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How much does it cost to change a cruise date with Regent Seven Seas Cruises?

  • Michael Rodriguez
  • 6 min read

How Much Does It Cost to Change a Cruise Date with Regent Seven Seas Cruises?

Regent Seven Seas Cruises is known as one of the most luxurious cruise lines in the world, offering all-inclusive voyages that include fine dining, shore excursions, and exceptional service. However, life is unpredictable, and sometimes travel plans need to change. If you have booked a sailing with Regent Seven Seas and are now considering adjusting your departure date, understanding their policies and associated costs is essential.

This comprehensive guide explains how much it costs to change a cruise date with Regent Seven Seas Cruises, what factors determine the fee, and how you can minimize potential penalties. We’ll also explore refund timelines, differences between cruise fares and promotional bookings, and insider tips to make your rescheduling process smooth and stress-free.

Understanding Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ Booking and Change Policy

Before discussing costs, it’s important to understand how Regent Seven Seas Cruises structures its booking system. The cruise line offers several types of fares, including promotional offers, early booking discounts, and standard fares. Each fare type has different flexibility rules, especially when it comes to making changes or cancellations.

When you book a cruise, you typically pay a deposit at the time of reservation, followed by the remaining balance due at least 120 days before the sailing date (for most itineraries). The key to knowing how much it will cost to change your cruise date lies in when you make the change — and what type of fare or promotion you booked under.

Factors Affecting the Cost of Changing a Cruise Date

Several factors influence how much it costs to change your cruise date with Regent Seven Seas Cruises:

  1. Timing of the change – The closer you are to your sailing date, the higher the potential fees. Early changes may only incur administrative costs, while last-minute changes might be treated as cancellations.

  2. Type of fare booked – Standard fares generally allow more flexibility. Promotional fares, special sales, or limited-time offers might have stricter change rules or non-refundable conditions.

  3. Availability on new sailings – If you wish to move your booking to a more expensive itinerary or cabin, you will have to pay the fare difference.

  4. Travel insurance coverage – If you purchased travel insurance that covers trip changes or cancellations for specific reasons, some or all of the costs may be reimbursed.

  5. Group or third-party bookings – If you booked through a travel agent or as part of a group, the policy might differ slightly, as agencies may impose additional administrative fees.

General Cost to Change a Cruise Date with Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Regent Seven Seas Cruises does not have a one-size-fits-all change fee. Instead, the cost depends on when you make the change relative to your sailing date. In most cases, changing the date is considered a cancellation and rebooking, especially if you move your sailing to a different voyage or year.

Here’s an overview of how the costs typically break down:

  • More than 121 days before sailing: You can usually cancel or reschedule your cruise without losing your deposit, though a small administrative fee (often around $100–$250 per guest) might apply. If you rebook immediately, this fee is sometimes waived.

  • Between 120 and 91 days before sailing: Regent Seven Seas may retain 15–25% of your cruise fare as a cancellation charge, depending on the itinerary and fare type. Changing your date at this point is treated as a partial cancellation.

  • Between 90 and 61 days before sailing: Expect a 50% penalty of the total fare if you decide to move your date.

  • Between 60 and 31 days before sailing: Approximately 75% of your fare could be forfeited.

  • Within 30 days of sailing: The fare is typically 100% non-refundable, meaning any attempt to change your cruise date would result in full loss of payment unless covered by travel insurance.

While these ranges are general industry standards, Regent Seven Seas tends to follow a similar structure with some flexibility for loyal guests or Seven Seas Society members.

How to Request a Date Change

If you’ve decided to change your cruise date, it’s crucial to follow the correct steps to avoid confusion or additional charges. Regent Seven Seas Cruises allows passengers to make changes either directly through their reservations department or via a travel advisor if the booking was made through one.

Steps to request a date change:

  1. Contact your travel agent or Regent directly: Provide your booking reference and explain that you’d like to change your sailing date.

  2. Check alternative dates and itineraries: The representative will provide available options for the same or future seasons.

  3. Review fare differences: If your new sailing is priced higher, you’ll need to pay the difference. If it’s lower, refunds are not always issued but can sometimes be applied as onboard credit or future cruise credit.

