There's nothing I like more than travelling long-haul on a ferry; relaxing on deck with a cold beer, fine dining and enjoying the facilities - all very civilised.
So, having spent a very enjoyable few days in the Sicilian town of Palermo, the longest ferry crossing available to me at the time was with Grimaldi Lines aboard the luxurious Zeus Palace on her northbound voyage to Livorno on Italy's western coast, a twenty hour voyage.
Palermo is a fantastic destination, one which I'd certainly revisit at the earliest opportunity.
The town its self offers wide tree lined pedestrianised boulevards sheltering alfresco dining areas for numerous independent restaurants plus a myriad of shops and hotels to choose from.
However, top tip, go for a stroll to the old town to the east.
You'll find a charming area which offers an abundance of historical buildings.
Linking the two is an attractive marina with a waterfront path to a children's beachside play area flanked by beautiful colourful bougainvillea.
Time to head to the port.
A large port with many ferry routes, unlike Moby Lines, Tirrenia and GNV which berth literally across the road from Palermo town, Grimaldi Lines is based at the western end of the port; a bit further away but walkable.
Now, you can access the port via its main entrance opposite Palermo town where you'll find good signage directing tourists to the right ferry berth.
Alternatively do what I did and head west along the dual carriageway which separates the port from the town where you'll find a secondary entrance which gives direct access to the Grimaldi berth.
Foot passenger embarkation commences two hours prior to departure.
Should you arrive early there's a pavement café hidden amongst the trees directly opposite the ports western entrance which offers a WC and an exterior canopy to shelter from the heat - there are no café areas within the port closer to the Grimaldi berth.
Let's get aboard.
Foot passenger check-in is actually on board the ship.
Having entered the port's western entrance simply follow the pedestrian foot path from the security gate which will lead you between the concrete crash barriers and the security fence of the restricted area.
These concrete barriers are important for your safety as the western end of Palermo port is a hive of activity with many articulated lorries darting around & cargo containers being moved by port equipment.
You'll come to a porta-cabin where you need to present your passport / ID and booking reference to a security officer - it's not necessary to have a printed paper copy, just show the officer your emailed confirmation on your phone - this is very handy if you're backpacking around Europe like me and don't have access to a printer.
You'll be directed to ships stern vehicle ramp where to one side you'll enter the ship through a dedicated door for foot passengers.
Your booking confirmation is checked again prior to ascending a somewhat mammoth stairwell / escalator combo.
For those in a wheelchair you'll find a dedicated stairlift to one side - how good is that!
The ships' reception is located on a sub-level and is accessible 24/7; a bright and spacious area with brilliant white floor tiles and oversized portholes allowing natural light to illuminate the area.
The friendly personnel within the reception will be able to assist you with any queries you may have.
You'll then continue upwards to the ships' main passenger deck which is aptly named Europe Deck.
A further wheelchair stairlift is available to elevate you to this level.
At the top of the stairs you'll find a welcoming lounge area where, during embarkation, friendly Grimaldi Line personnel will greet you and direct you to your overnight accommodation.
The aforementioned lounge offers clusters of tub chairs and a collection of gaming machines.
Time to make myself at home
All passenger amenities are located on two decks with the restaurants, bars and lounges on Europe Deck (Deck 5) whilst the lido can be found on the deck above meaning navigation is very easy and as you've probably guessed, those passengers with walking difficulties are very well catered for aboard Zeus Palace owing to many stair lifts being available.
However, being a voyage of around twenty hours the first thing you are going to want to do is locate your accommodation, whether it's a cabin with private ensuite bathroom or, like me, a modest reclining seat as I'm travelling 'Deck Class'.
Onboard Zeus Palace you'll find both inside cabins (no window) and outside cabins (with a window).
Owing to the length of the voyage and baring in mind many hours are during the day, I would suggest opting for the later as this will give you a private 'homely' space to call your own & be able to watch the passing vistas.
All cabins however offer private ensuite facilities, power socket and four beds - two of which will be bunk beds.
Fancy splashing out?
You are on holiday after all!
Zeus Palace has a range of Superior Cabins which offer more space than the standard inside & outside cabins but offer a double bed and a sofa.
Of course, they too have private ensuite facilities but also benefit from having a TV and mini-bar.
If you require an adapted cabin Zeus Palace also offers accommodation for those with reduced mobility i.e cabins with wider doors to facilitate a wheelchair.
If saving money is more important and you are looking for a budget friendly option of travelling, why not travel Deck Class, like me.
You are allocated a reclining seat within a dedicated lounge which offers plenty of legroom, luggage racks and nearby WC, though no shower facilities.
The good thing about travelling Deck Class is the arm rests actually stow-away therefore, if the seat next to you is not booked you can spread out and use several seats as a bed but top tip, bring a light weight blanket with you to make your journey more comfortable.
Also, as a side note, this is the only area aboard which has carpeting.
Alternatively you can travel 'true' deck class and bring your own accommodation.
This wasn't me although I may consider it for another trip!
Time to explore
The great thing about ferry travel is beautiful vistas are guaranteed so, heading up to the exterior deck to watch the sail-away is a 'must do' and get some selfies to send to your friends and family - don't forget to hashtag a2bviasea.
Zeus Palace has a deck bar which is open during daylight hours and serves a wide array of soft and alcoholic beverages plus hot drinks.
This area is a real social social hub where you can chat to friends and family and listen to the music being played through the speakers and raise a toast to a wonderful time in Sicily.
Plenty of seating adorns the area adjacent to the bar and being covered by the deck above you can shelter from the heat of the Mediterranean sun whilst still getting plenty of fresh sea air.
