Ventouris Ferries

GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS

Passengers, their luggage and accompanied vehicles are carried subject to the International Treaties and Conventions, the Greek Private Maritime Code and the general conditions of carriage of the Ventouris Ferries Vessels (hereinafter the “Vessel/Vessels”) as these conditions (collectively referred to as “General Terms and Conditions”) were determined by the Managers of the Vessels acting on behalf of the Ship Owners of the Vessels (hereinafter the Managers and the Ship Owners together referred to as “The Company”). These General Terms and Conditions include exclusions and limitations of carriers’ liability for death, illness or for damage to or loss of vehicles and luggage or for delay or for deviation. Copies of the General Terms and Conditions of carriage of the Company are available upon request.

TIMETABLES – FARES

Fares and Timetables listed in this catalogue are based on conditions existing time at the time of print. If any conditions should change after the time of print, the Company reserves the right to make changes to the timetable, the fares and the routes or to refrain from contractual obligations without prior notice. The Company however is not liable for any damages resulting thereof. The aforementioned conditions include any kind of unforeseeable circumstances like an increase in fuel prices or currency fluctuation.
In this unlikely event the contractual obligations may not be fulfilled, the customer is entitled to a full refund of payments made. The Company cannot be held liable for any delays caused by third parties, port authorities, or extreme and unusual weather conditions. Schedules are subject to change without prior notice.

Reservation Requirements

In compliance with international SOLAS regulations and EU Law (Council Directive 98/41/EC of 18 June 1988) passengers are required to supply following information during reservation: Name and Surname, Gender, Nationality, Date of Birth, Contact phone number, Type and registration number of vehicle (if applicable). Passengers from non European Union (and non – Schengen) countries are required to supply the following additional information: Passport number and expiry date, Visa expiry date (if required).

Ticket Validity

Tickets are valid for one year from the day of issuance except for tickets that have restricted validity. A ticket is not transferable unless otherwise provided by law. The person allowed to travel is the person named on the ticket (passage contract). The Company reserves the right to request passengers to present valid identification before travelling and will not be held liable if a passenger – other than the person entitled to travel under a ticket- who has presented identification documents to the Company – corresponding to the passenger named on the ticket has travelled and/or has been reimbursed.

Exchange Rate

The fares of the tickets purchased in other countries or on board may differ due to fluctuations in exchange rate.

Cancellations – Refunds

Cancellations can be made at the Travel Agency where reservation and payment were made. Depending on the time of cancelation the following amounts are refunded (special offers excluded):

• A 100% refund, up to 91 days prior to departure.
• A 80% refund, from 90 days up to 8 days prior to departure.
• A 50% refund, from 7 days to 24 hours prior to departure
• The company has no obligation to refund in case of cancellations made less than 24 hours prior to ship’s departure or if the passenger does not report at check‐in.

Tickets can be converted to OPEN date tickets or to another departure date. If these tickets are cancelled, the date that tickets have been converted to OPEN or to another departure date is considered as the date of cancellation and the refund is calculated in relation to the original travel date. OPEN return date tickets, originally issued as OPEN, not converted to OPEN, are refunded, if cancelled with a 100% refund (the OPEN return crossing). In the event of a partial cancellation of a round trip of which one crossing has been completed, the passenger will be refunded as above (based on the time of cancellation) for the crossing that is not completed. In the event of a whole cancellation of a round trip, the passenger will be refunded as above (based on the time of cancelation). A request for refund must be made in writing. Cancellations and refunds can only be settled through the Travel Agency or offices of the Company, where tickets issued. The Company is entitled to retain the total value of ticket if the passenger interrupts his voyage at an intermediate port, unless the interruption is due to illness, accident or force majeure.

Open Return

Open tickets are valid for one year from the date of issue (not print). Passengers with an open return ticket must reserve their return journey well in advance through the Travel Agency or the offices of the Company where the reservation and payment have been made. Open Return fares are always calculated on the basis of the low season fare. In the event that a passenger travels in a medium or high season or in a period in which a new tariff is in force, then the difference between the current and the pre-paid fare has to be paid by the passenger. The Company cannot always secure the reservation of the passengers on their desired travel dates or accommodation type. Alternative travel dates or accommodation types may be offered.

Lost Tickets

In case of a lost ticket the passenger must immediately notify the issuing Travel agent or the Company. The reprinted ticket can be only be picked up by the travelling passenger with valid identification at the port of departure.

Discounts

Valid proof may be required by the Company for discounted fares e.g : a)infants, b) children, c) students. Discounts should be claimed upon reservation. After the voyage, no fare may be refunded.

Groups

Group fares can be requested through the Company and Travel Agencies. A group consists of minimum 20 passengers.

