Mega Regina ferry

MS Mega Regina is a Ro-Ro passenger ferry currently operated by the French company CORSICA FERRIES. The ship has a maximum capacity of 2500 passengers and 430 cars. Launched in 1985 as “Viking Mariella,” she now serves the Italy–Corsica route Livorno–Bastia (4 hours) and the France–Corsica route Toulon–Bastia (8 hours).

On May 11, 2021, VIKING LINE announced the sale (via bareboat charter agreement) of the cruise ferry Mariella to CORSICA FERRIES for EUR 19.6 million (~USD 23.7M / ~GBP 16.5M). As of March 31, the vessel’s book value was EUR 5.7M (~USD 6.9M).

In June 2021, the vessel (IMO 8320573) was renamed from “MS Mariella” to “Mega Regina,” re-flagged from Finland (MMSI 230181000) to Italy (MMSI 247436500), and registered in Genova.

Under Viking Line, Mariella operated the Sweden–Finland route Stockholm–Helsinki (17-hour crossing) via Mariehamn (Åland Islands).

Cabins

The Mega Regina has 840 cabins with 2500 berths. All staterooms are air-conditioned and feature private bathrooms (WC, shower, washbasin), LCD TV, radio, and phone. Suites and Premium cabins additionally offer a hairdryer, refrigerator, double bed, and double sofabed. Bed linens, towels, and toiletries are provided. Some cabins are wheelchair-accessible (adapted for disabled guests and passengers with reduced mobility), while Allergy Cabins feature non-allergenic furniture.

Cabins cannot be shared—if two guests book a four-bed cabin, the remaining beds cannot be assigned to other travelers.

Staff and crew cabins are located on Deck 9. Passenger accommodations are divided into the following categories:

• (Deck 2) C4 (Economy), Q3 (Budget)
• (Deck 4) A4 (Seaside Standard), A4R (Seaside Standard Allergy), HA2 (Seaside Handicap), B2/B4 (Inside Standard), B4R (Inside Standard Allergy), B2P (Inside Piccolo)
• (Deck 5) LYX (Seaside Premium), LXR (Seaside Premium Allergy), A2L (Seaside Premium Large), AD2 (Seaside Comfort), BD2 (Inside Comfort), A4/B2/B4 (Standard), B2P (Inside Piccolo)
• (Deck 6) Suite, LYX (Seaside Premium), BD2 (Inside Comfort), A4 (Seaside Standard), B4T/B2/B2P (Inside Standard and Piccolo)
• Family cabins have 6 beds (2 lower + 4 upper berths).
• Standard cabin doors are 64 cm wide, while Suites and accessible cabins have 89 cm doorways.
• On overnight crossings, Suite fares (excluding Mini-Suites) include breakfast for both adults and children. Breakfast may be served in-cabin via room service or at onboard restaurants. Guests requesting room service must submit an order form to Reception (Info Desk) the night before. For restaurant dining, Suite passengers must show their cabin key.

Seaside (oceanview) cabins have large windows; Inside and Economy-class cabins do not. Economy cabins are located on the lower decks. Suites and Premium cabins are more spacious and better equipped, while only Budget cabins lack private bathrooms.

Suites and Seaside Premium cabins include extra amenities such as free Wi-Fi, VIP Lounge access, and early check-in/boarding (excluding passengers with vehicles) in Stockholm. The VIP Lounge provides complimentary coffee, tea, bottled water, newspapers, and satellite TV.

All cabins are non-smoking, and alcohol consumption is prohibited. Cleaning and linen changes are completed before port arrival, and cabins remain accessible throughout the voyage (including during cleaning).

Cot beds for toddlers (up to 1 year, under 10 kg) and bed rails for children are available free of charge upon request. All passengers must vacate their cabins 30 minutes prior to arrival at the homeport.

