Nightmare on the high seas: couple fights for travel price reduction!

Nightmare on the high seas: couple fights for travel price reduction!

A couple from Berlin recently went on a cruise that didn't bring the dream they had hoped for, but a nightmare. The 11-day trip, booked for 6,580 euros, was supposed to be relaxing. However, it turned out that the cabin in the “Superior” category was in close proximity to the ship’s engine room. This led to considerable noise pollution, which brought an abrupt end to the travelers' night's sleep. Ships with high levels of noise are a well-known problem in the cruise industry, which has been growing steadily for years Haufe.

The couple's complaint to the tour guide was unsuccessful, and an email to the tour operator on the fourth day of the trip did not provide a solution. Despite trying to help with ear plugs, the noise remained unbearable. Conversations in the cabin were only possible by shouting. When the tour operator dismissed the complaints as typical of the ship, the wife was forced to take legal action and demand a refund of 30% of the travel price.

Legal situation and court ruling

According to the ruling of the Berlin-Schöneberg district court of July 17, 2025, the couple was partially disappointed in their concerns, but the court found the witnesses' stories about the "unimaginable volume" and vibrations in the cabin credible. The court recognized a reduction in the travel price, although it considered the noise from the generators to be normal. Nevertheless, the combination with engine noise was found to constitute unacceptable noise pollution, resulting in an overall reduction of 20% on noise nights and 10% on other days. This corresponds to a partial recognition of the couple's claims of around 55%.

The judgment makes it clear that the tour operator's liability is not necessarily tied to contractual travel services. However, travelers must report defects to the organizer immediately in order to assert their rights to a reduction. Cruise entry shortages can occur when services are not provided as agreed, such as missed port stops or a different cabin category, emphasized lawyer.org.

Demands and rights of travelers

The cruise industry has experienced remarkable growth in recent years. In 2016, Germany even recorded a passenger record of 2.02 million guests. Travelers affected by defects have the right to request a reduction in the travel price. A newer regulation stipulates that the deadline for submitting a report of defects has been set at two years since July 1, 2018.

The handling of such complaints should always be well documented. Travel deficiencies must be recorded in writing and, if possible, documented by photos or witnesses. Furthermore, EU passenger rights must be taken into account in the event of cancellation or delay. In the event of cancellations or delays of more than 90 minutes within the EU, passengers are entitled to a refund or alternative transport, although compensation of 25 to 50 percent of the fare can be claimed.