ferry GNV Atlas GNV
ferry GNV Atlas
âš“ The GNV Atlas is one of the highest-capacity ferries in the GNV (Grandi Navi Veloci) fleet, built for long-haul routes in the western Mediterranean. With room for more than 1,700 passengers and over 500 lane metres of rolling freight, the Atlas combines a broad range of accommodation — from reclining seats to private cabins — with catering, entertainment and quiet areas designed for long overnight crossings. She works mainly on the Barcelona–Genoa route, one of the most important sea links in the Mediterranean between Spain and Italy.
The ship was built at the Fincantieri shipyards in Italy and belongs to a fleet that GNV has steadily modernised and expanded over recent years. GNV is part of the MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company group, which gives it solid logistical and financial backing for maintaining and renewing its ships. The GNV Atlas has had her passenger facilities upgraded several times to keep them up to current standards of comfort.
History and background of the ship
The GNV Atlas (IMO 8712520) belongs to the Peter Pan class, built at the German Schichau Seebeckwerft yard in Bremerhaven and completed in May 1990. She first sailed as the Olau Britannia for Olau Line on the Sheerness–Vlissingen route across the North Sea, and after the company folded she was renamed Pride of Portsmouth by P&O Ferries, crossing the English Channel between Portsmouth and Le Havre for more than a decade. In 2005 she was bought by SNAV (a company in the same group) and became the SNAV Lazio, working the Italian motorways of the sea between Civitavecchia, Olbia and Palermo.
In 2017 she was transferred to GNV and renamed GNV Atlas — after the North African mountain range — becoming a fixture on the international Barcelona–Nador and Sète–Tanger Med routes. Since February 2026 she has been on a six-month charter as a floating hotel at the port of Filyos (Turkey), accommodating staff from the Sakarya gas field in the Black Sea.
Full technical specifications
| Ship type | Passenger and rolling freight ferry (Ro-Pax) |
| Length overall | 211 m |
| Beam | 26.5 m |
| Gross tonnage (GT) | ~37,000 GT |
| Service speed | ~22 knots |
| Passenger capacity | ~1,700 people |
| Freight capacity | ~500 lane metres (Ro-Ro) |
| Passenger decks | Several (reached from the vehicle deck) |
| Propulsion | Diesel engines |
| Shipyard | Fincantieri (Italy) |
| Year built | 2001 |
| IMO number | 9213594 |
| Flag | Italy |
| Ferry operator | GNV (Grandi Navi Veloci) — MSC Group |
Routes operated and indicative timetables
| Route | Duration | Usual departure* |
|---|---|---|
| Barcelona → Genoa | ~18 h | ~19:00 |
| Genoa → Barcelona | ~18 h | ~19:00 |
* Indicative timetables, subject to season and availability. Confirm the exact time in our search engine.
Barcelona–Genoa: the motorway of the sea between Spain and Italy
The Barcelona–Genoa route is one of the great classic Mediterranean crossings. At roughly 18 hours, it is essentially an overnight sailing: you travel while you sleep and arrive first thing in the morning. It is the favourite choice for anyone taking their own vehicle who would rather not drive over the Alps or through France.
The port of Barcelona has a ferry terminal that is well connected to the city centre. The port of Genoa sits in the heart of the city, with direct access to the A7 motorway towards Milan and the A26 towards Turin. If you are heading for northern Italy, Switzerland or the south of France, this route is a very comfortable alternative to driving.
We recommend arriving at the port at least 2 hours beforehand if you are travelling with a vehicle, and 1 hour as a foot passenger. In high season (July and August) it is worth allowing more time.
Fares, discounts and how to book
A reclining seat on the GNV Atlas starts at roughly €49 each way in low season, and can exceed €120 in high season. Cabins cost more, depending on the grade and the number of people sharing. We recommend booking ahead, especially in July and August, when demand on the Barcelona–Genoa route is very high.
Discounts and special fares available:
- GNV Club: GNV's loyalty scheme. Collect points on every crossing and redeem them against future bookings.
- Group fare: discounts for groups of 10 or more. Contact GNV directly for a quotation.
- Resident fare: on certain publicly subsidised routes (not applicable to Barcelona–Genoa).
- Early booking: the best fares go to those who book several months 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 | Reclining seat |
| Wanting privacy and a guaranteed rest | Inside cabin for 2–4 |
| As a family with children | Family cabin (4 berths) |
| Wanting maximum comfort | Outside cabin with window |
| On business, or wanting more privacy | Premium double outside cabin |
| On a very tight budget (low season) | Deck / area with no allocated seat |
ferry GNV Atlas · Accommodations
Reclining seat · Standard
The cheapest option on the ship. Reclining seats in a shared lounge, ideal if price comes first on an overnight crossing. Access to all the ship's public areas.
✓ Reclining seat with headrest
✓ Access to the public areas and the open deck
✓ Access to the café and restaurant
✓ WiFi available on board
Inside cabin · 2–4 berths
A private cabin without a window, available with 2 or 4 berths. The best way to guarantee a real night's sleep on the overnight crossing without paying the outside cabin supplement.
