Cruise ferry Excelsior GNV
Cruise ferry Excelsior
âš“ The Excelsior is one of the great cruise ferries in the GNV (Grandi Navi Veloci) fleet, with room for 2,253 passengers and 760 vehicles. At 202 metres long and with a gross tonnage of 39,777 tonnes, she is one of the largest ships in GNV's long-serving fleet, pairing the practicality of carrying passengers and rolling freight with the comfort of a cruise ship. She works mainly on the Genoa–Palermo (summer) and Genoa–Barcelona–Tangier Med (low season) routes, linking Italy, Spain and North Africa on long-haul overnight crossings.
Brought into the fleet on 15 May 1999, the Excelsior was built at the Nuovi Cantieri Apuania shipyard (Italy). Her keel was laid on 27 June 1997 and she was launched on 17 January 1999, before being handed over to GNV on 7 May that year. The ship now has more than 25 years of continuous service in the western Mediterranean behind her. Between 2013 and 2014 she was chartered temporarily to the French company SNCM, working out of Marseille on routes to Corsica, Sardinia, Tunisia and Algeria.
In 2025, GNV began a refurbishment programme for the Excelsior — alongside the Fantastic, Rhapsody and Splendid — with a total investment of €25 million across the four ships, covering improvements to safety, energy efficiency, connectivity via Starlink and new onboard facilities such as a spa and relaxation areas.
History and background of the ship
The Excelsior (IMO 9184419) is the direct twin of the Excellent, begun at the Nuovi Cantieri Apuania yard in Marina di Carrara in June 1997 and completed at Fincantieri in Sestri Ponente (Genoa), where she was launched in January 1999 and delivered in May that year. Compared with her sister, the Excelsior gained a redesigned stern with an iconic circular glazed terrace and symmetrical spiral staircases. From delivery she worked the Genoa–Porto Torres (Sardinia) route and the domestic links to Palermo and Civitavecchia. In 2011, during the Mediterranean migration crisis, she was chartered at short notice by the Italian government as a transport and temporary accommodation ship on the island of Lampedusa. Between 2013 and 2014 she was chartered to the French operator SNCM for routes between mainland France, Corsica and North Africa.
Since 2015 she has worked GNV's international network in the western Mediterranean. Her usual route links Genoa–Barcelona–Tangier Med, with seasonal cover on Sète–Tangier and to Tunis. In summer she returns as high-capacity reinforcement on the Genoa–Palermo line.
Full technical specifications
| Ship type | Ro-Pax cruise ferry |
| Length overall | 202 m |
| Beam | 28 m |
| Gross tonnage | 39,777 GT |
| Service speed | 21 knots |
| Passenger capacity | 2,253 people |
| Vehicle capacity | 760 cars (or 150 lorries) |
| Cabins | 429 (on decks 7 and 8, including 38 suites) |
| Cabin berths | 1,415 berths |
| Shipyard | Nuovi Cantieri Apuania (Italy) |
| Delivery date | 7 May 1999 |
| First commercial sailing | 15 May 1999 |
| Flag | Italy |
| IMO number | 9184419 |
| MMSI | 247351100 |
| Ferry operator | GNV – Grandi Navi Veloci (MSC Group) |
Routes operated and indicative timetables
| Route | Duration | Usual departure* |
|---|---|---|
| Genoa → Palermo | ~20 h 30 min | ~22:00–23:00 |
| Palermo → Genoa | ~20 h 30 min | ~00:45 |
| Genoa → Barcelona | ~20 h | Up to 3 sailings/week |
| Barcelona → Genoa | ~20 h | Up to 3 sailings/week |
| Naples → Palermo | ~10 h 30 min | Variable |
| Palermo → Naples | ~10 h 30 min | Variable |
* Indicative timetables, subject to season and availability. The Excelsior may rotate between routes according to GNV's seasonal programme. Confirm the exact time in our search engine.
The port of Genoa: boarding with GNV
The port of Genoa is GNV's main operating hub and one of the most important ferry ports in the Mediterranean. GNV's ferries sail from the Terminal Traghetti area (Calata Sanità / Stazione Marittima), at the western end of the historic port. The nearest railway station is Genova Piazza Principe, less than a 10-minute walk away, and Genoa airport is about 15 minutes by car.
