Do ferries ever get cancelled?

It is important to mention that it is not common for ferries to be canceled or delayed. Sometimes, however, the ferry company may not be able to avoid it (e.g. in case of a technical issue with the ferry).



Yes, ferries are frequently cancelled, and in 2026, the primary reason remains adverse weather conditions, particularly high winds and heavy seas. Safety regulations (such as those from the IMO) prevent vessels from operating when wave heights exceed the ship's "significant wave height" rating. In addition to weather, ferries can be cancelled due to technical mechanical failures, labor strikes, or tidal restrictions in certain shallow-water ports. During the 2025/2026 winter season, many English Channel and Mediterranean routes saw increased cancellations due to unseasonably strong "storm cycles." If your ferry is cancelled, operators are generally required to offer you a choice between a full refund or re-routing on the next available sailing. It is highly recommended to sign up for SMS alerts from the ferry company, as cancellations can happen with very little notice, sometimes while passengers are already waiting at the terminal.

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If you have not been notified about the cancellation prior to your departure, then the ferry company usually provides an alternative trip to the same destination at no extra cost.

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Ferries are cancelled only due to weather, mechanical breakdown, or industrial action. These are rare events, and impossible to predict more than a day or two in advance.

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Greek ferry companies increased the price of their tickets for most routes for the second time this year, citing the high cost of fuel. The new prices took effect on June 15.

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The upper decks of ferry boats can be very windy, while the constant running of air conditioning in the cabins below deck can sometimes make them even chillier than upper deck temperatures. To make sure that your trip is as enjoyable as possible, be sure to pack a sweater or light-weight jacket for the ferry ride.

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Chances are high of getting seasick; come prepared People who don't typically suffer from motion sickness often get seasick on ferries. The water gets seriously choppy and very uncomfortable at times. You have nothing to lose! Come prepared; take Dramamine at least 30 minutes before your trip.

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MS Herald of Free Enterprise was a roll-on/roll-off (RORO) ferry which capsized moments after leaving the Belgian port of Zeebrugge on the night of 6 March 1987, killing 193 passengers and crew.

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Both ferry and train are more sustainable methods of travel than flying, which emits 60.7kg of CO2 emissions per passenger between the English and Dutch capitals, according to Eurostar, so around 300kg for five passengers.

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