Ferry operator
Grandi Navi Veloci
Profile of the largest operator to Sicily: routes, fleet, check-in per port, pet cabins and fares
- Six routes to Sicily from Genoa, Civitavecchia, Naples and Tunis, to Palermo and Termini Imerese
- Founded in Genoa in 1992, part of the MSC Group since 2010, 26 ships on 33 routes
- Check-in two hours before departure, closing 30 to 45 minutes before depending on the port
About Grandi Navi Veloci
Table of Contents
About Grandi Navi Veloci
Grandi Navi Veloci, or GNV, was founded in Genoa in 1992; in 1993 the Majestic was launched as the fleet's first ship, and in 1999 the operator became the only Italian ferry company listed on the stock exchange at the time, in order to expand its fleet. In 2003, Genoa - Tunis became its first route to North Africa. After years with Permira and the Grimaldi family as shareholders, GNV has been part of the MSC Group since 2010. Today the operator sails 26 ships on 33 routes across eight countries: Italy, Spain, France, Albania, Tunisia, Morocco, Algeria and Malta.
Ships
On routes to Sicily, GNV mainly deploys the fleet's newer ships: the GNV Aurora, GNV Orion, GNV Polaris, GNV Sirio, GNV Virgo and the La Suprema on the routes from Genoa and Naples, and the GNV Auriga, GNV Spirit, Splendid and Tenacia from Civitavecchia and to Termini Imerese. On board there's deck passage, reclining seats, standard, premium and deluxe cabins, suites and Pet-Friendly Cabins, plus a restaurant, self-service, pizzeria, bar, shop, children's area and the Sea-Fi onboard Wi-Fi for a fee.
Routes to Sicily
GNV runs six lines to Sicily, all overnight: Genoa - Palermo in around 20 hours, Civitavecchia - Palermo once a week and Civitavecchia - Termini Imerese most days in around 14 hours, Naples - Palermo daily in ten to eleven hours and Naples - Termini Imerese on selected days in around 9.5 hours, plus Tunis - Palermo in around 14.5 hours. Termini Imerese lies 35 kilometres east of Palermo, right on the A19.
Check-in, vehicles and pets
On the domestic routes, GNV asks you to be at the berth two hours before departure; check-in closes in Palermo 30 minutes, and in Naples, Civitavecchia and Termini Imerese 45 minutes before departure. To Tunis: four hours before, five with a vehicle from Palermo, and check-in closes two hours before departure. Online check-in through your account saves queuing; with a vehicle you show your ticket, everyone's ID and the vehicle registration document at the gate. Miss check-in and you get no refund.
Cars, motorbikes, motorhomes and caravans travel on board; someone else's vehicle needs a notarised authorisation, and an unaccompanied vehicle travels as cargo. LPG vehicles park with the valve closed in a separate area, and the vehicle deck is closed during the crossing. Dogs and cats travel in a Pet-Friendly Cabin or in the pet kennels, with exercise at the Fido Park on deck. More in the guides Motorhome on the ferry and Taking your dog on the ferry.
Fares & booking
Tickets are available online, by phone, at travel agents and at the port counters. GNV offers fares for residents and natives of Sicily, promotions around holidays and long weekends, the myGNV Club loyalty programme, and extras such as late check-out or priority disembarkation. Current prices are shown in the booking window for each route, and the price overview gives a general picture.
FAQ Grandi Navi Veloci
Frequently asked questions
Questions and answers about GNV and the ferries to Sicily
Which routes does GNV run to Sicily?+
Six lines: Genoa - Palermo almost daily, Naples - Palermo daily, Civitavecchia - Palermo once a week, plus Civitavecchia - Termini Imerese most days, Naples - Termini Imerese on selected days and Tunis - Palermo across the EU's external border.
When do I need to be at the port with GNV?+
On the domestic routes, two hours before departure at the berth; check-in closes in Palermo 30 minutes, and in Naples, Civitavecchia and Termini Imerese 45 minutes before departure. To Tunis: four hours before, five with a vehicle from Palermo, and check-in there closes two hours before departure.
Where does GNV dock in Palermo?+
At the Calata Marinai d'Italia; the ticket office is at Calata Puntone in the port. In Termini Imerese the berth is on Via Scala right on the A19, in Naples at Calata Piliero with the counter at Piazzale Immacolatella Vecchia, and in Civitavecchia at Varco Vespucci.
Does GNV take pets?+
Yes. In a cabin only in a Pet-Friendly Cabin, otherwise in the pet kennels on board; there's a Fido Park exercise area on the outside deck, and since summer 2026 pets have also been allowed in designated dining areas. Details at Taking your dog on the ferry.
Can I bring my car or motorhome?+
Yes, cars, motorbikes, motorhomes and caravans; make, model and number plate must be included in the booking, and someone else's vehicle needs a notarised authorisation from the owner. LPG vehicles park with the valve closed in a separate area. Details in the guide Motorhome on the ferry.
What happens if I miss the ship?+
Anyone who doesn't reach check-in in time or fails to board the ship named on their ticket has no right to a refund with GNV, not even a partial one. Current prices are shown in the route's booking window, and the price overview gives a general picture.