Aboard Zeus Palace you'll find something quite remarkable - an exterior plunge pool with adjoining jacuzzi - is this really a ferry or a cruise ship?
Their beautiful teak surround make an ideal area to lounge in the hot Mediterranean sun with a cooling beer or cocktail whilst paddling your toes in the pool.
Being a lido with full height glazed walls the heat during the daytime is extreme; the bare metal decks enhance this so, partial shade has been thoughtfully introduced with overhanging deck coverings on the port and starboard sides.
The small Wellness Centre massage room can be found within the same area offering a range of pampering treatments.
Truly vast exterior decks can be found on Deck 7 both fore and aft and accessed via several flights of stairs from the lido. From these elevated positions you can truly admire the passing vistas.
The area at the forward end is actually above the bridge and offers seating and a very much appreciated windbreak to protect passengers from crosswinds as Zeus Palace powers through the Mediterranean Sea.
The area at the stern has no seating as this is the helicopter winching area - should the need arise.
Promenade areas on the port & starboard sides of the Lido Deck effectively link the two upper decks; WC facilities being available to prevent the need of having to go down to Europe Deck and, if you're travelling with your four legged fury friend, dog kennels are available for a small supplement.
Speaking of pet friendly travel, according to the Grimaldi Lines website pets are permitted in cabins for a small additional surcharge.
In addition to the lido deck bar there are two further bars down stairs on Europe Deck.
Open periodically during daylight hours, Bar Marbella is located within the main window lined thoroughfare.
Having no seating, passengers are encouraged to stand around the waist height island chatting to fellow passengers creating a real social area whilst watching the passing vistas through the oversized porthole shaped windows opposite.
The main bar aboard Zeus Palace is a destination in itself and is open 24/7.
Positioned in a prime location between the two dining rooms it's the ideal location to have a pre or post dinner drink and is arguably the hub of the ship - and the busiest.
Highly luxurious, the royal blue coloured upholstery on the free standing bar stools effectively pops against the brilliant white floor tiles, fixtures & fittings.
The adjacent lounge offers comfortable window lined low-backed sofas and clusters of tub chairs, both of which are covered with fabrics in nautical tones which contrast beautifully against the overall white décor, whilst conveniently placed spotlessly clean chrome and glass tables separate the two.
Wall mounted TV's show Italian and international news channels to allow passengers to keep up with world events during the lengthy voyage.
Vast expanses of mirrored walls effectively bounces the overhead LED lighting around the facility.
If travelling 'Deck Class' you are permitted to sleep here however, some of the window lined sofas have fixed arm rests preventing you from laying down. Plus, as the lights are not dimmed at night it is be difficult to sleep.
More than a mere bar, a large stage and dancefloor dominates one corner providing free evening and daytime entertainment.
Top tip, check the timings of the entertainment and grab a seat in good time as the live singer is very popular.
Time for dinner
There are two dining rooms aboard Zeus Palace.
For good value for money meals in an informal environment head to the self service restaurant.
Owing to it being small for the size of the ship, long queues form in surrounding corridors well in advance of its opening.
The dining room is informal and functional with tables being swiftly cleared by ships' crew. But, being open plan to the neighbouring bar, ambient noise does tend to travel across.
Child highchairs are available should you require the use of one.
Large mirrored panels effectively bounce the natural light from the opposite windows which line the dining room.
The second dining option is the truly jaw dropping a la carte restaurant.
Its full height glazed surround effectively prevents noise from the adjoining self service restaurant and bar from disturbing you however, does mean privacy for those within is lacking.
The interior is bright and spacious with copious amounts of white and cream with warming tones of antique pine and subtle touches of gold coloured fittings which exude luxury.
Oversized circular tables with plump high backed chairs and individual lighting promotes a banqueting experience for its guests whilst they peruse the dishes of the day from the menu.
Having enjoyed a sumptuous meal there's still time to visit the onboard shop - Pandora - before it closes.
Positioned within the Europe Deck thoroughfare, the shop is small though offers a range of travel accessories, reading material and gifts.
Conveniently, the children's play room is located just along the corridor so younger passengers can happily play whilst the adults are perusing the gift selection.
Approaching Livorno the following afternoon passengers gather on the exterior deck.
Passing between the pierheads Zeus Palace gently glides past the dockyard and, to my bemusement, the ferry terminal - where are we going?
Zeus Palace then undertakes a very impressive 180 degree turn within 'Canale Industriale' and reverses between the container ships with a tug standing by.
Eventually, having cautiously weaved through the industrial port we arrive at Darsena Toscana - the basin where Grimaldi Lines berths at the northern end of the port.
As in Palermo, the foot passenger gangway for Livorno is at the stern of Europe Deck.
Now, I cannot stress this enough - ** top tip **
MAKE SURE YOU ARE ONE OF THE FIRST PASSENGERS OFF THE SHIP.
As you've probably guessed, Grimaldi Lines berths MILES away from the city of Livorno which is only accessed via a major road, therefore you will need to get a taxi which you can expect to pay around 20Euro for the 20minute journey.
Therefore, disembark Zeus Palace AS SOON AS POSSIBLE then follow the pedestrian walkway to the taxi rank which is outside the perimeter fence - any dawdling could result in a lengthy wait for a taxi as on my trip only two taxis were waiting for the hundreds of foot passengers aboard.
In summary my lengthy 20hr voyage was great!
Good accommodation, excellent facilities and courteous crew.
Why not [virtually] follow in my foot steps and checkout my YouTube vlog:
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