Passenger Rights on Ships: Our new online form in German and English

We are pleased to announce another addition to our online arbitration services: Effective immediately, applicants for arbitration procedure involving sea travel arbitration procedure now arbitration procedure an English-language online form.
With this, the apf has closed the final gap across all relevant modes of transport. Applications for arbitration procedure the areas of air, rail, bus, and ship travel can now be submitted in both languages.
This expansion is more than just a technical update; it demonstrates our commitment to ensuring that passengers, regardless of their language, have equal rights and equal access to fair solutions. Even though the shipping sector is by far the smallest mode of transport for the apf in terms of procedural volume, we are pleased to be able to offer this solution.

The APF's Jurisdiction Over Cruise Travel

Austria is a landlocked country, and the jurisdiction of the national mediation and enforcement body is therefore limited. However, passengers in Austria can still be affected by delays, cancellations, or poor service quality. The apf has jurisdiction if the voyage is by ship to, from, or within Austria, or if the company in question is based in Austria.

What are passengers entitled to if the ship is late or canceled altogether?

In the event of a cancellation or a departure delay of more than 90 minutes, passengers may claim the following:
• Snacks and beverages, as well as free accommodation if necessary and feasible.
• Accommodation costs may be covered up to 80 EUR per passenger per night—this also applies to Danube cruises.
•    Alternative transportation or a refund of the fare and, if necessary, a free return trip to the point of departure.
• Compensation of at least 25 percent and up to 50 percent of the fare is also due if there is a corresponding delay for a specific journey duration

You can find a complete list of claims here:
https://www.apf.gv.at/schiff-verspaetung-ausfall

Please note: You can file these claims through our arbitration board provided that your trip is to, from, or within Austria, or that the company is based in Austria.
[Go to the form for shipping complaints]