To be completely honest, even as seasoned travelers who have spent years exploring Europe, we felt a bit apprehensive about booking a ferry from Barcelona to Rome with Grimaldi Lines.
Why the nerves?
Perhaps for the same reason that led you to this blog post: the overwhelmingly negative online reviews of Grimaldi Lines, which comes with an alarming 1.5-star rating on Tripadvisor.
Typically, we don’t rely heavily on Tripadvisor for travel recommendations—yet with hundreds of dissatisfied reviews at play, it’s hard to ignore when the trip entails nearly 24 hours on a boat!
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On the other hand, many reviews, including those from fellow long-term and pet-friendly travelers like us, stated that the experience was actually quite pleasant and well worth it.
Ultimately, we decided to take the plunge and book.
And while I’ll delve into more detailed insights below, here’s the bottom line: we would choose another Grimaldi Lines ferry in an instant—and we likely will!
Here’s everything we wish we had known when booking our ferry from Barcelona to Rome (or more accurately, Civitavecchia).
Why We Chose to Take the Ferry From Barcelona to Rome
Our main reason for opting for the ferry from Spain to Italy instead of flying was straightforward: our dog, Ranger, accompanied us, and Grimaldi Lines is known to be pet-friendly!
While it may have been technically faster to drive, it would have been considerably pricier (thanks to enormous drop-off fees for rental cars taken across borders) and far less enjoyable.
Having driven from Portugal to Italy several times during our time in Lisbon, we knew how beautiful the landscapes could be, but long stretches of highway can’t capture the same charm after a while.
Plus, there’s the allure of sailing on a boat in the Mediterranean during summer—no matter how basic that boat may be, it has an undeniable appeal.
Our Experience with Grimaldi Lines from Barcelona to Rome
In short, if I had to sum up our Grimaldi Lines ferry experience in a single sentence, it would be: “The views were the highlight, while everything else felt a bit outdated but acceptable.”
Boarding the Ferry
Boarding in Barcelona was surprisingly smooth—definitely better than I had anticipated. There was hardly any wait!
The entire process went off without a hitch, and we were smoothly directed on board.
We traveled in mid-June, well before the bustling vacation month of August, yet still firmly within summer, so we expected more crowds. However, the scene was calm.
The Cabin
We chose to reserve a cabin for some much-needed peace, quiet, and privacy. After reading numerous reviews about noisy and crowded common areas, we figured a cabin would be our best bet.
The cabin itself wasn’t extravagant, but it served its purpose: two small beds, adequate space for our luggage, and a very small bathroom that was mostly clean, aside from a couple of stray hairs.
Was it ideal?
No, but it was entirely acceptable—think of it as a backpacker’s standard of cleanliness.
Onboard Food and Amenities
Basic snacks and coffee can be found at various spots onboard, and full meals are served during scheduled times.
We can only comment on the coffee (which was decent for middle-of-the-sea standards), but overall opinions suggested the food quality was akin to what you’d expect at an airport.
A simple pool was available on the top deck, which many kids seemed to adore, while their parents soaked in the sun from nearby deck chairs.
Thankfully, crowds were minimal in most public areas, allowing us plenty of personal space.
Arriving in Civitavecchia
About an hour before disembarking, the crew instructed passengers to gather their belongings and prepare to exit.
The disembarkation experience was hot, lengthy, and crowded, but this was simply due to the large number of people needing similar services on a warm summer afternoon.
While I wouldn’t describe it as enjoyable, we have no complaints—especially since the pasta we enjoyed that evening in Civitavecchia quickly made us forget the long wait.
Highlights of Our Journey
Without a doubt, the highlight of our ferry ride from Barcelona to Rome was the mesmerizing views of the Mediterranean Sea, Sardinia, and Corsica.
The breezy decks, while basic, made it easy to lose ourselves in the enchanting landscape.
Long after our journey, the memory of a less-than-ideal night’s sleep in a small cabin is far overshadowed by the breathtaking sights we enjoyed throughout the trip.
What’s It Like Traveling with a Dog on a Grimaldi Lines Ferry?
If you stumbled upon this blog post while contemplating booking a Grimaldi Lines ferry, there’s a chance you have a furry companion of your own (and we definitely saw plenty of dogs onboard).
Grimaldi’s pet policy is very accommodating, allowing travelers to reserve specific pet-friendly cabin packages, which we utilized.
Well-behaved, leashed dogs are welcome on all outdoor decks, which Ranger enjoyed immensely.
There is an option for dogs and cats to stay in an onboard kennel, but upon passing it, we found it entirely empty.
This was unsurprising, given how easy and much more pleasant it is to keep our pets with us!
Tips for Enjoying the Barcelona to Rome Ferry
Understand it’s a transportation ferry, not a cruise ship experience.
