1 July 2026
EU maritime passenger rights explained: what every ferry traveller should know
A complete guide to EU Regulation 1177/2010 — when you can claim 25–100% compensation, your rights during ferry delays and cancellations, and how to file a claim with European operators.
European ferry travel connects the UK, Scandinavia, the Mediterranean and beyond — but delays, missed sailings and cancellations still happen. The good news: EU maritime passenger rights give you strong legal protection when things go wrong.
This guide explains everything you need to know about Regulation (EU) No 1177/2010, including compensation amounts, assistance rights, time limits and how operators like DFDS, Stena Line, Brittany Ferries and P&O Ferries must respond.
When do EU maritime passenger rights apply?
EU rules apply to ferry and passenger ship services departing from EU ports, including:
- Cross-Channel routes (Dover–Calais, Portsmouth–Cherbourg, Hull–Rotterdam)
- North Sea crossings (Amsterdam–Newcastle, Esbjerg–Harwich)
- Baltic routes (Stockholm–Helsinki, Travemünde–Trelleborg)
- Mediterranean sailings (Barcelona–Palma, Marseille–Ajaccio, Civitavecchia–Olbia)
Some domestic or purely tourist services may be exempt. Journeys from the EU to non-EU countries may also be partially exempt if most of the route is outside the EU.
Tip: Cross-border ferry journeys between EU countries are fully covered — this is where FerryRefund focuses.
Departure delay compensation
Unlike rail rules (which focus on arrival delay), maritime compensation is based on departure delay at the port:
| Departure delay | Compensation |
|---|---|
| 1 hour | 25% of ticket price |
| 2 hours | 50% of ticket price |
| 3 hours | 75% of ticket price |
| 4+ hours | 100% of ticket price |
After 4 hours you may also choose not to travel and receive a full refund instead of compensation.
The ferry company must pay within one month of your request.
Cancellation rights
If your sailing is cancelled, you are entitled to:
- Rerouting to your final destination at the earliest opportunity, or
- A full refund of your ticket price within 7 days
If you accept rerouting and your new departure is delayed, the same compensation percentages apply.
Assistance during disruptions
Beyond financial compensation, you are entitled to assistance when your ferry is delayed or cancelled:
- Snacks, meals or refreshments (proportionate to the waiting time)
- Accommodation if an overnight stay becomes necessary (up to 3 nights)
- Transport between the port and your accommodation
Extraordinary circumstances
Ferry operators may be exempt from paying compensation in cases of extraordinary circumstances beyond their control — such as extreme weather, security risks or port closures. However, your rights to rerouting, refund and assistance still apply in most cases.
How long do you have to complain?
You should submit your complaint to the ferry company within 2 months of the disrupted sailing. The operator must reply within 2 months of receiving your complaint.
How to claim
- Gather your documents — booking confirmation, boarding pass, proof of delay
- Submit your complaint to the ferry operator (or use the EU standard form)
- Wait for the operator’s response — they must reply within 2 months
- Or use a claims service — file your claim via FerryRefund and we handle the process on a no win, no fee basis
Which ferry operators are covered?
EU maritime passenger rights apply to all major European ferry operators, including:
- DFDS — North Sea and Channel routes
- P&O Ferries — UK–France and UK–Ireland
- Stena Line — UK, Ireland and Scandinavia
- Brittany Ferries — UK–France–Spain
- Irish Ferries — Ireland–UK–France
- Baleària, Grimaldi Lines, Corsica Ferries — Mediterranean
- Viking Line / Tallink, TT-Line, Finnlines — Baltic Sea
Delayed or cancelled ferry? You may be entitled to 25–100% of your ticket price in compensation. File your claim in minutes — no win, no fee.