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Can I rebook my Uniworld River Cruises ?

  • Michael Rodriguez
  • 13 October 2025
  • 9 min read

Can I rebook my Uniworld River Cruises?

Uniworld Boutique River Cruises is synonymous with luxury, sophistication, and personalized travel experiences along the world’s most breathtaking rivers. Known for its all-inclusive elegance and five-star hospitality, Uniworld stands apart in the river cruise industry. However, even with meticulous planning, travel plans can change. Illness, unforeseen circumstances, or scheduling conflicts can lead travelers to wonder: Can I rebook my Uniworld River Cruises cruise?The good news is that Uniworld allows rebooking under specific conditions. Whether you’ve had to postpone your vacation or want to shift to a different itinerary or date, Uniworld’s flexible booking policies are designed to support guests’ needs while maintaining its luxury standards. This comprehensive guide explains how rebooking works with Uniworld River Cruises, including eligibility, potential fees, policies, and insider tips for a seamless experience.

1. Understanding Uniworld’s Rebooking Policy

Uniworld’s rebooking policy falls under its broader cancellation and modification terms, which are outlined in the company’s booking conditions. Rebooking is generally permitted, but the rules depend on when you make the change and the terms of your original fare.

In most cases:

  • You can rebook your cruise before final payment without incurring major penalties.

  • If you decide to change your cruise after final payment, certain fees or fare differences may apply.

  • Uniworld occasionally offers Future Cruise Credits (FCCs), which allow guests to rebook at a later date without losing their deposit.

The rebooking process is straightforward, but it’s important to understand the timeframes and fare conditions that affect your options.

2. Key Factors That Influence Rebooking

When rebooking your Uniworld cruise, several variables determine what’s possible and whether additional charges will apply.

a) Timeframe Before Departure

Uniworld’s standard policies are tiered based on how close you are to your departure date:

  • 120 days or more before sailing: You can typically rebook with minimal or no fee.

  • 90–119 days: You may be subject to a small administrative fee or fare adjustment.

  • Less than 90 days: Cancellation or change fees are more likely.

The earlier you act, the more flexibility you’ll have in rebooking your trip.

b) Type of Fare or Promotion

Some fares, especially promotional or discounted ones, come with restricted terms. For instance:

  • “Special Offer” fares may be non-refundable or non-changeable.

  • Flexible fares generally allow date or itinerary changes before final payment.Always check the fine print on your invoice or booking confirmation.

c) Availability on New Sailings

Rebooking depends on cabin and itinerary availability. Uniworld operates small boutique ships with limited capacity—usually under 130 guests—so popular sailings may sell out quickly.

If your desired new cruise is more expensive than your original booking, you’ll need to pay the fare difference. Conversely, if the new sailing is cheaper, Uniworld may issue a credit or adjust the balance.

d) Use of Future Cruise Credit (FCC)

If you cancel or postpone a cruise within policy limits, Uniworld may issue a Future Cruise Credit that allows you to rebook later—usually within 12 to 24 months. These credits are transferable and can be applied to new departures or itineraries.

3. How to Rebook Your Uniworld River Cruise

Rebooking a Uniworld cruise is a simple process but requires careful timing and documentation. Here’s a step-by-step overview:

Step 1: Contact Uniworld or Your Travel Advisor

The first step is to reach out to Uniworld’s Guest Services or your travel advisor. Uniworld strongly encourages bookings through certified travel partners, as they can manage rebooking logistics and ensure compliance with fare rules.

  • Email: info@uniworld.com

  • Phone (US): 1-800-733-7820

  • Hours: Monday–Friday, 6 AM to 6 PM PST

Provide your booking number, guest names, and the details of the new cruise or dates you’re interested in.

Step 2: Review Rebooking Options

The Uniworld team will inform you about:

  • Available sailings matching your preferences

  • Any fare differences or applicable rebooking fees

  • Potential upgrades or offers (such as cabin upgrades or seasonal discounts)

Step 3: Confirm Your New Itinerary

Once you’ve selected a new sailing, Uniworld will process the change and issue a new confirmation invoice. Carefully review all details, including itinerary, stateroom, and pricing.

Step 4: Pay Any Fare Differences

If your new cruise costs more, you’ll need to pay the balance to finalize rebooking. Payments can be made via credit card or through your travel advisor.

Step 5: Receive Updated Documentation

After payment, you’ll receive updated documents, including your Travel Summary and Cruise Confirmation. Be sure to save these for future reference.

4. Rebooking After Cancellation

If you’ve already canceled your cruise and received a Future Cruise Credit (FCC), you can rebook when ready. Here’s how the process typically works:

  1. Contact Uniworld or your travel advisor with your FCC code.

  2. Choose a new sailing within the credit’s validity period.

  3. Apply your FCC to the new booking.

  4. Pay any fare differences if the new cruise is priced higher.

Uniworld’s FCCs are usually valid for one to two years, giving guests flexibility to plan around their schedules.

