ferry Kerry Balearia
ferry Kerry
âš“ The Kerry is a passenger and vehicle ferry operated by Baleària on the Algeciras–Ceuta route, across one of the busiest stretches of water in the world. With room for more than 1,400 passengers and a crossing completed in barely 35–40 minutes, the Kerry is one of the most heavily used ferries for crossing the Strait of Gibraltar, and plays a particularly important part in the Operación Paso del Estrecho (OPE), the annual operation that moves hundreds of thousands of people between Europe and North Africa every summer.
The ship takes her name from County Kerry, on the south-west coast of Ireland, in keeping with Baleària's habit of giving the ships on this line Irish and Anglo-Saxon place names. She was built at the Astander shipyard in Santander and is one of the best-established designs on the Strait route, with a long record of service on this strategic link between Europe and Africa.
History and background of the ship
The Kerry was launched on 8 April 2001 at the Visentini shipyard in Porto Viro as the Cartour, the first of a series of four sister vessels built for the Sicilian company Caronte Spa, which put her into service in October 2002 on the Messina–Salerno route. In October 2007 she was sold to a Vietnamese company, renamed Hoa Sen and put on the Ho Chi Minh–Haiphong route, a service that failed after just 39 crossings.
In May 2014 she was bought by Stena RoRo as the Stena Egeria and chartered first to a Chinese company on the Yantai–Pyeongtaek route (2014–2017) and then to the Italian operator Adria Ferries as the AF Michela on Ancona–Durrës (2017–2019). In October 2019 she was renamed Kerry and chartered to Brittany Ferries for the Santander/Bilbao–Cork/Roscoff routes. After a spell with DFDS on Baltic and English Channel routes (2020–2022), she was chartered to Baleària in February 2022, entering service on the 16th of that month on the Barcelona–Ibiza–Palma de Mallorca links, where she works today.
Full technical specifications
| Ship type | Passenger and vehicle ferry (Ro-Pax) |
| Length overall | 138 m |
| Beam | 24 m |
| Service speed | ~21 knots |
| Passenger capacity | 1,400 people |
| Vehicle capacity | 300 vehicles (car equivalents) |
| Passenger decks | 3 |
| Shipyard | Astander, Santander (Spain) |
| Operating company | Baleària |
| Main route | Algeciras – Ceuta |
| Crossing time | ~35–40 minutes |
| IMO number | 9232527 |
| Flag | Spain |
Routes operated and indicative timetables
| Route | Duration | Usual departure* |
|---|---|---|
| Algeciras → Ceuta | ~35–40 min | Several departures a day |
| Ceuta → Algeciras | ~35–40 min | Several departures a day |
* Indicative timetables, subject to season and availability. Confirm the exact departure time in our search engine.
The ports of Algeciras and Ceuta: how to get there and what to bear in mind
The Algeciras–Ceuta route is one of the busiest in the world and the main link between the Iberian Peninsula and the Spanish autonomous city of Ceuta. The Algeciras ferry terminal sits in the middle of the town, a few minutes' walk from the centre. The port of Ceuta is equally well connected to its own city centre.
In summer, and especially during the Operación Paso del Estrecho (OPE), the flow of vehicles and passengers rises enormously. We recommend arriving at the port at least 60–90 minutes beforehand if you are travelling by car in high season, and 30–45 minutes as a foot passenger. In quieter months, waiting times are minimal and boarding is very quick.
Ceuta is a Spanish autonomous city on African soil, so you do not need a passport to travel between Algeciras and Ceuta if you are an EU citizen (a national identity card is enough). If you plan to cross the border into Morocco from Ceuta, however, you will need a valid passport.
Fares, discounts and how to book
A passenger ticket on the Algeciras–Ceuta route is one of the cheapest on the Spanish ferry market, thanks to the short crossing and the high frequency of sailings. Foot passenger fares usually start at €10–15 each way in low season, rising in summer and during the OPE.
Available discounts:
- Ceuta resident: residents of the autonomous city of Ceuta are entitled to a 50% reduction on the ticket price, on production of a Spanish ID card (DNI) or a certificate of registration (empadronamiento).
- Large families: discounts according to the category of the large-family card.
- Baleària Club: the operator's points scheme. Collect points on every trip and redeem them for discounts 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 | Tourist-class seat |
| With family or in a group | Tourist-class seat (table area) |
| Looking for more comfort and privacy | Preferential / Club seat |
| With a pet | Ask about a pet place when booking |
| With a vehicle | Passenger ticket + vehicle space |
ferry Kerry · Accommodations
Tourist Seat · Standard
The cheapest option on board. Seats in the shared passenger area, with access to the café, the shop and the open deck. Since the crossing lasts under 40 minutes, a tourist-class seat is more than enough for most travellers.
✓ Reclining seat with headrest
✓ Access to the onboard café and shop
✓ Access to the open deck
✓ Free SmartB WiFi
Club / Preferential
A separate area with more comfortable seats, more legroom and a quieter atmosphere. Recommended for regulars on the route or anyone who would rather cross the Strait in greater comfort.
