SEA TRANSPORT
Help and advice for consumers in Europe
The rights of passengers travelling by sea or by navigable waters in the event of delay or cancellation are set out in Regulation (EU) 1177/2010.
Such rights apply when one travels on ferries and cruise ships via sea, rivers, lakes, or canals in the EU, in whatever vessels, except for:
- vessels authorised to transport fewer than 13 passengers
- vessels with not more than three crew members
- vessels which travel a stretch less than 500 metres (one way)
- the majority of historical vessels, vessels for excursions and tourist trips – if not equipped for overnight stays or on-board accommodation
The Regulation also provides specific dispositions for the care of passengers with disabilities or reduced mobility.
In the event of a delay in departure of more than 90 minutes, the passengers shall be offered a choice between:
- refund of the ticket and, if necessary, free transport to the original point of departure
- alternative transport to the final destination at the earliest possible time and without additional cost
If a delay of more 90 minutes is experienced, the passenger may have the right to:
- meals and beverages (in correspondence the duration of the delay)
- hotel accommodation if departure is scheduled for the following days, up to a maximum of three nights stay for a maximum amount of € 80 per night
If arrival at destination is delayed for more than an hour, the passenger has the right to financial compensation equivalent to 25% or 50% of the ticket price depending on the length of the delay and its duration compared with the overall length of time of the journey.
The duty to provide accommodation does not however apply when the delay is due to weather conditions which put the safety of the vessel at risk.
In the event that the journey is cancelled, the passenger shall be offered the choice between:
- refund of the ticket and if necessary, free transport to the original point of departure
- alternative transport to the final destination at the earliest possible time and without additional cost
The company is also required to offer:
- meals and beverages (in correspondence with the duration of the delay)
- hotel accommodation if departure is scheduled for the days following up to a maximum of three overnight stays for a maximum of € 80 per night
The duty to provide accommodation does not apply when cancellation is due to weather conditions which place the safety of the vessel at risk.
Passengers with disabilities and person with reduced mobility have the right to travel under the same conditions of other passengers, without having to incur additional fees and additional costs.
Companies and travel agents and tourism operators may refuse embarkation for reasons of disability or reduced mobility only if, because of the size of the ferry or vessel, it is physically impossible or may result in breaches of obligations for health and safety.
In such cases, the passenger has the right to refund or alternative transport.
The type of assistance required must be notified at least 48 hours in advance; in any event, the company may require that the passenger with disabilities or reduced mobility be accompanied by a person who can provide him/her with the required assistance.
In such a case, the transport of the accompanying person shall be provided free of charge.
In cases of loss or damage to the mobility equipment, the passenger has the right to be fully compensated.
