Cruise ferry Cruise Barcelona Grimaldi Lines
Cruise ferry Cruise Barcelona
âš“ The Cruise Barcelona is one of the best-equipped cruise ferries in the western Mediterranean, operated by Grimaldi Lines. She covers the Barcelona–Civitavecchia (Rome) route and the links with Sardinia (Porto Torres), offering a genuinely cruise-level experience on board with cabins, restaurants, an indoor pool and entertainment areas for the whole family. Her large passenger and vehicle capacity makes her one of the favourite choices for anyone travelling from Spain to Italy by road and sea.
The Cruise Barcelona belongs to the Grimaldi Lines family of superferries, run by the Italian company based in Naples that ranks among the most important ferry owners in the Mediterranean. The ship was built at the Fincantieri shipyards in Italy and has sailed under different names during her career before settling permanently on the Grimaldi Lines Barcelona–Italy service. Her name is a direct nod to the Spanish city she sets out from on every voyage to Italy.
History and background of the ship
The Cruise Barcelona (IMO 9351505) was built in 2008 at the Fincantieri yard in Castellammare di Stabia (Naples). Since her maiden voyage she has worked without interruption on the celebrated "Motorway of the Sea" that links the Port of Barcelona daily with Porto Torres (Sardinia) and Civitavecchia (Rome) — a classic among Spanish passengers and a logistics artery of the highest strategic importance.
In 2019 she underwent a multi-million-euro jumboisation at the Palermo shipyards: a 29-metre midsection was inserted, taking her length overall to 254 metres. The same refit fitted her with a huge bank of lithium batteries to achieve zero emissions in port, along with advanced exhaust gas scrubbers, making her one of the most sustainable ferries in the western Mediterranean.
Full technical specifications
| Ship type | Passenger and vehicle ferry (Ro-Pax) |
| Length overall | 211 m |
| Beam | 30.4 m |
| Gross tonnage (GT) | 37,723 GT |
| Service speed | ~23 knots |
| Passenger capacity | 2,800 people |
| Vehicle capacity | 700 cars (approx.) |
| Decks | 10 decks |
| Propulsion | Diesel engines |
| Shipyard | Fincantieri (Italy) |
| IMO number | 9228055 |
| Flag | Italy |
| Ferry operator | Grimaldi Lines |
Routes operated and indicative timetables
| Route | Duration | Usual departure* |
|---|---|---|
| Barcelona → Civitavecchia (Rome) | ~20 h | ~19:00 |
| Civitavecchia (Rome) → Barcelona | ~20 h | ~19:00 |
| Barcelona → Porto Torres (Sardinia) | ~12 h | ~19:00 |
| Porto Torres (Sardinia) → Barcelona | ~12 h | On request |
* Indicative timetables, subject to season and availability. Confirm the exact departure time in our search engine.
The port of Civitavecchia: the gateway to Rome
The Cruise Barcelona works out of the Port of Civitavecchia, the main port in the Lazio region and the most direct sea link to Rome. Civitavecchia lies about 80 km from Rome (roughly 1 hour on the Regionale local train or by car on the A12 motorway). The train from Civitavecchia station to Roma Termini takes about 55–70 minutes, and services run frequently throughout the day.
If you are driving, the A12 motorway connects the port directly with Rome's ring road, the Grande Raccordo Anulare (GRA). We recommend arriving at the port at least 2 hours before departure if you have a vehicle, and 1 hour as a foot passenger. In high season (July and August) it is worth allowing extra time.
Fares, discounts and how to book
A standard seat on the Barcelona–Civitavecchia route starts at roughly €50–80 per person in low season, though over the summer prices can go beyond €120 each way. Cabins cost extra and we strongly recommend booking them in advance, especially for overnight crossings.
Discounts and special fares available:
- Sardinian resident fare: a discount on routes calling at or connecting with the island, for residents who can prove their status.
- Children's fare: under-4s travel free; children aged 4 to 12 pay a reduced fare. Check the exact conditions when you book.
- Senior fare: discounts for travellers over 60 in certain seasons. Check availability.
- Early Booking offers: Grimaldi Lines offers discounts for booking ahead, especially for the summer season.
- Comfort boarding (Economy): cheaper seat-only fares without a cabin, ideal for travellers happy to rest in a reclining seat.
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 cabin for 2 people |
| As a family with children | Inside or outside cabin for 4 people |
| Looking for sea views and more comfort | Outside cabin with window or porthole |
| Wanting maximum comfort and space | Suite or Premium cabin |
| With a pet | Pet-Friendly cabin (booking essential) |
Cruise ferry Cruise Barcelona · Accommodations
Reclining seat · Standard
The cheapest way to cross the Mediterranean. Reclining seats in a shared lounge, perfect for travellers who want to save money and make the most of the ship's public spaces during the overnight crossing.
✓ Reclining seat with headrest
✓ Access to all areas of the ship
✓ Access to the restaurant and café
✓ Access to the indoor pool and outside deck
Inside cabin · 2 or 4 people
A cabin without a window, ideal if rest and price matter most. It has berths, a private bathroom and air conditioning. The best option for families or groups who want privacy without paying extra for a sea view.
✓ Berths (2 or 4)
✓ Private bathroom with shower
✓ Air conditioning
✓ Wardrobe and storage
✓ Access to all areas of the ship
Outside cabin · With window or porthole
The same as the inside cabin but with a window or porthole onto the sea. Ideal for anyone who wants to enjoy the views during the crossing and rest with natural light. Available with 2 or 4 berths.
