Transport / NorthLink warns against third-party ferry booking platforms
NORTHLINK says it has “no relationship whatsoever” with booking platform Direct Ferries, which appears to offer cabins on some sailings which are listed as sold out on the operator’s own website.
Managing director Stuart Garrett said Serco NorthLink Ferries “strongly recommends” customers book directly through official NorthLink channels to ensure they have a “valid booking”.
Direct Ferries is a ticketing platform which offers ferry bookings for more than 4,000 ferry routes across the world, including those run by NorthLink.
However when searching it appears to have some cabins for sale on certain sailings which the NorthLink website has listed as sold out.
For example, at the time of writing Direct Ferries appears to have a three berth outside cabin available priced at £148 on the Aberdeen to Lerwick sailing on Thursday (28 August), but cabins are sold out on the NorthLink website.
Serco NorthLink said it is aware Direct Ferries is taking cabin bookings, but there is no “corresponding booking” in the NorthLink Ferries system.
In response to a request from Shetland News, Garrett said in a statement that there have been instances where customers booking through third-party platforms have arrived at check-in without a valid booking.
“In such cases, NorthLink Ferries will always do its best to assist passengers by facilitating new bookings,” he said.
“However, this is subject to availability and requires payment to NorthLink Ferries in advance of travel.
“For peace of mind, we urge customers to book directly through official NorthLink Ferries channels at www.northlinkferries.co.uk or by calling 0800 111 4422.”
NorthLink reiterated that it has no contractual or operational relationship with Direct Ferries.
It added that bookings made through official NorthLink channels come with “passenger-friendly terms” such as no fees for changes or cancellations.
While NorthLink offers set prices, the Direct Ferries website does say that “prices can rise” on its trips to the Northern Isles as “departure time approaches”.
Direct Ferries has been approached for a response.
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