Cruise ferry Cruise Bonaria Grimaldi Lines
Cruise ferry Cruise Bonaria
âš“ The Cruise Bonaria is one of the big passenger ferries in the Grimaldi Lines fleet, built for long-distance routes across the western Mediterranean with a combination of high passenger and ro-ro freight capacity. She mainly works the Barcelona–Porto Torres–Cagliari and Barcelona–Civitavecchia (the port of Rome) routes, linking the Iberian Peninsula with Sardinia and Italy on comfortable, well-appointed overnight crossings. With room for more than 3,000 passengers and a broad range of accommodation running from a standard seat to a four-berth cabin, the Cruise Bonaria is designed for travellers who want to cross the Mediterranean with their vehicle without giving up comfort.
The ship was built at the Fincantieri shipyards in Castellammare di Stabia (Italy) and entered service in 2009. She belongs to the Grimaldi Lines "Cruise" series, a family of large passenger ferries that defines the operator's premium image on its Mediterranean routes. Her name refers to Bonaria, the historic quarter of Cagliari (Sardinia) and home to the famous shrine of Our Lady of Bonaria, patron saint of Sardinia and of Sardinian seafarers.
The Cruise Bonaria stands out within the Grimaldi fleet for her bulky passenger superstructure, her generous outside decks and a range of onboard services on a par with a small cruise ship: a full-service restaurant, a self-service, a bar, a shop, a nightclub, a games area and a pool. She is one of the most complete ways of travelling by ferry between Spain and Italy.
History and background of the ship
The Cruise Bonaria (IMO 9204063) was built in 2000 at the Fincantieri yard in Sestri Ponente (Genoa) under the name Knossos Palace for the Greek operator Minoan Lines. For exactly two decades she was one of the best-loved ships in Piraeus, working the high-speed route between Athens and Heraklion (Crete) as her fixed service.
In November 2020, as part of a strategic exchange of ships within the group, she passed to Grimaldi Lines and was renamed Cruise Bonaria. She was first assigned to the Adriatic on the Ancona–Patras route. She now works as an all-rounder on the Italian island services, regularly covering the busy route between Civitavecchia (Rome) and Olbia (Sardinia).
Full technical specifications
| Ship type | Passenger and ro-ro freight ferry (Ro-Pax) |
| Length overall | 225 m |
| Beam | 30.40 m |
| Draught | 6.80 m |
| Gross tonnage (GT) | 54,177 GT |
| Service speed | ~23 knots |
| Passenger capacity | 3,022 people |
| Vehicle capacity | ~700 cars (or the freight equivalent) |
| Propulsion | 4 Wärtsilä diesel engines |
| Passenger decks | 6 |
| Shipyard | Fincantieri – Castellammare di Stabia (Italy) |
| Year built | 2009 |
| Flag | Italy |
| IMO number | 9398099 |
| Classification | RINA |
Routes operated and indicative timetables
| Route | Duration | Usual departure* |
|---|---|---|
| Barcelona → Civitavecchia (Rome) | ~19 h 30 min | ~18:00 |
| Civitavecchia (Rome) → Barcelona | ~19 h 30 min | ~18:00 |
| Barcelona → Porto Torres (Sardinia) | ~12 h | ~20:00 |
| Porto Torres (Sardinia) → Barcelona | ~12 h | ~19:00 |
| Civitavecchia → Cagliari (Sardinia) | ~14 h | ~21:00 |
| Cagliari (Sardinia) → Civitavecchia | ~14 h | ~19:00 |
* Indicative timetables, subject to season and availability. Confirm the exact departure time in our search engine.
The port of Civitavecchia: how to get to Rome
The Cruise Bonaria works out of the Port of Civitavecchia, the main passenger port in the Lazio region and the easiest way into Rome from the sea. Civitavecchia is 80 km from Rome, roughly 1 hour by train from the port's main station (Civitavecchia FS), with frequent services to Roma Termini.
