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Nissos Samos

Large car ferry, originally built for Japanese domestic service · operated by Hellenic Seaways

Passengers2,213
Vehicles750 cars
Cabins108
Service speed20.5 kn

A big, roomy ship with an unusual back-story - built for Japan's Honshu-Hokkaido run in the 1980s, it crossed the world and three names before settling into Greek island service as the Nissos Samos.

Previously sailed as Ionian Queen, Ionian Glory and New Akashia.

On board the Nissos Samos

  • Bar
  • À la carte restaurantnot on board
  • Self-service restaurant
  • Snack bar / café
  • Shop
  • Wi-Fi
  • Outside deck
  • Lift
  • Pets allowed
  • Pet cabins

Where you can sit

  • Deck seatsOutdoor seating, unreserved
  • AirseatsAirline-type reserved seatsreserved
  • CabinInside and outside cabins; disabled-accessible cabins availablereserved

Where is the Nissos Samos now?

Looking for her latest AIS position…

Positions by AIS from the University of the Aegean’s Aegean network. Coastline © OpenStreetMap contributors. Live positions are indicative and are not a navigational aid.

Specifications

Built1988
BuilderIshikawajima-Harima Heavy Industries (IHI), Kure
Built inJapan
Length192.91 m
Beam29.4 m
Draught6.74 m
Gross tonnage30,435
Service speed20.5 knots
Top speed22 knots

Where the Nissos Samos sails

Scheduled crossings over the next 14 days, busiest first.

and 10 more crossings over the same period.

Usually works Piraeus–Chios–Psara–Inousses (reported; not independently verified against a live schedule).

  • One of the largest and oldest conventional ferries still sailing in Hellenic Seaways colours - expect a stable, spacious ride rather than a fast one.
  • Cabins are available for longer overnight-length routes.
Book your ferry tickets here

Frequently asked questions

What is the Nissos Samos like?

A big, roomy ship with an unusual back-story - built for Japan's Honshu-Hokkaido run in the 1980s, it crossed the world and three names before settling into Greek island service as the Nissos Samos. She is a conventional ferry built in 1988.

Who operates the Nissos Samos?

The Nissos Samos is operated by Hellenic Seaways, part of Attica Group.

Does the Nissos Samos carry cars?

Yes. The Nissos Samos is a vehicle ferry and carries up to 750 cars as well as foot passengers.

Does the Nissos Samos have cabins?

Yes. She has 108 cabins with 380 berths in total, which are booked as a seat class of their own.

How fast is the Nissos Samos?

She works at a service speed of 20.5 knots, with a top speed of 22 knots.

Does the Nissos Samos have Wi-Fi?

Yes, the Nissos Samos carries Wi-Fi aboard.

Which routes does the Nissos Samos sail?

Over the next 14 days the Nissos Samos is scheduled on Chios to Mytilini, Chios to Piraeus, Mytilini to Chios and Mytilini to Piraeus, among 34 crossings in all.

Vessel details as published by the operators and cross-checked against maritime registers. Schedules from the current timetable. Updated 26 August 2026.