ferry GNV Allegra GNV
ferry GNV Allegra
âš“ The GNV Allegra is a passenger and vehicle ferry operated by GNV (Grandi Navi Veloci), one of the leading cruise-ferry operators in the Mediterranean. The Allegra stands out for her generous passenger capacity and her comfortable cabins, which make her one of the best-equipped ways to cross the central Mediterranean between Italy and Sicily. At 186 metres long and with room for more than 2,000 passengers, she makes for a comfortable, well-appointed overnight crossing on the Genoa–Palermo route.
The GNV Allegra was built at the Fincantieri yard in Genoa-Sestri and joined the GNV fleet in 1998. She has worked the western Mediterranean routes without a break ever since, becoming one of the company's mainstays on the links between mainland Italy and Sicily. Over the years her interiors have been upgraded repeatedly to keep her comfort in line with what today's passengers expect.
The ship belongs to the fleet of GNV (Grandi Navi Veloci), an operator founded in 1992 and based in Genoa that specialises in links between Italy, Sicily, Sardinia, Spain, Morocco and Albania. GNV is part of the MSC group and currently runs more than 25 ships across the Mediterranean.
A name with character
The name Allegra is Italian and means, literally, "cheerful", "lively" or "high-spirited". GNV's habit of giving its ships names with character reflects the company's Mediterranean personality and its determination to make every crossing an enjoyable one. The Allegra shares its naming style with other well-known ships in the GNV fleet such as the Suprema, the Majestic and the Fantastic.
History and background of the ship
The GNV Allegra (IMO 8502406) was built between 1985 and 1986 at the Wärtsilä Marine yard in Helsinki (Finland), yard number 470, and delivered in April 1986 as the Kronprins Harald for the Norwegian operator Jahre Line (later Color Line). For 21 years she was the flagship of the demanding Oslo–Kiel route, renowned for her extremely high-quality interiors, designed to withstand the harsh Nordic winter. In 2007 she was sold to Irish Continental Group for 45 million euros and renamed Oscar Wilde, working for Irish Ferries between Rosslare/Dublin and the French ports of Cherbourg and Roscoff for more than a decade.
In May 2019 GNV bought her and renamed her GNV Allegra. Between 2020 and 2022 she was chartered by the Italian Ministry of the Interior as a quarantine ship and floating hospital at Lampedusa, Porto Empedocle and Palermo during the health crisis. After a refit she returned to commercial service as an all-rounder, covering the Genoa–Porto Torres (Sardinia) route, links to Tunis and Tangier Med, and high-capacity extra sailings during Operación Paso del Estrecho, the annual summer crossing operation through the Strait of Gibraltar.
Full technical specifications
| Ship type | Passenger and vehicle ferry (Ro-Pax) |
| Length overall | 186 m |
| Beam | 25.6 m |
| Draught | 6.5 m |
| Service speed | 22 knots |
| Passenger capacity | 2,062 people |
| Vehicle capacity | ~600 lane metres (roughly 150-180 cars) |
| Propulsion | Diesel engines · 2 propellers |
| Passenger decks | Several (including a cabin deck and a seating deck) |
| Shipyard | Fincantieri, Genoa-Sestri (Italy) |
| Year built | 1998 |
| Flag | Italy |
| IMO number | 9170626 |
| Ferry operator | GNV (Grandi Navi Veloci) |
Routes operated and indicative timetables
| Route | Duration | Usual departure* |
|---|---|---|
| Genoa → Palermo | ~20 h | ~20:00 |
| Palermo → Genoa | ~20 h | ~19:30 |
* Indicative timetables, subject to season and availability. Confirm the exact time in our search engine.
The ports of Genoa and Palermo: getting there and what to bear in mind
The GNV Allegra sails from the Port of Genoa, one of the largest in the Mediterranean and set right in the heart of the city. The ferry terminal is at the Stazione Marittima, well connected to the centre by taxi, bus and tram. If you are driving up from Spain on the motorway, access to the port is direct and clearly signposted.
At the other end, the Port of Palermo sits in the historic centre of the Sicilian capital, a few minutes' walk from the main sights. It is an urban port with easy public transport links. If you are travelling by car, keep the limited traffic zone (ZTL) in central Palermo in mind.
At both ports, we recommend arriving at least 90 minutes beforehand if you are travelling with a vehicle. As a foot passenger, 60 minutes is enough. In July and August, and at weekends in particular, it is worth allowing extra time.
Fares, discounts and how to book
Prices on the GNV Allegra vary with the accommodation you choose, the season and how far ahead you book. In a standard seat, fares start at roughly €30–40 per person in low season. Cabins carry a supplement that can range from €20 to €80 per cabin each way, depending on the type and the time of year.
Discounts and special fares available:
- Sicilian resident fare: residents of Sicily can qualify for discounts on certain routes. Check availability when you book.
- Children: under-4s generally travel free; children aged 4 to 12 pay a reduced fare.
- GNV Club: GNV's loyalty scheme. Collect points on every trip and redeem them against discounts.
- Early booking: GNV offers early booking fares with significant discounts if you book several weeks ahead.
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 | Standard seat |
| Wanting a proper night's sleep on an overnight crossing | Inside cabin |
| As a family with children | Family cabin (4 berths) |
| Wanting sea views and more comfort | Outside cabin (with window or porthole) |
| With a pet | Pet-friendly cabin (check availability) |
| On business, or wanting maximum comfort | Premium cabin / Suite |
ferry GNV Allegra · Accommodations
Standard seat
The cheapest option on board. Reclining seats in a shared area, ideal if you would rather save money on the overnight crossing or plan to stay awake for the trip. Access to all the ship's public areas.
