Help! DFDS ferry in a few days – car broken, can I cancel?

[MonikaAT]

Hi all,
Bit of a panic here and hoping someone’s been in the same boat (literally 🙈).

We’re due to travel with DFDS from Newcastle to Amsterdam on 29 June – return on 10 July – with our two kids and the dog. Booked ages ago. Unfortunately, our car has just broken down and the garage says it definitely won’t be ready in time.

Has anyone had luck with cancelling or rescheduling a DFDS ferry this close to departure due to car trouble? Their terms say no refund under 28 days, but I’m hoping they might offer a credit or date change if I explain the situation?

If you’ve managed to change a booking last-minute with them, how did you do it — chat, call, email? And did they charge a fee or show any flexibility?

Thank you so much in advance – totally gutted and just trying to figure out our best option without losing £1,600+ 😩

Can you hire a car and change the booking to the hire car reg instead?

Hire a car. It will be far cheaper.

No so easy and honestly don't want to sped another 2k as we will travel with dog 14 days, plus my car repair it’s quite high.... we did consider hire car but it’s not the best

Hi I've booked with dfds (to france) lots and have amended bookings with them with no problems several times. I've done it over the phone and on the live chat. There was a small amendment fee but it wasn't a lot plus if the new booking is more expensive then you will have to pay the difference but its pretty easy. I doubt you would be able to cancel for a refund at this short notice though.

Do you have RAC/AA European cover? They might well cover you for a few days before travel.

Unfortunately not, I have a warranty to fix my car but part will be with next 2 weeks and I can't change my holiday 🙃 working in 4 people team. Kind of stuck

Your travel insurance or breakdown cover should cover this- I’ve claimed for similar.