Excelsior
Operated by Grandi Navi Veloci
Excelsior
Operated by Grandi Navi Veloci
Operated by Grandi Navi Veloci on the Palermo Genoa & Palermo Tunis routes
Excelsior is a passenger ship that can carry up to 2,253 passengers every crossing, reaching speeds of 24 knots in the process. The ferry has a large selection of amenities and attractions that help provide travellers with an enjoyable sailing experience. There is a variety of different restaurants to suit everyone’s taste buds, as well as a duty free shopping centre, games rooms, children’s area, a swimming pool, libraries and conference centre. There is also Wi-Fi onboard so you don’t need to lose contact with the outside world whilst making your trip. There are 387 cabins are available on the Excellent with specially designed accommodation for restricted mobility passengers available.
387 cabins and 38 luxury suites are available onboard the Excelsior for those who choose that little bit of extra luxury on this GNV ship. The comfy accommodation allows you to put your feet up, get some sleep and relax whilst making the smooth sailing. All cabins come with air conditioning, en suite bathrooms, including a shower and hairdryer. The spacious and sumptuous suites also include air conditioning as well as additions such as a television, radio and mini bar and a large porthole to admire the sea views.
This ferry provides travellers with an extensive selection of food and drink options, with an a la carte restaurant, self-service food area and snack bar. The a la carte selection serves up choices for all three courses, with a mix of Mediterranean cuisine, regional foods and international flavours. The self service area contains a fast and informal restaurant setting, with extensive choices to suit all. The snack bar serves up breakfast, lunch, dinner and that something small in between if you are feeling peckish. This includes a variety of meal options and sandwiches, fruit salads and ice creams, to name a few.
The shopping centre provides the chance to purchase gifts and pick up some great bargains on items such as perfume, aftershave, alcohol and other selected items. There are also newspapers, magazines, books, toys and puzzles to help you pass the time on your travels.
The Excellent contains a Games Room with video games or if you are feeling lucky you can try out the slot machines. If you are going away on business, you and your colleagues won’t have to fall behind on deadlines or meetings, as the ship is equipped with a conference centre and meeting rooms. A photographer is also onboard in peak months and you’ll also find a library and a chapel.
A designated Children’s Area can be found on Excelsior so you won’t have any issue in keeping your little ones occupied during your journey.
The ship has been adapted throughout to help travellers with restricted mobility and also has four disabled cabins.
Please Note: Whilst we have taken great care in making our Excelsior 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
59% of our customers recommended this ship
"Do not book with direct ferries "
Gnv good but “direct ferries” are a terrible company
"Palermo > Genova"
Cabin v. comfortable. Disappointed at lack of internet access during voyage. Having to leave cabin & wait in bar *three hours* before arrival not good.
"Terrible"
Not good. No signs on where to go to get to pet or how to get to the ship. No information about the shop. Times of restaurants/ cafeteria opening shutting. Mattress in room mouldy. Staff member not very helpful. Not good at end of journey having to get out of the cabin at least 2.5 hours before even though paid for late departure. No where to sit as every one was doing the same.
"GNV Excelsior Genoa -Palermo"
Good. Cabins are quite small for 4 people but clean and comfortable Pool not functioning. Take books,games,movies in order not to get bored.
"Erste Fahrt mit GNV"
Mittelmäßig, es gibt keine Alternative, deshalb muss man damit fahren
"Car ferry from Genoa to Barcelona"
Finding the entrance to the ferry terminal in Genoa was not easy, the staff casually waved a hand in some direction while talking on their mobile phone. When eventually in correct queue to board, nobody was told we have to check in at the terminal that was an unmarked building some distance away. We took it on our selves to advice other passengers. Driving on board we were so tightly packed that we couldn't open the car doors.!!!!! On board there was very little info on facilities, opening times and position of bars and restaurant on the ship. On the plus side, the staff were friendly and the small cabins were clean.
" cockroaches in the cabin"
The boat is quite basic, and we found a cockroach in our cabin.
"excelent service"
I want to higligth the service, it was excelent, congratulations and thak for this nice trip
"Palermo to Genova"
La Suprema has good facilities, nice cabins, nice deck space. Didn't like disposable coffee cups in bar. Very confusing, chaotic and lengthy loading and unloading
"Organised Chaos"
Firstly, trying to find the reception is not easy. The lack of clear signage in this day and age beggars belief. Even after finding reception trying to find the right entrance to the right ferry is a joke. Disembarking was not much better. Told to be in the ninth floor cafe by 5.30pm with no room to sit down we were finally allowed to go to the cars around 7.45. Then total chaos again as everyone trying to reverse in tight corners to turn their cars around ready to leave. The ferry itself and the cabin were quite nice although it's worth bringing your own pillows. The food was very disappointing.
