Rough Summer for Ferries - and their Passengers

Summer 2005 in Greece may be remembered as one of the worst years for ferry travel in recent Greek history. Delays - some suspected to be strategic rather than "necessary" - have inspired the Greek government to triple the standard fines for any ferry delays happening this August.

August is an interesting month to travel in Greece because of the strong influx of Greeks traveling home for the Feast of the Assumption on August 15th.

Now, the average Greek who doesn't work in the tourist industry may or may not particularly care if the ferries favored by foreigners are departing on time or not. But the average Greek who has sworn to Mom that he or she will be home in time for the holiday is another story.

So when Greek ferry companies decide to make a point with a few extra delays, they may well do it in the first two weeks of August.