Cruise ferry Fantastic GNV
Cruise ferry Fantastic
âš“ The Fantastic is one of the largest and longest-serving cruise ferries in the GNV (Grandi Navi Veloci) fleet, with room for 2,033 passengers and 760 vehicles. She works mainly on the Genoa–Barcelona–Tangier and Sète–Barcelona–Tangier routes, making her one of the highest-capacity ferries on the corridor between Europe and Morocco. With 413 cabins and 36 suites, the Fantastic offers a complete crossing experience built for travellers taking a car or a lorry across the Mediterranean, especially during the summer Operación Paso del Estrecho.
The ship was built in 1996 and has spent more than two decades in the GNV fleet as one of its go-to ships for long-haul international routes. Her size — 188 metres long — puts her among the biggest ferries in the western Mediterranean. GNV has been part of the MSC Group since 2010 and operates from its base in Genoa (Italy).
History and background of the ship
The Fantastic (IMO 9100267) is one of the most emblematic cruise ferries in the Grandi Navi Veloci (GNV) fleet and unusual for her loyalty: she has belonged to the operator since the day she was launched. She was built between 1994 and 1996 at the Nuovi Cantieri Apuania yard in Marina di Carrara (hull number 1182) and delivered in June 1996. She was born of the then-revolutionary cruise ferry idea: the garage capacity of a Ro-Pax with the facilities and cabins of a cruise ship.
In her early years she worked Italy's trunk routes from Genoa and Civitavecchia to Palermo. As the company grew, she pushed further afield to Tunisia, Morocco and the Balearic Islands. Since 2021 she has settled on the international Genoa–Barcelona–Tangier Med axis, also covering the Sète–Tangier line seasonally. She is a key ship during the Operación Paso del Estrecho (OPE), carrying thousands of families between Europe and North Africa every year.
Full technical specifications
| Ship type | Ro-Pax cruise ferry |
| Length overall | 188 m |
| Beam | 28 m |
| Gross tonnage (GT) | 35,222 GT |
| Service speed | ~21 knots |
| Passenger capacity | 2,033 people |
| Vehicle capacity | 760 cars or 130 lorries/semi-trailers |
| Total cabins | 413 (including 36 suites) |
| Total berths | 1,389 |
| Accessible cabins | 4 |
| Year built | 1996 |
| Flag | Italy |
| IMO number | 9100267 |
| MMSI | 247094000 |
| Operating company | GNV – Grandi Navi Veloci S.p.A. (MSC Group) |
| Sister ship | GNV Majestic |
Routes operated and indicative timetables
| Route | Duration | Frequency* |
|---|---|---|
| Genoa → Barcelona | ~20 h 45 min | 2-3 times/week |
| Barcelona → Genoa | ~20 h 45 min | 2-3 times/week |
| Barcelona → Tangier Med | ~31 h 45 min | ~3 times/week |
| Tangier Med → Barcelona | ~33 h | ~2 times/week |
| Genoa → Tangier Med | ~49 h 30 min | Once a week |
| Sète → Tangier Med | ~42 h (direct) / ~48 h 45 min (via Barcelona) | Twice a week |
* Indicative timetables and frequencies, subject to season, port calls and availability. Confirm the exact time in our search engine.
The port of Barcelona for travelling with GNV
GNV's ferries from Barcelona use the Moll Adossat, the port's international terminal, just 3 km from Las Ramblas and about 15 km from El Prat airport. By car it is reached directly on the B-10 (Ronda Litoral). Shuttle buses run from the city centre in high season.
Travellers boarding with a vehicle on the international routes are advised by GNV to be at the port at least 2 hours beforehand. For foot passengers, check-in opens 4 hours before departure and closes 1 hour before. At the busiest times, such as the Operación Paso del Estrecho (OPE), it is worth allowing extra time.
Fares, discounts and how to book
Prices on the Fantastic vary a good deal with the route, the season, the type of accommodation and whether you are bringing a vehicle. As a guide:
- Barcelona → Genoa: from ~€168 (passenger + seat/deck). Journeys with a cabin or a vehicle can go above €400.
- Barcelona → Tangier Med: from ~€186 (passenger + basic accommodation). With a vehicle, prices range from €250 to more than €800 depending on the season.
