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FAQ

 

Informations et réservations

N° Azur : 0810 20 13 20
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FAQ

See answers to frequently asked questions :

 

Changing a booking

What are the conditions for changing my ticket?

Changing a standard ticket is subject to our Consult the General Conditions of Sale.
To know more about the particular conditions for changing Prima Corsa tickets, contact our customer operators on 00 33 810 20 13 20.

How can I change my ticket (change of name, vehicle, etc...) ?

You cannot modify your ticket yourself on line. You need to contact one of our customer operators on 00 33 810 20 13 20.

We are in a group and we want to modify all or part of our tickets.

Groups cannot change their ticket(s) on line. Please contact your Group Advisor, by telephone or using the contact form, who will make the necessary changes for you and inform you of any costs for doing so, if applicable: see contact details.

 

Making a booking

How many passengers can I book for ?

By Internet, the maximum is 8 passengers per booking (children and babies included). In the case of a return journey, the number of passengers booked must be the same on both trips. For all other cases, contact us on 00 33 810 20 13 20.

I am travelling with my child, I am a senior citizen, I am under 25 years old... Can I get a reduction ?

If you are travelling with one of your children (minors), you can have a “family” reduction.
If you are under 25, the “young persons’” reduction applies
If you are over 60, the « senior » reduction applies
If you are a student and you are under 27, the “student” reduction applies.
To find out more about the conditions of these special fares, click here.

How can I get a quote ?

You can make a reservation on our site without validating payment or you can contact our Passenger Department either by telephone on 00 33 810 20 13 20 or by email.

Can I have a reduction on a single journey?

All reductions are valid for a single journey (student, young persons, senior, Prima Corsa…) except: On the Sardinia line where reductions are only valid on a return journey.For resident fares

How can I qualify for a resident fare ?

Corsican resident fare:
Passengers who qualify for this fare must have their main residence in Corsica (supporting documents: identity card or passport) and their car must be registered in Corsica. They must make a return journey leaving from Corsica. The time from the first leg of the journey to the second must be less than 3 months.
Sardinian resident fare:
Passengers who qualify for this fare must have their main residence in Sardinia (supporting documents: identity card or passport) and their car must be registered in Sardinia. They must make a return journey leaving from Sardinia. The time from the first leg of the journey to the second must be less than 3 months. To book at a Sardinian resident fare, contact the agency Paglietti.

How can I qualify for different types of reductions?

By Internet, you can only use one type of reduction (that will be the same for all passengers travelling together). To qualify for several types of reductions with a guarantee of travelling together, contact us on 00 33 810 20 13 20.

Can I take advantage of specials promotions if I buy my ticket at the last minute ?

Promotions can be sold until the day of departure according to availability. However, to be sure to get a ticket at these prices, it is preferable to book as early as possible.

When should I book to get the best price?

To take advantage of our best prices and in particular Prima Corsa fares, we suggest that you make your reservations as early as possible.

Must I make a firm booking or can I make a provisional reservation (option) ?

Booking by Internet requires immediate payment. However you can in some cases make provisional reservations (options) through our Passenger Department on 00 33 810 20 13 20.

Can my child, who is a minor, travel alone?

Your child, if aged at least 14, can travel alone on our vessels. In this case we request that you sign, when your child boards, the form « Authorisation to travel for an unaccompanied minor ». Consult the General Conditions of Sale.

Can I take my vehicle on your ships if it runs on LPG, and if so what are the conditions?

If you have a vehicle that runs on LPG, you can take it on our vehicles, you just need to inform us when you board.

How does the “Open return” ticket work, and what advantages does it have?

The “Open return” ticket allows you to pay for your ticket in full (apart from your accommodation for the return trip), without necessarily reserving your return date. So when you book your return trip, you will only have to pay for the accommodation, with a supplement if the date of your return crossing has a different colour band to the outward journey. This means that Corsican residents can maintain their “Resident” reduction without necessarily deciding on their return date. However, the return crossing must be made a maximum of 3 months after the outward journey.

