Pascal Lota ferry

MS Pascal Lota is a Ro-Ro passenger ferry owned and operated by the French company CORSICA-SARDINIA FERRIES. The ship has a maximum capacity of 2300 passengers and 665 cars (or 115 trucks/trailers). Launched in 2008, she currently operates on the France–Corsica Island ferry route Toulon-Ajaccio via Bastia (crossing time 6 hours 45 minutes), on the Italy–Corsica ferry routes Livorno-Bastia and Savona-Bastia (crossing times 4 hours and 4.5 hours, respectively), as well as on the Italy–Sardinia Island ferry route Livorno-Golfo Aranci (crossing time 6.5 hours, during summer).

Cabins

As a cruise ferry, Pascal Lota has a total of 297 cabins with 736 berths (beds). All passenger cabins are located on decks 6 and 7, are air-conditioned, and feature en-suite bathrooms (washbasin, WC, shower). All staterooms are positioned forward and above the garages (car decks). Cabins are available in 2-, 3-, or 4-bed categories (inside and outside). The ferry company provides bed linens, towels, and toiletries. Standard cabin amenities include single beds (twin or bunk beds), wardrobe, writing table with chair, alarm clock radio, and flat-screen TV (satellite reception).

“Pet Cabins” are floored with linoleum. Valid pet health cards are required. Some staterooms are wheelchair-accessible (adapted for passengers with disabilities).

The ship also offers reclining seats (fully reclining Pullman armchairs / air-type seats) in two Reserved Seating Lounges, both equipped with large TVs and bar service.

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

Shipboard dining and entertainment options

As onboard facilities, Pascal Lota offers:

• Four restaurants, including two main venues: an A La Carte Restaurant (Deck 8, port side) and a Self-Service Buffet (Deck 8, starboard), both with floor-to-ceiling windows and quick meals prepared by Italian master chefs. Additional options include a Pizzeria (Spaghetteria / Deck 8 starboard), a Fast Food outlet (midship on Deck 8 starboard), and a Café (patisserie/cafeteria serving sandwiches, cakes, pastries, hot and cold drinks, with flat-screen TVs).
• A three-deck-high Show Lounge, a two-level stern bar, Business Lounge, Casino, and Reserved Seating Lounges (Economy Class and Club Class) fitted with comfortable fully reclining Pullman armchairs and large TVs.
• Kids Play Area (indoor playground with toys and video games).
• Boutiques and duty-free shops forming a shopping mall selling spirits, wines, tobacco products, perfumes, cosmetics, leather goods, toys, clothing and accessories, footwear, designer watches, handbags, sunglasses, personal hygiene products, travel essentials, confectionery, snacks, books, magazines, electronics and gadgets, gifts, and souvenirs. Shopping promotions are also available.
• (Lobby Deck) An ATM/cash machine located next to the Reception (Information Desk). Onboard Wi-Fi service is available for a fee, with packages purchasable online (during booking) or onboard at the Reception.
• Sun Deck (Solarium), an open-air top-deck area with sun loungers, a heated swimming pool (large plunge pool), and a Lido Bar serving drinks and snacks.
• Also on the Sun Deck are the Navigation Bridge (forward, with adjacent officers’ quarters) and the helipad (midship, used for emergency helicopter landings).
• Infirmary (ship’s hospital) providing 24-hour nurse service.

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 is prohibited.

Pets on the ship

The ferry has kennels for domestic pets. During embarkation and disembarkation, dogs must be leashed and muzzled. Passengers traveling with pets always disembark last.

Guide and assistance dogs travel free of charge and are permitted in all areas of the ship, including lounges and restaurants.

• Pets are allowed on all regular ferry crossings, except cruises.
• Animals are permitted in passenger cabins (not on beds) only if the entire cabin is booked by the owner. They are not allowed in restaurants, except for service dogs.
• When outside the cabin, dogs must always be leashed and may be walked only on the Sun Deck.
• A fee applies per pet and varies by ship and route.

On short crossings, animals may remain on car decks but must not be left inside vehicles. In such cases, they travel free of charge.

Car decks

The ship’s garage consists of four car decks with a total capacity of 665 vehicles. Access is provided via three ramp gates (two at the stern and one at the bow).

All vehicles must have valid documentation and insurance. Having the vehicle’s technical data sheet facilitates boarding checks. During booking, the vehicle’s model, length, and height must be specified. Car ferry passengers must arrive at the departure port at least 90 minutes prior to departure.

The following car deck safety procedures apply:

• Passengers with disabilities or requiring special assistance should visit the ship’s Information Desk (Deck 5, open 24 hours).
• Apply the handbrake, place the vehicle in park or first gear, switch off the engine, alarm, electrical equipment, and headlights. Gas cylinders, if any, must be turned off. Lock the vehicle.
• Take only valuables and essential hand baggage from the vehicle.
• Note the vehicle’s location, garage deck number, and 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 strictly forbidden.
• Return to the vehicle only after an onboard announcement.

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

The shipowner Corsica-Sardinia Ferries (fleet, founded in 1967 and headquartered in Bastia, France, and Vado Ligure, Italy) is a major Western Mediterranean shipping company operating routes between the islands of Elba, Corsica, and Sardinia.