Can I transfer my River Cruise to a Travel Agent?

(425 Reviews)
99% Recommended

Pam MacIntyre

Maple Grove, MN
Australia & New Zealand Specialist

New Zealand

In all my years as a Travel Professional, I’ve asked countless people, “What’s on your must-see list?” And without fail, New Zealand is always at the top! Honestly, who wouldn’t want to experience this majestic ...

Viking River Cruise - Stahleck Castle, Germany

Did you book a river cruise directly with Viking, AmaWaterways, Avalon Waterways, Scenic, Emerald, or Uniworld, only to realize it’s a bit more to manage than you expected? Or perhaps you simply want a hassle-free experience, but while you're capable, your time is valuable, and you'd prefer to have someone in your corner to help make this the best trip possible? You're not alone — it happens all the time! The good news? You can transfer your booking to a travel advisor at no extra cost.


By doing so, you'll gain access to personalized support, expert advice, and a seamless planning experience. Many travelers get excited about booking a river cruise, only to find that the details and logistics add up quickly. That’s where a travel advisor can step in, taking care of the coordination so you can focus on the fun part — looking forward to your vacation!


Transferring your booking is simple, and it means you’ll have someone in your corner every step of the way. From navigating excursions and preparing for your trip, to sharing insider tips and handling the fine print, we’ll help make your river cruise as smooth and stress-free as possible.


Here’s why it’s worth considering:


 


Expert Knowledge and Personalized Service



  • Special Needs Accommodations: Whether it’s dietary requirements, accessibility needs, or a special celebration on board, your travel agent will ensure that every detail is handled with care.

  • Seamless Pre- and Post-Cruise Arrangements: A travel agent can take care of everything from flights and hotels before or after your cruise to transfers, so you can focus on enjoying the journey. They can also help you secure travel insurance, giving you extra peace of mind.


 


Access to Exclusive Deals and Perks



  • Onboard Credits (OBC): Many travel agents can secure onboard credits for you, which can be used for everything from spa treatments to excursions, enhancing your experience.

  • Travel Documents: We don’t just send you the standard e-documents from the river cruise line. We go above and beyond by providing a comprehensive set of resources to make your trip as smooth and stress-free as possible. This includes destination information, pre-departure and day-of-departure tips, packing suggestions, international travel guidance, and more. It’s a complete guide designed to help you feel fully prepared and excited for your journey — not overwhelmed.

  • Advocacy and Support: If something goes wrong before or during your trip, your travel agent has your back. They’ll step in as your advocate, working to sort things out and make things right. One of the biggest perks of having a travel agent is knowing you’ve got someone in your corner if there’s an issue with the river cruise line. While the cruise line’s customer service team is looking out for their company, your agent is looking out for you. Plus, they’ve got access to insider contacts and resources that the average traveler doesn’t — which can make all the difference when you need help.

  • Expert Cancellation Assistance: If your plans change, a travel agent will guide you through the cancellation or rebooking process, helping to ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience.With a travel agent managing the details, you can relax knowing that everything is taken care of. This leaves you free to focus on the excitement of your upcoming river cruise!


What inspired me to write about this topic is a recent experience with a new client who found me through my online profile. A woman reached out who had booked her AmaWaterways cruise for the summer of 2024, traveling in the fall of 2025. As she began to focus on flights, hotel stays, transfers, and other details, she started to feel overwhelmed. After I informed her that AmaWaterways allows you to transfer your booking up until the final payment (90 days before sailing), her response was, “I already feel so much less stressed. :)"


Each river cruise line has its own policies and timelines for transferring bookings, so it’s always a good idea to check early.


If you choose to transfer your booking, you’ll still pay the same price—but with the added benefit of personalized support to help you get the most out of your European adventure. From travel tips and itinerary planning to recommendations for pre- and post-cruise experiences, I’m here to make the process easier so you can simply enjoy the excitement of what’s ahead.


If you’ve already booked a river cruise and are curious whether a transfer is possible, feel free to reach out. I’d be happy to help you explore your options!


 

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