I clicked on « Submit» at the end of my on-line booking but I did not receive an email confirmation

Contact our customer operators on 00 33 810 20 13 20, and they will be able to check whether your booking has been recorded or not (do not try to make another booking as this may lead to a second booking being made as well as paying twice).

Can I book for my pet?

By Internet, if you travel with your dog, you can reserve a place for him/her in our kennels. If you want your pet to travel free in your vehicle, contact us on 00 33 810 20 13 20.

How many vehicles can I book for?

By Internet, you can include one vehicle per booking (car, motor-cycle…) and one towable vehicle (trailers, caravans…).
Important: for all bookings by Internet, the category of your vehicle must be the same on the outward journey as the return.
If this is not the case (for example: you travel with a vehicle whose length is less than or equal to 4 metres on the outward journey and on the return journey between 4.01 and 4.50 metres), contact our customer operators on 00 33 810 20 13 20, and they will make a booking for you that is best suited to your needs.

Can I book with my bicycle or my scooter (less than 100 cm3) ?

Booking a trip with your bicycle or scooter (less than 100 cm3) is only possible by contacting us on 00 33 810 20 13 20.

Where should I make my booking?

Please contact our port of departure. Follow this link.

There are more than 10 of us and we can’t make a booking.

For more than 9 passengers, you can take advantage of special fares called « Group » fares, but they are not available through our on-line booking system. For more information, a personalised quote or to book, please contact our Groups Department either by completing our contact form or by contacting our Group advisors directly: see contact details.

How can I reach you from a foreign country ?

You can contact us dialing 00 33 810 20 13 20.

 

Practical information about the crossing

What equipment can be found in the cabins (sheets, towels, etc...) ?

The cabins are all equipped with a shower and toilet. You will find towels, shower gel, soap and 2 bottles of Corsican mineral water, all free of charge. The air conditioning can be adjusted. Extra blankets and pillows can be supplied upon request at reception on board. You can also enjoy satellite television (national channels and Canal+), except in interior cabins on the Scandola.

Are there any cabins for the disabled?

Each of our vessels has fully equipped cabins for the disabled. Please inform us when making your booking at 00 33 810 20 13 20.

I am travelling with a baby…

Near reception there is a baby area where you will find baby beds, mattresses and sheets so that your baby will be comfortable in your cabin.

Is there any medical service on board ?

There is no medical service on board. In case of problems of any kind when reception is closed, do not hesitate to contact an officer or member of the crew that you see, or to call 400 using the telephones on the wall in the different halls and on the staircases.
If you are a doctor or a health worker, please make yourself known to the Purser.
If you need particular and necessary medical care, you must bring what you need with you.

I have a pet…?

For reasons of hygiene and allergies, no pets of any sort (dog, cat, bird, hamster….) is authorised in the passenger areas (cabins, armchair lounges, bars, restaurants…). They travel in your vehicle or in the kennels, (kennel accommodation is for large dogs, so please bring a pet carrier if you are travelling with your cat or other small animal).

I am pregnant, can I travel?

It is recommended that pregnant women do not travel on sea crossings. If however the trip cannot be avoided, pregnant women can make a sea voyage until the end of the 6th month of their pregnancy, on condition of acceptance by the Commanding Officer. Acceptance by their own doctor will also be requested by Company personnel.

What is there to eat on board?

There is a restaurant on each of our 3 ships and a snack-bar on the Kalliste and the Girolata, consult our "On board Dining". If you want a snack, there are machines selling sweets and cakes.

Is there a picnic area on board?

There is no area specially reserved for passengers who wish to picnic. However, the outside decks are equipped with benches that you can use at any time during the crossing if you wish.

How can I heat up a baby’s bottle or baby food?

You can heat your baby’s food in the restaurant of one of our 3 ships.

Are there any shops on board?

We regret to inform you that there are no shops on board. You will, however, find machines on board all the ferries with snacks, drinks and basic travel essentials…

Are there any letter boxes on board or at the harbour to send post?

There is no postal service on board, in our travel agency or in the harbour station.

What entertainment is available on board?

