Cruising is one of the most luxurious and relaxing ways to explore the world. Princess Cruises, one of the most popular cruise lines globally, offers world-class amenities, breathtaking itineraries, and impeccable service. However, plans sometimes change — maybe a friend can’t make it, a family member becomes unavailable, or you simply want to bring someone else instead.
This leads to an important question many travelers ask: Can I change the person on a Princess Cruises cruise ticket?
The answer depends on several factors — the type of booking, the timing before departure, and the specific fare rules attached to your cruise. In this detailed guide, we will explain everything about the Princess Cruises name change policy, passenger substitution process, potential fees, and expert tips to help you handle such situations smoothly.
When you book a cruise, every passenger’s name and details are registered with both the cruise line and port authorities. This information is used for immigration, security, and logistical purposes.
Once the booking is confirmed, the name on the ticket becomes part of the ship’s manifest — a document submitted to immigration authorities at every port of call. Therefore, changing a passenger’s name or substituting a person is not as simple as changing an airline ticket.
While Princess Cruises understands that plans can change, its policies are designed to comply with international maritime and security laws. Any request for a name change or passenger substitution is handled with care and under strict conditions.
Before diving into the policies, it’s important to distinguish between a name correction and a complete passenger change.
Name Correction:
This involves fixing a small typo or error in the passenger’s name — for example, correcting “Jon” to “John” or changing “Smithh” to “Smith.”
Such corrections are typically free if done early enough before the cruise’s final documentation deadline.
Princess Cruises usually allows minor spelling adjustments or corrections without treating it as a new booking.
Passenger Change (Person Substitution):
This means replacing one traveler entirely with another — for instance, if you want to transfer your cruise ticket from “Emily Brown” to “Sarah Johnson.”
This is considered a substantial change and may not always be permitted.
In most cases, Princess Cruises treats this as a cancellation for one guest and a new booking for another, which may involve cancellation fees or fare differences.
Understanding this difference is crucial before you request any change to your cruise reservation.
As of 2025, Princess Cruises maintains a clear set of rules regarding passenger details and ticket transfers. While the specific terms can vary slightly depending on your booking channel (direct through Princess or via a travel agent), the general principles remain the same.
Minor Name Corrections Are Allowed
If the change is minor — such as a spelling error, adding or removing a middle name, or fixing a typo — you can request a correction through Princess Cruises’ reservations or your travel agent.
It’s best to submit such requests as soon as possible, ideally before your final payment date.
Major Changes or Passenger Substitutions Require Approval
Princess Cruises does not generally allow you to completely change the person on a cruise ticket once the booking is finalized.
However, under certain circumstances, and depending on the fare type and timing, you may request passenger substitution.
Approval is at the discretion of Princess Cruises and may involve a name change fee or rebooking charge.
Post-Final Payment Changes Are Restricted
After final payment, most cruise lines — including Princess — tighten restrictions due to manifest and security compliance.
Once the sailing is within 45–60 days, full passenger substitutions are typically not allowed.
If One Passenger Cancels in a Two-Person Cabin
If one guest cancels, the remaining passenger may have to pay a single supplement or find a new travel companion.
Adding a new guest to the booking is treated as a new passenger, subject to the fare at the time of the change and availability.
Different Rules for Group Bookings
For group bookings (10+ cabins), travel agents may have limited flexibility to adjust passenger names within the group before finalization.
However, even then, full substitutions after final payment may incur administrative fees or re-pricing.
Unlike flights, cruises involve multiple countries, ports, and security checks. The passenger list (ship manifest) must be sent to maritime and immigration authorities in advance — often 72 hours before sailing.
This is why cruise lines, including Princess Cruises, are cautious with passenger changes. The reasons include:
Security and Immigration Regulations: Port authorities require accurate passenger data for border control and customs.
Ticket Fraud Prevention: Preventing the resale or unauthorized transfer of cruise tickets.
Cabin Assignment Integrity: Each cabin’s passenger details are tied to dining, safety muster lists, and emergency information.
Travel Documentation Requirements: Name changes could conflict with passport and visa details if altered close to departure.
Because of these factors, name change requests are handled carefully and sometimes denied if they risk compliance with regulations.
In most standard cases, Princess Cruises tickets are non-transferable. This means the original passenger listed at booking must be the person who travels.
However, there are exceptions under special circumstances:
Before Final Payment:
Some fare types, especially promotional or refundable fares, may allow you to substitute one passenger for another before making the final payment.
You must contact Princess Cruises or your travel agent for approval.
Through a Travel Agent:
If you booked via a travel agency, they might be able to handle minor substitutions more flexibly, especially before the booking is ticketed.
Special Group Arrangements:
If you’re part of a group cruise, the lead organizer or agent might have limited authority to change names within the group’s cabin block prior to finalization.
