Viaferry.com Terms & Conditions

These Terms and Conditions apply to all bookings made for journeys, either through the Site or our helpdesk.

By booking through us, you agree to these Terms and Conditions, comprised of our Booking Conditions, the Operator Terms, the Privacy Policy, and the Terms of Use. You expressly consent and agree to be bound by these Terms & Conditions and all applicable laws and regulations that govern the Site and your Booking.

In these Conditions, the following definitions apply:

• ‘Site’ refers to the Viaferry.com website and is the domain name used under license by Island Bookings B.V., a registered company in the Netherlands.

• ‘We’/’ Us’ / ‘Our’ / ‘Company’ refers to Island Bookings B.V., the Site owner and administrator.

• ‘Operator’ means any individual company that operates journeys and related services.

• ‘Journey’ means any travel by ferry, fast boat, or other means of transport as offered on Viaferry.com.

• ‘Booking’ means any Journey or group thereof booked and paid for on Viaferry.com.

• ‘You’ / ‘Customer’ means the person using the Site and/or making the Booking, who may (but not necessarily) also be a Passenger.

• ‘Passenger’ means any person booked to travel on a Journey.

• ‘Our Services’ means the services offered by us, including a Journey search service, price comparison service, and booking service. We also provide customer support before, during and after any Operator Service has been provided, including but not limited to assistance with date changes, cancellations, complaints, and processing of any refunds.

• ‘Operator Services’ means the services and journeys provided by any Operator.

• ‘Booking Conditions’ means all general terms and conditions set out by us regarding a Booking and is not specified in the Operator Terms.

• ‘Operator Terms’ means the specific terms and conditions by which we are bound, by Operators, regarding their journeys and the provision of their services.

Viaferry.com do not operate any Journeys themselves, as these are provided by various Operators. When making a Booking, we primarily act as an agent for the Operators in making that booking with you. This means that you will be entering into a contract with us for Our Services and indirectly entering into a contract with the relevant Operator, who is the party responsible for providing the Operator Services to you. Any complaints regarding Operator Services should be directed to the Operator in question, with us on copy of any correspondence (see Complaints).

Any Booking you make through our Site or helpdesk is subject to:

i) these Booking Conditions - setting out the terms on which we provide Our Services to you, and

ii) the Operator Terms - setting out the terms on which the Operator provides their services and journeys to you. 

The Operator Terms are made available to view before your Booking is completed. You are responsible for familiarizing yourself with the Operator Terms. In the event of any conflict or inconsistency between the Viaferry.com Booking Conditions and the Operator Terms, the Operator Terms prevail.

When you make a Booking using the Site or helpdesk, you must have the authority to make the Booking on behalf of any other Passenger named on the Booking. For any Passengers under 18 years of age at the time of travel, you must have the authority of their parent or guardian when making the Booking.

In making a Booking, you confirm that each Passenger agrees to be bound by these Terms and Conditions. You are responsible for safeguarding any personal information provided, including names, contact details, passport information, and travel details. You must ensure that all information provided is complete and accurate.

By making the Booking, you also become responsible for making all payments due under the Booking.

You understand that we may not have conducted any quality or other checks regarding the services offered by the Operators. As such, we make no representations about the suitability of the Operator Services offered for sale through our Site. The inclusion or offering for sale of an Operator Service by us does not constitute an express or implied endorsement or recommendation of such service. We do not guarantee the accuracy of and disclaim liability for any inaccuracies relating to Operator Services offered for sale through us.

You accept that we have not in any way selected or assembled your travel arrangements for you. Your travel arrangements and other Operator Services are not a package and do not fall within the meaning of The Package Travel, Package Holidays and Package Tours Regulations 1992.

Prices are based on vehicle type (if applicable), the number of passengers and their ages, route(s), seat type(s), class/cabin, travel dates and times. The Site displays prices in select currencies that may be subject to frequent exchange rate fluctuations. This means that the price of a particular Journey may vary each time you visit the Site.

Some prices may require Passengers to depart and/or return at or within specified dates and times. Passengers not adhering to such specified dates and times may be refused travel, and/or have their Booking and onboard accommodation changed, and/or be subject to additional charges. In particular, the benefit of any promotional fares (including round trip fares in case of a change to one-way) may be lost and higher prices charged.

A Service Fee (see Fees) may be levied on particular Journeys. If this applies, it will be clearly displayed during the booking process.

