Arrival in Sardinia

The overnight ferry from Genoa to Olbia is a mini-cruise lasting approximately 12 hours, relaxing for parents and exciting for children. Before departure, it’s worth visiting Genoa’s historic old town and the port, before boarding begins around 8 PM. We drove up the wide ramp, through the large, two-storey gate into the ship’s belly, over several ramps and increasingly lower decks, until we were finally directed to a parking spot – so tight that the vehicle occupants could barely open their doors and get out. Everyone then streamed towards the stairwell, where narrow steps led up from the hot cargo hold, reeking of oil, petrol, and diesel, to the passenger decks.

We picked up our cabin key and settled into a 4-berth outside cabin, as after several hours of driving, we could enjoy some restful sleep and start the day refreshed in Sardinia. Immediately afterwards, we headed to the upper deck bar for a fresh beer and watched, fascinated, how many travellers, including families with small children and older generations, cats or dogs, spread out their blankets and air mattresses for the night in the corridors and on the sun loungers on the upper deck. Around 10 PM, the ferry left the harbour, offering us a fascinating view of nocturnal Genoa and the Ligurian coast.

The night passed peacefully and without any significant swell. Around 6:30 AM, loudspeaker announcements and stewards woke the guests, so that all passengers could pack their belongings in time and disembarkation could proceed smoothly. We quickly went up to the upper deck, where we enjoyed a cappuccino and croissant while watching the sunrise over Olbia Bay. It wasn’t long before the ship entered the harbour and all passengers rushed to the cargo hold to their vehicles, where the cars drove in a long queue through the decks out into the fresh morning air of Sardinia, scattering to their destinations across the island.

More pictures of Sardinia in the gallery