Balearia Ferry Review: From Alcudia to Barcelona
Planning a ferry crossing from Mallorca to mainland Spain? You’re probably wondering what to expect from the Balearia ferry service. After recently completing the journey from Alcudia to Barcelona with my partner Stuart and our son Ben, I can share exactly what this popular route offers, from the good surprises to the practical tips you need to know. We had driven to Mallorca, getting the GNV ferry from Barcelona to Palma and spending 10 days in Mallorca, so this was the start of our journey home.
Our family discovered that this crossing delivers far more comfort and enjoyment than we expected, though there are some things we wish we’d known beforehand. From seating choices that can make or break your comfort to onboard facilities that might surprise you, here’s everything you need to know about the Balearia ferry from Alcudia to Barcelona.
Just to note this Balearia ferry pictured at night above is not the one we went on, but instead one we saw previously. I do not have one of the ferry we travelled on other than the images below.
Our Balearia Ferry Journey: The Basic Facts
We boarded the 12:45 departure from Alcudia, arriving in Barcelona around 7pm, a journey time of approximately six hours. The timing worked perfectly for our family, giving us a full morning driving from our hotel to Alcudia and arriving in Barcelona with enough time to reach our hotel before dark.
The car loading process was straightforward, though I’d recommend arriving at the port with plenty of time to spare. The port building has desks for each of the ferry companies such as Transmed and Balearia Ferry, so you can ask any questions and also toilets, which were much needed after our drive. The staff efficiently guided vehicles onto the ferry, and we felt confident our car was secure for the crossing.
For our tickets, we chose the most basic option, standard seating without reclining seats or a cabin. This decision was partly budget-driven and partly because we weren’t sure how much space and comfort we’d actually need during the day crossing.
As it turned out, this choice worked well for our family, though the seating situation varied significantly depending on where you positioned yourself on the ferry. In hindsight, I would have paid for the reclining seats, especially if the weather might not be good enough for the deck, as the other seats were very uncomfortable!
Our ticket for the three of us and our medium-sized car cost about €270 on the Ferryhopper website. We booked a couple of months in advance, so I am not sure how much the prices vary.
Seating Options
The standard seating on the Balearia ferry comes in two very different experiences. The basic indoor seats weren’t particularly comfortable, functional, but not designed for a six-hour journey. I found them especially uncomfortable after having driven to the port, so after an hour, we were all ready to explore other options. We found the restaurant area, which was more comfortable, but space was limited.
The real gem, however, was the top deck area. This outdoor space transformed our entire Balearia ferry experience. The solid wooden benches and tables came in both regular height and bar-style options, giving us flexibility in how we wanted to spend our time. The wooden furniture felt sturdy and comfortable, a significant upgrade from the indoor plastic seating.
What made the top deck truly special was its thoughtful design. Artificial grass created a pleasant, relaxed atmosphere that felt more like a resort than a ferry. Sun loungers were available for those wanting to catch some rays. The bar area provided easy access to refreshments without having to trek through the indoor areas.
We spent most of our journey on this deck, and I can’t recommend it highly enough. The fresh air, comfortable seating, and scenic views made the six hours pass quickly. I was glad of my Kindle, Stuart played games on his phone, and Ben watched videos on his phone and played games. We also had an ice-cream, watched boats in the sea and just chatted about our holiday.
Seasickness Fears
I’ll admit it, I was genuinely worried about seasickness before this journey. The six-hour crossing on a Balearia ferry seemed like plenty of time for the motion to affect me, especially since I’d experienced queasiness on shorter boat trips before. I came prepared with sea bands and travel sickness tablets, expecting the worst.
To my surprise, the crossing was remarkably smooth, especially on the top deck. About halfway through, I felt confident enough to remove my sea bands entirely, something I never thought I’d do on a boat.
The ferry’s size and stability, I assume, contribute to this comfort level. This isn’t a small pleasure craft bouncing over waves; it’s a substantial vessel designed for regular passenger service. Even passengers who typically struggle with motion sickness seemed comfortable throughout our crossing.
If you’re worried about seasickness, this route should give you confidence. The Mediterranean is generally calmer than many other seas, and the ferry’s design prioritises passenger comfort. Still, if you’re particularly sensitive, bringing remedies won’t hurt; better safe than sorry.
Food
We made the decision to bring our own food, primarily because we weren’t sure what onboard dining would offer and wanted to control costs. This proved to be a sensible precaution, but I was pleasantly surprised by the food options available on this Balearia ferry.
The onboard restaurant and shop offered a reasonable selection that went well beyond basic snacks. Fresh sandwiches, hot pizzas, sweet treats, and pastries provided options for different tastes and budgets. The quality appeared decent, though prices were what you’d expect for captive-audience dining, higher than onshore but not unreasonably so.
