Operator
Grandi Navi Veloci
The cruise ferries from Genoa, a profile of routes, fleet, check-in, pets and fares
- Founded in Genoa in 1992, part of the MSC Group since 2010
- Genoa - Olbia and Genoa - Porto Torres from May to October
- Check-in in Genoa: 1 hour on foot, 2 hours with a vehicle before departure
About Grandi Navi Veloci
Table of Contents
About Grandi Navi Veloci
Grandi Navi Veloci, known as GNV, was founded in Genoa in 1992 and, with the Majestic and the Splendid, brought the first cruise ferries operated by an Italian company into service, the Splendid running the Genoa - Porto Torres route from 1994. Since 2010, GNV has been part of the MSC Group, owned by Geneva's Aponte family, where it forms the ferry division alongside SNAV. By its own account, the operator serves 33 routes to 23 destinations across the Mediterranean with 25 ships: Sardinia, Sicily, Malta, Morocco, Albania, Tunisia, Spain, France and Algeria.
Fleet
GNV's fleet consists of cruise ferries with inside and outside cabins, suites, reclining seats and deck passage, an à la carte restaurant, self-service dining, a pizzeria and bars, play areas with entertainment for children, onboard shops and wi-fi. The fleet includes La Suprema, Fantastic, Excellent, Excelsior, Majestic, Splendid and Rhapsody, plus the newer GNV Polaris, GNV Orion, GNV Sirio, GNV Spirit, GNV Aurora, GNV Atlas and GNV Auriga; cabins and walkways are also designed for travellers with reduced mobility.
Routes to Sardinia
GNV sails from Genoa to Olbia, taking 11 to 13 hours, and to Porto Torres, taking 12 to 13 hours, both lines running from May to October with day and night departures, Porto Torres daily according to the operator. On both routes GNV shares demand with Moby Lines and Tirrenia respectively, so check the timetable to see which operator is sailing on your day.
Check-in, vehicles and pets
All passengers must check in, either online through their customer account or at the port; online check-in requires the ID details of everyone travelling and the vehicle registration document. On the domestic routes you must be at check-in two hours ahead with a vehicle, one hour ahead without one, missing the deadline means no right to a refund. LPG vehicles must be declared at boarding, are parked in a separate area and travel with the gas valve closed; the vehicle deck is closed during the crossing. Pets can stay in your cabin only if you've booked a pet-friendly cabin with linoleum flooring and daily disinfection, otherwise they travel in the onboard dog and cat area; a lead and muzzle are required in communal areas, and from summer 2026 pets will also be allowed into designated zones of the restaurants and shops. More in the guides Motorhomes on the ferry and Taking your dog on the ferry.
Tickets
Tickets are available online, through the contact centre, at port ticket offices and through travel agents; the ticket arrives by email. Early booking and holiday promotions bring the price down, and residents and native Sardinians get their own discounts. Current prices appear in the booking window for each route, with a comparison in the price overview.
FAQ Grandi Navi Veloci
Frequently asked questions
Questions and answers about GNV and the ferries to Sardinia
Which routes does GNV sail to Sardinia?+
Two: Genoa - Olbia in 11 to 13 hours and Genoa - Porto Torres in 12 to 13 hours, both from May to October with day and night departures.
How early do I need to be at the port for GNV?+
On the domestic Italian routes, two hours with a vehicle, one hour without. Missing check-in means no right to a refund. Online check-in through your customer account saves the queue at the port.
Which ships does GNV operate?+
GNV operates 25 ships by its own count, including the cruise ferries La Suprema, Fantastic, Excellent, Excelsior, Majestic and Splendid, plus the newer GNV Polaris, GNV Orion, GNV Sirio, GNV Spirit and GNV Aurora. Your booking shows which ship serves your departure.
Can I bring my motorhome?+
Yes. LPG vehicles must be declared at boarding, are parked in a separate area and travel with the gas valve closed; the vehicle deck is closed during the crossing. More on Motorhomes on the ferry.
Does GNV take pets?+
Yes. In your cabin only in a pet-friendly cabin with linoleum flooring, otherwise in the onboard dog and cat area; a muzzle and lead are compulsory, and you'll need a health certificate. Details on Taking your dog on the ferry.
Where can I find the timetable and prices?+
Departures are listed in the timetable. Prices depend on season and accommodation and appear live in each route's booking window; the price overview gives a comparison.