✓ Reclines, with a headrest
✓ Access to the café and restaurant
✓ Access to every area of the ship
✓ The most affordable option
Inside cabin
A private cabin without a window, with 2 or 4 berths. Ideal for the overnight crossing when what you want is a good night's sleep without spending more than you need to. Most layouts come with a private bathroom.
✓ Complete privacy throughout the crossing
✓ Berths with bed linen and pillow included
✓ Private bathroom with shower
✓ Individually controlled air conditioning
Outside cabin
A cabin with a porthole or window looking out to sea. It lets you enjoy natural light and views over the Mediterranean. Available with 2 or 4 berths. The favourite among daytime travellers and anyone who wants to wake up to a sea view.
✓ Porthole or window looking outside
✓ Berths with bed linen included
✓ Private bathroom with shower
✓ Individually controlled air conditioning
Family cabin · 4 berths
A 4-berth cabin designed for families or groups of friends, so everyone can travel together in the same private space. Available as an inside or outside cabin, subject to availability.
✓ 4 berths in a single private cabin
✓ Ideal for families with children
✓ Private bathroom with shower
✓ Bed linen included
Suite / Premium cabin
The most comfortable accommodation on the GNV Allegra. A larger cabin with a double bed or two wide berths, better fittings and higher-quality finishes. Availability is limited, so book well ahead.
✓ A larger cabin
✓ Double bed or wide berths
✓ Full private bathroom
✓ Premium fittings and finishes
ferry GNV Allegra · On-board services
Restaurant and café
There are several places to eat and drink on board the GNV Allegra during the crossing. The ship has a self-service restaurant serving a full menu — starter, main course, dessert and a drink — at reasonable prices, as well as a café open throughout the crossing with sandwiches, quick dishes, juices, coffee and both hot and cold drinks.
Open deck
The GNV Allegra has an open outside deck where passengers can enjoy the fresh air and the views over the Mediterranean while under way. It is especially pleasant as the ship leaves and arrives in port, with the panoramas of Genoa and Palermo as a backdrop.
Travelling with a dog on board
Accessibility — passengers with reduced mobility
The GNV Allegra has adapted entrances and cabins for passengers with reduced mobility. The ship has access ramps and adapted spaces in the main passenger areas. We recommend contacting GNV directly when you book to confirm that an adapted cabin is available and to check the special arrangements for boarding and disembarkation, as availability can be limited.
Passenger lounges
For a crossing of roughly 20 hours, the GNV Allegra has spacious indoor lounges with seating where passengers who have not booked a cabin can rest, read or watch television. The lounges are air-conditioned and fitted with televisions. They are comfortable places to spend the night if you have opted for a seat, though on a crossing of this length a cabin is always the better bet if you want a proper rest.
Frequently asked questions about the GNV Allegra
Which routes does the GNV Allegra operate?
The GNV Allegra works mainly on the Genoa–Palermo route for GNV (Grandi Navi Veloci). The ship assigned can change from season to season, so it is worth confirming in our search engine.
How long does the GNV Allegra take from Genoa to Palermo?
The Genoa–Palermo trip takes roughly 20 hours. It is an overnight crossing, so booking a cabin is the best way to get a proper rest.
Does the GNV Allegra carry cars?
Yes. The GNV Allegra is a Ro-Pax ferry with a vehicle hold. If you are travelling by car, arrive at the port at least 90 minutes beforehand. In July and August it is worth allowing more time still.
What accommodation does the GNV Allegra offer?
The ship offers a standard seat (the cheapest option), an inside cabin (2 or 4 berths, no window), an outside cabin (with a porthole or window onto the sea), a family cabin (4 berths) and a suite or premium cabin. On a 20-hour crossing a cabin is always worth booking.
Is there WiFi on board the GNV Allegra?
GNV provides WiFi connectivity on board its ships. Signal quality can vary depending on where you are sailing. Check the terms in force when you book.
Are pets allowed on the GNV Allegra?
Yes. GNV accepts pets in the designated area or in pet-friendly cabins. You must declare your pet when you book and carry up-to-date health documentation (vaccination record, EU pet passport, rabies vaccination).
Is she accessible for passengers with reduced mobility?
The GNV Allegra has adapted entrances and accessible cabins. We recommend contacting GNV directly when you book to confirm availability and check the special boarding arrangements.
Is there a restaurant on board the GNV Allegra?
Yes. She has a self-service restaurant with a full menu and a café serving quick dishes, juices and drinks. Both are open throughout the crossing.
How much does it cost to travel on the GNV Allegra?
A standard seat starts at around €30–40 per person in low season. Cabins carry a supplement of roughly €20 to €80 depending on the type and the season. Booking early is the surest way to get the best price. Compare real-time prices here.
How early should I get to the port?
By car: at least 90 minutes before departure. As a foot passenger: 60 minutes is enough. In July and August, and at weekends in particular, allow extra time.
What discounts does GNV offer?
GNV lets children under 4 travel free, offers reduced fares for children aged 4 to 12, early booking discounts and the GNV Club points scheme. Resident fares are also available on certain routes.
When was the GNV Allegra built and what are her dimensions?
The GNV Allegra was built in 1998 at the Fincantieri yard in Genoa-Sestri. She is 186 metres long, has a beam of 25.6 metres and room for 2,062 passengers. Her IMO number is 9170626.
Is it worth booking a cabin on the GNV Allegra?
On an overnight crossing of ~20 hours between Genoa and Palermo, booking a cabin is strongly recommended. You get a real bed and a private bathroom, and you arrive in decent shape. The supplement over a seat is small next to the gain in comfort, especially if you are travelling as a family.
