ferry Majestic GNV
ferry Majestic
âš“ The Majestic is the historic flagship of GNV (Grandi Navi Veloci) and one of the most emblematic cruise ferries in the western Mediterranean. She was the company's very first ship, the one that gave the whole fleet its name and character, and she is still working more than three decades after her launch. With room for 1,790 passengers and 760 vehicles, she operates mainly on the routes between Barcelona, Tanger Med and Nador, as well as Balearic services (Palma de Mallorca, Ibiza and Mahón) since GNV entered that market in 2021.
The Majestic entered service in 1993 on the Genoa–Palermo route, becoming, together with her sister ship Splendid, the first cruise ferry operated by an Italian company. Her design brought a new way of thinking about ferry travel: with hotel-standard cabins, restaurants, a shop, a seasonal pool and generous passenger areas, the Majestic turned overnight crossings into a genuinely holiday-like experience. Today, after more than 30 years in service, she remains one of the most recognisable and sought-after ships in the GNV fleet.
History and background of the ship
The Majestic (IMO 9015735) is the most important ship in GNV's history: she was the first vessel ordered and built expressly to launch the company. Constructed at the Nuovi Cantieri Apuania yard in Marina di Carrara (yard number 1152), with her keel laid in 1992 and completion in May 1993, she opened GNV's commercial operations that same year on the Genoa–Palermo line. For more than three decades she has been a byword for reliability, rotating through almost every line in the Tyrrhenian and the Adriatic.
In her current phase she has settled into the operator's international African division, regularly running the long-distance circular service Genoa–Barcelona–Tanger Med, a key logistical link for heavy freight and family passenger traffic between Europe and North Africa.
GNV was set up in 1992 by Aldo Grimaldi as a subsidiary of the Grimaldi Group. The Majestic was its first acquisition and the ship that defined the operator's identity: a long-haul ferry with cruise-ship standards, able to link the great Mediterranean ports comfortably and affordably. From her debut on the Genoa–Palermo line, the Majestic moved on to new routes as GNV expanded its network: Genoa–Barcelona, Barcelona–Tangier, the Balearics and more. In 2010 GNV was bought by the MSC Group, one of the largest shipping groups in the world, which strengthened the company financially and secured the future of ships like the Majestic within the fleet.
Full technical specifications
| Ship type | Ro-Pax ferry (cruise ferry) |
| Length overall | 188.15 m |
| Beam | 27.6 m |
| Service speed | 21 knots |
| Passenger capacity | 1,790 people |
| Vehicle capacity | 760 cars (or 120 lorries/trailers) |
| Freight deck capacity | ~1,800 lane metres |
| Cabins | 341 cabins + 19 suites + 2 adapted cabins |
| Cabin berths | 1,281 berths |
| Year built | 1993 |
| IMO number | 9015735 |
| Flag | Italy |
| Ferry operator | GNV · Grandi Navi Veloci (MSC Group) |
Routes operated and indicative timetables
| Route | Duration | Usual departure* |
|---|---|---|
| Barcelona → Tanger Med | ~29–32 h | ~18:00 |
| Tanger Med → Barcelona | ~29–32 h | ~18:00 |
| Barcelona → Nador | ~26 h | Varies |
| Barcelona → Palma de Mallorca | ~7 h 30 min | ~23:40 |
| Palma de Mallorca → Barcelona | ~7 h 30 min | ~11:30 |
| Barcelona → Ibiza | ~9 h | ~22:00 |
| Genoa → Barcelona | ~19–21 h | Varies |
* Indicative timetables, subject to season, fleet allocation and availability. Confirm the exact departure in our search engine.
The port of Barcelona: the GNV terminal and how to get there
The Majestic sails from the Moll Adossat at the Port of Barcelona, some 3 km from Las Ramblas and 15 km from El Prat airport. It is reached via the B-10 (Ronda Litoral). For the routes to Morocco you must produce a valid passport (a Spanish ID card, or DNI, is not accepted). For the Balearics and Italy, a DNI is enough. If you are travelling with a vehicle, you will also need to show the registration document and your insurance.
