I apologize if this topic is covered elsewhere, but interested in taking the ferry overnight from Naples to Palermo. Looks like a bargain if you consider hotel room and travel, not to mention some down time, but is is worth doing? Is the ship clean? Food edible? Not looking for Viking Cruises here, but don't want bed bugs either. Thoughts?
Posted by
Italy
3812 posts
There are 2 competing companies, GNV and Tirrenia. Three if you add Caronte making the Salerno-Messina line.
I guess that competition would kick the company with the bed bugs problem out of the market; especially because bed bugs are not that common in Italy at the moment and it would make the front pages in Naples.
The food is not edible, barely at the best; but you can bring your own food.&wine on board. A sandwich made in Naples with fresh smoked mozzarella and Parma Ham sliced at the moment is probably better than anything you (and me) have ever eaten.
Posted by
OP
3 posts
Thank you Dario, I meant no offense by the bed bugs remark. Maybe should have used more careful words. But it sounds like you understood my meaning. Just asking if they were clean ships. I can rough it, but some in my party might not be interested in doing that.
Great tip on the food. Seeing that the ferry leaves at 10pm, I think we would be fine not eating.
We are looking at traveling in the May/June timeframe. Is one of the lines preferred and how far in advance do you need to book.
Thanks you so much!
Posted by
Italy
3812 posts
No offence, I wrote "at the moment" because it can happen almost anywhere.
Tirrenia was a subsidized company that used to have older ships, but I really don't know much about the current situation. GN has a better reputation, if that matters to you.
Seeing that the ferry leaves at 10pm
You are supposed to board around 9 or earlier, if I'm not wrong. Around dinner time.