A small children’s play area, video games for older ones, a free showing of a film... To find out more, consult On-board Services

Is there a cinema on board?

There is a free showing of a film every evening at 9 pm.

Is it possible to visit the bridge?

In accordance with the ISPS code, the bridge has restricted access and as such cannot be visited.

Are baby kits distributed on board?

For babies, we supply folding beds, mattresses and sheets to be found in the baby area.

Is there a television in the Pullman lounges / armchair lounges?

For your peace and quiet, the armchair lounges are not equipped with television. You can find televisions in the lounge bar or in the television room behind the bar.

Can I make telephone calls with my mobile phone during the crossing?

It is now possible to use your telephone during the whole crossing if you are an ORANGE subscriber: on the Girolata and the Kalliste.

Is there an ATM on board?

There is no ATM on board but you can pay by credit card or cheque at all the points of sale on board whatever the amount.

What methods of payment are accepted on board?

On board, you can pay in cash, by cheque and by credit card. We also accept French holiday vouchers – ‘chèques vacances’.

Who deals with complaints?

Send your request to:
La Méridionale
Marketing Development & Communication
4 quai d’Arenc
BP 62345
13213 Marseille Cedex 02
FRANCE
or click here.

Which clauses and conditions is freight transport subject to?

Transport is subject to the General Clauses and Conditions for contracts concerning sea transport on shipping companies delegated for public service.
The tariff for rolling freight is only applicable to road vehicles destined for carriage and for rolling goods. The registration receipt for the road vehicle may be requested during embarkation.
Non-standard vehicles, apart from the regulations applicable to transport on land, are subject to particular conditions of acceptance by the Company.
Extra weight, beyond the limits fixed on the registration card and the registration plates of the vehicle cannot only be accepted in accordance with the regulations concerning abnormal loads. Accompanied vehicles are loaded on the ship in the designated place by and under the responsibility of their drivers.
Consequently, the Carrier declines all responsibility for damage not of its own fault during operations of embarkation or disembarkation of the vehicle or goods being transported. For the same reasons, the Carrier reserves the right to seek the liability of the driver or his principal for damage that might be occasioned during operations of embarkation or disembarkation of the said vehicle. Special clauses: the Company declines all responsibility if the above provisions are not respected. In addition, the Company is not responsible for damage occurring as a result of the fact that it does not intervene in loading the vehicle. Due to this non-intervention the quantity and quality of goods in the vehicle can be considered as for information purposes only, since the Company can only make a visual examination of the exterior of vehicles that are closed or covered.    Infractions and penalties: the competent authorities, designated by public administration, can, in addition, in the same capacity as the Company, require the contents of the vehicle to be checked at any time. Any refusal to comply with this examination can lead to the vehicle not being loaded. In case of infraction concerning the nature of the load or the characteristics of the vehicle, the Company reserves the right to take legal action.

Practical information

More information on the transport of abnormal loads.
More information on the transport of refrigerated trailers.
More information on the transport of dangerous goods.
More information on the transport of oversized vehicles.
More information on unaccompanied freight.
More information on the transport of live animals.

 

To cancel a booking

Under which conditions can I cancel my ticket?

Consult the conditions for cancellation here.

Under which conditions can I cancel my ticket if I bought it at a special offer price?

Special offer tickets like Prima Corsa cannot be refunded under any circumstances. Please consult the conditions here.

We are in a group and we would like to cancel all or part of our ticket.

Groups cannot cancel on line. Please contact your Group Advisor by telephone or using the contact form who will make the necessary changes for you: see contact details.
We remind you that cancellation charges will be made in the case of full or partial cancellation. Please consult our General Conditions of Sale for more details.

 

Ticket

Must I print my ticket?

It is not obligatory but we recommend printing the ticket. If you do not wish to do so, please make a note of the reference and number of your ticket.

What do I do if I don’t receive my ticket?

After each validated Internet booking, you will receive an email with your ticket in PDF format. If you do not receive it or if you lose your ticket, a copy can be sent to you by calling us on 00 33 810 20 13 20.

