ferry Forza GNV
ferry Forza
âš“ The Forza is one of the most versatile ro-pax vessels in the GNV (Grandi Navi Veloci) fleet, able to carry up to 1,000 passengers and 2,600 lane metres of rolling freight. She works mainly on the Valencia–Palma de Mallorca route, where she is GNV's fastest ship on the link with a crossing time of roughly 6 hours 45 minutes. Her cavernous vehicle deck and her cabin deck make her a solid choice for holidaymakers and hauliers alike in the western Mediterranean.
The Forza belongs to the Coraggio class, a series of eight ro-pax ships built by Nuovi Cantieri Apuania at Marina di Carrara (Italy) between 2007 and 2010. She was handed over to Grimaldi Holding on 24 March 2010 and began her working life for GNV on the Livorno–Palermo–Valletta route. After spells on charter to Trasmediterránea (routes to the Balearics and the Canaries) and to the Greek operator Anek Lines, the Forza returned to GNV for good in October 2020, first on sub-charter and then on a five-year bareboat charter from January 2022.
Owned by Grimaldi Holding — a sister company of the MSC Group, to which GNV belongs — the Forza is the sister ship of the Tenacia. Both had their superstructures extended, lifting passenger capacity to around a thousand, and during her most recent major dry-docking she was fitted with latest-generation scrubbers to cut her sulphur emissions and meet IMO environmental rules.
History and background of the ship
The Forza (IMO 9458523) was built between 2009 and 2010 at the Nuovi Cantieri Apuania yard in Marina di Carrara (hull number 1244), ordered by the shipowning group Grimaldi Holding as part of a series of Ro-Pax vessels designed for the "Motorways of the Sea". After her delivery in March 2010 she covered Italian domestic routes in the Tyrrhenian Sea. In February 2016 she moved into the Spanish market when she was chartered by Trasmediterránea (later Naviera Armas), spending four years on the Barcelona and Valencia services to Palma de Mallorca and Ibiza.
In October 2020 the charter was taken over by Grandi Navi Veloci (GNV), which put her to work strengthening the Genoa–Palermo service. In early 2022 GNV extended the charter by a further five years. In July 2025, with Balearic demand running high, she was repositioned to Spain to run the scheduled Valencia–Palma de Mallorca service, where she now works alongside the GNV Altair and the Tenacia to soak up the huge volume of freight and holiday traffic.
Full technical specifications
| Ship type | Ro-Pax (passengers + rolling freight) |
| Class | Coraggio class |
| Length overall | 200 m |
| Beam | 26.60 m |
| Maximum draught | 6.40 m |
| Top speed | ~24–25 knots |
| Passenger capacity | ~1,000 people |
| Vehicle capacity | ~600 cars / 2,600 lane metres of rolling freight |
| Cabins | ~120 (inside and outside cabins) |
| Pullman seats | ~112 |
| Propulsion | 2 × Wärtsilä 12V46 · 24,000 kW total |
| Gross tonnage | 24,950 GT |
| Deadweight | 8,500 t |
| Emissions control system | Latest-generation scrubbers |
| Shipyard | Nuovi Cantieri Apuania, Marina di Carrara (Italy) |
| Delivered | 24 March 2010 |
| Registered owner | Grimaldi Holding |
| Flag | Italy |
| IMO number | 9458523 |
| MMSI | 247286100 |
| Call sign | IBWU |
Routes operated and indicative timetables
| Route | Duration | Usual departure* |
|---|---|---|
| Valencia → Palma de Mallorca | ~7 h | ~22:30 |
| Palma de Mallorca → Valencia | ~7 h | ~11:30 |
| Barcelona → Palma de Mallorca | ~7 h 30 min | ~23:40 |
| Palma de Mallorca → Barcelona | ~7 h 30 min | ~11:30 |
| Barcelona → Ibiza | ~9 h | Seasonal |
| Valencia → Ibiza | ~14 h 15 min | Seasonal |
* Indicative timetables, subject to season and availability. The ship assigned may change. Confirm the exact time in our search engine.
The port of Valencia: getting there and what to bear in mind
The Forza sails from the Estació Marítima at the port of Valencia, on the Moll de la Túria in the heart of the city. The port is easy to reach by car from the southern ring road (CV-30) and has parking and waiting facilities. If you are travelling with a vehicle, GNV recommends arriving at the port at least 2 hours beforehand to check in and get into the loading area.
