ferry GNV Azzurra GNV
ferry GNV Azzurra
âš“ The GNV Azzurra is one of the most modern and highest-capacity ferries in the GNV (Grandi Navi Veloci) fleet, designed to link the Iberian Peninsula with Italy across the western Mediterranean. At 218 metres long and with room for 2,800 passengers, she is one of the largest ships in regular service between the port of Barcelona and Italy. She works mainly on the Barcelona–Civitavecchia (Rome) and Genoa–Barcelona routes, covering some of the most popular overnight crossings in the Mediterranean.
The GNV Azzurra was built at the Visentini shipyard in Porto Viro (Italy) and entered service in 2003. She is a Ro-Pax vessel — carrying passengers and roll-on/roll-off traffic together — with a generous garage deck designed both for holidaymakers with a car and for freight hauliers. Over her working life she has been given a series of interior refits that have widened the range of onboard services.
Her name, Azzurra ('sky blue' in Italian), evokes the colour of the Mediterranean and belongs to the distinctive naming and visual identity of the GNV fleet, many of whose ships are named after colours or features of the sea.
History and background of the ship
The GNV Azzurra (IMO 7826790) is one of the most experienced and versatile ships in the GNV fleet. She was built between 1980 and 1981 at the Swedish Öresundsvarvet yard in Landskrona (yard number 279), and first worked in the Baltic as the Wasa Star. In 1984 she was bought by the Norwegian operator Larvik Line (later Color Line) and renamed Peter Wessel, serving the Oslo–Denmark routes for more than two decades. In 1988 she underwent a jumboisation at the Blohm & Voss yard, where she was cut in two so that a 26-metre section could be inserted, doubling her tonnage and passenger capacity.
In 2008 she was bought by SNAV and renamed SNAV Toscana for the Mediterranean routes to Sardinia and Sicily. In September 2017 she played a part in a memorable episode in Spain: she was chartered by the Ministry of the Interior as a floating hotel in the port of Barcelona to house National Police and Guardia Civil officers during Operation Copernicus. Transferred to GNV that same year, she now works mainly on the Bari–Durrës (Albania) route. In June 2026 she suffered an engine-room fire south-west of Corsica while sailing the Genoa–Porto Torres service; all 876 people on board were unhurt.
Full technical specifications
| Ship type | Ro-Pax ferry (passengers and roll-on/roll-off vehicles) |
| Length overall | 218 m |
| Beam | 26 m |
| Draught | 6.4 m |
| Service speed | 23 knots |
| Maximum speed | 25 knots |
| Passenger capacity | 2,800 people |
| Vehicle capacity | ~700 cars (or the equivalent in lane metres of freight) |
| Lane metres of freight | ~2,600 lane metres |
| Propulsion | 4 Wärtsilä diesel engines |
| Total output | ~37,800 kW |
| Passenger decks | 4 |
| Cabins | ~550 cabins |
| Shipyard | Cantieri Visentini, Porto Viro (Italy) |
| Year built | 2003 |
| Flag | Italy |
| IMO number | 9247550 |
| Call sign | IBZV |
| Operating company | GNV (Grandi Navi Veloci) |
Routes operated and indicative timetables
| Route | Duration | Usual departure* |
|---|---|---|
| Barcelona → Civitavecchia (Rome) | ~20 h | ~18:00 |
| Civitavecchia (Rome) → Barcelona | ~20 h | ~19:00 |
| Genoa → Barcelona | ~18 h | ~20:00 |
| Barcelona → Genoa | ~18 h | ~20:00 |
* Indicative timetables, subject to season and availability. Confirm the exact departure time in our search engine.
The port of Civitavecchia: the gateway to Rome
The GNV Azzurra sails to the port of Civitavecchia, about 70 km north-west of Rome (roughly an hour by train or car). It is the Italian capital's main passenger port and one of the busiest in the Mediterranean. From the Civitavecchia ferry terminal there is a direct regional train (Trenitalia) to Roma Termini station in under an hour.
