ferry Catania Grimaldi Lines
ferry Catania
âš“ The Catania is one of the large ferries in the Grimaldi Lines fleet, built to link the western Mediterranean with Italy's main ports. She works long-distance routes between Spain and Italy, and is one of the most complete ways of travelling around the Mediterranean with your own vehicle without having to drive through France. Alongside her generous passenger and vehicle capacity, the Catania stands out for the range of accommodation she offers — from reclining seats to cabins with a private bathroom — and for the onboard services available during her long crossings.
The ship was built at the Fincantieri shipyards in Italy and has sailed under several names and operators during her working life before joining the Grimaldi Lines fleet. Her name is a tribute to Catania, the second-largest city in Sicily, on the eastern side of the island at the foot of Mount Etna. The city is one of the great Sicilian ports of the Mediterranean and a landmark in the history of Italian seafaring.
History and background of the ship
The Catania (IMO 9261554) was built in 2003 at the Cantiere Navale Visentini yard in Porto Viro (Italy), commissioned directly by the Grimaldi shipowning group. Unlike other vessels in the fleet, she has spent her entire working life with the company and has become an essential part of the Mediterranean's "Motorways of the Sea". She has rotated regularly through heavy freight and passenger services linking Salerno, Catania (Sicily) and Malta, also running international sailings to North Africa and supporting the Balearic Islands services under the Trasmed subsidiary.
With 2,250 lane metres for lorries, the Catania is first and foremost a high-capacity logistics vessel. Her current routes include the Civitavecchia–Palermo corridor and the scheduled services to Sicily, rounded off by seasonal cover in the western Mediterranean.
Full technical specifications
| Ship type | Ro-pax ferry (passengers and vehicles) |
| Length overall | 186 m |
| Beam | 26 m |
| Service speed | ~21 knots |
| Passenger capacity | ~1,600 people |
| Vehicle capacity | ~700 cars |
| Propulsion | Conventional diesel |
| Accommodation | Seats, inside cabins, outside cabins with porthole |
| Shipyard | Fincantieri (Italy) |
| Current operator | Grimaldi Lines |
| IMO number | 9232527 |
| Flag | Italy |
Routes operated and indicative timetables
| Route | Duration | Usual departure* |
|---|---|---|
| Civitavecchia (Rome) → Barcelona | ~19 h 30 min | ~17:00 |
| Barcelona → Civitavecchia (Rome) | ~19 h 30 min | ~18:00 |
| Civitavecchia → Porto Torres → Barcelona | ~25 h | Variable |
| Barcelona → Porto Torres (Sardinia) | ~11 h | ~18:00 |
* Indicative timetables, subject to season and availability. Confirm the exact departure time in our search engine.
The port of Civitavecchia: Rome's gateway to the sea
Civitavecchia is Rome's main port, about 70 km north-west of the Italian capital. There is a direct train from Roma Termini station that takes roughly 1 hour 15 minutes (Trenitalia or Italo). Direct coaches also run from the city. If you drive from Rome, the A12 takes around 50 minutes when the traffic is clear.
We recommend arriving at the port at least 2 hours before departure if you are travelling with a vehicle, and 1 hour if you are a foot passenger. In high season (July and August) the entry checks often build up queues, so it is worth allowing extra time.
Fares, discounts and how to book
A reclining seat on the Catania for the Barcelona–Civitavecchia route starts at roughly €50–70 each way in low season, and can go above €120 in high season. Cabins carry a supplement that varies with the category and the number of occupants.
Available discounts:
- Children: under-4s travel free; children aged 4 to 12 usually pay a reduced fare, in line with the Grimaldi Lines policy in force.
- Groups: Grimaldi Lines offers discounts for groups of more than 10 passengers. Check directly with the operator or in our search engine.
- Sardinian residents: on routes calling at Porto Torres, residents of Sardinia may qualify for specific discounts under current Italian rules.
- Early booking: the sooner you book, the better the fare, especially over the summer.
You can compare prices and real-time availability directly on I Love Ferry.
Which accommodation should you choose for your trip?
| If you are travelling... | Recommended accommodation |
|---|---|
| Alone or as a couple, looking for the best price | Reclining seat |
| As a couple, wanting a proper night's sleep | Inside cabin (2 berths) |
| As a family with children | 4-berth inside cabin |
| Looking for sea views and natural light | Outside cabin with porthole |
| Wanting maximum comfort and privacy | Deluxe cabin / suite |
| With a pet | Pet-friendly cabin (check availability) |
ferry Catania · Accommodations
Reclining seat · Standard
The cheapest option on board. Reclining seats in a shared lounge, with access to every part of the ship. Ideal for overnight sailings if you want the lowest fare, or for travellers who prefer to move freely around the vessel.
✓ Reclining seat with headrest
✓ Access to the café and restaurant
✓ Access to all areas of the ship
✓ The lowest fare available
Inside cabin · 2 or 4 berths
A cabin without a window on an inner deck. Available with 2 or 4 berths and its own bathroom. The option we recommend most for overnight sailings if you want a good rest at a sensible price.
✓ Individual berths with bed linen
✓ Private bathroom with shower
✓ Individually controlled air conditioning
✓ Security lock
Outside cabin · With porthole
A cabin with a porthole or window onto the sea, for natural light and views. Available with 2 or 4 berths. Recommended for anyone who wants to combine comfort with a view during the crossing.
