Minoan Lines

MINOAN LINES DOMESTIC ROUTES
GUIDELINES FOR VEHICLE OWNERS USING ALTERNATIVE FUELS

Piraeus-Milos-Heraklion Route
According to circular no. 2070.0/28541/2024 issued by the Ministry of Shipping and Island Policy on “Additional measures for the transportation of alternative fuel vehicles (AFVs) on passenger and cargo ferries,” passengers who own vehicles must inform the carrier about the type of vehicle being transported and specifically whether it is a conventional vehicle or an AFV.

For an AFV, which includes:
a) Fully electric or rechargeable hybrid vehicles
b) Vehicles using alternative fuels such as liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) or natural gas

The driver/owner must comply with the following obligations:

1. For fully electric or rechargeable hybrid vehicles, the battery charge level must not exceed 40% upon boarding the ship.
2. For alternative fuel vehicles using LPG or natural gas, the fuel tanks must NOT contain more than 50% of their total capacity upon boarding the ship.
3. AFVs will not be loaded onto the ship if they have a malfunction in the fuel supply system, fuel tanks, or batteries unless these components have been removed. Additionally, vehicles with unclear damage concerning their battery condition will not be loaded onto the ship.
4. It is solely the responsibility of the vehicle owner to ensure that the vehicle has no damage or malfunction in the fuel supply system, tanks, or batteries. The shipowner reserves the right to verify this by any means deemed necessary.
5. Drivers must immediately inform the crew if they receive any warning alerts from their vehicle.
6. AFV drivers must arrive at the port for loading at least 1.5 hours before departure.

Ancona-Igoumenitsa Route
There are no restrictions.

GENERAL INFORMATION

According to the International Convention S.O.L.A.S., Greek Presidential Decree 23/99, EU Directive 98/41, and regulations issued by the Port Authorities, passengers must provide the following information at the time of booking:

• Surname
• First name
• Gender
• Age category (Adult – Child – Infant)
• Vehicle type and registration number (if applicable)
• Nationality
• Place and date of birth
• Identity card/passport number
• Phone number
• Email address

Passengers with special needs are advised to declare this at the time of booking.

Passenger Contact Details:
Passengers are encouraged to provide their phone number (preferably mobile) when booking ferry tickets so they can be notified in case of delay, cancellation, or schedule changes. If a passenger refuses to provide contact details, the company holds no responsibility for their lack of notification regarding such changes.

UNACCOMPANIED VEHICLES (CRETE ROUTES)
No discounts apply for the transportation of unaccompanied vehicles.

Once a ferry ticket for a passenger and vehicle has been issued, separating the passenger from the vehicle is not allowed. If separation is permitted by the system, the vehicle fare will be converted to the full vehicle fare, and the passenger will lose the package fare.

OTHER TERMS

• Passengers are responsible for complying with port, health, and customs regulations.
• Passengers must follow the instructions of the Captain and crew regarding order and ship safety.
• Any complaints during the voyage should be directed to the Captain or Chief Officer, and after the journey, to the company or Port Authorities.
• Passenger rights and obligations, as well as those of the company, are governed by EU Regulation No. 1177/2010 and Greek Law No. 3709/2008. If there are discrepancies between these laws, the provisions of EU Regulation No. 1177/2010 take precedence.
• The company has the right, with approval from the Ministry of Shipping and Island Policy, to substitute the ship assigned to a ferry ticket with another vessel if necessary.
• Schedules, fares, and travel terms are subject to change without notice. However, the company will not increase the fare for bookings made through the online booking system until the agreed date and time of ticket collection or payment. In the event of significant fuel price fluctuations, the company reserves the right to change fares without prior notice.
• Arrival times stated in the schedules indicate the ship’s arrival at the outer port.
• The company is not liable for any delays or cancellations caused by deviations or non-adherence to normal routes due to adverse weather conditions, orders from the Ministry of Shipping and Island Policy or Port Authorities, or force majeure.
• If a scheduled route is canceled or discontinued due to reasons beyond the company’s control, the company’s liability is limited to refunding the ticket price, provided the passenger is informed at least: a) One week before departure for domestic routes. b) Fifteen days before departure for international routes.
• The transport contract is governed by Greek law. Any disputes arising from or related to the contract fall under the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of Heraklion, Crete. International and domestic transport is subject to the liability limits set out in EU Regulation No. 392/2009, as applicable to passenger and luggage/vehicle transport in Greece.
• Passengers must check the company’s website (www.minoan.gr), company agencies, or travel agents for updates and policy adjustments.

