The new EU rules also include a right to rerouting and cover assistance such as meals, refreshments and accommodation of up to three nights where necessary (with a limit of €80 per night), the European Commission said, welcoming the Parliament's vote.
"This regulation on the rights of passengers travelling by sea and by inland waterway will extend passenger rights to further transport modes," said Siim Kallas, Commission vice-president in charge of transport.
"This means that passengers travelling by water will benefit from the same basic quality service standards wherever they travel in the Union."
The new rights will come into effect as of 2012 and will entitle passengers for reimbursement of 25% of the ticket price in cases where journeys are cancelled or delayed for more than a quarter of their total duration.
If the delay is over double these minimum times, passengers will be entitled to compensation of half the ticket price, the Parliament said.
All boats carrying over 12 passengers will fall under the new rules, with the exception of excursions and sightseeing tours.
Assistance for disabled passengers
The European Parliament also extended the initial proposal to cover assistance for disabled passengers.
"Disability may not be used as a reason for denying a passenger the right to board," reads the new EU regulation, adding that "free assistance must be provided to disabled people in ports".
The new rights for disabled will be restricted, however, "on condition that the carrier or the port operator is notified when the reservation is made or at least 48 hours before boarding". The rules will also apply to cruise passengers.
Negotiations ongoing for buses and coaches
However, the Parliament was unable to complete negotiations with EU member states on a proposed regulation awarding similar rights to passengers travelling by bus or coach.
MEPs have amended the draft text to include the reimbursement of the ticket or rerouting in case of delays in departure of more that two hours, as well as compensation of up to €1,800 for lost or damaged baggage.
MEPs added there should be no limits to compensation in case a passenger dies in a coach accident.
They also insist on free assistance or compensation if a bus breakdown delays arrival at destination. Free assistance for disabled passengers must also be provided, they say.
Siim Kallas said he hoped the negotiations with member states would be completed soon.
But a conciliation procedure now appears "likely", the Parliament said, as MEPs want the regulation to apply not only to long-distance but also to regional bus transport, something that EU countries are reluctant to agree to.