✓ Porthole or window with sea views
✓ Berths with bed linen included
✓ Private bathroom with shower
✓ Individually controlled air conditioning
Deluxe cabin · Suite
The most comfortable accommodation on the Catania. A spacious cabin with a double bed or twin beds, a larger outside window, a full bathroom and higher-quality finishes. Ideal for couples or for anyone looking for maximum comfort on a long crossing.
✓ Double bed or twin beds
✓ Larger outside window
✓ Full bathroom with shower
✓ Higher-quality finishes and fittings
✓ Individually controlled air conditioning
ferry Catania · On-board services
Restaurant and café
The Catania has a self-service restaurant and a café with a wide choice of hot dishes, salads, sandwiches, desserts and drinks. On sailings that cover breakfast, lunch or dinner time, the restaurant serves a full menu. During the small hours the service is reduced to the café and a basic selection. It is one of the advantages of a long-distance ferry over other ways of travelling: you can sit down to eat with a view of the sea.
Outside deck and rest areas
The Catania has an outside deck aft where passengers can take the fresh air and enjoy the views over the Mediterranean during the crossing. There are also rest areas on the inner decks with free seating for anyone who has not booked an allocated seat or simply wants a change of scene.
Travelling with a dog on board
Accessibility — passengers with reduced mobility
The Catania has lifts between decks and adapted entrances to help passengers with a disability or reduced mobility move around. If you need special assistance — whether boarding or on board — it is best to tell Grimaldi Lines when you book, since the ports of Barcelona and Civitavecchia both run assistance services for passengers with reduced mobility that have to be arranged in advance.
Sustainability and the environment
Grimaldi Lines is part of the Grimaldi Group, one of Europe's largest shipping operators, which has taken on progressive commitments to cut emissions across its fleet. Although the Catania runs on conventional diesel propulsion, the operator applies operational measures to reduce fuel consumption, such as managing speed according to the weather and optimising routes.
Under the Grimaldi Group's Green Shipping Programme, the newest ships in the fleet have LNG propulsion and OPS (Onshore Power Supply) systems that let them plug into the electricity grid in port. As a vessel of an earlier generation, the Catania does not have these technologies, but she operates within the emissions standards set by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), including the 0.1% sulphur limit in European waters (the western Mediterranean SECA zone).
Frequently asked questions about the Catania ferry
Which routes does the Catania ferry operate for Grimaldi Lines?
She mainly operates the Barcelona–Civitavecchia (Rome) route, with a possible call at Porto Torres (Sardinia) depending on the itinerary. It is one of the most direct ferry links between Spain and Italy across the western Mediterranean.
How long does the Catania take from Barcelona to Rome?
The Barcelona–Civitavecchia crossing takes roughly 19 hours and 30 minutes. Itineraries calling at Porto Torres can run beyond 25 hours. Exact times vary with the season and the particular itinerary.
Does the Catania carry cars and other vehicles?
Yes. She has car decks for roughly 700 vehicles. If you are travelling by car, arrive at the port at least 2 hours beforehand. In high season it is worth allowing more.
What accommodation does the Catania offer?
Four types: reclining seat (the cheapest), inside cabin (2 or 4 berths with a bathroom), outside cabin with porthole (sea views) and deluxe cabin / suite (maximum comfort, double bed). For overnight sailings we recommend booking a cabin.
How much does a ticket on the Catania cost?
A seat on the Barcelona–Civitavecchia route starts at an indicative €50–70 in low season. Cabins carry a supplement depending on the category. In July and August prices can exceed €120 for a seat alone. Check real-time prices here.
How do you get to the port of Civitavecchia from Rome?
There is a direct train from Roma Termini (Trenitalia) to Civitavecchia in about 75 minutes. By car, the A12 takes around 50 minutes when the traffic is clear. Arrive at the port at least 2 hours beforehand if you have a vehicle.
Are pets allowed on the Catania?
Yes. Pets travel in the designated area on the car deck or in a pet-friendly cabin (check availability). You must present a vaccination record and the microchip certificate. Always declare your animal when you book.
Is the Catania accessible for passengers with reduced mobility?
Yes. She has lifts between decks and adapted entrances. If you need special assistance, tell Grimaldi Lines when you book so that help can be arranged in port and on board.
Is there a restaurant and a café on board the Catania?
Yes. She has a self-service restaurant and a café serving hot dishes, sandwiches, drinks and a set menu. During the small hours the service is reduced to a basic café. Opening times vary with the stage of the crossing.
Is there WiFi on board the Catania?
The Catania has WiFi on board, although speed and coverage can vary depending on her position in the Mediterranean. The connection may be chargeable, or free with certain limits, depending on the season. Check the conditions at the time of your crossing.
Does the Catania call at Porto Torres (Sardinia)?
Yes, on some itineraries. Certain sailings call at Porto Torres between Barcelona and Civitavecchia, extending the crossing to roughly 25 hours. You can board or disembark at Porto Torres if Sardinia is your destination. Check the exact itineraries here.
Are there any discounts on the Catania?
Yes. Children under 4 travel free. Ages 4 to 12 pay a reduced fare. There are discounts for groups of more than 10 passengers and for early bookings. On routes calling at Sardinia, residents of the island may qualify for specific discounts under Italian rules.
How early should I arrive at the port to board the Catania?
With a vehicle: at least 2 hours beforehand at either port (Barcelona or Civitavecchia). As a foot passenger, 1 hour is generally enough. In July and August we recommend allowing extra time for the usual queues at the entry checks.
