Those who travel by ferry in the middle of summer know this well: the heat can be relentless, especially in the middle hours of the day or while waiting at ports. Some shipping routes touch on really scorching areas, where temperatures easily exceed 40°C (104°F). On the outside decks of ferries, in direct sun and with poor ventilation, the perceived temperature can reach 45-48°C. Not exactly the best for a relaxing start to a vacation!
But don’t panic: even aboard the ferry you can find far cooler and more comfortable areas, as long as you know where to look for the best places.
Temperatures over 40 degrees: Mediterranean heat records
If you travel in the summer on one of these routes, be prepared to face real heat:
- Italy: Naples – Palermo, Trapani – Pantelleria, Porto Empedocle – Lampedusa, Milazzo – Aeolian Islands
- Greece: Athens (Piraeus) – Santorini/Mykonos/Rhodes
- Spain and Balearics: Barcelona – Ibiza, Valencia – Palma, Algeciras – Ceuta
- Tunisia and Morocco: Palermo – Tunis, Genoa – Tunis, Sete – Tangier
- Southern Adriatic: Bari – Durres, Ancona – Split, Brindisi – Igoumenitsa
In such cases, finding a fresh seat on the ferry becomes critical. Here’s how to do it.
1) Stay in indoor air-conditioned areas
Indoor passenger lounges are almost always air-conditioned. In modern ferries, air conditioning works very well-sometimes too well! Armchair lounges, lounges, bar and dining areas are great places to cool off. If you fear excess coolness, bring along a sweatshirt or light scarf.
On-board bars offer fresh water, soft drinks, slushies, ice cream, and sometimes even small summer snacks. Alcohol dehydrates, so best to limit beer and cocktails during the hottest hours. Better to opt for water and juices.
2) Choose a reserved cabin (especially at night)
If you are traveling on a long or overnight route, consider booking an inside cabin. They are quiet, private and always air-conditioned. An investment worth its weight in gold when it’s 40°C outside and you need to rest.
If you have a choice, book evening or night ferries. The outside temperature drops and the deck areas also become more livable. In addition, many night ferries offer additional services for comfort and peace of mind.
3) Where to find some shade on the ferry deck?
Not all decks are exposed to the sun. Some ferries have covered or side areas that remain in the shade during part of the day. Set up there with a chair or deck chair-the sea breeze can be enough to make it pleasant even without air conditioning.
The trick for experienced ferrymen: near the interior stairs Near the stairs connecting the decks there is often a natural current of air between levels. If you don’t want to be in the lounge or on the deck, this is a “hybrid” area with moving air.
Some fast hydrofoils (such as those connecting neighboring islands) have fully enclosed, air-conditioned cabins, but no accessible outside deck
4) In the ferry garages: is there air conditioning?
One of the most common questions is: “Does the ferry garage have air conditioning?” The answer is no . The garages where vehicles are parked are not air conditioned, and are among the hottest places on the ship. In fact, these are enclosed spaces, often below deck, where the heat of the engines and the lack of natural ventilation cause the temperature to rise even above 50°C on the hottest summer days.
For this reason, while sailing, access to the garage is forbidden to passengers, precisely for health and safety reasons. If you have forgotten something in the car, it is best to retrieve it before departure, or wait until arrival.
5) Pets on board and high temperatures: how to protect them from too much heat
If you are traveling with a dog, cat or other pet, heat is a risk that should not be underestimated. Leaving the animal in the car during the crossing is absolutely not recommended, precisely because the garage is not air conditioned and can become lethal for an enclosed animal without ventilation.
Shipping companies offer several solutions for those traveling with pets:
- Box or boarding kennels: designated areas where animals can be kept in ventilated cages out of the sun.
- Pet-friendly cabins: some ships allow you to keep your pet in your private cabin with you (must be booked in advance).
- Dedicated outdoor deck for animals: many companies have outdoor areas reserved for passengers with animals, with shaded areas and access to water.
In any case, always carry fresh water, a travel bowl, and make sure the animal is protected from direct sunlight. Most importantly: never leave him alone in the car during the crossing!
Extra tip for overnight routes: the coolest place on the ferry is… the berth
The interior cabins, as well as the recliner lounges, are always air-conditioned. During nighttime sailings, they offer not only silence and privacy, but also constant coolness. Even here, however, air conditioning is no joke: if you’re particularly sensitive, better gear up.
Have you decided to opt for an overnight crossing? Great idea, especially to guard against too much heat! Also read our article on how to sleep or spend the night aboard the ferry!
Do you want to leave fresh and relaxed?
The ferry remains a convenient and attractive means of transportation, even in the middle of summer. You just need to know where to stand to avoid the sweltering heat and enjoy the journey in comfort. Air-conditioned areas, shaded areas, a good drink and perhaps a private cabin can really make a difference. And with a little organization, even the crossing under the sun becomes an enjoyable part of the vacation.
Book your ferry on Ferryfinder; discover the best summer routes on our ferry booking site and choose the time you prefer – perhaps with an evening or overnight departure!
