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Travel plans don’t always unfold as expected—illness, family emergencies, work commitments, or global disruptions can change even the best-laid vacation schedules. Fortunately, Avalon Waterways, one of the world’s leading river cruise companies, provides guests with flexible policies that allow them to reschedule cruises without unnecessary stress.We’ll explain the process step by step, the applicable fees, the benefits of Avalon’s Peace of Mind Travel Plan, and valuable tips for making changes with minimal penalties. Whether you need to move your trip by a few months or postpone it to next year, this comprehensive article will help you navigate the process with clarity and confidence.
Avalon Waterways, part of the Globus family of brands, is a premier river cruise line offering journeys through Europe, Asia, South America, and the Galápagos. Their award-winning ships and flexible travel options are designed to give guests peace of mind—especially when unexpected circumstances arise.
Avalon’s policies prioritize guest satisfaction. They understand that life happens, and their system allows travelers to reschedule or transfer their cruise booking to a new date or itinerary, depending on timing and availability.
The rescheduling policy offers flexibility for both independent travelers and those who booked through travel advisors, with transparent terms to help travelers avoid heavy penalties.
In Avalon’s terms, rescheduling means transferring your current cruise booking to a new date, itinerary, or destination without outright canceling the trip. Instead of forfeiting your payment, you move it to a future sailing.
Rescheduling is ideal when:
You can’t travel on your original date due to personal reasons.
A companion’s schedule changes.
You want to postpone your vacation for better weather or new itineraries.
You prefer to delay travel during global events or local disruptions.
Unlike a cancellation, which triggers penalties and partial refunds, rescheduling allows you to retain full or partial value of your original payment.
Avalon’s ability to reschedule your cruise depends on how far in advance you make the request. Generally, the earlier you act, the more options and flexibility you’ll have.
Here’s a breakdown of the 2025 Avalon Waterways rescheduling timeline:
Days Before DepartureRescheduling OptionsPossible Fees/Conditions
120+ daysFull reschedule allowed, minimal or no fees.May need to pay fare difference.
119–91 daysReschedule allowed with small administrative fee.Subject to new cruise availability.
90–60 daysLimited flexibility. May be processed as cancellation + new booking.Partial loss of deposit possible.
59–0 daysReschedule generally not available. Cancellation fees apply.Peace of Mind Plan may allow exceptions.
Note: Specific terms may vary by region, itinerary, or promotional offer. Always verify details on your booking invoice or with your travel advisor.
One of the most valuable tools Avalon offers is the Peace of Mind Travel Plan, created to provide flexibility when rescheduling or transferring trips.
Change your travel date or destination for any reason.
Make changes up to 60 days before departure without penalty.
Transfer your booking to a different date, destination, or even traveler.
Maintain 100% of your trip value as a future travel credit.
This plan is free on many bookings and ensures that even unexpected life changes won’t lead to losing your investment.
If you’re unsure about future plans or anticipate possible changes, purchasing or opting for this plan is highly recommended.
Rescheduling your Avalon cruise is a straightforward process, but it must be done properly to ensure accuracy and avoid fees.
Start by reviewing your current booking confirmation or logging into your MyAvalon account. Check your itinerary, travel dates, payment status, and any promotions or discounts attached.
Choose your preferred new departure date, itinerary, or destination. Avalon offers river cruises across multiple continents, so you can easily shift from one route (like the Danube) to another (like the Seine or Mekong).
You must notify Avalon in writing or through your travel agent. Provide your booking number, passenger names, and your preferred new travel dates.
Contact Methods:
Direct customers: Call Avalon’s reservation office or email their support center.
Travel agent bookings: Your agent must submit the change request on your behalf.
If the new sailing has a higher fare, you’ll pay the difference in price. If it’s lower, Avalon may issue a credit or refund depending on the policy.
Once Avalon processes your reschedule request, they’ll send a new invoice reflecting the updated cruise details and any payment changes.
The earlier you reschedule, the better your chances of avoiding fees or losing cabin preferences. Ideally, you should reschedule at least 120 days before your scheduled departure.
Early changes mean:
Greater choice of new dates and itineraries.
No administrative penalties.
Full transfer of payment value.
Late reschedules (under 90 days) may incur partial loss of deposit or be treated as cancellations, unless you have the Peace of Mind Plan.
If you decide not just to move dates but also to switch destinations, Avalon makes it simple. You can reschedule your booking to any other Avalon Waterways, Globus, or Cosmos itinerary.
For example:
Changing from a Rhine River Cruise to a Danube Discovery.
Moving from a European itinerary to an Asian or South American cruise.
Fare differences apply, and some itineraries may have different deposit or refund policies.
If your cruise package includes airfare booked through Avalon Waterways, rescheduling becomes slightly more complex due to airline policies.
Before ticketing: You can usually change travel dates easily, with small administrative adjustments.
After ticketing: Changes are subject to airline fees and fare differences.
Non-refundable or promotional fares: May incur full airline cancellation fees.
Avalon’s air department will help rebook flights aligned with your new cruise date, often at a lower fee than booking independently.
Avalon’s cruises often include optional pre- and post-cruise extensions, like stays in Amsterdam, Budapest, or Paris.
