44 phrases · Levels: A1A2B1B2
A che ora parte il traghetto?
What time does the ferry leave?
Ask this at the ticket office or information desk as soon as you arrive at the port. Ferries in Italy often depart strictly on time and boarding closes 30–60 minutes before departure.
Dove si compra il biglietto per la nave?
Where do you buy a ticket for the ship?
Ask as soon as you arrive at the port terminal. Ticket offices (biglietterie) are often at the port entrance, not at the actual pier where boarding takes place.
Ho una prenotazione per la cabina.
I have a reservation for a cabin.
Say this at the check-in desk when boarding an overnight ferry. Have your booking reference or printed confirmation ready.
Quando apre l'imbarco?
When does boarding open?
Ask at the port terminal when you have arrived and want to know when to queue at the gate. Boarding typically opens 60–90 minutes before departure.
Il traghetto è in orario?
Is the ferry on time?
Ask at the information desk or check the departure board when you are waiting and want to confirm the ferry is leaving on schedule.
Dov'è il molo di imbarco?
Where is the boarding pier?
Ask at the port entrance or information point to find the correct pier. Large ports like Naples or Civitavecchia have multiple piers serving different destinations.
Posso portare la macchina sul traghetto?
Can I take my car on the ferry?
Ask at the ticket office before booking. Car ferries (traghetti per auto) serve routes to Sardinia, Sicily, and major islands. They require reservations for vehicles.
C'è un aliscafo per Capri?
Is there a hydrofoil to Capri?
Ask when you want a faster crossing and are willing to pay more. Hydrofoils are significantly faster than standard ferries but cannot operate in rough seas.
Devo fare il check-in prima di salire?
Do I need to check in before boarding?
Ask when you arrive at the port with a ticket or booking but are unsure of the procedure. Some ferry companies require a check-in step to receive a boarding pass, others just scan your booking confirmation.
Il mare è agitato oggi?
Is the sea rough today?
Ask the ticket office or check the port notice board before boarding if you are worried about seasickness or if crossings might be cancelled. Very important for routes to small islands.
Ho il mal di mare.
I get seasick.
Say this to a pharmacist before boarding to request medication, or to ferry staff if you feel unwell during the crossing. You can also use it to explain why you prefer the upper deck.
C'è un ristorante a bordo?
Is there a restaurant on board?
Ask at the check-in desk or information counter when boarding an overnight or long-distance ferry. Services vary greatly between companies and vessel types.
A che ora arriviamo?
What time do we arrive?
Ask crew or check the departure board for estimated arrival time. Very important for overnight crossings when you need to plan onwards connections.
Dove posso mettere i bagagli?
Where can I put my luggage?
Ask a crew member after boarding when you cannot find a luggage storage area. On large car ferries, luggage is often stored in a dedicated area, not in the cabin.
Dov'è il giubbotto di salvataggio?
Where is the life jacket?
Ask or look for this when you board and want to locate the life jacket for safety. Safety information is usually posted on the cabin door or in the corridor.
Posso andare sul ponte?
Can I go up on deck?
Ask a crew member if you want to access the upper open deck for fresh air, especially if you feel seasick or just want to enjoy the view.
Dov'è la Capitaneria di Porto?
Where is the Port Authority office?
Ask when you need to report an incident, get official information about port regulations, or seek assistance in an emergency. It is the official government body overseeing the port.
Ho perso la coincidenza.
I missed my connection.
Say this at the ticket desk when your incoming transport was delayed and you missed your ferry. Italian ports can sometimes accommodate you on the next departure.
Il traghetto è cancellato?
Is the ferry cancelled?
Ask at the information desk or ticket office when you arrive at the port and the departure board shows unusual information or the pier seems empty.
Ho diritto al rimborso?
Am I entitled to a refund?
Ask at the ticket window after a cancellation or significant delay. EU regulations on passenger rights apply to most ferry routes within the European Union.
Si può scendere a terra durante la sosta?
Can passengers go ashore during the stopover?
Ask when your ferry stops at an intermediate port and you want to know whether you can disembark temporarily while the ship reloads passengers and cargo.
C'è una cabina per quattro persone?
Is there a cabin for four people?
Ask at the ticket office when booking for a group or family. Shared cabins are cheaper than booking multiple private ones and ideal for friends or families travelling together.
Dov'è il porto dei traghetti?
Where is the ferry port?
