Has the departure of your ship been delayed or has the trip even been cancelled completely? Then you may have rights under the European Passenger Rights Regulation. This typically applies to ferries that travel regularly within the EU. Excursion and sightseeing trips are excluded. In the event of damage to luggage and personal injury, claims for compensation may exist in accordance with Regulation (EC) No 392/2009. In addition, contractual claims may also exist.
Here you can conveniently submit your conciliation request online – for rail, long-distance bus, flight, public transport or package holidays as well as ship travel.
If travellers arrive late at their port of destination, they may be entitled to compensation. The amount of compensation is 25% or 50%, depending on the duration of the journey and the time of delay:
Edit Entschädigung durch Fahrpreisnachlass:
| Compensation through fare reduction | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Delay in hours (minimum) | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 6 | 12 |
| Travel duration up to 4 hours | 25% | 50% | 50% | 50% | 50% | 50% |
| Travel duration up to 4-8 hours | 25% | 25% | 50% | 50% | 50% | |
| Travel duration up to 8-24 hours | 25% | 25% | 50% | 50% | ||
| Travel duration >24 hours | 25% | 25% |
There is no entitlement if the delay is due to exceptional circumstances. This applies in particular to adverse weather conditions. The compensation payment also does not apply to cruises.
If the departure is delayed by at least 90 minutes or the journey is cancelled, passengers have the choice between a full ticket refund or replacement transport under comparable conditions. This does not apply to cruises.
In the event of delays of 90 minutes or more and cancellations, passengers must receive free meals and drinks as well as overnight accommodation on board or ashore. Overnight accommodation is limited to 3 nights at a maximum cost of EUR 80.00 per night. In the event of adverse weather conditions, the right to overnight accommodation may be cancelled.
The interests of people with disabilities or reduced mobility deserve special protection. They must not be discriminated against, for example by being denied travel or only being allowed to travel at higher prices. However, the regulation allows the company to refuse carriage – for example if the ship does not allow a person with reduced mobility to board or disembark due to applicable safety requirements (see Regulation (EU) No. 1177/2010). It is therefore advisable to consult the company before booking or starting the journey.
Persons with disabilities or reduced mobility have the right to free assistance when embarking and disembarking and on board, provided that the carrier or terminal operator has been notified of the need for assistance 48 hours in advance.
Carriers and terminal operators are liable for damage resulting from the loss of or damage to mobility aids or other specialised equipment.
In the event of discrimination, claims for damages and/or compensation may also be possible under the BGB or the General Equal Treatment Act (AGG).
Whether a claim actually exists in your case depends on the specific individual case. The presentation of rights is only intended to provide an initial overview and is not exhaustive.
The website of the European Union provides a comprehensive presentation of the rights of ship travellers.
