GNV Ferries Review: Barcelona to Palma Overnight Journey
Planning a trip from Barcelona to Mallorca? An overnight Barcelona to Palma ferry might be the perfect solution. We recently sailed with GNV Ferries from Barcelona to Palma and lived to tell the tale. Here’s everything you need to know about this budget-friendly way to reach the Balearic Islands with your car in tow.
The GNV Bridge ferry offers a practical overnight crossing that gets you and your vehicle to Mallorca without the hassle of flying and hiring a car. While it’s not a luxury cruise, it does exactly what it promises: safe, affordable transport across the Mediterranean. Our family of three found it surprisingly comfortable, and the convenience of having our own car waiting for us in Palma was worth every penny.
If you’re considering this route for your next Spanish adventure, this honest review will help you decide whether the GNV Barcelona to Palma ferry is right for you. I’ll cover everything from booking and boarding to sleeping arrangements and what to expect during your nine-hour journey across the sea.
About GNV Ferries and the Barcelona to Palma Ferry
GNV (Grandi Navi Veloci) is one of Italy’s largest ferry operators, connecting the mainland to islands across the Mediterranean. Their Barcelona to Palma service runs regularly throughout the year, making it a reliable option for families, couples, and solo travellers heading to Mallorca.
The overnight Barcelona to Palma ferry departs around 9.30 pm from Barcelona’s port and arrives in Palma at approximately 6 am. This timing works brilliantly – you can explore Barcelona during the day or drive down from elsewhere as we did, have dinner, then board for a good night’s sleep before waking up in Mallorca.
We drove from the UK to Mallorca, so this was part of our road trip. The GNV Bridge Barcelona to Palma ferry can accommodate both foot passengers and vehicles, from motorcycles to large motorhomes.
Booking Your GNV Ferries Journey
Booking our Barcelona to Palma ferry was straightforward through the Ferryhopper website. You can choose from several accommodation options, including deck seats, reclining seats, or private cabins. We opted for a three-bed inside cabin, which cost around €270 for our family of three plus our car.
The booking process asks for passenger details and vehicle information, including dimensions and registration. Make sure you have your passport details handy, as these are required for all passengers. You’ll receive booking confirmation and boarding instructions via email.
We found Ferryhopper’s website easy to navigate, though it’s worth booking well in advance during peak summer months when prices rise and availability becomes limited. The earlier you book, the better the rates, especially for cabin accommodation. We booked the overnight Barcelona to Palma ferry and a daytime Alcudia to Barcelona ferry to return.
Getting to Barcelona Port
Barcelona’s ferry terminal is located in the Port Vell area, easily accessible by car or public transport. If you’re driving, follow signs for “Port” and then “Terminal Ferry.” The port area is well-signposted, though Barcelona’s one-way streets can be tricky if you’re unfamiliar with the city or lack confidence driving in Spain.
Arriving at the port, we found that collecting our Barcelona to Palma ferry tickets was remarkably easy. The GNV staff were friendly and helpful, speaking English well enough to assist with any questions. The check-in process was efficient, with clear instructions about where to go next. We asked for disabled parking on the ferry to ensure space for Ben to open his door and this was easily arranged.
Parking near the terminal before boarding is organised by vehicle type. Cars queue in designated lanes, while motorcycles and larger vehicles have separate areas. The staff direct you to the right spot, so there’s no guesswork involved.
Boarding the Overnight Ferry to Mallorca
Boarding began about an hour before departure, with vehicles all following a lead vehicle around the port to the ferry. The drive onto the ferry was straightforward, though quite steep – first gear and lots of accelerator essential! The car deck is well-organised with clear instructions of where to park.
Once parked, you collect your belongings and head up to reception to get your cabin key. This process was swift and efficient, with minimal queuing. The staff will point you towards your accommodation.
We immediately dropped our bags off in the cabin, then headed to the deck to watch Barcelona’s skyline as we departed. The timing couldn’t be better – seeing the city lights twinkle as you sail away is genuinely magical. The bar area provides the perfect vantage point for photos and a drink.
Cabin Accommodation Review
Our inside cabin on the Barcelona to Palma ferry was compact but functional, equipped with three beds (one a bunk), a small shower, toilet, and basin. Originally a four-bed cabin, one bed was locked away, giving us one lower bunk with no bed above, so you could sit more comfortably. The beds weren’t luxury hotel standard, but perfectly adequate for one night.