Ask at the train station, hotel, or in the city when navigating to the ferry terminal. Many cities have their ferry port separate from the cruise terminal or fishing harbour.
Il passaporto è obbligatorio?
Is a passport required?
Ask before boarding, especially on routes that cross international waters. For routes within Italy (including Sardinia and Sicily), an Italian ID card suffices for Italian citizens.
È consentito fumare a bordo?
Is smoking allowed on board?
Ask before the crossing if you are a smoker. On most Italian ferries, smoking is only permitted in designated outdoor areas on deck.
Posso portare animali sul traghetto?
Can I bring pets on the ferry?
Ask before booking if you are travelling with a pet. Most Italian ferry companies accept pets but require specific documentation and may restrict where the animal can stay on board.
Dove si compra qualcosa da mangiare a bordo?
Where can you buy something to eat on board?
Ask a crew member after boarding when you are hungry and want to find the bar or cafeteria. On long crossings, food options may close at certain hours.
C'è la connessione Wi-Fi a bordo?
Is there a Wi-Fi connection on board?
Ask at check-in or to a crew member. Wi-Fi on Italian ferries varies greatly — some modern ships have fast satellite internet, others have no connection at all.
Il mare è bello oggi.
The sea is beautiful today.
Use this as a conversation starter with locals at the port, on the deck, or at a seafront café. Italians love to comment on the sea and the weather.
C'è un deposito bagagli al porto?
Is there a luggage storage at the port?
Ask when you have a long wait before boarding and want to explore the town without carrying your bags. Port luggage storage is available at larger Italian ports.
Vorrei un posto vicino al finestrino.
I would like a seat near the window.
Say this at the ticket or check-in desk when booking a seat on a fast ferry or hydrofoil. Window seats give views of the coast and islands during the crossing.
Quando sbarcheremo?
When will we disembark?
Ask a crew member on an overnight ferry as you approach the destination port. Disembarkation order and timing depend on your deck number and travel class.
Dov'è il faro?
Where is the lighthouse?
Ask when exploring a port town and want to visit the lighthouse as a tourist attraction. Lighthouses in Italian ports are often historic landmarks with panoramic views.
Il porto è accessibile con i bagagli?
Is the port accessible with luggage?
Ask when you have heavy suitcases and need to know if there are steps, elevators, or assistance available at the terminal. Cobblestoned Italian ports can be challenging with large bags.
Posso cambiare la cabina?
Can I change my cabin?
Ask the purser or check-in staff if your assigned cabin has problems — a broken porthole, noisy location, or neighbours. Upgrades may also be available at the last minute.
Devo presentarmi in anticipo?
Do I need to check in early?
Ask when booking or calling the ferry company to understand how much before departure you need to arrive at the port. For car ferries, arrival 1–2 hours early is usually required.
Il traghetto è confortevole?
Is the ferry comfortable?
Ask fellow travellers, hotel staff, or at the information desk before booking a long crossing to get an idea of the vessel's quality. Different ships on the same route can vary greatly.
Dov'è la Guardia Costiera?
Where is the Coast Guard?
Ask when you need emergency maritime assistance or want to report an incident. The Coast Guard office is typically at the entrance of any Italian port.
È incluso il pranzo nel pacchetto?
Is lunch included in the package?
Ask when booking a ferry + island tour package. Many Italian port agencies sell combo tickets that bundle the ferry crossing with guided excursions and meals.
Come si arriva al centro dal porto?
How do you get to the centre from the port?
Ask when you have just disembarked and need to reach the city centre. The port is often in an industrial area and requires transport to reach the historic centre.
Ho il mal di testa, avete qualcosa?
I have a headache, do you have anything?
Say this at the ship's bar or information point when you feel unwell during the crossing. Many ferries have a small medical kit with basic painkillers.
C'è un servizio di noleggio auto al porto?
Is there a car rental service at the port?
Ask when you arrive at an island or destination port and need a rental car to explore. Many ferry ports in Sardinia, Sicily, and Elba have car rental desks.
Posso ricevere assistenza per disabili?
Can I receive assistance for people with disabilities?
Ask when booking or at the check-in desk if you or someone in your group has a physical disability and needs port or boarding assistance. This must usually be requested in advance.
Dove posso fare il pieno in barca?
Where can I refuel my boat?
Ask at the marina (porto turistico) when you have arrived with a private boat and need to refuel before continuing your voyage.