Delays and Cancellations
If your sailing is delayed or cancelled, we know this can be stressful and we’re sorry for the impact this may have on your travel plans. Our priority is getting everyone safely across the Cook Strait.
What happens if your sailing is delayed or cancelled?
- We’ll contact you as early as possible using the mobile number and email address on your booking.
- If you booked through a travel agent or third-party website and we don’t hold your contact details, we’ll notify your agent so they can contact you.
- If a sailing is cancelled, we’ll make all reasonable efforts to move you onto the next available sailing.
- If space is limited, standby lists will operate at each terminal for affected passengers across subsequent sailings.
Standby travel
Standby travel gives you the option to wait for a place on a later sailing if space becomes available, when rebooking options are limited.
- To request standby, contact our Customer Service team at bookings@bluebridge.co.nz, call 0800 844 844, or visit our passenger terminal.
- Please have your booking number and the sailing date and time you’d like to stand by for.
- You’ll need to be at the passenger terminal at least one hour before the standby sailing.
- Standby travel is subject to availability and cannot be guaranteed.
Refunds and compensation
If your sailing is significantly delayed or cancelled, you may be eligible for a refund or compensation depending on the circumstances. To check your eligibility and find out how to submit a request, visit the Refunds and Compensation page.
Why delays and cancellations can happen
For most sailings, conditions across the Cook Strait are calm and scenic. At times, changeable weather and sea conditions may require us to delay or cancel a sailing to ensure passenger comfort and safety. Delays or cancellations may also occasionally occur due to reasons such as mechanical issues, crew availability, or other operational requirements.