Promotional fares are subject to special conditions. Before booking such fares, you should check with us for any specific terms which may apply. We maintain the right to vary all displayed prices at any time until a Booking is confirmed. This includes when Operators change their prices for reasons of, but not limited to, currency fluctuations, fuel prices, and changes in the law.

In the event of a pricing error, we reserve the right, with your consent, to amend the booking price. We maintain our right to cancel the Booking and issue any applicable refund if you disagree.

You must pay in full for each Booking at the time of making the Booking before an e-confirmation is issued. Payment can be made by credit card, debit card or PayPal. Further payment options such as Sofort & Ideal can be used in some countries. Should you experience difficulties completing a payment, payment troubleshooting information will be provided.

When you complete a Booking on Viaferry.com, either on the Site or helpdesk, you agree that the data we store in our information systems constitutes proof of your Booking and its details. See also: Privacy Policy.

We will then send you an e-confirmation and booking summary by email. The e-confirmation sets out your reservation details and other relevant information. Depending on the Operator, you might be sent an additional confirmation, usually within 24-48 hours. In some cases, this may include a separate check-in document needed when travelling. If you have not received an e-confirmation from us within 24 hours of making the Booking, please double check your junk/spam email folder. Please contact our helpdesk if the email is still not be received.

Should an issue arise, where it is reasonably deemed that the Operator(s) can no longer provide their service, we retain the right to cancel the Booking. This may occur if we discover a Journey is no longer available, was sold out at the time of booking, or if the Operator is otherwise unable to provide its services. Should this happen, we will inform you as soon as possible to discuss the most appropriate action. 

Vehicle and Passenger space, as well as any accommodation on board, are all subject to availability. It is, therefore, strongly recommended to book as far in advance as possible to ensure you get to travel on your preferred dates/times.

All schedules are provided to us by the Operators and are subject to change without notice. Departure/Arrival times are estimated by the Operator and displayed as local times - please refer to your e-confirmation for details. You are advised to check with the Operator for any schedule changes before commencing your Journey. You should also make sure to check your email inbox (and, if necessary, junk/spam mail folder) for any updates we, or the Operator, may send. Journey schedules may be interrupted and/or travel times extended or cancelled due to adverse weather conditions and/or tidal conditions and/or other circumstances.

It may be necessary to use alternative vessels/vehicles and/or points of departure and/or arrival on any Journey or change/withdraw the facilities/services available for various operational, technical, or scheduling reasons.

We do not accept liability arising for any costs or inconvenience caused due to such circumstances. When possible, we will try to notify you of any schedule changes using the contact details provided, by you, at the time of booking.

Each Passenger must have all necessary documents to enter the countries/territories they intend to visit. This includes any documents needed to re-enter the country/territory of departure. Such documents include, but may not be limited to, a valid passport/I.D. for the duration of stay, visas or other entry permits, health certificates, including proof of vaccination or any other document deemed necessary for entry to the countries/territories being visited. 

It is your responsibility and the responsibility of each Passenger to check any entry requirements before departure. Failure to have the necessary documents and/or comply with entry requirements may result in boarding being denied and/or entry refused.

Check-in times and instructions are stated on the e-confirmation and should be read carefully. Each Passenger is responsible for ensuring they check in on time. Always allow sufficient time to travel to/from your point of departure/arrival. Special consideration should be given when connecting with a flight or any form of (public) transportation. 

If a Passenger is late and check-in has closed, boarding cannot be guaranteed as waiting lists may have been accepted. In some regions/routes, check-in times are strictly enforced to ensure the completion of immigration formalities before departure.

Passengers with specific accessibility requirements or with permission to carry animals or dangerous goods are expected to check in earlier than stated on the e-confirmation. The Operator has ultimate discretion as to whether to allow any Passenger, their vehicle and/or luggage on board.

You are responsible for ensuring that each Passenger’s name matches the name on their passport. If not, boarding may be refused, and the Passenger may not be able to travel. Any travel insurance purchased may also be invalid. If any Passenger changes their name between the date of booking and the date of travel (for example, following marriage), you must notify us.

Depending on the Operator and route, differing luggage allowances and their accompanying fees (if applicable) exist. An over-the-shoulder carry-on bag can be taken free of charge in most cases. Many Operators also have free-of-charge checked luggage allowances.

