Operator
Grimaldi Lines
The operator with the densest Sardinia network, a profile of routes, fleet, check-in, pets and fares
- Family-run operator from Naples, part of the group since 1947
- Eight Sardinia routes to Olbia, Porto Torres, Arbatax and Cagliari
- Check-in: 1 hour on foot, 2 hours with a vehicle, Fast Check-in at all Sardinia ports
About Grimaldi Lines
Table of Contents
About Grimaldi Lines
Grimaldi Lines is the ferry brand of the Naples-based Grimaldi Group, a logistics company founded in 1947 and still fully family-owned, which transports cars, trucks, containers and passengers by sea. The passenger division operates under several brands: Grimaldi Lines in the Mediterranean, Minoan Lines between Italy and Greece, Finnlines in the Baltic and Trasmed to the Balearics. Besides Sardinia, Grimaldi Lines also serves Sicily, Greece, Tunisia and Spain; the operator states its fleet averages around ten years old.
Fleet
On the Sardinia routes the flagships Cruise Roma and Cruise Barcelona sail, carrying more than 3,300 passengers in 499 cabins, reaching 28 knots and offering a pool, gym, wellness area, disco, self-service dining and an à la carte restaurant on board. The Europa Palace (204 metres, 242 cabins, 1,800 passengers) connects Palermo and Cagliari, while the Corfu (186 metres, 121 cabins, 936 passengers) sails to Arbatax. Other ships in the fleet include Cruise Sardegna, Cruise Europa, Cruise Bonaria, Cruise Ausonia, Zeus Palace and Kydon Palace. All ships have inside and outside cabins with en-suite showers, plus superior cabins or junior suites with TV and minibar; satellite wi-fi is available for an extra charge.
Routes to Sardinia
No other operator sails as many Sardinia routes: from Civitavecchia to Olbia, Porto Torres, Arbatax and Cagliari, from Tuscany Livorno - Olbia, from Campania Naples - Cagliari, from Sicily Palermo - Cagliari and from Spain Barcelona - Porto Torres. Grimaldi Lines runs the Civitavecchia - Olbia route seasonally from June to September, with another operator covering it outside those months. Arbatax and Palermo - Cagliari run on fixed weekdays, with dates in the timetable.
Check-in, vehicles and pets
On the domestic routes you must be at check-in one hour ahead without a vehicle, two hours ahead with one; travelling to Barcelona means two hours for everyone, and four hours to Tunisia. Fast Check-in applies at Civitavecchia, Porto Torres, Arbatax, Cagliari and Palermo: show your ticket directly at the boarding area and collect your cabin key on board. Arriving after the deadline forfeits your right to travel.
Each person may bring one vehicle; the total dimensions including all accessories must be declared, and the booked category must match, otherwise boarding, and any refund, is refused. Bicycles and e-scooters travel free but must be booked and wheeled into the garage by hand. There are no onboard power sockets for vehicles. Pets travel in the onboard kennel or with the Pet in Cabin service in your own cabin, including a hygiene kit and post-trip cleaning, up to three animals per cabin; a lead and muzzle are compulsory on the open decks. More in the guides Motorhomes on the ferry and Taking your dog on the ferry.
Tickets
Tickets are available online, through the booking office in Naples and through travel agents. On the Sardinia routes, high- and low-season prices apply, residents and native Sardinians book at a discount, and partner cards can be added to a booking. Current prices appear in the booking window for each route, with a comparison in the price overview.
FAQ Grimaldi Lines
Frequently asked questions
Questions and answers about Grimaldi Lines and the ferries to Sardinia
Which routes does Grimaldi Lines sail to Sardinia?+
From Civitavecchia to Olbia, Porto Torres, Arbatax and Cagliari, plus Livorno - Olbia, Naples - Cagliari, Palermo - Cagliari and Barcelona - Porto Torres.
Which ships does Grimaldi Lines use to Sardinia?+
The flagships Cruise Roma and Cruise Barcelona (499 cabins, 28 knots) sail to Porto Torres and Barcelona, the Europa Palace (242 cabins) runs between Palermo and Cagliari, and the Corfu (121 cabins) sails to Arbatax; on the remaining routes the ships change by season.
How early do I need to be at the port for Grimaldi Lines?+
On the Italian domestic routes, one hour without a vehicle and two hours with one; to Barcelona, two hours for everyone. Boarding closes 30 minutes before departure, after which there is no right to travel.
Can I bring my car or motorhome?+
Yes, on all Sardinia routes. Each person may bring one vehicle, measured including roof box, bike rack and tow hitch; bicycles and e-scooters travel free but must be included in the booking. Details on Motorhomes on the ferry.
Does Grimaldi Lines take pets?+
Yes. Dogs and cats travel in the onboard kennel or, for a fee, with the Pet in Cabin service in your own cabin, up to three animals per cabin; a lead and muzzle are required on deck. More on Taking your dog on the ferry.
Where can I find the timetable and prices?+
Current departures appear in the timetable, and prices depend on season, accommodation and vehicle and show live in each route's booking window; the price overview gives a comparison.