✓ More space between seats
✓ A quieter area of its own
✓ Access to every service on the ship
✓ Free SmartB WiFi
Open deck
The Kerry's open deck offers superb views over the Strait of Gibraltar, with the coasts of Europe and Africa both in sight on a clear day. It is a rare experience, and well worth enjoying during the short crossing.
✓ Views over the Strait of Gibraltar
✓ Open to all passengers
✓ Open-air area with panoramic railings
ferry Kerry · On-board services
Café and shop on board
Short though the crossing is, the Kerry has a café and a shop on board selling hot and cold drinks, sandwiches, snacks and travel essentials. Passengers often use the crossing to have a coffee or a soft drink while taking in the views over the Strait.
The open deck and views over the Strait
One of the things Kerry passengers most enjoy is getting out on the open deck, from which the coasts of Europe and Africa can both be seen on a clear day. The Rock of Gibraltar, the Jebala mountains and the shipping traffic in the Strait make this crossing a genuinely striking sight.
Travelling with a dog on board
Accessibility — passengers with reduced mobility
The Kerry has accessible entrances for passengers with reduced mobility, with access ramps and adapted areas on the passenger deck. We recommend contacting Baleària in advance to arrange boarding and any assistance you need getting on and off the ship.
Connectivity and digital entertainment — SmartB
On board the Kerry you have Baleària's SmartB platform, available throughout the crossing:
- Free WiFi for the whole journey
- WhatsApp completely free, with no data used from your plan
- Digital entertainment on demand from your smartphone
- Free Spanish and international newspapers via PressReader
- Real-time trip information from your phone
The Strait route: background and curiosities
The Strait of Gibraltar separates Europe from Africa by barely 14 kilometres at its narrowest point (between Punta Tarifa and Punta Cires in Morocco). It is one of the busiest sea passages in the world, with more than 100,000 ships a year passing through its waters.
The Algeciras–Ceuta route is the shortest of the scheduled links between the mainland and the Spanish autonomous cities in North Africa. With departures almost every hour at the busiest times of year, the Kerry and Baleària's other ships on this line keep the connection running smoothly for residents and holidaymakers alike.
During the Operación Paso del Estrecho (OPE), which runs from June to September, the ports of Algeciras and Ceuta handle the movement of hundreds of thousands of people and vehicles. The operation is coordinated by the Spanish government and involves extra sailings, staff and services at every port involved.
Frequently asked questions about the Kerry ferry
Which route does Baleària's Kerry ferry operate?
The Kerry mainly operates the Algeciras–Ceuta route, crossing the Strait of Gibraltar with several departures a day in both directions.
How long does the Kerry take from Algeciras to Ceuta?
The crossing takes approximately 35–40 minutes. It is one of the shortest ferry crossings in the western Mediterranean.
Does the Kerry carry cars and other vehicles?
Yes. The Kerry has a Ro-Pax deck with room for up to 300 vehicles. In high season and during the OPE we recommend arriving at the port at least 60–90 minutes beforehand.
Do I need a passport to travel from Algeciras to Ceuta on the Kerry?
No. Ceuta is a Spanish autonomous city, so EU citizens only need a national identity card. If you plan to cross from Ceuta into Morocco, you will need a valid passport.
How much does a ticket on the Kerry ferry cost?
A foot passenger ticket usually starts at €10–15 each way in low season. Prices rise in summer and during the OPE. Compare real-time prices here.
Is there a resident discount on the Algeciras–Ceuta route?
Yes. Residents of Ceuta are entitled to a 50% reduction on the ticket price, on production of a Spanish ID card (DNI) or a certificate of registration (empadronamiento).
Is there free WiFi on the Kerry ferry?
Yes. The Kerry has Baleària's SmartB platform, with free WiFi, free WhatsApp with no data used and access to digital entertainment and newspapers throughout the crossing.
Are pets allowed on the Kerry ferry?
Yes. You need to book a pet place when you buy your ticket and meet the rules in force (health documentation, and a lead or carrier). Check the exact conditions when you book.
Is the Kerry accessible for passengers with reduced mobility?
Yes. She has accessible entrances with ramps and adapted areas. We recommend contacting Baleària in advance to arrange boarding and any assistance you need.
How early should I arrive at the port to board the Kerry?
With a vehicle in high season: at least 60–90 minutes. As a foot passenger, 30–45 minutes is enough in most cases. During the OPE it is worth allowing extra time.
What is the Operación Paso del Estrecho (OPE) and how does it affect boarding?
The OPE is the annual operation (usually June to September) that handles the mass movement of people and vehicles between Europe and North Africa. Demand peaks during the OPE: book well ahead and allow plenty of time at the port.
How many daily departures are there between Algeciras and Ceuta with Baleària?
Frequency varies with the season, but Baleària runs several departures a day in both directions. Check the I Love Ferry search engine for exact timetables and real-time availability.
