Tourists Warn of Severe Seasickness on Greek High-Speed Ferries Amid Rough Winds

During the peak tourist season, passengers on Greece’s high-speed ferries have taken to social media describing violent rocking, nausea and the need for sickness bags, earning the vessels the nickname “vomit comet.” The problem is most acute around the Cyclades, where seasonal Meltemi winds stir up the Aegean and make fast catamarans and speedboats, which travel at 40-50 knots, uncomfortable. While tourism has risen sharply, with Santorini receiving about 3.4 million visitors in 2023, experts like Mina Agnos of Travelive argue that such episodes are uncommon and exaggerated online, noting only two occurrences in her 25-year career.

Nonetheless, travel advisers such as Kelly Shea now recommend flying between islands or selecting routes with calmer conditions, citing the unpredictable weather this summer. Ferry operators, including Seajets Ferries, have been contacted for comment.