If ever the decline in customer service effected by a monopoly situation needed illustrating, then local ferry service operator Balearia have done just that. Last December the route from Ibiza to Denia was covered by both Balearia and Iscomar, but then Iscomar had to withdraw its service when its ferry broke a propeller.
With a complete monopoly on the route Balearia withdrew all its passenger enticing offers and the price of a return journey for a passenger and car leapt from €127 to €302! Local travel agents say they get dozens of complaints from disgruntled passengers every day and poor Iscomar say that they are still waiting for parts to be specially manufactured to get their boat ship-shape and ready for the high seas.