Scenic, Emerald Waterways Adopt Deposit Protection Plan
by Daniel McCarthy
Scenic Jewel in Cologne. Photo: Rolf Heinrich, Köln
Scenic Luxury Cruises and Emerald Waterways will allow travelers to fully protect their deposit starting in 2018 with a new Deposit Protection Plan.
The program will allow guests to reallocate their non-refundable deposit if they need to cancel or change their sailing for any reason. It will cost $125 per person for river cruises and $250 per person for sailings on Scenic Eclipse and will cover cruises and tour deposits only, not air deposits.
“Planning a vacation far in advance is becoming more and more a reality – especially in the fast-growing and very popular river cruise niche…we are trying to give our guests a sense of security when it comes to placing a deposit,” vice president of Scenic U.S. brand management Joelle Davis told TMR.
“That no matter what pops up that may interfere with your plans, the deposit is protected,” Davis added.
The plan has to be purchased at the time the deposit is paid. Guests using the plan must rebook within 24 month of cancellation, as well.
The Deposit Protection Plan is paired with both brands’ existing River Cruise Guarantee.
That guarantee is backed by Chubb Insurance, a top global insurance firm, to automatically cover every guest on the commencement of their cruise for any delays or cancellations due to weather, natural disasters, mechanical breakdowns or labor strikes.
Coverage will include high/low water issues that plague the industry every year, and approved claimants will receive direct monetary refunds, up to US $475 (CAD $600) per day with a maximum of seven days or US $3,325 (CAD $4,200) per guest, instead of the industry standard of future cruise credits.
