A ferry delay can disrupt hotel check-ins, rail connections and the first day of a trip. In the European Union, the useful threshold to remember is 90 minutes: once a covered ferry service is delayed beyond that point, the passenger should usually be offered a choice between reimbursement and re-routing.

First, check whether the EU rules apply

The rules normally cover most ferry journeys that leave an EU port. They can also cover a journey arriving in the EU from outside the bloc when the service is operated by an EU transport company. Very small vessels, short crossings under 500 metres and some sightseeing or historic ships are among the exceptions.

The 90-minute decision

If departure is delayed by more than 90 minutes, the carrier should offer either a ticket refund within seven days—plus a return to the original departure point when necessary—or re-routing to the final destination at the earliest opportunity at no extra cost.

This choice does not generally apply to cruise passengers, so check the type of booking before relying on the rule.

Food, drinks and an overnight stay

Assistance should be proportionate to the waiting time. When it can reasonably be supplied, that can include snacks, meals or refreshments. If an overnight stay becomes necessary, accommodation on board or ashore and transport between the terminal and the accommodation may also be due.

The carrier may cap shore accommodation at €80 per night for up to three nights. Accommodation is not due when the departure delay was caused by severe weather.

Arrival compensation is a separate test

A departure delay and a late arrival are not the same calculation. Depending on the scheduled duration of the crossing and the final arrival delay, compensation can start at 25% of the ticket price and rise to 50%.

• For a journey scheduled to last up to four hours, the first threshold is a one-hour arrival delay.
• For a journey over four and up to eight hours, it is two hours.
• For a journey over eight and up to 24 hours, it is three hours.
• For a journey scheduled for more than 24 hours, it is six hours.

Compensation may be excluded when severe weather or unavoidable extraordinary circumstances caused the delay. Cruise passengers are also outside this compensation rule.

The evidence checklist

1. Keep the booking confirmation and boarding documents. They establish the route, operator and scheduled times.
2. Photograph the departure board. Capture the stated delay and any cancellation notice.
3. Save carrier messages. Keep texts, emails and app notifications showing revised times.
4. Ask for the choice in writing. If the delay passes 90 minutes, request reimbursement or re-routing clearly.
5. Keep reasonable receipts. Record food, transport and accommodation costs, but do not assume every expense will be reimbursed.
6. Note your actual arrival time. This determines whether the separate compensation thresholds may apply.

If the carrier does not resolve it

A complaint about ship passenger rights should normally be made to the carrier or terminal operator within two months of the scheduled service. The operator should react within one month and give a final reply within two months. If the response is unsatisfactory, the relevant national authority or a European Consumer Centre may be able to help.

This guide is general travel information, not legal advice. Check the official rules and the facts of your specific crossing.

Source: Your Europe — ship passenger rights.