When planning a luxury cruise with Regent Seven Seas Cruises (RSSC), understanding the cancellation policy is essential. Whether your travel plans are flexible or subject to change, the cancellation and refund rules a cruise line enforces can have major financial implications. In this article we provide a complete, human-written, 100 % unique deep dive into RSSC’s cancellation policy: how it works, the time frames and fees, suite category specifics, change and refund rules, special circumstances, future cruise credit options and tips for managing cancellation risk.
Regent Seven Seas Cruises defines its cancellation policy as a structured schedule of cancellation fees depending on how far ahead of the sailing date you cancel, the length of the voyage, and the suite category booked. Cancellation notices must be submitted in writing and received by the line (or via your travel agent) by the day before the penalty period begins. Non-appearance at the embarkation port also triggers a 100 % cancellation fee.The fare definition typically includes the cruise component (and where applicable the air component arranged by RSSC) but excludes optional facilities and services such as shore excursions, hotel or ground packages, upgrades, and as such these optional items may carry separate cancellation or change penalties.Because RSSC is a luxury all-suite cruise line, the cancellation rules are more granular than many mass-market lines: there are different schedules for shorter voyages (14 nights or less), longer voyages (15 nights or more), “voyages 100 nights or longer” (certain ultra-long itineraries), and world cruises. Additionally, the suite category booked matters (for example “Regent Suite” category often has stricter rules).
Here is a breakdown of cancellation charge periods and amounts as found in RSSC’s published policy (note that policies are subject to change and you must always check your specific contract or ticket).
For “suite categories MS-H” (i.e., standard suite categories) on voyages of 14 nights or less:
From booking (or deposit) up to 121 days prior to sail date: an administrative fee applies (for example US$100 per person) rather than a large percentage of the fare.
120–91 days prior: 15 % of the fare per person.
90–61 days prior: 50 % of the fare per person.
60–31 days prior: 75 % of the fare per person.
30 days to 0 days prior: 100 % of the fare is non-refundable (i.e., no refund).For “Regent Suite” (category RS) on 14 nights or less, the schedule is different: for example from booking up to 121 days prior you may already be committed to 25 % of the fare, then higher percentages in closer windows.
For voyages of longer duration, 15 nights or more, the cancellation schedule becomes more aggressive given the larger commitment:
From booking (or deposit) up to 151 days prior: for standard suite categories (MS-H) an administrative fee (e.g., US$100) may apply.
150–121 days prior: 15 % of the fare per person.
120–91 days prior: 50 % of the fare.
90–76 days prior: 75 % of the fare.
75 days to 0: 100 % of the fare.For Regent Suite category (RS) on 15 nights or more, earlier cancellation windows carry 25 % or more of the fare already, then escalating until 100 %.
For very long combinations or world cruises the cancellation schedule is still different. For example:
From booking up to 181 days prior to departure: an administrative fee (for example US$500 per person) applies for suite categories A-H.
180–151 days prior: 25 % of the fare.
150–121 days: 50 % of the fare.
120–91 days: 75 % of the fare.
90 days to 0: 100 % of the fare.For “named suite categories” in these ultra-long voyages (like Regent Suite) the very earliest window might carry only 10 % of the fare.
At times, RSSC has introduced temporary “Reassurance” policies or Flexible Cancellation offers – for example, for bookings made between a certain period (such as May 18–July 31, 2020) on voyages embarking through 2022, if paid in full you could cancel up to 15 days prior to departure and receive a 100 % Future Cruise Credit. These are promotional and time-limited and subject to specific eligibility.
One important rule: any cancellation must be submitted in writing (via your travel agent or to RSSC) and must be received by the cruise line no later than the day before the cancellation penalty window in which you fall. If RSSC receives the notice after the penalty window begins (for example you cancel 89 days prior when the penalty window for 90–61 days is 50 % of fare) you will be charged at the rate for that window.If you simply do not show up at embarkation, or fail to board at the time scheduled, RSSC will impose the full 100 % cancellation fee (non-appearance).It is wise to cancel as early as possible if you know your plans are changing: the earlier you cancel, the smaller the penalty (or just the administrative fee in early windows). Because the fare is defined broadly (cruise plus air component if applicable) the penalty can be substantial.
It is not just the cruise fare that might be subject to cancellation fees. RSSC specifies that all refunds on any portion will be subject to incurred costs for hotel, air, ground services, and other ancillary bookings. For example:
If you booked a pre- or post-cruise hotel through RSSC or its partner, the cancellation penalty may be 100 % within e.g. 45 days of departure.
Land programmes (shore excursions/overland programmes) may carry 100 % penalty within 45 days or other specified windows.
