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Can I change a passenger name on a Regent Seven Seas Cruises?

  • Michael Rodriguez
  • 6 min read

Can I Change a Passenger Name on a Regent Seven Seas Cruise?

Regent Seven Seas Cruises is one of the world’s most luxurious cruise lines, known for its all-inclusive voyages, exceptional service, and stunning destinations. When travelers plan a dream cruise with Regent, every detail matters—from selecting a suite with the perfect view to confirming all the names on the booking exactly as they appear on passports. However, mistakes can happen. Perhaps you’ve accidentally entered the wrong spelling of a name, a guest can no longer travel, or you simply need to replace a passenger with someone else.

This leads to one of the most common questions travelers have: Can I change a passenger name on a Regent Seven Seas Cruise?

The answer isn’t always straightforward. Cruise lines, including Regent Seven Seas, have specific rules about name changes and corrections. Some adjustments are easy and free, while others may involve cancellation fees or restrictions. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about changing or correcting a passenger name on a Regent Seven Seas booking in 2025 — including the policies, timeline, documentation, and best practices to avoid penalties.

Understanding the Regent Seven Seas Name Change Policy

Regent Seven Seas Cruises maintains strict booking and identification procedures for all passengers. The name on your booking must exactly match the name on the passport or travel identification you’ll use to board the ship. This is a legal requirement, not just a company policy, since cruise lines must provide accurate passenger manifests to immigration and port authorities.

Regent generally distinguishes between two types of changes:

  1. Name Corrections: Small spelling errors or minor adjustments to an existing passenger’s name.

  2. Name Changes: Substituting or transferring a booking from one passenger to an entirely different person.

Each situation is handled differently. A simple spelling correction is usually straightforward and may not involve a fee. However, transferring a booking to another person may require canceling the original reservation and rebooking under the new name.

Minor Name Corrections

Minor name corrections typically involve fixing spelling errors, typos, or formatting issues. Examples include:

  • Changing “Jonh” to “John”

  • Correcting a missing middle initial

  • Adjusting a name to match the format on a passport (for example, adding a hyphen or removing an extra space)

These corrections can usually be made without major issues if requested early.

Procedure for Minor Corrections:

  • Contact Regent Seven Seas Cruises or your travel advisor as soon as you notice the error.

  • Provide the correct spelling as it appears on the official identification.

  • In some cases, you may need to send a copy of the passport or government-issued ID to verify the correct name.

  • If the correction does not change the passenger’s identity, Regent will usually update the record without a cancellation or amendment fee.

However, the closer you get to the sailing date, the stricter the policy becomes. Some corrections may require approval if the voyage is within 30 days.

Full Passenger Name Changes

Changing the passenger entirely — for example, if the original traveler cannot go and another person takes their place — is a different matter. Cruise lines treat this as a name change or booking transfer.

For Regent Seven Seas Cruises, a full passenger name change often involves the following considerations:

  • Booking Ownership: Bookings are not always transferable. In many cases, a full name change is viewed as a cancellation and rebooking under the new traveler’s details.

  • Fare Difference: If the cruise fare or promotion is no longer available for the new booking, the current rate will apply.

  • Cancellation Fees: Depending on how close you are to departure, a cancellation fee might be charged.

  • Approval Required: Name changes are not automatically guaranteed and require written authorization from Regent Seven Seas or the travel agent handling the reservation.

Because Regent Seven Seas Cruises operates luxury voyages with limited suites, changing a passenger’s name might impact the cruise manifest, documentation, and even onboard services. Therefore, it is best to make such requests well in advance.

When Name Changes Are Allowed

Regent Seven Seas may allow passenger name changes under certain circumstances, such as:

  1. Medical Emergencies: If a traveler cannot sail due to serious illness and another person wishes to take their place.

  2. Family Situations: Spouse or family member substitutions, especially when documentation can be provided.

  3. Corporate or Group Bookings: For large group or incentive cruises, Regent may offer more flexibility with name changes before final payment deadlines.

