ferry GNV Altair GNV
ferry GNV Altair
âš“ The GNV Altair is one of the high-capacity ferries in the fleet of GNV (Grandi Navi Veloci), the Italian company with decades of experience in the Mediterranean. She works long-distance routes linking the Iberian Peninsula with North Africa and with Italy, and is best known for her services between Barcelona and Morocco — one of the busiest routes of all for North African travellers and holidaymakers over the summer months. The GNV Altair is an overnight ship, so you cross the Mediterranean while you sleep, with a wide choice of cabins and facilities on board.
She was built at the Fincantieri shipyards in Italy and belongs to the generation of cruise ferries GNV brought into its fleet to strengthen its busiest services. Her interior design combines practicality with the standard of comfort expected on a Mediterranean crossing: restaurant, cafés, shop, open deck and a range of accommodation to suit every budget.
History and background of the ship
The GNV Altair (IMO 9222534) was built between 2001 and 2002 at the Fincantieri yard in Castellammare di Stabia (Naples) and delivered in April 2002 as the Janas — a term from Sardinian mythology — for the Italian state operator Tirrenia di Navigazione. For nearly two decades she was one of the most dependable high-capacity ships in the Tyrrhenian Sea, working the trunk route Genoa–Porto Torres (Sardinia) along with links to Civitavecchia and Olbia. After Tirrenia was privatised she carried on sailing under the Moby Lines group.
In early 2026 GNV (a subsidiary of the MSC group) bought her as part of a batch of Moby ships, refitted her and renamed her the GNV Altair. On 21 February 2026 she began her international services on the Sète–Algiers and Sète–Béjaïa routes. In April 2026 she was repositioned to the Balearic market, and now works the overnight Barcelona–Ibiza service alongside the Forza and the Tenacia to absorb the freight and passenger demand.
Full technical specifications
| Ship type | Passenger and rolling freight ferry (Ro-Pax) |
| Length overall | 211 m |
| Beam | 29.6 m |
| Draught | 6.8 m |
| Gross tonnage (GT) | 37,000 GT (approx.) |
| Service speed | 22-23 knots |
| Passenger capacity | ~2,000 people |
| Vehicle capacity | ~700 cars (or the equivalent in rolling freight) |
| Propulsion | Medium-speed diesel engines |
| Passenger decks | Several (vehicle deck + passenger decks) |
| Shipyard | Fincantieri (Italy) |
| Year built | 2002 |
| IMO number | 9236257 |
| Flag | Italy |
| Operating company | GNV (Grandi Navi Veloci) |
Routes operated and indicative timetables
| Route | Duration | Usual departure* |
|---|---|---|
| Barcelona → Tanger Med (Morocco) | ~35 h | ~18:00 |
| Tanger Med → Barcelona | ~35 h | Check timetable |
| Genoa → Barcelona | ~18 h | Check timetable |
| Barcelona → Genoa | ~18 h | Check timetable |
* Indicative timetables, subject to season and availability. The GNV Altair may be reassigned to different routes depending on the operator's planning. Confirm the exact time in our search engine.
The port of Barcelona: getting to the ferry
The GNV Altair usually sails from the Port of Barcelona, one of the largest and best-connected ports in the western Mediterranean. The ferry terminals are at the Moll de Barcelona and the Moll Adossat, easily reached by car, taxi or public transport (shuttle bus from Drassanes metro station or from Las Ramblas).
If you are travelling with a car or a motorhome, we recommend arriving at the port at least 2 hours before the ferry sails. For foot passengers, 60-90 minutes is generally enough. In summer (July and August), and especially on the Morocco routes during Operación Paso del Estrecho — the annual summer crossing operation through the Strait — it is worth allowing extra time and checking the operator's specific instructions.
Fares, discounts and how to book
Prices on the GNV Altair vary a good deal with the route, the season and the type of accommodation you choose. On the Barcelona–Tanger Med route, a seat ticket starts at roughly €60-80 each way in mid season; cabins carry a supplement on top. Fares on the Barcelona–Genoa route are similar for a seat and rise according to the type of cabin.
Discounts and special fares available:
- Children: the usual discount for under-4s (free) and reduced fares for children aged 4 to 12. Check the exact terms when you book.
- Groups: GNV offers group fares above a minimum number of passengers. Contact the operator directly for a quotation.
- Early booking fare: booking ahead usually gets you the best prices, particularly for July and August sailings.
- GNV Club: the operator's loyalty scheme, with benefits for regular customers.
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 | Reclining seat (Pullman) |
| As a couple or with a friend | Inside cabin for 2 |
| As a family (2 adults + children) | Inside cabin for 4 |
| Wanting sea views and more comfort | Outside cabin (with window or porthole) |
| On a tight budget, on a short crossing | Deck (open deck) |
| With a pet | Pet-friendly cabin (check availability) |
ferry GNV Altair · Accommodations
Pullman seat · Standard
The cheapest option on the ship. Reclining seats in a shared lounge, ideal if you are on a tight budget or would rather not pay a cabin supplement. Access to every area of the ship.
✓ Reclining seat with headrest
✓ Access to the café and restaurant
✓ Access to the open deck
✓ Shared toilets on the passenger deck
Inside cabin
A cabin without a window, with berths or beds for 2 or 4 people. The most popular choice on overnight crossings, giving you complete privacy at a sensible price.
