This July and August, Montenegro will establish two sea routes to Italy, specifically to Bari and Ancona.

Building on last season’s success, when the “Mia” from “Adria Ferries” traveled to Ancona via Durres, this year will see the addition of the “Dalmacija.” Operated by the Croatian company “Jadrolinija,” it will run from Bar to Bari.

Ćazim Alković, the President of the Board of Directors of “Barska plovidba,” confirmed to “Vijesti” that this year’s route expansion is a result of strong collaboration with partners.

The ship “Dalmacija,” the flagship of the “Jadrolinija” fleet, will operate between Bar and Bari starting July 1st through the end of August. The journey will take approximately eight hours, accommodating 800 passengers and 280 vehicles at a maximum speed of 30 kilometers per hour.

A one-way ticket for passengers will cost €78, while a vehicle up to five meters will be priced at €101, according to Alković. The return fare will be €144.40 for passengers and €186.60 for vehicles.

Children below 12 years old will benefit from discounted rates on round trips, as will groups consisting of 15 or more travelers.

The “Dalmacija” will make its way from Dubrovnik to Bari, with a stop in Bar on the route.

The vessel will depart from Bari to Bar on Tuesday, July 1st, and return to Bari on Wednesday, July 2nd, continuing this daily service throughout the summer until September. Alković noted that there will be no night sailing due to the absence of cabins.

Although the lack of cabins precludes nighttime travel, Alković pointed out the benefits of daytime trips, as the ship resembles a small cruiser, complete with restaurants, bars, and various amenities.

Plans for next year include the addition of cabins to facilitate night voyages, which are anticipated to attract further interest.

The “Sveti Stefan” had previously served this route for decades, becoming quite popular, though it was established and discontinued multiple times over the years.

Alković is optimistic that this new service will thrive and be financially beneficial for “Barska plovidba,” given their minimal maintenance costs.

This season, similar to last year, the “Mia” ferry from the Italian firm “Adria Ferries,” which connects Ancona to Durres, will also make stops to accommodate passengers in Bar.

According to Alković, the Bar-Bari route is particularly appealing to Montenegrins, while the Ancona-Bar-Durres route is more favorable for those residing and working in Western Europe, including truck drivers. This route saves considerable travel time compared to coastal routes through Croatia and Montenegro, allowing passengers to board in Ancona at 7 AM and arrive in Bar by 7 AM the next day.

Past experiences indicate that many passengers often continue their journey to Kosovo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, or opt to stay in Bar for rest, enjoying the boat journey for its relaxing nature.

The ferry “Mia” will operate three times weekly, or potentially more, based on demand, as stated by our source at “Vijesti.” Scheduling will be flexible rather than fixed.

Travelers can check exact departure times and schedules on the “Barska plovidba” website or by calling the company directly.

Alković noted that fare prices are variable, akin to airline ticket pricing, fluctuating between €72 and €108 for one-way passenger tickets.

For vehicles, fares will range from €104 to €170, depending on how far in advance tickets are booked.

This marks the second season of the ferry service operating between Bar and Ancona, with Alković expressing higher expectations than during last year’s inaugural season.

“In July of last year, we signed the contract and launched operations. This year, we’re better prepared, having trained our staff on the necessary software earlier,” he mentioned.

Last year, they relied on support from the Montenegrin Government and the Italian Embassy in Montenegro to establish this route.

Efforts have been made for greater promotion this season, with increasing inquiries from individuals in Western Europe about the route’s availability, according to Alković.

Prime Minister Milojko Spajić highlighted the importance of the connection with Italy, stating it is crucial for Montenegro as it ties to the European Union, during a reception aboard the “Mia” ferry last July in celebration of the launch of the Ancona-Durres-Bar service.