Ferries to Silicy from Naples

The train from Naples to Sicily crosses the Strait of Messina on the ferry. It takes a long time for the train to uncouple then load onto the ferry. Once across, the process is reversed. While the train is on the ferry, passengers can leave the train and go up on the ferry's deck. If you take a day train, you will not need a cabin or berth. Regular 1st or 2nd class seats are available on the train. It's a regular train. Someone else can provide more specific info about this train. I took the Naples-Cefalu route two years ago. It took most of a day.

Linda, last summer I opted for the flight from Naples to Palermo, after many ferry and train crossings (and some bus crossings which also get loaded onto the boats). The time factor is what made the decision for me (3 hours, including flight, security, and transportation to/from airport, versus 10 hours on the train as far as Messina). Note that on domestic flights you'll have to check your bag, since the overhead/underseat storage areas are small (but will take a small backpack or daypack).

We took the overnight ferry from Palermo to Naples a few years ago. I got an interior cabin to save money...just wanted it for sleeping, it wasn't like a cruise. it was fine. The cabin was small, and I think I remember it had bunk style beds. For one night sleeping it was OK. We left early evening and ended up in Naples by 6AM. You have options to get larger cabins, outside windows. It's all in what you want to spend. No hassle with the airport security. They loaded the cars and trucks on first, then let the people begin to walk on board. There were 2 places to eat and a small gift shop. Cant' remember if there was any thing else to do... We got on, found our cabin, stored out luggage and then went up to deck to watch us leave the port, and stayed outside to watch for a while until we got hungry, then went to eat. After dinner we retired to the cabin to read. The train will take longer, and I think the ferry was pretty comfortable. I'm with you about avoiding the airport. Ferry was easy to board, and we just got on, ate dinner, went to bed and woke up in Naples!

What are the cabins like is the same question as "what's flying like" - it's too general, too broad. It depends on the ferry company you travel with. Especially on the routes from mainland Italy to the islands you have a couple of options. Tirrenia, who serve Naples to Palermo, use pretty old vessels (40+ years) and consequently anything on board is functional but not overly pleasant. Grandi Navi Velocci and Grimaldi Lines have cruise ferries on some of their routes, including the ones to Sicily, that make your journey quite enjoyable. A cruise ferry in the Mediterranean is NOT like a cruise ferry in the Baltics though. In the North the ships really are just like cruise ships. In the South they're just much better than a regular ferry. I must say we love taking ferries both in the North and in the South. It gives you a day or two to kick back, relax, take a deep fresh breath. And food on board of Italian vessels is always surprisingly good.