ferry La Superba GNV
ferry La Superba
âš“ La Superba is one of the largest and most modern ferries in the GNV (Grandi Navi Veloci) fleet, with room for 2,800 passengers and 700 vehicles — which makes her one of the highest-capacity ships in the western Mediterranean. She works mainly the Genoa–Palermo and Barcelona–Genoa routes, covering some of the most important sea corridors between Spain, France and Italy. Her name is a nod to the historic nickname of the city of Genoa, La Superba, home to the operator and a cultural reference point for the whole GNV fleet.
She was built at the Fincantieri shipyards in Italy and joined the GNV fleet in 2023, making her one of the company's newest and most technologically advanced ships. She is powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG) engines, putting her at the forefront of the energy transition in Mediterranean shipping. GNV is part of the MSC group, one of the world's largest shipping conglomerates, which guarantees high operating and maintenance standards.
La Superba is one of a pair of sister ferries alongside La Suprema, although La Superba is the newer of the two and brings technical and comfort improvements over her predecessor. Her arrival marked a significant upgrade to what GNV offers on its Italian and international routes.
A name with history: the pride of Genoa
La Superba is the historic nickname of the city of Genoa, capital of Liguria and GNV's head office. The name comes from the splendour of the Republic of Genoa in the medieval and Renaissance centuries, when the city was one of the leading trading and naval powers in the Mediterranean. The poet Francesco Petrarch was among the first to use the phrase La Superba to describe Genoa's magnificence, and the nickname has stuck ever since.
GNV keeps that cultural tradition alive by naming its ships after Genoese and Mediterranean references, strengthening the tie between the company and its home city.
History and background of the ship
La Superba (IMO 9214276) was built between 2001 and 2002 at the Nuovi Cantieri Apuania yard in Marina di Carrara (hull number 1220) and entered service in March 2002. On launching she briefly held the record as the largest passenger ferry in the world. She belonged to GNV from day one and was for two decades the backbone of the Genoa–Palermo line, alternating seasonally with Genoa–Porto Torres (Sardinia).
On 14 January 2023, while berthed in the Port of Palermo, a fierce fire broke out on her main vehicle deck. It took more than a week to put out. There were no fatalities, but the structural damage was massive: the ship was declared a total loss and withdrawn permanently from scheduled service.
Full technical specifications
| Ship type | Passenger and roll-on/roll-off ferry (ro-pax) |
| Length overall | 218 m |
| Beam | 29.6 m |
| Service speed | ~21 knots |
| Passenger capacity | 2,800 people |
| Vehicle capacity | 700 cars (equivalent) |
| Propulsion | Dual-fuel LNG (liquefied natural gas) engines |
| OPS system | Yes (shore power connection in port) |
| Passenger decks | Several decks given over to passengers |
| Cabins | Yes (inside, outside and suites) |
| Shipyard | Fincantieri (Italy) |
| Year joined the fleet | 2023 |
| Flag | Italy |
| IMO number | 9838463 |
| Ferry operator | GNV (Grandi Navi Veloci) — MSC Group |
Routes operated and indicative timetables
| Route | Duration | Usual departure* |
|---|---|---|
| Genoa → Palermo | ~20 h | ~20:00 |
| Palermo → Genoa | ~20 h | ~19:00 |
| Barcelona → Genoa | ~18 h | ~19:00 |
| Genoa → Barcelona | ~18 h | ~17:00 |
* Indicative timetables, subject to season and availability. Confirm the exact departure in our search engine.
Genoa and Palermo: what you need to plan your trip
The Genoa–Palermo route is one of the most popular overnight services in the Italian Mediterranean, used just as much by tourists heading for Sicily as by islanders and freight hauliers. At around 20 hours, the sailing runs through the whole night and part of the following day, so booking a cabin is well worth it if you want to arrive rested.
The Port of Genoa is the largest in Italy and one of the busiest in the Mediterranean. GNV's passenger terminals are clearly signposted and well connected with the city centre. If you are travelling by car or van, you should get to the port at least 90 minutes before departure. As a foot passenger, 60 minutes is usually enough.
