Cruise ferry Cruise Ausonia Grimaldi Lines
Cruise ferry Cruise Ausonia
âš“ The Cruise Ausonia is one of the most seasoned long-distance ferries in the western Mediterranean, operated by Grimaldi Lines. She covers the Barcelona–Civitavecchia (Rome) route, usually calling at Porto Torres (Sardinia), and offers a cruise-style crossing with a long pedigree on a line that links the Iberian Peninsula with Italy on a regular basis. As a cruise ferry, she combines carrying vehicles and passengers with a wide range of onboard services, which makes her a firm favourite with travellers who like the journey itself to be part of the trip.
The Cruise Ausonia was built at the Fincantieri shipyards in Ancona (Italy) and launched in 1978, going through a succession of refits and upgrades to keep her service standards up. Over her working life she has sailed under various names and owners before joining the Grimaldi Lines fleet, where she has become one of the most recognisable ships on the routes between Spain and Italy. Her long career has made her a byword for medium- and long-distance sea travel in the Mediterranean.
History and background of the ship
The Cruise Ausonia (IMO 9227429) was built in 2002 at the German Howaldtswerke-Deutsche Werft (HDW) yard in Kiel under the name Superfast XI for the Greek operator Superfast Ferries. For 16 years she ran ultra-fast international services between Ancona and Patras (Greece), moving seasonally to the islands of the Cyclades and the Dodecanese (Rhodes).
In 2018 she was bought by Grimaldi Lines and renamed Cruise Ausonia. After starting out on the Sardinian routes, the operator made her the backbone of its southern Italian network. She now works the busy overnight Naples–Palermo (Sicily) line as her fixed service, doubling sailings over the summer. She carries a modern exhaust gas cleaning system (scrubbers) that underpins Grimaldi's environmental commitments.
Full technical specifications
| Ship type | Cruise ferry (Ro-Pax) |
| Length overall | 161.5 m |
| Beam | 24.8 m |
| Draught | 6.3 m |
| Gross tonnage (GT) | 23,824 GT |
| Service speed | ~19 knots |
| Passenger capacity | ~1,600 people |
| Vehicle capacity | ~400 cars (or the equivalent in lane metres) |
| Propulsion | Conventional diesel engines |
| Passenger decks | Multiple |
| Shipyard | Fincantieri, Ancona (Italy) |
| Year built | 1978 |
| IMO number | 7389068 |
| Operating company | Grimaldi Lines |
Routes operated and indicative timetables
| Route | Approx. duration | Usual departure* |
|---|---|---|
| Barcelona → Civitavecchia (Rome) | ~20 h | ~19:00 |
| Civitavecchia (Rome) → Barcelona | ~20 h | ~19:00 |
| Barcelona → Porto Torres (Sardinia) | ~11 h | ~19:00 |
| Porto Torres (Sardinia) → Civitavecchia | ~9 h | ~07:00 |
* 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
The Cruise Ausonia arrives at the port of Civitavecchia, the main passenger port on the Lazio coast and the principal sea gateway to Rome. Civitavecchia lies about 80 km from Rome (roughly 1 hour by train or car). There are regular train services from the port to Roma Termini (the FL5 line), which makes it a very practical way of visiting the Italian capital without a car of your own.
If you are heading for central Rome, the best plan is to leave your car in Civitavecchia or park at the port facilities and take the train. The journey takes between 50 and 70 minutes and costs only a few euros. Bear in mind that driving into Rome's historic centre is heavily restricted by the ZTL (limited traffic zone).
If you arrive by ferry from Barcelona and your destination is another Italian city (Florence, Naples, Milan), the Italian high-speed rail network connects Civitavecchia with Roma Termini, from where you can continue your journey by high-speed train.
Fares, discounts and how to book
Prices on the Cruise Ausonia vary considerably with the season, the type of accommodation and whether you are travelling with a vehicle. A seat without a car can start from ~€45–60 each way in low season, while cabins and tickets that include a vehicle cost more. In July and August prices rise sharply, so it is worth booking as far ahead as you can.
Discounts and special conditions available with Grimaldi Lines:
- Early Booking fare: discounts for booking ahead, especially in high season (summer). The sooner you book, the better the price.
- Sardinian resident fare: if your origin or destination is Porto Torres and you are a resident of Sardinia, special fares may apply. Check availability when you book.
- Children: under-4s normally travel free and children aged 4 to 12 pay a reduced fare. Check the exact conditions when booking.
- Special vehicles: motorbikes, caravans and motorhomes have their own fares based on the length of the vehicle. You must state the type and dimensions when you book.
You can compare prices and real-time availability 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 privacy and a proper rest | Inside double cabin |
| As a family with children | Family cabin (4 berths) |
| Looking for sea views and more comfort | Outside cabin with window or porthole |
| Wanting maximum comfort and premium service | Suite or deluxe cabin (where available) |
| On a tight budget, overnight crossing | Economy seat / deck passage |
Cruise ferry Cruise Ausonia · Accommodations
Reclining seat · Standard
The cheapest option on the Cruise Ausonia. Reclining seats in a shared lounge, perfect for overnight crossings when saving money matters more than the comfort of a private cabin.
✓ Reclining seat
✓ Access to all the ship's public areas
✓ The most affordable option available
✓ Ideal for overnight crossings on a tight budget
Inside cabin · Private
A private cabin with no window to the outside. Available with 2 or 4 berths. It gives you privacy and a genuine night's rest on the overnight crossing at a lower price than an outside cabin.