- Sète → Tangier Med: from ~€97 (passenger only). With a car, from ~€270.
Discounts and schemes available:
- myGNV: GNV's loyalty scheme. You collect 1 point for every €10 spent on tickets, plus a 20-point welcome bonus when you sign up.
- Balearic residents: GNV applies a 75% discount to the passenger fare, accommodation and certain charges on routes to the islands (it does not cover the vehicle or extras).
- Children: children under 4 travel free on all GNV routes. On routes to Morocco and Tunisia, children under 2 travel free.
- Early booking: advance bookings with up to 30-40% off are available in periodic campaigns.
- Large families and Moroccan citizens living in Europe: special fares during Ramadan and the summer season.
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 |
|---|---|
| Looking for the lowest price possible | Deck passage |
| Alone or as a couple on a long crossing | Reclining Pullman seat |
| With family or a group of 4 | 4-berth inside cabin |
| Wanting sea views and a proper rest | Outside cabin with window |
| As a couple on a leisure trip | Suite (double bed + minibar + TV) |
| With a pet | Pet-Friendly cabin |
| With reduced mobility | Adapted accessible cabin (4 available) |
| As a lorry driver or on business | Drivers' cabin (Trucker Cabin) |
Cruise ferry Fantastic · Accommodations
Deck passage
The cheapest option on board, offered in high season only. Ideal for anyone travelling light who wants a simple Mediterranean crossing.
✓ Access to all the ship's public areas
✓ Outside deck and seating areas
✓ Available in high season only
Pullman seat · Reclining
A numbered reclining seat in an air-conditioned shared lounge. More comfortable than deck passage and with access to all the ship's facilities. The most popular option on medium-length overnight crossings.
✓ Reclining seat with headrest
✓ Individually controlled air conditioning
✓ Access to the restaurants, bar and deck
✓ Wi-Fi on board (charges may apply)
Inside cabin · No window
A private cabin without an outside window, available in 2- or 4-berth layouts (bunks). The ideal choice for resting on long overnight crossings without paying for an outside cabin.
✓ Private space behind your own door
✓ Private bathroom with shower and hairdryer
✓ Individually controlled air conditioning
✓ Bed linen, towels and toiletries included
✓ Room for up to 4 people
Outside cabin · With a sea-facing window
Fitted out exactly like the inside cabin but with a window or porthole looking out over the Mediterranean. Perfect for anyone who enjoys the seascape and wants a little more natural light.
✓ Window or porthole with sea views
✓ Private bathroom with shower and hairdryer
✓ Individually controlled air conditioning
✓ Bed linen, towels and toiletries included
Suite · Premium
The most exclusive accommodation on the Fantastic. There are 36 suites in two versions: the Double Suite (for 2 people, with a double bed) and the Family Suite (for 3 people, bed plus sofa bed). All have a large porthole and a minibar.
✓ Large window or porthole with sea views
✓ TV (satellite reception) + radio + minibar
✓ Full private bathroom
✓ Double Suite: double bed for 2
✓ Family Suite: up to 3 people (double bed + sofa bed)
Pet-Friendly cabin · With your pet
The Fantastic has cabins specially set up for travelling with your pet, so your companion can stay with you in the cabin for the whole crossing. There is also a kennel area and a walking area on deck.
✓ Pets allowed in the cabin
✓ Walking area on deck (lead and muzzle required)
✓ Places in the onboard kennel area also available
✓ A pet place must be booked with your ticket
Adapted cabin · Reduced mobility
The Fantastic has 4 adapted cabins for passengers with reduced mobility or special needs. To request one, say so when you book or contact GNV directly.
✓ 4 adapted cabins across the ship
✓ Adapted bathroom with wheelchair access
✓ Information desk open 24 h for passengers with special needs
Cruise ferry Fantastic · On-board services
Eating on board: à la carte, buffet, snack bar and pizzeria
The Fantastic offers a full choice of food designed for long crossings. Italian cooking is the thread running through every space.
Duty-free shop · Shopping Centre
Children's play room
Travelling with a dog on board the Fantastic
Accessibility — passengers with reduced mobility
The Fantastic has 4 adapted cabins for passengers with reduced mobility. The information desk is open 24 hours a day to look after passengers with special needs. You must state your accessibility requirements when you book, or contact GNV before you travel, to make sure an adapted cabin and the assistance you need are available.
