ferry Florencia Grimaldi Lines
ferry Florencia
âš“ The Florencia is a high-capacity ferry run by Grimaldi Lines on the Barcelona–Porto Torres–Civitavecchia (Rome) route, one of the most important links between the Iberian Peninsula and Italy. With room for more than 2,600 passengers and around 600 vehicles, the Florencia is one of the largest ferries working in the western Mediterranean, and stands out for the breadth of its onboard facilities: a restaurant, a swimming pool, cafés and a full range of cabins for long-distance crossings.
The Florencia belongs to the Grimaldi Lines fleet, one of the shipping companies with the widest presence in the Mediterranean and the Atlantic. Founded in Naples in 1947 and still headquartered there, the operator runs one of the largest maritime transport groups in Europe, with routes linking the main ports of southern Europe to the Mediterranean islands and North Africa. The Florencia sails under the flag of Italy and works the routes between Spain, Sardinia and mainland Italy on a regular basis.
History and background of the ship
The Florencia (IMO 9287584) was built in 2004 at the Cantiere Navale Visentini yard in Porto Viro (Italy) under the name Golfo Aranci for Lloyd Sardegna and Moby Lines. In 2007 she was bought by the Grimaldi Group, which renamed her Florencia. Between 2013 and 2014 she was chartered briefly to rival operator GNV, and after a short spell with TTT Lines she settled into the group's Mediterranean services.
During her Spanish years she was a much-loved ship, working the Barcelona–Savona (Italy) route as a fixture. She now runs the Italian motorways of the sea on a regular basis, linking the ports of Civitavecchia (Rome) and Olbia (Sardinia), and is one of the most productive Visentini vessels in the fleet in freight terms, with 2,540 lane metres.
Full technical specifications
| Ship type | Passenger and vehicle ferry (Ro-Pax) |
| Length overall | 214 m |
| Beam | 26 m |
| Service speed | ~23 knots |
| Passenger capacity | ~2,650 people |
| Vehicle capacity | ~600 cars |
| Passenger decks | Several (including the pool deck) |
| Propulsion | Conventional diesel |
| Flag | Italy |
| IMO number | 9205214 |
| Shipyard | Fincantieri, Sestri Ponente (Genoa) |
| Year built | 2001 |
| Operating company | Grimaldi Lines |
Routes operated and indicative timetables
| Route | Duration | Usual departure* |
|---|---|---|
| Barcelona → Civitavecchia (Rome) | ~20 h | ~18:00 |
| Civitavecchia (Rome) → Barcelona | ~20 h | ~18:00 |
| Barcelona → Porto Torres (Sardinia) | ~12 h | ~18:00 |
| Porto Torres (Sardinia) → Barcelona | ~12 h | ~08:00 |
| Porto Torres (Sardinia) → Civitavecchia | ~8 h | On request |
* Indicative timetables, subject to season and availability. Confirm the exact departure time in our search engine.
The port of Civitavecchia: Rome's gateway by sea
The Florencia calls at the Port of Civitavecchia, Rome's main passenger port, some 80 km north-west of the Italian capital (about an hour by train or car). It is very well connected to Rome by Trenitalia regional trains, which link Civitavecchia's port station with Roma Termini and Roma San Pietro in a little over an hour.
If you are heading for central Rome, allow for that extra travelling time. The port has a waiting area, left-luggage facilities and direct public transport. If you are driving, the open-air car park at the port is inexpensive and clearly signposted.
The call at Porto Torres, in northern Sardinia, is the gateway to the largest island in the western Mediterranean. From Porto Torres it is an easy hop to Sassari (18 km) and to the beaches of north-western Sardinia such as Stintino and La Pelosa, as well as the Asinara National Park.
Fares, discounts and how to book
A tourist-class seat on the Florencia starts at roughly €49 one way in low season on the Barcelona–Porto Torres route, and can go above €100 in high season (July and August). On the full Barcelona–Civitavecchia route, seat fares start at around €79 as a guide, while cabins can start at about €180 for two people in mid season.
Available discounts:
- Grimaldi loyalty card: the Club Grimaldi scheme lets you collect points on every trip and unlock members-only fares.
- Advance booking: Grimaldi Lines offers Early Booking fares with savings of up to 30% if you book far enough ahead.
- Groups and families: discounts for groups of more than 10 people. Ask about availability when you book.
- Sardinian residents: residents of Sardinia may qualify for reductions on certain routes. Check the conditions when you book.
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 | Tourist-class seat |
| As a couple or with friends, looking for privacy and a proper rest | Inside cabin (2 beds) |
| As a family with children | Inside cabin (4 beds) |
| Looking for sea views and extra comfort | Outside cabin with porthole |
| On a leisure trip with every comfort | Suite or luxury cabin |
| With a pet | Cabin with a pet place |
| With reduced mobility | Accessible cabin |
ferry Florencia · Accommodations
Tourist-class seat · Standard
The cheapest option on board. Reclining seats in a shared lounge, with access to every area of the ship. Ideal if price comes first, or for crossings that fall mostly in daylight hours.
✓ Reclining seat
✓ Access to every area of the ship
✓ Café and restaurant open to you
✓ The most affordable option on board
Inside cabin · 2 or 4 beds
A cabin without a window, ideal for sleeping through an overnight crossing. Available with 2 or 4 beds and fitted with a private bathroom with shower. The option we recommend most for long crossings such as Barcelona–Civitavecchia.
✓ Complete privacy throughout the crossing
✓ Private bathroom with shower
✓ Luggage locker
✓ Individual climate control
Outside cabin · With porthole
A cabin with a porthole or window and sea views. Available with 2 or 4 beds and fitted with a private bathroom with shower. Ideal for anyone who likes to wake up to natural light and take in the Mediterranean scenery.