"Genoa to Palermo - Where is the ferry. "
Great trip, no faults on the sailing. However the instructions from Direct Ferries to the port were wrong. Both email and texts gave the address of the ferry terminal office not the port to board the ferry. Several large vehicles including myself found ourselves in a difficult position to manoeuvre out of this location amongst the heavy traffic. I found the port more by luck so didn't miss my crossing. Given the city's problem with the collapsed bridge Direct Ferries should be been clearer on the address to go especially as I already had a reservation.
"Smell"
Our cabin smelled of dogs the shower head was broken did not report it as we were berry tied and went straight to bed we traveled with this ship before and it had been ok
"suggestions to make your trip more confortable"
if you are driving the embarkation is at Ponte Biagio Asserato, once you arrive you will be guided to the check-in; smooth travel. private vehicles embark last - so no use to arrive very early - or else prepare for a long wait. restaurant facilities are reasonably priced - however somehow all the food was heavily overcooked - so be warned. coffee is fine. our cabin was excellent, not much to do on the boat - so prepare time filling ideas. you are asked to leave your cabin 1 and 1/2 hrs before arrival. effectively can be 2 hrs before you leave the boat. however once docked the exit is orderly. having this information and knowing what to expect we will do this trip again.
"Genoa to Palermo return"
The loading and unloading was unacceptable - too long and chaotic, with virtually no staff to help. It was like our's was the first ferry crossing that had ever been handled. Cabins were good, but going out the cabin we booked had been given away, and another, better we were told, had to be found. Cabins were quiet and comfortable. Food was poor, and the staff a bit surly. Notices and directions on board the ship - which was much too big - were poor, and we didn't find half the facilities. And being corralled into a waiting area for more than two hours after vacating the cabin was a disgrace.
"Palermo to Genoa ferry expereince"
We had low expectations of this trip having read some unenthusiastic reviews - but overall we were more than pleasantly surprised. Bearing in mind this a standard ferry service for essentially working class Italians...(ie def not posh cruise ship....) our experience was.... Efficient and helpful boarding; we were in a cabin with a double bed and sofa - which could have been a third bed. But was clean and comfortable. We ate in both the self service and the restaurant. Both served good food - we were careful in our choosing - ie excellent tomatoes an mozzarella - Pizza not so good. Good melon fruit salad. Good coffee and croissant for breakfast. It was great being able to sit outside. Admittedly not cheap - I think nearly £700 for car, 2 people + nice cabin - but overall a good and fun experience and would def do it again.
"Over and above any kind of service level I would have expected especially as WE were the cause of in"
So within 20 minutes of departure I heard my name called to find the cabin crew to discover my dog had somehow escaped his cage in the kennel. The team that met me were hugely apologetic for this to happen and took me down to the kennels to get him back into his cage (Obviously they didn't know Benji (the dog)) which I was obviously happy to do. Upon getting Benji back into his cage it became clear that there was no oversight by anyone in securing the kennel, but in fact Benji had worked out how to open the lock by forcing his muzzle through the honeycomb link behind the lock and pushing hard against the lock.... Although a very proud doggy dad at this point, it was also evident that he could cause himself considerable injury doing this, so the crew and I agreed that we would have to give him access in the kennel and that I would go down with Sebastien every 10 minutes to ensure he was ok. Cutting a long story short... Benji was of course fine and safe (just not in a cage) and Sebastien religiously ensured that we made sure Benji was ok during the journey despite obviously having other responsibilities. Throughout Sebastien and the other crew were apologetic, genuinely concerned for Benji's well being as well being accommodating as much as safety regulations and a bit of common sense would allow. Although we were the centre of inconvenience (I really do apologise!) Sebastien was amazingly courteous and helpful during the entire trip, as far as customer service and genuine care for the animals he was looking after goes he couldn't have demonstrate more professionalism and empathy for our situation. So... Thanks very much for putting up with a Houdini dog and actually making us feel very well looked after. Sebastien is a keeper, for sure!
