Je suis de retour sur le Naples-Capri: 1,60 pour une bouteille et une surtaxe bagage, dommage !

A passenger returning to the Naples-Capri ferry service has expressed outrage over exorbitant pricing, with a bottle of water costing €1.60 and an additional baggage surcharge of €5, according to reports from Il Fatto Quotidiano. The vessel in question is the Veloce Caremar, which operates the route between Naples and Capri. While the cleanliness of the ship has improved compared to previous years, the lack of toilet paper has drawn criticism. The writer notes that even basic necessities such as bottled water are priced significantly higher than they are on land, where a similar product costs just 80 cents. The writer recalls their experience last year, during which they had previously criticized the poor hygiene conditions aboard the vessel. This time, while the overall condition has improved, the high prices remain a point of contention. They compare the cost of water on board with that of Aldo, a respected local baker known for his traditional Caprese sandwiches, who sells the same product for just 80 cents. The writer suggests that the price hike on the ferry reflects a minimum wage increase, including transportation costs from the mainland. The owner of the Veloce Caremar is Gianluigi Aponte, a prominent figure in the maritime industry. He and his wife, Rafaela Aponte-Diamant, are among the wealthiest individuals in the world, with a combined net worth estimated at around €90 billion. According to Forbes, each of them individually holds approximately €44.5 billion, placing them among the richest people globally. Their fortune stems from the Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), a major player in global shipping and logistics, which was founded by the couple in 1970. Recent regulatory changes have led to increased fares on ferries operating within the Gulf of Naples, particularly those under the ownership of the Aponte family’s SNAV group. In July 2026, a 5.8% fare increase was approved, affecting services between Naples and nearby islands. The writer questions whether such increases are justified, especially given the disparity in pricing for essential goods like water. On the island of Capri, there is mention of a figure known as A.A., referred to as the "Capri Ante Aponte," who serves as an informal representative of the dismantling of public infrastructure. Over the years, this individual has been responsible for replacing smaller ferries with larger vessels capable of carrying up to 650 passengers. There are reportedly more than ten such routes between Naples and Capri, indicating a shift toward more commercialized transport options. The writer provides further context regarding the company's operations. In July 2015, SNAV/Rifim, which is controlled by the Aponte family, acquired Caremar, the operator of public ferry services in the Gulf of Naples. The regional government pays Caremar an annual fee to ensure minimal service levels throughout the year, maintaining continuity of service. However, the same company also operates in the free market, allowing for different pricing structures on the same route. This dual approach results in two distinct regimes managed by the same owner. Additionally, the writer mentions that since this year, the Aponte-controlled ferries have introduced a €5 baggage surcharge, applicable to large suitcases that exceed standard size limits. The writer expresses frustration over this policy, noting that the surcharge appears to apply only to very bulky items. They call upon consumer protection agencies to intervene, suggesting that such practices may violate consumer rights. In another development, the Aponte family has signed a service agreement with the Region of Lazio, expanding their influence beyond the Gulf of Naples. The writer also shares a personal anecdote about Aponte’s early career, recalling his time as a ferry captain between Naples and Capri. During this period, he met Rafaela Diamant, the daughter of a Swiss banker, whom he eventually convinced to move to Geneva. Together, they built a business empire, though the writer notes that tax benefits were not part of the equation. The writer concludes with a reference to a recent study highlighting the disparity in taxation between Italy’s wealthiest citizens and the general population. The study reveals that the top 0.1% of earners pay an average tax rate of 32.6%, while the middle class pays 45%. This observation underscores broader economic inequalities, adding another layer to the discussion of fair pricing and corporate responsibility.