European Consumer Centres Network TOURISM IN GREECE

European Consumer Centres Network
TOURISM IN GREECE
Travelling by boat
Piraeus is the largest port in Europe and one of the largest ports in the world. It
welcomes approximately 20 million passengers annually. It is also an important
destination for cruise ships in the Mediterranean Sea. According to the Olympic
Hospitality Project, the port of Piraeus received simultaneously 11 cruise ships –
floating hotels. Among them the Queen Mary II, the biggest cruise vessel in the world
with length 340m.
Other ports in Greece are located in: Igoumenitsa, Volos, Salonica and Patra.
For the purpose of servicing cruise passengers, the Piraeus Port operates terminals
which host duty free shops, Tourist Police, Customs office and other essential
services.To avoid any inconvenience passengers are advised to call 1440 for any
information regarding ships timetable departures or delays and possible changes to
travel schedules. In addition you may be informed by the ship owning company, the
shipping agency or the competent Port Authority.
Departure gates
E1: Dodekanese
E2: Chios- Mytillini- Crete- Dodekanese
E3: Crete
E4: EXIT
E5: EXIT
E6: Argosaronikos- East Cyclades (pedestrians)
E7: Argosaronikos – East Cyclades (vehicles)
E8: EXIT Argosaronikos
E9: West Cyclades
E10: EXIT
We advise you to contact the ship companies, before travelling, about prices,
timetables, fairs, discount, tickets, luggage, reservation or cancellation.
Terms and conditions
♦ Reservations and bookings can be made through all cooperative travel agencies, the
port’s central reservation office or the port offices of the company. When making your
reservation you state the following information: name, surname, age, gender, type of
vehicle and plate number. In order to board on the ship you need to possess your
ticket. The ticket is strictly personal, valid for one year from the issuing date and only
for disembarkation from the port mentioned. It is not transferable and is valid only for
the specific accommodation and route it has been issued for. Both your ticket or vehicle
receipt are not refundable or replaceable in case of loss. Any changes you wish to
make must be reported to the issuing agent or the port offices. Passengers with “open
date” tickets should confirm their reservation in advance especially during high season.
These tickets are valid for one year from issuing date and any price difference is paid
by the passenger.
♦ Passengers are entitled to a 50% refund if they cancel their reservation before
departure. The shipping company is not responsible for any travel delay or cancellation
due to bad weather conditions or orders from the Ministry of Mercantile Marine and
Harbor Authorities or due to force major. If the travel is cancelled due to ship’s
responsibility the ticket is refunded without any further obligation to passengers. In
case of significant delay of departure, you have the right to withdraw – declare that
you don’t wish to sail and ask for the refund of the ticket you already paid. Your local
maritime agent is responsible for refunding.
♦ You should be at the embarkation area 1 hour before departure or even 2 hours
ahead, if you have a vehicle to load. All passengers, except the driver, have to exit the
vehicle before embarkation. For any damage caused to vehicles at the garage during
the trip and due to ships’ responsibility the shipping company is responsible for
refunding.
♦ Meals and beverages are not included in your ticket price.
♦ Children up to 5 years old travel free but are not entitled to bed, while children 5-10
years old pay half the fare and are entitled to bed.
♦ You are allowed to carry your luggage free of charge if you have a full ticket, the
weight and volume of which is indicated on the back side of your ticket. The carrier is
responsible for any damage or loss of your luggage in case you deliver it for
safekeeping. You may deliver your jewellery, money, and valuables to the ship’s
accounting office for safekeeping during the travel and you are entitled to
compensation in case of loss or damage. Remember to carry with you any object you
may need during sailing as entrance to the garage or baggage area may be forbidden.
For any information concerning the above, always contact the reception directly.
However for any complaint during sail you should address to the captain or first mate
and after arrival contact the Harbor Authorities.
♦ Timetables, prices or travel conditions are subject to changes without prior notice.
Special offers and discounts
♦ Passengers entitled to discount are kindly advised to state it at the time of booking.
Once the ticket is issued no refunds are allowed for price differences. Only one
discount is granted at a time when applicable conditions are met.
♦ Your travel agent or Port Authorities should inform you whether you are entitled to
a discount –in case you are students, children, disabled persons or senior passengers.
Presentation of identity card or authorised documents proving your right for a discount
is required at ticket issuance as well as in boarding check. In any case, you should
carry your passport or identity card with you at all the time.
Shopping on board
Credit cards are accepted in shops and at the “à la carte” restaurants on board. Euro is the official
currency in ships. Shops are obliged to have price lists including all items and products
on sale. Always ask for your receipt and make sure the prices on the receipt are the
same to those mentioned on the price list.
It is obligatory to the snack bars at the B, C and Tourist classes to sell certain products
at certain prices (including VAT), according to the market control police regulation laid
down by the Ministry of Development. These products and their prices are:
Water 0.5L…………………………………………………….0.50 euros
Ham and cheese toasted sandwich………………………..1.50 euros
Ham and cheese sandwich………………………………….1.50 euros
Greek coffee…………………………………………………..1.50 euros
Filter coffee……………………………………………………1.50 euros
Espresso coffee………………………………………………1.50 euros
Frappe coffee…………………………………………………1.50 euros
Tea …………………………………………………………….1.50 euros
In case you are asked to pay more you have the right to ask for enforcement of the
market police control regulation. In addition, the final selling prices of the refreshments
cannot be higher than the price indicated on their packaging. These prices are for
those served standing and not seated passengers.
Pets
Pets travel free of charge in special designed kennels on the ships’ deck.
They are usually not allowed indoor public areas or cabins. The owners are responsible
for feeding and for pet hygiene. They are also obliged to have their pets’ valid health
paper with them.
For further information regarding your pet ask your travel agent or the ship reception
directly.
Leaving the port
From Gate E7 to Gate E9 there are several bus terminals. Contact the Port Authorities
for the appropriate Gate or bus line depending on your destination. Bus line X96 drives
you to the airport. You may ask for the in port area buses that are free of charge and
drive you from Gate to Gate.
The train terminal of Piraeus is nearby. And of course the taxi solution is available
outside each Gate.
If you, as a foreign consumer, are feeling mistreated by a Greek professional, the
European Consumer Centres (ECCs) will be pleased to help you to find an amicable
settlement of the dispute. You can find further information and a complete list of all
ECCs under: http://europa.eu.int/comm/consumers/redress/ecc_network/index_en.htm