GNV recommends arriving at the port 4 hours before departure for international crossings (Morocco, Genoa) and 2 hours before for domestic routes (the Balearics). Check-in closes 1 hour before departure on international routes and 30 minutes before on domestic ones.
Fares, discounts and how to book
Prices on the Majestic vary considerably with the route, the season and the type of accommodation you choose. On the Genoa–Barcelona route, tickets with a Pullman seat start from roughly €75. On the Balearic routes (Barcelona–Palma), seat fares can be found from €18 when there is an offer on. For Tanger Med, prices vary with the season.
Discounts and promotions available with GNV:
- Advance purchase: book early and you can lock in the price with a 10% deposit, paying the balance 30 days before departure.
- Children aged 4–12: 50% off the net ticket price on routes to and from Albania, Sardinia, Sicily and Spain.
- Children under 4: travel free on every GNV ship (under-2s free on routes to Tunisia and Morocco).
- Large families and Moroccan citizens living in Europe: special fares on the Morocco routes. Check availability.
- Seasonal discounts: GNV runs regular promotions for public holidays, Ramadan and low season. See the offers section at gnv.it.
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 |
| On an overnight crossing (Balearics, Italy, Morocco) | Inside cabin, 2–4 berths |
| With family and children, wanting comfort | 4-berth outside cabin |
| Wanting maximum comfort and privacy | Suite |
| With a pet | Pet-friendly cabin + pet area |
| With reduced mobility | Adapted cabin (2 available) |
ferry Majestic · Accommodations
Pullman seat · Budget
The cheapest option on the Majestic. Numbered, allocated reclining seats in an air-conditioned lounge. Ideal for short crossings, or for travellers on a tight budget who still want access to every part of the ship. On long crossings it is worth adding a cabin.
✓ Numbered, allocated seat
✓ Air-conditioned lounge
✓ Access to every area of the ship
✓ Wi-Fi on board (a charge may apply)
Inside cabin · Comfort overnight
A cabin without an outside window, ideal for sleeping on overnight crossings. It takes up to 4 people for your party's exclusive use. Individually controlled air conditioning, a private bathroom with shower, a hairdryer, beds made up with linen and room for luggage. The best rest-for-your-money on the ship.
✓ Up to 4 people, exclusive use
✓ Individually controlled air conditioning
✓ Private bathroom with shower and hairdryer
✓ Bed linen and towels included
✓ Cot available for babies (on request)
Outside cabin · Sea view
The same as the inside cabin but with a porthole or window looking out to sea. Perfect for families or travellers who want to enjoy the Mediterranean views from their own cabin. Everything the inside cabin has, plus natural light.
✓ Porthole or window with sea views
✓ Up to 4 people, exclusive use
✓ Private bathroom with shower and hairdryer
✓ Individual air conditioning and bed linen included
Suite · The height of luxury on board
The Majestic has 19 suites, the most exclusive accommodation on the ship. A large porthole with sea views, satellite TV, radio, a minibar and generous space. Some suites have a private balcony. Ideal for anyone after a hotel-standard experience in the Mediterranean.
✓ Large porthole or private balcony (in some)
✓ Satellite TV and radio
✓ Minibar included
✓ Double suite (double bed) or family suite (bed + sofa)
✓ Full private bathroom with amenities
Adapted cabin · Accessibility
The Majestic has 2 cabins specially adapted for passengers with reduced mobility or a disability. They are designed with easy access, room for a wheelchair and an adapted bathroom. To request one, say so at the time of booking.
✓ 2 cabins available on board
✓ Space adapted for a wheelchair
✓ Book ahead, stating any special requirements
ferry Majestic · On-board services
Restaurants and food on board
The Majestic offers one of the most complete food and drink line-ups in the GNV fleet. Her catering spaces are designed to serve throughout the crossing, by day or by night:
Boutique shop on board
Pool and outside deck
Children's area
Travelling with a dog on board
Accessibility — passengers with reduced mobility
The Majestic has been adapted to make it easier for passengers with reduced mobility or a disability to move around on board. She has 2 specially adapted cabins and an information desk staffed 24 hours a day. Passengers who need assistance should say so at the time of booking so that the necessary resources can be guaranteed.
