In short (UK): Many ferry and cruise passengers are covered by maritime passenger rights. Long delays can mean refreshments, a refund or re-routing choice (often from 90 minutes), and 25–50% ticket compensation for late arrival — subject to journey length and exclusions such as unsafe weather. Claim in writing with booking proof. This is general guidance, not legal advice.
A missed connection or overnight wait at the port is more than an inconvenience. This guide covers the core rules — not a full claim pack. For a personalised plan and letter from your sailing details, use Refundly.
What Rights Often Apply
| Situation | Typical entitlement (where rules apply) |
|---|---|
| Delay / cancellation info | Update within a short time of scheduled departure |
| ~90+ minutes departure delay | Refreshments; choice of re-routing or refund |
| Longer waits / overnight | Meals; limited overnight accommodation (with caps) |
| Late arrival at destination | 25% or 50% of ticket price by delay band |
| Open ticket / told before buy | Compensation often excluded |
Rules apply to many journeys departing from or arriving in the UK. Cruise segments and short sightseeing trips can differ — check whether your ticket is in scope.
Late-Arrival Compensation Bands
Compensation is usually a percentage of what you paid, not a flat airline-style fixed sum:
| Scheduled journey time | Delay for ~25% | ~50% if delay more than double |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 4 hours | 1 hour+ | 2 hours+ |
| Over 4 to 8 hours | 2 hours+ | 4 hours+ |
| Over 8 to 24 hours | 3 hours+ | 6 hours+ |
| Over 24 hours | 6 hours+ | 12 hours+ |
You normally need to have travelled for arrival compensation. Unsafe weather and some extraordinary events can block payment.
Note scheduled vs actual departure and arrival — bands turn on both
What to Do Next (High Level)
- Keep booking confirmation, tickets, and any delay notices.
- Record scheduled and actual departure/arrival times.
- Ask on the day for assistance, re-routing, or refund options.
- Claim written compensation for late arrival within the operator’s process.
- Escalate if ignored or underpaid — formal complaint then ADR/enforcement routes.
What Your Letter Should Cover
Booking ref and sailing; ports and times; delay length; costs already incurred; remedy wanted (refund, re-routing confirmation, or % compensation); deadline.
Refundly builds a structured ferry delay claim from your sailing details
Refund vs Compensation
A ticket refund (when you abandon or cannot use the trip) is different from percentage compensation for arriving late after you sail. You can often pursue the route that fits the facts — do not assume a voucher settles both.
Using Refundly
- Select travel / ferry delay
- See plain-English maritime rights framing
- Personalised plan with deadlines
- Generate a claim letter
- Track replies and escalate if needed
Final Tip
Photograph the departure board and save SMS/app alerts. Operators argue about minutes; your timestamps win.
General information for UK consumers only — not legal advice. See GOV.UK maritime passenger rights and retained Regulation (EU) No 1177/2010.
Common questions
Short answers to common questions on this topic.
- Do ferry passengers have delay compensation rights in the UK?
- Yes for many sailings covered by maritime passenger rules (retained EU Regulation 1177/2010). Depending on delay length and journey time, you may get assistance, a refund or re-routing choice, and separately a percentage of the ticket price for late arrival.
- When can I get a refund or re-routing?
- If departure is delayed by about 90 minutes or more, carriers often must offer a choice between re-routing to your destination or a refund (with return to the first point of departure where relevant). Ask in writing and keep your booking reference.
- How much compensation for late arrival?
- Often 25% of the ticket price once delay thresholds are met (for example 1 hour late on a journey scheduled up to 4 hours), rising to 50% if the delay is more than double those thresholds. Amounts under about £5 may not be paid.
- Does bad weather block every claim?
- Weather that endangers safe operation, and some extraordinary circumstances, can exclude compensation and limit overnight accommodation duties. Assistance and information duties may still apply — check the facts for your sailing.
- What if the operator ignores my claim?
- Complain through their formal process with booking proof and delay times, then escalate via the national enforcement / ADR routes for maritime passenger rights. Refundly helps structure the timeline and letter.