If you miss your ferry, you typically lose your original ticket's value but can often rebook for a fee, paying any fare difference, though some flexible tickets allow changes or travel on the next sailing if space permits, so you should contact the provider ASAP to amend or claim on travel insurance if due to unforeseen events.
At the port, bookings can be amended up until check in closes. Check in closing times will be included on your booking confirmation and via our timetable pages. If you missed your sailing without making an amendment or cancellation, then no refund is due for that leg of your booking and it will be cancelled.
Arrived after booking cut off (as specified on the booking confirmation document): customers who arrive in time for their booked sailing, but have missed the booking cut off, may travel on the next available sailing based on order of arrival at the terminal, at no extra cost.
Check in typically closes 60 minutes prior to the scheduled departure time. In high season we advise customers to allow 120 minutes before check in closes to pass through all controls. Check in will close promptly, therefore, we advise customers to allow plenty of time prior to departure to pass through all controls.
What REALLY happens when you're late getting back to a cruise ship
Can you change the time of your ferry?
If you need to amend your sailing for any reason, it's easy to do. You can change your booking online, by using the Wightlink App, by calling our Contact Centre or by visiting our Customer Service Point at the port up to an hour before your sailing time. Standard tickets are free to amend.
What happens if i'm late and miss my ferry? Late arrivals will be required to amend to an alternative sailing time and payment for any resulting increase in costs, and any amendment fees, will be required before your sailing time.
A £8/€10 fee applies every time a booking is changed. If a change applies to both the outward and return sailings then the fee is £16/€20. This fee is in addition to any increase in fare. Sales fares may attract higher amendment fees - these will be shown in the fare rules when you make your booking online.
What happens if I miss my sailing? If you miss your sailing, you will receive a no-show email. Alternatively, you can contact our reservation office to cancel or transfer your booking. You will find contact details for all reservation offices here.
Can I show up before my booked time and get an earlier departure? Yes, subject to availability, but at busy periods this may not be possible and you may be asked to return in time for your booked crossing.
If you wish to alter your travel plans, please contact our Counter for assistance. When making a request, kindly provide your booking reference number, departure date and time, and journey details, and ensure the request is submitted at least one hour before departure.
The car deck is not equipped for evacuation. If you remain in your vehicle, crew members must be diverted from their emergency duties to escort you safely to the lounge. This can delay the evacuation process and put others at risk.
Bookings can be made any time, even up to the day of the travel. However, you should be aware that customs paperwork requirements may make the process slightly longer. All operators differ about when you can actually make a commercial ferry booking. These can range from 2 months to 7 days in advance.
How early should I show up for a ferry reservation?
If you have a booking, check in 45–60 minutes before departure. Let the ticket agent know if you booked in advance and have your booking number ready. Find check-in windows for bookable routes below: Vancouver (Tsawwassen) – Victoria (Swartz Bay)
4. Can I change my ticket for a future date? Tickets purchased at authorized Travel Agencies and at the Ferry Terminals (POS & Scarborough) are valid for one (1) year from the date of purchase; these tickets can be revalidated (changed) once for travel within that year.
You can easily amend your booking online at any time prior to your departure date by clicking on the "Login" link located at the top of the site and following the instructions. You can also amend your return sailing even if you have already completed your outward sailing.
As a Stena More Platinum Member travelling on our Baltic Sea routes, you need to check in at least 60 or 90 minutes prior to departure, dependent on the route you travel, to take advantage of dedicated boarding.
If you miss your sailing we will do everything possible to transfer you to the next available Irish Ferries sailing. You will be charged an amendment fee plus any difference in fare. There is no refund due for unused tickets.
What amendment fee is payable if I make a change via telephone or in person at the travel centre? Changes to the route, date or time and remove extra items, e.g. a cabin or a passenger. £20 amendment fee per single journey (£5 for foot passengers) + difference in fare + £5.00 service fee. No refund of removed item(s).
Book as far in advance as possible to take advantage of lower rates. You will usually pay more if you book at the last minute. You can very often secure better rates by travelling outside of peak times and dates.
Yes, you can usually change your ferry booking online, by phone, or at the port, but it depends on your ticket type (e.g., Economy vs. Flexi), how close it is to departure, and the ferry company's policy, with changes often incurring fees or fare differences for different dates, times, or passenger/vehicle details, though some tickets allow free changes up to a point. Always check your confirmation or the ferry operator's website (like CalMac, Wightlink, NorthLink, Stena Line) for specific rules, and contact your booking agent if you booked through a third party.
Can you get an earlier ferry than booked on Wightlink?
If you need to amend your sailing for any reason, it's easy to do. You can change your booking online, by using the Wightlink App, by calling our Contact Centre or by visiting our Customer Service Point at the port up to an hour before your sailing time. Standard tickets are free to amend.
Once you have been cleared from Border Control, some motorists (but not all) will be asked to pull into the search building, where your vehicle may be searched. This is a standard procedure and agents are just checking for any contraband. There are allowances for products such as alcohol and tobacco.