GNV requires you to be at the port at least 120 minutes before departure to complete check-in. Check-in opens 2 hours before and closes 45 minutes before sailing. If you are travelling as a foot passenger, it is advisable to arrive at least 60 minutes beforehand.
Fares, discounts and how to book
Prices on the Excelsior vary with the route, the season and the type of accommodation you choose. On the Genoa–Palermo route, deck travel (a Pullman seat or unreserved passage) starts at roughly €50–70 each way. A four-berth inside cabin can go above €150 in high season. On the Genoa–Barcelona route, tickets start at €75 each way.
Available discounts:
- myGNV Bonus Club: GNV's loyalty scheme. You collect 1 point for every €10 spent on tickets, and get a 20-point welcome bonus when you sign up. Points are redeemed against future bookings.
- Balearic resident: 75% off the base passenger fare, accommodation and certain charges on routes to the Balearic Islands. It does not apply to the vehicle or to extras.
- Children under 4: travel free on all GNV routes. Children under 2 also travel free on routes to Morocco and Tunisia.
- Early-bird offers: GNV regularly offers discounts of up to 30% on routes to Sicily, Sardinia, Morocco, Tunisia and Algeria for advance bookings.
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, looking for the best price | Pullman seat or unreserved deck passage |
| As a couple or with a friend | Double inside cabin |
| As a family (up to 4 people) | 4-berth inside or outside cabin |
| Wanting sea views and more comfort | Outside cabin (sea view) |
| After maximum luxury and privacy | Suite (double bed, minibar, TV, porthole) |
| With a pet | Pet-friendly cabin |
| With reduced mobility | Adapted accessible cabin (4 available) |
Cruise ferry Excelsior · Accommodations
Pullman seat · Deck passage
The cheapest option on the Excelsior. A numbered, allocated Pullman seat in an air-conditioned lounge, or unreserved passage in the public areas (unnumbered chairs and sofas, subject to availability and offered in high season). Access to all the ship's public areas.
✓ Numbered allocated seat (Pullman)
✓ Air-conditioned lounge
✓ Access to the restaurant, café and shop
✓ The most affordable option on board
Inside cabin
A windowless cabin for up to 4 people, ideal for travelling with family or friends when privacy and a good night's sleep matter. Every cabin on the Excelsior comes with a full private bathroom with shower, bed linen and towels.
✓ Up to 4 berths (sole use)
✓ Private bathroom with shower and hairdryer
✓ Bed linen and towels included
✓ Individually controlled air conditioning
Outside cabin · Sea view
The same cabin with large windows or a porthole looking out over the Mediterranean. It includes everything the inside cabin offers, plus the pleasure of waking up with the sea in front of you. Available in 2- to 4-berth layouts.
✓ Window or porthole with sea views
✓ Private bathroom with shower and hairdryer
✓ Bed linen and towels included
✓ Individually controlled air conditioning
Suite · Maximum comfort
The Excelsior has 38 suites on decks 7 and 8. These are spacious cabins with a double bed, sea views through large portholes, satellite TV, radio, telephone and a minibar. The most luxurious option on board. Also available as a Family Suite for 3 people.
✓ Double bed
✓ Satellite TV, radio and telephone
✓ Minibar
✓ Large portholes with sea views
✓ Family Suite for 3 (double bed + sofa bed)
Pet-Friendly cabin · Pets
The Excelsior has cabins set up for travelling with your pet, so your companion can stay with you in the cabin for the whole crossing. You need to include the pet in the booking and buy the corresponding ticket.
✓ Your pet with you in the cabin
✓ Private bathroom with shower
✓ Booking required when you buy your ticket
Cruise ferry Excelsior · On-board services
À la carte restaurant and places to eat
The Excelsior offers a full choice of food on board across several separate spaces. The à la carte restaurant serves Mediterranean, regional and international cooking at the three main sittings. The self-service area lets you eat quickly and informally at any hour, and the snack bar on deck 6 serves sandwiches, pastries, juices, ice creams and hot and cold drinks all year round. In season, the pizzeria makes Neapolitan pizzas to order. On routes to the Maghreb and Tunisia, halal options are available.
Shop and onboard shopping centre
The Excelsior has a Shopping Centre on board with a wide range of duty-free goods: tobacco, alcohol, perfumes, cosmetics, designer jewellery, watches, clothing, accessories, sunglasses, souvenirs, toys and books. It is one of the best-stocked onboard shops in the GNV fleet.
