Knossos Palace ferry

MS Knossos Palace is a ro-pax passenger ferry operated by the Greek company MINOAN LINES. She has a maximum capacity of 2,200 passengers and 600 cars. Launched in 2000, she currently serves the Greece–Crete route Piraeus–Heraklion (crossing time ~6 hours).

Cabins

As a cruise ferry, Knossos Palace offers 758 berths in single-occupancy (1-bed), double, triple, and quadruple staterooms across several categories (Deluxe, First Class, and Second Class). Room service is available for all Deluxe and 2-Bedroom Outside cabins.

All cabins are soundproof and air-conditioned, with en suite bathrooms, and feature a small writing desk with chair, telephone, and flat-screen TV. The company provides bed linens, towels, and toiletries. Some cabins are wheelchair-accessible, adapted for passengers with reduced mobility. The ship also offers 742 reclining seats (aircraft-style seats in reserved lounges) available for pre-booking.

All passengers must vacate their staterooms 30 minutes before homeport arrival.

Shipboard Dining and Entertainment

Facilities on Knossos Palace include ATMs, slot machines, Internet café, restaurants (fast food, self-service, à la carte), kids’ playroom, the Erofili shopping center, a cinema, a disco, and a top-deck swimming pool (heated; open during summer months only).

The onboard shop sells travel essentials, gifts and souvenirs, spirits and wines, tobacco products, clothing, sunglasses, handbags, fashion accessories, jewelry, perfumes, cosmetics, and toys.

The navigation bridge is located forward, the red-painted funnel amidships, and the aft helipad serves as a helicopter landing pad for medical emergencies.

There are two reserved-seating lounges (Economy and Business Class) with comfortable Pullman seats (fully reclining armchairs) and large flat-screen TVs. The ship also has two exclusive truck-driver lounges (restaurant and bar lounge).

Emergency instructions are displayed in staterooms, on TV screens, and at muster stations. Life jackets are issued at the assembly stations. In case of emergency, elevators are not to be used.

Minoan Lines Ferry Deals

The company offers the following discounts:

• 50% discount for NAT pensioners (and spouses) on domestic routes (all cabin classes except LUX), plus 20% off motorcycles and cars on the same itinerary.
• 30% discount for unemployment cardholders (domestic routes; all cabin classes except LUX), plus 20% off motorcycles and cars. Cards and ID required upon boarding.
• 50% discount for children ages 4–16 (all cabin classes, international routes only). Children must be accompanied by an adult when a cabin is booked.
• 50% discount for Greek army conscripts on domestic routes (military ID required; not valid for permanent staff).
• 50% discount for war invalids/victims and their companions (all cabin classes except LUX) and for their cars (with special license plates).
• 50% discount for passengers with disabilities over 80% (certification required; applies to all cabin classes except LUX). Companions and disability-licensed vehicles also receive 50% off.
• 30% discount for families with three children (all cabin classes except LUX), plus 20% off bicycles and cars. Valid for children up to 25 years old (family-status certificate required).
• Discount for large families (domestic routes only): 50% for VIP and DECK reclining seats, 30% for all cabin classes (except LUX), 20% for bicycles and cars.
• Children up to 4 years: free (economy-class seats) or 50% off (cabins, all classes).
• In 4-bed cabins, one passenger travels free (domestic routes only; 2 of 4 tickets must be full fare).
• 30% discount on combined International + Domestic tickets (Greece + Italy). Tickets must be issued simultaneously.
• 30% discount on return legs (domestic routes only; applies to passenger and vehicle tickets).
• Cabin discounts for university students (domestic routes only): 50% for VIP and DECK reclining seats, 50% for all cabin classes (except LUX), 20% off bicycles and cars (student ID required).
• ISIC Student Card discounts (international and domestic): 50% off DECK and VIP seats, 20% off cars or motorcycles (Greece routes); 20% off cabins (except LUX) and cars or bicycles (Italy).
• Discounted one-way and round-trip “cabin + car” packages.

Car Decks

Car-deck safety procedures:

• Passengers with disabilities or requiring assistance should visit the Information Desk (deck 7, open 24 hours).
• Apply the handbrake, place the vehicle in park or 1st gear, and switch off the ignition, alarm, electrical equipment, and headlights. Gas cylinders must be turned off. Lock the vehicle.
• Take only valuables and essential hand luggage.
• Note your vehicle’s location and garage deck/stairway before leaving.
• Access to vehicle decks during the voyage is prohibited.
• Smoking is not allowed on vehicle decks, in cabins, or in passenger lounges.
• Wait for the onboard announcement before returning to your vehicle.

To reduce air pollution, do not start the engine until instructed.

Minoan Lines (founded in 1972, headquartered in Heraklion, Greece) is a Greek ferry company and part of the Grimaldi Group. The company operates routes between Crete and Piraeus, as well as in the Adriatic Sea (between Patras and ports in Italy). The current fleet includes Knossos Palace and her sister ship Festos Palace. Minoan also operates under charter the Grimaldi ferries Cruise Europa and Cruise Olympia. The ships Olympia Palace and Europa Palace are chartered to TIRRENIA.