Missing your Regent Seven Seas Cruises sailing is stressful—and whether you can get a refund depends on why you missed it, when, and what protections you arranged. This guide gives everything you need: cruise line policies, insurance, examples, documentation, and how to act to protect your financial interest.
How Regent handles situations when guests miss embarkation comes down to their standard cancellation policy, legal nonperformance rules, and the travel protection you have. Knowing these in detail helps you know your rights and what outcomes to expect.
If you do not show up for the cruise (i.e. miss embarkation without cancelling), Regent considers that a no‑show—and the standard cancellation schedule applies. According to their policies:
If cancellation or non‑appearance occurs 19 days or less before departure up to sailing day, you forfeit 100% of the cruise fare. Regent Cruises+1
“No Appearance” is explicitly listed under “100 % of Total Fare (No Refund)” in the cancellation table. Regent Cruises
Also ancillary components like air, hotel or land programs often follow strict rules and may not be refundable. Regent Cruises+1
So unless you had a legitimate excuse covered by travel protection or Regent special policy, a missed cruise generally leads to complete forfeiture of fare.
There is a distinction: if the cruise line cancels or delays your cruise (for example, mechanical failure, port closure, health emergency), you are not “at fault.” Regent’s nonperformance policy provides that in those circumstances:
If RSSC cancels or delays your cruise by more than three calendar days, and you decline an alternative or delayed sailing, you are entitled to full refund of fare, port fees, taxes, accommodation/ancillary charges paid to them. rssc.com
To get that refund, you must submit supporting documents (boarding pass, proof of payment, cancellation notice) within 90 calendar days after originally scheduled embarkation. rssc.com
So when it is Regent’s fault, the path to refund or credit is clear.
Sometimes Regent offers more flexible cancellation/refund or credit options under special offers. One example:
Regent Reassurance allowed guests who had paid in full to cancel up to 15 days before departure and receive a 100% Future Cruise Credit. regentcruisedestinations.com+1
Reassurance policy includes not just cruise fare, but any air, hotel, visa, land program, and travel protection bought via Regent. regentcruisedestinations.com
But note: missing the cruise without cancelling in accordance with policy does not fall under Reassurance or any special cancellation—so the standard policy applies unless you arranged in advance for some exception.
Knowing possible scenarios helps you evaluate whether your missed cruise might lead to anything (refund, credit, or partial). These are examples when clients succeeded or may succeed.
If Regent cancels the voyage, major itinerary change, or delays beyond a certain period:
You can request refund or choose future cruise credit. The nonperformance policy entitles you to refund if you reject the alternative. rssc.com
If you purchased travel protection (like Regent’s or a third‑party policy) before embarking, and you miss the cruise due to covered reasons (e.g. illness, accident, disaster, airline failure), then:
Insurance may reimburse your forfeited fare or cover cancellation cost penalties. m.regentcruises.com+1
Covered reasons are strictly defined by policy; general “I overslept” or “missed flight for non‑weather reasons” may not qualify.
If illness or medical condition (yours or immediate family) prevents boarding, and you have documentation, either Regent or your insurance may extend credit or refund depending on policy. Travel protection often requires proof from physicians. m.regentcruises.com+1
If your flight to embarkation is delayed or cancelled without your fault, and that causes you to miss the ship, travel protection may cover losses:
Regent explicitly states travel protection may reimburse “missed connections and flight delays.” Regent Cruises
But successful claim depends on documentation (flight tickets, delay notices) and booking arrangements (did you allow sufficient buffer, etc.).
Sometimes Regent issues temporary allowances or credits (for example during health or global crises). If your booking is under a special promotional policy, or cancelled under a “cruise confidence” style program, review those conditions.
Understanding what isn’t covered helps set realistic expectations.
