ferry GNV Virgo GNV
ferry GNV Virgo
âš“ The GNV Virgo is one of the highest-capacity ferries in the GNV (Grandi Navi Veloci) fleet, built for medium-distance sea crossings in the western Mediterranean. At 211 metres long and with room for more than 2,200 passengers, she offers regular links between Barcelona and Civitavecchia (the port of Rome), and between Italian ports such as Genoa and Palermo. Hers is one of the most popular overnight crossings in the Mediterranean for anyone driving between Spain and Italy.
The GNV Virgo was built at the Fincantieri yards in Genoa and entered service in 1999. She belongs to the generation of large passenger ferries GNV took on in the late 1990s to consolidate its high-capacity routes. Over her working life she has been refurbished and modernised to keep her standards of comfort and safety up to date.
She sails under the flag of Malta and is registered with IMO number 9170705. GNV, a subsidiary of the MSC group, operates the ship within its network of routes between Spain, Italy and North Africa.
History and background of the ship
The GNV Virgo (IMO 9948619) marks a historic milestone for Grandi Navi Veloci: she is the first ship in its fleet powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG) and the first Italian long-distance ferry to adopt the clean technology. Built between 2024 and 2025 at the Guangzhou Shipyard International (GSI) yard in Guangzhou as the third of the series, she was delivered in October 2025, nearly eleven months ahead of schedule. Unlike her predecessors Polaris and Orion, the Virgo introduced GSI's optimised design: 426 cabins against her sisters' 298. In November 2025 she made a technical call at Las Palmas de Gran Canaria during her positioning voyage.
On 11 December 2025 she was named at the Port of Palermo by the Olympic swimmer Federica Pellegrini. She entered service on 7 January 2026 on the Genoa–Palermo route — the historic line with which GNV began operating back in the 1990s — where she remains a permanent fixture. She has carried out pioneering bunkering runs with bio-LNG, achieving commercial sailings with net-neutral emissions.
Full technical specifications
| Ship type | Passenger and ro-ro freight ferry (RoPax) |
| Length overall | 211 m |
| Beam | 29.6 m |
| Service speed | ~23 knots |
| Passenger capacity | 2,204 people |
| Vehicle capacity | ~700 cars (car equivalent) |
| Propulsion | Diesel engines |
| Passenger decks | Several decks |
| Shipyard | Fincantieri, Genoa (Italy) |
| Year built | 1999 |
| IMO number | 9170705 |
| Flag | Malta |
| Ferry operator | GNV (Grandi Navi Veloci) · MSC Group |
Routes operated and indicative timetables
| Route | Duration | Usual departure* |
|---|---|---|
| Barcelona → Civitavecchia (Rome) | ~19 h | ~18:00 |
| Civitavecchia (Rome) → Barcelona | ~19 h | ~19:00 |
| Genoa → Palermo | ~20 h | ~20:00 |
| Palermo → Genoa | ~20 h | ~19:00 |
* Indicative timetables, subject to season and availability. Confirm the exact departure time in our search engine.
Civitavecchia: the port of Rome
The GNV Virgo works out of the Port of Civitavecchia, the main sea gateway to Rome, some 80 km from the Italian capital (about an hour by train or car). Civitavecchia is Italy's second-busiest passenger port and has direct rail links to Roma Termini station. If you are heading for central Rome, the easiest option is the regional train from Civitavecchia station, a few minutes from the port.
If you are driving from Barcelona, the ferry saves you more than 1,400 km of motorway driving. To board with a vehicle, arrive at the Port of Barcelona (Moll Adossat) at least 2 hours beforehand. Foot passengers can check in 1 hour before departure.
Fares, discounts and how to book
A standard seat on the Barcelona–Civitavecchia route starts at around €49–70 per person in low season, and can exceed €120–180 in high season (July and August) or with a cabin included. Taking a car adds a supplement that varies with the type of vehicle.
Discounts and special fares available:
- Early booking fare: booking weeks or months ahead usually secures the lowest prices available.
- Resident fare: GNV applies reduced fares for residents of Sicily and Sardinia on certain Italian routes. Check availability route by route.
- Children: under-4s travel free; children aged 4 to 12 pay a reduced fare.
- GNV Club: the operator's loyalty scheme, collecting points and unlocking benefits on future bookings.
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 |
| Wanting a comfortable night's sleep | Inside cabin |
| As a family with children | Family cabin (4 berths) |
| Looking for sea views and more natural light | Outside cabin with window |
| After maximum comfort and privacy | Deluxe cabin / Suite |
| With a pet | Pet-friendly cabin (check availability) |
ferry GNV Virgo · Accommodations
Reclining seat · Standard
The cheapest option on board. Reclining seats in a shared lounge, perfect for overnight crossings if you would rather not book a cabin. Ideal for passengers who want the keenest price without giving up access to any of the ship's services.
✓ Reclining seat with headrest
✓ Access to every area of the ship
✓ Café and restaurant available
✓ The most affordable option on board
Inside cabin · 2–4 berths
A cabin with no window to the outside, available with 2 or 4 berths. Private bathroom with shower included. The most popular choice for overnight travellers who want privacy and a good rest without paying the outside-cabin premium.
✓ Complete privacy throughout the crossing
✓ Private bathroom with shower
✓ Berths with bed linen included
✓ Individually controlled air conditioning
Outside cabin · With window
A cabin with a window or porthole to the outside. Brighter than the inside cabin, and with sea views. Available with 2 or 4 berths and a private bathroom. Ideal if you are sailing by day or want to catch sunrise over the Mediterranean.
