Odyssey or Love cruise ?
When you get there
If you get to Ancona by train, frequent buses pass from the Ancona train station (there are some ticket offices round there from some lines), pick the bus to take you to the city centre and after approximately 20 minutes you will get there - it's a nice city - start looking for the port, you pass the ticket and passport check and you will be able to get on board the ship.
Ticket and passport
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| Boat connections between Italy and Greece |
Also some groups of people might be allowed a discount, so investigate if you can have a discount either by calling the customer service of the company you have chosen or online.
Companies
There are 3 companies (ANEK lines, Minoan Lines, Superfast Ferries), having used all companies I would strongly suggest to avoid ANEK lines and prefer Minoan lines for various reasons.
Expenses on the ship and before boarding
Be aware that the products on the ship are more expensive than on the land, prepare for it and purchase goods from local supermarkets before getting on board! the trip lasts up to 25 hours (in totally rare occasions), so buying fridge products would not be worth it. On the boats there are also a restaurant and a mini-shop.
On the boat
If you have a "deck"- ticket, it means that the company provides you with a plastic chair to sit down, it is not worth it to stay outside(during the night there will be some noise and wind). Prefer to get indoors ASAP, find a good place to relax, lay down on the isle somewhere it will not bother passengers and the staff to pass (prefer corners with plugs if you find any, find a way to keep your luggage safe, actually check what your fellow passengers will do if you are not sure).Sleeping on board
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| Using your backpack as a pillow will give you a feeling of security |
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| Fellow travelerscould guard the team's backpacks |
During the night lay down on the floor your thin foam mattress (if you do not have one use layers of towels to avoid waking up with back pains) and get in your sleeping bag. Sleeping on your backpack or using it as a pillow will give you some security for your belongings. Accessories such as waist wallet or secret pockets on your clothes or luggage can be a lifesaver.
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| Not the best sleep you will ever have, but it is better than not sleeping at all |
When you reach Ancona - Italy
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| Ancona Ferries Terminal (maritima biglietteria) |
When you reach Patras - Greece
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| The "KTEL" coach station in Patras |
KTEL is the national bus operator in Greece and main way of moving from one place to another (if no car is available).
A trip to Athens from Patras "KTEL" coach station takes from 2,5 up until 3 hours (Price 18,90EUR - August2014).
Know what you want. Be prepared. Enjoy.
- Introduction
Who am I and why start blogging? - A helpful and inspirational guide before you travel by train
Where to start and what to think before travelling - How to pack your bag
Overstuffed and overweight bag, at least keep it overstuffed - What to pack in your bag
You don't need your fashionable clothes in here! - Travelling Solo VS Travelling as a group
Loneliness doesn't always have to feel bad - Couchsurfing and stay
Make your stay safe - Raildude,ticket purchasing
How to get the pass,the rules in the train station - Maps and books
Should I get a map, guide or ignore everything? - On the way/train
You can't get bored here my friend - Law,stereotypes,different lifestyles and adopting
How not to end up behind the bars! - Types of travellers
People worth meeting and not - Journeys
Past personal Experiences - Ancona (Italy) to Patras (Greece) by boat - Survival guide
Meeeeeeeeh... - Additional tips
Weren't all these enough? - Self awareness, Self confidence, Passion and Personal awesomeness
So you think you are not cool enough?
Tripsta : 
Viva: 
Skyexpress: a small airline company interesting offering deals with flight connections from Crete (Greece) to other islands, suitable for island hoping. (
