Cruise ferry Cruise Europa Grimaldi Lines
Cruise ferry Cruise Europa
âš“ The Cruise Europa is one of the great cruise ferries of the western Mediterranean, operated by Grimaldi Lines. She sails the celebrated Barcelona–Porto Torres–Civitavecchia (Rome) route, turning the crossing into a genuine mini-cruise with every comfort on board: cabins in several categories, a buffet restaurant, an outdoor pool and evening entertainment. At 214 metres long and with room for more than 2,200 passengers, she is one of the largest ships in the Grimaldi fleet and a byword for the sea link between Spain and Italy.
The Cruise Europa was built at the Fincantieri shipyards in Italy and entered service in 2002. Conceived from the outset as a cruise ferry, she combines the practicality of carrying vehicles and passengers with the comfort of a short-haul cruise. Over the years she has been through several refits to keep her facilities up to today's standards.
What sets the ship apart is her versatility: she carries individual travellers and families who want to cross the Mediterranean comfortably and affordably, as well as lorries and commercial vehicles in her generous ro-ro holds. That dual role makes her a cornerstone of both freight logistics and tourism on the Barcelona–Italy route.
History and background of the ship
The Cruise Europa (IMO 9437440) was built between 2008 and 2009 at the Fincantieri yard in Castellammare di Stabia (Naples) and delivered in September 2009. She was assigned to Grimaldi's Greek subsidiary, Minoan Lines, and in that company's red livery she spent more than a decade on the demanding international Adriatic route between Ancona (Italy) and Patras (Greece).
In 2021, as part of a major fleet reshuffle, she took on the blue and yellow livery of Grimaldi Lines and moved to the Tyrrhenian Sea. Her regular route now links the ports of Livorno and Olbia (Sardinia), absorbing the huge flow of freight and holiday traffic between mainland Italy and Sardinia on overnight and daytime sailings depending on the season.
Full technical specifications
| Ship type | Cruise ferry (Ro-Pax) |
| Length overall | 214 m |
| Beam | 25.6 m |
| Draught | 6.7 m |
| Service speed | 23 knots |
| Passenger capacity | 2,254 people |
| Vehicle capacity | 600 cars (approx.) |
| Ro-ro capacity | 2,880 lane metres of freight |
| Passenger decks | 7 |
| Cabins | 444 |
| Propulsion | 4 diesel engines · 2 controllable-pitch propellers |
| Total output | 37,440 kW |
| Shipyard | Fincantieri (Italy) |
| Year built | 2002 |
| Flag | Italy |
| IMO number | 9238337 |
| Classification | RINA |
| Gross tonnage (GT) | 54,340 GT |
Routes operated and indicative timetables
| Route | Duration | Usual departure* |
|---|---|---|
| Barcelona → Civitavecchia (Rome) | ~20 h | ~19:00 |
| Civitavecchia (Rome) → Barcelona | ~20 h | ~20:00 |
| Barcelona → Porto Torres (Sardinia) | ~12 h | ~19:00 |
| Porto Torres (Sardinia) → Barcelona | ~12 h | ~08:00 |
| Porto Torres → Civitavecchia | ~8 h | ~08:00 |
* Indicative timetables, subject to season and availability. Confirm the exact time in our search engine.
The port of Civitavecchia: Rome's gateway by sea
The Cruise Europa berths at the port of Civitavecchia, Rome's main passenger port, about 80 km north-west of the Italian capital (roughly an hour by car or regional train). It is one of the busiest passenger ports in the whole Mediterranean, with direct rail services to Roma Termini from Civitavecchia station, which makes it a very convenient way in if your final destination is Rome or Tuscany.
If you are travelling by car, the port of Civitavecchia has extensive facilities for collecting vehicles. We recommend arriving at the port of Barcelona at least 2 hours before departure if you have a vehicle, and 60–90 minutes if you are travelling as a foot passenger.
In Barcelona the Cruise Europa uses the Moll de Barcelona, at the Grimaldi Ferry Terminal, which is well connected to the city centre by metro (line L3, Drassanes stop) and by taxi.
Fares, discounts and how to book
A standard reclining seat on the Cruise Europa starts at around €49 one way in low season. Inside cabins start from €79 per person based on two sharing, and outside suites with a window can go beyond €200 per person in high season (July and August).