✓ Window or porthole with sea views
✓ Private bathroom with shower
✓ Berths with bed linen included
✓ Individually controlled air conditioning
Family cabin · 4 berths
Designed for families or groups of up to 4 people. It has 4 berths, a private bathroom and room for luggage. One of the most sought-after options in summer for travelling comfortably with children on the overnight crossing.
✓ 4 berths for the whole family
✓ Private bathroom with shower
✓ Bed linen included
✓ Storage space for luggage
Suite · Deluxe cabin
The most complete accommodation on the GNV Virgo. More floor space, a double bed, a full bathroom and views to the outside. Complimentary toiletries and a higher standard of fittings throughout. Perfect for couples or for passengers who want the very best of the crossing.
✓ Double bed
✓ Full bathroom with toiletries
✓ Window or porthole to the outside
✓ More space and premium fittings
ferry GNV Virgo · On-board services
Self-service restaurant and bar
The GNV Virgo has a self-service restaurant serving hot dishes, salads and puddings, busiest at dinner and breakfast on the overnight crossings. The bar and café stays open for most of the crossing with hot and cold drinks, aperitifs and snacks.
Outside deck and promenade areas
The GNV Virgo has an outside deck with a promenade area and open-air access. It is the ideal spot to enjoy the Mediterranean views during the daylight hours of the crossing, especially on departure from and arrival into port.
Travelling with a dog on board
Accessibility — passengers with reduced mobility
The GNV Virgo has adapted cabins for passengers with reduced mobility, along with easier access between decks. Tell GNV when you book about any accessibility needs, so that the right assistance can be arranged for boarding, the crossing itself and disembarking.
Onboard shop
The GNV Virgo has an onboard shop stocking travel items, snacks, souvenirs and everyday essentials to see you comfortably through the crossing.
Barcelona to Rome by ferry: why it beats flying or driving
Travelling on the GNV Virgo between Barcelona and Civitavecchia (Rome) has clear advantages over the alternatives:
- Your car comes with you: no hire costs at the other end and no luggage limits.
- You travel while you sleep: the overnight crossing (~19 h) lets you rest in a cabin and make the most of your time.
- You avoid more than 1,400 km of driving on toll motorways through France and Italy.
- A smaller carbon footprint per passenger than driving, in many load scenarios.
- No luggage restrictions and no airport-style security checks.
Frequently asked questions about the GNV Virgo
Which routes does the GNV Virgo operate?
She works mainly the Barcelona–Civitavecchia (Rome) route along with Italian routes such as Genoa–Palermo. Route assignments can change from season to season. Check current availability on I Love Ferry.
How long does the GNV Virgo take from Barcelona to Rome?
The Barcelona–Civitavecchia crossing takes roughly 19 hours. It is an overnight sailing, so you can sleep in a cabin and reach Civitavecchia (the port of Rome) in the morning.
Does the GNV Virgo carry cars?
Yes. The GNV Virgo is a RoPax ferry with a large vehicle garage (equivalent to ~700 cars). If you are travelling by car, arrive at the port at least 2 hours beforehand.
What accommodation does the GNV Virgo offer?
Five options: the reclining seat (the cheapest), the inside cabin (2–4 berths, private bathroom), the outside cabin (with window or porthole), the family cabin (4 berths) and the suite (double bed, full bathroom, more space).
How much does the Barcelona–Rome ferry cost on the GNV Virgo?
Seat fares start at ~€49 per person in low season. With a cabin, or in July and August, prices are noticeably higher. Book ahead. Compare real-time prices here.
How do you get from Civitavecchia to central Rome?
There are direct regional trains from the port of Civitavecchia to Roma Termini station, taking about an hour. It is the fastest and cheapest option. Buses and taxis are also available.
Are pets allowed on the GNV Virgo?
Yes. GNV allows pets to travel on board. You need to book a place for your animal when you buy your ticket. For the Spain–Italy route you must produce a European pet passport with a valid rabies vaccination.
Is the GNV Virgo accessible for passengers with reduced mobility?
Yes. The ship has adapted cabins and easier access throughout. Let the operator know about your accessibility needs when you book so that the right assistance is in place for boarding and disembarking.
Is there a restaurant on board the GNV Virgo?
Yes. The GNV Virgo has a self-service restaurant open at dinner and breakfast, and a bar-café serving drinks and snacks for most of the crossing.
How early should I get to the port to board?
With a vehicle: at least 2 hours before departure. Foot passengers: at least 1 hour. In July and August, allow extra time given the heavier passenger numbers.
What documents do I need for the Barcelona–Civitavecchia crossing?
You need a valid Spanish ID card (DNI) or passport. If you are travelling by car, bring the vehicle documents. If you have a pet with you, a European pet passport with a valid rabies vaccination is essential for entry into Italy.
Are there discounts for children on the GNV Virgo?
Children under 4 travel free. Children aged 4 to 12 pay a reduced child fare. Check the exact terms when you book on I Love Ferry or on the GNV website.
When was the GNV Virgo built, and which group owns her?
The GNV Virgo was built in 1999 at the Fincantieri yards in Genoa. She sails under the Maltese flag (IMO 9170705) and belongs to GNV (Grandi Navi Veloci), a subsidiary of the MSC shipping group.
