Finding myself in the beautiful Corsican town of Bastia, photo blog link at the end of this blog, my onward journey would take me to the Italian port of Genoa; a 7hr ferry ride aboard Moby Corse -an unusual looking ferry with an almighty towering funnel resembling the fin of a marine animal.
Many in the UK will remember this vessel as the Dana Anglia which first entered service in 1978 and more recently Pont Abbe of Brittany Ferries.
My last journey aboard this vessel was in 2006 when she operated for Brittany Ferries in which I undertook an overnight journey aboard this vessel as Pont Abbe from Portsmouth to Cherbourg, France.
Let's see how she has been changed to suit the needs of this Mediterranean voyage.
Grab a cuppa, curl up and relax as I to take you aboard Moby Corse for a cruise from Bastia to Genoa.
Boarding Moby Corse in Bastia is typically 'Mediterranean style' whereby foot passengers walk aboard via the ships' vehicle deck having been transported from the ferry terminal by a minibus.
As I walk over the lowered stern door and onto the vehicle deck there are no obvious floor markings to direct foot passengers, though everyone seemed to know the drill and where to go - including me.
I am immediately struck by how clean and well maintained this vehicle deck is - no oil marks or worn paint.
The image below was taken in 1978 shortly after entering service - she still looks like new to this day!
Having ascended one of the staircases I find myself in one of the main cabin corridors. I am directed by a steward to the nearest stairwell giving access to the main passenger deck above where the facilities are located.
Since my last visit aboard I notice the carpeting within the cabin corridors has been replaced - not surprising as it has been many years since my last visit. This 'new' carpeting is 'Moby blue' in colour with whale logos as the pattern.
The main ships' reception is located within this deck of cabins - being an internal feature there is no natural light. The location of this reception has not altered since this vessel was built in the 1970's, though has obviously been refurbished over the years.
One notable feature of her original décor/design are the bright orange 1970's hand rails which adorns all public corridors and halls on this deck - all still prominently displayed.
The picture below was taken in 1978 shortly after the ship entered service - note the same hand rails, albeit located elsewhere aboard.
Whilst we are on the subject other items of this ships' heritage are still evident such as old framed posters within her hallways and, if you look closely and the light is shining in the right place, you can still make out her original engraved emblem on her funnel.
Let's go on up one deck to where the passenger facilities are located.
All passenger facilities are located on a single main deck above which makes navigation extremely easy - for those who have walking difficulties and issues walking up stairs having facilities all on a single level would appreciate this.
With a single wide arcade linking the facilities fore and aft, one would find it very difficult to get lost.
Let's start at the front of this main passenger deck and work our way aft.
At the front of this deck is a large bar/lounge. The actual bar is centrally positioned and faces forwards towards a dance floor. On my journey a 'pull down' screen was positioned here with movies (foreign language) being projected onto it.
Sofas and individual tub chairs surround the dance floor and those seated by the port/starboard windows have excellent views of the passing vistas. This journey was undertaken during the day time though I can imagine this would be a very social place to spend the evening.
As mentioned earlier, a long corridor links all the facilities on this deck together. Located on the port side of the deck, it offers localised seating adjacent to some very large windows and as the deck is very much open plan, the whole area is bright, and airy.
Admiral Bar is at the forward end of this arcade and offers a remarkable resemblance to a traditional British pub.
Beautiful framed wall mounted pictures and high quality wood and polished brass fixtures and fittings are prominent. I noted one employee working behind the bar
(who I have got to say was exceptionally polite, friendly and courteous) spending her quiet moments thoroughly polishing the brass and obviously taking pride in her surroundings.
The wooden chairs spill out into the arcade to allow passengers to have sea views from the picture windows and also helps to entice passengers to come in and have a drink at the bar.
A mandatory Moby Lines 'life sized' sculpture could be found in one corner which did spoil the décor, but it is Moby Lines and things like this set them apart from other companies. Another sculpture can also be found by the bar main entrance.
Access to the truly enormous self service restaurant which is located on the starboard side of this deck can be found adjacent to the Admiral Bar and forward stairs. Using the later one is greeted by another signature Moby Lines 'Looney Tunes' 'life sized' sculpture - this one holding pompoms and standing next to an attractive wooden reception.