All date and/or time changes are subject to availability and, in some cases, subject to Operator approval. In addition, each Operator has its own specific policy concerning changing an existing Booking. In most cases, changes can be requested up to 24 hours before departure by contacting us. Should your plans change at the last minute, directly contacting the Operator may be your only option. The contact information for each Operator in your Booking is provided in the e-confirmation. Most Operators will do their best to accommodate any such requests but are not obliged to do so at such short notice.

Some Journeys, including those with promotional or special offer prices, cannot be changed. During the booking process, you should check the specific changes policy for the Journey you are booking.

If a Passenger name is incorrectly spelt, or you wish to change a Passenger name completely, please contact us immediately. Please be aware that not all Operators allow name changes.

Some Operators may charge a fee for changing an existing Booking (see Fees). Generally, giving as much advance notice as possible will keep such costs to a minimum. In many cases, date and/or time changes (for the same route and ticket type) made well before departure are free.

In addition to any fees, should a change to your Booking result in a different price, you will either be billed for the difference or have it refunded as applicable.

We will do our best to accommodate all requests swiftly and to your satisfaction. However, as mentioned, this depends on the specific Operator policy.

If your plans change and you wish to cancel your Booking, you must send us a cancellation request by email as soon as possible. Any cancellation request must be submitted before the first date of departure. Cancellation requests received after the date of travel will not be processed.

All cancellations and applicable refunds are subject to these Booking Conditions and the Operator Terms. Cancellation policies differ per Operator and will be clearly displayed under the Operator Terms during the booking process. These include the amount of time before departure for when a cancellation request must be received for a refund to be applicable. 

If you fail to submit a cancellation request in time, do not show up, or make use of the booked Journey, the Operator may consider you a ‘No Show’. In all such cases, you would not be eligible for a refund. 

Some Journeys, including those with promotional or special offer prices, may not be refundable. During the booking process, you should check the specific cancellation policy for the Journey you are booking.

All applicable refunds will be subject to our administration fee (see Fees) in addition to any fees levied by the Operator.

Once approved by the Operator (if applicable), refunds are paid directly from Viaferry.com, minus the previously-mentioned administration fees and/or any other charges applied to process the refund. In most cases, refunds are automatically processed back to the method of payment used at the time of booking. When this is not possible, we will contact you for alternative payment details, such as your PayPal or bank account (additional fees may be incurred).

A non-refundable Service Fee may be levied on particular Journeys. If this applies, it will be clearly displayed during the booking process. 

Depending on the type of Journey booked, additional fees may apply for changing and/or cancelling a Booking. Viaferry.com does not charge additional processing fees to change a Booking, but certain Operators might. In some of these cases, this fee must be paid directly to the Operator.

When cancelling any Booking, a 10% cancellation and administration fee will be charged, calculated over the total amount being refunded up to a maximum value of EUR 150 or USD 150 or GBP 150. The maximum value will be determined by the currency used at the time of booking. Service Fees (see Prices), if applied, are always non-refundable.

For Operators with a Fees Policy, the specific fees will be displayed when viewing these terms and conditions during the booking process. 

Not all Operators have the necessary facilities to accept Bookings for people with disabilities or reduced mobility. Where possible, Operators will do their best to accommodate Passengers with special requirements as long as it does not comprise their safe passage. Since it is not always possible to provide the necessary amenities, enquiries as to whether the Operator has the facilities the Passenger requires should be made well before booking.

The carriage of animals is only permitted on certain Journeys, with specific Operators, and only if you notify us before making the Booking. Any such carriage must be in accordance with any relevant legal requirements and the requirements of the Operator. You may be charged extra for the carriage of any animals, and additional conditions may be imposed. Please seek advice from your vet or the appropriate authority before making a Booking. You are legally responsible for the animals and wholly responsible for obtaining all necessary documents, consents, and permission.

Viaferry.com only caters to private passenger vehicle Bookings. Your vehicle may, however, be deemed to be outside the standard for a passenger vehicle and, therefore, the following applies:

For Operators, special conditions and tariffs apply to the carriage of freight and commercial passenger vehicles. The definition of what constitutes a freight vehicle - and whether any special tariff applies - is determined in each case by the Operator.

By way of guidance only, vehicles exceeding 6.5 metres in length, specifically made or adapted for the carriage of freight, whether carrying goods or not, are subject to special tariffs, as are any vehicles of other specification but which are carrying merchandise or travelling for a commercial purpose. If a vehicle is booked as a car or private vehicle but is determined by the Operator to be a freight vehicle, the full tariff rate will be charged and/or carriage will be refused without refund.