✓ Porthole or window with sea views
✓ Private bathroom with shower
✓ Luggage locker
✓ Natural light on daytime sailings
Suite · Every comfort
The most premium accommodation on the Florencia. More space, a sitting area separate from the sleeping area and higher-quality finishes. Perfect if you want the highest level of comfort on board.
✓ More space and comfort
✓ Separate sitting area
✓ Full private bathroom
✓ Sea views
Accessible cabin · Reduced mobility
A cabin adapted for passengers with reduced mobility. It has extra room to manoeuvre a wheelchair and an adapted bathroom. We recommend telling the ferry operator about any specific needs when you book.
✓ Space adapted for a wheelchair
✓ Accessible bathroom with grab rails
✓ Handy location close to the lifts
ferry Florencia · On-board services
Restaurant and café on board
The Florencia has a full spread of food and drink for a long-distance crossing. There is a full-service restaurant serving Italian and Mediterranean dishes at both lunch and dinner, and a café with a more informal menu for anyone who prefers to eat at any hour. There is also a bar serving drinks throughout the crossing.
Swimming pool and open deck
One of the Florencia's great draws is her swimming pool on the open deck, available during the summer season. The open-air deck lets you enjoy the Mediterranean as you sail, with sun loungers and a solarium. It turns the crossing into part of the holiday.
Onboard shop
Dog area
Accessibility — passengers with reduced mobility
The Florencia has cabins adapted for passengers with reduced mobility, with enough room to manoeuvre a wheelchair and a bathroom with grab rails. The ship has lifts serving the different decks and adapted access ramps. We recommend telling Grimaldi Lines about any special requirements when you book, so that the right cabin can be assigned and the assistance you need arranged for boarding and disembarking.
Entertainment and games room
For the longer crossings, the Florencia has an entertainment lounge with a television and a games area, ideal for keeping children and adults occupied during the hours at sea. The ship also lays on onboard entertainment in high season.
Frequently asked questions about the Florencia ferry
Which routes does the Florencia ferry operate?
She works mainly on the Barcelona–Porto Torres (Sardinia) and Barcelona–Civitavecchia (Rome) routes, calling at Porto Torres on the full sailing to mainland Italy. She is operated by Grimaldi Lines.
How long does the Florencia take from Barcelona to Rome (Civitavecchia)?
The full Barcelona–Civitavecchia sailing takes roughly 20 hours, with a call at Porto Torres (Sardinia). The Barcelona–Porto Torres leg takes around 12 hours. Timetables can change from season to season.
Does the Florencia ferry carry cars?
Yes. The Florencia is a Ro-Pax ferry with room for roughly 600 vehicles on her car decks. If you are travelling by car, arrive at the port at least 90 minutes beforehand. In July and August it is worth allowing extra time.
What accommodation does the Florencia ferry have?
Five options: a tourist-class seat (the cheapest), an inside cabin with 2 or 4 beds and a private bathroom, an outside cabin with a porthole or window and sea views, a suite (every comfort) and an accessible cabin for passengers with reduced mobility.
Does the Florencia have a restaurant and a swimming pool?
Yes. The Florencia has a restaurant serving Italian and Mediterranean menus, an informal café and a bar. She also has a swimming pool on the open deck, available during the summer season. She is one of the best-equipped ferries in her class in the western Mediterranean.
Are pets allowed on the Florencia?
Yes. The Florencia accepts pets in a dedicated area. You must book a pet place when you buy your ticket. Bring the EU pet passport with an up-to-date rabies vaccination. Check the Grimaldi Lines rules and the papers required by the Italian authorities before you travel.
Is the Florencia accessible for passengers with reduced mobility?
Yes. She has adapted accessible cabins with an accessible bathroom and grab rails, lifts between decks and adapted access ramps. We recommend flagging any special requirements when you book to make sure the right cabin is assigned and assistance is on hand at boarding.
How much does it cost to travel on the Florencia?
Tourist-class seats start at roughly €49 on the Barcelona–Porto Torres route in low season. For Barcelona–Civitavecchia, from around €79 as a guide. Cabins start at €180 for two people in mid season. Prices rise sharply in July and August. Compare real-time prices here.
How do I get to central Rome from the port of Civitavecchia?
The port of Civitavecchia is some 80 km from Rome. The easiest option is the Trenitalia regional train, which links Civitavecchia station with Roma Termini in a little over an hour. Buses and taxis are also available at the port.
How early should I arrive at the port to board?
By car: at least 90 minutes beforehand. Foot passengers: 60 minutes is enough. In July and August we recommend allowing extra time. Boarding at the Port of Barcelona takes place at the Grimaldi Terminal, in the Moll de Barcelona area.
Are there any discounts for the Florencia?
Grimaldi Lines offers: Early Booking with up to 30% off for booking ahead, members-only fares through Club Grimaldi, discounts for groups of more than 10 people and reductions for residents of Sardinia on certain routes. See the best fares available here.
When was the Florencia ferry built?
The Florencia was built in 2001 at the Fincantieri yard in Sestri Ponente (Genoa, Italy). Her IMO number is 9205214 and she sails under the Italian flag. After more than 20 years in service, she remains one of the best-appointed passenger ferries in the western Mediterranean.
Is it worth booking a cabin rather than a seat on the Florencia?
On the Barcelona–Civitavecchia route (20 hours) we strongly recommend booking a cabin, especially if you are sailing overnight. The extra cost over a seat is well worth it for the rest and the privacy. On the Barcelona–Porto Torres route (12 hours, largely overnight too), an inside cabin also makes a noticeable difference.
