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
Scenic Luxury Cruises maintains a clear and structured cancellation policy to ensure fairness and transparency for all guests. The policy applies to both Scenic River Cruises and Scenic Eclipse Ocean Voyages, though some details may vary depending on the region of travel (such as Europe, Asia, or Antarctica).
As of 2025, Scenic Luxury Cruises allows passengers to cancel their cruise reservation at any time before departure. However, cancellation fees apply depending on how close the cancellation occurs to the sail date. The earlier you cancel, the higher your refund potential.
Scenic’s cancellation policy is designed around three key principles:
Transparency: All terms are clearly stated in the booking agreement.
Fairness: Guests who cancel well in advance can recover most or all of their payments.
Flexibility: In certain cases, guests can rebook for a future date rather than lose funds entirely.
For most Scenic river cruises in destinations like Europe, the Mekong, or the Rhine, the following cancellation schedule applies:
Days Before DepartureCancellation Fee (per person)
More than 121 daysLoss of deposit only
120–91 days35% of total cruise fare
90–61 days50% of total cruise fare
60–31 days75% of total cruise fare
30 days or less100% of total fare (no refund)
The deposit typically ranges between $500–$1,000 per person, depending on the cruise and stateroom category.
This schedule means that travelers who cancel early (more than 121 days prior) lose only their deposit, while late cancellations result in a partial or full forfeiture of the fare.
For Scenic Eclipse voyages — which include luxurious yacht-style ocean journeys to destinations such as Antarctica, the Arctic, and the Mediterranean — the cancellation policy is slightly stricter due to the exclusivity and operational costs involved.
Days Before DepartureCancellation Fee (per person)
More than 151 daysLoss of deposit only
150–121 days35% of total fare
120–91 days50% of total fare
90–61 days75% of total fare
60 days or less100% of total fare (no refund)
Given the complexity and cost of operating the Scenic Eclipse, travelers are encouraged to consider travel insurance or Scenic’s own Cancellation Protection Plan (CPP) for added security.
To provide travelers with more flexibility, Scenic offers an optional Cancellation Protection Plan, allowing guests to cancel for any reason up to 31 days before departure and receive a Future Travel Credit (FTC) instead of losing the fare.
Cancel for any reason (even non-medical).
Receive up to 100% of your cruise fare as a Future Travel Credit.
Credit is valid for up to 24 months from the original departure date.
No lengthy claim process.
The cost of the CPP depends on the cruise duration and fare, typically ranging from $250–$395 per person.
CPP must be purchased at the time of booking.
Refunds are given as travel credits, not cash.
It applies only to Scenic’s own arrangements (not third-party flights or add-ons).
If you decide to cancel your Scenic cruise, you can do so through several methods. The process is straightforward but must be handled carefully to avoid unnecessary penalties.
Review Your Booking Terms
Locate your Booking Confirmation and Terms & Conditions to check your deposit amount, fare total, and applicable deadlines.
Contact Your Travel Advisor or Scenic
If you booked through a travel agent, contact them first—they handle cancellations on your behalf.
If you booked directly, reach Scenic’s Guest Services via phone or email.
Submit a Written Cancellation Request
Scenic typically requires written confirmation (email or letter) to process your cancellation officially.
Wait for Confirmation
You’ll receive a Cancellation Acknowledgment and a summary of your refund or credit eligibility.
Allow Processing Time
Refunds usually take 6–8 weeks to be processed, depending on the payment method.
Yes, as of 2025, Scenic Luxury Cruises is currently allowing cancellations under its standard policy.
The brand had introduced temporary COVID-19 flexibility programs in past years, but now operations have fully resumed under standard conditions. Guests can cancel according to the timelines and fees mentioned earlier.
However, Scenic continues to offer added flexibility for select departures, such as:
Future Cruise Credits (FCCs) for guests impacted by itinerary changes.
Reduced cancellation penalties for early-booking promotions.
Transfer options for those preferring to shift travel dates instead of canceling.
Always check the most recent policy on Scenic’s official website or confirm directly with a Scenic representative before canceling, as terms can differ slightly by region or promotional fare.
When you cancel your cruise, whether or not you receive a refund depends on when you cancel and what type of fare or promotion you booked.
Full Refund: Only available if Scenic cancels the voyage or if you cancel more than 121 days in advance (minus deposit).
Partial Refund: Applicable within mid-range cancellation windows (90–60 days before departure).
No Refund: Within 30–60 days, unless you have CPP coverage.
Refunds are generally issued to the original payment method, but in certain promotional cases, Scenic may issue a Future Travel Credit instead.
Sometimes, cancellations are initiated not by guests but by Scenic itself — usually due to operational issues, low occupancy, or unforeseen global events (such as weather disruptions or port closures).
In such cases:
Guests are typically offered full refunds or Future Travel Credits.
Scenic also provides the option to rebook on another voyage of equal or lesser value.
In rare cases, Scenic may also offer onboard credit or fare upgrades as goodwill compensation.
Since cruise cancellations can involve significant costs, it’s important to safeguard your investment. Here are proven ways to minimize loss:
Purchase Travel Insurance
Choose comprehensive insurance covering trip cancellations, interruptions, and medical emergencies.
Consider Scenic’s CPP Plan
Ideal if you prefer direct cruise-related protection with simple credit recovery.
Book Early and Monitor Promotions
Early bookings often have more flexible cancellation terms.
Keep Written Records
Always document communications with Scenic or your travel agent.
Be Aware of Deadlines
Set reminders for the last refundable date to make an informed decision before fees increase.
Yes, but cancellation fees apply depending on how close to departure you cancel.
Refunds are issued to the original payment method if eligible. With CPP or certain promotions, you’ll receive Future Travel Credits instead.
You’ll be entitled to a full refund or a rebooking option, depending on your preference.
Yes, Scenic allows date or itinerary changes under its modification policy (fees may apply).
Refunds generally take between 6 to 8 weeks after official cancellation acknowledgment.
Act Early: If you anticipate needing to cancel, do it before 121 days to minimize loss.
Review Terms at Booking: Not all fares have the same flexibility; promotional fares may be more restrictive.
Stay Updated: Scenic occasionally adjusts its policies due to global events or seasonal conditions.
Communicate Clearly: When canceling, specify if you prefer a refund or a future credit.
In 2025, Scenic Luxury Cruises is fully allowing cancellations under its standard and transparent policies. While last-minute cancellations can result in significant penalties, travelers still have several options for flexibility — including Scenic’s Cancellation Protection Plan, Future Travel Credits, and travel insurance coverage.
Whether you’re planning a European river journey or a bucket-list voyage aboard Scenic Eclipse, knowing your cancellation rights empowers you to make confident travel decisions. Always review your contract, act early, and consult with your travel advisor to ensure the best possible outcome for your investment.
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
