Booking a cruise is an exciting step toward a relaxing holiday at sea. However, life does not always go according to plan. Illness, work commitments, visa issues, or family emergencies can suddenly prevent a traveler from sailing as scheduled. When this happens, many passengers ask an important question: Can I transfer my reservation on P&O Cruises to someone else?
The answer is not a simple yes or no. It depends on the type of booking, the timing of the request, and how many details need to be changed. This article provides a comprehensive explanation of P&O Cruises’ policies regarding reservation transfers, name changes, fees, conditions, and alternatives. By the end of this guide, you will understand exactly what is allowed, what is restricted, and how to handle your booking if you can no longer travel.
This long-form guide covers:
What “transferring a reservation” really means
P&O Cruises’ general policy on name changes and transfers
Time limits and deadlines
Fees and penalties
Step-by-step process
Special cases (medical, family, and visa problems)
Differences between partial and full transfers
Travel insurance and refund options
Common mistakes to avoid
Practical tips to protect your money
When people say they want to “transfer” a cruise reservation, they usually mean one of the following:
Changing the name of one passenger on the booking
Replacing one traveler with another
Giving the entire booking to someone else
Changing the lead passenger (the main name on the booking)
Cruise lines treat these scenarios differently. A minor name correction (such as a spelling mistake) is not the same as transferring the booking to a new person. Cruise companies are very strict about passenger identity because it involves passports, visas, security checks, and port authorities.
With P&O Cruises, the rules depend heavily on whether at least one original passenger remains on the booking and how close the request is to the sailing date.
P&O Cruises usually does not allow a full transfer of a reservation to a completely new set of passengers once the booking is confirmed. In most cases:
If one original passenger remains on the booking, a name change for the other passenger may be allowed (with a fee).
If all passengers are changed, the cruise line often treats this as a cancellation and a new booking rather than a transfer.
If the lead passenger (main name) is changed, stricter rules and higher fees may apply.
In short:
Partial transfer: Sometimes allowed
Full transfer: Usually not allowed
Last-minute transfer: Rarely approved
Cruise bookings are not like movie tickets or train tickets. They involve international travel and strict maritime regulations. Cruise lines restrict transfers for several reasons:
Passenger names must be submitted to port authorities and immigration services well before departure. Changing names too close to sailing can violate these requirements.
Cruise fares often depend on promotions, early-bird discounts, and passenger categories. Allowing free transfers could lead to misuse of discounted bookings.
Passenger details are linked to health and safety information onboard. Changing identities late can cause errors in emergency systems.
Cruise tickets are governed by legal contracts. The booking is typically tied to the original passenger’s name and passport details.
These include:
Spelling mistakes
Typographical errors
Title corrections (Mr/Mrs/Ms)
These are usually allowed without heavy penalties if requested early.
For example:
A couple booked a cruise, but one person cannot travel
They want to replace that person with a friend or relative
This is often allowed if:
The lead passenger stays the same
The change is requested before a deadline
A fee is paid
This is more complicated. The lead passenger is the primary holder of the booking. Changing this person may result in:
Cancellation charges
Loss of promotions
Re-pricing of the booking
This means:
None of the original passengers travel
A completely new person takes the booking
This is usually treated as a cancellation plus a new booking, not a transfer.
Timing is the most important factor in whether a reservation can be transferred.
Most flexible period
Name changes more likely to be accepted
Lower fees
Better chance of approval
Fees increase
Availability becomes limited
Cruise line approval required
Often not allowed
Treated as cancellation
Risk of losing most or all of the fare
P&O Cruises typically charges a name change fee per passenger. The exact amount depends on:
How many names are changed
How close to departure the request is
Whether it is a partial or full change
Common fee types include:
Administrative fee
Fare difference (if the new passenger’s fare is higher)
Loss of promotional discounts
Cancellation penalty if the change is too late
In some cases, the cruise line may charge the same amount as a cancellation fee.
If you need to change or transfer your reservation, follow these steps:
Check:
Your booking confirmation
The cancellation and amendment policy
Deadlines for name changes
If you booked directly:
Call P&O Cruises customer service
If you booked through an agent:
Contact the travel agent first
They act as the intermediary for any changes.
You will need:
Full name
Date of birth
Passport details
Nationality
Emergency contact
Fees must be paid before the change is confirmed.
Always request:
A new booking confirmation
Updated passenger list
Revised invoice
If a passenger cannot travel due to illness:
Medical certificates may be requested
Travel insurance usually applies
The cruise line may allow rebooking rather than transfer
Death or serious illness in the family may qualify for:
Partial refunds
Credits for future cruises
Insurance claims
If a passenger is denied a visa:
The cruise line usually treats it as a cancellation
Insurance may cover the loss
Travel insurance is extremely important in these situations. Most good policies cover:
Illness
Injury
Family emergencies
Job loss
Visa refusal
Instead of transferring a reservation, many travelers recover their money through insurance and let someone else book separately.
Without insurance, you may lose a significant portion of your cruise fare.
Keeps the booking active
Avoids full cancellation
Useful if only one passenger changes
Cleaner process
Insurance can reimburse costs
New passenger can book independently
In many cases, canceling and rebooking is simpler than transferring.
Waiting too long to request a change
Assuming transfers are free
Not checking travel insurance coverage
Changing the lead passenger without understanding penalties
Giving incorrect passenger details
Forgetting to update passport and visa information
For group reservations:
Policies may be more flexible
Some name changes are allowed until a set deadline
Group contracts define their own rules
However, full transfers are still limited.
A cruise booking is a legal contract between the passenger and the cruise line. Transferring that contract to another person without permission is not allowed. That is why cruise lines use terms like “name change” instead of “transfer.”
Buy travel insurance immediately after booking
Avoid booking under someone else’s name
Double-check passenger details at booking time
Understand cancellation deadlines
Keep copies of all confirmations
Act early if plans change
Sometimes, if at least one original passenger stays on the booking and you pay the fee.
Usually no. This is treated as cancellation and rebooking.
It depends on timing. Early changes cost less.
It is possible in some cases but often expensive and restricted.
Possibly. Changes may reset certain preferences.
So, can you transfer a reservation on P&O Cruises? The answer is partially, but with limitations. In most cases, you can change or replace one passenger if at least one original traveler remains on the booking. Full transfers to entirely new passengers are rarely allowed and are usually treated as cancellations.
The most important factors are:
Timing
Whether the lead passenger remains
The applicable fees
Travel insurance coverage
Understanding these rules before booking can save you from financial loss and stress later. If there is even a small chance that your plans might change, travel insurance is your best protection.
Cruises are meant to be enjoyable and stress-free. Knowing your rights and responsibilities when it comes to reservation transfers ensures that unexpected life events do not turn into costly mistakes.
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
