When we were preparing to do our trip from Dubrovnik, Croatia to Bari, Italy, we struggled to find real accounts of what to expect, so we’re happy to be able to share our experience in the hopes it can help other travellers feel ready for their trip!
We took Croatia to Italy overnight ferry on Deck Class, and here are the tips and tricks we learned along the way!
WHY CHOOSE THE OVERNIGHT FERRY?
Overnight ferry travel can often be more budget-friendly than alternative means of transportation. It combines your travel and accommodation costs into one, and it can feel like a bit of an adventure on its own!
We took the Jadrolinija ferry from Dubrovnik to Bari. This route is only available between early May and mid-October and only runs once a week during this period. Make sure you time your trip accordingly. The ferry ride takes about 9-10 hours in total.
Other routes between Croatia and Italy — like between Split, Croatia and Ancona, Italy — are available year round.
CHOOSING YOUR CLASS: DECK, RESERVED, OR CABIN?
There are three options when selecting your voyage: Deck Class, Reserved Seats, or Cabin Class.
The primary considerations will be cost and comfort, and which you would rather have more of! Here’s what to consider:
DECK CLASS
This is the least comfortable but cheapest option. You will be sleeping on hard surfaces in an open, shared space. It can be difficult to get a good sleep, but it is the most economical option.
DECK CLASS PROS:
- Cost-Effective: Deck class is the most budget-friendly option, making it a great option for travellers looking to save money.
- Social Interaction: Deck class is a shared space, making it easier to meet and socialize with other travellers (though please be respectful of everyone else around you and keep your voice quiet).
- Basic Amenities: While limited, deck class provides essential facilities such as shared bathrooms, vending machines, and access to outdoor deck areas to get fresh air.
DECK CLASS CONS:
- Limited Comfort: The primary drawback of deck class is the lack of comfortable sleeping arrangements. Passengers sleep on hard surfaces, such as deck chairs or the floor, which can be uncomfortable and make sleeping difficult. Travellers can bring their own sleeping gear and personal items to make themselves comfortable. We saw several passengers with blow up mattresses and pillows, etc. (We managed by sleeping on carpeted floor in the bar area, with some soft blankets).
- Noise and Disturbances: It’s common to experience noise and disruptions from other passengers, making it challenging to get a good night’s sleep.
- Limited Privacy: Deck class offers little to no privacy. Your personal belongings may be exposed and strangers will be walking around you throughout the night as they make trips to the bathroom or vending machines.
RESERVED SEATING CLASS
This is the option between Deck and Cabin Class. You will be assigned a reclinable seat for you to spend the night. The area is set up much like an airplane, with rows of seats.
RESERVED SEATING PROS:
- Affordable Comfort: Reserved seating class provides a compromise between deck and cabin class in terms of cost and comfort. Travellers can enjoy more comfortable seating arrangements without the cost of a private cabin.
- Privacy: While not as private as cabins, reserved seating typically offers designated seating areas, providing a more personal space compared to the deck class.
- Basic Amenities: Passengers in reserved seating class have access to shared facilities, including restrooms, outdoor spaces, and dining areas.
RESERVED SEATING CONS:
- Limited Privacy: Although more private than deck class, reserved seating class still lacks the complete privacy of cabins, and your personal belongings will be more exposed.
- Noise Levels: Noise levels may vary depending on your specific seating area and fellow passengers. It may not be as quiet as cabins.
CABIN CLASS
For the most comfortable experience you can book Cabin Class. Your cabin can sleep up to 4 people. You can choose between an Inside Cabin (with no windows)
CABIN CLASS PROS:
- Privacy: Cabins provide private sleeping quarters, offering a quiet and personal space for travellers to relax and rest.
- En-suite Facilities: Most cabin class accommodations come with en-suite bathrooms, ensuring convenience and comfort.
- Comfortable Sleeping Arrangements: Cabins typically feature comfortable beds or berths, ensuring a better night’s sleep compared to the hard surfaces in deck class.
CABIN CLASS CONS:
- Higher Cost: Cabin class is more expensive than deck class, which can be a significant factor for budget-conscious travellers.
- Less Social Interaction: Cabins tend to be more private, so travellers looking to socialize with others may find fewer opportunities to do so.
The choice between these classes depends on your preferences, budget, and the type of travel experience you seek. Deck class is perfect for budget-conscious travellers who don’t mind sacrificing comfort for affordability. Reserved seating class offers a more comfortable seating option without the full expense of a cabin. Cabin class provides the most comfort and privacy but comes at a higher price. When deciding, consider the duration of your journey, your need for privacy, and your tolerance for budget-friendly accommodations.
WHAT TO EXPECT ON DECK CLASS
As budget backpackers, we opted for the cheapest option to get us from Dubrovnik, Croatia, to Bari, Italy. Here’s what you can expect if you choose Deck Class, like us!
BOOKING TICKETS
It’s definitely recommended to book your ferry tickets in advance. You can book online at the Jadrolinija website, or in person by visiting the ferry port ahead of time. Having your tickets in hand will save you time and ensure a smoother boarding process. We actually stopped by the terminal in the morning of our trip to get our tickets printed ahead of time to save some time waiting in line (but that’s not necessary).
ARRIVING AT DUBROVNIK PORT
The overnight ferry departs Dubrovnik from this port. If you’re taking deck class, plan to arrive at the ferry port a few hours early. This will give you ample time to check-in and prepare for your journey. Our ferry departure was scheduled for 11pm, but we were lined up at the ferry port before 8pm, and boarded around 8:30.
If you aren’t on Deck Class, you don’t need to worry about being there so early because your cabin or seat is already reserved, but we would recommend anyone on Deck Class to try to get in early as there are limited comfortable areas to choose from.
BOARDING PROCESS
You board through the car deck, so take the stairs up. The first level will be Reserved Seating and the Cabins. If you are in either of those, you can check in at the main desk and you’ll be directed to your spot. If you are on Deck Class, keep going up to the next level. This is where the dining area and bar area are, which will be your bedroom for the night.
FINDING A COMFY SPOT
When choosing your spot on deck, look for a quiet, secluded area where you can set up your sleeping arrangements. There are some comfortable couch areas that might look good when you first board, but they are reserved for those Cabin Class who want to relax out of their cabins.
Go up to the next level to the Dining Room and Bar and find a place to sleep there. We recommend the Bar area, as the lights are kept dimmer and the floor is carpeted. There are also long benches in the Bar area, which you can lay across on if you arrive early enough.
WHAT TO BRING
Many travellers bring sleeping bags, blankets, or even air matresses to make the hard deck surface more comfortable. We weren’t as prepared, but we made a makeshift bed with our travel blankets and used our backpacks as pillows!
There is no wifi and little cell service on the ferry, so download some shows or bring a book to pass the time.
ARRIVAL IN BARI, ITALY
Expect to wake up early in the morning. Our ferry arrived in Bari, Italy around 7am.
After disembarking, you’ll find transportation options to explore your destination. Since Croatia is part of the EU, you won’t need to go through customs or immigration checks.
Traveling on an overnight ferry can be an adventure in itself, offering unique experiences and opportunities to meet fellow travellers. Be prepared for a night of modest comfort and arrive at your destination with a sense of anticipation and excitement for the next leg of your journey.
Remember to check the ferry schedule and book your tickets well in advance, as routes and availability may vary throughout the year. Enjoy your travel experience, and make the most of the unique journey from Croatia to Italy!
To check out our full Dubrovnik gallery, click here!