ferry GNV Sirio GNV
ferry GNV Sirio
âš“ The GNV Sirio is one of the largest ferries in the fleet of GNV (Grandi Navi Veloci), the leading Italian operator in the western Mediterranean. At 211 metres long and with room for more than 2,000 passengers, the Sirio links the central and western Mediterranean, working routes such as Barcelona–Palermo and Genoa–Palermo. She is one of the biggest ships in the company and stands out for her broad choice of accommodation — from budget seats through to cabins with a private bathroom — and for her catering and entertainment facilities, designed with long overnight crossings in mind.
The GNV Sirio was built at the Fincantieri yards in Italy and entered service in the late 1990s, going through successive refits to keep her competitive. She belongs to the historic core of the GNV fleet, which has been sailing the Mediterranean since 1992 and today numbers more than 20 ships. The Sirio is notable for her large capacity for both ro-ro freight — lorries and semi-trailers in particular — and passengers, which makes her a key asset on the operator's long-distance lines.
History and background of the ship
The GNV Sirio (IMO 9293404) is the sister ship of the GNV Auriga, built between 2003 and 2004 at the Fincantieri yard in Castellammare di Stabia (Naples), yard number 6113, and delivered in July 2004 as the Nuraghes — named after the prehistoric towers of Sardinia — for the Italian state operator Tirrenia di Navigazione. For almost two decades she ran the Civitavecchia–Olbia route in the Tyrrhenian Sea as a fixed assignment. In spring 2023 she was transferred to Moby Lines as the Moby Vinci as part of the group's restructuring.
In March 2024, GNV acquired her together with the GNV Auriga in a major MSC group transaction, refurbished her and renamed her GNV Sirio. She initially added capacity on the Italian routes and, in April 2025, was strategically redeployed to the Spanish market. Since then she has been a fixture on the Balearic sea bridge, sailing the Barcelona–Palma de Mallorca line daily and standing in with exceptional reliability whenever other ships in the fleet go for maintenance.
Full technical specifications
| Ship type | Passenger and ro-ro freight ferry (Ro-Pax) |
| Length overall | 211 m |
| Beam | 26 m |
| Draught | 6.5 m |
| Service speed | ~23 knots |
| Passenger capacity | 2,020 people |
| Vehicle capacity | ~700 cars (car equivalent) |
| Freight capacity | ~2,000 lane metres (lorries and semi-trailers) |
| Passenger decks | Several (reached by lift and stairs) |
| Propulsion | Conventional diesel (4 engines) |
| Shipyard | Fincantieri (Italy) |
| Year built | 1997 |
| Flag | Italy |
| IMO number | 9138329 |
| Ferry operator | GNV – Grandi Navi Veloci |
Routes operated and indicative timetables
| Route | Duration | Usual departure* |
|---|---|---|
| Barcelona → Palermo | ~20 h | ~18:00 |
| Palermo → Barcelona | ~20 h | ~20:00 |
| Genoa → Palermo | ~21 h | ~20:00 |
| Palermo → Genoa | ~21 h | ~19:00 |
* 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 Sirio sails from the Ferry Terminal at the Port of Barcelona, on the Moll de Barcelona, very well connected to the city centre (metro line L3, Drassanes stop). If you are driving, approach along the Ronda Litoral. Arrive at least 90 minutes beforehand if you have a vehicle with you.
In Palermo, the ferry berths at the Port of Palermo (Stazione Marittima), barely a 10-minute walk from the city's historic centre. It is one of the best-connected ports in Sicily and an ideal starting point for exploring the island. From Palermo you can also carry on by ferry to Naples, Genoa or Cagliari on other GNV lines.
Fares, discounts and how to book
Fares on the GNV Sirio vary with the accommodation you choose, the season and how far ahead you book. In a standard seat, a one-way fare on the Barcelona–Palermo route starts at around €50–70 per person in mid season. Cabins carry a supplement and are worth booking early, especially in summer.
Discounts and special fares available:
- Resident fare (Sicily): residents of Sicily can qualify for subsidised fares on some crossings. Check availability when you book.
- Children: under-4s generally travel free; children aged 4 to 12 pay a reduced fare.
- Groups and businesses: GNV offers special terms for groups of more than 10 people and for freight haulage companies.
- Advance booking: the cheapest fares come from booking several months ahead, particularly for July and August.
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 | Standard seat |
| As a couple or with friends, wanting to sleep comfortably | Double inside cabin |
| As a family with children | 4-berth cabin |
| After more privacy and comfort | Outside cabin with bathroom |
| With a pet | Pet-friendly cabin |
| As a lorry driver or haulier | Cabin for professional drivers |
ferry GNV Sirio · Accommodations
Standard seat
The cheapest way to travel on the GNV Sirio. Reclining seats in a shared lounge, ideal if price comes first on an overnight crossing and you can sleep in a seat.