For the Barcelona–Genoa route, boarding takes place at the Port of Barcelona, which has modern terminals with good links to the airport and the city centre. This route connects Spain directly with northern Italy and is a much-appreciated alternative to flying for anyone travelling with a vehicle.
Fares, discounts and how to book
A tourist-class Pullman seat on the Genoa–Palermo route starts from roughly €35–50 one way in mid season. Inside cabins start from around €80–100 per person (two sharing). On the Barcelona–Genoa route, seat fares start from €60–80 one way. Prices can change considerably over the summer.
Discounts and benefits available:
- Club GNV: the operator's loyalty scheme. Collect points on every booking and redeem them against discounts on future trips.
- Island resident fare (Sicily/Sardinia): residents of the Italian island regions can qualify for subsidised fares on certain routes. Check availability by route and season.
- Early-booking offers: GNV regularly runs early-booking discounts, particularly for high season (July–August).
- Group and family discounts: available for groups of more than 10 people and for large families, subject to conditions.
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 | Pullman seat |
| Wanting a proper rest on a long overnight crossing | Inside cabin |
| As a couple or a family with children | Outside cabin (with window) |
| Wanting maximum comfort and privacy | Suite or superior cabin |
| With a pet | Pet-friendly cabin |
| With reduced mobility | Adapted accessible cabin |
ferry La Superba · Accommodations
Pullman seat · Standard
The cheapest option on the ship. Reclining seats in a shared lounge, perfect for short overnight crossings or for travellers who put price first. Available in several of the ship's lounges.
✓ Reclining seat with headrest
✓ Access to every area of the ship
✓ Wi-Fi on board
✓ Sockets for chargers
Inside cabin
A private cabin without a window, ideal for long overnight crossings such as Genoa–Palermo or Barcelona–Genoa. Available with 2 or 4 berths. The option we would recommend most if you want to arrive rested.
✓ Private cabin with its own key
✓ 2 or 4 berths with bed linen
✓ Private bathroom with shower
✓ Adjustable air conditioning
✓ Sockets and Wi-Fi included
Outside cabin · With window
A private cabin with a porthole or window. Enjoy natural light and sea views during the crossing. Available with 2 or 4 berths. Very popular with families and couples.
✓ Private cabin with window or porthole
✓ 2 or 4 berths with bed linen
✓ Private bathroom with shower
✓ Adjustable air conditioning
✓ Sockets and Wi-Fi included
Suite · Premium
The most exclusive accommodation on La Superba. Spacious suites with a double bed, a seating area and a full bathroom. Designed for travellers who want the highest level of comfort and privacy on long crossings.
✓ Double bed
✓ Private seating area
✓ Full bathroom with shower
✓ Window or porthole
✓ Premium services on board
Adapted accessible cabin
Cabins specially equipped for passengers with reduced mobility. Wheelchair access, an adapted bathroom with grab rails and extra room to manoeuvre. Numbers are limited, so book ahead.
✓ Wheelchair access
✓ Adapted bathroom with grab rails
✓ Extra space inside the cabin
✓ Limited availability — book ahead
ferry La Superba · On-board services
Restaurant, self-service and café
La Superba has a full range of food and drink on board, designed with long crossings in mind. The self-service restaurant serves full meals of Italian and Mediterranean cooking at lunch and dinner times. The café and bar stay open for most of the crossing and serve breakfasts, sandwiches, pizzas, desserts and hot and cold drinks.
Outside deck
La Superba has an outside deck where passengers can take the air and enjoy the views over the Mediterranean during the crossing. It is especially pleasant on the way in and out of port, when the views of Genoa or Palermo are at their most striking.
Children's play area
Travelling with pets
Accessibility — passengers with reduced mobility
La Superba is fitted with adapted accessible cabins, wide wheelchair-friendly entrances and lifts between decks. Passengers with reduced mobility can request specific assistance for boarding by letting GNV know their requirements at the time of booking. It is best to give notice well ahead so that both the adapted cabins and the assistance service in port can be secured.
