ferry Zeus Palace Grimaldi Lines
ferry Zeus Palace
âš“ The Zeus Palace is one of the largest and best-equipped cruise ferries in the Grimaldi Lines fleet, one of Europe's leading operators on medium- and long-distance routes. She works the emblematic Barcelona–Civitavecchia (Rome) route and other links in the western Mediterranean, carrying both drivers and foot passengers on a large ferry with plenty of accommodation. Her name pays tribute to Greek mythology, in keeping with the Grimaldi Lines tradition of naming its ships after the classical world.
The Zeus Palace was built at the Fincantieri yard in Ancona (Italy) and entered service in 2002. Over the years she has been through several refits and interior upgrades to keep her comfort standards competitive. She belongs to the Grimaldi Lines class of large passenger ferries alongside ships such as the Cruise Roma and the Cruise Barcelona, which cover similar Mediterranean routes. At more than 200 metres long, she is one of the biggest ferries working the Spain–Italy route.
History and background of the ship
The Zeus Palace (IMO 9208564) was built between 2000 and 2001 at the Korean Samsung Heavy Industries yard in Geoje and delivered in April 2001 under the name Prometheus for Minoan Lines. After an initial spell between Greece and Italy, she was bought by Grimaldi and renamed Eurostar Barcelona, becoming the outright pioneer of the international "Motorways of the Sea" when she opened the historic direct route between Civitavecchia (Rome) and Barcelona.
Since 2005 she has sailed under her definitive name of Zeus Palace, deployed flexibly as the company's strategy requires. Most recently she has settled into the freight links between southern Italy and North Africa, covering the triangular services that tie Civitavecchia and Salerno to Palermo (Sicily) and Tunis (La Goulette).
Full technical specifications
| Ship type | Passenger and rolling freight ferry (Ro-Pax) |
| Length overall | 214 m |
| Beam | 26 m |
| Gross tonnage (GT) | 35,154 GT |
| Service speed | ~23 knots |
| Passenger capacity | ~2,200 people |
| Vehicle capacity | ~800 cars (equivalent) |
| Passenger decks | Several passenger and service decks |
| Propulsion | Conventional diesel engines |
| Shipyard | Fincantieri, Ancona (Italy) |
| Year built | 2002 |
| IMO number | 9215637 |
| Flag | Italy |
| Operating company | Grimaldi Lines |
Routes operated and indicative timetables
| Route | Duration | Usual departure* |
|---|---|---|
| Barcelona → Civitavecchia (Rome) | ~20 h | ~19:00 |
| Civitavecchia (Rome) → Barcelona | ~20 h | ~19:00 |
| Barcelona → Porto Torres (Sardinia) | ~12 h | On request |
| Porto Torres (Sardinia) → Barcelona | ~12 h | On request |
* Indicative timetables, subject to season and availability. Confirm the exact departure time in our search engine.
The port of Civitavecchia: Rome's gateway by sea
The Zeus Palace calls at the Port of Civitavecchia, the main passenger port in the Lazio region and Rome's most important sea entrance. It lies some 80 km from central Rome (about an hour by regional train, with frequent departures from Civitavecchia station) and around 90 minutes by car. It is one of the busiest ferry ports in the Mediterranean, handling millions of passengers a year between cruise ships and scheduled ferries.
To reach central Rome from the port, the easiest option is the Trenitalia regional train (the Rome–Civitavecchia line), which takes 50 to 70 minutes and costs from about €5–6. Buses and taxis are available too. If you are driving, the A12 motorway links Civitavecchia with Rome in roughly an hour, traffic permitting.
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, particularly in high season (July and August).
Fares, discounts and how to book
Prices on the Zeus Palace vary a great deal with the season, the type of accommodation and how far ahead you book. A passenger seat on the Barcelona–Civitavecchia route can be found from roughly €45–60 in low season, while cabins are priced according to their category. In high season (summer) prices can treble, so it pays to book well in advance.
Things to bear in mind when booking:
- Vehicle: the passenger fare does not include your vehicle; it is added as a supplement according to type (car, motorbike, motorhome and so on).
- Cabins: a cabin is worth booking for overnight crossings of around 20 hours, especially with family or if you want a proper rest.
- Booking ahead: Grimaldi Lines offers keener advance prices if you book weeks or months in advance.
- Grimaldi Lines Club: the operator's loyalty scheme lets you collect points on every trip.
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 |
| Looking for privacy and a proper rest on an overnight crossing | Inside cabin |
| As a family or couple wanting extra comfort | Outside cabin with window |
| Looking for the most comfort and sea views | Deluxe cabin or Suite |
| With a pet | Pet-Friendly cabin |
| With reduced mobility | Accessible cabin |
ferry Zeus Palace · Accommodations
Reclining seat · Standard
The cheapest way to travel on the Zeus Palace. Reclining seats in a shared lounge, suited to daytime crossings or to anyone who would rather save on accommodation and make use of the ship's public spaces.
✓ Reclining seat with headrest
✓ Access to all the public areas
✓ Access to the café and restaurant
✓ The most affordable option on the ship
Inside cabin
A cabin with no window to the outside, available with 2 or 4 berths. Ideal if you want privacy and somewhere comfortable to sleep on an overnight crossing without needing a view.
✓ Single berths (2 or 4 places)
✓ Private bathroom with shower
✓ Individual air conditioning
✓ Locker with a key
Outside cabin · With window
A cabin with a porthole or window to the outside, available with 2 or 4 places. The natural light and the Mediterranean views make it the favourite of families and couples after a little extra comfort.
