ferry GNV Spirit GNV
ferry GNV Spirit
âš“ The GNV Spirit is one of the longest ferries in the GNV (Grandi Navi Veloci) fleet, built specifically for long-haul routes in the western Mediterranean. At 211 metres long, with room for 2,500 passengers and more than 700 vehicles, she works mainly the Barcelona–Genoa route, one of the most important sea links between Spain and Italy. Her mix of cabin grades, generous public areas and efficient propulsion makes her one of the most complete ways to cross the Mediterranean, whether by car, as a family or as a couple.
The GNV Spirit was built at the Fincantieri yards in Italy and delivered to the operator in 2001. She has spent more than two decades on long-haul Mediterranean routes, building a solid record on the link between the Iberian Peninsula and northern Italy. Her design belongs to GNV's generation of large passenger-and-freight ferries conceived to offer comfort on overnight and full-day crossings alike.
GNV (Grandi Navi Veloci) is an Italian ferry operator founded in 1992 and based in Genoa, running one of the largest ferry fleets in the Mediterranean. Since 2012 it has been part of the MSC group, one of the world's biggest shipping conglomerates, which has driven a steady programme of fleet renewal and modernisation.
History and background of the ship
The GNV Spirit (IMO 9198927) was built between 2000 and 2001 at the Howaldtswerke-Deutsche Werft (HDW) yard in Kiel (Germany) as the Superfast V for the Greek operator Attica Group / Superfast Ferries. For almost a decade she ran the demanding Ancona–Patras route in the Adriatic at speeds above 28 knots, transforming crossing times on the link. In 2010 she was bought by the French operator Brittany Ferries and renamed Cap Finistère, spending 12 years on the Atlantic routes across the Bay of Biscay between Portsmouth and Bilbao/Santander, where British and Spanish passengers alike prized her outside decks and onboard services.
In February 2022 GNV bought her, repainted her in Naples in the company's colours and renamed her GNV Spirit. Since her Spanish debut on 22 May 2022 she has become a fixture on the Balearic sea bridge, regularly working the Barcelona–Palma de Mallorca and Valencia–Palma lines. In winter and during the Operación Paso del Estrecho, GNV also deploys her on the Genoa–Tunis route and on Tyrrhenian rotations to Civitavecchia and Palermo.
Full technical specifications
| Ship type | Passenger and freight ferry (ro-pax) |
| Length overall | 211 m |
| Beam | 30 m |
| Service speed | ~23 knots |
| Passenger capacity | 2,500 people |
| Vehicle capacity | 700+ cars |
| Lorry / freight capacity | Yes (ro-pax) |
| Propulsion | Diesel engines · conventional propulsion |
| Passenger decks | Several |
| Shipyard | Fincantieri (Italy) |
| Year built | 2001 |
| Flag | Italy |
| IMO number | 9208741 |
| Ferry operator | GNV (Grandi Navi Veloci) — MSC Group |
Routes operated and indicative timetables
| Route | Duration | Usual departure* |
|---|---|---|
| Barcelona → Genoa | ~18 h | ~11:00 |
| Genoa → Barcelona | ~18 h | ~11:00 |
| Barcelona → Palermo | ~20 h | Depending on the season |
| Palermo → Barcelona | ~20 h | Depending on the season |
* Indicative timetables, subject to season and availability. Confirm the exact departure time in our search engine.
The ports of Barcelona and Genoa: how to get there
The GNV Spirit sails from the Ferry Terminal at the Port of Barcelona, one of the largest passenger ports in the Mediterranean. GNV's terminals are on the Moll de la Costa, reachable by metro (line L3, Drassanes stop), bus and taxi. If you are driving, access is straight off the Ronda del Litoral. Arrive at the port at least 90 minutes beforehand if you have a vehicle, or 60 minutes as a foot passenger.
On the Italian side, the ship berths at the Port of Genoa (Terminal Traghetti), well connected to the city centre by bus and taxi. Genoa is the capital of Liguria and a key rail and motorway hub for onward travel to Milan, Turin, Rome or the rest of Italy.
Fares, discounts and how to book
A standard seat (Poltrona) on the GNV Spirit starts at around €40–60 per person in low season on the Barcelona–Genoa route. Cabins carry a supplement of somewhere between €80 and €200, depending on the grade and how many people are in it. Prices climb steeply in July and August, so book as far ahead as you possibly can if you are travelling in high season.
Discounts and special fares available:
- Reduced fare for children: children aged 4 to 12 pay a reduced fare; under-4s travel free (without an allocated place).
- Resident fare: GNV does not apply the Balearic resident discount, as its routes are not classed as public-service links in the Balearics. Ask about special fares for your particular crossing.
- Club GNV: the operator's loyalty scheme. Collect points on every booking and redeem them against discounts.
- Early-booking offers: the operator regularly publishes reduced fares for bookings made more than 60 days 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 lowest price | Poltrona seat |
| As a couple, after privacy and a proper rest | Double inside cabin |
| As a family with children | Family cabin (4 berths) |
| Looking for sea views and maximum comfort | Outside cabin with window or porthole |
| On a tight budget, on a daytime crossing | Poltrona seat or the deck area |
| With a pet | Pet-friendly cabin (subject to availability) |
ferry GNV Spirit · Accommodations
Poltrona seat · Standard
The cheapest option aboard the GNV Spirit. Reclining seats with footrests in a shared lounge, perfect for daytime crossings or for travellers who put price first. Access to all the ship's public areas.
