Booking a cruise is an exciting experience. You plan months in advance, choose your destination, arrange leave from work, and imagine relaxing days at sea. But sometimes, life gets in the way. A travel companion may fall ill, a family emergency may arise, or you may have entered the wrong name by mistake during booking. This leads to a very common and important question: Can I change a passenger name on a P&O Cruises cruise?
The short answer is: Yes, in most cases you can, but it depends on several factors such as the type of fare you booked, how close you are to departure, and whether you are changing just one passenger or the lead guest on the booking.
This blog provides a detailed and practical explanation of how passenger name changes work with P&O Cruises, including policies, fees, timelines, special cases, and tips to avoid problems at the port. By the end, you will clearly understand what is allowed, what is not, and how to handle a name change smoothly.
A cruise booking is more than just a hotel reservation. It is linked to:
Passports
Immigration and border control requirements
Ship manifests
Port authority records
Security regulations
Because of this, cruise lines treat passenger names very seriously. Your name on the booking must exactly match the name on your passport or travel document. Even a small spelling mistake can cause issues during boarding.
Name changes generally fall into two categories:
Name correction – fixing a spelling error or updating a legal name (for example, after marriage).
Passenger substitution – replacing one passenger with a completely different person.
Each type is handled differently.
Minor corrections include:
Spelling mistakes (for example, “Jon” instead of “John”)
Missing middle names
Incorrect titles (Mr/Mrs)
Legal name updates due to marriage or divorce
These are usually allowed and easy to fix, especially if requested well before sailing.
Most cruise lines, including P&O Cruises, allow such corrections without treating them as a full passenger change, provided:
The same person is still traveling
You provide valid documentation if required (like a marriage certificate or updated passport)
This is when:
One passenger can no longer travel
You want to replace them with another person
For example:
Your friend cancels and you want to bring your sister instead
A family member becomes unavailable and another relative takes their place
This is considered a passenger substitution, and different rules and fees apply.
P&O Cruises generally allows name changes under certain conditions:
Name changes must be requested before final documents are issued
Fees may apply depending on timing and fare type
Some promotional fares may restrict or prohibit name changes
The lead passenger (main booker) usually cannot be changed after a certain stage
Changes closer to departure are more difficult and may be refused
The policy exists to balance customer flexibility with security and operational requirements.
If you notice a mistake or need to change a passenger name shortly after booking:
It is usually quick and inexpensive
Some changes may even be free
Customer service can correct errors easily
This is the best time to make any corrections.
Name changes are generally allowed if:
The cruise is not fully paid or documents not yet issued
The change does not affect the lead passenger
The fare rules allow amendments
Fees may apply depending on how late the change is made.
Name changes become more restricted:
Security checks and ship manifests are already prepared
Airlines (if part of a cruise package) may not allow changes
Ports and border authorities require finalized passenger lists
At this stage:
Only minor spelling corrections may be allowed
Full passenger substitutions may be refused
Fees are usually higher
The lead passenger is the person whose name the booking is made under. This passenger:
Controls the booking
Is responsible for payments
Often cannot be changed once the booking is confirmed
In many cases, P&O Cruises does not allow the lead passenger to be changed after a certain point. If the lead passenger cannot travel:
The entire booking may need to be canceled and rebooked
Cancellation charges may apply
This is one of the most important things to understand when booking a cruise.
Name change fees vary depending on:
Time before departure
Fare type
Whether it is a correction or substitution
Administrative amendment fee
Fare difference if prices have increased
Airline change fees (if flights are included)
Loss of promotional benefits
In some cases, changing a passenger name can cost nearly as much as canceling and rebooking.
If a passenger cannot travel due to:
Serious illness
Hospitalization
Family emergency
Bereavement
P&O Cruises may show flexibility, especially with proper documentation. Travel insurance becomes extremely important here. Insurance can cover:
Cancellation fees
Rebooking costs
Name change expenses
If a passenger has legally changed their name due to:
Marriage
Divorce
Court order
P&O Cruises usually allows an update as long as:
Documents are provided
Passport details match the new name
If you booked directly with P&O Cruises, contact their customer support.If you booked through a travel agent, you must go through them.
You will need:
Booking reference number
Passenger name currently on booking
Correct or new passenger name
Passport details if requested
If a fee applies, it must be paid before the change is processed.
Always request written confirmation that the name has been updated.
Your cruise ticket name must match your passport exactly. Mismatches can cause:
Denied boarding
Immigration issues
Delays at check-in
Loss of cruise fare
Even small differences like missing middle names or spelling errors can create problems.
If your cruise includes:
Flights
Transfers
Hotels
Then name changes become more complicated. Airlines often charge high fees or refuse name changes entirely. This means:
You might be able to change the cruise passenger
But not the flight passenger
Resulting in partial cancellation or extra costs
This is why it is important to act early.
If a name change is not allowed, your options may be:
Cancel the passenger and accept cancellation charges
Claim through travel insurance
Book a new ticket for another person
This is where travel insurance plays a critical role.
Good travel insurance can cover:
Cancellation due to illness
Replacement passenger costs
Administrative fees
Loss of booking value
Always check your policy for:
“Named person cancellation”
“Substitution of insured person”
“Cruise-specific coverage”
Insurance is often the only financial protection if a passenger cannot travel.
Waiting too long to request a name change
Assuming name changes are free
Forgetting to update passport details
Not checking flight ticket restrictions
Ignoring lead passenger rules
Failing to get written confirmation
These mistakes can turn a simple change into a major problem.
Double-check all passenger names at booking
Use full passport names, not nicknames
Act immediately if an error is found
Keep copies of all communications
Purchase travel insurance early
Avoid non-refundable promotional fares if flexibility is needed
Yes, usually, but fees and restrictions apply.
Yes, minor corrections are usually cheaper or free.
Sometimes, but it depends on fare rules and timing.
You must update the booking to match the passport exactly.
Rarely. Most substitutions involve an amendment fee.
Cruise lines operate under international maritime laws, port authority rules, and security regulations. Passenger lists must be accurate for:
Safety
Emergency response
Immigration clearance
Border security
Legal compliance
This is why name changes are controlled and not unlimited.
So, can you change a passenger name on a P&O Cruises cruise?Yes, in many cases you can, but it depends on timing, fare type, and whether you are correcting a mistake or replacing a traveler.
Minor spelling corrections are usually easy. Full passenger substitutions are possible in many cases but may involve fees and restrictions. The lead passenger is the hardest to change and may require cancellation and rebooking.
The most important lessons are:
Always enter names exactly as they appear on passports
Act quickly if a change is needed
Understand your fare rules
Protect your booking with travel insurance
A cruise is meant to be relaxing and enjoyable. Handling name changes properly ensures your journey starts smoothly, without stress at the port or during check-in.
Recent Guide
Your ultimate guide to cruise adventures. Discover amazing destinations, find the perfect cruise, and create unforgettable memories on the high seas.
Quick Links
Cruise Types
© 2026 Cruisebookinghub.com. All rights reserved. | Privacy Policy | Terms of Service