"genoa to barcelona"
Nightmare to find the port an address or coordinate on booking form might help. The check in office is a long way from the car checking point up three flights of stairs then through shopping centre and up two more flights of stairs . Waiting to board was a nightmare because people for Algiers leg of journey left their cars hoping to be last on first off . if they are not in their cars leave them behind. The boat finally left two hours later. I think twenty euro's for a beer and what is probably the worst pizza I have ever had is nothing less than daylight robbery . I would not recommend it to anyone.
"Probably won't do this again"
Jorney takes around 21 hours and I decided to take a seat rather than a cabin. There was plenty of space so sleping across 3 seats didn't look like a problem. Unfortunately there was a woman who woke up screaming and shouting during the night. The other lounges were closed as was the cinema so there was nowhere else to sleep. cattering staff were totally miserably whilst serving up overpriced and not very good food.
"Trip between Genoa and Palermo"
It should be better.
"Disgraceful"
Awful, being dragged out of our room three hours before docking is an absolute insult and then the chaotic disembarkation. Watch for my comments in the press, your company is a disgrace
"Superba lives up to its name"
The luxury three berth, outside cabin provided spacious and comfortable accommodation for a lengthy crossing. We enjoyed the food at the ‘ A la carte restaurant ‘. The time between having to vacate the cabin and disembarkation is far too long ( up to three hours ).
"Journey OK but the lunch-time experience was a complete shambles"
The cabin accommodation and journey from Genova to Palermo on April 7-8 were fine, as usual, but on this journey, the lunch arrangements were disappointing and shambolic. We intended to eat in the restaurant with full service, as we have done on a number of occasions. We were told the night before that we couldn't book, but when we turned up at 13.00, only half an hour after the restaurant opened, the restaurant had a 'Full' sign up on the door, despite there being several empty seats visible. This is first time this has ever happened to us in 5 years of using the ferry twice a year. Against our wishes, we were forced to use the self-service restaurant, but the queue was so long that we had to wait 45 minutes to be served. As usual the food was pretty mediocre. This was very unsatisfactory and seemed to indicate a great deal of disorganisation on the part of the management and staff.
"Palermo to Genoa Ferry"
The positives are that the ferry does indeed get to its destination and it was a calm, smooth crossing. Our three-berth suite was a good size and the shower was warm. The negatives are - everything else. This is the second time we've sailed this route and there was no improvement. The stress starts straight away as there are no signs in the ferry port to direct you to where you need to go and what to do. The staff don't seem to get tired of re-directing and explaining the procedure, to their credit, but some signage would be appreciated. When we drove on we had a highly excitable Sicilian shout at us repeatedly because we didn't follow his hand signals (he was behind our van - we couldn't see him or understand him. Luckily he also couldn't understand us when we swore at him) . The 'system' is chaotic. On board, most facilities were unavailable as it was low season. If you're taking bookings, you provide a service no matter the time of year. Unacceptable. Even the shop is shut most of the day for 'lunch'. So lazy. The restaurants are only open a limited time, are over-priced and the food is cold, basic and prepared using the cheapest possible ingredients. Three slices of plastic cheese costs €7. Take your own. The wifi is also extortionate and based on data usage rather than time. The worst thing about the whole journey though is that you have to be out of your room nearly three hours before you dock. That's three hours, sitting around, with nothing to do, on uncomfortable chairs. Make sure you have plenty to keep you occupied. You can pay for late check out - it's another 20 or so euros they're wringing out of you but it does make things more comfortable. You have to do this in advance. Overall this ferry is something of an endurance exercise. To make it bearable, be prepared.
"Late check out "a joke""
The only issue I have is that I paid extra for late check out, don't bother they only allow you 15 minutes extra than a normal checkout. Personally I think checkout of your cabin is too early anyway, they could allow you longer in your cabin.
"Poor experience "
This ship on the outbound crossing was so cold in the cabin. There was not even a blanket on the beds I had to ask for them. Food and drink was really expensive.
"Ship and trip fine, as usual"
As a repeat (several times) user of this service (both ways) I would recommend this. You can now ask for a cabin which it's ok to take the dog in, rather than the austere kennels that used to be mandatory. Good text messaging to notify of any delays (the day before, a delay due to extreme weather). The only issue is the signing to the port entrance at Genova. Cracked it at the third attempt, but it is not at all clear. Maybe direct ferries could include a gps of the port gate.
