GNV Cristal ferry

GNV Cristal ferry is a Ro-Ro passenger vessel operated by the Italy-based company GRANDI NAVI VELOCI. The ship has a maximum capacity of 2,000 passengers and 575 cars or 90 trucks (semi-trailers). Launched in 1989, she currently operates on the Italy–Sicily ferry route Naples-Palermo (crossing time 10.5 hours).

Cabins

As a cruise ferry, GNV Cristal has 357 cabins with a total of 1,720 berths. All staterooms are air-conditioned and feature en-suite bathrooms (toilet, shower, washbasin, hairdryer). Suites additionally offer TV (satellite reception), radio, telephone, mini-bar, and a large porthole window. Double suites accommodate 2 passengers (with 1 double bed). Family suites are designed for 3 passengers (1 double bed + 1 sofabed). Cots for children under 2 years are available on request.

The ferry company provides bed linens, towels, and toiletries. Two staterooms are wheelchair-accessible (adapted for disabled passengers). There are also pet-friendly cabins.

All passengers must vacate their staterooms 30 minutes prior to homeport arrival.

Shipboard dining and entertainment options

Facilities on GNV Cristal include:

• A la Carte Restaurant (formal venue with gourmet food, Mediterranean cuisine, fine wines, drinks, and special children's menus)
• Buffet (self-service restaurant offering hot and cold meals, children's menus)
• Snack Bar / Café (open year-round, serving sandwiches, cakes, pastries, fruit salads, yogurt, ice cream, hot and cold drinks)
• Pizzeria (open in high season, serving freshly baked Neapolitan pizzas with traditional toppings)
• Children's Play Area (indoor playground with TV showing cartoons, coloring tables, games, and toys; supervised fun activities provided free of charge during summer)
• Reserved Seating Lounges (fitted with Pullman seats and fully reclining leather armchairs)
• Ferry Shopping Centre (boutiques selling gifts, souvenirs, alcohol, tobacco, perfumes, cosmetics, jewelry, fashion, watches, sunglasses, personal care products, travel essentials, confectionery, snacks, toys, puzzles, books, magazines, all at discounted prices)
• Free Wi-Fi and ATM / cash machine (next to the Information Desk / Reception)

The vessel also features ample outdoor deck space. The top deck is a Heli Deck with a helipad (used in emergencies).

All emergency instructions are displayed in staterooms, on TV screens, and at assembly (muster) stations. Life jackets are issued at muster stations. Elevators must not be used during emergencies.

GRANDI NAVI VELOCI cruise deals

Like cruise ships, all GNV ferries offer passenger cabins with modern amenities, individually controlled air-conditioning, and en-suite facilities. Some suites also feature private balconies.

Occasionally, the largest GNV ships operate Mediterranean mini-cruises, especially during the Christmas and New Year holidays.

• Onboard dining includes a wide variety of options. A la Carte Restaurants serve international, regional, and Mediterranean dishes with signature three-course meals. The self-service Buffet offers multiple choices in a casual setting. Snack Bars provide fast-food classics for all meals. The Pizzeria (open in high season) serves freshly baked Neapolitan pizzas with assorted toppings. On Italy–Tunisia and Italy–Morocco routes, Halal meals are also available.
• The onboard shops sell discounted tobacco and alcohol (budget and premium), luxury perfumes and cosmetics, designer jewelry, watches, fashion apparel, sunglasses, souvenirs, and toys.
• The ship’s Conference Centre supports the company’s “GNV MICE and INCENTIVE” program, offering five formats for group meetings, conventions, and corporate events at sea and in port: Full Charters, Part Charters (dedicated onboard areas), Mini-Cruises, Floating Hotel (ship-hotel), and Corporate Events (onboard aperitifs, lunches, and dinners).

Children under 4 years travel free on all GNV ships. Kids under 2 years travel free on Tunisia and Morocco routes.

Cots, high chairs, bottle warmers, changing tables, and cot sides are available on request free of charge.

Car decks

Car deck safety procedures include:

• Disabled passengers or those requiring special assistance should contact the ship's Information Desk (open 24 hours).
• Apply the handbrake, place the vehicle in park or 1st gear, switch off ignition, alarm, electrical equipment, and headlights. Gas cylinders must be turned off. Lock the vehicle.
• Take only valuables and essential hand baggage from your vehicle.
• Note your vehicle’s location, garage deck number, and stairway before leaving the car deck.
• Access to vehicle (cargo) decks is prohibited during the voyage.
• Smoking on vehicle decks, in cabins, and in passenger lounges is strictly forbidden.
• Wait for the onboard announcement before returning to your vehicle.

To prevent air pollution, do not start the engine until instructed.

The shipowner Grandi Navi Veloci (fleet, founded in 1992, headquartered in Genoa, Italy) is an Italian ferry company operating routes between mainland Italy, Sardinia, Sicily, Albania, France, Morocco, and Tunisia.