✓ Private cabin with a lock
✓ Berths with bed linen included
✓ Private bathroom
✓ Individually controlled air conditioning
✓ Power socket
Outside cabin · With window
A private cabin with a window onto the sea. Available as a double or with more berths. The natural light and the views over the Mediterranean make this the ship's premium choice for anyone after maximum comfort.
✓ Window with sea views
✓ Private cabin with a lock
✓ Berths or a double bed, subject to availability
✓ Private bathroom
✓ Individually controlled air conditioning
✓ Bed linen included
Family cabin · 4 berths
A private 4-berth cabin designed for families or groups travelling together, keeping the whole party in one comfortable private space for the overnight crossing.
✓ 4 berths in a private cabin
✓ Private bathroom
✓ Bed linen included
✓ Individually controlled air conditioning
✓ Ideal for families with children
ferry GNV Atlas · On-board services
Restaurant and café
The GNV Atlas has a full-service restaurant serving Italian dishes from a varied menu, along with a café offering hot dishes, sandwiches, pizzas, drinks and snacks for most of the crossing. Since the Barcelona–Genoa trip lasts around 18 hours, the food on board covers dinner, breakfast and, depending on the departure time, sometimes lunch as well.
Open deck
The GNV Atlas has an open deck with a promenade area and views over the Mediterranean. It is one of the spaces passengers appreciate most, particularly as the ship leaves Barcelona at dusk or approaches the Ligurian coast at dawn. There is also an outdoor seating area on deck.
Travelling with a dog on board
Accessibility — passengers with reduced mobility
The GNV Atlas has adapted cabins for passengers with reduced mobility and special access arrangements in the ship's public areas. If you need particular assistance boarding or disembarking, we recommend telling GNV in advance when you book so that the shore and onboard teams can put the help you need in place. Both Barcelona and Genoa provide assistance services for passengers with reduced mobility (PRM).
Shop and entertainment
On board the GNV Atlas you will find a shop selling travel goods, souvenirs, snacks and essentials. For entertainment, the ship has lounges with television and quiet seating areas. It is worth downloading series, films or music before you board, as mobile data coverage out at sea can be patchy.
Frequently asked questions about the GNV Atlas
Which routes does the GNV Atlas operate?
She works mainly on the Barcelona–Genoa route for GNV. It is one of the most important sea links in the western Mediterranean between Spain and Italy, taking roughly 18 hours.
How long does the GNV Atlas take from Barcelona to Genoa?
Roughly 18 hours. Departures are usually in the evening, so you spend the night on board and reach Genoa first thing the next morning.
Does the GNV Atlas carry cars?
Yes. She has a Ro-Ro hold with room for roughly 500 lane metres of rolling freight: cars, motorbikes, vans and goods vehicles. If you are travelling with a vehicle, arrive at the port at least 2 hours beforehand.
What accommodation does the GNV Atlas offer?
Four choices: reclining seat (standard, the cheapest), inside cabin (2 or 4 berths with a private bathroom, no window), outside cabin (window onto the sea, maximum comfort) and family cabin (4 berths, ideal for families). Every cabin comes with bed linen and a private bathroom.
How much does it cost to travel on the GNV Atlas?
A seat starts at around €49 in low season. Cabins carry a supplement depending on the grade. Prices climb noticeably in July and August. Check real-time prices here.
Are pets allowed on the GNV Atlas?
Yes. The GNV Atlas accepts pets. You must say so when you book and carry an EU pet passport and an up-to-date rabies vaccination. Check the specific conditions with GNV before you travel.
Is there WiFi on board the GNV Atlas?
The ship has WiFi on board, though speed and quality can vary out at sea. It is worth downloading entertainment (series, music, podcasts) before you board to make the overnight crossing more pleasant.
Is the GNV Atlas accessible for passengers with reduced mobility?
Yes. She has adapted cabins and special access arrangements in the public areas. We recommend telling GNV that you need assistance when you book. Barcelona and Genoa both offer PRM assistance services too.
How early should I get to the port?
With a vehicle: at least 2 hours before departure. As a foot passenger: 1 hour is enough. In July and August allow more time still, because of the queues to get into the port of Barcelona.
Is there a restaurant on board the GNV Atlas?
Yes. The GNV Atlas has a full-service restaurant with an Italian menu and a café serving hot dishes, sandwiches, pizzas and drinks. As the trip lasts around 18 hours, dinner and breakfast are both covered on board and there is no need to bring food with you.
Do I need any special documents to travel on the GNV Atlas from Spain to Italy?
The Barcelona–Genoa route is an international crossing. EU citizens need only a valid national identity card (the DNI in Spain) or passport. Citizens of countries outside the Schengen Area should check the visa requirements that apply to Italy.
How do I get from the port of Genoa into the city or on to the rest of Italy?
The port of Genoa is part of the city centre. You can walk or take a taxi into town in a few minutes. If you are driving, you have direct access to the A7 towards Milan and the A26 towards Turin. There are public bus links too, and Genova Porta Principessa station is only a few minutes from the port.
