ferry Kydon Palace Grimaldi Lines
ferry Kydon Palace
âš“ The Kydon Palace is one of the longest ships in the Grimaldi Lines fleet, working the western Mediterranean routes between Spain and Italy. With room for more than 2,300 passengers and 700 vehicles, she is one of the roomiest and most comfortable ways to cross the Mediterranean with a car, a van or a lorry. She stands out for the sheer range of accommodation on offer — from reclining seats to superior suites — and for her several restaurants, swimming pool and leisure areas on board.
The Kydon Palace was built at the Fincantieri yard in Monfalcone (Italy) and entered service in 2003. She belongs to the well-known series of large cruise ferries with which Grimaldi Lines links the Spanish ports of Barcelona and Valencia to the Italian ports of Civitavecchia (Rome), Livorno and Genoa. Over the years she has been through significant refits to keep her facilities in excellent condition.
Her name pays tribute to the legendary palace of Kydonia, a Minoan city of ancient Crete, in keeping with the Grimaldi Lines tradition of naming its ships after Mediterranean places and cultures.
History and background of the ship
The Kydon Palace (IMO 9212682) was built in 2001 at the Fincantieri yard in Sestri Ponente (Genoa) under the name Festos Palace for the Greek operator Minoan Lines. For almost two decades she was the great emblem of Greek connectivity, running the daily high-speed link between Piraeus (Athens) and Heraklion (Crete) and earning a reputation as one of the fastest conventional ferries in the world, with a cruising speed of 31 knots.
In 2018, under her definitive name of Kydon Palace, she moved to the Adriatic to bring that technical speed to international traffic. She now runs the daily trunk service between Brindisi (Italy) and Igoumenitsa (Greece), working in tandem with the Europalink to meet the huge demand for freight and passenger traffic between the two countries.
Full technical specifications
| Ship type | Ro-Pax ferry for passengers and rolling freight |
| Length overall | 214 m |
| Beam | 30 m |
| Gross tonnage (GT) | ~37,000 GT |
| Service speed | ~23 knots |
| Passenger capacity | ~2,300 people |
| Vehicle capacity | ~700 cars (+ lanes for lorries and trailers) |
| Passenger decks | Several (public areas on decks 7–10) |
| Propulsion | Medium-speed diesel engines |
| Shipyard | Fincantieri, Monfalcone (Italy) |
| Year built | 2003 |
| Flag | Italy |
| IMO number | 9237373 |
| Swimming pool on board | Yes (open deck) |
| Ferry operator | Grimaldi Lines |
Routes operated and indicative timetables
| Route | Duration | Usual departure* |
|---|---|---|
| Barcelona → Civitavecchia (Rome) | ~20 h | ~18:00 |
| Civitavecchia (Rome) → Barcelona | ~20 h | ~19:00 |
| Barcelona → Livorno | ~18 h | Varies |
| Livorno → Barcelona | ~18 h | Varies |
| Barcelona → Genoa | ~18 h | Varies |
* Indicative timetables, subject to season and availability. The ship assigned to each sailing can change. Confirm the exact time and ship in our search engine.
The ports she serves: what you need to plan your trip
The port of Barcelona is the Kydon Palace's main Spanish terminal. Grimaldi Lines sails from the Grimaldi Terminal at Moll de Llevant (Terminal Grimaldi / Adossat), which has its own access route to the city centre. If you are setting off from Valencia, check which sailings are available from the Port of Valencia, which also has Grimaldi Lines services to Italy.
In Italy, the ship calls mainly at Civitavecchia, Rome's great port, some 80 km from the centre of the capital (about an hour by regional train or 1 h 15 min by coach). It is essential to allow for that extra leg if Rome is your final destination. Civitavecchia railway station has a direct link to Roma Termini.
We recommend arriving at the port at least 2 hours beforehand if you are travelling with a vehicle, and 1 hour as a foot passenger. In high season (July and August), allow extra time.
Fares, discounts and how to book
Prices on the Kydon Palace vary a great deal according to the season, the type of accommodation and how far ahead you book. A reclining seat in mid season starts at roughly €50–70 per person one way. Inside cabins for 2 people range from €100 to €180 per cabin. Suites and superior cabins can go above €300 in high season.
Discounts and special fares available:
- Early Booking fare: savings of up to 30% if you book well ahead (especially for summer trips).
- Family fare: discounts for families with children. Ask about the conditions when you book.
- Grimaldi Club fare: the Grimaldi Lines loyalty scheme. Members collect points that can be redeemed for discounts and upgrades.
- Frequent travellers: special fares for hauliers and regular freight customers.
- Italian residents on certain routes: ask whether you qualify on your particular route.
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 |
| And want privacy and a guaranteed night's sleep | Inside cabin for 2 people |
| As a family with children | Inside cabin for 4 people |
| Looking for natural light and sea views | Outside cabin (window or balcony) |
| On business, or wanting every comfort | Superior Suite |
| On the tightest budget (low season) | Reclining seat or deck place |
ferry Kydon Palace · Accommodations
Reclining seat · Standard
The cheapest option on board. Wide reclining seats in a shared lounge, suitable for overnight crossings of around 20 hours. Access to all the ship's public spaces throughout the crossing.
✓ Reclining backrest
✓ Access to all public areas
✓ Restaurants and café on board
✓ The lowest fare on the ship
Inside cabin · 2 or 4 people
A private cabin without a window, available for 2 or 4 people. Ideal for resting in privacy on an overnight crossing. Fitted with berths, a private bathroom and air conditioning. The option we recommend most for families or groups who want comfort at a sensible price.
