Friday 7.9.2012 was the date for my inaugural trip on board cruise ferry IKARUS PALACE, I had seen the ship for the first time in Barcelona a couple of months back, top photo, and I felt really excited because she looked such a beautiful ship, would never guess that two months on I would be sailing on her from Barcelona to Livorno. IKARUS PALACE is owned by MINOAN LINES but on charter with GRIMALDI LINES, she does a weekly round trip Livorno/Barcelona/Tangier, calling once more Barcelona on her way back to Italy, the operators rely very much on freight, containers and unaccompanied trailers. Once on board the ship I was really pleased with the ships layout and passenger facilities, she really looks like a cruise ship, plenty outdoor space not very common these days unfortunately, with a swimming-pool situated aft resembling cruise ships and liners. The crew is from Greece, however the Hotel services are secured by mainly very attentive staff from Philippines and Honduras. A closer inspection to the vessels interiors indicated that some of the rooms are in need of a complete refurbishment, it would be a shame not to intervene soon as the deterioration is quite at an advanced stage. the food is far from good as well, the reserved area for reclining-seats with its toilet facilities are in my opinion the worst area of the ship in need of a complete make over. Future posts will show the colourful and smart mediterranean style decor of the ship. For further information on IKARUS PALACE please see my post dated 13.7.2012. The route operated by IKARUS PALACE has such a great potential, Barcelona is Barcelona, Tuscany is easily reached from Livorno, Pisa is less than 10 miles away and Tangier gateway to the beautiful country of Morocco, this blog is committed from now on to do everything possible to promote this service.
