Many of the ferry partners we work with offer services for disabled passengers and passengers with reduced mobility. This article will explain how to request assistance for a passenger on your booking and outline some of the services offered.
How to request assistance for a passenger on your booking
It's important that you notify us as soon as possible if a passenger on your booking needs assistance. This is because we will need to inform the ferry partner and ensure that there is sufficient availability to support your request. Follow the below steps to request assistance for a passenger on your booking:For some ferry operators, such as Corsica Ferries, it is recommended to inform port staff at least one hour before embarkation to arrange specific assistance.
Gather the following information:
Your AFerry or Ferrysavers booking reference number
The full name of the passenger who needs assistance
Details of the assistance or service that is required
Log in to your booking via My Account or Manage my Booking
Contact us and ask 'Talk to a person 👤' to connect with an agent
Provide the information listed in step 1.
We will inform the ferry partner and contact you when your booking has been updated. If the ferry partner requests any further information or supporting documentation we will let you know.
Assistance and services for disabled passengers and passengers with reduced mobility
We work with over 100 ferry partners, and each one is equipped differently to support disabled passengers and passengers with reduced mobility. Some of the services you may find onboard include:
Lifts/elevators from the car deck
Parking close to lifts/elevators
Wheelchair-friendly ramps
Wheelchair loans
Accessible cabins
Accessible toilets
Priority seating
Braille signage
Induction loops- Reserved parking spaces close to lifts or elevators for easier access during boarding and disembarkation
Many ferry partners permit assistance dogs to access all passenger areas onboard. Some ferry partners also partake in the Sunflower Lanyard Scheme for hidden disabilities.
Operator-Specific Assistance Protocols
Irish Ferries Accessibility Parking Protocols
Requesting Parking Near Lifts: Contact the Irish Ferries support team to inform them of your need to park near the lift. The team will communicate this request to Irish Ferries and add a note to your booking.
Confirmation Process: Once Irish Ferries has received and confirmed the request, you will be notified, usually via the same channel of communication (e.g., chat or email).
At Check-In: Present your Irish Ferries booking reference number to the port staff, who will then direct you accordingly.
Corsica Ferries Accessibility Parking and Elevator Assistance
Elevator Availability: Most Corsica Ferries ships come equipped with elevators, ensuring accessibility during boarding and disembarkation.
Requesting Assistance for Reduced Mobility: Inform the port staff at least one hour before embarkation to coordinate required assistance. Staff will help in arranging appropriate parking near elevators.
If you have any questions about what services will be available on your ferry, please contact us and ask 'Talk to a person 👤' to connect with an agent.
Frequently asked questions about requesting assistance for a passenger on your booking:
When should I notify you if a passenger on my booking needs assistance?
If a passenger on your booking needs assistance, you should notify us as soon as possible. Ideally, this would be as soon as your booking is confirmed or at least 48 hours before departure.For certain services, such as parking arrangements, contacting the ferry operator one hour prior to embarkation may suffice if advance notice was not possible.
Can I request assistance for a passenger with a hidden disability?
If a passenger on your booking has a hidden disability, you can still request assistance for them. We will inform the ferry partner and let you know what assistance is available.