GNV Sealand ferry

GNV Sealand (formerly "Scottish Viking") ferry is a Ro-Ro passenger vessel owned and operated by the Italy-based company GRANDI NAVI VELOCI. The ship has a maximum capacity of 880 passengers and 200 cars (or 102 trucks/semi-trailers). Launched in 2009 (as Scottish Viking), she currently operates the Spain–Balearic Islands routes Valencia-Palma de Mallorca-Ibiza Town (crossing times 5–7 hours to Ibiza, 7–10 hours to Mallorca).

MS Scottish Viking was chartered by the Sweden-based company STENA LINE for 10 years (2011–2021). For STENA, Scottish Viking operated on the Sweden–Latvia ferry route Nynashamn-Ventspils (crossing time 8.5 hours).

After ending the 10-year charter with STENA, in 2021 the shipowner chartered the vessel (IMO number 9435454) to GNV under the name "GNV Sealand" (Italy-flagged, MMSI 247265800). The shipowner (Visemar di Navigazione Srl) is an Italian shipping company owned by the Porto Viro-based Cantieri Navali Visentini Srl (shipyards).

Cabins

As a cruise ferry, GNV Sealand has a total of 705 berths in 111 cabins (including 2 Suites). All staterooms are air-conditioned and feature en-suite bathrooms. The cabins (inside and outside) have a maximum capacity of 4 passengers. The ferry company provides bed linens, towels, and toiletries. Some staterooms are wheelchair-accessible (adapted for disabled passengers). The ship also offers “pet-friendly” cabins.

GNV Sealand stateroom categories include:

• 2-berth “Disabled Cabin” / Twin Outside (2 lower beds, porthole window)
• 2-berth Twin Inside (2 lower beds, no window)
• 2-berth Twin Outside (2 lower beds, porthole window)
• 4-berth Quad Inside (4 bunk beds / 2 lower + 2 upper, no window) – categories Unisex, Gents (“Trucker Cabin”), and Ladies
• 4-berth Quad Outside (4 bunk beds / 2 lower + 2 upper, picture window) – categories Unisex, Gents, and Ladies
• 4-berth “Family Cabin” Quad Outside (4 bunk beds / 2 lower + 2 upper / 2 adults + 2 kids, porthole window)
• All GNV ships have Suites (number differs by vessel). Each larger, premium accommodation is fitted with a large porthole (round, non-opening) and mini-bar/fridge. Double Suites have a queen-size double bed (non-convertible to twins). Family Suites are triple cabins (double bed plus single sofabed).

All cabins are equipped with luxury DUX beds and mattresses, Hansgrohe bathroom faucets and showerheads, phones, TVs (satellite reception), a desk (mirrored vanity table with chair), and an open wardrobe.

For Reserved Lounge seats, passengers can upgrade to GNV Lounge (total capacity 95 seats / 60-seat Public Room plus 35-seat Silent Room). Reserved seat deals include airline-type seats (fully reclining leather armchairs), complimentary hot and cold beverages (coffee, specialty teas, soft drinks, wine by the glass), snacks, newspapers, and magazines.

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

Shipboard dining and entertainment options

Facilities on the GNV Sealand include:

• GNV Restaurant (self-service buffet with hot and cold meals; kids’ menus)
• Barista Coffee Bar (patisserie/specialty coffee bar selling sandwiches, cakes, pastries, fruit salads, yogurt, ice cream, hot/cold drinks)
• Children’s Room (indoor soft-play area) fitted with a large TV (cartoons), toys, interactive games; supervised activities provided complimentary
• GNV Shopping Center (gifts, souvenirs, spirits, wines, tobacco, brand perfumes and cosmetics, skincare products, leather goods, toys, confectionery, fashion clothing and accessories, gadgets and electronics, designer watches, sunglasses and jewelry, convenience goods, travel essentials). Onboard retail promotions are often held, offering up to 50% discounts on major brands.
• Lobby Bar Lounge furnished with comfortable leather sofas, chairs, and round tables
• Truckers Lounge (bar lounge and restaurant for truck drivers only)
• (deck 7) Sun Deck with Solarium (outdoor relaxation area with sun loungers), jogging track, helipad (for emergencies), pets area (air-conditioned room, kennels/booths for dogs, and walking area). Passengers may visit their pets during the crossing. To walk dogs on deck, passengers must request permission from ship staff.
• Free Wi-Fi service, ATM/cash machine (next to Information Desk/Reception)

All bars and lounges are fitted with large TVs and comfortable seating.

