ferry GNV Blu GNV
ferry GNV Blu
âš“ The GNV Blu is one of the most modern and best-known ferries in the GNV (Grandi Navi Veloci) fleet, admired for her high standard of comfort and her generous onboard facilities. She works mainly in the western Mediterranean, linking Spanish and Italian ports with Sicily and North Africa, and is best known on the Barcelona–Palermo route. With room for more than 1,900 passengers and a wide range of accommodation — from reclining seats to private cabins with a bathroom — the GNV Blu is a firm favourite with travellers who want to balance price, comfort and the experience of a long-distance crossing.
The ship was built at the Fincantieri shipyard in Italy and entered service in 2004. She belongs to the series of large GNV ferries designed for long overnight crossings in the Mediterranean. Over her working life she has been refitted several times to keep her facilities up to date and improve the passenger experience, gaining new dining areas, upgraded cabins and extra services.
GNV is one of the leading ferry operators in the Mediterranean, running routes between Spain, Italy, Tunisia, Morocco and Sicily. The GNV Blu is one of its flagships on the links between the Iberian Peninsula and southern Italy.
History and background of the ship
The GNV Blu (IMO 8416308) was built between 1985 and 1986 at the Dutch Van der Giessen-de Noord yard in Alblasserdam and delivered in April 1986 as the Koningin Beatrix for the Dutch company SMZ. In 1989 she passed to Stena Line, and for 16 years she was a mainstay of the North Sea crossing between Hook of Holland and Harwich. In 2002 she was renamed Stena Baltica and moved to the Baltic on the Karlskrona–Gdynia route, where she was lengthened in 2005 to take more heavy lorries.
In 2013 she was bought by SNAV and renamed SNAV Adriatico. Between 2015 and 2017 she was chartered by Trasmediterránea to run the Barcelona–Mahón (Menorca) service and to add capacity on the links to Palma de Mallorca and Ibiza, which made her a very familiar sight in Spain. In 2022 she was formally transferred to GNV and took her definitive name, GNV Blu. She normally works the Bari–Durrës (Albania) route and, at the height of the summer season, adds capacity on the international Almería–Nador (Morocco) service.
Full technical specifications
| Ship type | Passenger and roll-on/roll-off freight ferry (Ro-Pax) |
| Length overall | 211 m |
| Beam | 30 m |
| Cruising speed | 23 knots |
| Passenger capacity | 1,914 people |
| Vehicle capacity | 700 lane metres of freight (cars and heavy vehicles) |
| Propulsion | Diesel (MAN engines) |
| Passenger decks | Several decks with separate areas |
| Shipyard | Fincantieri (Italy) |
| Year built | 2004 |
| IMO number | 9247322 |
| Flag | Italy |
| Operating company | GNV (Grandi Navi Veloci) |
Routes operated and indicative timetables
| Route | Duration | Usual departure* |
|---|---|---|
| Barcelona → Palermo (Sicily) | ~19 h | ~18:00 |
| Palermo (Sicily) → Barcelona | ~19 h | ~18:00 |
| Genoa → Palermo (Sicily) | ~20 h | ~20:00 |
| Palermo (Sicily) → Genoa | ~20 h | ~18:30 |
* Indicative timetables, subject to season and availability. Confirm the exact departure time in our search engine.
Barcelona and Palermo: the ports and how to reach them
The GNV Blu sails from the ferry terminal at the port of Barcelona, on the Moll de Sant Bertomeu. The port of Barcelona is one of the largest in the Mediterranean and easy to reach: there is direct access from the Ronda Litoral (exit 21 – Zona Franca / Port) and shuttle buses from the city centre. We recommend arriving at least 90 minutes beforehand if you are travelling with a vehicle.
On the Italian side, the ship uses the port of Palermo, right in the middle of the city and a few minutes' walk from the old town. It is one of the most accessible ports in Sicily, with direct bus and taxi links to the city centre and to Falcone-Borsellino airport (roughly 35 km away).
Fares, discounts and how to book
A reclining seat on the Barcelona–Palermo route starts at roughly €60–80 per person in low season. Cabin prices vary with the category and the number of occupants, ranging from about €100 to €250 per cabin depending on the season and the number of berths.
Discounts and special conditions available:
- Sicilian residents: discounts for residents on certain Italian domestic routes. Check the conditions when you book.
- Families and children: children under 4 travel free (without an allocated place) and under-12s pay reduced fares.
- GNV Club: GNV's loyalty scheme, with discounts and benefits for regular customers.
- Early Booking fare: booking well ahead (especially in summer) can save you a good deal against the standard fare.
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 |
| As a couple wanting privacy on an overnight crossing | Double inside cabin |
| As a family with children | 4-berth inside cabin |
| Looking for sea views and extra comfort | Outside cabin with window |
| With a pet | Pet-friendly cabin (where available) or a pet place |
| Looking for maximum privacy and premium service | Suite or luxury cabin |
ferry GNV Blu · Accommodations
Reclining seat · Standard
The cheapest option on board. Reclining seats in a shared area, with access to all the ship's facilities. Ideal for travellers who put price first on overnight crossings where you sleep on board.
✓ Reclining seat with headrest
✓ Access to every area of the ship
✓ Café and restaurant areas included
✓ The most affordable option available
Inside cabin
A private cabin without a window, ideal for overnight crossings. Available as a double (2 berths) or a quad (4 berths). Includes a private bathroom with shower. The best choice for anyone after privacy and a good night's sleep at a sensible price.