Shipboard dining and entertainment options

Facilities aboard Mega Regina include:

• (Anchor/Spa Deck 2) Steam sauna, hot tubs
• (Lobby & Shopping Deck 6) Reception (Information Desk, ATM), Lobby (meeting point, luggage lockers, entrances/exits), Tax-Free Shop, Travel Spa, Café Coffee & Joy, Kid’s Room, Game Room (arcade machines, air hockey, claw machines)
• (Restaurant Deck 7) Club Mar Nightclub, Bar Music Meister, Plate Restaurant, Food Garden (à la carte), Ocean Grill (BBQ/steakhouse), Casino, Arcade, Bar, The Buffet
• (Conference Deck 8) Sun Deck, Kiosk, Lounge, Kid’s Area, Bar, Lobby, Conference Rooms, Auditorium
• (Captain’s Deck 10) Navigation Bridge, Sun Deck (outdoor area)
• The top deck (Heli Deck) features a helipad used for emergency operations.
• Free Wi-Fi is available in public areas and cabins (not on car decks). Internet speed depends on satellite connectivity and weather conditions.
• Onboard shops are tax-free and sell brand-name perfumes, cosmetics, designer apparel, accessories, watches, sunglasses, bags, sportswear, confectionery, wines, spirits, electronics, and Corsica Ferries merchandise. Premium brands include Dior, Tiffany, Sensai, Hugo Boss, Marc Jacobs, Lancome, Calvin Klein, Paco Rabanne, Yves Saint Laurent, Armani, and more. Promotions and discounts are frequently offered.
• Entertainment includes themed shows with live performances by guest artists such as musicians, magicians, and international acts. Themed cruises often feature special cuisine, festivals, and tribute performances.
• The Casino offers Blackjack and Roulette tables, as well as slot machines and bingo games (locations and times listed in the onboard program).
• The nightclub features a modern design, large dance floor, LED screens, stage, and VIP area with private tables. VIP table packages include Champagne, strawberries, snacks, and 20 drink coupons.
• The à la carte restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner made with seasonal ingredients, featuring seafood, steaks, vegetarian dishes, and a premium wine list.
• The Casual Dining restaurant offers pizza, pasta, burgers, salads, and desserts. Children under 12 dine at half portions (half price).
• The Buffet restaurant serves breakfast and dinner with Scandinavian and international dishes. Beverages (wine, beer, soft drinks, coffee, tea) are included in the buffet price.
• The Café serves breakfast, snacks, and light meals throughout the day and evening. Menu sections include salads, sandwiches, hot dishes, desserts, and take-away items.
• The Bar & Dancing Lounge features trivia quizzes, karaoke, and live music, along with a light snack and dessert menu.
• The Coffee Shop offers specialty coffees, teas, and freshly baked pastries and transforms into a wine bar in the evening, also hosting wine tastings.

Emergency instructions are displayed in cabins, on TV screens, and at all assembly (muster) stations. Lifejackets are distributed at these stations. In an emergency, elevators are not to be used.

Pets on the ship

The ship provides kennels for domestic pets. During embarkation and disembarkation, dogs must be leashed and muzzled. Passengers with pets disembark last.

Guide and service dogs travel free of charge and are allowed throughout the ship, including lounges and restaurants.

• Pets are allowed on all regular crossings but not on cruise voyages.
• Animals are permitted in cabins (not on beds) only when the entire cabin is booked. Pets are not allowed in restaurants (except service dogs).
• Outside cabins, dogs must be leashed and may only be walked on the Sun Deck.
• A pet fee applies and varies by ship and route.
• On short crossings, animals may stay on car decks but not inside vehicles. These pets travel free of charge.

Car decks

The engine room is on Deck 1, while most crew facilities (cabins, mess hall, bar, dining area, brig) are on Decks 7–8. The garage for cars, buses, and trucks is on Deck 3, which features a hydraulic platform that divides it into two levels when lowered, doubling vehicle capacity.

Car decks remain closed during the voyage and may only be accessed with the Captain’s permission.

Key car deck safety procedures:

• Passengers needing special assistance should contact the Information Desk (open 24 hours).
• Apply the handbrake and place the vehicle in park or 1st gear. Turn off ignition, alarms, lights, and gas cylinders (if any). Lock the vehicle.
• Take only valuables and essential hand luggage.
• Note your vehicle’s location and garage deck number/stairway before leaving.
• Access to car decks during the voyage is prohibited.
• Smoking is forbidden on vehicle decks, in cabins, and in passenger areas.
• Wait for the official announcement before returning to your vehicle.

To prevent air pollution, engines must remain off until instructed to start.

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