If your final destination is central Rome, the overnight ferry plus train combination is one of the most comfortable and affordable options available. You avoid the flight, arrive rested, and can bring the car with you if you need to get around Italy.
Sailings from Barcelona board at the port of Barcelona, at the ferry terminal on the Moll de Barcelona. We recommend arriving at least 2 hours beforehand if you are travelling with a vehicle, and 1 hour if you are a foot passenger.
Fares, discounts and how to book
A standard Pullman seat on the Barcelona–Civitavecchia route starts at roughly €60–80 each way in low season, and can go above €130–180 in July and August. Cabins carry a supplement that varies with the category and the number of occupants. Booking ahead is well worth it, particularly in summer.
Usual discounts and conditions:
- GNV Club: GNV's loyalty scheme. Collect points on every trip and enjoy benefits on future bookings.
- Children: under-4s travel free; reductions for children aged 4 to 12 depending on the fare booked.
- Groups: special fares for groups of more than 10 people. Ask GNV directly or check our search engine.
- Italian and Spanish residents: GNV does not apply the resident discount on international routes in the same way as on domestic cabotage services. Check the conditions when you book.
- Special vehicles: separate pricing for motorbikes, motorhomes and lorries.
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, looking for privacy | Double inside cabin |
| As a family with children | Inside or outside cabin for 4 people |
| Looking for sea views and natural light | Outside cabin (with window or porthole) |
| Maximum comfort on a long overnight crossing | Suite or luxury cabin |
| With a pet | Pet-friendly cabin (booked in advance) |
| With reduced mobility | Adapted accessible cabin |
ferry GNV Azzurra · Accommodations
Pullman seat · Standard
The cheapest option on the GNV Azzurra. Reclining seats in a shared lounge, with access to every area of the ship. Ideal for travellers who put price first on an overnight crossing of around 20 hours.
✓ Reclining seat with headrest
✓ Access to every area of the ship
✓ Power sockets in the seating area
✓ Wi-Fi on board
Inside cabin
A cabin without a window, with single beds or bunks, a private bathroom with shower, air conditioning and a security lock. The most popular choice for travellers who want a proper night's sleep on an overnight crossing. Available in 2- and 4-person layouts.
✓ Beds with bed linen included
✓ Private bathroom with shower
✓ Individually controlled air conditioning
✓ Security lock
✓ Television on board
Outside cabin
The same as the inside cabin but with a window or porthole and sea views. Much brighter during daylight hours, which makes it the best choice for families with children or for anyone who wants to watch the sea at sunrise.
✓ Window or porthole with sea views
✓ Beds with bed linen included
✓ Private bathroom with shower
✓ Individually controlled air conditioning
✓ Television on board
Suite · Maximum comfort
The most premium accommodation on the GNV Azzurra. More living space, a double bed, a larger full bathroom, a seating area and views outside. The perfect choice for business trips, honeymoons, or whenever comfort matters above all else.
✓ Double bed with premium bed linen
✓ Larger full bathroom
✓ Private seating area
✓ Sea views
✓ Television and individually controlled air conditioning
Adapted accessible cabin
A cabin designed specifically for passengers with reduced mobility. Step-free access, an adapted bathroom with grab rails, room for a wheelchair and a position on the accessible deck. You need to request one when you book to be sure of availability.
✓ Step-free access throughout
✓ Adapted bathroom with grab rails and accessible shower
✓ Room to manoeuvre a wheelchair
✓ Advance booking essential
ferry GNV Azzurra · On-board services
Restaurant, café and food on board
The GNV Azzurra has a full range of food and drink designed for long-distance crossings. There is a full-menu restaurant, a self-service café with long opening hours, a bar and an onboard shop. A buffet breakfast is available to all passengers on overnight sailings, and the menu includes hot dishes, vegetarian options and special children's meals.
Open deck and lounge areas
The GNV Azzurra has an open outside deck from which to enjoy the views across the Mediterranean. Indoor public areas include lounges with television, a reading corner and quiet spaces for the night hours. In high season the open deck is one of the most sought-after spots during daylight.