"Poor Communication"
I was traveling from Malta to the UK (which I have done several times previously) and because of bad wether I was told as I boarded the ship it was delayed by 4 hours. As I had booked hotels on route to the uk this info concerned me. I went to speak with the reception once on board to confirm what I had been told they said this was correct. I asked if there was any chance the leaving time would be brought forward and was told definatley not. It is now 2330 and I decided to cancel my hotel and rebook closer to Genova which was my de-busing point because the new arrival time was now 2359 instead of 2000 hrs. I then went to my cabin to get some sleep after a long day. I was very annoyed when I woke the following morning to find the the ship had set sailed at around 2359 and therefore arrival time in Genova was going to be only 1 hour late. I need not have changed my hotels if I had known. Communication between the Captain and staff in this instant was non existent. I do not right reviews however in this case because my options of sailing from Palermo to Genova are very limited I am stuck with GNV which I use at least a couple of times a year. I have been on several of their ships over the years and I can honestly say if there was an alternative company that I could use that fits in with my schedule I would use them. This example is typical of Italian organisation. Staff are often not as helpful as they should be, food in restaurants is very basic, cabins whilst are generally clean but are often lacking in basic maintenance, even when we are told to leave cabins and go to the lounges prior to disembarking the bar staff are rude to us because we are sitting down and they are trying to clean and hoover all around. I could go on about my experiences but I don't feel the company will sort itself out. Will I use them again the answer is yes because I have no other options that fit with my schedule. Do I recommend then to other travellers the answer is NO.
"Travelling from Malta to the UK"
We have stayed in Malta for the past two summers. We travel to and from by car using the route Genoa Italy to Palermo Sicily on the 'Grandi Navi Veloci' because it cuts down the driving miles. The ship is large and sturdy and the embarking and disembarking was extremly well managed. The ship's interior is satisfactory and the cabins are well worth purchasing for the journey,as it is 21 hours, they are warm and clean with a great shower & toilet room. On an hotel rating it's around 3-4* but this trip is reasonably priced. Self service type food is expensive and gets cold easily but they've provided microwave ovens by the tables for your use. There is an a la carte restaurant if you want too. They provide entertainment in the main bar, which is usually a singer/pianist, this time was a very talented man who sang but made his one keyboard sound like an orchestra, people even got up and danced. We slept really well and managed a siesta too so were able to drive without an overnight stopover from Genoa to the UK. I am hoping that the company will consider trips directly to Malta as it has a large port which would easlily accomodate the ship's size.
"Good Trip"
The crossing was very good and the staff were very helpful. Will use again.
"disappointing"
This was our first trip by ferry and sadly disappointed.On the way to genoa the ship was good, on time, etc The meals that we paid for on booking doesnt show that there is little or no choice in what you can have , everything else was classed as extras. The cabin was good on the way out of Genoa to Tunis but rubbish on the way back as well as the sailing being cancelled for 1 week, with no refund for the inconvenience or extra expenses incurred.
"Complete chaos - GNV Civitavecchia - Palermo Return Termini Immerese - Civitavecchia."
We are frequent users of other ferries and especially Brittany Ferries. This GNV is grossly expensive, poorly organised and poor quality everything. Food - very little available at a 19.00 sailing from Rome, and the small cafe is right next to large smokers hall. We pre booked meals on return journey and what poor quality so much so that all we had to eat was a cold potato salad, tomatoes and two pears with a cold drink. 20euros each! Breakfast was 10 euros for one tiny roll, croissant and weak coffee. Boarding - complete chaos and downright dangerous boarding and embarking. No lines to park in so every person for themselves. People skipping the queue, lorries pushing in and no direction of when or where to go. I am very surprised our car was not hit. Cleanliness - cabin was dirty - cleaners don't believe in vacuuming corners where all the dust collects. Cabins - no efficient means of air control. It was a Greek ferry on return - signage poor and this where the food was atrocious. None of the shops were open for the whole of the 16 hour journey. Both ferries were late leaving and late arriving and yet they expect you to be at the ferry port to collect your ticket at least two hours before. Why on earth can't they email your ticket like Brittany Ferries do. Appalling value for money - I suggest one of your representatives travels with Brittany Ferries to see what quality looks like and then visits GNV ferries.