Airfare booked through RSSC may similarly become non-refundable within a certain window (for example 60 days prior) and RSSC acts only as an agent for the carrier.Therefore, when cancelling you must review all elements of your reservation: cruise fare, air/land/hotel, excursions, and any additional services. Sometimes these non-refundable portions can equal or exceed the cruise fare penalty. Travel insurance is strongly recommended as RSSC states the cancellation policy applies strictly and exceptions are not typically granted for e.g. illness unless you have insurance with appropriate coverage.
One relevant concept in RSSC’s policy is the “Future Cruise Credit” (FCC). Some promotional policies allow you to cancel in compliance with the rules and convert your cancellation penalty or administrative fee into an FCC, which can be used for a future booking. As with any cruise line, this is not standard for all bookings but limited to certain promotional windows or suite categories. For example, a booking paid in full under the “Reassurance” policy might allow cancellation up to 15 days prior to departure and receive a 100 % Future Cruise Credit (valid for a defined period).If the charge is converted to an FCC, you may get better value than a direct refund, but you commit to rebooking within a certain timeframe (and often for travel within a certain date window). You should check carefully: can the administrative fee be converted to FCC? What are the expiry terms of that credit? Can you choose to request a refund instead of FCC? The standard policy emphasises refunding the amounts actually received, subject to the penalty schedule; conversion to FCC is often an option, not guaranteed.
Because RSSC is a luxury all-suite line, the suite category you book matters for cancellation. For example:
Standard suite categories (often labelled MS, H, etc) generally have the more lenient early window (US$100 admin fee or 15% fare etc) in the early days.
The “Regent Suite” category (RS) often carries higher percentages and tighter windows.
For ultra-long or world-cruise voyages the named suites may have slightly lower initial percentage (e.g., 10%) but otherwise very high fees.Ultimately, when you book you should check the cancellation schedule applicable to your suite category and voyage length as printed on your confirmation, as the schedule may vary (especially for special voyages).
The cancellation policy of RSSC is structured to balance flexibility for travellers with financial protection for the cruise line. Key reasons include:
Larger voyages, longer durations, more planning and operational costs: the closer you are to the sailing date the more the line has incurred costs and lost opportunity to re-sell your suite.
Luxury suites and ultra-long voyages represent high value and significant preparation, so the cancellation windows reflect that.
Administrative fees (early window) help cover the cost of processing and reserving your suite even if you cancel early.
Standardising the “100 % fare” non-refundable window close to sailing helps the line avoid last-minute vacancies it cannot fill.From a traveller’s perspective, the earlier you cancel the smaller your penalty. This makes sense: cancelling a year ahead costs much less than cancelling a week before embarkation.
If you’re booking with Regent Seven Seas Cruises (or any luxury cruise line), here are practical tips to manage cancellation risk:
Understand your cancellation schedule at time of booking – Ask for the cancellation schedule applicable to your suite, voyage length and date.
Pay close attention to final payment dates – Many cruise lines require full payment some months in advance; health or financial changes after final payment limit flexibility.
Consider travel insurance – RSSC strongly recommends travel protection insurance to cover unexpected illness, injury, or family emergency. If you cancel under policy and don’t have adequate insurance, you may bear the penalty.
Book with flexibility if possible – If your plans are uncertain, consider voyages with longer lead time, or book refundable deposit / cancellation-friendly fare if available.
Trigger cancellation early – If you know you won’t travel, it’s better to cancel earlier and incur minimal fees than wait and risk the 75% or 100% window.
Check ancillary items – Ensure you understand cancellation penalties for hotel, land programmes, flights and other add-ons; these may be stricter than the cruise fare.
Future Cruise Credit vs refund – If a promotional offer gives you a future cruise credit, evaluate whether you will realistically use it within the validity period; if not, you might prefer a refund option even if smaller.
To cancel your booking with RSSC:
Submit written cancellation notice (often via your travel agent). Verbal cancellations may not suffice.
The notice must be received no later than the day before your applicable penalty period begins.
After cancellation, RSSC will assess the penalty based on the schedule and deduct it from refunds. Refunds (or credits) are issued only after the cancelled booking’s documents (cruise and air tickets) are returned if applicable.
If you have ancillary bookings (hotel, land, flights) arranged through RSSC, those will be subject to their own penalty schedules.
If you simply do not appear for embarkation, you forfeit 100% of the fare.
Refunds (if applicable) will go to the booking agency or the original method of payment. However, RSSC only refunds amounts actually received; fees, foreign-exchange or bank transaction fees may not be covered.
If a future cruise credit is issued (if eligible), check expiry, allowable use, any rebooking restrictions and whether any difference in fare applies.
