Booking a cruise is exciting. You imagine ocean views, delicious food, relaxing days at sea, and unforgettable memories. But sometimes, life gets in the way. A family member falls ill, a friend cancels, or personal plans suddenly change. This often leads to an important question:
Can I change the person on a P&O Cruises cruise ticket?
The short answer is: Yes, in many cases you can, but it depends on the type of booking, how close you are to sailing, and whether airfare or special packages are involved.
This blog will walk you through everything you need to know about changing a passenger name on a cruise ticket with P&O Cruises, including:
The difference between name corrections and name changes
When changes are allowed
Possible fees and penalties
How to request a change
Situations where changes are not permitted
Tips to avoid losing money
Common mistakes to avoid
If you or someone in your group can no longer travel, this guide will help you understand your options clearly and confidently.
Before diving into policies, it’s important to understand the difference between a name correction and a name change.
A name correction is when:
There is a spelling mistake
A missing letter
A minor typo
The wrong order of first and last name
For example:
“Jon Smith” instead of “John Smith”
“Maria Gonzales” instead of “Maria Gonzalez”
These corrections are usually simple and may be done free of charge if requested early.
A name change is when:
One passenger is replaced by another person entirely
For example:
Replacing “John Smith” with “David Brown”
Changing a friend to a different family member
This is considered a passenger substitution and is treated differently from a simple correction. This often involves fees and stricter rules.
There are many valid reasons someone might want to change the name on a cruise ticket:
Medical emergencies
Pregnancy or health issues
Work commitments
Visa or passport problems
Relationship changes
Family responsibilities
Financial difficulties
Personal conflicts
Last-minute cancellations
Cruise lines understand that these situations happen, but they also must protect their booking systems and pricing structures.
P&O Cruises allows name changes under certain conditions, but the rules vary depending on:
How close the sailing date is
Whether flights are included
Type of fare booked
Promotional or discounted packages
Number of passengers being changed
In most standard cruise-only bookings, one passenger can be replaced by another, provided at least one original guest remains on the booking.
One of the most important rules is this:
If you booked a cruise for two or more people, usually at least one original passenger must remain on the booking.
This prevents full ticket transfers and keeps the booking tied to the original reservation.
For example:
If two people booked together, one can be replaced
If three people booked together, one or two can be replaced
But not all passengers can be changed at once
If all passengers need to change, the booking is typically considered a cancellation and rebooking.
If you request a name change far in advance, you have the best chance of:
Lower fees
Easier approval
No disruption to travel plans
At this stage, the cruise line still has flexibility.
Name changes are usually allowed but may involve:
Administrative fees
Fare differences
Re-issuance of documents
This is the most common window for passenger substitutions.
These are more difficult and may be:
Denied
Subject to high fees
Restricted due to security and immigration requirements
At this point, cruise manifests are often already submitted to authorities.
If your P&O Cruises booking includes flights, the situation becomes more complicated.
Airlines have strict name change policies. In many cases:
Airline tickets are non-transferable
A new ticket must be purchased for the replacement passenger
Name changes may not be allowed at all
So even if the cruise line allows the passenger change, the flight portion may require:
Cancellation of the original flight
Purchase of a new flight at current prices
This can significantly increase costs.
There is no single fixed price, but typical fees may include:
Administrative change fee
Fare difference if prices have increased
Airline rebooking fees (if flights are included)
Port fees and taxes adjustments
The cost depends on:
How close you are to departure
The type of booking
Whether flights or hotel stays are included
In some cases, the fee may be small. In others, it may be close to the cost of a new ticket.
Here is the general process:
Find out if your booking is:
Cruise-only
Cruise + flight
Promotional or discounted
Group booking
Each has different rules.
You will need:
Full name (as on passport)
Date of birth
Nationality
Passport details
Emergency contact info
Make sure everything matches official documents exactly.
You can:
Call P&O Cruises customer service
Contact your travel agent if booked through one
Request a name change or passenger substitution
Do not attempt to edit names yourself online unless instructed.
Once approved, you will:
Pay the name change fee
Receive updated booking confirmation
Receive new cruise documents
Always review:
Spelling
Passport number
Date of birth
Cabin allocation
Dining preferences
Mistakes can cause problems at check-in.
If a passenger cannot travel due to illness or injury, you may be asked to provide:
A doctor’s letter
Medical documentation
Proof of inability to travel
This does not always waive fees, but it can sometimes reduce penalties or allow flexibility.
Travel insurance can play a huge role here.
Some policies cover:
Cancellation due to illness
Replacement of a traveler
Rebooking fees
However, not all insurance covers passenger substitution. Always check:
Policy wording
Covered reasons
Required documentation
Insurance is often the difference between losing money and recovering costs.
In some cases, changing the passenger is not permitted:
Promotional or non-refundable fares
Bookings made under special corporate deals
Tickets issued under certain airline restrictions
After final boarding documents are issued
Group bookings with locked passenger lists
In such cases, cancellation and rebooking may be the only option.
When you change a passenger:
The cabin usually stays the same
Loyalty benefits may not transfer
Special dining or drink packages may need updating
Shore excursion bookings may need re-confirmation
Always ask if:
The new passenger can keep existing add-ons
Any perks will be lost
Cruise lines must submit passenger details to:
Immigration authorities
Port security
Customs
That’s why last-minute changes are restricted. Any incorrect name can lead to:
Denied boarding
Passport mismatches
Visa problems
Accuracy is extremely important.
Many travelers make these errors:
Waiting too long to request the change
Assuming it’s free
Trying to change all passengers
Entering incorrect passport details
Not checking airline rules
Ignoring travel insurance
Forgetting to update shore excursions
Avoiding these mistakes can save you stress and money.
Here are practical tips:
Request changes as early as possible
Be polite and clear when contacting customer service
Have all new passenger details ready
Ask about fees upfront
Check insurance coverage
Keep written confirmation of changes
Verify documents after update
In most cases, you cannot fully transfer a cruise ticket like a concert ticket. At least one original passenger must remain on the booking. A complete transfer is treated as a cancellation and rebooking.
This is more complex. The lead passenger is usually the main account holder. If the lead passenger cancels:
Another passenger may become lead guest
Fees may apply
Documentation must be reissued
This must be handled directly through customer service.
Changing a cruise passenger is not just a technical issue. It can affect:
Room sharing
Budgets
Friendships
Family plans
Travel excitement
Handling it early and calmly helps preserve the joy of the trip.
It depends on timing and fare type. Early name changes are usually cheaper than full cancellation.
Some minor corrections can be done online. Full passenger changes usually require contacting customer service.
Yes. The new passenger must meet all travel and visa requirements independently.
Not always. Fare differences may apply.
So, can you change the person on a P&O Cruises cruise ticket?
Yes, in many cases you can, but:
It depends on how early you act
Whether flights are included
What type of fare you booked
Whether at least one original passenger remains
Name corrections are easy. Passenger substitutions are possible but may involve fees and restrictions. Travel insurance can help protect your money, and acting quickly gives you the best chance of success.
Cruises are meant to be relaxing and joyful experiences. If your travel plans change, knowing the rules in advance can turn a stressful situation into a manageable one.
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