Missing the slow boat to Reggio Calabria

I used to enjoy the slow crossing from Malta to Reggio aboard SMS’s Island Seaway and Sea Malta’s MV Żebbuġ. We used to be well rested and ready for the journey overland along the incredibly beautiful Italian coast. We even had a great ship once, from Grimaldi Ferries, called the MV Salerno, that used to take us all the way to Salerno.

Unfortunately, all these ships disappeared and we were left with a high-speed catamaran that takes off at the unearthly hour of 5 a.m. and drops you at God-forsaken Catania at 8 a.m. all shook up. And for those who venture overland with their car or camper, who know how treacherous it can be driving from Catania to Messina, they then spend one or two hours queuing for the ferry at Reggio Calabria to add insult to injury,

I was really surprised that we did not get a Reggio route with the introduction of the super catamaran Jean De La Vallette. Even once a fortnight would suffice. With all those ships having disappeared from the radar, we saw the introduction of various ships and passenger/cargo ferries that take you to Libya or Tunisia first and then to your final destination, keeping you aboard for about 48 hours or longer. We don’t speak of these anymore due to the uprising.

This week I shall be booking my usual holiday with my wife and two adult children plus the car, hoping the catamaran loses its bearings and ends up in Reggio Calabria!