A2B via Sea samples a range of vessels to show you the options available when visiting numerous countries in Europe, whether its a cruise-ferry, traditional car-ferry, hovercraft, catamaran or, how about this - a monohull high-speed fast ferry?
Super Runner Jet is essentially an aeroplane on water; shaped like a rocket, at twenty two years old her acceleration and cruising speed is still simply outstanding.
Perhaps better known to some of my readers as the former Superseacat 4, she is the last of four monohulled fast ferries constructed in Italy for Sea Containers in the late 1990's, entering service in 2000 and primarily operated from Tallinn until 2008 when she transferred to the warmer climate of the Aegean and remains there to this day.
An overview of her three younger sisters can be found at the end of this blog.
We start our journey in Paros, a wonderful destination owing to its countless waterfront restaurants and bars and its maze of narrow backstreets hiding a myriad of boutique shops with vibrant bougainvillea cascading down the whitewashed walls.
Paros - click for larger image
The Port of Paros is only moments away from the chilled vibe of the town making the island an ideal destination for a daytrip or overnight stay if you are in Greece, not least because all the Cyclades isles and the mainland port of Piraeus are only a few hours away - why fly between the islands and land miles away and waste valuable holiday time on transfers?!
Let's get aboard
At the port foot passengers queue for embarkation within a 'block' on the quayside until called forward for boarding - hand written signage by each 'lane' directs passengers to ensure they embark the correct ferry.
This 'block' is the only actual structure within the port - no sprawling terminal buildings here therefore, if you are an unseasoned traveller you will not have a sense of apprehension.
NOTE, there are no actual amenities here therefore, please make sure you have plenty of water with you and have visited the WC in town before walking over.
The relatively obedient passengers who were queuing so nicely [almost] sprint across the concrete quay towards the ferry once the gates are opened for embarkation - not too dissimilar to being a greyhound at a night at the races, hoarding into a giant swelling pack engulfing the embarking vehicles trying to board via the same stern vehicle ramp.
Once aboard passengers swarm around a single crew person positioned on the vehicle deck who’s job it is to check foot passenger tickets - the crew person is overwhelmed by the hundreds of people waving their boarding passes keen to get up to the passenger accommodation and grab a seat – poor chap!
Top Tip. If travelling with young children or have large items of luggage, get to the port as early as possible and get to the head of the queue so when you are called forward for embarkation you can get aboard as soon as possible and avoid the scrum - just mind your footing as ports are dangerous places.
Finally ascending the stairs from the crafts vehicle deck we arrive at the main passenger accommodation.
Think of a Boeing 747 aircraft - a single large deck filled to capacity with a considerable amount of forward facing seating with a first class area upstairs. Well, Super Runner Jet has many comparisons - just like an aeroplane, passengers are requested to examine the evacuation cards located in the seat pockets of the airline style seating.
On the main lower deck are several large open plan lounges subdivided into smaller saloons by full height partitions covered with Admiralty chart shipping maps; a vibrant atmosphere within each area as all are packed with families and groups, children running around, large family dogs laying in the aisles, backpacks the size of a small child all over the place…it was an experience, but all part of the fun of Greek island hopping as you will see from my journey vlog at the end of this blog.
The fact that large family pets and luggage can be carried with no issues proves that ferry travel is the best way to travel from A2B, as travelling by aeroplane would be a minefield of 'red tape'.
Each cabin has differing coloured upholstery on the seating to facilitate with navigation.
Shelving units are located at the end of the cabins therefore, if you have large items you can leave them there - at your own risk.
Primarily filled with rows and rows of airline style seating, periodically you will find a large table with eight seats - ideal if you are travelling as a family or group.
Of course, these are very popular therefore, please get aboard early to ensure you can have one as there are no actual seat reservations aboard and one can sit in any available seat.
Amongst the rows of airline seating you will find a small counter service café serving a selection of hot, cold and alcoholic beverages along with light snacks.
Speaking of catering, at the aft end of the main deck is the main counter service café and bar where a selection of hot and cold beverages, toasties, baguettes, cakes and snacks are available.
Two counters are located in here – both with a curved frontage to mirror the shape of the aft windows opposite essentially encapsulating this area into a completely separate zone.
Yet more seating is available here which is of similar design to that in the main cabin with the exception of those adjacent to the aft windows which are more like sofas.
Between the two counters a corridor permits access forward into the aforementioned main cabin, passing an attractive floor mural depicting a compass.
Passing a void area which appears to be a shop under construction or in refit, ahead of you a flight of stairs leads upwards to another passenger cabin with an elevated observation deck.
Despite its elevated position and dedicated access, this lounge is actually for Economy Class passengers - I assumed it was for Business Class passengers and avoided heading on up here until I noticed the small signage above the stairs.
Just like the main deck downstairs, rows and rows of forward facing airline style seats dominate this area, again in a differing coloured upholstery.
At the forward end flanking a flight of steep stairs giving access to the vehicle decks and main cabin, one can ascend one of two stairwells giving access to the Observation Deck.
Views astern are obtained from the aft windows though I would suspect this is primarily to allow natural light to illuminate the cabin and stairwell as owing to their angle, only tall adults are able to view out of them.
Leading off this lounge, at the stern one will find the Business Class accommodation - a small private affair with an air of calmness.
Unlike the Economy Class cabins elsewhere, within Business Class one will find seats configured in groups of four and localised ceiling mounted TV monitors.
Super Runner Jet offers some exterior deck space at the aft end of the upper deck, accessed via the port & starboard emergency exits within the aft bar on the main deck and via the emergency exit of the Business Class Lounge.
Offering only two benches and a majority of the deck closed off owing to the central area being reserved for emergency helicopter winching should the need arise, passengers were appreciative of what space there was - especially me; drinking a cool beer whilst rocketing across the Aegean Sea was fun and made for some interesting Instagram posts:
Instagram, thebearded_blogger
A shaded area beneath a canopy between the twin funnels is a good place to stand if you do not appreciate the hot Aegean sun.
SeaJets have thoughtfully provided kennels under this canopy so, if you are travelling with your four legged friend you can reserve one of these - though most persons just brought their pet into the main accommodation downstairs.
In closing Super Runner Jet is a great craft!
She is in very good condition internally and if her speed and power have anything to show, she appears to be in great condition mechanically too - even though it's now twenty two years since she entered service.
There is no evident ware and tear on the internal fixtures and fittings nor any obvious rust or chipped paint externally - she is like new.
The seating in Economy Class is comfortable and although the counter service cafes were well patronised, queues disperse quickly.
The exterior deck, albeit small, was a real gem and standing up here whilst jetting across the Aegean Sea was a real highlight and memories will stay with me for a long time.
Here is A2B via Sea journey vlog - [virtually] come aboard.
For the ferry enthusiasts amongst you, Speed Runner Jet is the former Superseacat 4, the last of four very similar monohulled craft.
Here is an overview for you and perhaps a trip down memory lane.
Publicity material - click for larger view
Superseacat 1
Today, 2022, the former Superseacat 1 is known as Santa Irini located in Heraklion, Crete.
A2B via sea would like to thank Bram Provost for this excellent photo of her undertaking sea trials in 2022.
Superseacat 2
Today, 2022, she is known as Hellenic Highspeed located in Piraeus, Greece
Superseacat 3
Today, 2022, she is known as Speedrunner Jet presently in Drapetzona, Greece.
Superseacat 4
Today, she known she is the Super Runner Jet
