Mega Express 1 ferry

MS Mega Express 1 is a Ro-Ro passenger ferry owned and operated by the French company CORSICA-SARDINIA FERRIES. The ship has a maximum capacity of 1,756 passengers and 550 cars. Launched in 2001, she currently serves the France-Corsica route Toulon-Ajaccio via Bastia (crossing time approximately 6 hours 45 minutes).

The vessel (IMO number 9203174) is currently Italy-flagged (MMSI 247013400) and registered in Genova.

Cabins

As a cruise ferry, Mega Express One offers a total of 300 cabins, all air-conditioned and equipped with en-suite bathrooms (washbasin, WC, shower). All staterooms are located forward and above the car decks. Cabins are available in 2-, 3-, or 4-bed configurations (interior and exterior). The ferry company provides bed linens, towels, and toiletries.

The ship also features 300 reclining seats (fully reclining Pullman armchairs/air-type seats) located in two Reserved Seating Lounges, both equipped with large TVs and bar service. Some cabins are wheelchair-accessible and adapted for guests with reduced mobility.

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

Shipboard dining and entertainment

Onboard amenities and entertainment on Mega Express One include:

• Two main restaurants (A La Carte and Self-Service Buffet), both with floor-to-ceiling windows and offering freshly prepared dishes by Italian master chefs. Additional options include a Pizzeria (Spaghetteria) and a Café (patisserie/cafeteria serving sandwiches, cakes, pastries, hot and cold drinks, and featuring flat TVs).
• A Discotheque (glass-dome nightclub), two Video Game Rooms (with arcade machines), two Reserved Seating Lounges, a Main Lounge (Bar Central/cocktail bar), Cinema, Piano Bar (with live music), Pool Bar, Internet Café, Card Room, and a Wellness Center (Spa and Gym).
• The Reserved Seating Lounges (Economy-Class and Club-Class) feature comfortable Pullman seats (fully reclining armchairs) and large TVs.
• The Wellness Center includes a Spa (sauna, locker rooms, jacuzzi, relaxation area, massage rooms), an outdoor sundeck area (with loungers and deckchairs), a Beauty Parlor (salon and shop for beauty products), and a Fitness Room (gym with Technogym equipment).
• A Kids’ Play Area (indoor playground with toys and video games).
• Boutiques and duty-free shops selling spirits, wines, tobacco, perfumes, cosmetics, leather goods, toys, clothing, accessories, footwear, designer watches, handbags, sunglasses, hygiene products, travel essentials, confectionery, snacks, books, magazines, electronics, and souvenirs. Promotional sales are also offered.
• An ATM is available on Lobby Deck 5, next to the Reception (Information Desk). Onboard Wi-Fi is available for a fee, with packages purchasable online (during booking) or onboard at Reception.
• The ship features an aft-located, circular, glass-walled staircase connecting three decks (8-9-10).
• Sun Deck 10 includes an aft-located Solarium with an outdoor swimming pool and sunbathing area served by an open-air Deck Bar.
• Midship-aft on Deck 10 (Helideck) is the helicopter landing area, used in emergencies. Forward is the Navigation Bridge with adjacent officers’ quarters.
• An Infirmary (ship’s hospital) provides 24-hour nurse service.

Emergency instructions are displayed in all cabins, on TV screens, and at the ship’s assembly (muster) stations. Life jackets are stored at these stations. During emergencies, elevators must not be used.

Car decks

The ship’s garage spans four car decks with a total capacity of 600 vehicles. It is accessible via two ramp gates at the stern. A third, smaller stern gate allows foot passengers direct access to the Lobby Deck (Reception Desk) on Deck 5. For safety, the vessel is equipped with four large lifeboats, one semi-rigid rescue boat, and liferafts.

Key car deck safety procedures include:

• Passengers requiring assistance should contact the Information Desk on Deck 5 (open 24 hours).
• Engage the handbrake, put the vehicle in park or 1st gear, switch off the ignition, alarm, electrical equipment, and headlights. Turn off gas cylinders (if applicable) and lock the vehicle.
• Take only valuables and essential hand luggage from your vehicle.
• Note your vehicle’s location and deck number/stairway before leaving the garage.
• Access to the vehicle decks during the voyage is prohibited.
• Smoking is strictly forbidden on vehicle decks, as well as in cabins and lounges.
• Wait for the onboard announcement before returning to your vehicle.

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

Corsica-Sardinia Ferries (fleet), founded in 1967 and headquartered in Bastia, France and Vado Ligure, Italy, is a leading Western Mediterranean ferry operator serving the islands of Elba, Corsica, and Sardinia.