Commercial passenger vehicles exceeding 6.5 metres in length and constructed or adapted to carry 8 or more passengers and/or not classified as a private car by the Operator may be subject to a different tariff. If the vehicle is booked as a car or private vehicle but is found to be a commercial passenger vehicle, the full tariff will be charged and/or carriage will be refused without refund.

Neither we nor the Operators will accept Bookings for vehicles carrying dangerous or hazardous materials, including, in certain circumstances, vehicles powered by LPG. In certain circumstances, written permission must be obtained from the Operator and may be subject to additional charges and conditions. You are responsible to the Operator for the carriage of such materials, whether declared or undeclared. If you seek to carry undeclared dangerous/hazardous materials, such carriage may be refused without refund.

You warrant that you are 18 years of age or over and have the legal capacity to use the Site and to create a legally binding contract.

You are responsible to Viaferry.com and the Operator for fully complying with these Booking Conditions and any additional requirements imposed by the Operator or by law.

You are also responsible for providing complete and accurate information about your Booking, including the vehicle (if applicable) and Passengers. You accept financial responsibility for all transactions made under your name.

Your Booking is subject to any compulsory law or applicable convention. Your attention is specifically drawn to the Athens Convention relating to the Carriage of Passengers and Their Luggage by Sea 1974, which imposes obligations on the Operator and limits their liability.

If an unforeseen event, which is beyond the control of the Operator or us - and could therefore not have been avoided by us or the Operator taking all due care - significantly impedes travel, then either we or the Operator can terminate the contract. In such instances, any restitution may only be sought through your own travel insurance policy. You should carefully read any travel insurance policy you decide to purchase and be fully aware of the risks which you are protected against under the policy.

For the avoidance of doubt, an unforeseen event may include (but is not limited to) warfare, other serious problems such as terrorism, significant risks to human health such as the outbreak of a serious disease at the travel destination, border closures, or natural disasters such as hurricanes, earthquakes or poor weather conditions which may make it impossible to travel safely to the booked destination.

We act as an agent on behalf of the Operators and are not responsible for the Journeys they provide. We are only responsible for the provision of Our Services.

We are not responsible for information not published by us, including information published on Operator websites, nor incorrect information given to us by the Operators.

Your contract for the provision of the Journey is primarily between you and the Operator. We are, therefore, not responsible for the Operator Services. We are not liable for any loss or damage that you may suffer, either due to the Operator failing to perform, or its improper performance of, the journey or service. To protect against any such risks, we recommend you take out adequate travel insurance. You should carefully read any travel insurance policy you decide to purchase and be fully aware of the risks which you are protected against under the policy.

In addition, we are not liable for damages or losses that may result from travel to any particular destination. The government of your country may help travellers stay safe overseas. Check with your government for the latest advice on conditions and general information concerning specific countries.

We may be held liable for (i) loss caused by fraudulent misrepresentation on our part, (ii) loss arising from death or personal injury caused directly by our negligence, or (iii) any other loss that may not be excluded or limited by applicable law. In all other respects, we shall only be liable for losses arising directly (a) from our breach of a legal duty of care or (b) as a result of our breach of these Terms and Conditions. Such liability is at all times limited to a sum equivalent to the amount paid by you for a Booking.

Claims against us for compensation are limited or excluded when international treaties or other legal regulations that limit or exclude liability apply. The Operator’s liability for sea transportation is governed by the applicable stipulations of international treaties, including the Athens Convention, which limits the Operator’s liability for shipping incidents and fault or negligence.

You should contact us by email if you have any complaints about Our Services. All complaints must be made promptly and at the latest within 14 days of completing your Journey.

If you have a complaint about something that happened during your Journey, please contact the Operator directly to resolve this issue using the details provided in the e-confirmation. We always advise keeping us on copy for all such correspondence in case we can offer additional assistance.

These Terms and Conditions are governed by The Netherlands & E.U. law. You agree that Dutch Courts shall have jurisdiction to hear and determine any dispute arising from the interpretation of these terms.

If any provision (or part of a provision) of these Terms and Conditions is found by any court or other authority of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable, that provision or part shall, to the extent required, be deemed not to form part of this agreement with you and the validity and enforceability of the other provisions shall not be affected.