✓ Bunks or single beds
✓ Private bathroom with shower and WC
✓ Air conditioning and heating
✓ Wardrobe and mirror
✓ Available for 2 or 4 people
Outside cabin · With a view
A cabin with a porthole or window looking out over the Mediterranean. Brighter, and it feels more spacious. Recommended if you value comfort on longer crossings.
✓ Porthole or window onto the sea
✓ Private bathroom with shower and WC
✓ Air conditioning and heating
✓ More natural light
✓ Available for 2 or 4 people
Deck · No allocated seat
The cheapest fare available. There is no allocated seat: it gets you on board and gives you the run of the public areas, the open deck, the café and the toilets. A common choice on short crossings or for passengers on a very tight budget. Not recommended for long overnight crossings.
✓ Full access to the public areas
✓ Open deck available
✓ The lowest price on the ship
ferry GNV Altair · On-board services
Restaurant and café on board
The GNV Altair has a self-service restaurant serving hot and cold meals, along with a café and bar open throughout the crossing. You can have breakfast, lunch or dinner on board without going back down to your vehicle. The menu covers hot dishes, sandwiches, salads, desserts and a wide selection of drinks.
Onboard shop
The GNV Altair has a duty-free shop on international sailings, selling perfume, tobacco, alcohol, souvenirs and travel goods. It opens while the ship is under way, in line with the customs rules that apply to each route.
Open deck
The open deck on the GNV Altair is one of the spaces passengers appreciate most. It lets you get some fresh air and take in the views over the Mediterranean during the crossing, particularly at sunset or sunrise, when the coastal scenery is at its most spectacular.
Travelling with a dog on board
Accessibility — passengers with reduced mobility
The GNV Altair has lifts and adapted entrances to help passengers with reduced mobility get around on board. If you have particular accessibility needs, we recommend contacting GNV directly when you book so that the most suitable accommodation and boarding arrangements can be made.
Connectivity on board — WiFi
The GNV Altair offers a paid WiFi service on board so that passengers can stay connected during the crossing. Coverage can be patchy out at sea, so it is worth downloading entertainment before you sail for the stretches with no signal.
Frequently asked questions about the GNV Altair
Which routes does the GNV Altair operate?
The GNV Altair works mainly on the Barcelona–Tanger Med (Morocco) and Barcelona–Genoa (Italy) routes. Route assignments can change with the season and with GNV's planning. Check current availability in our search engine.
How long does the GNV Altair take from Barcelona to Tanger Med?
The Barcelona–Tanger Med crossing takes roughly 35 hours. It is a long-distance crossing, so a cabin is strongly recommended if you want a proper rest.
How long does the GNV Altair take from Barcelona to Genoa?
The Barcelona–Genoa crossing takes roughly 18 hours. It is an overnight sailing, ideal for crossing the Mediterranean while you sleep in a cabin.
Does the GNV Altair carry cars?
Yes. The GNV Altair has a hold for roughly 700 vehicles. She is one of the most widely used ferries for crossing the Mediterranean by car, particularly on the summer run to Morocco. If you are travelling with a vehicle, arrive at the port at least 2 hours beforehand.
What accommodation does the GNV Altair offer?
The GNV Altair offers four types of accommodation: Pullman seat (reclining, the cheapest), inside cabin (private bathroom, no window, for 2 or 4 people), outside cabin (with a porthole or window onto the sea) and deck (no allocated seat, the most basic fare).
Is there WiFi on the GNV Altair?
Yes, the GNV Altair has paid WiFi on board. Coverage can vary out at sea, so it is worth downloading entertainment before you board for the stretches with no signal.
Are pets allowed on the GNV Altair?
Yes. GNV allows you to travel with pets. Animals must stay in the designated pet area or in your vehicle in the hold. You must say so when you book and carry the veterinary documentation required by the destination country (EU pet passport, rabies vaccination, etc.).
Is she accessible for passengers with reduced mobility?
Yes. The GNV Altair has lifts and adapted entrances between decks. If you have particular accessibility needs, contact GNV when you book so that the best accommodation can be arranged.
How much does it cost to travel on the GNV Altair?
Indicative prices on the Barcelona–Tanger Med route start at roughly €60-80 per passenger in a seat in mid season. Cabins carry a supplement on top. Prices rise in July and August, so it pays to book ahead. Compare real-time prices here.
How early should I get to the port to board?
With a car or motorhome: at least 2 hours beforehand. Foot passengers: 60-90 minutes. In July and August, especially on the Morocco routes, allow extra time and follow the instructions issued for Operación Paso del Estrecho.
Does the GNV Altair sail during Operación Paso del Estrecho?
Yes. The GNV Altair usually adds capacity to GNV's Morocco services in July and August, as part of Operación Paso del Estrecho. She is one of the operator's highest-capacity ferries for vehicles, which makes her well suited to that peak in demand.
Is there a restaurant on board the GNV Altair?
Yes. The GNV Altair has a self-service restaurant with hot and cold dishes, plus a café and bar open throughout the crossing. You can have breakfast, lunch and dinner on board without going back down to your vehicle.