✓ Reclining seat with headrest
✓ Access to every area of the ship
✓ Café and restaurant area available
✓ The lowest fare on board
Inside cabin
A windowless cabin for 2 people, with beds and a private bathroom. The best choice if you want a proper night's sleep on the crossing without paying outside-cabin prices.
✓ For 2 people
✓ Private bathroom with shower
✓ Individually controlled air conditioning
✓ Bed linen included
Outside cabin
A cabin for 2 people with a window or porthole facing the sea. Private bathroom included, and far more natural light. The most comfortable option, with the best views to enjoy the crossing.
✓ For 2 people, with a sea-facing window
✓ Private bathroom with shower
✓ Individually controlled air conditioning
✓ Bed linen included
4-berth cabin
An inside cabin with 4 bunks, ideal for families or groups of friends who want to travel together and share the cost. Private bathroom included.
✓ For 4 people (bunks)
✓ Private bathroom with shower
✓ Air conditioning
✓ Bed linen included
Pet-friendly cabin
A cabin equipped for travelling with your pet. Your animal can stay with you in the cabin for the whole crossing, rather than being left in the garage. Advance booking is essential.
✓ Your pet stays in the cabin with you
✓ Private bathroom with shower
✓ Access to the pet walking area
✓ Advance booking compulsory
ferry GNV Sirio · On-board services
Restaurant, café and food on board
The GNV Sirio has a self-service restaurant and a café-bar open for most of the crossing. The restaurant serves Italian and Mediterranean cooking with fixed-price menus, daily specials and vegetarian options. The café serves breakfasts, snacks, hot and cold drinks and pastries throughout the trip. The bar areas also offer aperitifs and light late-night bites.
Outside deck and rest areas
The GNV Sirio has an outside deck where passengers can get some fresh air and take in the Mediterranean views. The indoor public areas include lounges with armchairs and sofas, particularly welcome on the long overnight crossings.
Onboard shop
Travelling with pets on board
Accessibility — passengers with reduced mobility
The GNV Sirio has lifts serving the ship's various decks, along with adapted cabins for passengers with reduced mobility, which are roomier and have an accessible bathroom. If you need special assistance boarding or disembarking, say so when you book your ticket so that port and ship staff can put the right arrangements in place.
Games room and entertainment
Frequently asked questions about the GNV Sirio
Which routes does the GNV Sirio ferry operate?
The GNV Sirio works mainly the Barcelona–Palermo and Genoa–Palermo routes. Route assignments can change with the season and with GNV's annual scheduling.
How long does the GNV Sirio take from Barcelona to Palermo?
The Barcelona–Palermo crossing takes roughly 20 hours. It is an overnight sailing, so booking a cabin is worthwhile for the comfort and the rest.
Does the GNV Sirio carry cars and other vehicles?
Yes. She has a large ro-ro freight capacity, equivalent to around 700 cars, plus space for lorries and semi-trailers. If you are travelling with a vehicle, arrive at the port at least 90 minutes beforehand.
What accommodation does the GNV Sirio offer?
Five grades: the standard seat (the cheapest), the double inside cabin (no window, with bathroom), the outside cabin (with a sea-facing window and bathroom), the 4-berth cabin (for families or groups) and the pet-friendly cabin (with your pet in the cabin).
Are pets allowed on the GNV Sirio?
Yes. There are pet-friendly cabins where your pet can stay with you for the whole crossing, and a designated walking area on deck. You must book a pet place when you buy your ticket and bring up-to-date health documentation.
Is there a restaurant on board the GNV Sirio?
Yes. The ship has a self-service restaurant serving Italian and Mediterranean cooking, with fixed-price menus and vegetarian options, plus a café and bar open for most of the crossing.
How much does it cost to travel on the GNV Sirio?
In a standard seat, the Barcelona–Palermo route starts at around €50–70 per person in mid season. Cabins carry a supplement. Booking ahead is the way to the best prices. Compare real-time prices here.
Are there any discounts for travelling on the GNV Sirio?
Yes. GNV offers free travel for under-4s, a reduced fare for children aged 4 to 12, special fares for residents of Sicily on some crossings, and terms for groups and businesses. Booking ahead is the surest way to the lowest price.
Is the GNV Sirio accessible for passengers with reduced mobility?
Yes. There are lifts between decks and adapted cabins for passengers with reduced mobility. Flag up any accessibility needs when you book your ticket so that the right assistance is in place for boarding.
How early should I get to the port to board?
By car or with any vehicle: at least 90 minutes beforehand. As a foot passenger: 60 minutes is enough. In July and August, allow extra time given the heavier passenger numbers.
When was the GNV Sirio built?
The GNV Sirio was built in 1997 at the Fincantieri yards in Italy. Her IMO number is 9138329 and she sails under the Italian flag within the Grandi Navi Veloci fleet.
Is the Barcelona–Palermo crossing an overnight one?
Yes. The Barcelona–Palermo route takes roughly 20 hours, with departures usually in the late afternoon or evening and arrival the following morning or around midday. That is why booking a cabin makes so much sense: the crossing doubles as a night's accommodation and you reach Sicily rested.
