GNV Ferries

The History of GNV Ferries (Grandi Navi Veloci)

GNV (Grandi Navi Veloci) is a leading ferry company in Italy, providing routes and connecting six countries. It was founded in 1992 by Aldo Grimaldi, being initially a branch of the Grimaldi Group. In 1995, GNV was the first Italian company to operate cruise ferries with its modern ships, Splendid and Majestic. In 1999, it listed its shares on the stock market. After that point, the company was in an orbit of success. New cruise ferries were continually added to its fleet, while even more ports were included among its destinations. In addition to passenger services, GNV also expanded in the cargo sector. Overall, GNV had one of the most modern and well-equipped fleets in Europe at that time. However, in 2009, Grimaldi Group no longer controlled the GNV company. In fact, they completely withdrew from the company by selling its shares. As a result, Grandi Navi Veloci became part of the MSC Group in 2010. During the same year, it merged with SNAV. It’s worth mentioning that during the COVID-19 pandemic, the GNV ferry Splendid was used as a hospital ship.

Nowadays, the GNV company has its headquarters in Genoa, and its CEO is Matteo Catani. It has a notable fleet of 28 vessels. In fact, some of its ships are listed among the largest ferries at the European level. It is a maritime company investing in sustainability and prioritizing its contribution to the Motorways of the Sea, the EU’s initiative to promote sea routes, trade, and connections between member states.

The GNV Ferries

The GNV company boasts a total of 28 ships, following the latest addition of GNV Sirio and GNV Auriga to its fleet in 2024. Explicitly, the following vessels form the fleet of Grandi Navi Veloci:

GNV Routes and Destinations

GNV (Grandi Navi Veloci) provides connections within the Mediterranean Sea. Thus, it has available routes, linking six countries. Indeed, GNV ferries travel from and to Italy, Spain, Morocco, Tunisia, France, and Albania. Moreover, several routes connect continental Italy to the islands of Sardinia and Sicily. In detail, GNV ships sail from and to the following destinations:

The Most Popular GNV Ferry Routes

The GNV Ferries’ Services and Amenities

All the ships of the Grandi Navi Veloci fleet are modern and well-equipped. They adhere to strict safety protocols and policies and are technologically advanced, guaranteeing safe and enjoyable journeys. Moreover, GNV is constantly trying to reduce its environmental imprint. Adopting sustainable policies and practices, it aims to remain an environmentally friendly ship operator.

GNV also caters to its passengers with special needs. Thus, all GNV ferries are accessible and equipped with accessible cabins, restrooms, and elevators. Designated zones for passengers with disabilities are to be found within the ships’ public areas as well, while all members of the personnel are specially trained to assist disabled travelers with any requirements.

As for the seating options, deck tickets are available only during the high season, while numbered Pullman seats are generally the most affordable choice. All seats are reclining, allowing passengers to travel in comfort or even take a quick nap. Alternatively, travelers who don’t mind expenses can book a cabin. In detail, they can choose from different types of cabins: double, family, and quadruple, or suites with balconies. Some of the cabins offer sea views, whereas the others don’t feature portholes. That’s the reason why they are less expensive. In addition to the different categories of cabins and the accessible facilities, pet cabins are also an option for travelers sailing with their furry friends.

The GNV ferries provide many amenities. Hence, all ships feature self-service restaurants and à la carte facilities, mainly serving local dishes and delicacies. Gluten-free dishes are also available, while on GNV routes to Morocco and Tunisia, passengers can also choose from Halal food options. Some ships boast pizzerias as well. Additionally, bar areas are to be found within their premises, where travelers can have breakfast, enjoy a light snack, or sip on coffee, refreshing drinks, or alcoholic beverages. Some GNV ferries also house outdoor bars (chiringuitos), combining quick bites, coffee, and drinks with amazing sea views. Moreover, certain GNV ferries have games rooms and slot machines, while others feature prayer rooms. Specifically, seven of the GNV ferries have Catholic facilities, while ships sailing to Morocco and Tunisia have Islamic prayer rooms. On the other hand, passengers -regardless of the ferry route- have access to shops selling perfumes, toys, and convenience goods. During non-EU routes, duty-free stores are also available. Finally, customers can use the ships’ Wi-Fi by paying an extra fee. Just to give you a hint, the cost for 1 GB is €7/$7,69.

You can add a food pass (a prepaid card) during the booking process. In that way, you’ll lower food expenses.

GNV caters to all the families onboard. Apart from the family cabins, the GNV ferries’ restaurants offer kid menus and are equipped with feeding chairs. Moreover, play areas are located inside all ferries, featuring TVs displaying cartoons, drawing tables, and numerous toys. Changing tables, bottle warmers, cots, and bed rails are also available to passengers who may need them.

Useful Info About GNV Ferries

*Tickets are also available at the port ticket counters, through the collaborating travel agents, or by phone via the GNV contact center.

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