✓ Window or porthole with sea views
✓ Berths (2 or 4)
✓ Private bathroom with shower
✓ Air conditioning
✓ Natural light during the day
Suite · Premium
The most comfortable and spacious accommodation on the Cruise Barcelona. A suite with a double bed, a full bathroom, a sitting area and sea views. Designed for couples or travellers who want the closest thing to a luxury cruise.
✓ Double bed
✓ Full bathroom with bath or shower
✓ Sitting area with a sofa
✓ Sea views
✓ More space and privacy on board
Pet-Friendly cabin · With a pet
A cabin fitted out so that your pet can travel with you. On the Cruise Barcelona, pets must stay in the Pet-Friendly cabin or in the designated animal area on deck. You must book this place when you buy your ticket.
✓ Cabin adapted for pets
✓ Walking area on deck
✓ Water and ventilation provided
✓ Booking essential when you buy your ticket
Cruise ferry Cruise Barcelona · On-board services
Restaurant, café and food on board
The Cruise Barcelona has a full food offering designed for long crossings. The main restaurant serves a set menu and an à la carte selection of Mediterranean and Italian dishes. The self-service café is open throughout the voyage with hot dishes, sandwiches, salads and pastries. The ship also has a bar and a snack area for a bite at any point in the crossing.
Indoor pool
One of the Cruise Barcelona's standout features is her indoor pool, a luxury rarely found on ferries in the western Mediterranean. Open to every passenger, it lets you enjoy a relaxing swim during the crossing whatever the weather outside.
Outside deck and rest areas
The Cruise Barcelona has generous outside decks where you can enjoy the Mediterranean in the open air during the crossing. The seating areas on deck are a fine place to relax with a sea view, particularly in the middle of the day as the ship sails between Spain and Italy.
Entertainment on board
Over the roughly 20 hours of the crossing, the Cruise Barcelona offers several ways to pass the time: games lounges, a shopping area and rest areas. The ship is designed so that the voyage itself becomes part of the holiday.
Travelling with a dog on board
The Cruise Barcelona accepts pets on board in the Pet-Friendly cabins fitted out for them. Pets must stay in the cabin or in the designated outdoor area on deck throughout the crossing. You must say so when you book and pay for the corresponding pet place.
Accessibility — passengers with reduced mobility
The Cruise Barcelona has lifts between decks and is adapted for passengers with reduced mobility. We recommend flagging any special requirements when you book, so that the most suitable accommodation can be allocated and boarding and disembarkation made easier.
Frequently asked questions about the Cruise Barcelona
Which routes does the Cruise Barcelona ferry operate?
She operates the Barcelona–Civitavecchia (Rome) and Barcelona–Porto Torres (Sardinia) routes for Grimaldi Lines. The main route to Rome takes roughly 20 hours.
How long does the Cruise Barcelona take from Barcelona to Rome?
The Barcelona–Civitavecchia crossing takes roughly 20 hours. The ship usually leaves in the afternoon and arrives the following morning. From Civitavecchia, Rome is about 80 km away (1 hour by train or car).
Does the Cruise Barcelona arrive directly in Rome?
No. The destination port is Civitavecchia, 80 km from Rome. You can reach Rome by local train (55–70 minutes to Roma Termini) or by car on the A12 motorway.
Does the Cruise Barcelona carry cars?
Yes. She has room for roughly 700 vehicles on her car decks. If you are travelling by car, arrive at the port at least 2 hours beforehand. In high season, allow extra time.
What accommodation does the Cruise Barcelona offer?
She offers a reclining seat (standard), an inside cabin (2 or 4 berths), an outside cabin with a window or porthole (2 or 4 berths), a Premium suite and a Pet-Friendly cabin for travellers with pets.
Is there a swimming pool on the Cruise Barcelona?
Yes. The Cruise Barcelona has an indoor pool, open to every passenger. It is one of the ship's most distinctive features and a rare thing on scheduled ferries in the western Mediterranean.
Are pets allowed on the Cruise Barcelona?
Yes. The Cruise Barcelona accepts pets in Pet-Friendly cabins. You must book the pet place when you buy your ticket. Pets need the right veterinary documentation for international travel (Spain–Italy).
Is the Cruise Barcelona accessible for passengers with reduced mobility?
Yes. She has lifts between decks and is adapted for passengers with reduced mobility. We recommend flagging any special requirements when you book.
How much does it cost to travel on the Cruise Barcelona from Barcelona to Rome?
Standard seat prices start at roughly €50–80 per person each way in low season. Over the summer they can exceed €120. Cabins cost extra. Compare real-time prices here.
Are there discounts for children on the Cruise Barcelona?
Yes. Under-4s travel free. Children aged 4 to 12 pay a reduced fare. The exact conditions can change from season to season, so check when you book.
How early should I arrive at the port to board?
By car: at least 2 hours before departure. As a foot passenger, 1 hour is enough. In July and August we recommend allowing extra time in both cases.
Is there a restaurant on board the Cruise Barcelona?
Yes. She has a restaurant with a set menu and an à la carte selection, a self-service café with hot and cold options, and a bar. One of the most complete food offerings among the ferries on the Barcelona–Italy route.
Does the Cruise Barcelona call at Sardinia?
Depending on the schedule, the Cruise Barcelona may run with a call at Porto Torres (Sardinia) or sail there direct. Check the exact itinerary in the search engine when you book.
Is the Barcelona–Rome ferry worth it instead of flying?
If you are travelling with a car, as a family or with pets, the ferry is the better option: you arrive at your destination with your vehicle, with no baggage limits, at a competitive price and with the experience of a cruise crossing. If you are travelling alone and speed is what matters, a flight may be quicker, but it includes none of these things and no way of bringing a car.
