Mega Smeralda
Operated by Corsica Ferries
Mega Smeralda
Operated by Corsica Ferries
Operated by Corsica Ferries on the Toulon Ajaccio, Nice Ile Rousse & Toulon Bastia routes
Corsica Ferries flagship Mega Smeralda is 171 metres long and can carry up to 2000 passengers and 560 vehicles. Formerly the Color Festival, this ship was purchased from the Norwegian Company Color Line in 2008 and renamed Mega Smeralda. Mega Smeralda is equipped with a selection of restaurants, bars, dedicated children's play areas, video games room, shops, a swimming pool, disco, cinema, a selection of cabin accommodation and much more!
The Mega Smeralda has 539 cabins, both inside and outside (sea view) ranging from standard 2 berth bunk bed cabins to luxurious suites with double beds. All cabins are en-suite.
The Mega Smeralda serves Mediterranean and international cuisine across 5 magnificent restaurants, each offering a unique setting with something to suit all tastes and budgets. In the spaghetteria/pizzeria you’ll find pasta, pizza, a delicious selection of starters, main courses and desserts. In ‘la Trattoria Riviera’ you’ll find all the flavours of Italy served in an authentic setting. The self-service ‘Buffet Veranda’ offers salads, starters, speciality pasta, meat, fish, a selection designed with children in mind and a large choice of deserts. The Captains Grill restaurant is affiliated with the famous ‘Chaîne des Rôtisseurs’ – a guarantee of quality and offers a choice of set menu and a la carte. The ship also features 4 bars with varied themes in which to relax in and enjoy. These include the Sailors Pub, the Panorama bar, Bar Smeralda and the outdoor deck bar 'Il Chiosco'. On deck 1 you’ll find the 92 capacity 'Dancing Palace' disco.
In the onboard shop you’ll find a choice of popular perfumes, cosmetic products, clothes, sweets and more.
Mega Smeralda has a swimming pool, 2 cinema rooms, and an information/reception desk to assist you during the crossing.
Children are well catered for onboard the Mega Smeralda with their own dedicated play area. There is also a video games room for the older children.
Please Note: Whilst we have taken great care in making our Mega Smeralda guide as accurate as possible, onboard facilities, services and entertainment may vary depending on the date and time of year that you travel, facilities mentioned may change without notification and ferry companies reserve the right to operate vessels other than those mentioned at time of booking without prior notification.
out of 5
15% of our customers recommended this ship
"Trip from Ajaccio to Nice "
Great cruise, heaps of things to do on this ship, friendly crew, we had a cabin, small but very comfy bunks:) in general we enjoyed our trip very much. They even have a pet toilet at stern of the vessel, our dog didn't like it though , but very considerate . Thx corica ferrys.
"Ajaccio to Toulon"
Did this trip overnight recently, a great experience. Had dinner in the Italian restaurant, great food and good service, couldn't have asked for more.cabin was clean and comfortable, arrived in Toulon on time. Would use this service again, beats flying!!
"Excellent"
We had a cabin upgrade and it was clean and comfortable. There was plenty of food options and even wifi.
"My boat trip on Mega Smeralda"
Just like last year, I took the ferry from Toulon to Bastia and back. The big difference from last year was that I had booked a cabin this time instead of a reclining seat. I spent two blissful nights compared to the nights I spent in the reclining seat. Those reclining seats are just not suitable for sleeping in. It is therefore not surprising that the passengers end up sleeping all over the place. I was surprised this year by the speed and professionalism of the staff who managed to allocate all the vehicles in the garage decks in a short amount of time. The food on board is nice and it is nice to have breakfast while the boat gently sails towards the port of entry and the views are amazing. I hope to travel to Corsica again next year and the boat trip is all part of my adventure.
""It does what it says on the box!""
Mega Smeralda is a big ship, and we found ourselves parked on one of the lowest car decks - not the easiest to access for anyone with mobility difficulties. The facilities on board were very good, the cabin was spacious and comfortable, but we had difficulty hearing the PA announcements - until we discovered the discreet volume control! The crossing was comfortable, but there seemed to be quite a lot of vibration, which we thought strange given how high above the engine room we must have been. All-in-all, a good crossing with everything going smoothly and to time.