Conference centre and MICE
The Majestic has a conference centre and meeting rooms on board, part of the GNV MICE e Incentive programme. Five formats are offered: full charter of the ship, partial charter (dedicated areas), mini-cruises, floating hotel and corporate events (drinks receptions, business lunches and dinners). A distinctive option for meetings and events on the Mediterranean.
Library and chapel
In keeping with her design as a long-distance cruise ferry, the Majestic has a library and a chapel on board. These spaces, rare among competitors, reflect the ship's ambition to make the journey an experience in itself, particularly on long crossings such as Barcelona–Tangier or Barcelona–Genoa.
Frequently asked questions about the Majestic ferry
Which routes does GNV's Majestic ferry operate?
She mainly operates Barcelona–Tanger Med and Barcelona–Nador (Morocco). She also covers Balearic routes (Barcelona–Palma, Barcelona–Ibiza) and the Genoa–Barcelona line. Ship allocation can change with the season.
How long does the Majestic take from Barcelona to Tangier?
The Barcelona–Tanger Med crossing takes between 29 and 32 hours depending on the itinerary. It is a long-haul crossing, and we would strongly recommend booking a cabin.
How long does the Majestic take from Barcelona to Palma de Mallorca?
The Barcelona–Palma crossing takes roughly 7 hours 30 minutes. Departures are usually overnight, arriving first thing in the morning.
Does the Majestic carry cars?
Yes. She has room for 760 vehicles (or up to 120 lorries/trailers) on a freight deck of roughly 1,800 lane metres. You must show the vehicle's registration document and insurance at boarding.
What accommodation does the Majestic offer?
Five types: Pullman seat (budget, reclining), inside cabin (up to 4 berths, no window), outside cabin (with a porthole), suite (19 available, with TV, minibar and possibly a balcony) and adapted cabin (2 of them, for passengers with reduced mobility).
Are pets allowed on the Majestic?
Yes. GNV accepts pets in pet-friendly cabins or in the designated animal area. You must book a place for your pet in advance and present a pet passport with up-to-date vaccinations. Pets are not allowed in the public areas.
Do I need a passport to go to Morocco on the Majestic?
Yes. For the routes to Tanger Med and Nador a valid passport is compulsory. The Spanish ID card (DNI) is not accepted for entry into Morocco. For the Balearics or Italy, a DNI is enough.
Is the Majestic accessible for passengers with reduced mobility?
Yes. She has 2 adapted cabins and the ship has been fitted out to improve accessibility. Tell the operator what you need when you book, and you can go to the information desk (open 24 hours) during the crossing.
Is there Wi-Fi on the Majestic?
Yes. The Majestic has Wi-Fi on board. An extra charge may apply depending on the connectivity package you choose. Check the current terms when you book.
How much does it cost to travel on the Majestic?
For Barcelona–Palma (the Balearics), you can find tickets from €18 when there is an offer on. For Genoa–Barcelona, seat fares start from roughly €75. The Morocco routes vary. Booking ahead secures the best fares. Compare real-time prices here.
How early should I get to the port to board?
For international routes (Morocco, Genoa): check-in opens 4 hours before and closes 1 hour before departure. For domestic routes (the Balearics): check-in opens 2 hours before and closes 30 minutes before. In July and August, allow extra time.
Is there a pool on the Majestic?
Yes. The Majestic has an outdoor pool on deck, open in high season (the summer months). It is one of the features that sets the Majestic apart as a cruise ferry from rival ships.
Are there discounts for children on the Majestic?
Yes. Children under 4 travel free on every GNV ship. Under-2s also travel free on routes to Tunisia and Morocco. Children aged 4 to 12 get a 50% discount on routes to and from Albania, Sardinia, Sicily and Spain.
What is the history of the Majestic ferry?
The Majestic was GNV's first ship, launched in 1993 and the first cruise ferry operated by an Italian company. She began service on the Genoa–Palermo route and has been working the main Mediterranean routes for more than 30 years. She has belonged to the MSC Group since 2010.