 

Fares and timetables

How can I get details of the times and crossings?

You can order our brochure directly on line by clicking here or request one from our agency, by telephoning 00 33 810 20 13 20.

Is there a way for me to get a special price for regular trips with your company?

Yes, we have a joint discount card for La Méridionale with our partners SNCM, that gives you reductions (from 50 to 55 %) on tickets all year round. For more details and conditions of use concerning this card, contact our customer operators on 00 33 810 20 13 20.

What does the freight price include?

Any vehicle able to transport goods, but also private passenger vehicles without drivers, jet skis, coffins etc… For more information please contact the Freight Department at your port of departure

What are the costs and times of crossings?

For all requests concerning costs, please contract the Freight Department at your port of departure or complete the quote request form.

Is there a special price for convoys?

Yes, drivers and and convoys have a special price including cabin, meal and breakfast. For more information contact the Freight Department at your port of departure

Which VTA regimes apply to freight tariffs ?

Freight tickets to Corsica are not subject to VAT. However, for Sardinia, VAT is 19,6 % unless you have a european VAT number.

 

Payment

Can I pay a deposit to confirm my ticket or do I have to pay in full?

For on-line bookings, you cannot pay a deposit to confirm your order, you must pay the full amount. If you wish to pay only a deposit for your booking, please contact our customer operators on 00 33 810 20 13 20.

Is your system of payment by credit card secure?

The system of payment by credit card is completely secure.

Which methods of payment are accepted by your company (Visa, Mastercard, Amex, Cofinoga, Chèques Vacances) ?

For any on-line reservations, the payment methods accepted are credit cards such as Visa, Mastercard (and others...). For other methods of payment, you can contact our agency on 00 33 810 20 13 20.

How can I get a receipt?

The ticket issued when you book can be used as a receipt. Maritime transport documents do not include VAT and are therefore valid for accounting purposes. If you cannot print your ticket, you can request it from us by contacting 00 33 810 20 13 20.

Which methods of payment are accepted?

You can pay in cash, by credit card or cheque and by electronic payment.

 

Loss / Theft

I have lost my Open return, what should I do?

Contact our customer operators on 00 33 810 20 13 20 and give your name. After checking your identity, your request for a return on the open ticket will be validated.

I have lost my ticket, what should I do?

Contact our customer operators on 00 33 810 20 13 20 and give your name. After checking your identity, a copy of your ticket will be sent to you.

I left an item on the ferry (clothes, camera, glasses…)? What should I do?

Complete the form concerning lost and found items by clicking here

 

Embarkation / Disembarkation

We are going to travel as a group and we would like to have some information about embarkation and disembarkation formalities.

For safety reasons, it is imperative that the group all be present before checking in. To facilitate boarding for all, we invite group leaders to present themselves at the start of check-in to deal with the obligatory formalities and then, as soon as they are completed, to take the paperwork to the check-in area accompanied by their group. In case of delays, group leaders are requested to warn the harbour stations concerned so that the latter can organise boarding accordingly. Our Groups Department is at your disposal for any further information. To contact them, complete our contact form, or contact our Group Advisors: see contact details.

How do I get to Terminal 1 in Marseille? I am arriving by train, by plane, by car, on foot (is there a shuttle?)

By car see our map by clicking hereFrom Marignane airport, an Air France shuttle is at your disposal to take you to St Charles station.From St Charles station: take the Metro line 2 Ste-Marguerite-Dromel/Bougainville, Bougainville direction. The station where you need to get off is Joliette. For those on foot, when you are Place de la Joliette, take the N°35 bus towards Estaque Riaux. Stop at ARENC-MIRABEAU.

What is the latest boarding time?

If you are a foot passenger
Go to the check-in desk at the latest 30 minutes before the departure of the ship.
If you are taking a vehicle
Go to the check-in desk at least one hour before departure. Hang the boarding card for your vehicle on the rear-view mirror. A member of the crew will show you where to park your vehicle. We reserve the right to resell places belonging to passengers who arrive less than 30 minutes before the departure of the ship. We suggest that you go directly to the harbour station if you have last-minute problems.