PETS

REGISTRATION AND ISSUANCE OF ELECTRONIC TICKETS FOR COMPANION ANIMALS

Under Law 4830/2021, the registration of companion animals traveling on ferries in the reservation and ticketing system is mandatory. Passengers (owners/escorts) must ensure their pets’ electronic tickets are issued at the same time as their own.

Minoan Lines continues to support passengers and their pets by offering zero-cost tickets for all companion animals.

Electronic tickets for pets are issued upon presentation of the required documents per regulations, including health and vaccination certificates.

If a passenger has not pre-issued their pet’s ticket, they can do so at the company’s port offices, subject to additional terms for large pets (over 10kg). If the available pet kennels or cabins are fully booked, no additional pet tickets will be issued, and the pet will not be allowed onboard. In such cases, passengers who choose not to travel due to pet restrictions are not entitled to a ticket refund but may convert their ticket to an open ticket or cancel it per the company’s policy.

Passengers are encouraged to book pet and passenger tickets simultaneously to avoid issues.

PET TRANSPORTATION RULES

1. Pets not inside a carrier must be leashed and muzzled. They are allowed only in designated pet cabins or kennels on the ship’s deck and are prohibited from indoor public areas and food service areas (bars, restaurants). Pets may only pass through staircases or hallways while being transported to designated areas.
2. Small pets (<10kg) in a carrier may stay in designated pet cabins, kennels, or common areas like open-air decks and lounges, as long as they do not cause disturbance. They are not allowed near food service areas.
3. Service dogs (e.g., guide dogs for visually impaired passengers) may travel without a carrier or muzzle, regardless of size, and can accompany their owner in passenger areas if they have the appropriate certification.
4. Pet owners are responsible for feeding, hygiene, and any damages caused by their pets.

COMMON AREAS

• Passengers may use all common areas on the ship freely.
• Sleeping or eating in lounges and bars is not allowed.

LUGGAGE

• Luggage may remain inside vehicles at the passenger’s own risk. Passengers are advised to take necessary personal belongings with them.
• Once the ship has departed, entry to the vehicle deck is prohibited.
• The company is not responsible for loss or damage to money, securities, gold, silver, jewelry, decorative items, artwork, or valuables unless they were deposited at the ship’s purser’s office for safekeeping.
• Liability limits for lost or damaged cabin luggage are regulated by EU Regulation No. 392/2009.

PASSENGERS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS

Passengers with Reduced Mobility (hereinafter referred to as PRMs) are individuals who have difficulty moving or require assistance.

PRMs can only make reservations by phone at (+302810399899), via email at reservation@minoan.gr, or through a travel agency. The number of cabins available for passengers with reduced mobility is limited; therefore, early booking is highly recommended.

All booking and ticket purchase conditions applicable to other passengers also apply to PRMs.

When booking or purchasing a ticket, PRMs must specify in writing their accommodation needs, seating preferences, required services, or the need to transport medical equipment. Requests for assistance must be submitted to the Company (including a valid identification document) after ticket purchase and at least 48 hours before departure via email at reservation@minoan.gr or by fax at (+302810399878).

For any additional assistance, PRMs must inform the Company at least 48 hours before departure and must arrive at the designated meeting point ahead of the scheduled boarding time.

If the carrier or terminal staff, due to error or negligence, causes loss or damage to mobility equipment or other specific equipment used by persons with disabilities, compensation must be provided equivalent to the replacement value of the mentioned equipment or, where applicable, the cost of repairs.

A designated crew member ensures assistance for PRMs. Once the designated crew member is notified that a PRM is expected onboard, they must ensure appropriate assistance from embarkation to disembarkation. The designated crew member will mark on the ship’s layout the cabins reserved for PRMs and provide a copy to the captain.

Crew members responsible for assisting PRMs will wear a white/blue armband labeled “ASSISTANCE” for easy identification. The ticketing office must provide PRM vehicles with a sticker guaranteeing priority parking in designated areas of the ship.

During boarding, PRM vehicles must be given priority parking in the ship’s designated areas. These areas ensure full mobility for PRMs and easy access to passenger areas. Before arrival, the designated crew member must notify the destination port agency of all assistance and disembarkation needs of PRMs. In emergencies, the designated crew member listed in the captain’s registry will assist PRMs in reaching the meeting points and disembarkation areas. Ship decks are accessible via elevators equipped with illuminated, audio-assisted, and braille-labeled control panels for visually impaired passengers.

The ship provides accessible cabins for disabled passengers in compliance with current legislation. In public areas, tactile pathways mark routes leading to essential onboard services. Additionally, specially equipped restrooms are available for persons with disabilities. The ship also has designated parking spaces for disabled passengers, marked with signage and equipped with wheelchair assembly facilities.