Unaccompanied Children

The Company does not accept reservations for children under 15- years of age who are not accompanied by adults. Reservations for young people between 15 to 18- years of age can be accepted upon specific written permission by the parent or legal guardian for the unaccompanied voyage.

Disabled Passengers

On board our Vessels there are specially designed cabins with easy access and operation to accommodate disabled passengers. Due to limited number of such cabins it is necessary to reserve in advance.

Pets

On board our Vessels there are a number of kennels available, which are necessary to be booked in advance. Unaccompanied pets are not acceptable. Owners or guardians are required to have their pet’s valid health documents with them while travelling and follow all entry regulations. Pets are not allowed indoors (bars, restaurants and other public areas) or in vehicles. When walking on open decks, pets are required to wear a muzzle and be on a leash, accompanied by the pet owner or guardian. The pet owner or guardian is held fully responsible for the care, safety and hygiene of the pet and for the adhering to all laws and regulations related to the above. Furthermore, pet owners are solely responsible for any possible harm or damage caused by their animals to any third party. Excluded from the above mentioned restrictions are animals that guard and assist people with disabilities that may accompany their owners. Owners must hold the appropriate certificates for these animals.

Meals and Drinks

Meals and drinks are not included in the price of the ticket.

Personal Belongings

Passengers may hand in their valuables at the ship’s Purser’s Office for safe – keeping, provided that there total value does not exceed 500 euro. The Company is not responsible for the loss of money or valuables left in open storage spaces or in cabins. Please report the loss of any personal item to the Reception desk on board during the voyage or call the Company’s office. Personal belongings that have been placed on passenger’s vehicles will not be accessible during the voyage since entry to the garage is prohibited after vessel’s departure.

Boarding Procedure – Entry Regulations

Due to our compliance with security regulations of the ISPS (International Ship and Port Facility Security) code, all passengers are kindly required to proceed to the embarkation area, at least 2 hours prior to the scheduled departure time. All passengers are required to present their boarding card and a valid passport or ID and their vehicle’s license during check in the Vessel’s authorized personnel. The Company reserves the Company’s rights to deny embarkation to any individual who, according to the best of Company knowledge, does not appear to possess valid travel documents or fails to prove, beyond a doubt, his/her identity. In the event of a fine being imposed on the Company by the immigration office, the amount will be charged to the passenger who failed to provide the proper legal documents. The Company cannot be held responsible in the event that authorities prevent a passenger from continuing his/her journey. In the event of immigration officials refusing entry, the passenger will be sent back to his/her departure place at his/her own expense. We would recommend that citizens of all states contact the appropriate consulate for details. Infants and children also require official documents of identification. All persons and all items brought on board the Vessel are liable to be searched. Persons refusing to comply with this demand shall be denied access on board and will be reported to the appropriate port authorities. If a passenger boarded on the Vessel wishes to disembark prior to departure, he/she must take all their carrying luggage and/or vehicle. In the case of vehicles of all kind, please bear in mind the possibility of you being unable to remove them from the ship’s garage due to their pre-arranged parking positions. Carriage of guns, cartridges, explosive, flammable, combustible and in general hazardous materials is strictly prohibited.

Currency on Board

The currency used on board is Euro.

Telecommunications & Internet

The following communication options are available on board:

The use of personal cellular (mobile) phones during the entire duration of the voyage. There are different rates for this satellite roaming service. For any information about the rates of this service, please contact your mobile network provider.
Wireless Internet connection (Wi-Fi) during the entire trip.

Customer Service

For any Customer Service inquires, comments or suggestions, please call, tel.: +0030 2130393321, 323 or send us an e-mail: [email protected]

Useful Information

Each cabin is characterized and offered as 2-bed, 3-bed, 4-bed depending on the number of passengers that use it, and not the number of beds existing in the cabin, or the (extra) facilities it may provide. Passengers may freely use all public areas of the ships (bars, restaurants, lounges etc). Sleeping in the lounges or corridors is prohibited. Passengers should comply with crew’s instructions regarding the adherence to safety rules and the ship’s good operation.

Modification of Terms

The Company reserves the right to modify or even unilaterally renew the above General Terms at any time, even after the completion of the booking process and is under no obligation to inform the passenger in advance. Indicatively, the Company may modify the terms of cancellations – refunds – open tickets due to changes in the existing national or European legal framework, as amended specifically due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the consequent travel restrictions.

ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION

To resolve disputes that arise between the Company and a passenger, the passenger can address the ‘Consumer’s Ombudsman’, an Independent Authority (Mailing Address: 144 ALEXANDRAS AVE., 11471 ATHENS, Tel: 210 6460862, e-mail: [email protected], website: https://www.synigoroskatanaloti.gr/en), as an Alternative Dispute Resolution agency.

