Can I reschedule my Scenic Luxury Cruises ?

Life is unpredictable, and even meticulously planned travel can require adjustments. If you have booked a Scenic Luxury Cruise, you may wonder: Can I reschedule my Scenic Luxury Cruises?

Whether your plans have changed due to personal reasons, health concerns, or travel conflicts, Scenic provides ways to reschedule — though the process involves understanding policies, fees, deadlines, and optional protections like the Deposit Protection Plan (DPP).

This comprehensive guide will cover:

• Scenic cruise rescheduling policies

• Step-by-step instructions for changing dates or itineraries

• Cabin and suite adjustments

• Fees, penalties, and travel insurance

• Best practices to minimize costs

• Frequently asked questions

By the end of this guide, you’ll have a clear roadmap for rescheduling your Scenic cruise without unnecessary stress.

Understanding Scenic Luxury Cruises

Before delving into rescheduling, it’s essential to understand Scenic’s offerings:

1. Scenic River Cruises — Luxury river vessels in Europe and Asia, including the Rhine, Danube, Douro, Seine, Mekong, and Irrawaddy rivers.

2. Scenic Eclipse Ocean Cruises — Ultra-luxury expedition yachts offering all-veranda suites, helicopter and submarine excursions, and Michelin-level dining experiences.

Scenic’s all-inclusive approach covers meals, beverages, excursions, transfers, gratuities, and onboard service. Rescheduling your cruise may require recalculating fares, fees, and availability.

What Rescheduling Means

Rescheduling a Scenic cruise generally involves:

1. Changing travel dates — Moving your existing booking to a new departure date.

2. Changing itinerary — Switching to a different route or itinerary.

3. Cabin reassignment — Upgrading, downgrading, or moving to a different suite.

Rescheduling is distinct from cancellation, though both involve fees and potential fare differences. Understanding Scenic’s policies helps you choose the most cost-effective option.

Scenic Rescheduling Policies

1. River Cruises

• Date changes: Usually possible up to 60–90 days before departure, depending on cabin availability.

• Itinerary changes: Allowed if a similar route is available.

• Cabin upgrades/downgrades: Subject to availability; fare differences apply.

• Name changes: Permitted up to 60 days prior; afterward, cancellations may be necessary.

Fees:

• Administrative fees may apply

• Fare differences between the original and new booking

• Reduced or waived fees if you purchased a Deposit Protection Plan

2. Ocean Cruises (Scenic Eclipse)

• Date changes: Generally require 90–120 days’ notice due to high demand.

• Itinerary changes: More restricted; often limited to similar expeditions.

• Cabin changes: Allowed, but dependent on availability.

• Name changes: Similar to river cruises, with stricter deadlines.

Fees:

• Administrative and fare difference fees

• Potential restrictions for popular destinations (Antarctica, Arctic)

Deposit Protection Plan (DPP) for Rescheduling

Scenic’s Deposit Protection Plan is essential for flexibility:

• Allows rescheduling without losing your deposit.

• Covers changes in dates, itineraries, and, in some cases, cabins.

• Protects your booking in case of unforeseen circumstances.

• Credits valid for 24 months for future bookings.

Tip: Purchasing DPP at the time of booking is the most cost-effective way to reschedule with minimal fees.

When Can You Reschedule Your Scenic Cruise?

Timing plays a crucial role:

1. Early Notice (6–12 Months Before Departure)

• Most flexible

• Minimal fees or fare differences

• Full suite selection available

2. Mid-Term Notice (3–6 Months Before Departure)

• Availability may be limited

• Administrative fees may apply

• Fare differences may be higher

3. Last-Minute (Less than 3 Months for River / Less than 4 Months for Ocean)

• Higher fees or cancellation penalties

• Limited cabin and date options

• DPP can significantly reduce financial risk

Step-by-Step Guide to Rescheduling Your Scenic Cruise

Step 1: Review Your Booking

• Locate your booking confirmation

• Check your fare type, deposit, and final payment schedule

• Verify if DPP or travel insurance is included

Step 2: Determine What Needs Rescheduling

• Travel dates

• Itinerary

• Cabin or suite category

• Passenger names or count

Knowing exactly what needs adjustment streamlines the process.

Step 3: Check Availability

• Visit Scenic’s official website or contact your travel agent

• Verify available dates, cabins, and itineraries

• Consider flexibility to maximize options and minimize fees

Step 4: Contact Scenic or Travel Agent

You can reschedule via:

• Phone: US: 1-855-517-1200, UK: 0808 149 3738, Australia: 138 128

• Email: Submit a written request with booking reference

• Certified Travel Agent: Can handle all changes on your behalf

Tip: Agents often have priority access to unsold cabins and dates.

