Jean Nicoli ferry

HSF Jean Nicoli is a Ro-Pax passenger ferry (HSF = high-speed ferry) owned by SNCM Maritima Ferries and operated under charter by the France-based company CORSICA LINEA. The ship has a maximum capacity of 1,052 passengers and 600 cars (or 90 cars plus 130 trucks/trailers). The vessel was launched in 1998 and currently operates on the France–Corsica route Marseille–Porto Vecchio (crossing time 13.5 hours) and on the France–Sardinia route Marseille–Porto Torres (crossing time 17.5 hours).

Cabins

As a cruise ferry, Jean Nicoli has 213 cabins (Inside and Outside, accommodating up to 4 passengers), most located forward on Deck 6. Of these, 12 are “Luxury” staterooms (Suites on Deck 8). All staterooms are air-conditioned and soundproof, with en suite bathrooms (toilet/shower/washbasin; hairdryer), lower and upper wall-mounted bunk beds, bedside table/cabinet with stool or chair, mirrored vanity (small writing table with chair or stool), telephone, and wall-mounted reading lamps. Bed linens, towels, and toiletries are provided by the ferry company.

Outside cabins have a bay window. Suites additionally offer HDTV (satellite reception), a minibar, a double bed, and a two-seater sofa. Some staterooms are wheelchair-accessible (adapted for guests with disabilities). The ship also offers 181 reclining seats (aircraft-style seats in the Reserved Seating Lounge on Deck 7), available for pre-booking.

TNT television is available in all staterooms and in the bar lounge. All passengers must vacate their staterooms 30 minutes prior to arrival.

Shipboard dining and entertainment options

Facilities (most on Deck 7) include:

• Two main restaurants—À La Carte Restaurant (250 seats; open 7:00 pm–9:30 pm) and Self-Service (Buffet) Restaurant. Both venues have panoramic floor-to-ceiling windows and are suited for quick meals prepared by French master chefs. Personalized menus are available, including dishes made with gluten-free products.
• Snack Bar (Cafeteria/Patisserie), open year-round, selling sandwiches, cakes, pastries, fruit salads, yogurts, ice cream, and hot and cold drinks.
• Children’s Room—an indoor play area with a large HDTV (cartoons), bean bags, small tables and chairs, toys, games, a ball pit, and supervised activities.
• Sun Deck with a solarium featuring a heated swimming pool (open only during summer months), sunbathing area (sun loungers, deckchairs), and outdoor seating (small tables and chairs). Service is provided by the outdoor pool bar La Paillote (fast food, snacks, cocktails, beer, soft drinks). As a high-speed ferry, the sundeck area is wind-protected by transparent glass screens.
• Disco (glass-domed nightclub on Deck 8), Video Games Room (arcade machines, foosball table), Piano Bar (live music), and Internet café.
• Reserved Seating Lounge (Deck 7) with comfortable Pullman seats (fully reclining armchairs) and large TVs. There are also two exclusive truck drivers’ lounges (restaurant, bar lounge).
• Shopping arcade with several retail outlets (boutiques and mini-market) selling, at discounted prices, alcohol (spirits, wines), tobacco, premium-brand perfumes and cosmetics, designer jewelry, fashion clothing and accessories, footwear, designer watches, handbags, sunglasses, personal hygiene products, travel essentials, confectionery, snacks, toys, books, magazines, electronics and gadgets, special-occasion gifts, and souvenirs.
• (Lobby Deck) An ATM/cash machine is located next to Reception (Information Desk). Paid Wi-Fi service is available on Decks 5, 6, 7, and 8. Wi-Fi packages can be purchased online (during booking) or on the ship (at Reception). Wi-Fi service is available on all CORSICA LINEA ships.
• The top deck is a helideck (helicopter landing area used in emergencies).
• The vessel offers ample outdoor deck space. The infirmary (ship’s hospital) provides 24-hour medical service.
• Safety equipment includes two large enclosed rescue boats, two medium-sized boats, a semi-rigid boat, and liferafts.

All onboard emergency instructions are displayed in staterooms, on TV screens, and at the ship’s assembly (muster) stations. Life jackets are issued at the assembly stations. In an emergency, the use of elevators/passenger lifts is prohibited.

Pets on the ship

Traveling with pets/domestic animals is allowed on all CORSICA LINEA ships. Dedicated onboard kennels are available for dogs and cats. Other animals (rabbits, birds, hamsters, etc.) must be in passenger-owned carriers.

• Animals are not allowed in staterooms, seating lounges, bar lounges, or other public rooms. They are allowed only on outer decks, where owners may walk them.
• During booking, select “Pet up to 6 kg” for animals traveling in pet cages not requiring kennels. The “Pet over 6 kg” option is for animals needing an onboard kennel (which must be booked in advance).
• During the crossing, animals are fed by their owners. Water is provided by the crew. Owners must care for their animals and promptly remove any waste or messes.
• Visually impaired passengers may travel with guide dogs at no extra cost. Guide dogs are allowed in cabins. Disabled passengers or those with reduced mobility may also be accompanied by assistance dogs.

Car decks

CORSICA LINEA ships transport freight including semi-trailers, trucks (with or without drivers), cars, motorcycles (only as freight, without drivers), caravans, camper vans (without drivers), cargo containers, mobile machinery, boats (on cradle), and industrial products.

Car deck safety procedures:

• Passengers with disabilities or 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. Turn 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 the garage deck number/stairway before leaving the car deck.
• Access to vehicle (cargo) decks during the voyage is prohibited.
• Smoking on vehicle decks, as well as in cabins and passenger lounges, is prohibited.
• Wait for the onboard announcement before returning to your vehicle.

To reduce air pollution, do not start your engine until instructed.

The shipowner Corsica Linea (fleet; founded in 2016; headquartered in Ajaccio, Corsica) is a French shipping company operating exclusively on Mediterranean Sea routes, connecting mainland France (Marseille) with Corsica (France), Sardinia (Italy), and North Africa (Arab Maghreb—Algeria and Tunisia).