The cabin felt clean and well-maintained, with basic amenities provided. Storage space was limited, so pack light for cabin luggage.
Air conditioning kept the cabin comfortable. While you can hear the ship’s engines and occasional corridor noise, it wasn’t disruptive enough to prevent sleep. All three of us managed a decent night’s rest.
Onboard Facilities and Amenities
The GNV Bridge Barcelona to Palma ferry offers basic but adequate facilities for an overnight crossing. The main deck features a bar area with seating, perfect for enjoying drinks while watching the sea. The bar stays open until late, serving simple snacks, coffee, beer, wine, and spirits.
A small shop sells souvenirs, perfumes, aftershaves, snacks, and basic toiletries. Prices weren’t cheap but reasonable for onboard retail. The selection includes Mallorca-themed gifts and travel essentials you might have forgotten.
The deck area provides outdoor space for fresh air and sea views, with basic seating arranged around tables. This becomes particularly pleasant during departure and arrival, when you can watch the coastlines of Spain and Mallorca. Indoor seating areas offer alternative spaces to relax if the weather turns.
Food and Dining Options
The onboard restaurant serves a buffet-style dinner and breakfast, though we didn’t try either meal. Many passengers seemed to eat before boarding or brought their own snacks for the journey. The bar serves light bites including sandwiches, crisps, and sweets.
The bar staff were friendly and efficient. Prices reflected the captive audience situation but weren’t unreasonably expensive.
For families on a budget, bringing your own snacks and drinks is perfectly acceptable. There’s no restriction on bringing food aboard. The seating areas provide comfortable spaces to enjoy your own refreshments.
Sleep Quality and Comfort
Despite our initial concerns about sleeping on a ferry, all three of us managed reasonable rest during the crossing. The Mediterranean was relatively calm, so motion wasn’t a significant issue. The ship’s stabilisers seemed effective at reducing rolling and pitching.
The beds were firm rather than soft, similar to budget hotel accommodation. Pillows and thin blankets were provided, though bringing your own pillow might improve comfort. The cabin temperature remained pleasant throughout the night.
Noise levels were manageable, mainly consisting of engine hum and occasional footsteps in the corridor. By morning, we all felt reasonably refreshed and ready for our Mallorca holiday.
Arrival in Palma, Mallorca
Arrival in Palma harbour around 6 am when it is still a little dark, an early arrival means you have the full day ahead for exploring.
Disembarkation was well-organised. The process of leaving the ferry and driving off was smooth and efficient. Port staff directed traffic clearly, and the exit to the port was quite close to the ferry, so we were soon driving the roads of Mallorca.
Having your own car immediately available in Palma is incredibly convenient. You can drive straight to your accommodation, explore the island at your own pace, or head directly to beaches and attractions.
Costs of the Barcelona to Palma Ferry – My Thoughts
Our total cost of €270 for three people plus car represents excellent value. The ferry price includes your transport, accommodation for one night, and vehicle transportation. When you factor in hotel savings and car hire elimination, the overnight ferry to Mallorca is a great choice.
Practical Tips for Your GNV Ferries Journey
Pack a small overnight bag for your cabin, as returning to the car deck during sailing isn’t permitted. Include any medications, phone chargers, and comfort items you might need. The cabin amenities are basic, so bringing your own toiletries ensures you have preferred brands.
Arrive at the port with plenty of time for check-in and boarding. While the process is efficient, Barcelona traffic can be unpredictable, especially during the summer months. Having extra time reduces stress and allows you to settle in properly.
Consider bringing entertainment for the crossing. While the journey passes quickly, having books, tablets, or games helps pass the evening hours. The ship’s WiFi is very patchy, so download any content you want to watch beforehand.
My overall thoughts
The GNV Barcelona to Palma overnight ferry provides reliable, affordable transport to Mallorca. While it’s not a luxury cruise experience, it efficiently gets you and your vehicle across the Mediterranean while you sleep.
For families, budget travellers, and anyone wanting the freedom of having their own car in Mallorca, this ferry route offers excellent value. The convenience of departing Barcelona in the evening and waking up in Palma creates an easy travel experience that actually adds to your holiday adventure.
Is there anything I have missed that you would like to know about the Barcelona to Palma Ferry? Please let me know in the comments below, and I will do my best to help.