What are the boarding formalities, which documents must I present?

- You must go to the harbour station with your ticket (or at least the ticket number) and identification for the persons named on the ticket. - For all special fares (senior, young persons, disabled…) supporting documents must be presented.

Must the ticket be printed? Is there an electronic version?

The ticket does not have to be presented when boarding. You can just go to the harbour station with the ticket number and personal identification. However, we would recommend you print the ticket.

Can I leave my vehicle at the port before boarding? Is there a car park within the port area?

There is nowhere to park your vehicle in the port area. You can park your vehicle in the authorised car parks outside the port area.

I am disabled, what is the boarding process?

If you have mobility problems, make yourself known at the harbour station and a shuttle will take you to the ship if you are on foot. If you are in a vehicle, make yourself known at the boarding area and you will be able to park near the lift.

Is there a shuttle when leaving the ship?

When leaving the ship in Marseille, there is a free shuttle that takes you to Place de la Joliette where you will find various means of transport (buses, metro, taxis...) When leaving the ship in Bastia, a free shuttle will take you to the centre of town (Place St Nicolas) where you will find buses and taxis. When leaving the ship in Ajaccio, a free shuttle will take you to the harbour station and the bus station or to the harbour entrance.

What are the formalities upon embarkation and disembarkation

To find out more about the formalities upon embarkation and disembarkation click here

How do I get to the port for embarkation?

You will find all the information you need by clicking here. More information on the transport of abnormal loads.
More information on the transport of refrigerated trailers.
More information on the transport of dangerous goods.
More information on the transport of oversized vehicles.
More information on unaccompanied freight.
More information on the transport of live animals.

 

The fleet

What is a mixed cargo?

To find out more

I would like more information about the La Méridionale fleet

To find out all about our ships click here.

 

Customer service

I would like to contact the Customer Department

To contact our Customer Department click here 

 

Technical / Computing

Which browser is the La Méridionale site optimised for?

FireFox3OpéraSafariInternet Explorer 7 

 

Various

We are a Travel Agency and we would like to have more information about your company and/ or sell your company’s crossings

In each of our agencies, there is a Sales Advisor for travel agencies who will give you all the information you need as quickly as possible. To contact them, complete our on-line form or by telephone: see contact details.

We are a Travel Agency and we would like to have promotional materials about your company.

La Méridionale is at your disposal to meet your needs and supply all the promotional material that you might need. We can send you timetables, descriptions of the ferries in our fleet, maps showing how to get to our agencies and harbour stations, ticket wallets or even presentation stands. For these needs, please contact your Sales Advisor by completing the on-line form or by telephone: see contact details.

How to get a press release, La Méridionale logos and visuals of the vessels on line?

Press releases, logos and visuals can be downloaded from the Press area.

How can we be approved to film or take photographs on board the ferries?

For professional requests to be accredited to film or take photographs on the ships, please make an application in writing to our Communication Department [lien vers formulaire de contact avec le thème Presse pré sélectionné]. La Méridionale reserves the right to accept or to decline your request.

I would like to make a request for partnership, where should I enquire?

Send your request to:
La Méridionale
Service Marketing Développement et Communication
4 quai d’Arenc
BP 62345
13213 Marseille Cedex 02
FRANCE
Or click here

I would like to receive some promotional materials about the company: postcards, brochures about the ferries… What should I do?

Send your request to:
La Méridionale
Service Marketing Développement Communication 
4 quai d’Arenc
BP 62345
13213 Marseille Cedex 02
FRANCE
Or click here.

We are a Travel Agency and we would like to sell your company’s crossings.

If you are a non-approved agency and you would like to be able to sell our company’s services, please contact your Sales Advisor using our contact form. They will get back to you as soon as possible to explain the different solutions available to you.

I would like to make an application to work for the company. Where should I enquire?

Click here
Or send your request to:
La Méridionale
Human Resources Department
4 quai d’Arenc
BP 62345
13213 Marseille Cedex 02
FRANCE

 

If you haven't found the answer to your questions in this list, contactez-nous