Minors on board ferries: rules and general regulations

Summer is most people’s favorite season, the days are getting longer, it’s hot and the desire for vacation is growing every day.
Young people are undoubtedly the stars of the summer season, and in large numbers they make arrangements for their first trips without their parents.
The ferry is one of the most popular means of transportation among young people, especially the very young who decide to spend classic beach trips. Can unaccompanied minors travel aboard ferries? Of course, yes, but there are internal rules and regulations of the ferry companies that one must abide by.

In this article we will see what are the general rules and specific regulations of some shipping companies on the transportation of unaccompanied minors on board ferries.

Minors unaccompanied by adults general regulations

Rules for minors aboard ferries vary by ferry company and route.
However, there are some common guidelines that can be applied in many cases:

  1. Minimum Age: Most ferry companies require unaccompanied minors to be at least 14-16 years old.
    Younger children must be accompanied by an adult.
  2. Documentation: Unaccompanied minors must present additional documentation to travel aboard ferries.
    This may include:

    • A letter of permission signed by parents or legal guardians.
    • Copy of ID of parents or guardians.
    • ID of the minor.
  3. Liability: Some companies require parents or legal guardians to sign a release releasing the company from liability during the child’s trip.
  4. Assistance on Board: Some airlines offer an in-flight service for unaccompanied minors, similar to the unaccompanied minor service offered by airlines.
    This service may have an additional cost.

Transporting minors aboard Moby, Grimaldi Lines and Tirrenia ferries.

As mentioned, in addition to general regulations, some of the major shipping companies, have internal regulations that may differ from each other.
Let us see, specifically the cases of Moby Lines, Grimaldi Lines e Tirrenia.

  1. Moby Lines:
    • Children under the age of 14 must be accompanied by an adult.
    • Children between the ages of 14 and 18 can travel alone with a declaration of permission signed by their parents.
    • Children under 4 travel for free, those aged 4 to 12 have discounts on tickets.
  2. Grimaldi Lines:
    • Children under the age of 14 must be accompanied by an adult.
    • Underage children, ages 14 to 18, can travel alone on board the ferries, but must have a signed permission statement from their parents.
    • Child discounts and family offers available.
  3. Tirrenia:
    • Minors under 12 must be accompanied.
    • Minors 12 to 18 years old may travel alone with parental permission.
    • Children under 4 travel free, and there are discounts for those aged 4 to 12.

Book ferries on Ferryfinder and take advantage of deals for minors

Booking ferries on Ferryfinder is always cheaper. Remember that ticket prices are always calculated net of all active offers and concessions.

  1. Children’s Discounts: Many ferry companies offer discounts for children and teens.
    Discounts can vary, but often children under 4 travel free, while those ages 4 to 12 can get a 50 percent discount.
  2. Student Discounts: Some companies offer discounts for students, including teenagers and young people.
    Proof of school enrollment may be required.
  3. Family Offers: Many companies offer family packages that include discounts for children when traveling with two adults.

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