If you arrive by car, the A12 motorway links Civitavecchia with Rome in about 60-70 minutes. It is one of the most practical combinations in the Mediterranean for travelling from Barcelona to Rome by ferry with your own vehicle, skipping the plane and enjoying a night on board in a cabin.
As for the port of Porto Torres (Sardinia), it sits on the north of the island, about 35 km from Sassari and well connected with the rest of Sardinia by road. Cagliari, the island's capital, is around 200 km to the south on the SS131.
Fares, discounts and how to book
A standard seat on the Cruise Bonaria starts at roughly €50–70 per person each way in low season (without a vehicle). Inside cabins for two usually run between €120 and €200 each way in mid season, depending on the route and how far ahead you book. In July and August prices rise considerably, so it is worth booking months in advance.
Discounts and special fares available:
- Sardinian residents: a discount on routes to and from Sardinia covered by public service obligations. Check availability when you book.
- Children: a reduced fare for under-18s. Young children usually travel at a heavily reduced price or free when accompanied by adults. Check the age bands on the Grimaldi Lines website.
- Grimaldi Lines Web fare: an exclusive discount for booking directly on the official website or through authorised agents. Prices can be appreciably lower if you book far enough ahead.
- Special vehicles: motorbikes, caravans and motorhomes have their own fares based on the length and height of the vehicle.
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 | Standard seat |
| As a couple, wanting comfort and privacy | Inside double cabin |
| As a family with children | Inside four-berth cabin |
| Looking for sea views and natural light | Outside double cabin |
| Wanting maximum comfort and space | Suite or deluxe cabin |
| On a tight budget on a short crossing | Standard or Pullman seat |
Cruise ferry Cruise Bonaria · Accommodations
Standard seat
The cheapest way to cross the Mediterranean. Reclining seats in a shared lounge with access to all the ship's services. Ideal for travellers who put price first on overnight or medium-length crossings.
✓ Reclining seat with headrest
✓ Access to all the ship's public areas
✓ Restaurant and café available
✓ TV in the public areas
Inside cabin · 2 and 4 berths
Private cabins with no window to the outside, available in double or four-berth layouts. Perfect for families or groups who want privacy and a full night's rest on the overnight crossing without stretching the budget.
✓ Private cabin with a key
✓ Bunks or single beds
✓ Private bathroom with shower
✓ Individually controlled air conditioning
✓ Access to all areas of the ship
Outside cabin · With window or porthole
Private cabins with a window or porthole onto the sea, available as doubles. The best comfort-to-price ratio for anyone who wants natural light and Mediterranean views during the crossing.
✓ Window or porthole onto the sea
✓ Private cabin with a key
✓ Private bathroom with shower
✓ Individually controlled air conditioning
✓ Access to all areas of the ship
Suite · Maximum comfort
The most exclusive accommodation on the Cruise Bonaria. Spacious suites with a separate sitting area, panoramic windows and premium service on board. The ideal choice for anyone who wants the closest thing to a cruise on a Mediterranean ferry.
✓ Sitting area separate from the bedroom
✓ Panoramic windows onto the sea
✓ Full private bathroom
✓ TV and minibar
✓ The most privacy and space on board
Cruise ferry Cruise Bonaria · On-board services
Restaurant and self-service
The Cruise Bonaria has two main places to eat: a full-service restaurant with an à la carte menu — where Italian cooking takes the lead — and a large self-service area with hot dishes, salads, desserts and drinks. Both run to set opening times tied to the stages of the crossing. On top of that, the bar and café stay open for most of the voyage.
Outside deck and pool
One of the Cruise Bonaria's most appreciated features is her outside deck with a pool. Few Mediterranean ferry routes let you take a dip while you sail. The deck also has a sun-lounger area and an outdoor bar service, which makes the crossing far more enjoyable, especially on daytime summer sailings or on the run into port at dawn.
Shop and duty-free
The Cruise Bonaria has an onboard shop selling perfume, cosmetics, accessories, souvenirs and local Italian and Sardinian produce. As this is an international route, part of the range is subject to the duty-free rules between Spain and Italy (both are in the EU, so the benefits that apply to non-EU routes do not apply here).