Unlike the Port of Alcúdia (used by Baleària), the Forza berths directly at the Port of Palma de Mallorca, right in the city centre — a considerable logistical advantage if you are heading for the Mallorcan capital or the south of the island.
Fares, discounts and how to book
A standard Pullman seat on the Forza starts at roughly €40–60 each way in mid season, depending on how far ahead you book and on availability. Inside cabins for 2 or 4 people carry a supplement on top of the base fare.
Discounts available with GNV:
- Balearic resident: 75% off the base fare. You must prove residency with a valid Spanish ID card (DNI) or a certificate of registration (empadronamiento).
- myGNV programme: GNV's loyalty scheme. Collect points on every booking and redeem them on future crossings.
- Early booking: GNV offers up to 30% off for bookings made well in advance, particularly over the summer.
- Group fare: special terms for groups of passengers and for hauliers with heavy goods vehicles.
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 |
| As a couple or with one companion, wanting privacy | Inside cabin for 2 |
| With family or a group of up to 4 | Inside cabin for 4 |
| Wanting sea views and natural light | Outside cabin with window |
| With a pet | Pet-friendly cabin |
| A haulier or professional driver | Inside cabin for 2 (the budget option) |
ferry Forza · Accommodations
Pullman seat · Standard
The cheapest option on the Forza. Reclining seats in a shared lounge, ideal for the 7-hour overnight crossings. Includes access to all the ship's public areas: restaurant, café, open deck and entertainment area.
✓ Reclining seat with headrest
✓ Access to every area of the ship
✓ Ideal for overnight crossings
✓ The most affordable option
Inside cabin · 2 or 4 people
A cabin without a window on an inner deck, available with 2 or 4 berths. It comes with a full private bathroom with shower. Excellent value if you want to sleep through the overnight crossing in complete privacy.
✓ Private bathroom with shower and hairdryer
✓ Individually controlled air conditioning
✓ Bed linen and towels included
✓ 2- or 4-berth layout
✓ Private key access
Outside cabin · Sea views
A cabin with a window or porthole looking out over the Mediterranean. The obvious choice if you want natural light and a view of the sea while you rest. Available for 2 or 4 people with all the same facilities as the inside cabin.
✓ Window or porthole with sea views
✓ Private bathroom with shower and hairdryer
✓ Individually controlled air conditioning
✓ Bed linen and towels included
✓ Natural light on daytime crossings
Pet-friendly cabin · With your pet
A cabin specially set up for travelling with your pet on board. Your animal can stay with you in the cabin for the whole crossing. Check the specific conditions (weight, breed, paperwork) when you book.
✓ Pets allowed in the cabin
✓ Private bathroom with shower
✓ Individually controlled air conditioning
✓ Pet place must be booked in advance
ferry Forza · On-board services
Restaurant, café and onboard shop
The Forza concentrates almost all of her public spaces on deck 5, laid out so that passengers can reach every service comfortably without traipsing between several decks. The food and drink on offer includes a self-service restaurant with hot and cold dishes, set menus of the day, and a café serving light bites. The onboard shop sells snacks, newspapers, travel goods and souvenirs.
Open deck and quiet areas
The Forza has an open deck where passengers can enjoy the Mediterranean in the fresh air. Deck 6, given over mostly to cabins, is a quieter and more secluded part of the ship. The escalator up from the starboard shell door makes it easy to get from the boarding area to the main reception.
Travelling with a dog on board — pet-friendly
Accessibility — passengers with reduced mobility
The Forza has a lift between the vehicle hold and the passenger deck, as well as a two-flight escalator from the starboard shell door up to reception. Passengers with specific mobility needs are advised to contact GNV in advance so that the right assistance can be arranged for boarding and disembarkation.
Sustainability: scrubbers and IMO 2020 compliance
The Forza was fitted with latest-generation scrubbers during her most recent major dry-docking — an exhaust gas cleaning system that sharply cuts sulphur emissions and keeps her compliant with the international IMO 2020 rules on the maximum sulphur content of marine fuel. Her two Wärtsilä 12V46 engines, which develop 24,000 kW between them, are widely respected for their reliability and efficiency on medium- and long-haul ships in the Mediterranean.
