Naples to Palermo
 

What is my best option to get to Palermo from Naples by boat or ferry? Is there a website or company I should contact on information about this? I am trying to figure out how much it will cost us (one way) and how long it will take to get there.
Thanks.

There is Tirrenia that has a ferry boat that departs every day from Naples, night trip, arriving in Palermo the following day. The ferry has got only first class service. Here is their service. You can book in any Tirrenia agency. I suggest to book a couple of days earlier if you will travel on week ends or around some holidays. You can also get some good fares depending on the days of travel.
http://www.gruppotirrenia.it/default.htm

The Tirrenia overnight car ferry has both cabins and reclining seats, which are less expensive. The service is daily, year round, at 20:45, arriving the next morning at 6:30. Fares vary according to season and type of accommodation. The ferry displaces over 30,000 tons, so it's quite a large ship. Cabins should be reserved. During August, there are additional daylight departures on the weekends. See: www.tirrenia.it

There is also a daily seasonal catamaran service operated by SNAV Lines (referred to as "Sicilia Jet") (mid April to mid October only, varies slightly each year) which carries both passengers and automobiles and makes the crossing in 4.5 hours during daylight hours. Departures from Naples at 16:30, subject to cancellation during rough seas. The boat displaces 5,000 tons, and is rather noisier than the car ferry (though twice as fast). Fares vary by season and day of departure. Only reclining seats, no cabins. See www.snav.it

CORRECTION: The "Sicilia Jet" Catamaran operated by SNAV Lines apparently operated this year from 29/05 through 30/09, a shorter time span than in previous years (there may have been sporadic service outside of these dates). Dates for 2004 have not yet been announced, but should be similar to those for 2003. Contact SNAV or booking agent for exact details.

The fares for the Tirrenia overnight car ferry between Naples and Palermo for a RECLINING SEAT are as follows:

Low Season: Euro 39.08
Middle Season: Euro 43.99
High Season: Euro 47.61

Most departures are "low season"
Select departures during late July through the end of August are "high season"
Select departures during certain weekends and during the summer months are "middle season"
The Tirrenia website indicates seasonality for each day of the year, so it's possible to calculate the exact fare.

Fares for private cabins (with facilities) are higher, and cabins should be reserved, particularly during the summer.

The daily summer-only fast Catamaran service operated by SNAV between Naples and Palermo has been cancelled for 2004.

Overnight car ferries continue to be operated daily by both Tirrenia and SNAV.