Sustainability and LNG propulsion
La Superba is GNV's first LNG-powered ship, a significant technological step for the company and for shipping in the Mediterranean as a whole. The environmental gains over a conventional fuel-oil ferry are concrete and measurable:
−20%
COâ‚‚ emissions
−85%
NOx emissions
−100%
SOx emissions
−99%
Airborne particulates
The ship also has an OPS (Onshore Power Supply) system, which lets her plug into the port's electricity grid while alongside. That removes the need to keep the engines running and cuts local emissions in the ports of Genoa, Palermo and Barcelona. GNV belongs to the MSC Group, which has made public commitments to decarbonise its fleet by 2050.
La Superba vs La Suprema: the key differences
La Superba (2023) is the successor to GNV's long-serving La Suprema (2003). Although they share routes and belong to the same company, they come from very different generations:
| Feature | La Superba | La Suprema |
|---|---|---|
| Year built | 2023 | 2003 |
| Propulsion | LNG (dual-fuel) | Conventional diesel |
| OPS system | Yes | No |
| Passenger capacity | 2,800 | 2,400 |
| Vehicle capacity | 700 | ~600 |
| Shipyard | Fincantieri | Fincantieri |
| SOx emissions | Zero | Present |
| Interior comfort | Up to date (2023) | Partly refurbished |
Frequently asked questions about La Superba
Which routes does GNV's La Superba ferry operate?
She mainly operates the Genoa–Palermo and Barcelona–Genoa routes. She is one of GNV's flagships in the western Mediterranean, with scheduled sailings all year round.
How long does La Superba take from Genoa to Palermo?
The Genoa–Palermo crossing takes roughly 20 hours. The ferry usually leaves in the late afternoon or evening and arrives the following morning, so a cabin is well worth booking for the trip.
How long does La Superba take from Barcelona to Genoa?
The Barcelona–Genoa crossing takes roughly 18 hours. A very practical alternative to flying for anyone travelling with a vehicle between Spain and Italy.
Does La Superba carry cars and other vehicles?
Yes. She has room for up to 700 car-equivalent vehicles (cars, vans, motorbikes and lorries). If you are travelling with a vehicle, get to the port at least 90 minutes before departure.
What accommodation does La Superba have?
She offers Pullman seats (standard), inside cabins (no window, 2 or 4 berths), outside cabins (with a window or porthole), premium suites and adapted accessible cabins for passengers with reduced mobility.
Is there Wi-Fi on La Superba?
Yes. La Superba has Wi-Fi on board. Quality can vary depending on where the ship is sailing. Check the exact terms with GNV when you book.
Are pets allowed on La Superba?
Yes. GNV accepts pets under specific conditions. You must declare your pet when booking and meet the health documentation requirements. For international routes such as Barcelona–Genoa, check what each country requires.
Is La Superba accessible for passengers with reduced mobility?
Yes. She has adapted accessible cabins with wheelchair access, adapted bathrooms and lifts between decks. Tell GNV about your specific requirements when you book so that availability can be secured.
What fuel does La Superba use?
Liquefied natural gas (LNG), through dual-fuel engines. It cuts COâ‚‚ by around 20% and NOx by around 85%, eliminates SOx emissions altogether and reduces particulates by 99% compared with a conventional ferry. She also has an OPS system for shore power in port.
How much does it cost to travel on La Superba?
A Pullman seat on Genoa–Palermo starts from roughly €35–50. Inside cabins start from around €80–100 per person. On Barcelona–Genoa, seats start from €60–80. Prices vary with the season. Check real-time prices here.
How early should I get to the port?
With a vehicle: at least 90 minutes before departure. As a foot passenger: 60 minutes is enough. In July and August, allow extra time.
Is there a restaurant on La Superba?
Yes. She has a self-service restaurant with Italian and Mediterranean cooking, a café serving breakfasts and snacks, and a bar open for most of the crossing.
When did La Superba join the GNV fleet?
La Superba joined the GNV fleet in 2023, as the company's first LNG-powered ship and one of the most modern in the western Mediterranean.
What is the difference between La Superba and La Suprema?
La Superba (2023) is newer and bigger (2,800 passengers against 2,400), uses LNG propulsion — with radically lower emissions — and has an OPS system. La Suprema (2003) runs on conventional diesel. Both work similar routes within the GNV fleet.
Does La Superba have a children's play area?
Yes. La Superba has a children's play area, which comes in especially handy on long 18- to 20-hour crossings such as Genoa–Palermo or Barcelona–Genoa.
