Ferry travel rights during bad weather and sailing bans in Greece

Passengers traveling by ferry in Greece have specific rights when sailings are banned, delayed or canceled because of bad weather, according to guidance published through gov.gr on maritime passenger transport.

When authorities impose a sailing ban because of adverse weather conditions, passengers can modify their ticket, remain on board if the captain permits it, or withdraw from the journey and receive a refund of the applicable fare.

Compensation for delays
Passengers may also be entitled to compensation when a vessel is delayed because of damage, malfunction or circumstances attributable to the ferry company.

If departure is delayed by more than 90 minutes due to a fault, damage or the company’s responsibility, passengers may withdraw from the journey and receive the ticket price back.

Those who choose to travel must be transported to their destination by the company, with light meals or refreshments provided. If the delay exceeds four hours and an overnight stay becomes necessary, food and accommodation must be provided on board or at a hotel where feasible.

If passengers eventually reach their destination on the same or another vessel, they may be entitled to compensation equal to 25 percent of the ticket price when the delay exceeds specific thresholds. These are:

• One hour for journeys of up to four hours
• Two hours for journeys lasting more than four and up to eight hours
• Three hours for journeys lasting more than eight and up to 24 hours
• Six hours for journeys exceeding 24 hours

When the delay reaches twice these thresholds, compensation increases to 50 percent of the fare.

If a journey is interrupted or a connection is missed
If a technical problem occurs during a voyage, passengers may terminate their journey and receive a refund corresponding to the part of the route that was not completed.

Alternatively, they can continue traveling and receive compensation of 25 or 50 percent of the fare if the delayed arrival exceeds the relevant time limits.

If a journey is interrupted at an intermediate port and passengers are not transported onward to their destination, food and accommodation must be provided throughout the waiting period. Passengers may also be entitled to compensation equal to twice the fare.

When a delay or cancellation causes passengers to miss a connecting journey covered by a connecting ticket, the ferry company must arrange and pay for transportation to the final destination by the most appropriate means. Food and accommodation must also be provided when an overnight stay is unavoidable.

Cancellation, bad weather and denied boarding
If a sailing is canceled because of adverse weather, passengers can modify their tickets, remain on the vessel if permitted by the captain, or withdraw and receive the applicable fare back.

If a journey is canceled due to the company’s responsibility and passengers were not informed in time or transported to their destination, full compensation or another form of compensation may apply.

When a cancellation results from damage or malfunction of the vessel, passengers can either agree to be transported to their destination within 24 hours or withdraw and receive the full ticket price.

Passengers who hold a valid ticket but are denied boarding may be entitled to compensation equal to three times the passenger fare, or they can be transported to their final destination at the company’s expense and receive additional compensation equal to the passenger fare.

Ticket cancellation and refunds
Passengers can also cancel tickets under the applicable cancellation rules and receive:

• 50% of the fare if the ticket is returned up to 12 hours before departure
• 75% of the fare if returned up to seven days before departure
• 100% of the fare if returned up to 14 days before departure

A full refund may also apply regardless of when the passenger provides notice in documented cases of force majeure.

For refunds or compensation, the ticket or relevant ticket stub must be submitted to the ferry company, ticket issuer or designated maritime agent within seven days of the scheduled departure.

Passengers who believe a ferry company has failed to meet its obligations can initially submit a complaint to the company, ticket issuer, maritime agent or the competent authority at the port terminal.