Conference centre and MICE events
The Excelsior has an onboard Conference Centre that forms part of the GNV MICE & Incentive programme, offering charters, mini-cruises, floating hotel arrangements and corporate events. A distinctive proposition for companies looking to hold meetings or team-building days at sea.
Travelling with a dog on board
Accessibility — passengers with reduced mobility
The Excelsior has 4 adapted cabins for passengers with reduced mobility, along with access ramps, lifts and specific facilities in the public areas. Passengers with special needs can go to the information desk, staffed 24 hours a day throughout the crossing.
Connectivity — Wi-Fi and Starlink
The Excelsior has Wi-Fi on board (charges may apply depending on the package you take out). Following the refurbishment programme GNV began in 2025, with an investment of €25 million across four ships (Excelsior, Fantastic, Rhapsody and Splendid), she has been fitted with Starlink connectivity to improve internet coverage and speed throughout the crossing.
Children's area
Frequently asked questions about the GNV Excelsior
Which routes does the GNV Excelsior ferry operate?
She works mainly the Genoa–Palermo (Sicily) route in summer and the Genoa–Barcelona route (possibly calling at Tangier Med) in the low season. She may also be deployed on the Naples–Palermo route depending on GNV's seasonal programme.
How long does the Excelsior take from Genoa to Palermo?
Roughly 20 hours and 30 minutes. Ferries leave Genoa between 22:00 and 23:00. It is an overnight crossing, perfect for taking a cabin and arriving in Sicily well rested.
How long does the Excelsior take from Genoa to Barcelona?
Roughly 20 hours. GNV runs up to 3 sailings a week on this route, with times and frequencies varying by season.
Does the Excelsior carry cars?
Yes. She has a hold for up to 760 cars (or 150 lorries). You must book a space for your vehicle when you buy your ticket. Access to the vehicle hold while under way is not permitted.
What accommodation does the Excelsior offer?
Five options: the Pullman seat (numbered seat), unreserved deck passage (high season only), the inside cabin (up to 4 berths, no windows), the outside cabin (with sea views) and the suite (38 available, with a double bed, TV, minibar and porthole). There are also cabins adapted for passengers with reduced mobility and pet-friendly cabins.
Is Wi-Fi free on the Excelsior?
The Excelsior has Wi-Fi on board, though charges may apply. Following the 2025 refit, GNV has fitted Starlink connectivity to improve coverage throughout the crossing.
Are pets allowed on the Excelsior?
Yes. There are pet-friendly cabins available and places in the kennels (€20–30). Dogs must wear a muzzle and lead in the public areas. You must include the pet in the booking before boarding.
Is she accessible for passengers with reduced mobility?
Yes. She has 4 adapted cabins for passengers with reduced mobility, plus access ramps, lifts and an information desk staffed 24 hours a day.
How much does it cost to travel on the Excelsior?
On Genoa–Palermo, a seat starts at ~€50–70. On Genoa–Barcelona, from ~€75. Cabins and suites cost extra. Compare real-time prices here.
How early should I reach the port?
GNV requires you to reach the port at least 120 minutes before departure. Check-in opens 2 hours before and closes 45 minutes before. If you are travelling on foot (without a vehicle), 60 minutes is enough.
Does the Excelsior have Late Check-Out?
Yes. GNV offers the Late Check-Out (LC) service on the Excelsior on certain routes (Genoa–Palermo, Genoa–Porto Torres, Genoa–Tunis, Naples–Palermo). It lets you stay in your cabin until 15 minutes before disembarking, for an extra charge.
Does the Excelsior have a loyalty scheme?
Yes, through the myGNV Bonus Club. You earn 1 point for every €10 spent on GNV tickets, and receive 20 welcome points when you sign up. Points are redeemed against future bookings.
When was the GNV Excelsior built?
She was built at the Nuovi Cantieri Apuania shipyard (Italy). Her keel was laid on 27 June 1997, she was launched on 17 January 1999, handed over to GNV on 7 May 1999 and made her first commercial sailing on 15 May 1999. In 2025 she became part of GNV's refit programme, with investment in Starlink connectivity and new onboard facilities.
