Booking a cruise holiday is an exciting step toward a memorable vacation at sea. However, sometimes plans change unexpectedly. A traveler may fall ill, personal circumstances may shift, or a simple spelling mistake may occur during booking. When this happens, many travelers ask the same important question: Can I change names after booking a P&O Cruises cruise?
The short answer is yes, but there are rules, limitations, fees, and deadlines that you must understand before making any changes. P&O Cruises has specific policies regarding name corrections and name substitutions, and the type of change you need will determine whether it is easy, costly, or even allowed at all.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about changing names on a P&O Cruises booking. We will cover minor spelling corrections, full passenger replacements, associated fees, deadlines, documents required, and tips to avoid problems. By the end, you will have a clear understanding of what is possible and how to handle a name change smoothly.
Cruise bookings are legal travel documents. The name entered during booking must match the passenger’s passport or government-issued identification exactly. Even a small spelling mistake can cause issues at check-in or boarding.
Cruise lines use passenger names to:
Create travel manifests
Comply with immigration and security regulations
Share data with port authorities
Issue boarding passes
Verify identity during embarkation
Because of these requirements, P&O Cruises treats name changes seriously and regulates them carefully.
Before diving into the rules, it’s important to understand that there are two main types of name changes:
These include:
Spelling errors (for example, “Jonh” instead of “John”)
Missing or extra letters
Typographical mistakes
Incorrect titles
These are usually easier to fix and often free if requested early.
This means:
Replacing one traveler with another
Changing the entire name to a different person
Transferring the booking to someone else
These changes are more restricted and often involve fees.
P&O Cruises allows name changes under certain conditions, but the rules depend on:
How close the sailing date is
Whether it is a minor correction or a full passenger change
The fare type booked
Whether travel documents have already been issued
In general:
Minor corrections are usually permitted
Full passenger changes are allowed only within specific time limits
Fees may apply
Some promotions or discounted fares may restrict name changes entirely
If you made a small mistake when entering a name during booking, P&O Cruises typically allows corrections.
Examples of acceptable corrections:
Typo fixes
Spelling adjustments
Title changes (Mr., Mrs., Ms.)
Missing middle names (if required)
These changes usually:
Do not incur a fee if done early
Can be handled by customer service or your travel agent
Must match the passport exactly
However, corrections must not change the identity of the passenger. For example, changing “Sarah Brown” to “Emily Brown” would not be considered a minor correction.
Changing one passenger entirely to another person is more complicated.
This may happen if:
A companion can no longer travel
Someone cancels and another friend takes their place
Family circumstances change
A booking was made under the wrong name
P&O Cruises may allow this type of change if:
It is requested within the allowed time frame
The lead passenger remains the same
The cruise has not reached final documentation stage
Some conditions apply:
Administrative fees may be charged
Fare differences may apply if prices have increased
Certain promotional fares may be non-transferable
Timing is crucial when changing names on a cruise booking.
Easier to process
Often lower or no fees
More flexibility
Less paperwork required
May not be permitted
Higher fees may apply
Risk of denial
Documentation may already be locked
Most cruise lines, including P&O Cruises, require name changes to be made before final travel documents are issued. Once boarding passes and manifests are prepared, changes become difficult or impossible.
Fees depend on the type of change:
Often free
Occasionally small administrative fee
Administrative fee per change
Possible fare difference if current price is higher than original booking price
Cancellation penalties may apply if treated as a cancellation and rebooking
In some cases, replacing a passenger may cost almost the same as canceling and booking again.
The process is straightforward but must be done officially.
If you booked:
Directly with P&O Cruises – contact customer service
Through a travel agent – contact your agent
Name changes cannot be done online without assistance.
You will need:
Booking reference number
Passenger name to be corrected
Correct name as per passport
Reason for change
You may be asked for:
Passport copy
Government ID
Written request form
Authorization letter (if required)
If fees apply, payment must be made before the change is confirmed.
Always ask for written confirmation that the change has been processed.
If your legal name has changed:
Provide supporting documents (marriage certificate or court order)
These are usually treated as corrections, not substitutions
Easier to approve than replacing a traveler
Group bookings may have stricter rules and deadlines. Changes must be coordinated with the group organizer.
Some cheap fares may be non-transferable. This means:
No passenger substitution allowed
Only minor spelling corrections permitted
Cruise companies impose limits because:
Passenger manifests must be shared with authorities
Security checks depend on names
Cabins are assigned based on occupancy
Insurance and safety records rely on accurate data
Uncontrolled name changes could cause serious operational and legal problems.
If the name on your booking does not match your passport:
You may be denied boarding
Immigration authorities may refuse entry
Travel insurance could be invalid
Your vacation may be canceled at the port
Even one incorrect letter can sometimes create problems.
Double-check names before confirming booking
Use passport spelling exactly
Avoid nicknames
Make changes as early as possible
Keep confirmation emails
Travel with updated identification
Inform the cruise line immediately if a mistake is found
Transferring a booking to a different person is not always allowed. In many cases:
The lead passenger must remain the same
Full transfer may be treated as cancellation
Fees apply
Some fares prohibit transfers entirely
This is why reading fare terms carefully before booking is essential.
Travel insurance policies may:
Not cover name change fees
Require the traveler name to match the insured name
Deny claims if the traveler is substituted
Always update your insurance policy if a passenger name changes.
Yes, if rules allow and deadlines are met.
Usually no. This is treated as cancellation and rebooking.
Changes on the same day are rarely accepted. You risk being denied boarding.
It can, especially if fares have increased since booking.
Name change issues close to departure can cause:
Anxiety
Missed sailings
Financial loss
Disappointment
Travel disruption
That is why proactive checking and early corrections are so important.
Yes, you can change names after booking a P&O Cruises cruise, but the type of change and the timing matter greatly. Minor spelling corrections are usually simple and inexpensive, while full passenger substitutions may involve fees, restrictions, or may not be allowed at all depending on the fare type and how close you are to departure.
The safest approach is to:
Check passenger names immediately after booking
Contact customer service as soon as an error is found
Understand your fare rules
Keep documentation ready
A cruise holiday should be relaxing, not stressful. Taking a few minutes to confirm accurate passenger details can save you from major trouble later.
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