The History of Tirrenia
The history of Tirrenia goes back in time. The company (Tirrenia Società Anonima di Navigazione) was founded in 1936 following the public ownership of several private shipping companies. The company boasted 55 vessels at the time. After numerous ups and downs, due to the company’s management and current historical conditions, Tirrenia was on the verge of bankruptcy. Indeed, on August 12, 2010, the process of receivership began, resulting in its privatization in 2012. In 2014, the company left its headquarters on Rione Sirignano in Naples and moved to its nowadays main offices, in Calata Porta di Massa, Interno Porto. Hence, its headquarters remain in Naples to this day.
Tirrenia is an Italian company that was once the state-owned sea carrier, connecting the mainland to Sicily and Sardinia. However, nowadays, it is a private-owned company, as in 2015, it was bought by Vincenzo Onorato, the owner of the other renowned Naples shipping company, Moby Lines. Therefore, it is now part of the Onorato Armatori Group.
The Tirrenia Ferries
The fleet of Tirrenia consists of six vessels, including some Moby ships. Explicitly, the following ships are registered under the flag of Tirrenia:
Vessel | Type | Passenger Capacity | Vehicle Capacity | Year of Construction |
Athara | Ro-Ro Passenger Ferry | 2700 | 820 | 2003 |
Moby Ale Due | Ro-Ro Passenger Ferry | 2700 | 820 | 2001 |
Janas | Ro-Ro Passenger Ferry | 2700 | 820 | 2002 |
Rubattino | Ro-Ro Passenger Ferry | 1471 | 630 | 2001 |
Florio | Ro-Ro Passenger Ferry | 1471 | 630 | 1999 |
Beniamino Carnevale | Ro-Ro Passenger Ferry | 73-99 | – | 1992 |
Tirrenia Routes and Destinations
Tirrenia routes link the mainland to the islands of Sardinia and Sicily. Moreover, they provide connections from Italy to Tunisia. Departing from several ports of continental Italy, Tirrenia ferries offer frequent sailings to the two largest Mediterranean islands, as well as to the exotic Tunis. In detail, they serve the following destinations:
The Most Popular Tirrenia Ferry Routes
Civitavecchia to Olbia
Naples to Palermo
Genoa to Tunis
The Tirrenia Ferries’ Services and Amenities
The Tirrenia fleet consists of modern and reliable vessels that comply with the strictest safety standards. In fact, each ship boasts a Class Certificate, a Safety Certificate for Passenger Transport, and a Safety Management Certificate (SMC), among other things. Moreover, the company has adopted “the mystery passenger” policy. Therefore, it assigns inspectors to board the ferries as ordinary passengers and verify the quality of the provided services and compliance with all the safety and other protocols.
On the other hand, all Tirrenia ferries are accessible. That being said, Beniamino Carnevale can’t be accessed by passengers with mobility problems, but it doesn’t serve the main Tirrenia routes anyway. All other ships feature cabins for disabled passengers, elevators, ramps, and reserved seating zones. In addition to the vessels’ amenities, the company’s staff is trained and always available to offer any necessary assistance to travelers with special needs.
Passengers traveling with Tirrenia can choose from several options during the booking process. Thus, they can settle on the most affordable alternative, an airplane-style seat, opt for the slightly more expensive numbered armchairs, or book a cabin. Outside and inside (with and without portholes) double or quadruple cabins, ensuite cabins, and suites are available. Are you traveling with your furry friend? Tirrenia offers pet cabins as well, where up to three pets can be comfortably accommodated. Finally, during the ticket reservation, travelers can also add a food menu to their booking, saving up to 20% on their food expenses compared to meals purchased onboard.
Inside the Tirrenia ferries, passengers find a wide array of services and facilities. Self-service and à la carte restaurants are available (please note that the à la carte facilities may be out of operation during the low season), along with cafes, and bars. All the culinary options in Tirrenia ships use raw materials from Sardinia and Sicily and specialize in local gastronomic traditions and dishes. What’s more, boutiques with souvenirs, books, products from the regions where Tirrenia ships sail, and many other items are to be found onboard, as do reception desks open around the clock. Tirrenia ferries also feature Satellite TV areas where passengers can watch their favorite sports programs as well, and even cinema rooms displaying movies 90 days after their premieres, thanks to the company’s collaboration with Warner Bros. Wi-Fi is also available for a fee. You should expect to pay around €7/$7,69 for 1 GB. Furthermore, a doctor is present on all ferry routes.
Tirrenia guarantees family-friendly sailings as well. All Tirrenia ferries are equipped with children’s play areas, where kids can watch cartoons, play games, or use coloring sheets and other activities. Moreover, restaurants offer kid menus and high chairs, while ships feature changing tables. Parents can use microwave ovens to warm milk or food and ask for cribs and bed rails (subject to availability).
Useful Info About Tirrenia Ferries
Online Bookings
You can reserve your Tirrenia tickets online.
Digital Tickets
Printed and digital tickets are equally accepted to board Tirrenia ferries. Identification documents are always necessary.
Luggage Policy
No luggage limits
Pet Policy
Pets are allowed inside Tirrenia ferries (for a fee), as long as they have a valid vaccination record. However, they should be restrained from certain public areas. Pet cabins are also available.
Children Fare Policy
Children up to 4 years of age are entitled to free journeys on Tirrenia ferries. Kids aged 4 to 12 pay half the ticket price.
FAQs
Where does Tirrenia operate?
Tirrenia, the historic Italian shipping company, provides connections from the mainland to the islands of Sicily and Sardinia. Moreover, it links the continental Italy to Tunis.