Children's play area
Travelling with your pet on the GNV Azzurra
Accessibility — passengers with reduced mobility
The GNV Azzurra is fitted with lifts between decks, access ramps, adapted accessible cabins with an accessible bathroom and room for a wheelchair, and adapted toilets in the public areas. You need to state your accessibility requirements when you book, so that the adapted cabin can be guaranteed along with the assistance you need boarding and disembarking.
Connectivity — Wi-Fi on board
The GNV Azzurra has Wi-Fi on board available to all passengers. Access is bought as a data or time package through the ship's captive portal. Coverage and speed can vary depending on where the ship is during the crossing, particularly in the small hours when she is well out to sea.
- Paid Wi-Fi sold as data or time packages
- Variable coverage depending on the ship's position in the Mediterranean
- Access through the ship's captive portal on your own device
Frequently asked questions about the GNV Azzurra
Which routes does the GNV Azzurra operate?
She works mainly on the Barcelona–Civitavecchia (Rome) and Genoa–Barcelona routes. Ship allocations can change from season to season; check availability in our search engine.
How long does the GNV Azzurra take from Barcelona to Rome?
The Barcelona–Civitavecchia crossing takes about 20 hours. It usually leaves in the afternoon and arrives first thing the following morning. Civitavecchia is about 70 km from Rome (an hour by train or car).
Does the GNV Azzurra carry cars?
Yes. She has a Ro-Pax hold for roughly 700 cars or the equivalent in lane metres. She also takes motorbikes, motorhomes and lorries. Arrive at the port at least 2 hours beforehand if you are travelling with a vehicle.
What accommodation does the GNV Azzurra offer?
Four main types: Pullman seat (standard, the cheapest), inside cabin (private bathroom, no window), outside cabin (with sea views) and suite (maximum comfort). There is also an adapted accessible cabin for passengers with reduced mobility.
Is a cabin on the GNV Azzurra worth it?
On a 20-hour crossing, yes. An inside cabin lets you sleep properly, take a shower and reach Rome in far better shape than you would in a seat. The extra cost over the Pullman fare is usually repaid in comfort, especially in high season.
Is Wi-Fi free on the GNV Azzurra?
Wi-Fi on board the GNV Azzurra is paid for, bought as a data or time package through the ship's captive portal. Coverage varies depending on where she is out at sea.
Are pets allowed on the GNV Azzurra?
Yes. GNV accepts pets in a dedicated area or in pet-friendly cabins. You must say so when you book. For travel between Spain and Italy your pet needs a European pet passport and a valid rabies vaccination. Dogs must wear a lead and muzzle in public areas.
Is the GNV Azzurra accessible for passengers with reduced mobility?
Yes. She has lifts between decks, adapted accessible cabins with an accessible bathroom and room for a wheelchair, and adapted toilets in the public areas. State your accessibility requirements when you book.
How much is a Barcelona–Civitavecchia ticket on the GNV Azzurra?
A Pullman seat starts at roughly €60–80 each way in low season. In July and August it can go above €130–180. Cabins carry a supplement. Compare real-time prices here.
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 it is worth allowing extra time, since boarding a ship carrying 2,800 passengers takes longer.
Is there a restaurant on board the GNV Azzurra?
Yes. The GNV Azzurra has a full-menu restaurant, a self-service café, a bar and a shop. A buffet breakfast is served on overnight sailings. The menu includes hot dishes, vegetarian options and a children's menu.
Can I take a motorhome or a motorbike on the GNV Azzurra?
Yes. The GNV Azzurra takes motorbikes, motorhomes, high-sided vehicles and lorries in her Ro-Pax hold. The price depends on the type and dimensions of the vehicle. Always give the exact measurements when you book.
How do I get from Civitavecchia to central Rome?
Civitavecchia is about 70 km from Rome. The easiest and cheapest option is the Trenitalia regional train straight from the ferry terminal to Roma Termini station (about an hour, tickets from around €5). You can also drive along the A12 or book a private transfer.
