GNV vs Baleària vs Corsica Linea: Which Ferry to Choose in 2026?
You have chosen your destination and your departure port. One question remains: which operator to choose? GNV, Baleària, Corsica Linea, Trasmediterranea... Each has its strengths and weaknesses. We compare everything.
Operator comparison table
| Criterion | GNV | Baleària | Corsica Linea | Trasmediterranea |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nationality | Italy | Spain | France | Spain |
| Morocco destinations | Sète, Barcelona, Genoa → Tanger Med, Nador | Sète, Barcelona, Algeciras → Tanger Med, Nador | — | Algeciras → Tanger Med, Ceuta |
| Algeria destinations | Sète → Algiers, Béjaïa | — | Marseille → Algiers, Béjaïa, Skikda | — |
| Tunisia destinations | Genoa, Civitavecchia, Palermo → Tunis | — | Marseille → Tunis | — |
| Vessel size | Very large (2,000+ pax) | Large (1,500 pax) | Medium (1,200 pax) | Medium (1,000 pax) |
| Cabins | Wide choice (interior, exterior, suite) | Interior, exterior | Interior, exterior | Basic |
| Restaurant | Self-service + à la carte | Cafeteria + bar | Self-service + à la carte | Cafeteria |
| WiFi | Paid (Sea&Fi) | Paid | Included (basic) | Paid |
| Loyalty programme | myGNV (20% cashback) | None | None | None |
| Pets | Kennel on board | Kennel on board | Kennel on board | Subject to conditions |
| Price (indicative) | Medium-high | Medium | Medium-high | Low |
GNV (Grandi Navi Veloci): the leader for long crossings
GNV is the Italian operator that dominates long crossings to the Maghreb. It is the most common choice for French families boarding at Sète.
Strengths:
- The largest network of routes to Morocco, Algeria AND Tunisia
- Spacious vessels with many services (swimming pool on some vessels)
- myGNV loyalty programme with 20% cashback
- Launch promotions in March-April (up to -40%)
Weaknesses:
- The longest crossings (36h Sète-Tanger Med)
- Expensive and slow WiFi
- Expensive on-board restaurant
- Customer service can be slow
Ideal for: families wanting choice and comfort on long crossings.
Baleària: the modern challenger
Baleària is the Spanish operator on the rise. Its LNG (liquefied natural gas) vessels are the most modern in the Mediterranean fleet.
Strengths:
- The newest and most eco-friendly vessels (LNG)
- Sète-Tanger Med crossing slightly shorter (~34h vs 36h)
- Presence on short routes (Algeciras, Almería, Motril)
- Good value for money
Weaknesses:
- Fewer long routes than GNV
- No loyalty programme
- Less choice of cabins
- No crossings to Algeria or Tunisia
Ideal for: those who prefer modern vessels and short Spain-Morocco routes.
Corsica Linea: the Algeria specialist
Corsica Linea is the historic French operator for crossings to the Maghreb from Marseille. It is essential for Algeria.
Strengths:
- Departure from Marseille (convenient for the south of France)
- The only French operator on Algeria routes
- Shorter crossing to Algiers (~21h vs 24h with GNV)
- Basic WiFi included
Weaknesses:
- Only from Marseille
- Prices often higher than GNV
- Older vessels
- High demand in summer = sells out very early
Ideal for: travellers to Algeria from the south of France.
Trasmediterranea: the king of short crossings
Trasmediterranea is the historic Spanish operator for short crossings between Spain and Morocco.
Strengths:
- The highest frequency on Algeciras-Tanger Med (several departures/day)
- The lowest prices (from €39)
- No need to book far in advance
- Fast crossing (1h-1h30)
Weaknesses:
- Only short Spain-Morocco routes
- Basic comfort (no cabins on short crossings)
- Ageing vessels on some routes
Ideal for: those travelling via Spain who want the fastest crossing.
Which operator to choose depending on your destination?
For Morocco from France
- GNV or Baleària from Sète (long crossing, comfortable)
- Trasmediterranea or FRS from Algeciras/Tarifa (if you drive down to Spain)
For Algeria
- Corsica Linea from Marseille (the most direct)
- GNV from Sète (alternative if Marseille is full)
- Algérie Ferries from Marseille (the national operator)
For Tunisia
- GNV from Genoa or Civitavecchia (the most choice)
- CTN from Marseille or Genoa (the Tunisian national operator)
Can you pay in 4 instalments regardless of the operator?
All these operators are available on Bladia.com. By booking via Bladia, you benefit from payment in 4 instalments with no fees (from €500) and ANCV holiday vouchers, whatever operator you choose.
This is an exclusive advantage: the operators' own websites (gnv.it, balearia.com, corsica-linea.com) generally do not offer instalment payments.
Compare prices from all operators →
Frequently asked questions
Is GNV reliable?
Yes. GNV (Grandi Navi Veloci) is an Italian company founded in 1992, a subsidiary of the MSC Group. It carries more than 2 million passengers per year in the Mediterranean. Delays are possible (as with any maritime operator) but remain rare.
Is Baleària cheaper than GNV?
Prices are very close on the same routes (Sète-Tanger Med). Baleària may be slightly cheaper in low season; GNV offers more promotions in high season via the myGNV programme. Always compare both on Bladia.com.
Does Corsica Linea accept holiday vouchers?
Not directly on their website. But by booking your Corsica Linea through Bladia.com, you can pay with ANCV Connect holiday vouchers and in 4 instalments with no fees. Find out more →