Ferry operator
Grimaldi Lines
Profile of the Grimaldi Group's passenger brand: routes to Sicily, ships, check-in, pets and fares
- Five routes to Palermo from Livorno, Salerno, Naples, Cagliari and Tunis, all overnight
- Fast check-in on the domestic routes, one hour ahead on foot, two hours with a vehicle
- Family-owned operator since 1947, fleet with an average age of around ten years
About Grimaldi Lines
Table of Contents
About Grimaldi Lines
Grimaldi Lines is the passenger brand of the Grimaldi Group, a logistics group founded in 1947 and still fully owned by the Grimaldi family, with roots in Naples. The group transports cars, rolling freight, containers and passengers; its passenger business began after the Second World War on routes between the Mediterranean and South America. Today it operates under four brands: Grimaldi Lines in the Mediterranean, Minoan Lines on the Greek routes from Ancona, Finnlines in the Baltic, and Trasmed to the Balearics. Grimaldi Lines itself sails to Sardinia, Sicily, Spain, Greece and Tunisia.
Ships
According to the operator, the passenger fleet has an average age of around ten years, led by four of the newest generation of cruise ferries with inside and outside cabins, suites, restaurants, a bar, a wellness area and outside decks with a pool. To Sicily, the Europa Palace sails between Cagliari and Palermo, the Catania from Salerno and Tunis, the Zeus Palace from Livorno, and the Cruise Ausonia from Naples. Wi-Fi is available by satellite for a fee, and mobile phones at sea run on expensive maritime roaming.
Routes to Sicily
All Grimaldi routes to Sicily end in Palermo and sail overnight: Livorno - Palermo from Tuscany in around 20 hours, Naples - Palermo in around 8.5 hours, Salerno - Palermo in nine to eleven hours, Cagliari - Palermo once a week in twelve hours between Sardinia and Sicily, and Tunis - Palermo across the Strait of Sicily in twelve to 13 hours. In Palermo, the operator docks at Molo Puntone or Molo Quattro Venti; the ticket office is at Molo Puntone.
Check-in, vehicles and pets
On the domestic routes, fast check-in applies: show your ticket directly at the boarding area, at least one hour ahead without a vehicle, two hours ahead with one. To Tunis, check-in is at the counter in the Stazione Marittima, four hours before departure, with and without a vehicle; anyone driving to Tunisia must register the vehicle beforehand on the Smart Traveller platform. All passengers need valid ID, and a passport for Tunisia.
Cars up to 1.90 metres in height, motorhomes and minibuses up to nine metres long and 4.20 metres high, motorbikes, bicycles and trailers travel on board; the overall size is measured, and the wrong category costs you the space with no refund. LPG vehicles park in a separate area. Dogs and cats travel in the kennels on board or with the Pet in Cabin service, on a lead and with a muzzle on the outside decks. More in the guides Motorhome on the ferry and Taking your dog on the ferry.
Fares & booking
Tickets are available online, by phone through the booking office in Naples, at travel agents, at the sales points in Naples and Rome, and at the port counters. Grimaldi offers discounts for children up to twelve, seniors from 60, residents and natives of Sardinia and Sicily, and combined deals such as Camper & Meals. Cancellation under the standard fare is tiered, with nothing refunded from the day before departure or for no-shows; special fares are generally non-refundable. Current prices are shown in the booking window for each route, and the price overview gives a general picture.
FAQ Grimaldi Lines
Frequently asked questions
Questions and answers about Grimaldi Lines and the ferries to Sicily
Which routes does Grimaldi Lines run to Sicily?+
Five lines, all to Palermo: Livorno - Palermo and Naples - Palermo several times a week to almost daily, Salerno - Palermo several times a week, Cagliari - Palermo once a week, and Tunis - Palermo as a route across the EU's external border.
When do I need to be at the port with Grimaldi Lines?+
On the domestic routes, without a vehicle one hour, with a vehicle two hours before departure; on the Tunisia route four hours, with and without a vehicle. After that deadline, there's no right to travel, even with a ticket.
What is fast check-in?+
On the Livorno, Salerno, Naples and Cagliari - Palermo routes, you show your ticket to Grimaldi staff directly at the boarding area, no counter needed; you collect your cabin key on board at reception or from a machine. To Tunis, check-in takes place at the counter in the Stazione Marittima.
Does Grimaldi Lines take pets?+
Yes, with registration at booking. Dogs and cats travel in the kennels on board or, for a fee, with the Pet in Cabin service in your cabin, up to three animals per cabin; leads and muzzles are required on the outside decks. Certain breeds are excluded to Tunisia. Details at Taking your dog on the ferry.
Can I bring my motorhome?+
Yes, motorhomes and minibuses up to nine metres long and 4.20 metres high, plus cars, motorbikes, bicycles and trailers. The overall size is measured including roof box and rack. Details in the guide Motorhome on the ferry.
What are the cancellation terms?+
Tiered under the standard fare: ten per cent deducted up to 30 days before departure, 30 per cent up to seven days, 50 per cent up to two days, and no refund from the day before departure or for no-shows. Special fares are generally non-refundable. Current prices are shown in the route's booking window, and the price overview gives a general picture.