Can I change my dining time after booking a Scenic Luxury Cruises?

Scenic Luxury Cruises is celebrated for delivering one of the most luxurious and inclusive cruise experiences in the world, combining elegant accommodations, world-class dining, and unforgettable cultural immersion. However, travel plans sometimes change — whether due to personal reasons, global events, or simply a change of heart about where you want to explore next.

If you’ve already booked a Scenic river or ocean cruise and are wondering, “Can I change my Scenic Luxury Cruises destination?” — the answer is yes, but with certain conditions, timelines, and costs attached.

This comprehensive guide will explain how destination changes work, when they are allowed, what fees may apply, and how to modify your itinerary smoothly — all while ensuring you retain the maximum value from your booking.

1. Understanding Scenic Luxury Cruises’ Booking Flexibility

a. Scenic’s Commitment to Passenger Satisfaction

Scenic is known for its exceptional customer service and traveler-focused approach. While cruises are typically booked months (or even years) in advance, Scenic understands that travel circumstances can shift. To support this, they have built a flexible framework for modifications — including changing destinations, travel dates, or even ships.

b. What Does “Changing a Destination” Mean?

Changing a cruise destination involves switching from one itinerary or region to another. For example:

• Changing from a Danube River Cruise to a Seine River Cruise

• Swapping a European river cruise for an Asian Mekong itinerary

• Moving from a Scenic Eclipse ocean cruise to a river cruise

In most cases, this is treated as a rebooking, since the destination, ship, and travel costs vary.

2. Scenic’s Policy on Changing Destinations

a. Official Policy Overview

Scenic allows passengers to change cruise destinations prior to final payment or before specific deadlines, depending on fare type and booking terms.

Changes after final payment are possible but usually come with change fees and fare differences.

b. Timeline for Destination Changes

• Before Final Payment (Typically 90–120 days before departure):

  • Most changes can be made with little or no penalty.

  • Passengers may transfer to another cruise destination of equal or higher value.

• After Final Payment:

  • Changes may incur administrative or cancellation fees.

  • Scenic may treat the modification as a cancellation and rebooking.

c. Fare Difference Rules

If your new destination costs more than your original itinerary, you’ll need to pay the difference in fare. If the new destination is cheaper, Scenic may offer future cruise credits instead of refunds.

3. Step-by-Step Guide: How to Change Your Cruise Destination

Changing your Scenic Luxury Cruises destination involves several steps. Here’s how to handle it efficiently:

Step 1: Review Your Booking Terms

Check your booking confirmation or invoice. It includes:

• Fare type (flexible, promotional, or non-refundable)

• Final payment date

• Cancellation or change conditions

Step 2: Contact Scenic Reservations or Your Travel Agent

• If you booked directly with Scenic, call Scenic’s reservations line or email their support team.

• If you booked through a travel agent, you must make all changes through them.

Contact Scenic (Typical Channels):

• Phone: [Check regional Scenic phone number on official website]

• Email: info@scenic.com or the regional support email listed in your documentation

Step 3: Choose Your New Destination

Scenic offers a wide array of destinations, including:

• European Rivers: Danube, Rhine, Seine, Douro, Rhône

• Asia: Mekong (Vietnam & Cambodia), Irrawaddy (Myanmar)

• Ocean Voyages: Arctic, Mediterranean, South America, Antarctica

Review available sailings, dates, and cabin categories before confirming your change.

Step 4: Confirm Fare Differences and Fees

The representative will:

• Recalculate your fare

• Apply any change fees (if applicable)

• Provide updated invoices

Step 5: Approve and Pay the Balance

Once you accept the changes, Scenic will issue a revised confirmation. Any fare differences or additional payments must be settled promptly.

4. Scenic’s Change and Cancellation Fees

a. Standard Change Fees

• Changes before final payment: Usually free (depending on fare type).

• Changes after final payment: Fees typically range from $100–$500 per person.

b. Fare-Type Specific Conditions

• Flexible Fares: More lenient; allow destination changes with minimal fees.

• Promotional/Discount Fares: Often non-transferable or come with strict rules.

• Group Bookings: May have customized policies negotiated during booking.

c. Refund and Credit Options

If you downgrade to a cheaper cruise, Scenic may issue future cruise credits instead of direct refunds, depending on your booking terms.

5. Scenic Future Cruise Credits (FCCs)

Scenic sometimes provides Future Cruise Credits when passengers choose to change destinations after final payment.

