Jean Nicoli ferry

HSF Jean Nicoli ferry is a Ro-Pax passenger vessel (HSF=high-speed ferry) owned by SNCM Maritima Ferries and operated under charter by the France-based company CORSICA LINEA. The ship has a max capacity of 1052 passengers and 600 cars (or 90 cars plus 130 trucks/trailers). The vessel was launched in 1998 and currently operates on the France-Corsica ferry route Marseille-Porto Vecchio (crossing time 13,5 hours) and on the France-Sardinia route Marseille-Porto Torres (crossing time 17,5 hours).

Cabins

As cruise ferry, Jean Nicoli has 213 cabins (Inside or Outside, accommodating up to 4 passengers), most of which located on Deck 6 forward. Of these, 12 are "Luxury" staterooms (Suites located on Deck 8). All staterooms are air-conditioned, soundproof, with en-suite bathrooms (toilet/shower/washbasin, hairdryer), lower and upper bunk beds (wall-mounted), bedside table/cabinet with stool or chair, mirrored vanity (small writing table with chair or stool), phone, wall-mounted reading lamps. The ferry company provides bed linens, towels, and toiletries.

Outside cabins are with bay window. Suites additionally offer as amenities HDTV (satellite reception), mini-bar, double bed, 2-seater sofa. Some staterooms are wheelchair-accessible (cabins adapted for disabled passengers). The boat additionally offers a total of 181 reclining seats (aircraft-type seats in reserved seating lounge on Deck 7) available for pre-booking.

TNT television is available in all staterooms and in the bar lounge. All passengers must vacate their staterooms 30 min prior to homeport arrival.

Shipboard dining and entertainment options

As facilities (most of which located on Deck 7), the Jean Nicoli ship offers:

• The ship has two main restaurants - A La Carte Restaurant (250-seats, open from 7 pm to 9:30 pm), and Self-Service (Buffet) Restaurant. Both venues feature panoramic (floor-ceiling) windows and are suitable for quick meals prepared by French master chefs. Personalized menus are also available, offering dishes made with gluten-free products.
• Snack Bar (Cafeteria / Patisserie) is open year-round and sells sandwiches, cakes, pastries, fruit salads, yoghurts, ice cream, hot/cold drinks.
• Children's Room is a kids-dedicated indoor playground equipped with a large HDTV (for watching cartoons), bean bags, small tables with chairs, toys, games, ball pool pit, supervised activities.
• The Sun Deck has Solarium area with a heated swimming pool (open only during summer months), sunbathing area (sun loungers, deckchairs), outdoor seating (small tables and chairs). It is served by an outdoor pool bar named La Paillote (fast food, snacks, cocktails, beer, soft drinks). As highspeed ferry, the ship's sundeck area is protected from winds by transparent glass walls.
• The ship also has Disco (glass-dome covered nightclub on Deck 8), Video Games Room (arcade machines, football table), Piano Bar (live music performances), Internet Cafe.
• The Reserved Seating Lounge (on Deck 7) is fitted with comfortable Pullman seats (fully-reclining armchairs) and large TVs. There are also two exclusive Truck Driver lounges (restaurant, bar lounge).
• Onboard shopping options include a Shopping Arcade with several retail shops (boutiques and Mini Market) selling at discount prices alcohol (spirits, wines), tobaccos, premium-brand perfumes and cosmetics, designer jewellery, fashion clothing and accessories, footwear, designer watches, handbags, sunglasses, personal hygiene products, travel essentials, confectionery, snacks, toys, books, magazines, electronics and gadgets, special occasion gifts and souvenirs.
• (Lobby Deck) ATM/cash machine is located next to the Reception (Information Desk). Onboard Wi-Fi service is paid, available on Decks 5, 6, 7 and 8. WiFi packages can be purchased online (upon ferry bookings) or on the ship (at the Reception). WiFi service is available on all CORSICA LINEA ships.
• The top-deck is a Heli Deck with a helipad (helicopter landing area used in cases of emergency).
• The vessel offers plenty of outdoor deck space. Infirmary (ship hospital) provides 24-hour nursery service.
• There are also 2 large closed rescue boats, 2 medium-sized boats, semi-rigid boat, and life rafts.

All onboard emergency instructions are displayed in staterooms, on the TV screens and at the ship's assembly stations (aka muster stations). Life jackets are issued at the assembly stations. In cases of emergency, the use of elevators/passenger lifts is forbidden.

Pets on the ship

Travelling with pets/domestic animals are allowed on all CORSICA LINEA ships. For dogs and cats are available dedicated onboard lodgings. Other animals (rabbits, birds, hamsters, etc) must be in passenger-owned carriers.

• Animals are not allowed in staterooms, seating lounges, bar lounges, and all public rooms. Animals are allowed only on outer decks, where they can be walked by their owners.
• During ferry booking, passengers have to select "Pet up to 6 kg" for animals travelling in pet cages and not requiring kennels. The "Pet over 6 kg" option is for animals needing onboard kennel (which must be booked in advance).
• During the crossing, animals are nourished by the owners. Water is provided by the crew. Animals must be maintained by the owners, who are obliged to remove excrements or any other uncleannesses produced by the animal.
• Visually impaired passengers travel with their guide dogs at no extra cost. Guide dogs are allowed in the cabin. Disabled passengers or those with reduced mobility can also be accompanied by assistance dogs.

Car decks

As freight, CORSICA LINEA ships allow transportation of semi-trailers, lorries (with or without drivers), cars, motorcycles (only as freight, without drivers), caravans, camper vans (without drivers), cargo containers, mobile machinery, boats (on cradle), industrial products.

Follows a list of car decks-related safety procedures:

• Disabled passengers or those requiring specific assistance should visit the ship's Information Desk (open 24-hours).
• Apply handbrake and place the vehicle in park or 1st gear position. Switch off the ignition, alarm, electrical equipment, headlights. Gas cylinders, if any, must be switched off. Lock the vehicle.
• From your vehicle take only valuables and essential hand baggage.
• Make a note of your vehicle's location and garage deck number/stairway before leaving the car deck.
• Access to the ship's vehicle (cargo) decks during the voyage is prohibited.
• Smoking on vehicle decks, as well as in cabins and passenger lounges is forbidden.
• Wait for the onboard announcement before returning to your vehicle.

In order to avoid air pollution, don't start the engine until instructed.

The shipowner Corsica Linea (fleet, 2016-founded, headquartered in Ajaccio, Corsica) is a French shipping company operating exclusively on Mediterranean Sea routes connecting mainland France (Marseille) with Corsica Island (France), Sardinia Island (Italy) and North Africa (Arab Maghreb - Algeria and Tunisia).