✓ Window or porthole to the outside
✓ Berths or a double bed (subject to availability)
✓ Private bathroom with shower
✓ Individual air conditioning
✓ Locker with a key
Deluxe cabin · Every comfort
The top-category cabins on the Zeus Palace, with more space and better finishes. They come with a double bed, a sitting area and the best views on the ship. The premium choice for anyone who wants the crossing to be an experience in itself.
✓ More floor space and premium finishes
✓ Double bed
✓ Full private bathroom
✓ Window or porthole to the outside
✓ TV and minibar
Pet-Friendly cabin · With your pet
The Zeus Palace has cabins set up specifically for travelling with pets. Animals can stay with their owners in these adapted cabins, provided the operator's rules on paperwork and the animal's health are met.
✓ Pets allowed in the cabin
✓ Designated area for your pet's needs
✓ Private bathroom
✓ You must declare your pet when booking
ferry Zeus Palace · On-board services
Restaurant and café
The Zeus Palace has a restaurant serving a full menu and a café-bar open to all passengers. The food leans towards Italian and Mediterranean cooking, with starters, mains, puddings and a wine list. The café is the quicker, more informal alternative, with sandwiches, snacks and cold and hot drinks throughout the crossing. There is bar service in the ship's public areas as well.
Open deck and quiet areas
The Zeus Palace has an open deck from which to enjoy the Mediterranean views as you sail. There are quiet areas and open-air seating, especially pleasant during the daylight hours in the summer months. It is one of the things passengers value most on the Barcelona–Civitavecchia route.
Children's area
Travelling with a dog on board
Accessibility — passengers with reduced mobility
The Zeus Palace has cabins adapted for passengers with reduced mobility and easier access to the ship's main areas. We recommend contacting Grimaldi Lines when you book to explain your specific needs and make sure the best possible assistance is arranged on board, including priority access at boarding and disembarkation.
Onboard shop
The Zeus Palace has an onboard shop selling travel goods, toiletries, snacks, souvenirs and a selection of duty-free items on international crossings. It is a genuinely useful service on a 20-hour crossing, when last-minute needs tend to crop up.
Lounges and public areas
Besides the places to eat, the Zeus Palace has public lounges where passengers can rest and be entertained, with televisions, a reading corner and space to socialise. They are particularly useful for seat passengers who have not booked a cabin and need somewhere comfortable during the night-time hours of the crossing.
Frequently asked questions about the Zeus Palace
Which routes does the Zeus Palace ferry operate?
She works mainly on the Barcelona–Civitavecchia (Rome) route for Grimaldi Lines, taking roughly 20 hours. Depending on the season she may also cover the Barcelona–Porto Torres (Sardinia) route. Confirm availability in our search engine.
How long does the Zeus Palace take from Barcelona to Civitavecchia?
The crossing takes roughly 20 hours. It is a long sailing, so a cabin is well worth booking for comfort and a proper night's sleep.
Does the Zeus Palace carry cars and other vehicles?
Yes. She is a Ro-Pax ferry able to carry roughly 800 vehicles on her car decks. The vehicle ticket is booked separately from the passenger ticket. We recommend arriving at the port 2 hours beforehand if you are travelling by car.
What accommodation does the Zeus Palace offer?
Five types: a reclining seat (the cheapest), an inside cabin (2 or 4 berths, no window), an outside cabin (with a window or porthole), a Deluxe cabin (more space and comfort) and a Pet-Friendly cabin (for travelling with animals). Every cabin has a private bathroom.
Are pets allowed on the Zeus Palace?
Yes. Grimaldi Lines accepts pets in cabins set up specifically for them. You must declare your pet when you book and produce the health documentation required (EU pet passport, valid rabies vaccination). Check the current requirements before you travel.
Is the Zeus Palace accessible for passengers with reduced mobility?
Yes. She has adapted accessible cabins and easier access to the ship's main areas. We recommend telling the ferry operator when you book, so the best possible assistance can be arranged for boarding, the crossing and disembarkation.
Is there a restaurant on board the Zeus Palace?
Yes. The Zeus Palace has a restaurant with a full menu of Italian and Mediterranean cooking, a café with snacks and drinks throughout the crossing, and a bar in the public areas. The restaurant is charged separately for all passengers.
How much does it cost to travel on the Zeus Palace?
As a guide, seat fares start at roughly €45–60 one way in low season. Cabins cost extra. In July and August prices rise considerably. Compare real-time prices here.
How early should I arrive at the port to board?
With a vehicle: at least 2 hours beforehand. Foot passengers: 1 hour is generally enough. In July and August we recommend allowing extra time. Departures from Barcelona are usually in the late afternoon or evening.
How do I get to central Rome from Civitavecchia?
The easiest and cheapest option is the Trenitalia regional train between Civitavecchia and Roma Termini, which takes 50–70 minutes and costs from about €5–6. Buses and taxis are available too. By car, the A12 motorway links Civitavecchia with Rome in roughly an hour.
Does the Zeus Palace have WiFi on board?
The Zeus Palace has WiFi on board. Speed and price can vary. Check the current conditions when you book, as availability and cost may depend on the fare you have chosen.
When was the Zeus Palace built?
The Zeus Palace was built in 2002 at the Fincantieri yard in Ancona (Italy). Her interiors have been upgraded several times over the years. Her IMO number is 9215637.
Is it worth booking a cabin on the Zeus Palace?
On a crossing of around 20 hours such as Barcelona–Civitavecchia, a cabin is worth booking, especially with family, with young children, or when the ferry leaves in the late afternoon or evening. A cabin lets you sleep properly and arrive rested. Seat passengers can use the ship's public lounges overnight, but they will not rest as well.