• Credits can be applied to another Scenic cruise within a specified period (typically 12–24 months).

• They are non-transferable and must be used by the same traveler.

• If the new cruise is more expensive, you pay the difference.

This system allows passengers to reschedule or redirect their travels without losing their investment.

6. Factors to Consider Before Changing Destinations

a. Availability

Popular itineraries (like the Rhine or Mediterranean) may sell out months in advance. Confirm cabin availability before making changes.

b. Seasonal Pricing

Prices vary significantly between low, shoulder, and high seasons. Changing to a peak-season destination may increase your fare substantially.

c. Airfare Adjustments

If you booked flights through Scenic, destination changes may require reissuing airline tickets, which can incur extra airline penalties or fees.

d. Insurance Implications

Travel insurance policies often require notification if your destination changes. Failure to update your insurer may affect coverage.

e. Promotional Restrictions

Some promotions are itinerary-specific. Switching destinations might void your original promotional rate.

7. Tips for a Smooth Destination Change

1. Act Early: The earlier you decide, the more flexible Scenic will be.

2. Check for Special Promotions: Ask if the new destination qualifies for discounts or onboard credits.

3. Review Terms in Writing: Always get new booking terms in writing before confirming.

4. Coordinate Flights and Transfers: Reconfirm transfer and flight details after changes.

5. Recheck Excursions: New itineraries come with different excursions — ensure they fit your interests.

8. Real-Life Example

Scenario 1:Sarah booked a 15-day Rhine River cruise for June 2025 but later decided she wanted to explore Southeast Asia instead.

• She contacted Scenic three months before final payment.

• Scenic allowed her to switch to a 13-day Mekong River Cruise with only the fare difference applied.

• Her transfer and insurance were updated accordingly, and no penalty was charged.

Scenario 2:David booked a Scenic Eclipse Arctic voyage but wanted to move to a Mediterranean itinerary two months before departure.

• Since final payment was already processed, Scenic applied a $250 per person change fee and issued a partial credit toward the new voyage.

Both travelers successfully adjusted their plans, demonstrating that Scenic’s flexibility can work when handled promptly.

9. How Scenic’s Policy Compares with Other Cruise Lines

Cruise LineDestination Change PolicyTypical FeesFlexibility Level

Scenic Luxury CruisesAllowed (depends on fare type and timing)$0–$500High

Uniworld River CruisesLimited after final paymentUp to $400Moderate

Viking CruisesUsually treated as cancellationUp to full depositLow

AmaWaterwaysChangeable before final paymentSmall admin feeModerate

Scenic stands out for offering one of the most flexible policies in the luxury river cruise segment.

10. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Can I switch from a river cruise to an ocean cruise?

Yes. Scenic allows transitions between river and ocean cruises, though fare adjustments will apply.

Q2: Will I lose my deposit if I change my destination?

Not if you change before final payment. After final payment, your deposit may be converted to future cruise credit.

Q3: How far in advance should I request a destination change?

Ideally, 90–120 days before departure. The earlier, the better.

Q4: Can I change my destination after I’ve received my documents?

Possible, but may incur higher administrative fees.

Q5: Can I keep my cabin type when changing destinations?

You can request similar cabins, but availability depends on the new ship and itinerary.

11. Expert Tips to Maximize Value When Changing Destinations

1. Use Scenic’s Promotions: Check if you qualify for early booking or loyalty discounts when rebooking.

2. Leverage Future Cruise Credits: Apply credits strategically toward higher-value cruises.

3. Book Shoulder Seasons: Save money while enjoying good weather and fewer crowds.

4. Stay in Touch with Your Scenic Advisor: Personalized assistance can help you find the best alternatives.

5. Monitor Fare Differences: Sometimes moving to an off-peak region reduces costs significantly.

12. Flexibility Meets Luxury

Scenic Luxury Cruises continues to set industry standards for flexibility, elegance, and guest satisfaction. While cruise destination changes aren’t entirely unrestricted, Scenic offers one of the most accommodating modification policies among luxury cruise operators.

If you act early, communicate with Scenic or your travel agent, and understand your booking terms, you can successfully switch to your dream destination without losing your investment or compromising on comfort.

Whether you decide to drift along Europe’s romantic rivers, sail across the Mediterranean, or explore the wild wonders of the Arctic aboard Scenic Eclipse, Scenic ensures that luxury and flexibility travel hand in hand — giving you the freedom to craft your perfect journey.