UK Ferry Insurance?

buserian

Hi,

We're planning a family holiday to Orkney this year and are worried about cancellation of the return ferry link. There'll be seven of us (plus dogs) and if we can't leave the island as scheduled finding alternative accommodation at short notice could be very expensive. I've looked at a number of general travel insurance products and the figure of £250 per 12 hours delay seems to be fairly standard. However, that's likely not to cover the cost of a last minute hotel booking. Statutory requirements on the ferry company also seem pretty inadequate.

I wondered if there was anyone offering a product that just covers ferry cancellations but haven't been able to find anything.

Can anyone help, please?

Regards,
Graham

prettyandfluffy

Wouldn't the £250 be per person not per party? You need to make sure everyone has good travel insurance.

Emmia

How likely is it that the ferry would be cancelled?

We went to Shetland last year on the ferry in the summer (not that you'd know it from the photos 😂) no issues at all (if you're going to Shetland, I recommend a sleeper cabin).

user1977

I would say pretty likely (in general, not specifically about the Shetland route). Weather and breakdowns are frequent causes of ferries not running. Captains can seem somewhat risk-averse these days if it seems too windy etc.

Bear in mind whether there would actually be hotel availability if you're travelling at anything like high season? (unless arriving guests have also been stranded on the other side...)