Discounts and special fares available:
- Early Booking fare: book far enough ahead (usually more than 60 days) and Grimaldi Lines offers discounts of up to 30% off the standard price.
- Sardinian resident fare: residents of Sardinia qualify for subsidised fares on crossings to and from Porto Torres.
- Children: under-4s travel free; children aged 4 to 12 pay a reduced fare. Check the exact conditions when you book.
- Groups: Grimaldi Lines offers special fares for groups of 10 or more passengers. Request a quote from the operator directly or through I Love Ferry.
- Commercial vehicles: a dedicated fare for lorries and vans. The Barcelona–Civitavecchia route is one of the busiest with hauliers.
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 (poltrona) |
| As a couple, after comfort and privacy | Two-berth inside cabin |
| As a family with children | Four-berth inside cabin |
| Looking for sea views and natural light | Outside cabin with window or porthole |
| On a special trip, or after maximum comfort | Outside suite with large windows |
| With a small pet | Pet-friendly cabin (subject to availability) |
| As a haulier or professional driver | Drivers' cabin |
Cruise ferry Cruise Europa · Accommodations
Reclining seat (poltrona)
The cheapest option on board. Reclining seats in a shared lounge, perfect for overnight crossings if you want to rest without paying for a cabin. Access to all the ship's public areas.
✓ Reclining seat with headrest
✓ Access to every area of the ship
✓ Access to the buffet restaurant (food charged separately)
✓ The most affordable option on board
Inside cabin
A cabin without a window, available with two, three or four berths. Ideal for getting a proper night's sleep on an overnight crossing without giving up your privacy. Private bathroom included.
✓ Private bathroom with shower
✓ Bunks or a double bed, depending on the layout
✓ Individual air conditioning
✓ Television
✓ Locker and desk
Outside cabin
A cabin with a porthole or a window facing the sea. The best choice if you want natural light and Mediterranean views during the crossing, with all the privacy of a full cabin.
✓ Porthole or outside window
✓ Private bathroom with shower
✓ Individual air conditioning
✓ Television
✓ Available with two, three or four berths
Outside suite · Premium
The most spacious and exclusive accommodation on the Cruise Europa. It has a sitting area separate from the bedroom, panoramic windows and a full bathroom. Perfect for a special trip, or for anyone who expects the very best in the Mediterranean.
✓ Panoramic outside windows
✓ Separate sitting area
✓ Full bathroom with bath or shower
✓ Television and minibar
✓ The largest space on the ship
Drivers' cabin
Accommodation reserved for commercial vehicle drivers and lorry drivers. A practical cabin with a private bathroom, designed for taking a statutory rest period during the crossing. It includes access to dedicated areas for professional drivers.
✓ Single or two-berth cabin
✓ Private bathroom
✓ Rest area for drivers
✓ Special haulier fare
Cruise ferry Cruise Europa · On-board services
Buffet restaurant and food on board
The Cruise Europa has a well-stocked buffet restaurant serving breakfast, lunch and dinner throughout the crossing, with a wide choice of Italian and Mediterranean dishes. The menu runs from hot starters and main courses to salads, desserts and a selection of Italian wines. There are also bars and cafés spread across the passenger decks where you can stop for something at any hour.
Outdoor pool and sun deck
One of the best-loved features of the Cruise Europa is her outdoor pool on deck, a space that comes into its own in summer, when the Mediterranean crossing is made in sunshine and heat. The sun deck has loungers and a relaxation area from which to enjoy the sea views during the day.
Entertainment and show lounge
Because the crossing lasts around 20 hours, the Cruise Europa offers plenty of entertainment to keep the journey lively: a show lounge with live performances, an amusement arcade and a range of quiet lounges. The ship's leisure offering is aimed at holidaymakers and regular travellers alike.
Onboard shop
The Cruise Europa has a duty-free shop on board selling perfume, cosmetics, tobacco, spirits, snacks and souvenirs. It is a familiar fixture on the big Grimaldi Lines cruise ferries working international routes.
Travelling with a dog on board
Accessibility — passengers with reduced mobility
The Cruise Europa has lifts and adapted entrances to make moving around on board easier for disabled passengers and those with reduced mobility. She also has accessible cabins designed for wheelchair users, with more room and adapted bathrooms. We recommend setting out any special requirements when you book, so that the right accommodation can be allocated and the assistance you need is in place for boarding and disembarking.
