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How much does it cost to change a cruise date with Uniworld River Cruises?

  • Michael Rodriguez
  • 13 October 2025
  • 10 min read

How much does it cost to change a cruise date with Uniworld River Cruises?

Uniworld Boutique River Cruises is widely recognized for its ultra-luxurious, all-inclusive river voyages across Europe, Asia, Egypt, and South America. With a focus on elegance, personalized service, and cultural immersion, Uniworld has earned a reputation as one of the top-tier river cruise lines in the world.

However, even with the most carefully planned itineraries, travel plans can change. Emergencies, scheduling conflicts, or shifting vacation priorities may lead travelers to ask a common question: “How much does it cost to change a cruise date with Uniworld River Cruises?”

Changing your Uniworld cruise date is possible — but the cost depends on how close you are to your departure date, the fare type you booked, and availability on new sailings. This detailed guide explains everything you need to know about Uniworld’s date change fees, policies, and how to minimize costs when rescheduling your luxury river adventure.

1. Understanding Uniworld’s Cruise Date Change Policy

Uniworld’s policy on changing a cruise date falls under its Booking Modification and Cancellation Terms. While the company strives to be guest-friendly, certain rules and deadlines apply depending on your booking details.

Here’s the general overview:

  • Before final payment is made, you can usually change your cruise date with no penalty (other than possible fare differences).

  • After final payment, Uniworld treats date changes as cancellations and rebookings, meaning change fees or cancellation penalties may apply.

  • Special offers, discounted fares, or group bookings may have non-changeable or restricted conditions.

Uniworld’s flexibility is designed to accommodate genuine scheduling changes while maintaining fairness to all travelers.

2. The Cost of Changing Your Cruise Date

The actual cost of changing a Uniworld River Cruise depends on when you make the change relative to your sailing date. Below is a breakdown based on the company’s general policies and industry standards.

a) More Than 120 Days Before Departure

  • Change Fee: Usually no fee if you simply move to another available date.

  • Fare Difference: If the new cruise is priced higher, you’ll pay the difference; if it’s lower, Uniworld may offer a credit or partial refund.

Example:If you were scheduled for a Rhine River cruise in July but switch to October (a lower-demand season), you may pay no penalty — and possibly even reduce your fare.

b) 90–119 Days Before Departure

  • Change Fee: Approximately $200–$300 per person (varies by region and booking channel).

  • Fare Difference: Applies if the new sailing is more expensive.

At this stage, Uniworld may have already allocated staterooms and resources, which is why an administrative fee is often charged.

c) 60–89 Days Before Departure

  • Change Fee: Between $300–$400 per person or 10–25% of the cruise fare.

  • Additional Notes: Changes are subject to cabin and itinerary availability.

Because this is within the final payment period, changes can be more complex, requiring cancellations and new bookings.

d) 59 Days or Less Before Departure

  • Change Fee: Up to 50–100% of your total fare, depending on how late the request is made.

  • Explanation: At this point, Uniworld considers the booking non-changeable since final preparations (crew, provisions, and logistics) are already set.

If you need to postpone close to departure, Uniworld may instead issue a Future Cruise Credit (FCC) at its discretion.

3. Fare Differences When Changing Dates

When changing your cruise date, the fare difference is a key cost factor.

  • If your new cruise is more expensive, you’ll need to pay the price difference.

  • If your new cruise is cheaper, Uniworld may apply the balance as an onboard credit or future travel credit.

Example:You originally booked a Paris to Normandy cruise for $5,000 in June. You change to a Bordeaux itinerary in November priced at $4,600. You may receive a $400 future cruise credit.

Uniworld’s dynamic pricing means fares can vary greatly by season, itinerary, and ship. Always ask your travel advisor or Uniworld representative for current pricing before confirming your date change.

4. How to Request a Date Change

Changing your cruise date with Uniworld is simple, but it’s best done as early as possible. Follow these steps:

Step 1: Contact Your Travel Advisor or Uniworld Directly

If you booked through a travel advisor, contact them first—they can liaise with Uniworld on your behalf.If you booked directly, reach out to Uniworld Guest Services.

Contact Information:

  • Email: info@uniworld.com

  • Phone (U.S.): 1-800-733-7820

  • Hours: Monday–Friday, 6 AM–6 PM (PST)

Provide your booking number, current cruise details, and preferred new travel dates.

Step 2: Review Available Options

Uniworld will check:

  • Availability on your desired dates or itineraries

  • Applicable fare differences

  • Whether your fare type allows free changes

Step 3: Confirm the Change

Once you agree to the terms and costs, Uniworld will process the change, update your invoice, and send you a new confirmation.

Step 4: Settle Any Balance

If your new cruise costs more, pay the difference to finalize your rebooking.

5. When Changing a Cruise Date Is Considered a Cancellation

Uniworld treats late date-change requests as cancellations followed by new bookings. This usually happens within 90 days of sailing. In that case, standard cancellation fees apply:

Days Before DepartureCancellation Fee (of fare)

120+ days$200 per person administrative fee

119–90 days20% of fare

89–60 days35% of fare

59–30 days50% of fare

29–7 days80% of fare

6 days or less100% (no refund)

If you need to cancel within this window but plan to travel later, Uniworld may issue a Future Cruise Credit, allowing you to rebook without losing your investment.

6. Using Future Cruise Credits (FCCs) to Change Dates

Uniworld’s Future Cruise Credit (FCC) program is designed to provide flexibility for guests unable to travel as originally planned.