However, each case is reviewed individually. Approval is not automatic, and processing times can vary depending on how close the sailing date is.

Deadlines for Making Changes

Timing is crucial when requesting a name change or correction on a Regent Seven Seas cruise.

Here’s a general timeline guide:

  • Up to 120 days before sailing: Most corrections and even passenger changes can be processed with minimal issues, although fare differences may apply.

  • 90–60 days before sailing: Requests are still possible but may incur administrative fees.

  • Less than 30 days before sailing: Name changes or passenger substitutions are generally not allowed, except for minor spelling corrections.

  • Within 7 days of sailing: No changes are permitted; the booking is locked, and tickets are issued.

Since Regent Seven Seas operates globally, final passenger manifests are usually sent to port authorities in advance. Any changes near the sailing date can complicate customs and immigration procedures, which is why deadlines are enforced strictly.

Documentation Required

To process a name correction or change, Regent Seven Seas Cruises may request supporting documents. Typically, you’ll need:

  • A copy of the passenger’s passport (old and new if applicable)

  • Government-issued photo ID

  • Written request from the passenger or booking agency

  • Proof of relationship (if applicable in family substitutions)

If the name change involves a legal name alteration (due to marriage, divorce, or court order), certified documentation should accompany the request.

Possible Fees for Name Changes

While Regent Seven Seas does not publicly list standard name change fees, passengers should be prepared for administrative charges or cancellation penalties depending on the timing and nature of the change.

Here’s what generally applies:

  • Minor Corrections: Usually free if made well in advance.

  • Passenger Substitutions: May incur administrative fees or require paying the current cruise fare rate.

  • Late Changes: If close to the sailing date, the original booking might be considered canceled, resulting in standard cancellation penalties as per Regent’s terms and conditions.

Luxury cruise lines, including Regent, often have stricter policies than mass-market lines, because their voyages involve extensive pre-arranged amenities, documentation, and personalized services.

Cancellation and Rebooking Option

If Regent Seven Seas does not allow a direct name change, the only option might be to cancel the existing booking and create a new one.

Before making that decision, review the cancellation schedule carefully. For most Regent cruises, cancellation charges increase as the departure date approaches.

Typical cancellation fee structure (approximate):

  • 120+ days before departure: No charge or small administrative fee

  • 90–119 days: Around 15–25% of the total fare

  • 60–89 days: 50% of the fare

  • 30–59 days: 75% of the fare

  • Less than 30 days: 100% of the fare (non-refundable)

This means that if you cancel late to rebook under a new name, you might lose a significant portion of the fare. Therefore, it’s always recommended to finalize all passenger details before making the final payment.

How to Request a Name Change

To make a name change request on a Regent Seven Seas booking, follow these steps:

  1. Contact Your Travel Advisor or Regent Directly: If you booked through a travel agent, they should submit the request on your behalf. If booked directly, call Regent Seven Seas customer service.

  2. Provide Booking Information: Include the booking reference number, sailing date, ship name, and suite category.

  3. Explain the Reason for Change: Whether it’s a typo correction or full passenger substitution, clearly specify the reason.

  4. Attach Documentation: Send passport copies or any legal name change certificates if required.

  5. Wait for Confirmation: Regent’s reservations team will review the request and confirm whether it can be processed and if any fees apply.

Example Scenarios

Scenario 1: Typo CorrectionYou notice that your name is listed as “Saraah Johnson” instead of “Sarah Johnson.”

  • Contact Regent immediately.

  • Provide your passport scan showing the correct name.

  • Regent corrects it without fees since it’s a minor spelling error.

Scenario 2: Passenger ReplacementYour friend cannot travel, and you want to bring your sister instead.

  • Request a passenger substitution 90 days before sailing.

  • Regent reviews the request and allows the change after paying a rebooking fee and fare difference.

  • New documents are issued under your sister’s name.