Luggage Compartments (lockers) are available in the Seating Lounge and accessible throughout the voyage.

Dining options include the Self-Service Buffet Restaurant (full menu, single courses, kids/vegetarian/healthy meals, traditional Italian dishes), Bar-Cafeteria (patisserie – pastries, cakes, drinks, snacks, sandwiches), Outdoor Bar (grill food, cocktails, beers, sundeck BBQs), and a chocolate and ice-cream parlor.

All onboard emergency instructions are displayed in staterooms, on TV screens, and at the ship’s assembly stations (muster stations). Life jackets are issued at the assembly stations. In case of emergency, elevators/passenger lifts must not be used.

All GNV ships are fitted with CCTV cameras with image recording. Smoking anywhere inside the ships is not permitted.

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 have private balconies.

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

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

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

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

GNV provides families traveling with children high chairs, cots, safety bars (for cabin bunk beds), baby changing rooms, kids’ menus, supervised activities (games, toys, drawing sets, board games), and a kids’ playroom (with ball pool). A kids’ entertainment program is available during peak season (movies, handicraft workshops).

Pets on the ship

Pets (dogs, cats, and ferrets) can be ferried on GNV Sealand, but some requirements depend on the itinerary (destination).

• Pets are not allowed in passenger cabins unless the stateroom is “pet-friendly” (usually a 2-bed dog cabin).
• The ship has a dog toilet.
• At all times during the voyage, dogs must be leashed and muzzled and never left unattended.
• Guide dogs travel free and are allowed on all passenger decks and in the owner’s cabin (must wear a harness or jacket).
• Animals must have microchips and valid EU pet passports with standard information about identity and vaccinations (and other treatments). Pets must also have an approved microchip (or tattoo) and rabies vaccination by an authorized veterinarian.
• Passengers with pets always disembark last.

Car passengers may carry up to 5 animals (per vehicle). Pets in vehicles must remain inside at all times. Foot passengers are allowed up to 5 pets, but pre-booking an onboard kennel is required.

All pet-friendly GNV ships have onboard kennels and a dog toilet. Kennels are large (100x97x94 cm), medium (100x64x108 cm), and small (100x65x50 cm). Passenger cabins provide TV monitoring of the kennels. Visiting pets during the voyage is recommended.

GNV ships offer two types of Pet Cages – small (max height 50–75 cm / pets under 30 kg) and large (max height 70–90 cm / pets over 30 kg). Passengers may also bring their own pet carriers. Pet Cage pricing varies by route. Valid pet health cards are required. Under no circumstances are pets allowed out of their cages/carriers during the crossing. During embarkation and disembarkation, dogs must be leashed and muzzled.

Car decks

Cargo decks serve road vehicles (cars, trucks, trailers) and trains (freight decks 2 to 7). On Deck 2 there is 1 train track (204 lane meters) plus 204 lane meters for trailers. Main Train Deck (3) has capacity for 916 lane meters of trains (6 rail tracks) plus 1011 lane meters for trailers. Lower Trailer Deck (5) has a capacity of 1162 lane meters. Upper Trailer Deck (7) has a capacity of 918 lane meters. Access to Deck 5 is by a massive lift (platform length 104 m / 341 ft, lifting capacity 816 tons). The ship has 2 car decks (6 and 7).

Car deck safety procedures include:

• Disabled passengers or those requiring specific 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 the ignition, alarm, electrical equipment, and headlights. Gas cylinders, if any, must be turned off. Lock the vehicle.
• Take only valuables and essential hand baggage from your vehicle.
• Note your vehicle’s location and garage deck/stairway before leaving the car deck.
• Access to the ship’s vehicle (cargo) decks during the voyage is prohibited.
• Smoking on vehicle decks, as well as in cabins and passenger lounges, is forbidden.
• Wait for the onboard announcement before returning to your vehicle.

To reduce 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 on shipping routes between mainland Italy, Sardinia, Sicily, Albania, France, Morocco, and Tunisia.