Nice-Corsica ferries?
 

Has anyone ever taken the Nice to Ajaccio, Corsica ferry line? I have consulted the SNCM website for timetable and port information, but it only lists a "Marseille-Toulon-Nice" ferry but does not indicate when it stops in Nice. Also, where would I catch the boat in Nice - at the old harbor or down by the cruise ship area? Are there several ferries departing during the day? If anyone has taken this ferry, could you please advise? I will be traveling with my 2 1/2 year old (whose fare should be free). Merci beaucoup!

Suzanne,<BR><BR>Is this the site you checked?<BR><BR>http://www.riveria-ports.com/english/corse.htm

Francie: Thanks for the website tip - it gave me more information on the Nice port details. It still refers one to the main SNCM line for the boat schedules; however, I think the problem is that SNCM doesn't have a schedule up beyond December 2002 so it is unable to get information. I will refer back as it gets closer to my trip. Thanks again!

There is no "Marseille-Toulon-Nice" ferry. There are 3 different routes, from Marseille, Toulon and Nice to Corsica. In Nice, the ferry or catamaran leaves from the old harbor.

Hello Suzanne,<BR><BR>Have you tried this one?<BR>www.corsicaferries.com<BR><BR>I believe they run a Nice-Ajaccio service.<BR><BR>Hope this helps ...<BR><BR>Steve

Suzanne, could I pop in here and ask for some input on anyone who's been to Corsica. How would it be for a relaxing few days?? Thanks...

Hi again Suzanne,<BR><BR>Your welcome. Hope you find what you are looking for and then some.<BR><BR>Good luck, and enjoy your crossing to Corsica.<BR><BR>Francie

Pierre - I suggest you post your question as a 'new' question. I'm sure you'll get some answers then.<BR><BR>Steve

There are two operators from Nice to Corsica - www.sncm.fr and www.corsicaferries.com. Both go from the old harbour in Nice, but from opposite sides (SNCM on the east, Corsica Ferries on the west side). Schedules vary from day to day, so you need to look up a specific date to see what times they run that day - sailings are much more frequent in summer as traffic is very seasonal. I went overnight from Nice to Ajaccio a year ago in one of Corsica Ferries' new MEGA EXPRESS ships, and slept comfortably in a cabin; it was out of season so I didn't book in advance but bought the ticket at the port.

Thank you all for your input and info. I tried going to Corsica from La Spezia, Italy (La Spezia-Bastia) this last July but the boat lines were closed down due to strikes and underpayment of workers. The next closest port of departure was in Livorno further south. I opted out and decided to go this next year and will leave from France instead. From the information gleaned from the referral websites, the fast boat (NGV) between Nice and Ajaccio only takes 3 1/2 hours. I have heard from many that Corsica is very lovely and more Italian than French. As a Napoleon fan, I am looking forward to seeing his birthplace and surrounding area in Ajaccio. :)