Keep in mind that in most of these cases, the change is still subject to review and may incur a name change or administrative fee.
If one member of your booking cancels but you still want to go on the cruise, Princess Cruises will handle your reservation in one of the following ways:
Solo Traveler Supplement:
You can choose to travel alone, but you may be charged a single occupancy supplement, as cruise fares are based on double occupancy.
Adding a New Guest:
You may request to add a new passenger to replace the one who canceled.
This is subject to approval, and the new passenger must meet all travel document and age requirements.
Any fare difference will apply, as well as possible administrative fees.
Rebooking May Be Required:
If the change is close to departure, Princess Cruises might require canceling the existing booking and creating a new one for the new passenger.
Cancellation penalties may apply based on how many days remain before sailing.
The name change fee or passenger substitution cost depends on several factors, including the timing, the fare rules, and how the cruise was booked.
Typical scenarios include:
Minor Name Correction: Often free if done before final payment or within the documentation period.
Passenger Substitution (Before Final Payment): May incur a small administrative fee (e.g., $50–$100 per person).
After Final Payment: Usually treated as a cancellation and rebooking, meaning full cancellation penalties may apply.
Each booking is unique, so you should always confirm the specific cost and process through Princess Cruises or your travel advisor.
If you believe your situation qualifies for a name change or person substitution, here’s how to proceed:
Check Your Booking Confirmation
Review your cruise fare type and terms. Some discounted or non-refundable fares may explicitly prohibit passenger changes.
Contact Princess Cruises or Your Travel Agent
If you booked directly, call Princess Cruises’ customer service.
If you booked through an agent, they must make the request on your behalf.
Provide Required Documentation
You may need to provide the booking reference, old and new passenger details, and a written request.
Await Confirmation
Princess Cruises will review whether the substitution or correction can be allowed.
They will inform you about any applicable fees or fare differences.
Finalize the Change
Once approved and fees are paid, you will receive updated travel documents.
Always verify that the name matches the passport exactly to avoid check-in issues.
Since cruise lines have strict name change rules, it’s best to take preventive steps during booking to minimize issues later.
Double-Check Names at Booking:
Ensure all names are spelled exactly as they appear on passports. Even small discrepancies can cause problems at check-in.
Avoid Last-Minute Substitutions:
Try to confirm your travel companions early, as changes after final payment can be costly or impossible.
Choose Flexible Fare Options:
When booking, consider refundable or flexible fare types that allow modifications without large penalties.
Book Through a Travel Agent:
Agents often have direct lines to cruise representatives and can handle special requests more efficiently.
Buy Travel Insurance:
If someone cannot travel due to illness or emergency, travel insurance can help recover cancellation costs.
Sometimes passengers book a cruise under their maiden name but get married before sailing. In such cases, a name change might be needed to match the new passport.
Princess Cruises generally allows name corrections due to legal changes, such as marriage or divorce, as long as you provide supporting documentation (like a marriage certificate).
If your passport still shows your old name, you can sail under that name as long as all documents match. Always ensure that your booking, passport, and travel papers reflect the same name to avoid boarding issues.
Let’s go through a few real-world situations travelers often face:
Scenario 1:You booked a cruise with your friend, but she can no longer travel. You want your sister to go instead.
If the cruise is more than 75 days away and before final payment, you can request a substitution.
Princess Cruises may allow it for a small administrative fee, subject to availability and approval.
Scenario 2:You booked using your nickname, “Mike,” but your passport says “Michael.”
This is a simple name correction and can be fixed at no charge if reported early.
Scenario 3:You misspelled your last name by one letter.
Again, this is considered a correction, not a substitution.
Scenario 4:You booked a non-refundable fare and want to transfer your ticket to another person two weeks before sailing.
Unfortunately, this is not possible. You’d likely have to cancel and forfeit the fare under standard cancellation penalties.
In summary, Princess Cruises does not typically allow complete passenger substitutions once a booking is finalized, especially after the final payment date. Minor name corrections are permitted, but full ticket transfers are restricted due to security and immigration regulations.
However, if you act early — before final payment and under a flexible fare type — Princess Cruises may approve a passenger change request with applicable fees.
If your travel companion can’t make it, consider alternative options like adding another person before documentation or adjusting your cabin occupancy rather than trying to transfer the ticket directly.
Understanding these rules before booking can save you from frustration and unexpected costs later. Always verify the passenger names carefully and choose flexible fare options when possible.
Princess Cruises tickets are generally non-transferable.
Minor spelling corrections are allowed and often free.
Full passenger substitutions may be approved before final payment but not afterward.
Fees and restrictions depend on fare type and timing.
Always confirm names with passports at booking.
Use travel insurance to protect against last-minute cancellations.
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