Scenario 3: Last-Minute ChangeYou realize the mistake just 10 days before departure.

  • Regent may refuse to make the change.

  • You might have to cancel and forfeit part or all of the fare, depending on terms.

Why Accuracy Is So Important

Ensuring your name is correct on all travel documents isn’t just about convenience—it’s about compliance. Cruise lines like Regent Seven Seas must provide accurate passenger manifests to authorities for every port of call. Mismatched or incorrect names can result in:

  • Denied boarding

  • Immigration issues at ports

  • Delayed embarkation

  • Voided travel insurance claims

Moreover, airlines used for pre- or post-cruise flights also require exact name matches between tickets and passports. Therefore, accuracy from the start helps avoid stressful last-minute complications.

Expert Tips to Avoid Name Change Problems

  1. Double-check before submitting: Review every name on your booking confirmation carefully within 24 hours of booking.

  2. Match passport details: Always enter names exactly as they appear on the passport — including middle names or initials.

  3. Notify changes early: If you foresee any issue (marriage, divorce, travel companion change), notify Regent immediately.

  4. Book flexible fares: If possible, opt for refundable or flexible fares, especially when travel plans aren’t finalized.

  5. Use a reliable travel advisor: Experienced agents can handle name corrections faster and communicate directly with Regent’s operations team.

  6. Keep documentation ready: Scanned copies of passports or legal documents can expedite the approval process.

  7. Buy travel insurance: Some insurance plans cover cancellation or name correction costs under certain conditions.

The Role of Travel Agents

If your cruise was booked through a travel agent, it’s usually best to let them handle the name change process. Travel advisors have direct communication channels with Regent Seven Seas and can negotiate flexibility depending on your situation. They can also help assess whether it’s cheaper to correct, substitute, or cancel the booking.

Many luxury cruise specialists maintain good relationships with Regent’s booking department, making the process smoother and faster than trying to handle it independently.

What Happens After the Change Is Approved

Once Regent Seven Seas approves the name change or correction:

  • You’ll receive an updated confirmation or invoice showing the corrected passenger information.

  • All travel documents, including boarding passes and shore excursion reservations, will be reissued.

  • If the change affects flight arrangements (in case of cruise-tour packages), Regent will coordinate with the airline to update passenger records.

Always review the final confirmation once again to ensure that all details — names, dates, suite numbers, and excursions — are correct before finalizing.

Situations Where Changes Are Not Allowed

There are certain instances where Regent Seven Seas Cruises will not allow a name change:

  • Within 7 days of departure

  • After final documentation and tickets are issued

  • When the change violates promotional or discounted fare terms

  • When group allocation limits are exceeded

  • If the voyage has special security clearance requirements (e.g., certain international routes)

In these cases, the only option may be cancellation and rebooking.

Key Takeaways

  • Minor name corrections (like fixing typos) are usually permitted without charge if requested early.

  • Full passenger name changes may be treated as cancellations, with applicable fees and fare differences.

  • Always ensure the name matches the passport exactly to avoid travel disruptions.

  • Timing is critical — the earlier you make the request, the smoother the process.

  • Documentation such as a passport or legal certificate is mandatory for verification.

  • Contact Regent Seven Seas Cruises or your travel advisor as soon as any issue is detected.

Final Thoughts

A luxury voyage with Regent Seven Seas Cruises is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that deserves smooth planning and flawless documentation. While name changes can be challenging, understanding the cruise line’s policies helps you avoid unnecessary stress and expenses.

The best approach is prevention—enter every passenger’s details exactly as shown on their passport when booking. But if an error or change becomes necessary, act quickly, provide proper documentation, and communicate clearly with Regent’s support team or your travel agent.

In most cases, minor corrections are easily handled. However, full substitutions or late-stage changes may involve fees or restrictions. By following the correct procedure and respecting deadlines, you can ensure your Regent Seven Seas journey begins with ease and elegance—just as a world-class luxury cruise should.

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