Step 5: Review Fees and Fare Differences

Scenic will calculate:

• Administrative fees

• Fare difference (if the new date or itinerary costs more)

• Refunds (if the new booking costs less)

Ensure you understand total costs before confirming changes.

Step 6: Confirm and Pay

• Provide payment for any difference or fees

• Request written confirmation

• Update your final payment schedule, if applicable

Step 7: Update Travel Plans

• Notify airlines if flights were booked through Scenic

• Adjust visas or travel insurance if necessary

• Check pre- or post-cruise extensions for date alignment

Changing Your Cabin or Suite

• Upgrades: Possible anytime prior to final payment, subject to availability

• Downgrades: May be restricted or incur penalties

• Tips for selecting a new cabin: Mid-ship for river cruises, upper decks for Scenic Eclipse

Rescheduling Itinerary

• River Cruises: Often easier to reschedule to a similar route

• Ocean Cruises: Limited flexibility; high-demand itineraries may not allow changes

Pro tip: If your desired itinerary is fully booked, ask your agent about:

• Alternate departures

• Similar itineraries with comparable ports and experiences

Handling Name and Passenger Changes

• Name changes allowed up to 60 days before departure

• Adding/removing passengers: pay additional deposits or face cancellation penalties

• Changes after deadlines are treated as cancellations

Fees and Penalties for Rescheduling

Time Before DepartureRiver CruisesOcean CruisesNotes

120+ daysMinimal / fare differenceMinimal / fare differenceEarly notice best

90–119 daysModerateModerateFees apply; limited availability

60–90 daysHigherHigherAdministrative + fare difference

<60 daysFull fare may applyFull fare / treated as cancellationDPP strongly recommended

Travel Insurance and Rescheduling

• Covers unexpected cancellations or rescheduling costs

• Often includes medical emergencies or travel interruptions

• Highly recommended, especially for ocean cruises and remote destinations

Tips for Smooth Rescheduling

1. Act early to secure availability

2. Use Deposit Protection Plan to reduce risk

3. Be flexible with dates and suites

4. Work with a Scenic-certified travel agent

5. Document all communications

6. Monitor last-minute cabin releases

7. Check new promotions — sometimes rescheduling allows you to apply new offers

8. Update travel documents after rescheduling

9. Coordinate flights and transfers

10. Keep track of new payment deadlines

Common Scenarios

Scenario 1: Date Change

• Original booking: Rhine River Cruise in June

• New request: October

• Process: Contact Scenic, check cabin availability, pay fare difference

• Result: Booking confirmed with new dates

Scenario 2: Cabin Upgrade

• Original booking: Balcony Suite

• Upgrade: Royal Suite

• Process: Pay fare difference; optional promotions may apply

• Result: Upgrade confirmed

Scenario 3: Itinerary Change

• Original booking: Danube River Cruise

• New request: Rhine River Cruise

• Process: Check fare difference, availability

• Result: Rebooked with adjusted payment

Scenario 4: Name Change

• Original passenger cannot travel

• Replacement passenger added

• Process: Submit ID, pay admin fee if within 60 days

• Result: Booking updated under new guest name

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I reschedule my Scenic cruise for any reason?

2. Yes, but fees may apply unless covered by DPP or insurance.

3. How far in advance can I reschedule?

4. River Cruises: 60–90 days, Ocean Cruises: 90–120 days

5. Can I change my suite?

6. Yes, subject to availability and fare differences.

7. What if my desired date is sold out?

8. You may need to select alternative dates or itineraries.

9. Can I add passengers when rescheduling?

10. Yes, if the suite can accommodate them; deposits/fare difference applies.

11. Is DPP necessary?

12. Highly recommended to minimize rescheduling fees.

13. Can I reschedule last-minute?

14. Possible, but options are limited and fees are higher.

15. Are name changes allowed during rescheduling?

16. Yes, up to 60 days before departure.

17. Does rescheduling affect included excursions?

18. Generally no, unless the itinerary or dates change significantly.

19. Should I reschedule through Scenic directly or an agent?

20. Agents can provide priority access to cabins, guidance, and help reduce stress.

can reschedule your Scenic Luxury Cruise,

Yes, you can reschedule your Scenic Luxury Cruise, whether it’s a river voyage or an ocean expedition. The key is understanding policies, deadlines, and fees. By following this guide:

• Review booking terms and DPP coverage

• Contact Scenic or a certified travel agent early

• Confirm availability for new dates or itineraries

• Pay any fare differences or administrative fees

• Update travel documents and insurance

With careful planning, rescheduling ensures you still experience Scenic’s all-inclusive luxury, unforgettable itineraries, and impeccable service — all without losing your investment.

Even if your plans change, Scenic offers flexibility, expert guidance, and support to help you enjoy a seamless, stress-free luxury cruise experience.