Traveling by Ferry: Underrated Journeys You Should Try

Photo by Keane

Taking a ferry offers a pleasantly slow alternative to frantic flights, turning the journey itself into an experience to be savored. Scenic ferry routes worldwide transport one to remote islands, rugged coastlines, and cultural experiences that are mostly off-limits to commercial tourist crowds.

Alaska Inside Passage ferry cruises reveal untouched wilderness in dramatic fjords where glaciers cascade into the sea, and Mediterranean crossings expose secret archipelagos that have maintained true island culture. Greek island-hopping ferry expeditions link ancient societies across cobalt waters, allowing for serendipitous discoveries that structured itineraries simply cannot replicate.

The Greek Islands: Mediterranean Magic at Sea

Blue Star Ferries offers Greek Island hoppers a wealth of mainland Piraeus to more than a dozen of Greece’s signature islands in the Cyclades, Dodecanese, and Aegean. Island hopper routes connect signature places like Mykonos, Santorini, and Rhodes, but also reveal lesser-known treasures that reward intrepid discoverers.

Essential Greek ferry experiences include:

Leros is the most underrated of Greek islands and a must-see, with genuine island living away from the tourist crowds
Lipsi Island embodies a “go slow” attitude in which residents enjoy sunny days drinking coffee by the port and start evenings with an ouzo shot
The Sporades, Dodecanese, and Ionian Islands provide thrilling excursions off the popular Cycladic trail
Ferryhopper includes the most up-to-date ferry schedules, routes, timetables, and prices for Greek islands in 2025 to make planning simple

Greek island connections by ferry operate frequently during the summer months, although reduced frequencies operate in winter. Most routes offer overnight traveling, avoiding the cost of accommodation as well as providing surreal sunrise views over the Aegean Sea.

Alaska’s Inside Passage: Wilderness by Water

The Alaska Marine Highway System connects Southeast Alaska towns through the Inside Passage, with routes running from Bellingham (WA) or Prince Rupert (BC) up to Skagway. This journey goes through steep fjords, undeveloped islands, and hemlock and spruce forests, where more than 1,500 islands shield the passage from surges of the Pacific Ocean.

A ferry trip is an excellent way to see a huge stretch of Alaska’s coastline with stops at unique towns along the way. The system accommodates everything from walking travelers to RVs, cars, and motorbikes, although reservations ahead of time are a good idea, given the limited space.

Ferries accept RVs, automobiles, and motorcycles in all sizes, as well as bikes and kayaks, but it’s best to reserve in advance. Pet owners can bring their animals on board, albeit they’re generally limited to car deck space during the crossings.

Practical Booking Strategies for Ferry Adventures

Scandinavian ferry routes connect Sweden, Norway, Denmark, and Finland, creating possibilities for multi-country adventures that showcase Nordic cultures and landscapes. Many operators provide reduced fares for advanced bookings, making these experiences more accessible to budget-conscious travelers.

Organizing successful ferry journeys requires understanding seasonal schedules, advanced booking policies, and accommodation arrangements ranging from deck to luxury suites. Get familiar with ferry schedules, as it may take reading and testing to understand the system, particularly with complex routes that have numerous connections.

Start planning your world scenic ferry routes adventure by researching seasonal schedules and booking accommodations well ahead of peak season travel. Ready to travel the world on a ferry? Choose a route according to interests and prepare for experiences that make travel an adventure rather than just transportation.