Mega Express 2 ferry

MS Mega Express 2 is a Ro-Ro passenger ferry owned and operated by the French company CORSICA-SARDINIA FERRIES. The ship has a maximum capacity of 1756 passengers and 550 cars. Launched in 2001, she currently serves the Italy–Corsica routes Livorno–Bastia and Savona–Bastia, with crossing times of 4 and 4.5 hours respectively.

The vessel (IMO number 9203186) is currently Italy-flagged (MMSI 247036100) and registered in Genova.

Cabins

Mega Express 2 has a total of 300 cabins, all air-conditioned and featuring private bathrooms (washbasin, WC, shower). All staterooms are located forward, above the car decks, and are available in 2-, 3-, or 4-berth configurations (inside and outside). The ferry company provides bed linens, towels, and toiletries.

The ship also offers 300 reclining Pullman seats (fully reclining armchairs) available in two Reserved Seating Lounges, each equipped with large TVs and bar service. Some cabins are wheelchair-accessible (adapted for passengers with reduced mobility).

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

Shipboard dining and entertainment options

Facilities onboard Mega Express 2 include:

• Two main restaurants (À La Carte and Self-Service Buffet), both with floor-to-ceiling windows and menus prepared by Italian master chefs. Additional venues include a Pizzeria (Spaghetteria) and a Café (patisserie and cafeteria offering sandwiches, cakes, pastries, and hot/cold drinks, with flat TVs).
• A Discotheque (glass-dome nightclub), two Video Gaming Rooms (arcades), two Reserved Seating Lounges, a Main Lounge (Bar Central / cocktail bar), Cinema, Piano Bar (live music), Pool Bar, Internet Café, and Card Room.
• Two Reserved Seating Lounges (Economy and Club Class) with fully reclining Pullman seats and large TVs.
• A Wellness Center featuring a Spa (sauna, jacuzzi, relaxation area, massage rooms, locker rooms), Beauty Parlor (salon and beauty shop), Fitness Center (gym with Technogym equipment), and an outdoor sundeck area with loungers and deckchairs.
• A Kids Play Area equipped with toys, games, and video consoles.
• Duty-free boutiques offering perfumes, cosmetics, fashion, leather goods, watches, spirits, wines, tobacco, toys, books, electronics, confectionery, and souvenirs. Shopping promotions and discounts are frequently available.
• (Lobby Deck 5) ATM/cash machine located next to Reception (Information Desk). Wi-Fi is available for a fee, with packages purchasable online (during booking) or onboard at Reception.
• An aft-located, glass-walled circular staircase connecting Decks 8, 9, and 10.
• Sun Deck 10 features an aft-located Solarium with an outdoor swimming pool, sunbathing area, and open-air bar.
• Midship-aft on Deck 10 is the Helideck (helicopter landing area for emergencies). Forward is the Navigation Bridge with adjacent officers’ quarters.
• An Infirmary (ship hospital) providing 24-hour nurse service.

All emergency instructions are displayed in cabins, on TV screens, and at the ship’s assembly (muster) stations. Lifejackets are distributed at these stations. Elevators must not be used in emergencies.

Car decks

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

Car deck safety procedures:

• Passengers requiring assistance should contact the Information Desk (Deck 5, open 24 hours).
• Engage the handbrake, place the vehicle in park or 1st gear, and turn off ignition, alarms, and headlights. Gas cylinders (if any) must be closed. Lock the vehicle.
• Take only valuables and essential hand luggage.
• Note your vehicle’s location, garage deck number, and stairway before leaving the car deck.
• Access to the vehicle decks during the voyage is prohibited.
• Smoking is forbidden on vehicle decks, in cabins, and in passenger lounges.
• Wait for the onboard announcement before returning to your vehicle.

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

The ship’s operator, Corsica-Sardinia Ferries (fleet), founded in 1967 and headquartered in Bastia, France and Vado Ligure, Italy, is one of the leading Western Mediterranean ferry companies, serving routes between mainland France, Italy, and the islands of Elba, Corsica, and Sardinia.