The Zeus-Palace: Crew Feedback and Vessel Data

On the evening of July 19, 2025, an anonymous call made to Grimaldi's headquarters in Rome sparked a significant security scare involving the 'Zeus Palace' ferry at Livorno. The emergency protocol was activated around 7 p.m., necessitating the immediate evacuation of approximately 1,500 passengers and 700 vehicles on board, as bomb disposal units were mobilized. In response, local authorities implemented a heightened security protocol that engaged police, firefighters, and medical teams to ensure safety. Initial inspections conducted by the ferry’s crew and law enforcement yielded no irregularities. Following this, a bomb detection dog unit performed a thorough search, conclusively determining that there were no hazardous materials aboard the vessel. The operation was closely overseen by the prefecture, which later confirmed there were no critical issues encountered during the incident. After several hours of uncertainty, the 'Zeus Palace' was eventually cleared for departure, leaving the port around midnight. To accommodate the situation, the ship was temporarily relocated from Darsena Toscana to Calata Bengasi, allowing the 'Cruise Europa' to dock after waiting offshore. While operations have returned to normal in the Tuscan port, it remains uncertain whether a formal investigation will be conducted to trace the source of the anonymous bomb threat.

On May 9, 2019, the 'Zeus Palace,' a well-known ferry, encountered a significant incident while navigating the Tyrrhenian Sea. The vessel lost a life raft overboard at coordinates 40°43'00" N, 11°49'06" E. This particular life raft has the capacity to accommodate up to 101 passengers, raising concerns about safety measures onboard. Maritime authorities are closely monitoring the situation to ensure the safety and security of all ferry operations in the region.

In a bid to enhance its maritime services for both passengers and cargo, the Grimaldi Group has announced exciting updates to its routes linking mainland Italy and Sardinia. Starting in mid-April, the Livorno-Olbia service will see significant improvements, alongside the introduction of a daily route connecting Civitavecchia with Olbia, according to a recent company press release. This expansion follows the successful launch of the Livorno-Olbia route on January 11, where Grimaldi Group will now deploy the state-of-the-art ro/pax ferry, the Cruise Olbia. This impressive vessel measures 204 meters in length and is capable of accommodating 1,600 passengers along with 2,400 linear meters for rolling freight and vehicles. The Cruise Olbia features 242 well-appointed cabins, complete with bathrooms and air conditioning, providing a total of 834 beds for travelers. Passengers can also enjoy a variety of onboard amenities, including a self-service buffet, an à la carte restaurant, three bars, a shop, a children's playroom, and a discotheque. Grimaldi Group aims to elevate its onboard service quality, ensuring it meets customer expectations while also offering competitive pricing. Meanwhile, the Zeus Palace ferry, previously serving the Livorno-Olbia route, will transition to the new Civitavecchia-Olbia service, which will run daily in both directions. Departures from Civitavecchia are scheduled for 10:45 PM, arriving in Olbia at 7:00 AM the following day. The return journey from Olbia is slated for 12:30 PM, arriving back in Civitavecchia at 7:00 PM. These updates are set to provide enhanced travel options for passengers and strengthen freight capabilities between these key locations.

Starting tomorrow, H/S/F ZEUS PALACE (IMO: 9208071) will enhance its service on the popular Triest-Ancona-Corfu-Igoumenitsa-Patras route for MINOAN LINES. This expansion comes just in time for the summer season, providing travelers with more options to explore these stunning Mediterranean destinations. For more details on routes and bookings, visit the official MINOAN LINES website at http://www.minoan.gr/en/routes.