The ferry is no longer just a means to travel from one port to another. More refined cabins, dining, entertainment, family services, and more efficient technologies are transforming the journey into an experience increasingly similar to that of a cruise. A «cruisification» that comes as, in parallel, also ferry prices continue to rise.

According to Federconsumatori, in the central weeks of August, a family of two adults and one child spent an average of 18% more than last year when choosing a cabin, and 15% more when opting for an armchair. Compared to May 2026, increases reached 78% and 82% respectively.

Not only fuel and operational costs affect fares; companies are investing in on-board hospitality, improving both comfort and services. This is the case for Gnv Aurora, the new unit from Grandi Navi Veloci, which features children’s areas and entertainment, souks dedicated to Moroccan craftsmanship, gourmet restaurants, and cabins that, at least in the best accommodations, approach cruise ship standards.

The transformation also involves technology. Gnv Aurora is the second ship in the Gnv fleet powered by LNG and is equipped for cold ironing, the system that allows engines to be shut down in port by connecting to the electrical grid.

The Inauguration of Gnv Aurora

GNV Aurora was recently inaugurated in Tangier with an event that took on a much broader significance than the simple presentation of a ferry. «We want passengers to be treated like kings», declared Mohammed Kabbaj, Gnv’s Moroccan partner, in front of Italy’s Ambassador to Morocco Pasquale Salzano, godmother Federica Pellegrini, Gnv’s CEO Matteo Catani, and Gnv and Msc Group’s Executive President Pierfrancesco Vago.

Gnv’s choice of Morocco is far from accidental. The country is among the fastest-growing African economies, and Tangier has become one of North Africa’s main logistics hubs. In recent years, airports, roads, and railways have been upgraded, including high-speed rail between Tangier, Rabat, and Casablanca. In 2030, Morocco will also host the FIFA World Cup, together with Spain and Portugal, with the expectation of a further acceleration in tourist flows.

Gnv Aurora – which has already begun its service connecting Tangier and Genoa, via Barcelona – has been joined on the same route by Gnv Virgo since last July 1st. The two ships are part of Gnv’s 1.3 billion euro fleet renewal plan, a plan that foresees four more units starting from 2027, always operating on the Italy-Morocco route.