✓ Reclining seat with footrest
✓ Access to all public areas
✓ Café and restaurant on board
✓ The most affordable option on board
Inside cabin
A private cabin without a window, available with two berths or four. Ideal for travellers who want privacy and a good night's sleep on the overnight crossing without paying the premium for a sea view.
✓ Private cabin with its own key
✓ Individual berths with sheets and a pillow
✓ Private bathroom with shower
✓ Individually controlled air conditioning
✓ Sockets for chargers
Outside cabin · With sea views
A private cabin with a porthole or window looking out over the Mediterranean, available as a double. The favourite among travellers who want to watch sunrise or sunset over the sea from the comfort of their own cabin.
✓ Window or porthole with sea views
✓ Private cabin with its own key
✓ Berths or a double bed (subject to availability)
✓ Private bathroom with shower
✓ Individually controlled air conditioning
✓ Sockets for chargers
Family cabin · 4 berths
A four-berth cabin designed for families or groups of up to 4 people. It gives you complete privacy for the crossing and works out cheapest per person when you travel as a group. Available as an inside cabin.
✓ 4 berths in a private cabin
✓ Private bathroom with shower
✓ Ideal for families with children
✓ Individually controlled air conditioning
✓ Best price per person in a group
ferry GNV Spirit · On-board services
Buffet restaurant and café
The GNV Spirit has a buffet restaurant serving Italian and Mediterranean cooking, open for breakfast, lunch and dinner sittings during the crossing. The choice runs to pasta, pizzas, salads, hot dishes and puddings. For anything lighter, the café serves breakfasts, sandwiches, snacks and hot and cold drinks throughout the trip.
Outside deck and rest areas
On an 18-hour crossing like Barcelona–Genoa, the GNV Spirit's outside deck becomes one of the most prized spaces on board. From it you get the Mediterranean views, sunrise and sunset over the water, and the run past the French Riviera. The ship also has generous indoor rest areas with armchairs and lounges for passengers travelling without a cabin.
Travelling with a dog on board
Accessibility — passengers with reduced mobility
The GNV Spirit has lifts serving the various decks and adapted cabins for passengers with reduced mobility. If you need special assistance boarding or disembarking, tell the operator in advance when you book so that the adapted spaces are held for you and the crew can be on hand.
Wi-Fi connectivity on board
The GNV Spirit offers paid Wi-Fi during the crossing. Coverage varies out at sea, though along the coastal stretches — leaving Barcelona, arriving in Genoa and passing the Riviera — the signal is generally acceptable. It is worth downloading your entertainment before you board if you plan to spend the crossing watching series or films.
Frequently asked questions about the GNV Spirit
Which routes does the GNV Spirit ferry operate?
She works mainly the Barcelona–Genoa route, which takes roughly 18 hours. Depending on the season she may also cover Barcelona–Palermo. Check current availability here.
How long does the GNV Spirit take from Barcelona to Genoa?
The crossing takes roughly 18 hours. She normally leaves Barcelona in the morning and reaches Genoa the following morning. Exact times vary by season.
Does the GNV Spirit carry cars?
Yes. She has room for more than 700 vehicles, including cars, motorbikes, motorhomes and freight vehicles. If you are travelling by car, arrive at the port at least 90 minutes beforehand.
What accommodation does the GNV Spirit offer?
The Poltrona seat (reclining, in a shared lounge), the inside cabin (private, no window, 2 or 4 berths), the outside cabin (with a porthole or window looking out to sea) and the family cabin (4 berths, ideal for families). Every cabin has a private bathroom.
Is there a restaurant on board the GNV Spirit?
Yes. There is a buffet restaurant serving Italian and Mediterranean cooking at breakfast, lunch and dinner sittings, plus a café and a deck bar open throughout the crossing.
Are pets allowed on the GNV Spirit?
Yes. GNV allows pets on board. They can be housed in the vehicle garage or in the designated areas. Some pet-friendly cabins are available if booked in advance. You must book a pet place when you buy your ticket and carry a valid European pet passport.
Is she accessible for passengers with reduced mobility?
Yes. There are lifts between decks and adapted cabins for passengers with reduced mobility. Let the operator know what assistance you need when you book.
Is there Wi-Fi on board the GNV Spirit?
Yes, the GNV Spirit has paid Wi-Fi during the crossing. Coverage can be limited out at sea, so it is worth downloading your entertainment before you board.
How much does it cost to travel on the GNV Spirit?
The Poltrona seat starts at around €40–60 per person in low season. Cabins add between €80 and €200 depending on the grade. Prices climb sharply in summer. Compare real-time prices here.
How early should I get to the port?
With a vehicle: at least 90 minutes before departure. Foot passengers: 60 minutes is enough. In July and August, allow extra time given the heavier passenger numbers.
Where does the GNV Spirit berth in Barcelona?
The GNV Spirit sails from the Port of Barcelona, Ferry Terminal at the Moll de la Costa. You can reach it by metro (line L3, Drassanes stop), city bus and taxi. By car, access is straight off the Ronda del Litoral.
Which corporate group does GNV belong to?
GNV (Grandi Navi Veloci) was founded in Genoa in 1992 and has been part of the MSC Group since 2012, one of the world's largest shipping and transport conglomerates. That backing has driven the continuous modernisation of its fleet, with newer, more efficient and more sustainable vessels.