Nightclub and evening entertainment
For those on the evening sailings, the Cruise Bonaria has a nightclub on board with live music or a DJ on certain dates, especially in high season. She is one of the few ferries in the western Mediterranean that still keeps this kind of evening entertainment going, adding a bit of fun to the crossing.
Children's area
Travelling with a dog on board
Accessibility — passengers with reduced mobility
The Cruise Bonaria has lifts between decks, adapted corridors and dedicated cabins for passengers with reduced mobility, fitted with an adapted bathroom and enough room for a wheelchair. We recommend telling Grimaldi Lines about any special requirements when you book, so that the right cabin is allocated and the assistance you need is arranged for boarding and disembarkation.
Frequently asked questions about the Cruise Bonaria
Which routes does the Cruise Bonaria ferry operate?
She mainly operates the Barcelona–Civitavecchia (Rome), Barcelona–Porto Torres (Sardinia) and Civitavecchia–Cagliari (Sardinia) routes for Grimaldi Lines. The exact routes and frequencies vary with the season.
How long does the Cruise Bonaria take from Barcelona to Rome?
The Barcelona–Civitavecchia crossing takes roughly 19 hours and 30 minutes. She usually leaves in the late afternoon or evening and arrives the following morning.
How long does it take from Barcelona to Sardinia?
The Barcelona–Porto Torres crossing (northern Sardinia) takes roughly 12 hours. The Civitavecchia–Cagliari route takes roughly 14 hours.
Does the Cruise Bonaria carry cars?
Yes. She has room for roughly 700 vehicles on her car decks, as well as 3,022 passengers. She takes cars, motorbikes, vans, caravans and motorhomes. If you are travelling with a vehicle, arrive at the port at least 2 hours beforehand.
What accommodation does the Cruise Bonaria offer?
Four types: standard seat (the cheapest), inside cabin with 2 or 4 berths (private, no window), outside cabin with a porthole or sea-facing window, and suite (with a separate sitting area, the largest and most exclusive).
Is there a restaurant on board?
Yes. She has an à la carte restaurant serving Italian food, a self-service with hot and cold dishes, and a bar-café open throughout the crossing. There is also an onboard shop and an outdoor bar on deck.
Is there a swimming pool on the Cruise Bonaria?
Yes. The Cruise Bonaria has an outdoor pool on deck, available in good weather. It is one of the ship's most appreciated features and sets her apart from most ferries on her routes.
Are pets allowed?
Yes. You need to book a pet place when you buy your ticket and present the required veterinary documentation (health record, EU pet passport and a valid rabies vaccination).
Is she accessible for passengers with reduced mobility?
Yes. She has lifts between decks, adapted corridors and adapted cabins with a specially fitted bathroom. We recommend flagging any special requirements when you book.
How much does it cost to travel on the Cruise Bonaria?
A standard seat starts at roughly €50–70 per person in low season (without a vehicle). Inside double cabins run between €120 and €200 each way in mid season. Prices go up in July and August. Compare real-time prices here.
How early should I arrive at the port?
With a vehicle: at least 2 hours before departure. As a foot passenger, 90 minutes is enough. In July and August we recommend allowing extra time, especially at the Port of Barcelona.
Is Civitavecchia close to Rome?
Yes. Civitavecchia is 80 km from Rome, roughly 1 hour by train (frequent services from the port station to Roma Termini) or 60-70 minutes by car on the A12 motorway.
Why is she called the Cruise Bonaria?
The name refers to the historic Bonaria quarter of Cagliari (Sardinia), home to the shrine of Our Lady of Bonaria, patron saint of Sardinia and of seafarers. Curiously, the name of Buenos Aires (Argentina) comes from the same Marian devotion.
When and where was the Cruise Bonaria built?
She was built in 2009 at the Fincantieri shipyards in Castellammare di Stabia (Italy). She has a gross tonnage of 54,177 GT and a length overall of 225 m, and sails under the Italian flag with IMO number 9398099.
