ferry GNV Bridge GNV
ferry GNV Bridge
âš“ The GNV Bridge is one of the highest-capacity ferries in the fleet of GNV (Grandi Navi Veloci), the Italian operator that specialises in long-distance Mediterranean crossings. The ship works mainly between Barcelona, Genoa and Palermo, offering a comfortable and affordable alternative to flying across the western Mediterranean, with or without a vehicle. She stands out for her wide choice of accommodation — from reclining seats to private cabins — and for onboard spaces designed for long overnight crossings.
The GNV Bridge was built at the Fincantieri shipyard in Italy and delivered to GNV in 2000. She is a long roll-on/roll-off cruise ferry (ro-pax), designed specifically for the cabotage and cross-Mediterranean routes that define GNV's western Mediterranean network. Over her years in service she has been refitted several times to keep the quality of her onboard facilities up to standard.
History and background of the ship
The GNV Bridge (IMO 9893369) was built at the Cantiere Navale Visentini yard in Porto Viro (yard number 230). Her keel was laid in December 2009, she was launched in March 2021 and delivered in May 2021 to Visemar di Navigazione, which immediately chartered her to GNV for five years. Based in Spain from day one, she became one of the most efficient ships on the Balearic sea bridge, working the Barcelona–Palma de Mallorca route as a fixture and alternating with Valencia–Palma. Her vast hold of 2,566 lane metres proved essential for carrying lorries and heavy trailers out to the islands. In July 2023 she doubled as a naval engineering laboratory when an experimental rigid sail (a Wing Sail Module designed by Naos Design) was fitted to cut her fuel consumption.
When her charter expired in May 2026 the ship did not renew with GNV and was chartered on a bareboat basis, with a compulsory purchase option, to the Greek Attica Group. Renamed Superfast V and registered in Cyprus, she now works the international Patras–Igoumenitsa–Corfu–Venice route in the Adriatic, replacing the veteran Lefka Ori.
Full technical specifications
| Ship type | Ro-pax ferry (passengers and roll-on/roll-off freight) |
| Length overall | 211 m |
| Beam | 30.40 m |
| Service speed | ~22 knots |
| Passenger capacity | ~2,000 people |
| Vehicle capacity | ~700 cars (equivalent) |
| Propulsion | Diesel engines |
| Passenger decks | Several passenger and garage decks |
| Shipyard | Fincantieri (Italy) |
| Year built | 2000 |
| IMO number | 9208632 |
| Flag | Italy |
| Operating company | GNV (Grandi Navi Veloci) |
Routes operated and indicative timetables
| Route | Duration | Usual departure* |
|---|---|---|
| Barcelona → Palermo | ~20 h | ~18:00 |
| Palermo → Barcelona | ~20 h | ~18:00 |
| Genoa → Barcelona | ~18 h | ~18:30 |
| Barcelona → Genoa | ~18 h | ~18:30 |
| Genoa → Palermo | ~21 h | ~20:00 |
| Palermo → Genoa | ~21 h | ~18:00 |
* Indicative timetables, subject to season and availability. Confirm the exact departure time in our search engine.
The port of Barcelona: how to get there and what to bear in mind
The GNV Bridge sails from the Port de Barcelona, using either the Drassanes ferry terminal or the Poniente terminal depending on the sailing. The port of Barcelona is very easy to reach: it is less than 10 minutes by taxi or private hire from the city centre, around 20 minutes from Josep Tarradellas airport, and a short walk from the Drassanes metro stop on line 3.
If you are travelling by car, GNV recommends arriving at the port at least 2 hours before the scheduled departure. Foot passengers: 1 hour is enough in low season, though in July and August it is worth allowing extra time. Bear in mind that GNV Bridge crossings are overnight or long-haul, so boarding without a rush matters if you want to make the most of the night on board.
Fares, discounts and how to book
A reclining seat (tourist class) starts at roughly €40–60 each way in low season, while a cabin in high season (July and August) can exceed €100. The price varies a great deal depending on the accommodation you choose, how far ahead you book and the time of year.
Discounts and schemes available:
- Sicilian resident fare: residents of Sicily can qualify for reduced fares on routes between Sicily and mainland Italy. Check availability when you book.
- GNV Club: GNV's loyalty scheme. Collect points on every trip and redeem them for discounts on future bookings.
- Early Booking: GNV usually offers reduced prices for bookings made well in advance, particularly outside high season.
- Family and group fares: specific discounts for groups of more than 10 people and for families with children. Ask GNV directly.
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 (Tourist) |
| Wanting a proper rest on an overnight crossing | Inside cabin (2–4 berths) |
| As a couple or with a friend, wanting more privacy | Outside cabin with window |
| As a family with children | Family cabin (4 berths) |
| Looking for maximum comfort and sea views | Outside cabin with porthole or balcony |
| With a pet | Pet-friendly cabin (subject to availability) |
ferry GNV Bridge · Accommodations
Tourist seat · Standard
The cheapest option on board. Reclining seats in a shared area, perfect for travellers who put price first. On long overnight crossings such as Barcelona–Palermo, it is worth weighing up a cabin for a better night's rest.
