With a towering, powerful profile with attractive rounded lines, Mega Smeralda dominates the skyline within the confines of Bastia harbour.
Formerly known as Color Festival, a large 1980's built Baltic cruise ferry, her bright sunshine yellow hull continues her historical colourful theme, hence the name of this blog.
We start our eleven hour northbound voyage to Toulon in the south of France in the Corsican town of Bastia; a beautiful enclave surrounded by colourful hillside properties painted in pastel shades amongst pine and olive trees beautifully framing the azure blue Mediterranean Sea - when the sun is shining.
And the best thing, you can walk to these beautiful attractions from the ferry - why fly and land miles away?!
Let's get aboard
Travelling deck class, the budget friendly option for the overnight northbound voyage, my booking was made online directly through the easy to use Corsica Ferries website only hours before departure - that's the great thing about travelling by ferry; you can pack a bag and just head off on an adventure.
Walking towards the port the sight of the giant cruise ferry alongside her berth filled me with awe and excitement as this will be my home until mid-morning tomorrow.
Unusually, it is also necessary to check-in online before arrival at the ports North Terminal however, just like the initial [last minute] booking this was easy and stress free and was actually done from my modest mobile phone whilst sipping a cold beer in a waterfront bar near the port.
Upon arrival at the modern glass fronted [North] ferry terminal I simply present my confirmation and passport to the friendly staff before embarking a wheelchair friendly shuttlebus which takes foot passengers to the ferry berth.
Upon arrival at the berth one walks over the lowered stern vehicle ramp to the stairs/escalators which takes passengers up too Deck 4 and its aft hall.
A former Baltic cruise ferry from the 80's, her layout is instantly familiar with cabins dominating the lower passenger decks with public amenities above.
Transiting the numerous wide aisles of deep blue coloured carpeting, this deck primarily houses ensuite cabins fore and aft.
Once the last foot passenger is aboard doors seal off the foot passenger corridor
Amid ship you'll find the ships reception with adjacent glass fronted shop which was sadly closed throughout the voyage, along with a gaming arcade and children's play room.
First impressions count and this area instantly made me feel at home with its warm and inviting ambience, deep pile carpeting and muted lighting - it felt as if I was in a plush urban hotel.
Beautiful wide staircases with smoked mirrored walls and polished brass handrails give access to the passenger facilities on the upper decks and if you have walking difficulties there are countless elevators.
Time for a bite to eat, I'm hungry!
There are many dining options to choose from aboard Mega Smeralda however, most are only open on a seasonal basis or when passenger capacity warrants.
On my northbound voyage the only facility open was the main self service cafeteria located amid ship on Deck 7.
Open periodically for breakfast, lunch and dinner the servery offers numerous counters offering a delicious range of well presented meals.
For my evening meal I sampled paella - incredibly tasty with fresh and moist seafood, a summer fruits tart with mouth watering raspberries and a good beer.
The dining area is predominantly decorated in nautical tones with teal coloured seat coverings and wall panels with blue patterned carpeting.
Windows spanning the length of the dining room allow natural light to illuminate its interior.
A Large playroom occupies an area at the aft end and being surrounded by seating, parents and guardians can relax nearby safe in the knowledge their children are safe.
Long queues develop at peak times, particularly at breakfast therefore, top tip, head to the front of the ship where you'll find an additional, more formal restaurant which flanks a corridor giving access to the jaw dropping split level show lounge.
An additional buffet is located at the aft end of Deck 7 however, again was closed throughout my journey.
Mega Smeralda is an overnight cruise ferry so, let's checkout her entertainment venues.
The aforementioned split level lounge dominates the forward end of both Decks 7 and 8 and offers a giant wall of glass providing spectacular views over the bow.
The interior of this facility is simply palatial with gold coloured fixtures & fittings, royal blue furnishings and spectacular balcony - it looked so posh I genuinely felt I didn't belong and couldn't go in!
However, I needn't have worried as EVERYONE is welcome.
A stage with piano offers sophisticated sedate entertainment but, when party time beckons a large wooden dance floor with inlaid decorative compass enables passengers to dance the night away under the overhead disco lights.
Dual curved stair cases with polished brass hand rails flank the stage and give access to the beautifully sculpted mezzanine level above which offers a separate deck jutting out towards the wall of glass seemingly allowing the outside in - is this really a ferry?!
Dedicated areas are provided for those passengers in wheelchairs - everyone is catered for.
Neighbouring booths with highly comfortable urban inspired sofas provide a social setting for passengers to sit together and make new friends.
