We and another couple are taking the RS Sicily tour this May. We need to get from Naples to Palermo to start the tour and plan to take an overnight ferry. There are two companies: SNAV/GNV and Tirrenia. They both leave and arrive at almost the same times and cost about the same. We plan to book 2 double external cabins. I can't find much information about either on the web. Does anyone have any information or preference/advice? Thanks.
Posted by
California 🦋
5301 posts
Have you considered flying from Naples to Palermo?
Posted by
Toledo, Ohio, US
11613 posts
The companies are about the same. I agree with Priscilla's suggestion to fly - the flight from Naples to Palermo is about 1.5 hours at most, plus time at security/baggage claim if you are taking checked bags. Alitalia has a good baggage allowance.
I used to take ferries all the time but flights are very inexpensive now, and rest on a ferry is only a little better than on an overnight train, in my opinion.
Posted by
Centennial, CO, USA
1898 posts
We took the SNAV line from Palermo to Naples after a bike tour on Sicily. I remember it was about $100 a person, we booked an interior cabin.
The loading was easy, it was fun to watch all the cars and trucks drive on. We followed with our luggage and found our cabin. There were 2 places to eat on board and a small "gift" shop for items you might need.
It was enjoyable to stand on deck and watch the island disappear, and to watch the sunset (we left about 6PM)
The over night journey was great, no problems, the ferry was pretty smooth, we were rocked to sleep.
We arrived in Naples at 6AM and found the next ferry to get us to the Amalfi coast
I'm sure you can find flights that cost about the same, or perhaps less. however, to go through security again, and the issue with luggage... I like the new adventure of traveling by sea.
Posted by
New York, NY, USA
11294 posts
Several airlines fly this route, so if you want to investigate flights, use Skyscanner: http://www.skyscanner.com/
If you do want to use Alitalia, use their International website, as it often has better prices than the US site for the same flights. And, as posted above, Alitalia includes one checked bag in their base price, so they may be a better deal for you than a "budget" carrier once you add all the fees.
Posted by
Carmel, CA, USA
2456 posts
Jim, following the RS Sicily Tour last May, I flew Palermo to Naples on Volotea, just about a one hour flight, fine experience. Very reasonable fare, sometimes as low as 19 euros if you hit the right day with an advance purchase, although there are some extra small charges for seat selection, using credit card, etc. Carry-on baggage allowance is very low, so read the limits carefully, and expect to pay to check your carry-on and pay for that when (and if) you buy the ticket, much cheaper than paying later, and then carry-on your daypack or tote bag, something quite small and light.