Elyros ferry

MS Elyros is a Ro-Ro passenger ferry operated by the Crete-based company ANEK LINES. The ship has a maximum capacity of 1874 passengers, 620 cars, and 120 trailers/trucks. Launched in 1998, she currently serves ferry routes between France-Algeria, Spain-Algeria, Greece-Crete, and Greece-Italy: Marseille-Algiers (summer only, 23 hours), Alicante-Algiers (10 hours), Piraeus-Chania (9 hours), and Patras-Corfu-Igoumenitsa-Venice (32 hours).

Cabins

As a cruise ferry, Elyros offers 776 berths in Inside (111) and Outside (124) staterooms, accommodating up to 4 passengers (quad cabins with bunk beds). The 77 Double cabins feature two lower single beds (non-convertible to double). All staterooms are air-conditioned and equipped with en-suite bathrooms (toilet, shower, washbasin, hairdryer), bunk beds (lower and upper), bedside table with stool, mirrored vanity (small desk with chair), phone, wall-mounted reading lamps, and small non-opening porthole windows. Bed linens, towels, and toiletries are provided.

The 6 Deluxe cabins include a separate bedroom (double bed, non-convertible), lounge area (corner sofa, low table, armchairs), mini-bar (refrigerator), and flat TV. Deluxe tickets include complimentary breakfast at the à la carte restaurant. Some cabins are wheelchair-accessible. The ship also offers 323 reclining seats (aircraft-style) in a reserved lounge, available for pre-booking.

Passengers must vacate cabins 30 minutes before arrival at the homeport.

Shipboard dining and entertainment

Facilities on Elyros include:

• Two restaurants: an À La Carte Restaurant (Greek cuisine) and a Self-Service Buffet. Both offer panoramic windows and meals prepared with Cretan olive oil and fresh ingredients. Personalized menus are available.
• Snack Bar (Cafeteria/Patisserie) open year-round, serving sandwiches, cakes, pastries, yogurt, ice cream, fruit salads, and hot/cold drinks. Local specialties include Kalitsounia (Cretan sweet-cheese pastries), pita, and gyros at outdoor rotisseries.
• Sun Deck with loungers, deckchairs, outdoor seating, and a pool bar (fast food, snacks, cocktails, beer, soft drinks). The area is wind-protected by glass walls.
• Reserved Seating Lounge with Pullman seats (fully reclining armchairs) and large flat TVs.
• Onboard shops (boutiques and Mini Market) offering discounted alcohol, tobacco, perfumes, cosmetics, jewelry, clothing, watches, handbags, sunglasses, hygiene products, travel items, confectionery, snacks, toys, books, electronics, and souvenirs.
• ATM next to Reception. Wi-Fi is available for purchase via online booking or prepaid cards sold on board.
• Top-deck helipad (for emergencies).
• Extensive outdoor deck space and an Infirmary with pharmacy. A Teleheart system provides remote cardiological monitoring and emergency guidance.
• Dedicated caravan areas with WCs, showers, and free power supply (available April–October on Venice and Ancona routes).

Emergency instructions are posted in cabins, on TV screens, and at muster stations. Life jackets are distributed at muster stations. Elevators and escalators cannot be used in emergencies.

ANEK LINES loyalty program "ANEK Smart"

The company’s "ANEK Smart" program offers points and rewards, including discounts, free tickets, and exclusive onboard perks. Adults (18+) earn 1 point per EUR 1 spent on tickets and onboard purchases (dining, shopping, etc.).

Membership levels:

• Friends – 120 bonus points on registration, redemption after 300 points; ticket discounts, free tickets, promotions.
• Silver – from 500 points; ticket discounts, free tickets, 10% discount at cafes, restaurants, and shops, plus special member offers.
• Gold – from 2500 points; ticket discounts, free tickets, 10% shop discount, 15% cafe/buffet discount, 20% à la carte restaurant discount, exclusive promotions, and complimentary cabin upgrades (subject to availability after departure).

Pets on board

Pets are allowed on all ANEK LINES ships. Dogs and cats are accommodated in dedicated lodgings, while other animals (birds, rabbits, hamsters, etc.) must remain in carriers.

• Pets are not allowed in cabins, lounges, or indoor public areas, only on outer decks.
• Booking options: “Pet up to 6 kg” (cage, no kennel needed) or “Pet over 6 kg” (kennel required, booked in advance).
• Owners are responsible for feeding, cleaning, and caring for their pets. Water is supplied by crew.
• Guide dogs travel free of charge and are permitted in cabins. Assistance dogs may accompany disabled passengers or those with reduced mobility.

Car decks

ANEK LINES ships transport semi-trailers, trucks, cars, motorcycles (freight only), caravans, camper vans, cargo containers, machinery, boats, and industrial products. Elyros has 3 garage decks for vehicles and cargo.

Safety procedures:

• Disabled passengers needing assistance should visit the 24-hour Information Desk.
• Apply handbrake, leave vehicle in park/1st gear, switch off ignition, alarms, electrical systems, and gas cylinders. Lock the vehicle.
• Take only valuables and essentials with you.
• Note the vehicle’s deck/stairway location before leaving.
• Vehicle decks remain closed during the voyage.
• Smoking is prohibited on vehicle decks, in cabins, and lounges.
• Wait for the announcement before returning to your vehicle.
• Do not start the engine until instructed, to reduce air pollution.

Shipowner ANEK Lines (founded 1967, headquartered in Chania, Crete) is a Greek passenger and cargo shipping company operating routes in the Adriatic and Aegean seas. The current fleet includes Kriti 2, Asterion 2, Olympic Champion, Hellenic Spirit, Elyros, and Prevelis.