  4. Confirm new details in writing: Always ask for a written confirmation of your updated booking, including the new fare, cabin category, and payment terms.

  5. Verify travel insurance implications: If you have travel insurance, inform the provider about the date change to maintain coverage continuity.

The Role of Deposits and Future Cruise Credits (FCCs)

Regent Seven Seas occasionally offers Future Cruise Credits to passengers who need to cancel or reschedule. An FCC allows you to apply the amount of your original payment toward a new sailing within a specified time period, typically within 12 to 24 months.

If you cancel far enough in advance and are subject to a fee, the remainder of your payment may be converted into an FCC. However, this depends on your reason for cancellation and the cruise line’s discretion.

It’s also worth noting that FCCs are usually non-transferable and can’t be converted into cash. If you’ve booked a promotional fare, using an FCC may require booking a standard fare or paying any fare difference.

Changes Due to Medical or Emergency Reasons

Regent Seven Seas Cruises understands that medical emergencies, family issues, or unexpected events can force guests to postpone or cancel travel. In such cases, passengers are encouraged to contact the line immediately. Depending on the situation, Regent may:

  • Waive some or all of the change or cancellation fees, especially if valid documentation (e.g., doctor’s note, hospital record) is provided.

  • Offer a Future Cruise Credit equivalent to the paid amount.

  • Work with travel insurance providers to expedite claims and refunds.

Having comprehensive travel insurance is highly recommended, as it can cover non-refundable deposits and date-change penalties for valid medical or emergency situations.

How Promotional and Special Fare Rules Affect Changes

Promotional fares offered by Regent Seven Seas Cruises — such as “Two-Category Suite Upgrades,” “Limited-Time Discounts,” or “Bonus Onboard Credit” offers — often come with stricter terms. These rates might not allow date changes without penalty.

If you’ve booked under such a promotion, it’s important to review the “Terms and Conditions” section of your invoice or confirmation. Many special offers state that any date change will void the promotional benefits, and the new booking will be priced under the current rate at the time of rebooking.

In some cases, if you’re only shifting your sailing to a voyage within the same promotional period, the change fee may be minimal or waived altogether. Always confirm this before finalizing any alterations.

Differences Between Name Changes and Date Changes

A common question travelers have is whether changing a passenger’s name counts as a date change or affects the cost. With Regent Seven Seas Cruises, name changes and date changes are treated separately:

  • Name change: Usually allowed up to 30–45 days before sailing with a small administrative fee, provided at least one original passenger remains on the booking.

  • Date change: Often treated as a cancellation and rebooking, depending on when the change occurs and what fare was purchased.

Therefore, if your intention is to simply transfer the booking to another traveler but keep the same date, you might save significantly compared to rescheduling the voyage entirely.

Tips to Minimize or Avoid Date Change Costs

  1. Book refundable fares when possible: If flexibility is important, opt for a standard fare with refundable terms instead of discounted non-refundable options.

  2. Purchase travel insurance: Comprehensive coverage can protect you from high fees if you need to change or cancel due to illness, weather, or emergencies.

  3. Make changes early: The earlier you act, the less you’ll pay in penalties. Aim to make any adjustments at least 121 days before departure.

  4. Work with an experienced travel advisor: Agents who specialize in luxury cruises often have more negotiating power and can help you secure lower fees or future cruise credits.

  5. Monitor promotions: If Regent later offers a better deal on your chosen voyage, your advisor might be able to re-fare your booking without penalty.

How Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ Policy Compares to Other Luxury Lines

When comparing cruise date change costs across the luxury cruise industry, Regent Seven Seas’ policies are relatively consistent with competitors such as Silversea, Seabourn, and Oceania Cruises.

Most ultra-luxury cruise lines operate on a similar sliding scale — with lower penalties for early changes and higher fees closer to the sailing date. However, Regent’s approach is often slightly more flexible for loyal customers and suite-category guests, as the line values long-term relationships and repeat bookings.

In addition, during exceptional global circumstances (such as the pandemic period), Regent Seven Seas has demonstrated goodwill by waiving penalties and extending credit validity. While these conditions may not always apply, they indicate the company’s commitment to customer satisfaction.