✓ Private cabin with a lock
✓ Individual berths with bed linen
✓ Private bathroom with shower
✓ Individually controlled air conditioning
Outside cabin · With porthole or window
A private cabin with a porthole or window onto the sea. Ideal for anyone who wants to take in the Mediterranean from the comfort of their own cabin. Available with 2 or 4 berths.
✓ Porthole or window onto the sea
✓ Private cabin with a lock
✓ Berths with bed linen included
✓ Private bathroom with shower
✓ Individually controlled air conditioning
Family cabin · 4 berths
A cabin designed for families or groups of up to 4 people. It offers the best space-to-price ratio for group travel, with a private bathroom and access to every part of the ship.
✓ Up to 4 berths in a single cabin
✓ Private bathroom with shower
✓ Bed linen included
✓ Inside or outside option available
Cruise ferry Cruise Ausonia · On-board services
Restaurant and café on board
The Cruise Ausonia has a full-service restaurant and a café, where the main meals are served during the crossing. Italian food is one of the hallmarks of the Grimaldi Lines fleet, with menus that take in pasta, pizza and fresh Mediterranean dishes. On long crossings such as the Barcelona–Civitavecchia route, sitting down to a proper meal at a table is a key part of the experience on board.
Outside deck and rest areas
The Cruise Ausonia has an outside deck where passengers can enjoy the Mediterranean in the open air. It is the perfect spot for watching the coast as you leave Barcelona or as you arrive in Sardinia and Civitavecchia. The ship also has indoor rest areas on the passenger decks.
Travelling with a dog on board
Grimaldi Lines accepts pets on the Cruise Ausonia. Pets must travel in the areas set aside for them and their owners must present valid health documentation: an EU pet passport and an up-to-date rabies vaccination. You must book the pet place when you buy your ticket, as places are limited. We recommend contacting Grimaldi Lines to confirm the specific requirements that apply to your sailing under the rules in force.
Accessibility — passengers with reduced mobility
The Cruise Ausonia has facilities for passengers with reduced mobility, including accessible cabins and adapted access to the ship's main areas. We strongly recommend contacting Grimaldi Lines as far in advance as possible to confirm the availability of adapted places, request special assistance at boarding and disembarkation, and check that the cabin you have booked meets your particular needs.
Frequently asked questions about the Cruise Ausonia
Which routes does the Cruise Ausonia operate?
She mainly operates the Barcelona–Porto Torres (Sardinia)–Civitavecchia (Rome) line for Grimaldi Lines. Depending on the season she may work only part of this route.
How long does the Cruise Ausonia take from Barcelona to Rome (Civitavecchia)?
The full Barcelona–Civitavecchia crossing (calling at Porto Torres) takes roughly 20 hours. The Barcelona–Porto Torres leg is about 11 hours and Porto Torres–Civitavecchia a further 9 hours or so.
Does the Cruise Ausonia carry cars?
Yes. She has room for roughly 400 vehicles (or the equivalent in lane metres). She also takes vans, caravans and motorhomes. Always give the exact dimensions of your vehicle when booking. We recommend arriving at the port at least 2 hours beforehand if you are travelling with a vehicle.
What accommodation does the Cruise Ausonia offer?
Four types: reclining seat (the cheapest), inside cabin (private, no window, 2-4 berths), outside cabin (with a porthole or window, 2-4 berths) and family cabin (up to 4 berths). Every cabin has a private bathroom.
How do I get to Rome from Civitavecchia?
Civitavecchia is about 80 km from Rome. The easiest way is the regional train (the FL5 line), which links the port with Roma Termini in 50–70 minutes. It is cheap and frequent. If you have a car, bear in mind that central Rome has traffic restrictions (the ZTL).
Are pets allowed on the Cruise Ausonia?
Yes. You must present an EU pet passport and an up-to-date rabies vaccination. Pet places are limited and must be booked when you buy your ticket. Check the specific requirements with Grimaldi Lines before you travel.
Is she accessible for passengers with reduced mobility?
Yes, she has accessible cabins and adapted access. We recommend contacting Grimaldi Lines in advance to confirm the availability of adapted places and to request special assistance at boarding and disembarkation.
How much does it cost to travel on the Cruise Ausonia?
Seats without a car start at roughly €45–60 in low season. Cabins and tickets that include a vehicle cost more. In July and August prices rise sharply. Compare real-time prices here.
How early should I arrive at the port?
With a vehicle: at least 2 hours beforehand. As a foot passenger, 90 minutes is enough. In July and August we recommend allowing extra time. The Cruise Ausonia sails from the Port of Barcelona, well served by metro (L3) and taxi.
Is there a restaurant on board the Cruise Ausonia?
Yes. She has a full-service restaurant, a café and a bar. All the main meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) are served during the crossing. Italian-style cooking is one of the hallmarks of Grimaldi Lines.
Can I take a caravan or a motorhome?
Yes. The Cruise Ausonia accepts caravans, motorhomes and long vehicle-and-trailer combinations. The fare is worked out from the lane metres taken up by the whole outfit. Always give the exact dimensions (total length) when you book, so that you get the right price and a guaranteed space on the car deck.
What documents do I need to travel from Spain to Italy by ferry?
For EU citizens, a valid Spanish ID card (DNI) or passport is enough to travel from Spain to Italy, as both countries are in the Schengen area. If you are travelling with a vehicle, also bring your driving licence, the vehicle documents and your insurance. For pets, you need the EU pet passport with an up-to-date rabies vaccination.