For passengers who prefer not to carry food or want a hot meal during the journey, the onboard dining will meet your needs adequately. The bar area on the top deck also served drinks and ice-creams, which was convenient.
Entertainment: Plan Ahead
Mobile phone signal disappeared shortly after leaving port and didn’t return until we approached Barcelona. For most of the six-hour crossing, we were completely disconnected from the outside world.
The ferry’s wifi was weak and unreliable. While it technically existed, the signal strength and speed made it essentially unusable for anything beyond basic messaging, and even that was hit-and-miss. Streaming videos, checking social media, or staying connected with work simply wasn’t possible.
This digital disconnection turned out to be something of a blessing. I spent considerable time reading on my Kindle, which had been charged and loaded with books before departure. Ben, on the other hand, wished he had downloaded more films!
My advice: download everything you want for entertainment before boarding. This includes offline maps for when you arrive in Barcelona, any videos or shows you want to watch, music playlists, and games for children. Bring physical books, cards, magazines, or newspapers as backup entertainment.
The Top Deck
The top deck became our favourite, and it deserves special mention on this Balearic Ferry review. The artificial grass might sound gimmicky, but it actually created a pleasant atmosphere. Combined with the wooden furniture and Mediterranean views, it felt more like relaxing in a coastal resort than travelling on a ferry.
There were plenty of sun loungers, but I think they quickly got taken so if you want them I would aim to go straight there when you board. The layout provided both social areas around the tables and quieter spots for those wanting solitude.
Weather plays a crucial role in enjoying this space. We were fortunate with clear skies, bright sunshine and gentle breezes. If rain or strong winds had developed, we would have been forced back to the less comfortable indoor seating. Check the weather forecast before your journey and have a backup plan if outdoor conditions turn poor.
The bar service on the deck was efficient and friendly, and the drink prices were reasonable for onboard service. Having refreshments readily available made our deck experience even more enjoyable. The bar was not open for the whole journey so this is worth checking when you board.
Practical Tips for Your Alcudia to Barcelona Ferry
Based on our experience, here are the essential tips for making your Balearia ferry crossing as comfortable as possible:
Arrive early at the port. Vehicle loading takes time, and you’ll want to secure good seating once aboard. The best spots on the top deck get claimed quickly.
Bring layered clothing and sunscreen. The top deck could be breezy, especially as evening approaches. What feels comfortable in the afternoon sun might be chilly as you near Barcelona. We, however, found it very hot and needed sunscreen!
Pack entertainment that doesn’t require internet. Books, magazines, downloaded content, and games will save your sanity during the connectivity-free hours.
Consider bringing food, but don’t stress if you forget. The onboard options are adequate, though bringing your own gives you more control over timing and cost.
Arriving in Barcelona
Our 7pm arrival in Barcelona worked perfectly for our schedule. The port is well-connected to the city centre, though if you’re driving, be prepared for busy evening traffic. Having our car meant we could head directly to our hotel without worrying about public transport with luggage.
The vehicle disembarkation process was organised and efficient. Staff guided cars off the ferry in an orderly manner, and we were back on Spanish roads within 30 minutes of docking. I drove to the hotel we had booked in good time, ready for a night of rest before a full day in Barcelona the following day, before driving on to Claremont-Ferrand.
Is the Balearia Ferry Worth Choosing?
After our Alcudia to Barcelona crossing, I can confidently recommend the Balearia ferry for families like ours. The six-hour crossing gave us time to unwind, enjoy each other’s company, and transition gradually from holiday mode to travel mode.
The ferry works particularly well if you’re travelling with a car, as it eliminates the complications and costs of separate vehicle transport. For families with children, the space to move around and the outdoor deck area provide welcome relief from confined seating.
However, this route isn’t ideal if you’re in a hurry or need to stay connected for work. The time commitment is significant, and the lack of reliable internet makes it unsuitable for business travellers who need constant connectivity.
The cost comparison with flying depends on your specific circumstances. When you factor in airport transfers, baggage fees, and the convenience of taking your car, the ferry can offer excellent value, especially for families. We loved it as part of our road trip adventure.
Would you go on this Balearia ferry?
We loved every bit of our holiday, including this ferry trip. Is it something you would do? Could you drive to Mallorca and get the ferry instead of flying? We absolutely would recommend it. Of the two ferries we preferred this one to the overnight one, but they both have different advantages.
If you’re considering this route, I’d definitely recommend this Balearia ferry as a family-friendly, stress-free way to travel between Mallorca and Barcelona. Just remember to download your entertainment first!
