Ferry Italy to Spain

Posted by wendy (toronto) on 06/08/21 12:14 PM

Has anyone ever taken the ferry from Rome to Barcelona. I totally understand that is is much faster to fly but I am thinking that it may be a relaxing day. What was the ferry like I have read both good and not so good reviews. I will be in Europe for around 80 days or so and have a few flights already. It seems the ferry leaves Rome at night and arrives the next night in Barcelona. So it would involve a day relaxing (I hope) on board.

Just think about my options and it will not be till fall 2022

Thanks
Wendy

Posted by Barbara

Brooklyn, NY

06/08/21 01:54 PM

3842 posts

It can be a very relaxing trip but you need to book a cabin. It doesn’t have to be the deluxe room, but you need one. We used to take the ferry from Rijeka to Dubrovnik years ago. It took 23 hours. When we were young and on a budget, and dare I say before credit cards, so it was cash only, we would book an airline type seat. In 2002 we took our two girls and paid for the cabin, what a difference, really. Besides having an actual bed to lie down on, having your bathroom is a luxury you can’t ignore. Also, you don’t have to worry about your luggage, especially if you are traveling alone. The cabins book out fast because you are not allowed to sleep in your car.

Posted by wendy OP

toronto

06/08/21 02:01 PM

350 posts

I would get a cabin for sure. It seems like a nice break on my trip. I can see relaxing and reading and taking a bit on a vacation from my vacation. If that makes sense.

It still a while out so I have some time to decided just looking at options.

Thanks

Posted by Nigel

Northamptonshire, England

06/08/21 03:42 PM

32747 posts

You will have to get to the coast from Rome. I'm pretty sure that they go from Civitavecchia..

Posted by Janet

Boise, ID, USA

06/08/21 11:08 PM

2173 posts

Yes, we've done this, leaving from Civitavecchia. We boarded in late afternoon and got to Barcelona by midday. (I just checked Grimaldi website and it says the trip is 20 hours.) We took the train from Rome to Civitavecchia and walked from the train station to the port. Waiting around for boarding was somewhat tedious (but no more than doing the same at an airport). We happened to be traveling at spring break so there were tons of college kids partying on board, which bothered my husband more than it bothered me. My biggest complaint is that though it was sunny, it was cold on deck, which could also be a problem in the fall. "Deplaning" was also somewhat slow as too many people were traveling with huge suitcases that they had trouble handling. (We had backpack suitcases.)