"T4-40th - Corsica 2015"
Excellent experience! Savona-Bastia. Fast chek-in, we did not even get off the bike, we presented the Direct Ferries printed confirmation and they just put a stamp on.... Perfect organization inside the garage, the bikes were all properly fixed. Good cleaning and huge common areas on board. On the return on board the Smeralda Express we tried the italian restaurant, it was really good, what a surprise!!! Next journey will be for sure with Corsica Ferries!
"Mega Smeralda is a nice ferry!"
This is a really nice 'old school' ferry with a variety of places to eat and drink, plenty of outside space, very reminiscent of the much lamented Pride of Bilbao that sailed between the UK and Spain for many, many years. Ours was a daytime crossing so didn't get to see any entertainment or sample the cabins but I could imagine a night crossing would be a pleasant experience. The crew are a happy bunch too which adds to the good atmosphere on board. The loading/unloading procedure was perhaps a little frantic and the tying down of motorcycles a little haphazard (I was left to sort out my own as the guys seemed to lose interest after the first few), but all in all, as ferry crossings go, very enjoyable.
"Livorno -Basta"
All ok
"Superb way of crossing to Corsica."
After a long drive the length of France, it was very welcoming to be on a mini cruise ship to Corsica. The ship may have been old but the facilities were excellent, and the food good. The cabin was quiet and pretty comfortable. The only issue I found was that the cars were very tightly squeezed together on the vehicle deck, which led to a couple of scrapes with people's cases as they passed. Also we both had to exit from one side of the car. It was good to have a long sleep and wake refreshed ready to enjoy our holiday.
"Ajaccio-Toulon-Ajaccio"
I travelled better other times with Corsica Ferries.... Boarding waiting time in Toulon too long. The cabin was not easy to find. Kids area not was small. Landing procedure really long (1 hour in the garage). Better than others companies... Best regards.
"Generally good"
Nice trip. nice cabins and food. Just noisy neighbors... I would do trip again without hesitation. One fault was in The cafe,it had only one cashier working so food was cold by the time it was paid for as the line was so long. This is quite bad and people were annoyed, so improvement needed here. So I would tell people to take there own snacks & food.
"excellent trip"
rough sea but all went good. Departure on time, boarding process is very fast. Recommended
"Why does it have to be so cold?"
The ferry left Toulon two or three hours late so I was very tired when I went on board and it didn't occur to me I'd need a sleeping bag to keep warm. I've very seldom felt so cold - I had to take a walk around the ferry every hour through the night to keep my blood circulating. It's good value, but I can't see why it needs such intense air conditioning.
"Very good trip!"
The journey from Livorno to Bastia was impeccable. Departure and arrival on time and clean facilities. Highly recommended.
"Mega Esmeralda"
The Express 2 was very noisy, it was impossible to sleep (I booked an outside cabin). De mega Esmeralda was way better, even the meals in the Trattoria were excellent. The service on this ship was very good. Am very satisfied!
"Very good "
We take the ferry every year and generally it's good, but this year especially was nice cheap price and impeccable service.
"A return crossing from Livorno to Bastia with the car"
The outbound journey was certainly nicer, because the Mega Smeralda is more recent and more comfortable. Moreover, the disembarkment was quick and problem free. The inbound journey with Corsica Marina however, the boat was more ancient, people were laying on the floor and the disembarkment was more chaotic. Plus, I thought that the crossing was only lasting for 4 hours, between 2pm and 6.15pm. I don’t understand why you can’t lay down on the numerous deck chairs and sunbathe on the deck or resting inside on the seat with the air conditioning. Who knows? Maybe the staff was more tired or deflated during the inbound journey (translation: not interested in their jobs and rude). Well, you can’t have everything. I will use this company again.
"To do again"
The staff is pleasant and you are not harassed to buy drinks (we were at the paronamic bar). We were able to appreciate the view without any problem. They were able to answer our questions and to give us directions. The place is clean, we departed on time. I must admit that parking the car is a bit challenging. Overall, we are satisfied with both crossings.
"Livornio - Bastia - Livornio"
Both crossings went well, the only thing lacking are deck chairs aboard the Mega Smeralda. We enjoyed laying on the deck chairs during the 4 hours of the crossing aboard the Corsica Marina.
"a journey to Corsica"
I confirm that I will use your company Corsica again. I have nothing bad to say about you. It's well organised and friendly.