Travel Insurance and Cruise Protection Plans

Travel insurance is an important consideration when booking with Regent Seven Seas Cruises. The line partners with several insurance providers to offer plans that cover:

  • Trip cancellations or date changes due to illness or emergencies

  • Lost baggage or delayed flights

  • Medical coverage during travel

  • Cruise interruption or missed port protection

When purchasing insurance, ensure that “Cancel for Any Reason” (CFAR) coverage is included if you want maximum flexibility. This type of plan allows you to cancel or change your cruise date for personal reasons — even if they’re not emergencies — though reimbursement is usually up to 75% of non-refundable costs.

Without travel insurance, any date change close to departure could result in a full loss of fare. For luxury cruises like Regent Seven Seas, where fares often exceed $10,000 per person, insurance is a wise investment.

Understanding Administrative Fees and Fare Differences

Even if you’re eligible for a date change without penalty, you may still be responsible for paying any fare difference between your original cruise and the new one. For instance:

  • If your new sailing falls during a peak season (e.g., summer or holidays), the fare might be higher.

  • If your new cruise includes a more expensive itinerary (like the Mediterranean instead of Alaska), you’ll pay the price difference.

  • If the new fare is lower, Regent may not issue a refund but could allow you to use the balance as onboard credit.

Additionally, an administrative fee — typically around $100–$250 per passenger — may be charged for processing changes, though it’s sometimes waived for guests in top-tier suites or members of Regent’s Seven Seas Society loyalty program.

Loyalty Benefits: Seven Seas Society Members

Regent Seven Seas rewards frequent travelers through its Seven Seas Society loyalty program. Members at higher tiers often enjoy greater flexibility in booking and date changes.

Depending on your membership level, you may receive:

  • Waived administrative or date-change fees

  • Priority rebooking privileges

  • Early access to future voyage promotions

  • Onboard credits or discounts for rebooking

If you’re a frequent Regent guest, it’s worth confirming whether your tier offers any fee waivers or special considerations for rescheduling a cruise.

Practical Example: Estimating the Cost to Change a Cruise Date

Let’s illustrate with a practical example.

Suppose you booked a 10-night Mediterranean voyage departing on June 15, 2025, with a fare of $14,000 per person. You decide to change your date on February 1, 2025, which is 134 days before departure.

Scenario 1: Standard Fare Booking

  • You’re outside the 120-day penalty window.

  • Regent may charge a small administrative fee of $150 per person.

  • If your new sailing in September costs $15,000, you’ll pay the $1,000 fare difference plus the admin fee.

Scenario 2: Promotional Fare Booking

  • The fare terms state “non-refundable after booking.”

  • Regent may treat the change as a cancellation, retaining 15–25% of the fare.

  • You might receive a Future Cruise Credit for the remaining amount.

This example highlights why it’s critical to review your fare conditions before requesting any change.

When It’s Better to Cancel and Rebook

Sometimes, cancelling and rebooking can be more cost-effective than trying to modify your existing reservation. For example, if Regent Seven Seas releases new promotions or upgraded itineraries, cancelling early and applying your payment as a Future Cruise Credit might yield better value than paying change penalties.

Always consult Regent’s reservations team or your travel advisor before making a final decision. They can compare both options and recommend the one with the least financial impact.

Final Thoughts

Changing your cruise date with Regent Seven Seas Cruises can be straightforward — but the cost largely depends on timing, fare type, and reason for change. Early modifications usually result in minimal fees, while last-minute adjustments can lead to substantial penalties or fare forfeiture.

By understanding the policy in detail, purchasing travel insurance, and working closely with a travel advisor, you can protect your investment and maintain flexibility for future travel. Regent Seven Seas Cruises remains one of the most accommodating luxury cruise lines, often striving to balance guest satisfaction with operational fairness.

Whether you’re planning to sail through the Mediterranean, the Caribbean, or the majestic fjords of Scandinavia, being aware of the potential date-change costs ensures you make informed decisions — allowing you to enjoy a truly stress-free and luxurious journey at sea.

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