Booking a river cruise with Avalon Waterways is an exciting experience, often representing months of planning, anticipation, and financial investment. However, unforeseen circumstances—such as flight delays, medical emergencies, or personal issues—can prevent passengers from boarding. One of the most common questions travelers ask is: “Do I get a refund if I miss my Avalon Waterways cruise?”
This comprehensive guide provides a detailed explanation of Avalon Waterways’ policies, the differences between cancellations and missed departures, the role of travel insurance, and practical steps you can take to minimize financial losses if a cruise is missed.
Avalon Waterways distinguishes between cancellation and no-show, and the financial outcomes vary significantly depending on the situation.
If a passenger cancels their cruise before the scheduled departure, the outcome depends on:
Timing of the cancellation
Type of cruise fare purchased
Applicable deposit and final payment deadlines
Typically, Avalon’s policy allows partial refunds or future cruise credits if cancellation occurs within the allowed window. The earlier the cancellation, the higher the potential refund.
A missed cruise occurs when a passenger fails to board without notifying Avalon in advance. Key points:
Your reservation is automatically treated as canceled.
No refund is typically issued for the cruise fare or deposits.
Additional costs, such as pre-booked airfare, transfers, or shore excursions, are also non-refundable.
Understanding this distinction is essential because failing to board without communication carries harsher financial consequences than a planned cancellation.
There are several scenarios where passengers might miss their Avalon Waterways cruise:
Flight delays or cancellations
Medical emergencies
Family emergencies or personal commitments
Transportation issues (missed trains, buses, or airport connections)
Travel documentation problems (passports, visas, or identification)
Recognizing the cause helps determine whether you may qualify for a refund or alternative arrangements.
Avalon Waterways’ standard policy states that missed cruises do not qualify for refunds. Deposits and payments are forfeited unless exceptional circumstances exist.
Refunds may be considered under rare, documented circumstances, such as:
Verified medical emergencies with supporting documentation
Travel disruptions caused by natural disasters or airline strikes
Government-mandated travel restrictions
Even in these cases, Avalon evaluates requests on a case-by-case basis, and refunds are not guaranteed.
If a refund is not possible, Avalon may offer:
Future cruise credits for the amount paid
Transfer of booking to another eligible traveler
Rescheduling to another sailing, subject to availability
Prompt communication with Avalon is critical to explore these alternatives.
Phone (U.S. & Canada): 1-877-797-8791
International: +1 (303) 703-7066
Email: info@avalonwaterways.com
Provide:
Full names on the reservation
Confirmation number(s)
Scheduled departure dates
Reason for missing the cruise
Early notification can improve your chances of obtaining alternative arrangements.
Travel insurance often covers situations where passengers miss their cruise due to unforeseen events, including:
Flight delays exceeding a specified threshold
Medical emergencies
Family emergencies or certain travel disruptions
To file a claim, provide documentation such as:
Airline delay notifications
Hospital records or physician statements
Proof of missed transportation
A valid claim may reimburse part or all of the non-refundable costs.
Avalon may, in some circumstances, allow passengers to:
Reschedule for a later cruise
Transfer their reservation to another traveler
These options are subject to availability and may incur additional fees or fare differences.
Passengers should address missed flights, hotels, or transfers promptly:
Contact airlines, trains, or other carriers for rebooking or compensation
Keep receipts and documentation for travel insurance claims
Notify Avalon if pre-booked transfers are affected
Standard no-show policy: full fare forfeited
Deposits: non-refundable
Hotel bookings: Typically non-refundable if not covered by insurance
Airfare: Refunds or rebooking may depend on the airline’s policy
Transfers: Non-refundable unless canceled in advance
Pre-booked tours or packages are generally non-refundable
Some third-party excursions may offer partial refunds
A comprehensive policy may cover:
Flight delays or cancellations
Medical emergencies preventing travel
Non-refundable cruise fare
Additional travel costs due to missed embarkation
Notify the insurance provider as soon as possible
Provide supporting documentation
Follow the claims process carefully for timely reimbursement
Ensure your insurance explicitly covers missed departures
Confirm limits, deductibles, and documentation requirements
Book flights to arrive early: At least one day prior to departure
Consider Avalon air packages: Guaranteed timing to meet cruise departures
Double-check travel documents: Valid passports, visas, and IDs
Monitor travel advisories: Weather, airline disruptions, and local conditions
Purchase comprehensive insurance: Covers missed departures, medical emergencies, and flight delays
Communicate promptly: Notify Avalon immediately if issues arise
Missing a cruise can be emotionally challenging. Consider these strategies:
Stay organized: Gather all documentation and contact information
Communicate clearly: Speak with Avalon representatives and insurance providers promptly
Explore alternatives: Reschedule, transfer, or use future cruise credits
Document everything: Keep emails, receipts, and phone records for claims
If you believe you are eligible for a refund due to exceptional circumstances:
Contact Avalon’s Customer Relations Department:Email: customerrelations@globusfamily.comPhone: +1 (303) 703-7066
Provide:
Reservation details
Travel dates and itinerary
Documentation supporting your claim (medical, travel disruption, etc.)
Avalon reviews these requests on a case-by-case basis. While refunds are not guaranteed, formal escalation can improve outcomes.
Passenger missed embarkation due to a delayed flight
Action: Contact Avalon and airline immediately
Outcome: Possible reschedule on a later cruise or partial insurance reimbursement
Passenger hospitalized prior to departure
Action: Submit physician documentation and insurance claim
Outcome: Avalon may offer future cruise credit; insurance may cover the fare
Passenger must attend an urgent family matter
Action: Notify Avalon promptly and provide supporting documentation
Outcome: Limited options; possible future cruise credit, no guaranteed refund
Standard no-show policy: No refund for missed cruises
Early communication is critical to explore alternative options
Travel insurance is essential for financial protection
Documentation of emergencies increases chances of recourse
Rescheduling or transfer may be available but is subject to availability
Preventive measures minimize the likelihood of missing your cruise
Missing an Avalon Waterways cruise can be financially and emotionally challenging, but being informed about policies, proactive communication, and travel insurance can mitigate the impact. While refunds are rarely guaranteed for no-shows, understanding your options—rescheduling, transferring bookings, or claiming insurance—can help salvage your travel plans.Being organized, planning ahead, and maintaining open communication with Avalon and your travel insurance provider ensures that, even in unforeseen circumstances, your river cruise experience can be postponed rather than lost entirely.
Reservations (U.S. & Canada): 1-877-797-8791
International Phone: +1 (303) 703-7066
Customer Relations (Escalation): customerrelations@globusfamily.com
Email: info@avalonwaterways.com
Website: www.avalonwaterways.com