P&O Ferries dramatically suspended all of its services yesterday (Thursday 17 March), causing major disruption at UK ports including Dover.
The ferry operator made the move before sacking 800 members of staff by video call with plans to replace them with cheap agency staff.
As a result, the operator has suspended and cancelled a number of its services, with no confirmed date as to when the disruption is expected to end.
A statement on the company's Twitter page reads: "P&O Ferries services are unable to run for the next few days. We are advising our customers of alternative arrangements. We will update this feed every 3 hours with the operational situation".
Originally the company was asking passengers to travel to their port and use alternatives such as rival firms, but in more recent updates shared, the operator is advising passengers not to travel to ports unless their journey is essential.
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P&O Ferries has a specific Twitter page for updates regarding its routes, including ferry journeys between Dover and Calais, or journeys to the likes of Cairnryan.
The company has said in a statement on its website that there will be "significant disruption" over the next few days.
For Dover-Calais specifically, it says: "If travelling on our Dover/Calais route please arrive at the port as booked and we will arrange to get you away on an alternative carrier as quickly as possible. Once at the port please make your way to the DFDS check-in booths.
"For all other routes please check https://twitter.com/POferriesupdate for latest advice."
The company has said that it is looking to organise alternative travel for passengers but has limited spaces, and has been advising people not to travel if their journey is not essential.
Drivers are also being advised to use alternatives such as the Channel Tunnel, or rival firms such as DFDS Ferries.
Can I get my money back if I have a cruise booked with P&O Ferries?
The disruption and delays will no doubt be incredibly frustrating - but your P&O ferry refund rights will depend on how long your journey is delayed by.
According to ABTA : "If your ferry operator expects your departure to be cancelled, the operator should inform you as soon as possible. If this is on the day of travel, you should be informed no later than 30 minutes after your scheduled time of departure."
If your ferry is expected to be cancelled, the operator should provide you with snacks, meals and refreshments during your waiting time.
The ferry operator should also offer either an alternative way of transport, or a refund for journeys which it has cancelled.
If the cancellation results in an overnight stay becoming necessary, you should be offered accommodation free of charge.
As for compensation?
You are entitled to compensation of 25% of your ticket price if your service is delayed for at least:
- One hour for a journey of duration four hours
- Two hours for a journey of duration between four and eight hours
- Three hours for a journey of duration between eight and 24 hours
- Six hours for a journey of duration of over 24 hours.
If the delay exceeds double the time set out, the compensation will be 50% of the ticket price.
You can find out more on abta.com.