"Una pessima esperienza"
Descriverei la mia esperienza con Grandi Navi Veloci una delle peggiori della mia vita. La cosa più vergognosa di tutte è il customer service, assolutamente inesistente. Staff incapace non solo di lavorare ma anche di comunicare con passeggeri stranieri. Svogliati, scorbutici, hanno fatto sentite me e non solo, quasi stessero facendo un favore a servirci. In aggiunta, attaccando alle 5:45,siamo stati costretti ad abbandonare sala poltrone e cabine e aspettare in un corridoio per quasi due ore, lascio immaginare il caldo e la scomodità. In conclusione, il viaggio peggiore della mia vita.
"Great way to travel"
The ship was on time and the crossings went without a hitch. The facilities were good and food and service were good. The loading and unloading were typically Italian. Loved it.
"perfect for pets"
perfect if travelling with a pet
"Travelling To malta"
Food was ok for a ship and pool was closed but other then that good way to travel to Sicily
"An Almost Wonderful Experience"
I have used this service at least half a dozen times.....It is generally very good.......but it could so easily be made a wonderful experience.....by making only one change....and that is to the timing of the service. At the moment departure is between 23.00 and 24.00 and arrival is between 20 and 21 hours later.....at 19.00 to 20.00... These timings are generally theoretical....and the service can be late....sometimes very late. Last week I finally GOT OFF the boat (my car was on the lowest deck) at 23.55....with a minimum 2 hour drive in front of me through icy night weather to my hotel. This not the first time this has happened to me. I shudder to think what happens to those with connections to make or found that their hotel did not have a 24hr reception. By making the timing of the service say, 4 hours earlier OR 12 hours later than at present then the service could be PERFECT.......Best Wishes
"Our crossing"
We enjoyed our crossing to Genoa with you.The only complaint I had was that the food package was disappointing.The food was stone cold.When we complained they said put it in the microwave.By the time one was warm the other was cold.Good food spoils espescially fried fish.
"Great trip"
Our cabin was roomy and clean with a nice big window. The shower was good - temperature easily adjusted and warm quickly. A word of advice on booking meals. We paid for three meals up-front and wished we hadn't. The boat left at 23.00 hours and one of the meals was scheduled for 9.30 pm onwards before the ship left. Only two of the meals were for the following day: we had expected all three on the next day. You get the meals at the cafeteria. No fancy garnishes but tasty and plenty to eat at lunch time. Breakfast is small and the coffee is poor. Staff on the ship pleasant and friendly. All in all a voyage I would be pleased to do again.
"Road trip"
Slept well only because we were absolutely shattered, tv and lights on all night in sleeping area. Food situation diabolical. Poor quality, very limited choice at very limited times. Eatery's and bars randomly open and shut. Difficult to plan food. Great price for ferry. Staff didn't speak to us. I would use again but I would reccomend food be taken with them.
"Genoa to Palermo"
Travelling to Malta from the United Kingdom with two cats in the car, we have found the most comfortable route is to drive through France and into Italy as far as Genoa where we take the Grandi Navi Veloci ferry to Palermo, in Sicily (and from there on to Malta) thus cutting out the very long drive through Italy to cross to Sicily at Messina. The ship is well equipped, we have never yet encountered any movement (the ship must have very efficient stabilisers as we have travelled in all weathers at all times of year). We choose to pay extra for a "pet-friendly" cabin where we can have the cats with us (the cheaper option is to put the cats into special kennels on the ship). It's not cheap but well worth the money for nearly 24 hours' sail and a good, comfortable sleep in very comfortable beds after a long journey and we are ready to continue onwards refreshed.
"good experience"
Organised,well equiped and comfortable way to use this farry!
"departure from Genoa"
In Tangeri Marocco 20/10/2015 - perfect!!!
"Judge"
All went good, compliments.
"Bad food"
They served bad, cold and expensive food.
"We liked it."
We were foot passengers (two people). Boarding in Barcelona was organized and on time. We got the room key easily and found the room (3 person cabin). Room including toilet/shower was clean. Plenty big for 2 people (we've stayed in smaller rooms in London!). We carried on our own food, so we did not eat except we had a cappucino in the morning of arrival. The boat in general was ok. Some of the facilities like the pool and different entertainment rooms were closed and not very clean. But we did not care much. Arrival was slightly earlier than scheduled and again was organized in a similar manner as the boarding in Barcelona so it was not a total chaos. The only really annoying thing was that they make you wake up at 6am and sit around the lounges for more than 1 hour before arrival.
"Good service, a time saver."
I just sailed with a Pullman seat, a little noisy but not too crowded and I was able to get a decent nights sleep. We arrived early and all went well.