Once final payment deadline has passed, and you do not show up (no cancellation notice), Regent’s policy is full fare forfeited. There is no partial or delayed refund under standard cancellation for “no appearance.” Regent Cruises
Even if you get a partial refund or credit on cruise fare, things like hotels, transfers, shore excursions, visas or independent bookings may not be refundable or may follow separate rules. Regent’s documents distinguish between components purchased via Regent and independently. regentcruisedestinations.com+1
Insurance policies often exclude certain cases: e.g. pre‑existing conditions, pregnancy over certain weeks, non‑medical reasons, negligence etc. You need to read your terms. Regent’s policy states travel protection doesn’t cover all reasons. Regent Cruises
If you choose not to travel (e.g. fears, schedule change, having second thoughts) without triggering a policy, you'll likely forfeit cruise fare per cancellation schedule. The cruise line generally does not refund simply because you decide not to embark.
Some suite categories (especially named or Regent Suite) or promotional rates may have stricter cancellation terms. Sometimes even earlier cancellation deadlines or higher penalties. The no‑refund/no‑show rules still apply. Regent Cruises
If you do seek compensation (especially under insurance or nonperformance claims), you’ll need documents. Missing boarding pass, proof of payment, cancellation notices, flight or medical records will weaken your case.
If you are eligible for credit instead of refund, note credit often has:
no cash value, non‑transferable; de.rssc.com+1
booking deadlines, sail‑by dates; regentcruisedestinations.com+1
promotional amenities from original booking may not transfer. regentcruisedestinations.com
If you believe you are eligible for a refund or credit after missing a Regent cruise, do the following precisely:
Look at your confirmation / ticket contract. Note cancellation schedule, suite category, whether booking was refundable, whether you paid in full.
Check whether your booking is under special policies (e.g. Reassurance) or travel protection offered.
Payment receipts (for cruise fare, ancillary services)
Boarding pass or proof you were scheduled to embark
Flight tickets and any delay/cancellation notices if travel disruption caused your missing the ship
Medical records if illness prevented travel
Cancellation notices or change notices from Regent (if any)
Was the cruise line responsible (cancellation/delay)?
Was there a covered reason under your travel insurance?
Did you act in time under any special policy (cancellations before deadlines)?
Your reason affects whether refund is allowed, or whether only credit is possible.
Notify Regent or your travel agent in writing (email or letter) explaining the situation, the reason you missed embarkation, and what redress you seek (refund or future cruise credit).
Include all documentation.
Make sure to do this within any timing limits (e.g. within 90 days for nonperformance refund claims) or earlier if required by policy.
If you purchased travel protection:
File your claim as soon as possible.
Provide required documentation (medical proof, flight delay proof, etc.).
Follow insurance company timelines and procedures.
If you’ve waited without reply or resolution, follow up with Regent’s customer service.
If booked via an agent, involve them.
If issue is with airline or hotel component, you may also need to reach out directly to those providers.
If Regent does not approve your refund:
Maybe you get a future cruise credit even though you missed the cruise; sometimes this is offered as alternative if refund is denied.
Possibly negotiate partial offset or credit.
Consider disputing with credit card company if you believe you paid and were denied unduly (but this is last resort).
Actual user experiences illustrate what happens when people miss cruises or seek refunds.
One Reddit user reported their cruise reservation was cancelled because they missed the final payment date—though they claim they weren’t notified. The cruise line canceled the booking, but the deposit was refunded. Reddit
Lesson: even missing administrative deadlines (not just start of cruise) can lead to cancellation, but sometimes deposit can be returned depending on circumstances—or at least fight for it.
A customer wrote that Regent refused boarding due to pregnancy policy (24‑week rule) and also refused full refund. Insurance denied the claim because pregnancy was not a covered reason. Regent offered partial refund (25%). Reddit
Lesson: health or medical reasons are sometimes considered, but policies, declarations, and insurance coverage matter—and outcomes vary.
From people sharing experiences:
“Generally, you can’t get a full refund unless: you are before final payment date … If you cancel a whole cabin …” Reddit
That aligns with Regent’s broader cancellation schedule. Also, in cases of partial party cancellation, sometimes taxes/port fees refunded but core cruise fare is not. Reddit