Almariya ferry

MS Almariya ferry is a Ro-Ro passenger vessel operated by the Spanish company TRASMEDITERRANEA. The ship has a maximum capacity of 1,865 passengers and 400 cars. Launched in 1981, the vessel currently operates on the Spain–Spanish Morocco ferry route Almeria–Melilla (crossing time ~3.5 hours).

Cabins

As a cruise ferry, Almariya has a total of 344 cabins (938 berths) in 2-, 3- or 4-bed categories (inside and outside). All staterooms are air-conditioned and equipped with en-suite bathrooms. Bed linens, towels, and toiletries are provided. Some staterooms are wheelchair-accessible and adapted for disabled passengers.

All passengers must vacate their cabins 30 minutes before homeport arrival. Passengers with reduced mobility board the ship first. Disabled passengers traveling with vehicles disembark last. All Trasmediterranea ships have reserved seating adapted for passengers with reduced mobility and for visually impaired guests. All vessels also feature accessible common bathrooms.

For no-cabin passengers with reserved seating, the ship provides a dedicated, locked luggage room during the voyage. Luggage limits are 40 kg (for bridge-deck storage) and 30 kg (for seat area).

Shipboard dining and entertainment options

Facilities aboard Almariya include:

• A la carte Restaurant (serving Mediterranean cuisine), offering freshly prepared dishes made with locally sourced ingredients. The restaurant features a wine cellar with a large selection of premium wines. Menu highlights include Iberian ham, fresh salads, crawfish croquettes, meat and seafood entrees, paella, and homemade desserts.
• Buffet Restaurant (self-service), offering hot and cold dishes, a salad bar, rice dishes, pasta, tapas, omelets, soups, stews, meats, and seafood. Beverages include hot and cold drinks, beer, and wine by the glass. A separate Children’s Menu is available, along with vegetarian and healthy options. Signature meal deals include "Combo Grumete" (spaghetti with Bolognese sauce and soda) and "Combo Neptuno" (hamburger, French fries, soda).
• Cafeteria (self-service coffee shop/patisserie), offering sandwiches, pastries, cakes, pizzas, snacks (appetizers, paninis), premium chocolates, homemade ice cream, fresh juices, and various beverages (coffee, tea, liqueurs).
• All Trasmediterranea ships offer gluten-free and traditional Moroccan dishes prepared with halal ingredients (e.g. vegetable tagine, lamb, chicken, fish).
• Dining and other service packages are available for purchase during booking.
• Boutiques (duty-free shops), selling perfumes, cosmetics, leather goods, children’s items (games, toys, coloring books), confectionery, apparel, fashion accessories, cameras, sunglasses, jewelry, travel essentials, souvenirs, spirits, wines, and tobacco. Special promotions are featured regularly. On Spain–Canary Islands and Spain–Morocco routes, items are sold at duty-free prices. Refer to the Azul Marino magazine for current offers. Exclusive Kukuxumusu products are also available.
• Kids Play Area (indoor playground with ball pool, childcare services, changing room, nursery). During peak season (June–September), children can participate in themed activities and workshops (games, arts and crafts, Pirate Day, afternoon MiniDisco with clowns, themed parties).
• Sun Deck includes a Solarium (outdoor relaxation with sun loungers), jogging track, helipad (emergency helicopter landing area), and a pet area (air-conditioned room with kennels and walking space). Passengers may visit their pets during the voyage. For deck walks, crew permission is required.
• Disco Bar (serving a variety of drinks)
• Video Games Room (arcade machines and Xbox consoles)
• Free Wi-Fi, ATM/cash machine (located near the Information Desk/Reception)

The ship has two large seating lounges (Economy Class and Club Class) with reclining Pullman armchairs and large TVs. Club Class passengers receive complimentary snacks and drinks.

All public decks are connected by elevators and staircases.

Emergency instructions are displayed in cabins, on TV screens, and at assembly stations (muster stations). Life jackets are issued at these stations. Elevator use is prohibited in emergencies.

Trasmediterranea ferry deals

Foot passengers must board at least 30 minutes before departure (15 minutes on fast ferries). Vehicle passengers must board at least 1 hour prior. After these limits, boarding is closed. On Spain–Canaries routes, passengers must arrive at least 2 hours before boarding due to customs checks.

Boarding cards can be obtained online during booking or at self-service check-in kiosks at the terminal. All passengers (including babies and pets) must have individual boarding cards with names. Lost cards can be reissued free of charge.

To enter Morocco, passengers must present valid ID cards, passports, and visas (if required). Documents must be valid for the duration of the stay.

Pregnant women must sign an "Information Document for Pregnant Travelers." Those over 36 weeks pregnant are not allowed to travel. Babies (0–2 years) travel free but without a seat. Children under 13 must travel with an adult. Kids aged 2–13 receive a 50% discount.

Discounts offered by Trasmediterranea include:

• 100% discount for babies (0–2 years) – no seat included, must be declared at booking
• 50% discount for children (2–13 years)
• 50% resident discount (applied to ticket price)
• 40% or 50% military discount (depending on agreement)
• 20% large family discount
• 50% discount for large families with special needs
• 100% discount for small pets in carriers

Combined ferry+bus packages are available at discounted rates on all routes.

Pets on the ship

Pets (birds, cats, dogs, and non-aggressive animals) are allowed onboard with both car and foot passengers. Pets are not permitted on passenger decks. Car passengers may leave pets in their vehicles or use the onboard kennels. Foot passengers must transport pets in a carrier (maximum size 50x40x25 cm). Animals must remain in carriers throughout the voyage. Large dogs must be muzzled and leashed.

Pet boarding cards are required. Passengers must indicate the pet's travel method (cage or carrier) when booking. Fares and accommodations vary by route. A valid health card (with vaccination and deworming record) is mandatory.

Pets travel for a fee in deck kennels or free of charge in carriers. Kennels are parasite-resistant, cleaned, and disinfected before each journey. All vessels provide a pet first-aid kit and 24-hour animal assistance hotline. Personal pet carriers must be appropriate, waterproof at the base, and covered.

Guide and assistance dogs may access all passenger areas and travel free. They must be muzzled, leashed, and carry a vet-issued ID and official tag.

Car decks

Car passengers can travel without baggage limits. All vehicles must have valid documents and insurance. Vehicle boarding closes 1 hour before departure; after that, boarding is not guaranteed. Luggage may remain in the car, but car decks are closed during the voyage. Ferry vehicle rates vary by route and vehicle length.

Bicycles, surfboards, and sea kayaks are transported free of charge, secured in the ship’s garage.

Car deck safety procedures include:

• Passengers requiring assistance should visit the Information Desk (open 24/7).
• Apply handbrake, engage park/1st gear, turn off ignition, alarm, and electricals. Shut off any gas cylinders. Lock the vehicle.
• Take only essential items and valuables from the vehicle.
• Remember your vehicle’s location and garage deck/stairway number.
• Access to the garage is prohibited during the voyage.
• Smoking is not allowed on vehicle decks, in cabins, or in lounges.
• Wait for the announcement before returning to your vehicle.
• To reduce pollution, do not start the engine until instructed.

Trasmediterranea (fleet, founded in 1916, headquartered in Madrid, Spain) is a Spanish ferry company operating passenger and cargo ferries between mainland Spain and the Canary Islands, Balearic Islands, and North Africa (Morocco, Algeria).