In any case, any dispute that arises between a passenger and the Company can be resolved consensually via the European Commission’s Online Dispute Resolution platform (https://ec.europa.eu/consumers/odr/main/index.cfm?event=main.home2.show&lng=EN) and the agencies certified by the European Commission in accordance with the terms of Directive 2013/11/EU, which in this case is the ‘Consumer’s Ombudsman’ Independent Authority (https://www.synigoroskatanaloti.gr/en).

Summary of provisions concerning the rights of passengers travelling by sea in the event of accidents1

RIGHTS OF PASSENGERS

1. Right to compensation for death or personal injury
Shipping incident2: the passenger has a right to compensation from the carrier or the carrier’s insurance provider of up to 250.000 SDR3 in any event, with the exception of circumstances beyond the carrier’s control (i.e. act of war, natural disaster, act of a third party). Compensation can go up to 400.000 SDR, unless the carrier proves that the incident occurred without his fault or neglect.
Non-shipping incident: the passenger has a right to compensation from the carrier or the carrier’s insurance provider of up to 400.000 SDR, if he/she proves that the incident was the result of the carrier’s fault or neglect.

2. Right to compensation for loss of or damage to cabin luggage
Shipping incident: the passenger has a right to compensation from the carrier of up to 2.250 SDR, unless the carrier proves that the incident occurred without his fault or neglect.\
Non-shipping incident: the passenger has a right to compensation from the carrier of up to 2.250 SDR, if he/she proves that the incident was the result of the carrier’s fault or neglect.

3. Right to compensation for loss of or damage to luggage other than cabin luggage
The passenger has a right to compensation from the carrier of up to 12.700 SDR (vehicles, including luggage carried in or on the vehicle) or 3.375 SDR (other luggage), unless the carrier proves that the incident occurred without his fault or neglect.

4. Right to compensation for loss of or damage to valuables
The passenger has a right to compensation from the carrier of up to 3.375 SDR for the loss of or damage to monies, negotiable securities, gold, silverware, jewellery, ornaments and works of art, only when these have been deposited with the carrier for the agreed purpose of safe-keeping.

5. Right of a passenger with reduced mobility to compensation for loss of or damage to mobility equipment or other specific equipment
Shipping incident: the passenger has a right to compensation from the carrier corresponding to the replacement value or the repair costs of the equipment concerned, unless the carrier proves that the incident occurred without his fault or neglect.
Non-shipping incident: the passenger has a right to compensation from the carrier corresponding to the replacement value or the repair costs of the equipment concerned, if he/she proves that the incident was the result of the carrier’s fault or neglect.

6. Right to an advance payment in the event of a shipping incident
In case of death or personal injury, the passenger or other person entitled to damages has a right to an advance payment to cover immediate economic needs. The payment shall be calculated on the basis of the damage suffered, shall be made within 15 days and shall not be less than 21.000 EUR in the event of death.

ELEMENTS OF PROCEDURE & OTHER MATTERS

Written notice
In case of damage to cabin or other luggage, the passenger must give timely4 written notice to the carrier. Failure to do so, will result in the passenger losing his/her right to compensation.

Time limits for exercise of the passenger’s rights
In general, any action for damages before a competent court must be introduced within a period of 2 years. The starting point of this limitation period may differ, depending on the nature of the loss.

Exemptions concerning liability
Liability of the carrier can be reduced, if he proves that the death of or personal injury to a passenger or the loss of or damage to his luggage was caused or contributed to by the fault or neglect of the passenger.
The limits on the different amounts for compensation will not apply if it is proved that the damage resulted from an act of the carrier, or a servant or agent of the carrier or of the performing carrier, done with the intent to cause such damage or with knowledge that such damage would probably result.

1. Summary drafted in accordance with article 7 of Regulation (EC) No 392/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 April 2009 (OJ L 131, 28.5.2009, p. 24) on the liability of carriers of passengers by sea in the event of accidents.
2. “Shipping incident” for the purposes of this Regulation include: shipwreck, capsizing, collision or stranding of the ship, explosion or fire in the ship or defect in the ship. All other incidents in the course of the carriage for the purposes of this summary are “non-shipping” incidents.
3. Loss or damage suffered as a result of an accident are calculated on the basis of “units of account”, which are “Special Drawing Rights” (SDR) for Member States parties to the International Monetary Fund (all EU Member States). Information and conversion rates for SDR can be found on: http://www.hcg.gr/node/12912 On 26 November 2012 1 SDR = 1.18 EUR.
4. In cases of apparent damage, written notice must be given before or at disembarkation for cabin luggage, and before or at re-delivery for other luggage. In cases of non-apparent damage to or loss of luggage, written notice must be given within 15 days from disembarkation or re-delivery (or scheduled re-delivery in the event of loss)

Last update: 20/02/2025

Source: https://ventourisferries.com/en/general-terms-and-conditions/