Travel by Sea

Updated March 2020 

In light of the COVID-19 travel disruption, the European Consumer Centre Ireland is looking at what rights have changed for sea and waterways passengers at March 2020. 

Read about the latest changes here:  

COVID-19: Consumer advice for sea travel at March 2020

Passenger rights when travelling by sea are governed by Regulation 1177/2010 (on the rights of passengers when travelling by sea and inland waterway), which entered into force on 18^th December 2012.

The Regulation guarantees the following rights for passengers:

• In cases of cancellation or delay of more than 90 minutes at departure –

·         Reimbursement or rerouting

·         Assistance, to include snacks, meals, refreshments, and where necessary accommodation for up to three nights, with a cost of up €80 per night

• In situations of delay in arrival or cancellation of journeys –

·         Compensation of between 25% and 50% of the ticket price

• Protection for people with a disability or reduced mobility –

·         Assistance, free of charge, at port terminals and on board ships

·         Financial compensation for loss of or damage to mobility equipment

• The right to information

·         Passengers must be provided with information on their rights both before and during their journey; general information about their rights must also be provided in terminals and on board ships

• Complaint handling –

·         Carriers and terminal operators must have a complaint handling mechanism available to all passengers

·         Independent national bodies must be established in each Member State to ensure the enforcement of the Regulation and, where appropriate, the application of penalties.

The Regulation applies to passengers travelling

• on passenger services where the port of embarkation is situated within the territory of a Member State
• on passenger services where the port of embarkation is situated outside the territory of a Member State and the port is disembarkation is situated in the territory of a Member State, provided that the service is operated by an EU carrier
• on a cruise where the port of embarkation is situated in the territory of a Member State.

The Regulation does not apply

• to passengers travelling on ships certified to carry up to 12 passengers
• on ships with an operating crew of not more than three persons,
• where the overall service is less than 500 metres, one way, on excursion and sightseeing tours
• on ships propelled by non-mechanic means