Ferry company
Joy Cruises
The Corfu - Paxos fast boats, listed as Joy Cruises and sailing as Ionian Blue Wave - boats, boarding, luggage, pets and fares
- Corfu - Paxos in 55 to 70 minutes, the fastest boats on the corridor
- The hydrofoil ferry Ninemia and the flying dolphin Ilida, several departures a day from May to October
- At the port 30 to 45 minutes before departure; one suitcase up to 20 kilos per passenger
About Joy Cruises
Table of Contents
About Joy Cruises
Joy Cruises is the name under which booking sites list the fast passenger boats between Corfu Town and Paxos. The boats behind the listing, the Ninemia and the Ilida, are the fleet of Ionian Blue Wave, the Corfu-based operator's own trading name: same boats, same route, same offices in Corfu and on Paxos whichever name your booking shows. The company runs Corfu - Paxos exclusively, through the main season from May to October, and describes its schedule as built for residents and visitors alike, with day-trip pairings of a morning departure and an afternoon return.
The boats
Two fast passenger vessels make up the fleet: the Ninemia, a hydrofoil ferry with indoor lounges and open deck space, and the Ilida, a flying dolphin. Depending on the boat the crossing takes 55 to 70 minutes, the fastest on the corridor; the timetable pairs the two through the day. Both carry passengers and hand luggage only, no vehicles, and both have seating inside with a bar service on board.
Routes from this site
Corfu - Paxos is the only route: about 14 nautical miles from the port of Corfu Town to Gaios on Paxos, with several departures a day in season and, in high summer, extra departures on the busiest weekdays. The company also names departure points beyond Corfu Town, such as Gouvia Marina, in its excursion programme. The current departures are in the timetable.
Check-in, luggage and pets
The operator recommends being at the port 30 to 45 minutes before departure. Each passenger may bring one suitcase of up to 20 kilos; additional pieces are charged according to size, and luggage stays with the passenger for the crossing. Pets are allowed: dogs over 10 kilos travel in a designated area of the boat, dogs under 10 kilos may stay with the owner in a carrier, every dog wears a muzzle, and animals are not admitted to the indoor areas or allowed to roam the deck.
Tickets
Fares are per passenger, with children up to four travelling free and children from four to ten at half fare; tickets are booked online and confirmed by email with a payment receipt. Cancellations are refunded in full more than a week before departure, at 75 per cent up to a week before and at 50 per cent up to three days before; within 24 hours or after a no-show there is no refund, and a change of date is not refundable.
FAQ Joy Cruises
Frequently asked questions
Questions and answers about Joy Cruises, now Ionian Blue Wave, and its Corfu - Paxos boats.
Which route does Joy Cruises sail? +
One route only: Corfu - Paxos, from the port of Corfu Town to Gaios, in 55 to 70 minutes depending on the boat, with several departures a day in the season from May to October. Day trips are built into the timetable, with morning departures out and afternoon boats back. The departures are in the timetable.
Is Joy Cruises the same company as Ionian Blue Wave? +
Yes. The boats listed under the Joy Cruises name on booking sites, the Ninemia and the Ilida, are the fleet of Ionian Blue Wave, the Corfu-based operator's own trading name. The route, the boats and the offices in Corfu and on Paxos are the same whichever name your booking shows.
Which boats sail to Paxos? +
Two fast passenger vessels: the hydrofoil ferry Ninemia and the flying dolphin Ilida, both with indoor seating and, on the Ninemia, open deck space. They carry passengers and hand luggage only, no vehicles.
When do I have to be at the port? +
The operator recommends arriving at the port 30 to 45 minutes before departure for a smooth boarding. The booking confirmation with the ticket details arrives by email; check the spam folder if it is missing and contact the company before travelling.
Can I take luggage and pets? +
Each passenger may bring one suitcase of up to 20 kilos; further pieces are charged by size. Pets are allowed: dogs over 10 kilos travel in a designated area of the boat, dogs under 10 kilos may stay with the owner in a carrier, all dogs wear a muzzle, and pets are not allowed in the indoor areas or loose on deck.
How do fares and cancellation work? +
Fares are per passenger; children up to four travel free and children from four to ten pay half. Cancellations are refunded in full more than a week before departure, at 75 per cent up to a week before and at 50 per cent up to three days before; within 24 hours or after a no-show there is no refund, and a date change is not refundable.