Irish Ferries giving credit not a refund

Bronnny86

Hi. We were due to travel to Ireland last summer on Irish Ferries costing £550. The UK were not on the Green List so travel was restricted. Irish Ferries would only offer a credit note for use up to the end of 2021. The trip was booked pre March 2020. It has become apparent that we are unlikely to use this credit in 2021 and requested it back. Irish Ferries have refused to give us the money back and says we should contact our insurance provider. This does not seem right and from looking  on facebook numerous people are having this issue. Does anyone have any suggestions on what to do and if this is actually allowed please? Thank you in advance.

bagand96

The equivalent position for flights seems to be that if the flight departed, then the airline did not owe a refund.  Whilst it's not the passenger's fault they couldn't travel, it's not the airline's either.  The airline provided the service paid for. Therefore it would be a travel insurance claim.

The advice, in contract terms would be the same for a ferry, did the ship sail? (or if you weren't booked on a specific crossing, were Irish Ferries operating crossings on your dates?)

The CMA has said they don't feel this is fair, and also given some advice that they would consider a contract "frustrated" (unable to take place) so refunds should be due.  Irish Ferries being Irish though means they are not under the remit of the CMA, and I don't know how you'd proceed legally if you wanted to pursue the frustrated contract route.

Bronnny86

Thank you- the ferry did run for essential travel.  I will look into the above. Thank you.

mattyprice4004

Unfortunately as the service was running you're unlikely to get a refund - the fact you're unable to enter the country isn't their concern; the service was still available for you to use.

MiserlyMartin

What a shambles and very unfair. Blatant ripping off of consumers at a time when everyone should be helping not pulling fast ones. Shame on irish ferries

Helandpat

Bronnny86 We have a completely identical situation with a booking we made with Irish Ferries pre the first lockdown and I am interested to know if you have made any progress with regards to refund or extension of credit beyond end of 2021.

mattyprice4004

Helandpat said:

Bronnny86 We have a completely identical situation with a booking we made with Irish Ferries pre the first lockdown and I am interested to know if you have made any progress with regards to refund or extension of credit beyond end of 2021.

I doubt it, as Irish Ferries have already done more than they legally had to by giving you a voucher.