"Good, but…"
The cabin is clean and fairly nice and supposedly with a lounge sofa area on. However, once onboard, we're told that it's not available on this boat. We departed 15 minutes early and arrived 30 minutes late. There are no shuttle at arrival for pedestrians. I had to walk for minutes under a pouring rain with a young child, a pregnant women and 2 big suitcase...
"Excellent crossings om both occasions"
We enjoyed beautiful weather on our return journey and very calm crossings both ways. The ferry was wonderful. We were upgraded without asking on our return to cabin with porthole.En suite was excellent. It was a very enjoyable experience and I would recommend without hesitation. WIll definitely do the same booking next time.
"satisfied"
I am satisfied with the crossing. The berths and the food were very good.
"THIS IS NOT A FERRY…"
…THIS IS A CRUISE ! THANKS
"cabin"
The quality of the first class cabin was different during two crossings, while the pricing was the same. Why is that?
"ENJOYABLE TRIP"
We travelled from Livorno to Bastia and return recently, and the trip was extremely comfortable. There were four in our party and we paid a little extra to have a day cabin. That was well worthwhile as it was possible to have a private space to relax, have a shower if required or even have a nap. The add-on price was not huge and is recommended, especially if you have had to make an early start to board the ship. The passenger advice is to be at the ship 90 minutes before sailing, but this seems to apply only to those boarding with a car. Pedestrians can, and do, walk up minutes before sailing.
"A nice trip for a pensionner"
Both journey went well, but I don't understand the pricing. Outbound journey from Toulon to Ajaccio: an economy cabin, 4 adults, 4 breakfasts, a Sébice 2009: 238.43 + 107,59. Inbound from Ajaccio to Toulon: a first class cabin and the same people and vehicle: 227.28 WHY SUCH A DIFFERENCE?
"Really nice trip"
Since the start of the embarkation procedure, I noticed that the staff were professional and helpul we ate at the self service , the food was ok, the cabin was clean, I had a positive experience I would make this trip again and I recommend it.
"a trip to Corsica"
Corsica is a very beautiful French department. The landscapes are gorgeous. The journey with corsica ferry is very pleasant. You have to take a cabin, they are clean and practical.
"Satisfaction Corsica Ferries"
The facilities were good overall. It lacks maybe of a lounge for people without a cabin to stay during the night. Apart from a few benches near the bar, there are no confortable areas. The ferry is very clean. I cannot judge the food as we didn't buy amy. The ferry was on time for the outbound crossing, but was one hour delayed for the inbound crossing. I am satisfied with this journey overall.
"Confortable, but bad and expensive meals"
I enjoyed the different parts of the boat. Every one of them has its own ambiance and is confortable. The meals are not up to standard unfortunately, but very pricey. So, I recommend to bring your own sandwiches.
"satisfied overall"
Despite de 3/4h delay for the inbound journey with any explanation, the prestation was good overall. We'll recommend Corsica ferries to family and friends.
"A pleasant crossing"
The crossing was pleasant. We enjoyed the reception, the confort and the quality of the restaurant aboard the Smeralda! We do the crossing regularly and were pleasantly surprised!
"Wonderful"
Your boat is gorgeous. It's decorated with style and taste. We had lunch at the Italian restaurant, a gem. Thanks for this crossing!
"car and kids"
Once in the car, it's very difficult to go out with the children! An advice to mums: go out with the children first.
"A very good journey"
A first boat crossing! Great" I am very satisfied with the reception and with the kindmess of the staff. I only regret that I didn't receive the booking tickets online.
"Crossing from Toulon to Ajaccio "
It all works beautifully. We could immediately go upon arrival at the port for the ferry and use the local service. (Also 2 hours before departure)
"A great crossing, mais a very difficult arrival"
A great crossing, a clean and confortable boat, a cheerful staff. However, the arrival time was modified at the last minute. Some passengers were notified by sms or email. We were not and we had to arrange for people to pick us up at La Seyne instead of Toulon. It's not far, but at 9pm, it's not that easy to find someone who is available.