From our experience aboard the Grimaldi Lines ferry from Barcelona to Rome, it’s clear there’s often a disconnect in expectations reflected in the reviews.
Some passengers board anticipating a cruise ship experience, treating the journey as a part of their holiday.
This is understandable, as Grimaldi Lines’ marketing somewhat alludes to that idea—but it’s simply not the reality.
The onboard entertainment was quite outdated, reminiscent of a time when luxury was the norm.
Approach the ferry as a means of transportation, similar to a train or a spacious bus, and you’re much more likely to leave satisfied.
Bring plenty of snacks.
Personally, being without access to my own food for almost 24 hours is far from appealing, and after our ferry ride, we were glad we brought our own snacks!
While there is food onboard, you can expect prices to be high relative to quality, typical of captive audiences.
Pack entertainment for offline use.
Don’t expect reliable internet while out at sea—and if you do manage to connect, be prepared for steep costs.
Instead, consider bringing along books (maybe some guides on Italy!), downloading shows, or even bringing a deck of cards!
Prepare for potential motion sickness.
I generally experience motion sickness, but I found the journey from Barcelona to Rome rather smooth.
That said, it’s best to be prepared—if the weather had been rougher, I would have been thankful to have supplies on hand!
Personally, I travel with Sea Bands and carry non-drowsy Dramamine as a backup just in case.
Spend ample time on deck (especially near Sardinia and Corsica).
The breathtaking views of the Mediterranean, Sardinia, Corsica, and the other vessels are undoubtedly the highlights of the ferry experience, which is a far more enjoyable option than flying. Don’t miss out on them!
During daylight hours, make a point to soak in the fresh air and stunning views from the outdoor deck as much as possible.
Embrace the overall journey!
The bottom line is that the Grimaldi Lines ferry from Barcelona to Rome won’t provide you with the best night’s sleep, luxury accommodations, or gourmet dining experiences.
However, it will undoubtedly be one of the most memorable ways you’ve traveled between countries, making it worthwhile in its own right—especially when it’s a trip of under 24 hours.
With the right expectations, you may find, like us, that it’s a journey you’re glad you undertook.
Of course, this might also be due to practical considerations, such as traveling with a pet or vehicle. But there are certainly plenty of highlights to enjoy along the way!
Frequently Asked Questions About Taking a Ferry From Barcelona to Rome
What should you expect when taking a Grimaldi Lines ferry from Barcelona to Rome?
When traveling by ferry from Spain to Italy on Grimaldi Lines, anticipate dated but satisfactory amenities, as well as stunning views.
How long does the ferry from Barcelona to Rome take?
The ferry from Barcelona to Civitavecchia (the port for Rome) covers approximately 534 nautical miles and lasts just under 24 hours.
The estimated travel time provided by Grimaldi Lines ranges from about 21 to 23 hours; however, flexibility may be necessary, as delays can occur at sea.
Is taking the ferry from Spain to Italy worth it?
For the right traveler, the Barcelona to Rome ferry is absolutely worthwhile!
If you want to avoid flying for various reasons (pets, vehicles, a sense of adventure—you name it), the ferry is an excellent alternative and a memorable, albeit not luxurious, travel experience.
We have no regrets about our decision to book with Grimaldi Lines and would happily do so again.
Once You Arrive in Italy…
Although this ferry route is colloquially referred to as the ferry from Barcelona to Rome, it actually disembarks in Civitavecchia, which is around 44 miles (70 kilometers) from central Rome.
To reach the historic center of Rome from Civitavecchia, you can either take the train or simplify your travel by booking a transfer service.
Here are the advantages and disadvantages of both options.
Train from Civitavecchia to Rome
Trains run almost constantly between Civitavecchia and Rome (specifically to the Roma Termini station), making this a very convenient travel option.
The Civitavecchia train station is accessible by foot from the main port hub (10-20 minutes)—however, if you have lots of luggage, you might prefer to take one of the abundant buses or a taxi; just remember to negotiate the fare!
The train ride to Rome lasts about 45 minutes via the more expensive high-speed options or approximately 1.5 hours on the budget-friendly regional trains.
If you’d like to take the train from Civitavecchia, we suggest checking the schedule and ticket prices here.
Transfer Service from Civitavecchia to Rome
Don’t want to deal with the hassle of reaching the train station?
Alternatively, you can book either a bus transfer service or a private car service to take you straight from Civitavecchia to Rome.
While this is a perfect option for some travelers, keep in mind that a bus transfer may not sync perfectly with the Grimaldi Lines ferry’s arrival.
If you choose a transfer service, ensure it goes to the center of Rome (typically the Roma Termini Station) and not one of the airports!
Read More About Visiting Italy and Spain
If you found this ferry guide between Rome and Barcelona helpful and wish to continue planning your trip, feel free to browse through our extensive collection of articles:
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