GNV Excellent ferry

GNV Excellent ferry is a Ro-Ro passenger vessel operated by the Italy-based company GRANDI NAVI VELOCI. The ship has a maximum capacity of 2230 passengers and 760 cars or 150 trucks (semi-trailers). Launched in 1998, she currently operates on the ferry routes Spain-Italy (Barcelona-Genoa), Spain-Morocco (Barcelona-Tangier), Italy-Sicily (Genoa-Palermo), Italy-Morocco (Genoa-Tangier) and Italy-Tunisia (Genoa-Tunis).

Cabins

As a cruise ferry, GNV Excellent has 429 cabins (including 38 Suites) with a total of 1415 berths. All staterooms are air-conditioned and feature en-suite bathrooms (toilet/shower/washbasin, hairdryer). Suites additionally include TV (satellite reception), radio, phone, mini-bar, and a large Porthole Window. Double suites accommodate 2 people (with 1 double bed). Family suites accommodate 3 people (1 double bed + 1 sofabed). Cots for children under 2 years are available upon request.

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

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

Shipboard dining and entertainment options

Facilities on the GNV Excellent include:

• (deck 6) A La Carte Restaurant also serving a children’s menu.
• (deck 6) Self-Service / Buffet Restaurant with kids’ menus available.
• (deck 6) Snack Bar / Cafe open year-round, offering sandwiches, cakes, pastries, fruit salads, yogurt, ice cream, hot and cold drinks.
• (deck 6) Pizzeria open during high season, serving fresh Neapolitan pizzas with traditional toppings.
• Library, Reading Lounges, Conference Centre (Meeting Room)
• Children’s Play Area – an indoor playground with TV (cartoons), coloring tables, games, and toys. Supervised activities are complimentary during summer.
• Gaming and gambling: Arcades (Gaming Rooms) and Casino (Slot Machines, located on Deck 6 near the bar lounge).
• Photographer (seasonal)
• Wedding Chapel
• (deck 6) Lounge Bar (forward, bow location)
• (deck 6) Piano Bar (midship)
• (deck 9, midship) Four Seating Lounges with Pullman seats/fully reclining leather armchairs and large TVs, available for passengers without cabins.
• Ferry Shopping Centre – boutiques selling gifts, souvenirs, spirits, wines, tobacco, perfumes, cosmetics, personal care products, clothing, sunglasses, jewelry, accessories, confectionery, snacks, toys, puzzles, books, magazines (at discounted prices).
• Free Wi-Fi, ATM/cash machine (next to Information Desk/Reception)

The vessel offers generous outdoor deck space and features a swimming pool on the Sun Deck.

The Wheelhouse/Navigation Bridge is located forward on Deck 6.

The top deck is the Heli Deck with a helipad (for emergency use).

The large cargo area spans 4 decks, accessible via 3 stern ramps.

The ship is equipped with 6 closed lifeboats, 1 rescue boat, 1 semi-rigid lifeboat, and numerous liferafts.

All emergency instructions are displayed in staterooms, on TV screens, and at assembly stations (muster stations). Life jackets are issued at the assembly stations. In case of emergency, elevators are not to be used.

GRANDI NAVI VELOCI cruise deals

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

Occasionally, the largest GNV ships are also deployed for Mediterranean mini-cruises, especially during Christmas and New Year holidays.

• Dining includes multiple options: A La Carte Restaurants serve international, regional, and Mediterranean cuisine with a choice of three-course meals. Self-service/buffet dining offers a wide variety in a casual setting. Snack Bars provide fast-food favorites for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The Pizzeria (high season only) serves freshly baked Neapolitan pizzas with a variety of toppings. On Italy-Tunisia and Italy-Morocco routes, Halal meals (permissible under Islamic law) are also available.
• Onboard shops offer discounted tobacco and alcohol (budget and premium wines and spirits), luxury perfumes, cosmetics, designer jewelry, watches, fashion clothing, accessories, sunglasses, souvenirs, and toys.
• The ship’s Conference Centre hosts the “GNV MICE and INCENTIVE” program with 5 formats for group meetings, conventions, and corporate events at sea or in port: Full Charters, Partial Charters (dedicated onboard areas), Mini-Cruises, Floating Hotel (ship hotel), and Corporate Events (aperitifs, lunches, dinners).

Children under 4 years of age 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 upon request free of charge.

Car decks

Car deck safety procedures include:

• Disabled passengers or those needing assistance should visit the ship’s Information Desk (open 24 hours).
• Apply the handbrake and 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 the vehicle.
• Note your vehicle’s location and garage deck/stairway before leaving the car deck.
• Access to vehicle decks during the voyage is prohibited.
• Smoking is forbidden on vehicle decks, in cabins, and passenger lounges.
• Wait for the onboard announcement before returning to your vehicle.

To reduce air pollution, engines must not be started until instructed.

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