Smaller & seasonal operators
Virtu Ferries
Virtu Ferries is a Maltese ferry company founded in 1988 that operates fast catamaran services between Malta and Sicily. The company is part of Virtu Holdings and runs more than 1,000 round trips per year across the Malta Channel, carrying over 250,000 passengers and 25,000 vehicles annually. The Adriatic seasonal subsidiary Venezia Lines is also part of the group.
Key facts
- Company type
- Maltese passenger and vehicle catamaran operator
- Founded
- 1988
- Headquarters
- Marsa, Malta
- Parent
- Virtu Holdings
- Subsidiary
- Venezia Lines (Adriatic seasonal services)
- Fleet
- MV Saint John Paul II (flagship, March 2019), MV Jean de la Valette (October 2010)
- Annual passengers
- Over 250,000
- Annual vehicles
- Over 25,000
Top Virtu Ferries routes on SimpleFerry
- Valletta → Pozzallo (Sicily, around 1h45 crossing)
- Pozzallo → Valletta
- Valletta → Catania (Sicily, around 3 hours, seasonal)
- Catania → Valletta
Fleet and onboard experience
MV Saint John Paul II is the flagship catamaran, in service since March 2019. MV Jean de la Valette, the previous flagship, has been with the operator since 2010 and was built by Austal in Western Australia. Both vessels offer Club Class (premium upgrade with priority boarding), economy seating, a cafeteria, a shop and a small casino on selected sailings. Virtu Ferries currently operates exclusively catamarans and all vessels fly the Maltese flag.
Booking, check-in and luggage on SimpleFerry
SimpleFerry issues an e-ticket. Foot passengers should be at the terminal 1 hour before departure; vehicle passengers 2 hours before. The Marsa terminal is on the north side of Grand Harbour, a short drive from Valletta. Day-trip excursions to Sicily (with optional bus tours to Taormina, Catania or Siracusa) are a popular product alongside one-way and return crossings.
Pet policy
Pets are allowed on board with appropriate documentation.
Frequently asked questions
What is the crossing time from Malta to Sicily?
Around 1 hour 45 minutes Valletta-Pozzallo on the catamaran; around 3 hours Valletta-Catania (seasonal).
Are vehicles carried?
Yes. Virtu Ferries carries cars and trucks on Valletta-Pozzallo.
Book Virtu Ferries ferries
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