Here’s how it works:

  1. If you cancel or change your cruise within policy limits, Uniworld issues a credit equal to your paid amount (minus any applicable fees).

  2. You can apply this credit toward a future cruise within 12–24 months.

  3. FCCs are often transferable to another guest or family member.

Example:If you postpone your 2025 Rhine cruise due to personal reasons, Uniworld can issue an FCC allowing you to rebook a 2026 Danube voyage at your convenience.

7. Change Fees for Airfare and Pre/Post Packages

If you booked flights or pre-/post-cruise extensions through Uniworld, separate change fees may apply:

  • Airfare: Airline penalties and fare differences are determined by carrier rules.

  • Hotels & Transfers: May incur a $50–$150 change fee depending on partner policies.

These third-party costs are passed along to the traveler and are not controlled directly by Uniworld.

8. Exceptions and Flexible Policies

Uniworld has demonstrated flexibility in certain cases, especially for unforeseen circumstances:

a) Medical or Family Emergencies

If you must postpone due to illness, hospitalization, or a family emergency, Uniworld may waive or reduce change fees with valid documentation.

b) Force Majeure or Uniworld-Initiated Changes

If Uniworld cancels or reschedules your sailing (e.g., due to river conditions or geopolitical issues), you can:

  • Rebook at no additional cost, or

  • Receive a full refund or FCC.

c) COVID-19 and Health-Related Disruptions

During the pandemic, Uniworld introduced its “Peace of Mind Travel Policy,” which allowed guests to change cruise dates up to 60 days before departure without penalty. While this policy has evolved, the brand remains flexible for valid medical or travel disruptions.

9. Travel Insurance and Change Fee Protection

To safeguard against unexpected costs, Uniworld strongly recommends Comprehensive Travel Insurance. Policies often cover:

  • Trip Cancellation & Interruption

  • Change Fees (up to a set amount)

  • Medical Coverage

  • Lost Travel Credits

Insurance can reimburse change fees if your rescheduling is due to covered reasons such as illness or flight cancellations.

10. How to Minimize or Avoid Change Costs

Here are some practical strategies to reduce or eliminate change fees:

  1. Book Early, Change Early: Adjust your cruise at least 120 days before sailing for maximum flexibility.

  2. Choose Flexible Fares: Ask your advisor for fare types that allow free date changes.

  3. Avoid Last-Minute Changes: Late changes are treated as cancellations and can cost up to 100% of your fare.

  4. Leverage FCCs: Instead of canceling, request a Future Cruise Credit.

  5. Consider Travel Protection: Insurance can cover unexpected date-change fees.

  6. Consult Your Advisor: Professional agents often have direct communication with Uniworld and can negotiate fee waivers.

11. Real-Life Scenarios: How Date Change Costs Vary

Scenario 1: Early Change

Sarah booked a Venice & Po River cruise 9 months in advance but wanted to switch to a later sailing due to work.Outcome: No penalty, only a small fare difference of $150.

Scenario 2: Mid-Term Change

Mark decided to postpone his Paris to Normandy cruise 75 days before departure.Outcome: $300 per person change fee + $200 fare difference.

Scenario 3: Last-Minute Change

The Johnson family faced an emergency 10 days before their Budapest to Passau departure.Outcome: 80% cancellation fee, but Uniworld offered an FCC for the remaining 20% as a goodwill gesture.

12. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. Can I change my cruise date after final payment?

Yes, but change fees will likely apply depending on how close you are to your departure.

Q2. Can I transfer my booking to another person instead of changing the date?

In most cases, yes — Uniworld allows name substitutions for a small administrative fee.

Q3. Will I lose my deposit if I change the date?

Not usually, provided you rebook before final payment or apply the deposit to a new sailing.

Q4. Can I change to a different river or destination?

Yes, you can change both date and itinerary, subject to fare differences and availability.

Q5. How long do I have to use a Future Cruise Credit?

Most FCCs are valid for 12 to 24 months from the original issue date.

13. Comparing Uniworld’s Policy with Other River Cruise Lines

Uniworld’s date change policies are among the most flexible in the luxury river cruise market. Here’s a brief comparison:

Cruise LineDate Change Policy

UniworldFree changes before 120 days; $200–$400 per person after

Viking River Cruises$100 per person up to 120 days; higher penalties later

AmaWaterwaysFlexible rebooking with minimal fees before final payment

Avalon WaterwaysFree change up to 90 days before departure

Uniworld stands out for its personalized service and willingness to accommodate special cases, especially for loyal guests.

14. Final Tips for Smooth Date Changes

  • Act Quickly: The sooner you contact Uniworld, the better your options.

  • Be Flexible with Dates: Alternate sailings may have more availability.

  • Watch for Promotions: Sometimes, Uniworld waives fees during special booking windows.

  • Keep Records: Save all communications and updated invoices for your protection.

Which fare type 

Changing your Uniworld River Cruises date doesn’t have to be stressful or expensive. The cost largely depends on when you make the change and which fare type you booked. Travelers who adjust plans more than 120 days in advance often pay no change fee at all, while those closer to departure may face $200–$400 per person or more.Uniworld’s guest-centered philosophy, coupled with flexible options like Future Cruise Credits, ensures that even when plans change, your dream river journey remains within reach. With a bit of planning and timely communication, you can smoothly transition to new dates—without losing the luxury, charm, and adventure that make Uniworld’s river cruises unforgettable.

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