✓ Reclining seat with headrest
✓ Access to all the ship's public areas
✓ Café and restaurant open to you
✓ The most affordable option on board
Inside cabin · 2–4 berths
A cabin without a window on an inner deck. Ideal for sleeping well on overnight crossings without a steep jump in price. Fitted with bunks, a private bathroom and climate control.
✓ Single bunks (2 or 4 berths)
✓ Private bathroom with shower
✓ Individually controlled climate control
✓ Power sockets and storage space
Outside cabin · With window or porthole
A cabin with a window or porthole and sea views. The best option for anyone who wants both a good rest and natural light. Available as a 2-berth cabin. The same fittings as the inside cabin, plus daylight.
✓ Window or porthole with sea views
✓ Bunks or double beds (depending on layout)
✓ Private bathroom with shower
✓ Individually controlled climate control
Family cabin · 4 berths
Designed for families with children or groups of up to 4 people who want to travel together in the same private space. More living space than the standard cabins.
✓ Room for 4 passengers
✓ Private bathroom with shower
✓ Extra storage space
✓ Individually controlled climate control
Suite / Premium cabin
The most comfortable accommodation on the GNV Bridge. A larger cabin with a double bed, a seating area, a full bathroom and panoramic sea views. Ideal for travellers who want the very best on a long crossing.
✓ Double bed
✓ Seating area or desk
✓ Full bathroom with shower
✓ Sea views
✓ More space and better fittings
ferry GNV Bridge · On-board services
Restaurant and café on board
The GNV Bridge has several places to eat and drink, which go a long way towards making the crossing enjoyable. On 18–20 hour routes such as Barcelona–Palermo or Genoa–Barcelona, the food on offer is a key part of the trip.
Onboard shop
Open deck
Travelling with a dog on board
Accessibility — passengers with reduced mobility
The GNV Bridge has lifts between decks and adapted entrances to help passengers with reduced mobility or wheelchair users get around. GNV recommends contacting its customer service team in advance so that tailored assistance can be arranged for boarding, the crossing and disembarkation.
Wi-Fi connectivity on board
The GNV Bridge offers a Wi-Fi connection on board for passengers. Availability and connection speed can vary depending on where the ship is sailing and how busy the network is. On long crossings it is worth downloading entertainment before you board.
Frequently asked questions about the GNV Bridge
Which routes does the GNV Bridge ferry operate?
She works mainly between Barcelona, Genoa and Palermo. Her usual routes are Barcelona–Palermo, Genoa–Barcelona and Genoa–Palermo, calling at Barcelona depending on the season's schedule.
How long does the GNV Bridge take from Barcelona to Palermo?
The crossing takes about 20 hours. It is mostly an overnight sailing, so booking a cabin is recommended for comfort and a proper rest.
How long does the GNV Bridge take from Genoa to Barcelona?
The Genoa–Barcelona crossing takes about 18 hours. She usually leaves in the late afternoon or evening and reaches Barcelona the following morning.
Does the GNV Bridge carry cars and other vehicles?
Yes. The GNV Bridge is a ro-pax ferry able to carry roughly 700 vehicles in her hold, as well as roll-on/roll-off freight. If you are travelling by car, GNV recommends arriving at the port at least 2 hours beforehand.
What accommodation does the GNV Bridge offer?
Five types: tourist seat (the cheapest), inside cabin (2–4 berths, private bathroom), outside cabin (with window or porthole), family cabin (4 berths) and suite / premium cabin (double bed, sea views).
Is there a restaurant on board the GNV Bridge?
Yes. There is a waiter-service restaurant and a self-service café with hot dishes, snacks and drinks. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served to fit the timing of the crossing.
Are pets allowed on the GNV Bridge?
Yes. GNV accepts pets on board in a dedicated area or in pet-friendly cabins, subject to availability. You need to book a place for your pet when you buy your ticket and give details of the animal.
Is the GNV Bridge accessible for passengers with reduced mobility?
Yes. She has lifts between decks and adapted entrances. We recommend contacting GNV in advance so that the best possible assistance can be arranged for boarding and the journey.
How much does it cost to travel on the GNV Bridge?
A tourist seat starts at roughly €40–60 each way in low season. Cabins range from €80 to €200 or more depending on the type and the season. Compare real-time prices here.
How early should I get to the port?
With a vehicle: at least 2 hours beforehand. As a foot passenger: 1 hour. In July and August it is worth allowing extra time, particularly at the port of Barcelona.
Is there Wi-Fi on board the GNV Bridge?
Yes. The GNV Bridge offers a Wi-Fi connection on board. Speed and availability can vary depending on where the ship is sailing. On long crossings it is worth downloading entertainment before you board.
When was the GNV Bridge built, and by whom?
She was built in 2000 at the Fincantieri shipyard in Italy. Her IMO number is 9208632 and she sails under the Italian flag.
Is a cabin worth booking instead of a seat?
On 18–20 hour crossings like the GNV Bridge's, most travellers would book at least an inside cabin. The extra cost over a seat is reasonable and you will sleep far better, especially on an overnight sailing.
What documents do I need to travel on the GNV Bridge?
To travel between Spain and Italy (the Barcelona–Genoa–Palermo route) you need valid photo identification — a Spanish ID card (DNI) or a passport — since this is a sailing between European Union countries. If you are taking a vehicle, bring the car's documents too (registration document and insurance). For pets, check the veterinary requirements in force.