✓ Private cabin with its own key
✓ Bunks or single beds
✓ Private bathroom with shower
✓ Individual air conditioning
✓ TV on board
Outside cabin · With window
A private cabin with a window or porthole and sea views. The same comforts as the inside cabin, but with natural light. Available for 2 people. Particularly worth it on daytime sailings, when the Mediterranean is there to be enjoyed.
✓ Window or porthole with sea views
✓ Natural light
✓ Private bathroom with shower
✓ Individual air conditioning
✓ TV on board
Superior Suite · Every comfort
The most exclusive accommodation on the Kydon Palace. A spacious suite with a double bed, a sitting area, panoramic windows and a full bathroom. It comes with priority customer service, welcome amenities and priority boarding and disembarkation. Ideal for business trips or for a getaway that deserves the very best.
✓ Double bed
✓ Separate sitting area
✓ Panoramic windows
✓ Full bathroom with bath or shower
✓ Welcome amenities
✓ Priority boarding and disembarkation
ferry Kydon Palace · On-board services
Restaurant, café and what there is to eat
The Kydon Palace has a full spread of food and drink for a crossing of around 20 hours. The main restaurant serves à la carte or buffet meals depending on the season, with Italian and Spanish Mediterranean cooking. The café stays open throughout the crossing, serving breakfasts, sandwiches, hot plates and cold and hot drinks. The ship's bars round things off with cocktails, aperitifs and tapas.
Swimming pool and open decks
One of the most popular features of the Kydon Palace is her open-air pool on deck, available through the summer months. Ringed with sun loungers and looking out over the Mediterranean, it turns the crossing into something close to a holiday. The generous open decks are perfect for sunbathing or for watching the sunrise and sunset over the sea.
Shop and entertainment on board
The Kydon Palace has a duty-free shop on board selling perfume, cosmetics, tobacco, spirits, souvenirs and travel goods. There is also a games room and an entertainment area with televisions in the public spaces. The ship offers paid WiFi during the crossing.
Travelling with pets on the Kydon Palace
Accessibility — passengers with reduced mobility
The Kydon Palace has lifts and access ramps to make moving between decks easier. Passengers with reduced mobility, wheelchair users and anyone with other special requirements should tell Grimaldi Lines when they book, so that tailored assistance can be arranged for boarding, the crossing itself and disembarking. The crew is trained to look after these needs.
Frequently asked questions about the Kydon Palace
Which routes does the Kydon Palace ferry operate?
She works mainly on the Barcelona–Civitavecchia (Rome) route. Depending on the Grimaldi Lines schedule, she may also cover Barcelona–Livorno and Barcelona–Genoa. The ship assigned to each sailing can change from season to season, so always confirm when you book.
How long does the Kydon Palace take from Barcelona to Rome?
The Barcelona–Civitavecchia crossing takes roughly 20 hours. Bear in mind that Civitavecchia is a further 80 km from central Rome, about 60 minutes by regional train.
Does the Kydon Palace carry cars?
Yes. She is a Ro-Pax ferry with room for roughly 700 cars, plus lanes for lorries and heavy goods vehicles. Arrive at the port at least 2 hours beforehand if you are travelling with a vehicle.
What accommodation does the Kydon Palace offer?
Four types: a reclining seat (the cheapest), an inside cabin for 2 or 4 people with a private bathroom, an outside cabin with a window and sea views, and a Superior Suite with a double bed, a sitting area and every comfort.
Is there a swimming pool on the Kydon Palace?
Yes. She has an open-air pool on deck with a sun-lounger area, open above all during the summer months. It is one of the things that sets her apart from other Mediterranean ferries.
Is there WiFi on the Kydon Palace?
Yes, although the WiFi on board is paid for. Coverage and speed can vary during the crossing. We recommend downloading whatever you want to watch or read before you board.
Are pets allowed on the Kydon Palace?
Yes, under specific conditions. Pets must stay in the owner's vehicle (car deck) or in the kennels provided on board. The EU pet passport with a valid rabies vaccination is compulsory, and you must book a pet place when you buy your ticket.
Is the Kydon Palace accessible for passengers with reduced mobility?
Yes. She has lifts and access ramps between decks. We recommend telling Grimaldi Lines about any special requirements when you book, so that tailored assistance can be arranged for boarding and disembarking.
How much does it cost to travel on the Kydon Palace?
Reclining seats start at roughly €50–70 in mid season. Inside cabins range from €100 to €180 per cabin. Suites can go above €300 in high season. Booking ahead is advisable. Compare real-time prices here.
How early should I arrive at the port?
With a vehicle: at least 2 hours beforehand. Without a vehicle: 1 hour is enough. In July and August, allow extra time. The Grimaldi Lines terminal in Barcelona is at Moll de Llevant.
What documents do I need to travel from Spain to Italy on the Kydon Palace?
For EU citizens, a valid Spanish ID card (DNI) is enough. If you are travelling with pets: an EU pet passport with a valid rabies vaccination. If you are bringing a vehicle: a valid registration document and insurance.
Is there a restaurant on board the Kydon Palace?
Yes. She has a main restaurant serving Mediterranean cooking (à la carte or buffet depending on the season), a café open throughout the crossing and several bars. The duty-free shop with perfume, tobacco and souvenirs is also open on board.