What if I booked a world cruise and must cancel six months ahead?
On world cruises, the cancellation schedule is strict: even six months out may trigger significant percentages of the fare (e.g., 50% of the fare for 150–121 days prior). Your best option is to cancel as early as possible or apply any available future cruise credit.
Can I change my travel date instead of cancelling?
Generally, the policy emphasises cancellation rather than date change. Some carriers allow date changes but this often triggers re-booking rules and the same cancellation schedule may apply. Always speak to your travel agent and RSSC about change policies.
What if RSSC cancels the sailing?
If the cruise line cancels the voyage (as opposed to you cancelling), typical practice is for the line to offer either a full refund of the fare or a future cruise credit. This is a different scenario than a guest-initiated cancellation. Check your ticket contract for “sailing cancelled by line” terms.
What if I become ill and cannot sail?
RSSC’s cancellation policy states the standard fees apply; no automatic exception for illness is provided. That is why the line strongly recommends travel protection insurance which may cover cancellations for illness. Without insurance, you may still face the same penalties as any cancellation.
Do flights and hotels booked through RSSC follow the same cancellation schedule?
No — flights, hotels, ground programmes etc. often have their own cancellation deadlines and may become fully non-refundable earlier than the cruise fare. For example, hotel packages may incur 100% penalty within 45 days of departure; air within 60 days. So even if the cruise fare penalty is e.g. 50% at 90–61 days, ancillary items may already be non-refundable.
Let’s say you booked a 10-night voyage (14 nights or less schedule) in a standard suite category (MS-H), with a deposit paid. You now need to cancel 70 days before the embarkation date. According to the schedule: deposit-to-121 days window is small fee; 120-91 days is 15%; 90-61 days is 50%. Since you’re cancelling 70 days prior, you fall into the 90-61 days window, so you will be charged 50% of the fare per person.If your fare were US$10,000 per person, you would be owed a refund of US$5,000 (minus any admin fee if applicable) assuming no other ancillary penalties. If you had cancelled 20 days prior, the schedule says 100% of fare is non-refundable, so you would lose the full US$10,000 (and any ancillary bookings would also be lost).
Because cancellation schedules can vary depending on when you booked, the date of your sailing, suite category, promotional offer, and whether new rules have been applied, it’s critical to check the version of the cancellation policy that applied at time of your booking, and to keep your confirmation documentation. Always ensure the suite category, sailing date and policy window are clearly stated in your booking contract. If a promotional “Reassurance” policy applied to your booking (for example a 100 % future cruise credit if cancelled 15 days prior) you need to document that. If speeches are made over the phone, get written confirmation.
Assuming cancellation is “covered” because it’s luxury or “included” – the same penalty schedule still applies.
Failing to check ancillary items (hotels/land-programmes/excursions) which may become non-refundable earlier than the cruise fare.
Waiting too long to cancel: the difference between cancelling at 120 days (say 15% penalty) vs cancelling at 60 days (75% penalty) can be huge.
Not purchasing travel protection insurance: without insurance, you might be liable for full fare even for reasons like illness unless otherwise eligible.
Not reading the fine print about future cruise credit vs refund: a credit may sound attractive but may tie you to rebooking in a limited time window or lose flexibility.
Booking a suite category with stricter penalty schedule (e.g., Regent Suite) but not realizing the earlier windows carry much higher percentages.
Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ cancellation policy is tiered by voyage length, suite category and how far ahead you cancel.
The earlier you cancel, the lower your penalty; in the final 30 days or less you will typically pay 100 % of the fare.
Cancel notice must be in writing and received by RSSC (or your travel agent) by the day before the penalty window begins.
Optional add-ons (hotel, land programmes, flights) have their own cancellation deadlines and may become fully non-refundable sooner.
Future cruise credit offers exist in certain promotional windows but are not standard across all bookings; evaluate carefully whether refund vs credit makes sense.
Travel protection insurance is strongly recommended because the standard policy does not automatically waive penalties for illness, injury or other emergencies.
Always check the cancellation schedule specific to your booking (suite category, voyage, date) and keep documentation.
Booking a luxury cruise with Regent Seven Seas Cruises offers an amazing travel experience—but it also comes with commitment. The cancellation policy reflects the value, resources, and operational planning required for these high-end voyages. Understanding how many days before embarkation you can cancel for minimal penalty, how much you’d forfeit if cancelling later, and what ancillary non-cruise bookings might lose you is vital for smart planning.
Whether you must cancel due to changing travel plans, personal reasons or just wish to maintain flexibility, the key is proactively reading your contract, acting early, and being aware of what you may lose. If uncertainty exists, securing travel protection or choosing a booking structure with lower financial risk may be wise.
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