"Overall rating: Good "
On the way to the Mega Express Five I was rather disappointed with the quality of the food in the buffet restaurant. The cabin was however clean and well furnished. The service was friendly. On the return trip to the Mega Smeralda, the cabin service was also friendly and clean. Here I was, however, very pleased with the food in the restaurant. The menu was simple smoked ham with mozzarella, spaghetti with tomato sauce and fruit salad. The preparation, however, was very carefully and Spagehtti were really good, you mekte right that is not here then cooked unloving, but that is the kitchen for simple food effort. The service in the restaurant was also very good, the two waiters were very friendly and helpful, only the head waiter probably had a rather bad day, he should smile once in a while.
"Help to come on board "
We were 1 hour in the sun and had forgotten identify light. When we had to go on board, the battery was dead and we could not start. Help was sent to us immediately. A young man came and started our car so that we could go on board. Thanks for that.
"Mini-cruise "
Beautiful ship with a surprising number of comfortable seating and different restaurants, only on the journey from Nice to Bastia, I had the receptionist asked for a taxi in Bastia harbor and she gave me a very rude response and was not at all helpful. On the return trip from Bastia to Nice I knew the breakfast (9 EUR for all you can eat with Bacon and Egg) to appreciate exceptionally, a super deal!
"Bastia - Savona"
A very good outbound crossing (14.10.2013) but a very unpleasant inbound crossing due to the supporters of the FC Bastia (football club). Some much noise. A private transport should be organised for the supporters, because they have no consideration for the other passengers.
"A return crossing between Savone and Bastia"
Efficient and punctual boarding. The outbound and inbound journeys were delayed by respectively 1h and 30 minutes. Our cabin during the inbound journey was adjoining the engine room (for AC). Therefore, we were unable to sleep. According to the map of the boat, it's the only cabin in this position. The boat wasn't full, so why did you give us this cabin? In conclusion, we are moderately satisfied with our 2 crossings.
"A crossing between Toulon and Bastia"
The cabin was very confortable. My only regret was that the TV was not in French. However, I was not satisfied with the inbound crossing, because I couldn't get a cabin. We were installed in separated seats.
"No English speaking staff!"
The service at reception and on board was outright bad. Nto willing to answer a question, not helpful and very impolite. Staff does not speak English, on a ferry that transports tourists from all over the world to the island! Staff at the restaurant was polite, as it should be!
"Good, but"
first one on board, last to exit the board. The cabins sold for 85€ at 6pm are given away for 40€ after diner…. We had to wait over one hour at arrival to disembark (maybe it's normal). Oherwise, the service was decent and the staff welcoming. I will take Corsica Ferry again, but I will board last.
"Only the sea was bad"
The wind was very violent during this crossing. Thankfully the sturdiness of the boat made the crossing pleasant. The service on board was very good and the boat was always clean despite some passengers being really inconsiderate. The lounges were confortable. The staff is there to help the client and never goes on strike. Two problems: the disorganised installation of the cars in the garage and the poor quality of food. Why is the self with the all you can eat buffet' closed during some periods of the year? You'll see me aboard your boats very soon.
"CORSICA TO TOULON"
VERY VERY EFFICIENT, VERY IMPRESSED.
"A good experience"
A very pleasant crossing and an attentive staff.
"A pleasant crossing"
A first ferry crossing with Corsica ferry. The boat was on time, the crossing was pleasant. The pullman seats are neither useful or confortable. It's better to run to the deck to get a deck chair. I regretted that there were nowhere to seat during the outbound journey apart from the restaurants if you haven't booked a cabin.
"Very practical with a dog!"
An excellent crossing between Bastia and Toulon at the end of August 2013. I would recommend this company if you travel with a dog as it travels in the cabin. The staff is very welcoming. Thanks
"A good company"
I am happy with this crossing. The parking spaces could better indicated and disembarkment could be improved. It takes a very long time and it's really hot and suffocating in this area of the boat. At l'Ile Rousse, it is really long to get out of the boat and then out of the port (more than half an hour)
"CROSSING"
A very pleasant crossing, confortable overall. The only issue is the video room. The screen are rather dilapidated and if you are far from it, you can't hear a thing.
"A good surprise"
A quick crossing, a clean cabin, but a 30 minutes wait to get it (which was not indicated on the website). The staff was multilingual, helpful and welcoming. The boat was spotless. The couch in the waiting room was confortable. In a word, it was a pleasant surprise.
"great"
We really enjoyed this crossing. The staff is nice. The boats are equiped with everything you need.
"A good experience"
A very good crossing with Corsica ferries, at night, even without a cabin and with two kids, aged 6 and 3. Drinks are pricey though. It was a good experience.