If you reschedule your cruise:
These land extensions can usually be rescheduled simultaneously.
Availability depends on hotel partners and new travel dates.
Additional charges may apply for seasonal pricing differences.
Avalon will issue a new invoice reflecting these changes after rescheduling.
If you purchased travel insurance—either through Avalon’s partner or an external provider—you may be eligible for reimbursements or change fee coverage.
Most travel insurance policies cover:
Trip interruptions due to illness, injury, or emergencies.
Rescheduling or rebooking costs for covered reasons.
Travel credits for future use.
Always contact your insurance provider before canceling or rescheduling to ensure coverage applies.
If you cannot select a new date immediately, Avalon allows you to convert your booking into a Future Cruise Credit (FCC).
Key Points:
FCC equals 100% of your paid value.
Valid for up to 24 months.
Usable for any Avalon, Globus, or Cosmos brand trip.
May be transferable to another traveler under special circumstances.
This option is ideal for travelers uncertain about future schedules but wanting to preserve their funds.
Let’s say you booked a 2025 Danube River Cruise for August 10–17, costing $5,000 per person.
In April 2025 (120+ days before departure): You request to move to a October 2025 departure.
Avalon processes your reschedule with no penalty, only a $200 fare difference.
You approve and pay the difference, and your booking is successfully transferred.
If the same request occurred 30 days before departure, however, it might incur up to 80% penalty, unless covered by the Peace of Mind Plan.
For group cruises (usually eight or more guests), Avalon applies specific terms:
The group leader must submit all rescheduling requests.
Deposits and deadlines may differ.
Group discounts or promotions may not transfer to new dates.
It’s best for group organizers to coordinate directly with Avalon’s group department or a dedicated travel advisor.
Travelers reschedule for various reasons, including:
Medical emergencies or illness before departure.
Schedule conflicts such as weddings or work events.
Flight cancellations or visa delays.
Weather concerns affecting preferred travel seasons.
River conditions, such as low or high water levels.
Avalon’s flexible system ensures guests can postpone trips without losing their investment for most of these cases.
Yes, in most cases you can reschedule more than once, though limitations may apply depending on your fare type and credit validity.
For example:
If you move your cruise under the Peace of Mind Plan, you can rebook again within your credit’s validity window.
After multiple changes, Avalon may charge an additional admin fee or require commitment to a final date.
Always check your updated invoice after each change.
Avalon generally does not charge penalties for early reschedules, but some additional costs can occur:
Fare differences: If your new cruise costs more than the original, you pay the difference.
Seasonal surcharges: Popular travel months (May–September) may be higher priced.
Third-party fees: Airlines or hotels may apply modification fees.
Administrative fees: Typically $50–$100 per person in specific cases.
In rare cases where Avalon must cancel your voyage (for reasons like low water levels or geopolitical issues), they will:
Offer a full refund,
Provide a Future Cruise Credit, or
Allow you to reschedule free of charge.
This customer-first approach gives travelers complete control over their next steps.
Here are expert strategies to make the rescheduling process stress-free and cost-effective:
Book early, change early: The earlier you act, the fewer penalties.
Opt for Peace of Mind Protection: It removes uncertainty and fees.
Communicate in writing: Always confirm your new booking in writing.
Avoid last-minute date changes: Availability decreases as departure nears.
Consult your travel advisor: Professionals can secure better terms.
Track promotional offers: Avalon often extends deals to rescheduled guests.
Consider shoulder-season travel: Lower fares and more date flexibility.
Q1. Can I reschedule my Avalon Waterways cruise for any reason?
Yes. With the Peace of Mind Plan, you can reschedule for any reason up to 60 days before departure.
Q2. How far in advance can I move my trip?
You can reschedule anytime before your final payment date, usually 90 days before sailing, for full flexibility.
Q3. Will I lose my deposit if I reschedule?
If rescheduled early, no. Late changes might affect deposit refunds unless covered by protection plans.
Q4. What happens if my new cruise is more expensive?
You’ll simply pay the fare difference between the original and new sailing.
Q5. Can I change my travel companions when rescheduling?
Yes, Avalon allows name transfers before final documentation, sometimes with a small fee.
Q6. How many times can I reschedule?
Typically once, but future credits may allow multiple transfers within the valid timeframe.
Q7. Can I reschedule after final payment?
Only with Peace of Mind coverage or in special cases like illness or travel disruptions.
Rescheduling your Avalon Waterways cruise doesn’t have to be stressful. The company’s guest-first policies, Peace of Mind Travel Plan, and transparent rescheduling rules ensure travelers retain their investment and flexibility even when plans shift.
By understanding timelines, fees, and the step-by-step process, you can easily move your cruise to a new date, destination, or even year without unnecessary penalties. Whether you’re exploring the Rhine, Danube, or Mekong, Avalon makes it simple to enjoy the same luxurious river cruise—on a schedule that works best for you.
Your ultimate guide to cruise adventures. Discover amazing destinations, find the perfect cruise, and create unforgettable memories on the high seas.
© 2025 cruisebite.com All rights reserved. | Privacy Policy | Terms of Service