✓ Private cabin with a lock
✓ Private bathroom with shower
✓ Available with 2 or 4 berths
✓ Individually controlled climate control
Outside cabin · With window
A private cabin with a window or porthole facing outwards, with sea views. The same fittings as the inside cabin but with natural light and a view. Recommended for anyone who wants to enjoy the Mediterranean scenery along the way.
✓ Window or porthole with sea views
✓ Private bathroom with shower
✓ Available with 2 or 4 berths
✓ Individually controlled climate control
Superior cabin · Comfort
A larger cabin with upgraded fittings: a double bed instead of bunks, a desk, a television and a bigger bathroom. The most comfortable option for couples who want a better night's rest.
✓ Double bed
✓ Television in the cabin
✓ Larger private bathroom
✓ Desk and more storage space
Suite · Premium
The most exclusive accommodation on the GNV Blu. A spacious suite with a separate seating area, a double bed, a full bathroom with bath or shower, a television and the best views on board. The perfect choice for anyone who wants the very best at sea.
✓ Separate seating area
✓ Double bed and luxury bathroom
✓ Television and minibar
✓ Maximum privacy and comfort on board
ferry GNV Blu · On-board services
Restaurant and café on board
The GNV Blu offers a full range of food and drink for her passengers, with several options to suit every taste and budget during the crossing.
Open deck and lounge areas
The GNV Blu has an open deck for passengers, where you can enjoy the fresh air and the views across the Mediterranean during the crossing. On the long overnight sailings the deck comes into its own at dawn, as the ship approaches her destination port.
Onboard shop
Travelling with pets on board the GNV Blu
Accessibility — passengers with reduced mobility
The GNV Blu is fitted with lifts and ramps to make it easier to move between the ship's decks, as well as adapted cabins for passengers with reduced mobility. We recommend telling GNV about any special requirements when you book, so that the right assistance can be arranged for boarding, the crossing and disembarkation.
Entertainment on board
The GNV Blu has several entertainment areas to make the crossing more enjoyable:
- Amusement arcade: an entertainment area with machines and games for adults and older children.
- Television lounge: a shared area with television screens and programmes during the crossing.
- Wi-Fi on board: a connection available during the crossing (quality can vary out at sea).
- Library and quiet lounge: peaceful spaces to read or rest on the long overnight crossing.
Frequently asked questions about the GNV Blu
Which routes does the GNV Blu ferry operate?
She works mainly on the Barcelona–Palermo and Genoa–Palermo routes. GNV allocates its ships flexibly according to the season, so the exact routes can change. Confirm which ship is scheduled when you book.
How long does the GNV Blu take from Barcelona to Palermo?
The Barcelona–Palermo crossing takes about 19 hours. It is an overnight sailing that usually leaves in the afternoon and arrives the following morning, so you can use the night to sleep in a cabin.
Does the GNV Blu carry cars and other vehicles?
Yes. She has 700 lane metres of freight capacity for vehicles, taking cars, motorbikes, caravans and heavy vehicles. If you are travelling by car, arrive at the port at least 90 minutes beforehand.
What accommodation does the GNV Blu offer?
Five types: reclining seat (the cheapest), inside cabin (2 or 4 berths with a bathroom), outside cabin with sea views, superior cabin with a double bed and TV, and suite with a separate sitting area and a luxury bathroom.
Is Wi-Fi free on the GNV Blu?
The GNV Blu has a Wi-Fi connection on board. Coverage and speed can vary out at sea. Check the current conditions with GNV when you book.
Are pets allowed on the GNV Blu?
Yes. GNV accepts pets on board. Small animals can travel in the passenger's cabin (booking a pet-friendly cabin in advance) and larger ones have dedicated areas on deck. You must book a pet place and carry a European pet passport with a valid rabies vaccination.
Is the GNV Blu accessible for passengers with reduced mobility?
Yes. She has lifts, ramps and adapted cabins for passengers with reduced mobility. We recommend telling GNV about any special requirements when you book so that the right assistance can be arranged.
How much does it cost to travel on the GNV Blu?
A reclining seat starts at roughly €60–80 per person each way in low season. Cabins range from €100 to €250 depending on the category and the season. Prices rise in July and August. Compare real-time prices here.
Is there a restaurant on board the GNV Blu?
Yes. The GNV Blu has a waiter-service restaurant serving Italian cooking, a self-service café with hot and cold dishes, and a bar open throughout the crossing. The menu draws on Mediterranean and Italian cuisine.
How early should I get to the port?
With a vehicle: at least 90 minutes beforehand. As a foot passenger, 60 minutes is enough. In July and August it is worth allowing extra time, particularly at the port of Barcelona.
Is a cabin worth booking, or will a seat do?
On a 19-hour crossing such as Barcelona–Palermo, we would book at least an inside cabin so that you can sleep properly. A reclining seat works if you want the lowest possible price and can sleep sitting up, but a cabin makes an enormous difference to the trip.
When was the GNV Blu built, and by whom?
The GNV Blu was built by the Fincantieri shipyard in Italy and entered service in 2004. Her IMO number is 9247322. She has been refitted regularly to keep her facilities up to date.
