Not arriving on time for departure and missing a ferry can be stressful, especially if you have connections to make or are traveling on multiple booked routes. Transportation strikes, accidents, inclement weather, death of a relative, and other force majeure causes may be reasons to get a full or partial refund for your ticket. Let’s see when you can get a voucher and what to do if you missed the ferry.
When you can apply for a ticket refund if you missed the ferry
You are entitled to a refund (or a free change) of your lost ferry ticket only in certain cases, such as:
Delay or cancellation of previous ride (connecting)
If you have purchased several connected routes in the same reservation, and one is cancelled or delayed for reasons attributable to the company, then:
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you can request reimbursement for unused routes,
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or free re-routing on another departure (as in air or rail transport).
Please note: If the routes were purchased separately with different operators, it is more difficult to get an automatic refund.
Documentable causes of force majeure
In some documented exceptional cases (health problems, accidents, etc.), some companies may accept a partial refund, or a voucher for a rebooking.
Documented force majeure: how to claim a refund for a ferry ticket that has already departed
Force majeure events are unforeseeable and unavoidable events that prevent a passenger from leaving or arriving on time for a ferry departure for reasons beyond his or her control. In such cases, some ferry companies-if properly informed before departure-may grant a refund of the ticket, or a voucher for a future trip.
Common examples of force majeure accepted (if documented):
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Sudden illness or injury – You must submit a medical certificate stating that you are unable to travel on the scheduled date.
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Death of an immediate family member-Required death certificate and documentation proving relationship (e.g., family status, self-certification).
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Road accidents or sudden blockages (e.g., landslides, floods) – Need official documentation (law enforcement report, news from public bodies) showing inability to reach the port.
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Sudden public transport strikes – In some cases, if the strike was not known at the time of booking, you can apply for a refund by submitting official notices of the service disruption.
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Health emergencies or travel restrictions – In case of compulsory quarantines, border blockades or positive swab, documentation from health authorities or official bodies is needed.
When it is not considered force majeure:
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Simple delay in city traffic
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Failure to wake up or error in time
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Forgetfulness of documents or driver’s license
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Change of schedule for personal reasons
In these cases the ticket is considered non-refundable, even if you have not traveled.
What to do in case of force majeure
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Contact the shipping company or broker (e.g., FerryFinder) now, before departure.
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Explain what happened and ask if there is a refund, date change or voucher.
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Provide requested documentation, preferably via email or online form, to leave a written record.
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Adhere to the timelines given: many companies require the request to be sent within 24-72 hours of missed departure.
Remember that force majeure, such as strikes, accidents, landslides, floods, or death of a relative, may entitle you to a refund, but only if you have concrete evidence and act promptly. Each company has its own conditions, so it is essential to read the terms and conditions carefully when booking.
When you are NOT entitled to a refund for the ferry ticket you missed
Generally speaking, if you miss the ferry through no fault of your own, such as for:
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I arrive late at the port,
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traffic or disorganization,
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error in departure time,
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Lack of documents or ticket,
You are not entitled to a refund. The ticket is considered “used” even if you have not boarded. However, some companies apply more flexible conditions.
READ CAREFULLY – More flexible terms: what some companies can offer even if you’re in the wrong
Change of date with penalty or free of charge – If you miss the ferry but give timely notice (before or just after the departure time), some companies allow you to move the departure to another ride, for a fee:
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A reduced penalty,
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Or the tariff difference,
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or even at no cost in the off-season or for valid reasons (e.g., exceptional traffic).
Issuance of a voucher -In lieu of cash reimbursement, a travel voucher may be offered for use within a certain period (e.g., 12 months).
This often happens if:
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Communicate the problem within a few hours,
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The ship has not yet sailed,
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demonstrate good faith and a cooperative spirit.
Less strict “no show” policy – Some companies apply a less strict policy in case of “no show” (absence of the passenger at boarding), while still allowing:
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A partial refund,
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The reuse of the ticket on another day (with limits),
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A re-routing to another route.
Concrete example: Moby and Tirrenia, in some cases, offer the possibility of changing dates or getting a voucher even if you do not show up for boarding, as long as the ticket has not already been used and you apply in a timely manner.
But Beware: in these cases, the refund of the ferry ticket is not a guaranteed right
What to do if you missed your connection with another ferry
If the routes are in the same ticket, as might be the case on platforms like FerryFinder, the company must offer you:
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a fresh start at no cost, or
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A refund of unused routes.
What if I have travel insurance?
If you have purchased insurance (often optional when booking), check if it includes:
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you can get reimbursement for missed connection,
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Or reimbursement for involuntary trip cancellation.
Many insurances cover these events, as long as you can prove the cause of the missed departure.
Practical tips for requesting a refund (full or partial) of your ticket when you missed the ferry
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Contact the company now-many have customer service or real-time chat.
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Keep all receipts: cab, hotel, medical records, email.
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Check the general conditions of transportation (every company has different rules!).
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If you are traveling with an accompanying car, there may be additional costs for reprotection.
Play ahead with Ferryfinder and don’t miss the ferry !
We know: all it takes is one too many red lights, a coffee taken too slowly, or the navigator taking you to the wrong port… and poof, the ferry has already left. And unfortunately, unlike some friends, the ferry waits for no one.
One thing you can do, though: book in advance, read the conditions well, and maybe choose flexible rates. And if something really does go wrong, at least you already know what to expect.
Useful Links: How to change the date and time of your ferry ticket
