (max height 50–75 cm for pets under 30 kg) and large (max height 70–90 cm for pets over 30 kg). Passengers may also bring their own pet carriers.

Cage pricing is fixed per voyage and varies by route. Valid pet health cards are required. Pets must remain inside their cages or carriers throughout the journey.

During embarkation and disembarkation, dogs must be leashed and muzzled. Passengers with pets disembark last.

Car decks

Vehicles are stored on garage decks 1 through 6, with three decks designated for trailers.

Safety procedures for car decks include:

• Passengers with disabilities or in need of assistance should contact the 24-hour Information Desk.
• Engage the handbrake, place the vehicle in park or 1st gear, switch off ignition, alarms, and electrical systems. Shut off any gas cylinders and lock the vehicle.
• Take only valuables and essential hand baggage from the vehicle.
• Note your vehicle's location and garage deck/stairway number before leaving the car deck.
• Access to vehicle decks during the voyage is prohibited.
• Smoking is strictly prohibited on vehicle decks, as well as in cabins and lounges.
• Wait for the onboard announcement before returning to your vehicle.

To prevent air pollution, do not start your engine until instructed.

The ship's charterer, Blue Star Ferries (fleet), was founded in 2000 and is headquartered in Athens, Greece. Part of the Attica Group, it is the largest ferry operator in Greece and, together with sister company Superfast Ferries, serves more than 20 island destinations.