How Do I Change a Name on a P&O Cruises Cruise Reservation?

Booking a cruise is an exciting experience, but sometimes mistakes happen. Maybe you misspelled a name, used a nickname instead of a passport name, or one of your travel companions can no longer go and you need to replace them with someone else. In such situations, travelers often ask:

“How do I change a name on a P&O Cruises cruise reservation?”

If you’ve booked a cruise with P&O Cruises, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know policies, procedures, fees, documents, and helpful tips so you can correct or update your booking smoothly and avoid boarding issues.

Why Name Accuracy Is So Important for Cruise Bookings

Your cruise reservation name must exactly match the name on your government-issued ID or passport. Even a small error, such as missing a letter or using a nickname, can cause problems during:

Online check-in
Boarding at the port
Immigration and customs checks
Security verification

Cruise lines treat passenger names as legal travel details, similar to airline tickets. That’s why it’s important to fix any errors as soon as you notice them.

Types of Name Changes on P&O Cruises Reservations

There are generally two types of name changes:

1. Minor Name Corrections

These include:

Spelling mistakes (e.g., “Jonh” instead of “John”)
Typographical errors
Missing middle name
Wrong title (Mr/Mrs/Ms)

These are usually easy to fix and often free of charge if requested early.

2. Full Passenger Name Change (Transfer of Booking)

This happens when:

One guest cancels and another person takes their place
You want to replace a traveler entirely
A legal name has changed (marriage or divorce)

This type of change may involve fees and stricter rules.

Can You Change a Name on a P&O Cruises Reservation?

Yes, P&O Cruises allows name changes, but the rules depend on:

How close you are to the sailing date
Whether it is a minor correction or a full replacement
The fare type you booked
Whether documents can support the change

Not all name changes are treated equally. Minor corrections are usually easier than replacing a passenger completely.

Step-by-Step: How to Change a Name on Your P&O Cruises Reservation

Step 1: Check Your Booking Details

Log into your P&O Cruises booking using:

Booking reference number
Last name of the lead passenger

Review all passenger details carefully:

First name
Last name
Date of birth
Passport name

Confirm exactly what needs to be changed.

Step 2: Contact P&O Cruises or Your Travel Agent

You can request a name change through:

Option 1: P&O Cruises Customer Service

Call P&O Cruises directly or use their official website contact form.

You will need:

Booking reference number
Passenger name to be corrected
Correct name as per passport
Reason for the change

Option 2: Travel Agent (if booked through one)

If you booked through a travel agency or online travel portal, you must request the change through them. P&O Cruises will not modify third-party bookings directly.

Step 3: Provide Supporting Documents (if required)

For legal name changes or passenger replacements, you may need:

Passport copy
Marriage certificate
Divorce decree
Government ID
Proof of name spelling

These documents help verify that the request is legitimate.

Step 4: Pay Any Applicable Fees

Fees vary depending on the type of change:

Minor Spelling Corrections

Usually free
Especially if corrected soon after booking

Full Passenger Replacement

May involve an administration fee
Sometimes equal to a cancellation and rebooking fee
Price difference may apply if the new fare is higher

The closer you are to departure, the higher the risk of fees.

Step 5: Receive Updated Confirmation

Once the change is approved:

You will receive a new booking confirmation
Check the updated name carefully
Save or print the new document

Always re-check before traveling.

P&O Cruises Name Change Policy Overview

While policies can change slightly by fare type and season, general rules include:

Name corrections are allowed for genuine errors
One guest name change per cabin may be permitted
Entire cabin changes are usually treated as cancellation
Changes must be made before final check-in
Some promotions restrict name changes

It’s always best to request changes as early as possible.

Deadlines for Name Changes

Name changes are typically allowed until:

A few days or weeks before sailing
Before travel documents are finalized
Before online check-in closes

Last-minute requests (within 48–72 hours of departure) may not be possible.

Common Reasons for Name Changes

Here are the most frequent situations:

Typo during booking
Name differs from passport
Marriage or divorce
Friend or family member cancels
Emergency replacement
Incorrect title or middle name

All of these are valid reasons, but documentation may be required.

What If You Need to Replace a Passenger?

Replacing a passenger is more complicated than correcting a typo.

Important points:

One guest in a cabin can usually be changed
The lead passenger often cannot be changed
Full cabin name changes may be treated as cancellation
Fare difference may apply

If two people booked and one cancels, P&O Cruises may:

Charge a change fee
Recalculate the fare
Apply single occupancy charges

Name Change vs. Cancellation: What’s the Difference?

A name change:

Keeps the booking active
Updates passenger details
May cost a small fee

A cancellation:

Removes the booking entirely
May result in partial or no refund
Requires rebooking at current prices

Whenever possible, a name change is better than canceling.

Tips to Avoid Name Change Problems

Here are some practical tips:

Always book using passport names
Double-check spelling before confirming payment
Save screenshots of confirmation pages
Make corrections immediately
Avoid last-minute changes
Keep copies of legal documents

Prevention is easier than correction.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I change just one letter in a name?

Yes. Minor spelling corrections are usually allowed without fees if done early.

Can I transfer my cruise to someone else?

Sometimes. One passenger in a cabin can often be replaced, but full transfers may be treated as cancellations.

Is there a fee for name changes?

Minor corrections are often free. Full passenger changes may involve administrative fees.

Can I change the lead passenger name?

Usually no. The lead passenger is tied to the booking and payment details.

How long does a name change take?

Most corrections are processed within 24–72 hours once documents are received.

What Happens If You Don’t Fix a Name Error?

If your name does not match your passport:

You may be denied boarding
Immigration authorities may refuse entry
Your travel insurance may be invalid
You could lose your cruise fare

That’s why name accuracy is critical.

Best Time to Request a Name Change

The best time is:

Immediately after booking
Before final payment deadline
Before online check-in opens

Early changes are easier, faster, and cheaper.

Final Thoughts

Changing a name on a P&O Cruises reservation is possible in most cases, but the process depends on whether it’s a simple correction or a full passenger replacement. Minor spelling mistakes are usually easy to fix, while replacing a traveler may involve fees and stricter rules.

The key is to act quickly, contact customer support or your travel agent, provide proper documentation, and verify your updated booking confirmation. Doing this early can save you money, stress, and potential boarding issues at the port.

Cruises are meant to be relaxing and enjoyable don’t let a small name error stand in the way of your vacation.

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