The Naples to Palermo overnight ferry now utilizes faster equipment. The daily year-round service operates in each direction at 20:45, arriving next morning at 6:30 (less than 10 hours). High-season fares include the following: reclining seat for 44.67 Euros; Double Outside Cabin for 79.53 Euros per person. Fares lower in low and middle seasons. Extra cost for automobiles and other vehicles.

GAC thanks for posting. Did you get this info from the website? Last time I checked it wasn't updated for 2002 rates. <BR>We're considering taking the ferry from Palermo to Naples this summer to avoid wasting the better part of a day driving. I've seen a couple of posts here from people who had good things to say but I have one concern. Do the cabins have windows that can open or air conditioning? I'm thinking that a cabin could get pretty stifling without some kind of ventilation, especially if it's humid. Anyone know?<BR><BR>Also, how exactly does the reclining seat opton work? Is it located out on deck? Is there some kind of secure storage for luggage if you're not in a cabin? <BR><BR>Thanks Maddy

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trying one more time...

The information is taken directly from the www.tirrenia.it website. The fares are for high season. Lower fares are available. Reclining seats are located indoors, in large auditoriums. It is somewhat like being in a movie theatre. The seats are comparable to those on airplanes. You can see a color photo on the Tirrenia site. The cheapest "Ponte" seats outdoors (often under canopies, wood or plastic, not upholstered, 40.03 Euros in high season) are sold as a last resort, only when all other seats have been sold. I don't believe that there are secure areas for luggage storage outside of cabins, but I could be mistaken. These large and modern ferries naturally have full dining facilities.

GAC thanks...the information is really helpful. When you described the reclining seats as sort of like a movie theater the light bulb went on and I had to laugh at myself...I did see that picture on Tirrenia's website and thought it was a movie theater

Topping for Maddy's benefit

The two new ships on this route, Vincenzo Florio and Giovanni da Rubattino, carry 1500 passengers and 700 vehicles, travel at 23 knots, and displace a whopping 30,800 tons. Service is daily, year-round. Air conditioned cabins with private facilities can be reserved; otherwise, there are reclining seats in large auditoriums. Restaurant, cafeteria, movie theatre and shops.

The Florio and Rubattino measure 175 meters in length and 26 metres in width, so they are large ships.

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