No-Show fee on the ferry. What does it mean?

In today's guide concerning the reduction of unexpected extra costs, we'll take a closer look at the No-Show fee. We will say more about this fee and why some shipowners use it, as well as how you can learn how to avoid it.

No-Show fee - what is it?

First, we will explain what the ‘No-Show’ term means and why it is used. A No-Show Fee is levied simply for the failure to appear as scheduled according to the booking.

In the case of ferry bookings, if you plan to not use the service, there is usually a deadline by which time you must cancel the loading of your vehicle. If you miss the deadline and fail to cancel in time, your car is entered on the loading list as "confirmed" for appearance. When you cancel after the deadline passes, you will be charged with a No-Show fee in addition to the cancellation fee.

Every ferry operator wants to fill as much cargo space as possible. And as we well know, most shippers and carriers reserve such space in advance,before having taken on any cargo. The No-Show fee is a safety measure of the shipowner, in case of departure with empty spaces. This is particularly important on peak occupancy days, when shipowners are forced to refuse vehicle bookings due to lack of space.

No-Show and Waiting List

Of course, the shipowner may add any subsequent vehicles to the waiting list in the event of lack of space, if such a list is being held. The purpose of this procedure is to minimise the risk of sailing with empty cargo space. But let's be honest; not everyone can afford the uncertain departure time (greetings to automotive loads).

So, you should be cautious when subscribing to such lists. Some shipowners confirm the waiting list much earlier than the departure date. In this case you should ask about your car’s place on the waiting list, whether it was allocated to a particular cargo space with a No-Show fee assigned.

Is the No-Show Fee everywhere and at every time?

No! The No-Show Fee is used mainly in locations where reservations are closed for a specific date and time. Both the fee and the maximum cancellation date depends on the shipowner's individual policy.

Sample routes and conditions are presented below:

Świnoujście - Trelleborg:

TT-line NO-SHOW fee: 50 EUR cancellation no later than 1 hour before departure

Unity Line NO-SHOW fee: 300 SEK cancellation no later than 12 hours before departure

Gdynia-Karlskrona:

Stena line NO-SHOW fee: 50 EUR cancellation no later than 1 hour before departure

Gdańsk- Nynashamn:

Polferries NO-SHOW fee: 100% of the ticket price cancellation no later than 24 hours before departure

Hoek v. Holland - Killingholme

Stena Line NO-SHOW fee:50 EUR, cancellation no later than 35 - 45 minutes before departure.

Europool - Hull

P&O Ferries NO-SHOW fee: 70 EUR cancellation no later than 3 hours before departure

How to avoid the No-Show fee?

You are probably wondering how to avoid the No-Show fee?

The easiest way is to simply comply with the shipowner's conditions and promptly inform the shipowner   of your need to cancel. Of course, all of this within the specified working hours.

So, what to do when you miss the cancellation deadline, for various reasons? What to do if your driver forgot to inform you about a delay?

Here is our proven advice that works in 99% cases: Definitely wait for the next departure with the same shipowner.

If you happen to be late for departure, do not try to take a different ferry.

Please wait politely for the next departure with the same shipowner, as there is a chance that the shipowner will cancel your No-Show fee or give you a discount.

Now you know what the No-Show fee is and how to handle it. I hope you find the above advice helpful. Remember that a good shipowner, agent or broker will always inform you about this type of fee in advance, and most importantly, provide support and knowledge in the case of doubts.

Author
Krzysztof Kulikowski