Cruise ferry Cruise Sardegna Grimaldi Lines
Cruise ferry Cruise Sardegna
âš“ The Cruise Sardegna is one of Grimaldi Lines' flagships in the western Mediterranean, easily recognised by her large passenger and vehicle capacity and by the high standard of what she offers on board. She works mainly on the Civitavecchia (Rome) – Barcelona route, one of the most popular long-distance crossings in the Mediterranean, usually calling at Porto Torres (Sardinia). With room for more than 2,800 passengers and space for hundreds of vehicles, the Cruise Sardegna is a genuine high-specification cruise ferry built for comfort on long overnight and daytime sailings.
The ship was built at the Fincantieri shipyard in Castellammare di Stabia (Italy) and joined the Grimaldi Lines fleet in 2008. She shares her design and specifications with her sister ship, the Cruise Roma, which works the same route. Both were conceived as high-end cruise ferries, bringing together generous dining, entertainment and cruise-standard cabin accommodation while keeping a robust capacity for vehicles.
History and background of the ship
The Cruise Sardegna (IMO 9437452) is the series sister of the Cruise Europa, built at the Fincantieri yard in Castellammare di Stabia and delivered in 2010 under the name Cruise Olympia for the Greek subsidiary Minoan Lines. Like her sister, she spent a decade working the Adriatic trunk route between Ancona and Patras (Greece) with great reliability in Minoan's red colours.
In 2021, as the group regrouped strategically, she was transferred to Grimaldi Lines and renamed for good as the Cruise Sardegna. Her regular route now links the port of Livorno with the port of Olbia (Sardinia) daily, with extra seasonal sailings in the Ligurian Sea. Her 3,000 lane metres of hold space make her one of the group's biggest freight carriers in the Tyrrhenian.
Full technical specifications
| Ship type | Passenger and vehicle ferry (cruise ferry) |
| Length overall | 225 m |
| Beam | 30 m |
| Draught | 6.8 m |
| Service speed | 23 knots |
| Passenger capacity | 2,800 people |
| Vehicle capacity | ~700 cars (equivalent) |
| Lorry capacity | ~100 ro-ro freight units |
| Propulsion | 4 Wärtsilä diesel engines · controllable-pitch propellers |
| Passenger decks | 10 |
| Number of cabins | ~625 |
| Gross tonnage (GT) | 58,500 GT |
| Shipyard | Fincantieri – Castellammare di Stabia (Italy) |
| Year built | 2008 |
| IMO number | 9330518 |
| Call sign | 9HA3791 |
| Flag | Malta |
| Sister ship | Cruise Roma |
Routes operated and indicative timetables
| Route | Duration | Usual departure* |
|---|---|---|
| Civitavecchia → Barcelona | ~20 h | ~19:00 |
| Barcelona → Civitavecchia | ~20 h | ~19:00 |
| Civitavecchia → Porto Torres (call) | ~8 h | Call en route to BCN |
| Porto Torres → Barcelona | ~12 h | ~06:00 |
* 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 Sardegna sails from the port of Civitavecchia, widely known as the port of Rome, about 80 km north-west of the Italian capital (roughly an hour by train or car). It is one of the busiest passenger ports in the Mediterranean. If you are starting or finishing in Rome, you can get there easily by train from Roma Termini to Civitavecchia station, which links directly to the port.
On the Spanish side, the ship uses the port of Barcelona, at the Grimaldi terminal (Moll Adossat). It is well connected to the city centre by shuttle bus and taxi. If you are taking a vehicle, we recommend arriving at the port at least 2 hours beforehand; as a foot passenger, 90 minutes is enough.
Fares, discounts and how to book
A standard seat (Pullman) on the Civitavecchia–Barcelona route starts at around €60–80 one way in low season. Inside cabins start from €100–130 per person in mid season. Prices rise considerably in July and August, so it is worth booking as far ahead as you can.
Discounts and special fares available:
- Sardinian residents: residents of Sardinia travelling to or from Porto Torres can benefit from territorial continuity fares subsidised by the region of Sardinia. Proof of residency is essential.
- Children: under-4s travel free; from 4 to 12, a reduced fare (usually 50% of the adult fare). Check the conditions when you book.