"Great"
Perfect. We've been using it for years and we'll keep on doing so. Congratualtions.
"Boattrip Corsica"
The outward journey was on the Mega Express. It had an (outdoor) pool on deck. This was ideal for our kids. We could read our books in the sun on the deckchairs. There are many restaurants, entertainment for small children, depending on the departure time. The return journey was on the Mega Smeralda. There was a pool on the lower deck, but this was indoors. The pool didn't open until noon and it was a bit hidden away. Because the pool can only be accessed by lift we were always required to go with our kids. It's also compulsory to purchase a swim cap for £2.50. The quality of the food at the cafe on the upper deck was bad. Colf burgers and such. There was a entire entertainment team in the ball room, which was a lot of fun.
"Fine trip with a hard to find point of departure."
We sailed from Livorno (Italy) to Bastia (Corsica) and back with Corsica Sardinia Ferries. An easy 4 hour crossing. Our reasons to choose to go from Italy to Corsica instead of France were the costs and favourable departure times from Italy. Two points of criticism, in Italy the departure pier is very difficult to find, the signage is insufficient. And the on-board catering is very mediocre in regards to the food.
"A trip with Corsica"
No problem regarding the booking. However, we were disappointed with the lack of assistance for people who had never been on a boat. It must be even worse for elderly people. We were not given any safety instructions even a year and a half after the shipwreck in Italy. Where are the life vests? There were also an unexplained delays of 2 hours duuring the return journey from Bastia to Savone.
"First time"
Language problems. I can't understand Italian. The disembarkment during the return journey was very confusing.
"Swift crossing to Corsica"
Our night crossing to Corsica with Corsica Ferries went very well. The cabin was in order. We had a 4 person cabin slept well. Even with two small children (aged 2 and 4) everything went quickly. For them this was an unforgetable adventure. This is definitely to be repeated, we can recommend it to everyone.
"A good value for money"
Crossing with Corsica ferries: a perfect on board staff. We had to deal with an unpleasant and incompetent employee at boarding in Ajaccio. Otherwise, the boat was confortable, and there was only 300 people on board.
"Crossing"
The crossing went smoothly both during the night and the say
"A little trip which looks like a mini cruise to me!!!"
A very good value for money!!! It was the cheapest I've found and I will use it again soon.
"A beautiful crossing "
It was a very confortable crossing under the Mediterranean sun, laying down in a deck chair with a beer, a book and an iPod. The boat was clean and the staff was nice. Almost 7 hours to go to Bastia. It's a bit long, but it was worth it!
"Problems with the catering"
We got sick for 2 days after eating lasagna which was flaccid and tepid inside. We were the first clients to eat that meal. I ofter travel with Corsica. Usually, I am satisfied, but there is always a little something: I couldn't book my tickets via DirectFerries 3 days before. I wanted to buy my ticket in Toulon. I was first on the waiting list, but they let 3 people in front of me.
"Inbound crossing from Corsica on Saturday 25 may 2013"
On the Mega Smeralda, some people got sick because of 5 to 6 cm holes. However, nothing can be done about hat. Howver, I thought that the staff aboard this ferry was very nice. A smile is free and their relation to the clients is really relaxed.
"Nice Trip"
I was our first crossing and we were satisfied. Good directions from the entrance of the port, good parking, clean cabin, smooth crossing, slightly expensive but good food, arrival on time and easy disembarkement. We hope to use your company again.
"Visit by motorcycle in Corsica "
Except the fierce and loud vibration of the ceiling panel in one of the "Pullman Chairman spaces" in the rear of the ferry, everything was fine. If they would have asked us if we wanted to sit somewhere else, (without those annoying noises) the 6-hour crossing would have been perfect.
"Go for a cabin"
Everything was perfect and I would recommend the cabin because we had experience of both the worlds without on the way and return we had the cabin(less noise and shower) Large vessels are much better than the smaller.
"First crossing"
First crossing. Well organized when embarking/disembarking. Excellent price and quality ratio of the cabins, friendly staff. CAUTION: We did not take advantage of the catering so we can not judge.
"Nice boat, Staff need improving"
Good overall crossing. Nice boat but what needs to be improved is the check in and reception staff speak little or no French and smiles are non existent, and the tone of the staff speak is pretty rough.
