Take a taxi to get to the check-in. There are other recommended options but a taxi is the best and very affordable. The train station to port was less than 15 Euros for 3 of us. We first boarded the (recommended) Alibus (9 Euros - 3 people) and got off a few blocks later when we found out it was going to the aeroport...no refund. Taxi drivers know the port. Once there, check-in was a breeze. Our confirmation from the booking was all we needed. We got there very early and were able to enjoy the lounge and have a drink before dinner. The rooms are small, as would be expected, but very nice and clean. We had an outside view as we wanted to see out. You can stand outside on the upper deck as the ship sails and get a beautiful look at Napoli, and again of Palermo coming into port. We were woken quite abruptly at 5:30am, though we didn't actually disembark until well after 7:00 am as we were foot passengers which are the last to leave. Meal was cafeteria and not particularly the best, considering it's Italy. Fish was quite dry. Breakfast was typical Italian - coffee and brioche with some fruit. Meals are not included in price. Credit cards can be inconvenient once they leave port so best to have cash. All in all, it as a very relaxing way to make the journey, though the majority of the journey was spent sleeping. It is certainly easier to sleep on the boat in a real bed than sitting up on a train.

These ships are CASH ONLY. No cards can be used for shopping or even food!
AND there are no cash machines on board! Believe me it's true. And since they are so disorganised, there are no signs to warn you of this so you can get cash before you board. If you board short of cash you will have a hungry and thirsty trip.

Staff nice. Food good but expensive. However the cabins although pleasant, ALL have their views blocked completely by big lifeboats. So dont bother paying for an outside cabin.

All in all the least intelligent shipping company ever.

Arriving at the ferry location is very tricky. Signing is very poor. To find the location to pick up your ticket is a challenge. Then if you have luggage and a friend takes you to the ferry you get to drag your luggage forever along a path with no signage. This is somewhat typical all over Italy. They need to hire a space planner to come in and totally redo the entire ferry layouts, signing and policies for visiter who only come once or twice and need it to be all very simple to get on the ferry.

Check-in was chaotic with very little information provided at the port.
3 berth outside Cabin and bathroom were clean and comfortable and fairly noise free. We were permitted to stay in cabin until 17.45 when ship arrival at Genoa was scheduled for 19.00.
Onboard staff were ok but not exceedingly friendly. Beer and wine were expensive but coffee and cafeteria food prices were reasonable.
Sun loungers and chairs were available on deck for when the weather is good. The swimming pools were closed when we sailed in April.
All in all, a very good way to travel from Sicily to Genoa 19.5 hours by sea vs approx 900 miles by road. Cheaper and faster than driving and fuel for my motorhome. Also much cheaper if ticket is purchased at the port when sailing in low season.

The ferry was large and well decorated, unfortunately the disco, the pool, the gym, the library and the meeting room were all shut and no one could give a good explanation as to the reason. Even though we were asked to leave our cabins a good 1hr and 45 minutes before the ferry docked, the staff started to vacuum around us in the cafeteria where we were waiting and spraying cleaning chemicals on the tables while we were all still seated - they even asked some people to move so they could clean where they were sitting. The overall journey was pleasant as I am an experienced traveller, and tend to take onboard everything I require for my comfort , but the staff and the owners of the ferry seem to provide the minimum by way of facilities for what one pays. On a positive note my husband asked for extra pillows for our cabins and they were promptly provided.