- Group fare: discounts for groups of more than 10 people. Request a quote from Grimaldi Lines directly.
- Early fare: booking well ahead can secure prices below the seasonal rate.
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 | Pullman seat |
| Alone or as a couple, wanting a comfortable night's sleep | Inside cabin for 2 |
| As a family with children | Inside cabin for 4 |
| Looking for sea views and natural light | Outside cabin (with window) |
| After maximum comfort and space | Suite or luxury cabin |
| With a pet | Pet-friendly cabin |
| With reduced mobility | Accessible cabin for reduced mobility |
Cruise ferry Cruise Sardegna · Accommodations
Pullman seat · Standard
The cheapest way to cross the Mediterranean. Reclining seats in a shared lounge, perfect for overnight crossings if you would rather save money without losing access to everything the ship offers: restaurant, café, open deck and entertainment.
✓ Reclining seat with headrest
✓ Access to every area of the ship
✓ TV in the shared lounge
✓ The most affordable option available
Inside cabin · 2 or 4 berths
A cabin without a window, with bunks or single beds, a private bathroom with shower, air conditioning and a television. Ideal for resting on overnight crossings when you do not need a view. Available with 2 or 4 berths, so it suits couples and families alike.
✓ Private bathroom with shower
✓ Individual air conditioning
✓ Television
✓ Wardrobe and storage space
✓ 2- or 4-berth layout
Outside cabin · With window or porthole
A cabin with a window or porthole looking out to sea, which brings in natural light and feels far more spacious than an inside cabin. It comes with the same comforts as the inside cabin: private bathroom, air conditioning and a television. Available with 2 or 4 berths.
✓ Window or porthole with sea views
✓ Private bathroom with shower
✓ Individual air conditioning
✓ Television
✓ 2- or 4-berth layout
Suite · Maximum comfort
The most exclusive accommodation on the Cruise Sardegna. Spacious suites with a separate sitting area, a double bed, a full bathroom with a premium bath or shower, a flat-screen television and panoramic views. As close as it gets to a luxury cruise on the waters of the Mediterranean.
✓ Separate sitting area
✓ Double bed
✓ Full premium bathroom
✓ Flat-screen television
✓ Panoramic sea views
Pet-friendly cabin · With your pet
Cabins fitted out specially for travellers with pets. They let your animal stay with you for the whole crossing, with easy-clean flooring and access to a walking area on deck. You need to book this type of cabin when you buy your ticket and state your pet's weight and species.
✓ Pet allowed inside the cabin
✓ Adapted, easy-clean flooring
✓ Access to a walking area on deck
✓ Private bathroom included
Cruise ferry Cruise Sardegna · On-board services
Restaurant and places to eat
The Cruise Sardegna is known for dining worthy of a cruise ship. On board you will find a waiter-service restaurant with a full menu of Italian and Mediterranean cooking, a self-service buffet with a wide range of hot and cold dishes, and a café serving sandwiches, pastries, juices and hot drinks throughout the crossing. Several bars across the decks also serve cocktails, Italian wines and snacks by day and by night.
Pool and open deck
One of the hallmarks of the Cruise Sardegna as a cruise ferry is her pool on the open deck, available during the summer season. The open deck also has sun-lounger areas and an outdoor bar where you can have a drink while taking in the Mediterranean views. It is the ideal spot on long daytime crossings in summer.
Entertainment and leisure
The Cruise Sardegna offers a full programme of entertainment for all ages, designed to keep a long crossing lively:
Children's play area
Travelling with pets
Accessibility — passengers with reduced mobility
The Cruise Sardegna has lifts serving the decks, cabins adapted for passengers with reduced mobility with a larger bathroom and grab rails, and accessible public areas. We recommend telling Grimaldi Lines about any special requirements when you book, so that the right facilities can be set aside for you on board.
