AF Francesca
Operator: Adria Ferries
Departure: Bari 23:58 (scheduled) 23:22 (boarded) 00:30 (left port)
Arrival: Durres 09:45 (scheduled) 08:15 (at port) 08:30 (disembarked)
Journey time: 9h08m
My original ferry booking had been for a family cabin, which would have featured both a double bed and a window. Changing to the overnight sailing forced a downgrade to an interior twin, although thankfully still equipped with shower and toilet.
I was assigned cabin 109 on the 7th floor, eventually located down a maze of corridors whose carpets reminded me of my grandparents’ house growing up.
The fit and finish was a bit of a disappointment, but in retrospect the cabin got the job done. As mentioned earlier in the week, all I really need is a bed, a shower, and I'll be out in less than 12 hours. Sure, the price to quality ratio was the worst of the trip, but this was the only accommodation that transported me closer to my goal!
Bereft of mobile signal - and uncomfortably warm - down in the cabins, I found my way to the open air decks. It was still a humid 25C despite the hour, although a sea breeze helps, and I settle at the rail to watch proceedings - plus an unexpected flurry of fireworks over Bari.
At quarter past midnight the vehicle ramp closes and the snack bar opens. A pilot arrives on what looks like a toy boat in comparison to our vessel, and soon the waters begin to churn. With no real fanfare, we depart at 00:30, and I return to my cabin.
This had cooled somewhat in my absence, but the limited bedding still felt unnecessary. Despite (or perhaps because of) the motion of the ship and the rumble of its engines, I slept soundly, racking up about 6 hours until the interruption of a tannoy announcement just before 7am.
This, rather annoyingly, was to declare the duty free shop open. The self-service restaurant soon follows, and I take the cue to shower, dress and repack. At 7:30 the instruction is given to vacate cabins, although I am not clear until the request is repeated 15 minutes later.
Some time on the seating levels confirms I was right to book a cabin. We reach Durres well ahead of schedule, around 08:15; a quarter hour later, I set foot in Albania!