I had been considering taking the hydrofoil one way or the other this May, but going to the web sites for the 2 companies and being unable to read Italian it appears they have been closed down. Can anyone confirm this for me?
Posted by
WPB, FL & Firenze
3112 posts
Both Alilauro and Metro del Mare websites report that all service has been suspended beginning January 10. The Alilauro website says the government subsidy was cancelled for all of 2009 and that they cannot afford to operate without the subsidy. The tone of the announcement sounds angry (they call the government action incomprehensible), so maybe the complete shutdown is a move to sway public opinion. It will be interesting to see what develops.
Posted by
OP
Irvington, KY, USA
88 posts
Thaks for the help. That is what I was afraid of. I was really looking forward to the hydrofoil trip.
Posted by
WPB, FL & Firenze
3112 posts
Jonathon - Alilauro website reports that it resumed service as of January 13, but Metro del Mare website still reports its service as suspended. You may want to monitor their websites or just wait until you arrive in Sorrento to ask if the hydrofoil is available for your return to Naples.
Posted by
dallas, tx, usa
1358 posts
After 20 years of travel in Europe, I would definitely wait until I arrive to ask about the hydrofoil.
Info you get today may not apply tomorrow!
Posted by
dallas, tx, usa
1358 posts
After 20 years of travel in Europe, I would definitely wait until I arrive to ask about the hydrofoil.
Info you get today may not apply tomorrow!
Posted by
St. Louis, MO (formerly, Windermere, FL)
340 posts
We took the hydrofoil from Naples to Sorrento in 2007. When you arrive at the port there are a few options for ferries. If they are running, that is. There is a long building with a row of ticket windows. The timetable is posted and you purchase the tickets there for the correct ship/boat. My husband really wanted to ride the hydrofoil as he had never been aboard one. Actually, they are more interesting to watch than to ride. Once you are aboard it feels no different than other ferry boats we have been on, but it is faster. If they are not running in May there is always the Circumvensuvian train or the bus, both of which we have also taken and been satisfied with.