Forza vs Tenacia: sister ships of the Coraggio class
The Forza and the Tenacia are the two Coraggio-class ships flying the GNV flag. They are all but identical on paper, with only small differences arising from the two-year gap in their build dates and their respective histories of modification.
| Feature | Forza | Tenacia |
|---|---|---|
| Year built | 2010 | 2008 |
| Length overall | 200 m | 200 m |
| Beam | 26.60 m | 26.60 m |
| Passenger capacity | ~1,000 | ~1,000 |
| Rolling freight | ~2,600 lane m | ~2,600 lane m |
| Propulsion | 2 × Wärtsilä 12V46 | 2 × Wärtsilä 12V46 |
| Scrubbers | Yes | Yes |
| Flag | Italy | Italy |
| With GNV since | Oct 2020 | Oct 2020 |
| Class | Coraggio | Coraggio |
Frequently asked questions about the Forza ferry
Which routes does GNV's Forza ferry operate?
She works mainly on the Valencia–Palma de Mallorca route. Depending on GNV's seasonal planning she may also cover Barcelona–Palma de Mallorca and services to Ibiza. The ship assigned may change.
How long does the Forza take from Valencia to Palma?
The Valencia–Palma crossing takes roughly 7 hours. GNV is the fastest operator on the route, with sailings of 6 h 45 min. Exact times vary by season.
Does the Forza arrive at the Port of Palma de Mallorca?
Yes. Unlike some ferries that use Port d'Alcúdia in the north of the island, the Forza berths directly at the Port of Palma, in the city centre, so there is no onward journey to make.
Does the Forza carry cars and lorries?
Yes. The Forza has four garage decks with room for roughly 600 cars or 2,600 lane metres of rolling freight, lorries and vans included. If you are travelling with a vehicle, arrive at the port at least 2 hours beforehand.
What accommodation does the Forza have?
Four types: Pullman seat (standard reclining seat), inside cabin (2 or 4 berths, private bathroom, no window), outside cabin (with window or porthole and sea views) and pet-friendly cabin (for travelling with your pet).
Are pets allowed on the Forza?
Yes. She has pet-friendly cabins where your pet can stay with you. You must book the pet place when you buy your ticket and carry a pet passport with a microchip and an up-to-date rabies vaccination.
Is there WiFi on the Forza?
GNV offers WiFi connectivity across its fleet, although the service may be chargeable and coverage can vary out at sea. Check what is available and on what terms when you book with I Love Ferry.
Is there a Balearic resident discount on the Forza?
Yes. Residents of the Balearic Islands are entitled to a 75% discount on the base fare, on production of a valid Spanish ID card (DNI) or a certificate of registration (empadronamiento).
Is the Forza accessible for passengers with reduced mobility?
The Forza has a lift between the garage and the passenger deck and an escalator from the boarding door. For specific needs, contact GNV before booking to confirm what assistance is available.
How much does it cost to travel on the Forza?
A Pullman seat starts at around €40–60 each way in mid season. Balearic residents get 75% off. Cabins carry a supplement. Prices vary with the season and with how far ahead you book. Compare real-time prices here.
How early should I get to the port to board?
With a vehicle: at least 2 hours beforehand. As a foot passenger: 1 hour. In July and August it is worth allowing extra time, as traffic is much heavier.
What is the Coraggio class and what makes it special?
The Coraggio class is a series of eight ro-pax ships built by Nuovi Cantieri Apuania (Italy) between 2007 and 2010 for Grimaldi Holding. They were designed as cruise ferries: rolling freight comes first, but passengers still get proper hotel-standard facilities. The Forza and the Tenacia are the only ships of the class currently working for GNV.
Does the Forza have a restaurant on board?
Yes. The Forza has a self-service restaurant, a café, a piano bar and a shop. All the catering is grouped together on deck 5 so that every passenger can reach it easily.
What is the difference between the Forza and the Tenacia?
The Forza (2010) and the Tenacia (2008) are sister ships of the Coraggio class with virtually identical technical specifications. Both have scrubbers, two Wärtsilä engines, room for ~1,000 passengers and 2,600 lane metres of rolling freight. The main difference is the year they were built and the routes they have worked.
Is the Forza owned by GNV?
No. The Forza is owned by Grimaldi Holding and works for GNV under a five-year bareboat charter running from January 2022. GNV belongs to the MSC Group, which also has long-standing ties with the Grimaldi Group.