Clusters of tub chairs enable couples to quietly sit together; attentive, polite and very friendly bar staff will take your beverage order and bring it directly to your seat.
A secondary bar which has a façade resembling a 1950's ocean liner and an interior not too dissimilar to a traditional British pub is located on Deck 8 adjacent to the entrance to the upper level of the show lounge alas, was closed during my voyage.
Accessed from a short, modest and unassuming flight of stairs with convenient wheelchair lift you'll find the truly impressive Sky Bar & Lounge up on Deck 9
Offering an exceptionally bright and airy atmosphere, giant floor to ceiling walls of glass are counter levered over the exterior deck below offering uninterrupted views of the passing vistas.
In the evening this lounge comes alive; twinkle lights adorn the ceiling and the windows become a work of art mirroring the interior lights.
A centralised vaulted ceiling with overhead skylight offers the perfect position for a cinema screen to show, on my voyage, LIVE sporting events.
Terraced lounges with individual armchairs cascade towards the windows from this centralised area enabling all patrons to marvel at the passing vistas over the heads of others.
Adorning one corner, crescent sofas and bar stools occupy the area on the port side adjacent to the bar.
Although you can order a beverage from the bar why not make yourself at home in a seat of your choice - and there are many to choose from - and place your order with one of the attentive and immaculately presented staff who will come to you. What a fantastic venue to enjoy a pre or post dinner drink!
Top tip, a continental breakfast is served in the Sky Bar - a great location to sip a cool refreshing freshly squeezed orange juice, rich coffee and indulge a flaky croissant whilst watching your approach into port.
A further lounge is located at the stern of Deck 8 however, was closed during my voyage. These photographs were taken through the windows of the adjoining exterior deck to give you an impression of what is available - seemingly having a 1970's vibe.
Differing to the open plan and free-flowing layout of Deck 7 below, Deck 8 is more confined and has lengthy narrow corridor running fore / aft.
Numerous conference rooms are available for corporate functions; the doors locked on my overnight voyage so I was unable to view inside.
One of these conference rooms however has been converted into a backpackers dormitory for those travelling 'Deck Class' and would be the location where I'd spend the night.
Void of furniture and luggage racks this style of travelling offers a fun and social environment for those looking for a budget friendly option of travelling - just bring an inflatable Lilo and sleeping bag
Some backpackers truly embrace the 'Deck Class' experience and prefer to sleep under the stars which, on a balmy summer's evening, is brilliant - this wasn't me by the way however, I am tempted to do this next time!
Don't worry, Mega Smerelda does have a huge array of differing types of ensuite cabin accommodation for those of you who prefer their creature comforts.
Unfortunately, I was unable to gain access to any to photograph their interior for you.
Being of a certain age, Mega Smeralda offers an exceptional amount of exterior deck areas on numerous levels which is ideal for a wonder, stretching your legs and breathing in the fresh sea air.
A bar can be found at the aft end adjacent to the funnel and is a great location to watch your departure from the port raising a toast to a new adventure.
Open periodically during the voyage the bar closes around 2300hrs and reopens bright and early so passengers can enjoy a strong morning coffee - very handy if, like me, you didn't sleep too well.
Tables and chairs are available to make this area a facility and destination in its own right - it's worth the 'up hill' hike to reach this vantage point.
Travelling with your four legged fury friend? Well, they too are welcome and aboard Mega Smeralda you'll find a dedicated area for dogs complete with toilet & post.
The towering Mega Smeralda provides an excellent vantage point for our approach into Toulon - one of the largest harbours in Europe hence the reason why this is the principle base for the French navy.
The ferry terminal, home to Corsica Ferries, is located at the eastern end of the French city.
The sympathetically designed low height ferry terminal effectively disappears into the surrounding landscape.
The great thing about this route is upon arrival in Toulon there are no customs or immigration formalities therefore, you can simply disembark the cruise ferry, walk out of the port and straight into the city to enjoy all it has to offer - how good is that!
Why fly and land (literally) hours away; the closest airport being Hyeres which is a small regional facility well over an hour away by bus.
Toulon is a wonderful city to visit; the community is so friendly and welcoming to tourists - one lovely lady bought me a coffee as I couldn't find my little bag of Euro coins to pay for a hot drink I had ordered in a café.
It also offers a flourishing street market full of fresh locally grown fruit and vegetables and many independent shops within the pedestrianised streets.
Have I tempted you to make the journey?
Why not curl up and [virtually] follow in my foot steps. Here's my vlog:
Why not follow my European adventures on Instagram, link below
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