5. Rebooking vs. Canceling: Key Differences

AspectRebookingCanceling

PurposeChange date or itineraryEnd reservation completely

FeesPossible if close to departureTiered based on days before sailing

Refund TypeTransfer of payment to new bookingRefund or Future Cruise Credit

FlexibilityHigh before final paymentLimited after final payment

Recommended WhenPlans change but you still want to sailYou can’t travel at all

If you still plan to take a Uniworld river cruise but just need a new date, rebooking is always better than canceling. It helps retain your deposit and avoids losing part of your payment.

6. Rebooking Fees and Penalties

While Uniworld is known for guest-friendly policies, certain change fees may apply, especially close to departure. Typical rebooking fees include:

  • $200–$300 per person if rebooked after final payment.

  • Fare difference between original and new itinerary.

  • Third-party supplier fees, if applicable (for example, pre- or post-cruise hotels).

Guests who booked through travel agencies may also encounter agency-specific fees, so it’s best to confirm with your advisor.

7. COVID-19 and Flexible Booking Policies

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Uniworld introduced its Peace of Mind Travel Policy, offering guests enhanced flexibility:

  • Free rebooking up to 60 days before departure for new bookings.

  • Option to apply payments to any future cruise within 24 months.

While these temporary policies have evolved, Uniworld continues to offer case-by-case flexibility for travelers facing medical or travel restrictions.

8. Travel Insurance and Rebooking Protection

Travel insurance can protect you from unexpected rebooking costs. Uniworld recommends purchasing Comprehensive Travel Protection that includes:

  • Trip cancellation and interruption coverage

  • Change fee reimbursement

  • Medical and evacuation coverage

If a sudden event—such as illness or airline disruption—forces you to postpone your cruise, insurance may cover rebooking fees or lost deposits.

9. Rebooking Special Cruises or Promotions

Certain special sailings, like themed cruises, holiday voyages, or charter departures, may have stricter rebooking conditions. For example:

  • Holiday itineraries (like Christmas Markets cruises) often require rebooking 90+ days before departure.

  • Group bookings or chartered sailings may involve non-refundable deposits.

Always review your specific terms before requesting rebooking to avoid penalties.

10. Tips for Hassle-Free Rebooking

To make the rebooking process smoother and more cost-effective, keep these expert tips in mind:

  1. Book Early – The earlier you rebook, the more availability and flexibility you’ll have.

  2. Choose Off-Season Departures – Rebook during spring or fall shoulder seasons for better pricing.

  3. Stay in Touch with Your Advisor – They often have access to exclusive deals or waived fees.

  4. Monitor Fare Changes – If prices drop after rebooking, inquire about fare adjustments.

  5. Understand the Fine Print – Read your confirmation documents carefully for restrictions.

11. Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can I change my cruise to a different river or country?

Yes. You can rebook to a different itinerary—such as from the Danube to the Rhine—subject to availability and fare differences.

Q2: Will I lose my deposit if I rebook?

Not usually. Deposits are typically transferred to your new booking if you rebook within allowed timeframes.

Q3: How many times can I rebook?

Most bookings can be rebooked once without penalty, though multiple changes may incur administrative fees.

Q4: Can I transfer my rebooked cruise to someone else?

Yes, in some cases, Uniworld allows name changes or booking transfers, depending on the fare type.

Q5: What happens if my new cruise is canceled by Uniworld?

If Uniworld cancels your sailing, you’ll be offered a Future Cruise Credit or full refund—your choice.

12. Why Rebook with Uniworld Instead of Canceling

Uniworld’s boutique river cruises are not just vacations—they are experiences rich in culture, comfort, and cuisine. Rebooking instead of canceling lets you:

  • Preserve your investment in the trip.

  • Enjoy priority availability on future sailings.

  • Take advantage of special offers for rebooked guests.

  • Stay aligned with your original travel dreams, even if delayed.

For travelers passionate about seeing Europe’s rivers or Asia’s exotic waterways, rebooking ensures those dreams stay afloat.

Flexible policiesattentive guest service,

Rebooking your Uniworld River Cruises voyage is not only possible—it’s encouraged when life gets in the way of travel plans. Uniworld’s flexible policies, attentive guest service, and future cruise credit options make rescheduling easy and stress-free. By acting early, reviewing your fare terms, and working closely with your travel advisor, you can seamlessly shift your plans without losing the luxury experience you’ve envisioned.Whether you’re adjusting dates, switching itineraries, or postponing for next season, Uniworld ensures that your river cruise adventure remains within reach—delivering the same all-inclusive excellence whenever you’re ready to sail.

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