Cruise Sardegna vs Cruise Roma: sister ships
The Cruise Sardegna and the Cruise Roma are the two sister ships Grimaldi Lines devotes to the Civitavecchia–Porto Torres–Barcelona route. Both were built at the Fincantieri yard in Castellammare di Stabia to the same design and technical specifications, and they work the same line in rotation to provide an all but daily departure in each direction all year round. The experience on board is identical on both ships.
| Feature | Cruise Sardegna | Cruise Roma |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 225 m | 225 m |
| Passenger capacity | 2,800 | 2,800 |
| Gross tonnage | 58,500 GT | 58,500 GT |
| Shipyard | Fincantieri | Fincantieri |
| Year built | 2008 | 2007 |
| Main route | Civitavecchia–Porto Torres–Barcelona | Civitavecchia–Porto Torres–Barcelona |
| IMO number | 9330518 | 9330506 |
Frequently asked questions about the Cruise Sardegna
Which routes does the Cruise Sardegna ferry operate?
She mainly operates the Civitavecchia (Rome) – Porto Torres (Sardinia) – Barcelona route for Grimaldi Lines. It is a long-distance crossing of roughly 20 hours between the end ports, calling at Sardinia on the way.
How long does the Cruise Sardegna take from Rome to Barcelona?
The full Civitavecchia–Barcelona crossing takes about 20 hours, calling at Porto Torres (Sardinia). The Civitavecchia–Porto Torres leg takes around 8 hours, and Porto Torres–Barcelona around 12 hours.
Does the Cruise Sardegna carry cars?
Yes. She has hold space for roughly 700 car equivalents, plus room for lorries. If you are travelling by car, arrive at the port at least 2 hours beforehand. In July and August it is worth allowing extra time.
What accommodation does the Cruise Sardegna offer?
Five types: the Pullman seat (standard, the cheapest option), the inside cabin (2 or 4 berths, no window, with a private bathroom), the outside cabin (with a window or porthole facing the sea), the suite (maximum comfort with its own sitting area) and the pet-friendly cabin (for travellers with pets).
Is there Wi-Fi on board the Cruise Sardegna?
The Cruise Sardegna has paid Wi-Fi on board. Coverage can vary depending on where she is sailing and how far she is from the coast. Check the current rates with Grimaldi Lines when you book.
Are pets allowed on the Cruise Sardegna?
Yes. She has pet-friendly cabins in which your pet can stay with you for the whole crossing. There is a walking area on deck. You must book the pet place when you buy your ticket and state the animal's weight and species.
Is the Cruise Sardegna accessible for passengers with reduced mobility?
Yes. She has lifts between decks, adapted cabins with a larger bathroom and grab rails, and accessible public areas. Tell Grimaldi Lines about any special requirements when you book.
Is there a restaurant on board the Cruise Sardegna?
Yes. She has a waiter-service restaurant with a menu of Italian and Mediterranean cooking, a self-service buffet, a café and several bars across the decks. In high season it is worth booking a table in the restaurant.
How much does it cost to travel on the Cruise Sardegna?
A Pullman seat starts at around €60–80 one way in low season. Inside cabins start from €100–130 per person. Prices rise in the summer. Compare real-time prices here.
How early should I get to the port?
With a car: at least 2 hours beforehand. As a foot passenger, 90 minutes is enough. In July and August it is worth allowing extra time, especially at Civitavecchia, one of the busiest ports in the Mediterranean.
How do I get to the port of Civitavecchia from Rome?
The port of Civitavecchia is about 80 km from Rome. The easiest option is the train from Roma Termini to Civitavecchia (roughly an hour), which connects directly to the port. You can also drive along the A12 motorway.
Is there a Sardinian resident discount on the Cruise Sardegna?
Yes. Residents of Sardinia travelling to or from Porto Torres can access territorial continuity fares subsidised by the Region of Sardinia. Proof of residency is essential when you book.
Is there a pool on the Cruise Sardegna?
Yes. The Cruise Sardegna has a pool on the open deck, available during the summer season, with a sun-lounger area and an outdoor bar. It is one of the things that sets her apart as a cruise ferry from conventional ferries.
What is the difference between the Cruise Sardegna and the Cruise Roma?
They are sister ships built at the same Fincantieri yards to identical technical specifications. They work the Civitavecchia–Porto Torres–Barcelona route in rotation. The experience on board is all but identical on both ships.
Is it worth paying for a cabin rather than a Pullman seat?
On an overnight crossing of 20 hours, a cabin makes a very real difference to your comfort. If you are sailing overnight and want a proper night's sleep, the inside cabin is the sensible choice. A Pullman seat may be enough for younger travellers, or for daytime crossings on which you plan to make use of the ship's facilities.