Conference centre and MICE events
The Fantastic has a Conference Centre supporting the GNV MICE & INCENTIVE programme, with options for full or partial charter, mini-cruises, a floating hotel service and the organisation of corporate events (meetings, drinks receptions, company lunches and dinners). A different proposition for teams looking for something original.
Frequently asked questions about the GNV Fantastic
Which routes does the GNV Fantastic ferry operate?
She works mainly the Genoa–Barcelona–Tangier Med and Sète–(Barcelona)–Tangier Med routes. She may also cover the Barcelona–Genoa route depending on how the GNV fleet is scheduled.
How long does Barcelona to Genoa take?
The Barcelona–Genoa crossing takes roughly 20 hours and 45 minutes. The route runs 2-3 times a week and usually sails overnight. Booking a cabin is recommended so you can rest.
How long does Barcelona to Tangier take?
The Barcelona–Tangier Med crossing takes roughly 31 hours and 45 minutes. The return from Tangier takes about 33 hours. It is a long-distance route, ideal for travellers with a vehicle.
Does the Fantastic carry cars and lorries?
Yes. The Fantastic can carry up to 760 cars or 130 lorries/semi-trailers. If you are travelling with a vehicle, reach the port at least 2 hours beforehand. During the OPE (summer), arrive earlier still.
What accommodation does the Fantastic offer?
She offers deck passage (high season only), a Pullman seat, an inside cabin (no window, up to 4 berths), an outside cabin (with sea views), a Double Suite (for 2, double bed + TV + minibar) and a Family Suite (for 3 people). Plus Pet-Friendly cabins and 4 cabins adapted for passengers with reduced mobility.
Are pets allowed on the Fantastic?
Yes. You can book a Pet-Friendly cabin or a place in the ship's kennels (~€20-30). Walking on deck is allowed with a lead and muzzle. Guide dogs travel free. You need an EU pet passport, a microchip and a valid rabies vaccination.
Is there Wi-Fi on the Fantastic ferry?
Yes, the Fantastic has Wi-Fi on board, though there may be an extra charge depending on the fare and the length of the journey. The service is available in the ship's public areas.
How much does it cost to travel on the GNV Fantastic?
As a guide: Barcelona–Genoa from ~€168 (passenger without a car); Barcelona–Tangier Med from ~€186; Sète–Tangier Med from ~€97 for a passenger only. Prices rise significantly with a vehicle. Check real-time prices on I Love Ferry.
Is she accessible for passengers with reduced mobility?
Yes. The Fantastic has 4 adapted cabins with an accessible bathroom. The information desk is open 24 hours a day for assistance. You need to state any special requirements when booking so that availability can be guaranteed.
What restaurants are there on board the Fantastic?
There is an à la carte restaurant (Italian and international cooking, a children's menu, halal options on routes to Morocco), a self-service buffet restaurant (Italian specialities, vegetarian options), a snack bar open all year and a seasonal pizzeria.
What is the Operación Paso del Estrecho and how does it affect the Fantastic?
The OPE is the summer operation (July-August) that concentrates the homeward journeys of the Moroccan community living in Europe. Demand on the routes to Morocco multiplies, so it is worth booking weeks or months ahead and reaching the port with extra time in hand. The Fantastic is one of the most heavily used ships on this corridor.
How early do you need to reach the port?
With a vehicle: at least 2 hours beforehand. Without a vehicle: check-in opens 4 hours before and closes 1 hour before departure. In July and August, and especially during the OPE, allow extra time.
What discounts does GNV offer on the Fantastic?
The discounts available include: myGNV (1 point for every €10 plus 20 welcome points), 75% for Balearic residents, free travel for children under 4 on all routes, early booking savings of up to 40% and special fares for Moroccan families during Ramadan.
What is the difference between the GNV Fantastic and the GNV Majestic?
The Fantastic and the Majestic are sister ships with very similar specifications: both are 188 m long, have a 28 m beam and work GNV's long-haul international routes. The differences between them are minor and vary with the refits each ship has had over the years.