The Cruise Europa as an alternative to flying Barcelona–Rome
Travelling on the Cruise Europa between Barcelona and Rome is an increasingly popular alternative to flying, particularly if you are taking a car, a large family or bulky luggage. The advantages are clear: no baggage limits, your vehicle with you, a cabin to sleep in, Italian cooking on board and an arrival right on Rome's doorstep (Civitavecchia is an hour from Roma Termini by train). What is more, the total cost of the trip with a vehicle usually compares well with flights plus car hire in Italy.
The route's call at Porto Torres (Sardinia) even lets you break the journey and add a few days in Sardinia at no extra travel cost, since the Barcelona–Civitavecchia ticket includes the intermediate stop.
Frequently asked questions about the Cruise Europa
Which routes does the Cruise Europa ferry operate?
She mainly operates the Barcelona–Porto Torres–Civitavecchia (Rome) route for Grimaldi Lines, calling at Porto Torres (Sardinia). Itineraries can vary by season.
How long does the Cruise Europa take from Barcelona to Civitavecchia?
The full Barcelona–Civitavecchia crossing takes about 20 hours, with an intermediate call at Porto Torres (Sardinia). The Barcelona–Porto Torres leg takes around 12 hours.
Does the Cruise Europa carry cars and lorries?
Yes. She has room for roughly 600 private vehicles and offers 2,880 lane metres of ro-ro capacity for commercial vehicles and lorries. It is a route heavily used by hauliers moving between Spain and Italy. We recommend arriving at the port at least 2 hours before departure if you are travelling with a vehicle.
What accommodation does the Cruise Europa offer?
Five types of accommodation: a reclining seat (the cheapest option), an inside cabin (two, three or four berths with a private bathroom), an outside cabin with a porthole or window, a premium outside suite with a separate sitting area, and a drivers' cabin for professionals.
Is there a restaurant on the Cruise Europa?
Yes. She has a buffet restaurant serving Italian and Mediterranean cooking at breakfast, lunch and dinner, plus bars and cafés open throughout the crossing.
Is there a pool on the Cruise Europa?
Yes. The Cruise Europa has an outdoor pool on deck with loungers and a relaxation area, at its best in summer on the Mediterranean crossing.
Are pets allowed on the Cruise Europa?
Yes. Grimaldi Lines accepts pets on board. Animals must stay in the vehicle or in the area set aside on deck; a few pet-friendly cabins may be available. You must declare your pet when you book and present valid health documentation (a European pet passport and a rabies vaccination).
Is she accessible for passengers with reduced mobility?
Yes. The Cruise Europa has lifts, adapted entrances and accessible cabins for wheelchair users. We recommend setting out any special requirements when you book so that the right assistance can be arranged.
How much does it cost to travel on the Cruise Europa?
A reclining seat starts at around €49 one way in low season. Inside cabins start from €79 per person based on two sharing. Suites can exceed €200 per person in July and August. Booking early gets you the best fares. Compare real-time prices here.
How early should I get to the port?
With a vehicle: at least 2 hours before departure. As a foot passenger, 60–90 minutes is enough. In high season (July and August) it is worth allowing extra time.
Are there discounts on the Cruise Europa?
Yes. Grimaldi Lines offers an Early Booking fare (up to 30% off when you book ahead), a reduced fare for children (free for under-4s), discounts for groups (10 or more passengers) and special fares for commercial vehicle drivers.
Is the port of Civitavecchia far from Rome?
Civitavecchia is about 80 km north-west of Rome, roughly an hour by car or on a direct regional train to Roma Termini. It is the Italian capital's main passenger port and is very well connected to central Rome.
When was the Cruise Europa built?
The Cruise Europa was built in 2002 at the Fincantieri shipyards in Italy. At 54,340 GT and 214 metres long, she is one of the great cruise ferries in the Grimaldi Lines fleet. Her IMO number is 9238337.
Can I stop over in Sardinia on a Barcelona–Rome ticket?
The Cruise Europa's itinerary includes a call at Porto Torres (Sardinia). Depending on the fare you book, you may be able to break your journey in Sardinia and continue on to Civitavecchia on a later sailing. Check the stopover conditions when you book so that you can make the most of this and discover Sardinia at no extra travel cost.
