On ferries, especially during the summer or on weekends, it can happen that you get on board and have to turn around to find a free seat. And if you’re traveling with children, elderly people, or just want to relax without stress, choosing your assigned seat can make all the difference. But not all routes and companies provide it: let’s see when it’s possible, why it can be convenient, and how it works.
What does “assigned seat” mean on ferries?
Not all ferries have a numbered seat option. In many cases, especially on short or regional routes, the ticket gives access to the deck or common rooms, and you sit where you are seated. In other cases, however, you can select a numbered seat at the time of booking, just as on trains and planes.
When is the assigned place scheduled?
Although not all ferries provide an assigned seat, there are specific circumstances in which a seat reservation is included in the ticket or recommended for more comfortable and organized travel. Here are the main cases:
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On long-distance ferries, such as to Sardinia, Sicily, Greece, or Spain.
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On overnight ships, where you can also choose cabins or recliners
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On high-traffic ferries, during busy periods (e.g., August, holiday bridges)
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On some specific routes, even short ones, where the companies provide bookable seats in the air-conditioned lounge or VIP lounge
The main destinations where assigned seating on the ferry is provided or mandatory
Not all routes offer the option of reserving a seat, but there are some where reserving an assigned seat is recommended or even mandatory during peak season. Here are the most important ones:
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Sardinia (Cagliari, Olbia, Porto Torres): overnight and long-distance ferries often offer cabins, seats, and assigned seats in air-conditioned lounges.
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Sicily (Palermo, Catania, Messina): day and night trips from Naples, Civitavecchia, Genoa. Recommended numbered seats.
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Greece (Igoumenitsa, Patras, Cyclades islands): large ships with wide availability of cabins and bookable seats.
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Spain (Barcelona, Valencia): routes from Sardinia or Civitavecchia usually offer numbered seats.
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Tunisia and Morocco: for safety and comfort reasons, seat or cabin reservations are almost always required.
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Corsica: some routes from Livorno or Piombino include a choice of seats.
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Elba Island (some companies only): not mandatory, but some modern ships offer interior seat selection.
Please note: On short routes such as those to Ischia, Procida, Capri or Ponza, assigned seats are rare. However, some premium airlines offer VIP lounges or relaxation seat reservations at extra charge.
VIP lounges and relaxation seats: extra comfort on busy routes
On some high-traffic sea routes-especially to major islands or on international connections-some airlines offer reserved VIP lounges or premium relaxation seats. These are air-conditioned areas with reclining seats, sea views, and dedicated service, ideal for long trips or during high season.
Tracts where you can find them most often:
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Sardinia and Sicily (overnight or long-distance ferries)
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Greece (especially on international routes from Ancona, Bari or Brindisi)
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Spain and Corsica (particularly from Civitavecchia and Livorno)
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Some routes to the islands of the Bay of Naples with premium airlines
Want to know if these services are available on your route? Contact us! We will help you choose the most convenient option for your trip.
Why is it better to choose the numbered assigned seat?
Choosing a numbered seat has several advantages, including:
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No stress at boarding: you already know where to sit
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More comfortable travel, especially in reserved seats or air-conditioned areas
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Guaranteed place even in high season, when the common halls are crowded
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Ideal for families to be all close together
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In some cases, access to extra facilities, such as electrical outlets, table, sea view or snack bar nearby
When is it not necessary?
On short routes (such as to Ischia, Procida, Elba, or Ponza), choosing a seat is almost never necessary, partly because:
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Navigation times are short
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Companies often do not offer this option
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It is easy to find space on the deck, outdoors or in the common rooms
In these cases, it is better to choose priority boarding or to board early if you want a good seat.
How do I reserve a numbered assigned seat aboard ferries?
On FerryFinder you can select, when available:
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Numbered armchair
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Private cabin (whole or shared)
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Relaxation place in the reserved room
Just choose the category when booking. The cost can range from a few euros to higher figures for private cabins.
FAQ Frequently asked questions about assigned and numbered seats aboard ferries
Can I travel without reserving an assigned seat? – Yes, in most cases. The assigned seat is an option, not a requirement.
Do children have the right to an assigned seat? – It depends on the company and age. Generally under 4 years old is not provided, but for convenience it is better to book it.
Does the assigned seat also apply outdoors on the deck? – No, the numbered seats are in areas inside the ship. The deck remains free, but does not guarantee seating.
Are there assigned VIP seats and relaxation rooms? – Yes there are reserved lounges and vip seats on some ferries, but not on all routes. Contact Ferryfinder to find out if you can reserve a vip seat aboard the ferries for your chosen destination.
- Had a mishap and want to change the date and time of your ferry ticket? Click here and find out how to do it!
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