The seating area is vast and appears to span a large proportion of this deck and whilst it could look bland and rather regimented looking with rows and rows of perfectly aligned tables and chairs, clever design and excellent use of modern lighting has made the area very attractive.
Large picture windows span the length of this facility making it very bright and airy.
Strangely every time I arrive to purchase a meal this facility was closed however, peering through the extensive heavy duty industrial shutters a single counter where meals would normally be purchased could be seen.
Walking aft along the arcade we come to the shop. Although its footprint is small it was sufficient for the vessel and the journey, which being 7hrs never got crowded as know one was in a rush to go in. Shelving units surround a centrally located till.
In typical Moby Lines fashion children are very well catered for and walking aft we come to the very large playroom with soft padded play equipment.
Decorated in bright colours this area is a haven to families - the parents can sit in one of the numerous chairs nearby and watch their children play in safety.
It should be noted that this whole area was once the duty and tax free shopping centre, which has now been knocked through to allow natural light to flood into the ship.
The same area is also home to the snack bar / pizzeria where fresh made to order pizzas are available at a reasonable price of 6Euro for two (large) slices.
Along with tables and chairs a long bench with free standing stools line the picture windows
The picture below was taken in 1978 and is taken from roughly the same position to that above.
Although seating is plentiful in the pizzeria, there's nothing like eating alfresco.
Finally at the end of the arcade there is a small selection of gaming machines surrounding the entrance to the aft hall and entrance to another snack bar.
The later has a very youthful atmosphere owing to it having its own popcorn machine, lively décor and three wall mounted TV's showing dubbed American programmes.
The aft facing counter is divided into two with the port side serving snacks/drinks and the till, whilst the starboard side offers alcoholic beverages.
A partially frosted full height screen gives glimpses into the Moby Corse' formal dining restaurant next door which complete with a piano is highly luxurious, though not very well patronised on my day time voyage.
Access to this restaurant is off both the aft stairs and the aforementioned snack bar.
Behind the snack bar are two pullman lounges. The first lounge on the port side offers colourful aft facing seating with views to port......
.....whilst the second lounge is accessed via the first and is also used as a cinema as/when required.
Moby Corse has an exceptional amount of exterior deck space. Those passengers on the port/starboard sides are offered a very wide and full length promenade with occasional wooden benches.
At the stern there are several terraced decks with wooden tables and chairs.
Access to the upper most deck adjacent to the funnel (aft) can be obtained from here.
Although my journey was far from busy, it was with great regret that the uppermost exterior deck above the bridge and forward of the massive funnel is no longer in passenger use and as such no exterior deck bar was available - this would be such a huge revenue earner for Moby should they reinstate the bar.
With no exterior deck bar it is necessary to go down to the main passenger deck (a long walk if you are up on one of the terraced decks at the stern) obtain your beverage and then hike all the way back again - believe me, having done this many times during the seven hour voyage it is a long walk!
The cabin sampled on my journey was located on one of the ships' upper decks and was affordable, large and spacious with an oversized single bed with a second one stowed away in the wall, a vanity table and ensuite bathroom.
It was necessary to vacate the cabin just over an hour and a half prior to arrival in Genoa which was not stated at any time during purchasing - which was from the ships' reception desk prior to departure. Having said that the next voyage of this vessel was the overnight southbound journey back to Bastia and I'm assuming the crew would have their work cut out ensuring all cabins are ready for the busy journey.
Below - cabin corridor and hall.
In closing Moby Corse is a fine vessel!
Highly cared for by her company she is in very good condition internally.
Very much a mini cruise experience, Moby Corse can be highly recommended and with a few tweaks she would be second to none - she has a large lounge/bar, a range of dining options, excellent children's facilities, ample exterior decks, a range of cabins and a cinema.
All that is needed is an exterior deck bar - I would reopen the area forward of the funnel (above the bridge), deck the whole area, open a bar, introduce a few planters, a Jacuzzi or two and speakers for mood music and you have yourself a great Mediterranean come Miami beach club.
If you need to travel from #a2bviasea and have the option of travelling aboard Moby Corse, don't hesitate - book yourself aboard for a minicruise.
Departing Bastia
Arriving in Genoa