ONBOARD SAFETY

• The Company and the ship are not responsible for accidents, losses, or damages before embarkation/loading or after disembarkation/unloading.
• The transport of weapons, explosives, incendiary materials, flammable substances, or any other hazardous materials is strictly prohibited.

BOARDING PROCEDURES

In compliance with EU Directive 98/41/EC and Article 5 of Presidential Decree 23/1999 (Government Gazette A’17), passenger details will be verified during the boarding (check-in) process. Passengers must present their ferry ticket along with an official identification document at boarding. Failure to do so may result in denied boarding, without a ticket refund.

• Passengers and vehicles must check in at port offices at least one (1) hour before departure for domestic routes and two (2) hours before departure for international routes. For vehicles, the check-in time is also one (1) hour for domestic routes and two (2) hours for international routes. Failure to comply may result in ticket cancellation without refund.
• Vehicle boarding times and priority order are determined by the Port Authority regulations at the loading port. Drivers must load and unload their vehicles following the ship crew’s instructions.
• Passengers must disembark from vehicles before the vehicle enters the ship.
• The vehicle category is declared by the passenger and printed on the ticket.

TRAVEL DOCUMENTS

Passengers must carry valid travel documents (identity card, passport, visa, or other required documents) as per the entry requirements of their destination country.

Passengers lacking the necessary travel documents may be denied entry into the destination country.

The Company is not responsible for denied disembarkation by the Authorities due to insufficient travel documents.

MINOR PASSENGERS

• Identification verification for minor passengers is conducted based on their identity card or passport. For minors under 12 traveling domestically, any official document or certification from a public authority is accepted.
• Minors under 15 years old must be accompanied by an adult.
• Unaccompanied minors aged 15-18 are allowed to travel only if a parental/guardian authorization is provided to the Company, with the parent/guardian’s signature verified by a public authority, KEP (Citizen Service Center), or electronically via gov.gr. This authorization must state that:
  • The parent/guardian consents to the minor’s travel.
  • The minor will not be under the supervision of the Captain, officers, or crew during the voyage.
  • The parent/guardian assumes full responsibility for any loss, damage, or expenses arising from the minor’s travel.
• Parents/legal guardians are responsible for ensuring minors have valid travel documents before departure. The Company is not responsible if the destination port authorities deem the documents insufficient.

CHILDREN

• Children under 4 years old travel for free but are not entitled to a berth or seat. A zero-fare ticket must be issued; otherwise, boarding will be denied.
• Children aged 4-12 receive a 50% discount on all seating categories and must be accompanied by an adult.

CABINS

• Cabins are classified as single, double, triple, four-bed, or five-bed based on the number of passengers occupying them, not the number of beds available.

FARES & DISCOUNTS

• Domestic and international ferry ticket prices include sea transportation and port fees. Meals and drinks are not included in the ticket price.
• A 30% discount applies to return fares on international routes when the round-trip ticket is issued simultaneously. A 20% discount applies to return fares on domestic routes under the same conditions. Discounts are non-cumulative, meaning only one discount can be applied per ticket.
• Passengers eligible for discounts must notify the Company at the time of booking. Once a ticket is issued, refunds due to fare differences will not be granted.
• Special rates apply for groups, trucks, buses, and unaccompanied vehicles.

LOST TICKETS

• In case of ticket loss, passengers must inform the issuing agency or the Company immediately.

RETURN TICKET POLICY

• The return discount is only valid if the same passengers travel on both legs of the journey and if round-trip tickets are issued simultaneously.
• Cancellation of an outbound ticket is not permitted if a discounted return ticket has been issued.

CANCELLATION POLICY FOR DOMESTIC ROUTES

• Open-date or unused tickets past their travel date are non-refundable.
• Promotional tickets (e.g., early booking) are subject to special cancellation conditions.
• Refunds for cancellations depend on the time of cancellation:
  • More than 14 days before departure: Full refund.
  • 13 to 7 days before departure: 75% refund.
  • 6 days to 12 hours before departure: 50% refund.
  • Less than 12 hours before departure: No refund.

SEAT RESERVATIONS

• Reservations can be made via Minoan Lines’ website, company agencies, partner travel agencies, and port offices.
• Ferry tickets are strictly personal, non-transferable, and valid only for the specified journey. Changes must be requested in advance through the issuing agency.
• Open-date ticket holders must secure seats in advance, especially during peak travel periods.

Auto-translated from Greek.
Last update: 10/03/2025
Source: https://www.minoan.gr/category/122/oroi-epibibashs