Cruise vacations are usually planned months in advance. People book early to secure the best cabins, discounts, and travel dates. However, life is unpredictable. Illness, family emergencies, work commitments, or visa issues can arise suddenly. When this happens, many travelers ask an important question: How much does it cost to transfer a P&O Cruises reservation to another person?
Transferring a cruise booking is not as simple as changing a train or movie ticket. Cruise companies operate under strict booking policies that define when and how a reservation can be transferred, and what fees apply. Understanding these rules in advance can save you money and stress.
In this detailed guide, we will explain:
What transferring a reservation means
Whether P&O Cruises allows transfers
How much it costs
What conditions apply
How to do it step by step
Common mistakes to avoid
Ways to reduce or avoid transfer fees
This article is designed to be a complete resource for anyone considering transferring their P&O Cruises booking.
A transfer of reservation usually means changing the main passenger name on a booking to another person. For example, if you booked a cruise under your name but cannot travel, you may want to give the booking to a friend or family member instead of canceling it.
This is different from:
Changing the travel date
Changing the cabin type
Canceling and rebooking
A transfer specifically involves replacing one or more passengers on the same booking with new passengers.
Cruise lines treat this carefully because:
Prices may have changed since the original booking
Passenger information is tied to safety and immigration requirements
Promotions or discounts may not be transferable
P&O Cruises generally allows name changes or reservation transfers under certain conditions, but it is not completely free or unlimited. The rules depend on:
How close the sailing date is
Whether the main lead passenger is changing
The type of fare booked
Any promotions attached to the booking
In many cases, P&O Cruises treats a transfer as a name change, and a fee is charged for processing it.
The cost to transfer a P&O Cruises reservation usually falls into two categories:
P&O Cruises typically charges a name change fee per person. While the exact amount can vary by booking type and season, the common range is:
£50 to £100 per person (approximate)
This fee applies when:
One passenger is replaced by another
The lead passenger name is changed
The booking is transferred to a new individual
This is not a refund; it is a service fee for changing passenger details in their system.
Even after paying the name change fee, the new passenger may have to pay:
Any difference between the original fare and the current fare
For example:
You booked your cruise for £900
Current price for the same cabin is £1,200
You may be required to pay the £300 difference
This happens especially when:
A promotional fare is no longer available
Demand has increased
The transfer happens close to sailing
So the true cost of transferring a reservation can be higher than just the name change fee.
P&O Cruises normally allows name changes:
Up to a certain number of days before departure
As long as the cruise is not fully ticketed or locked for immigration processing
In many cases:
Changes are allowed until about 14–21 days before sailing
After that, changes may not be permitted or may cost much more
This is because:
Passenger manifests are sent to port authorities
Visa and security checks must be finalized
There are cases where P&O Cruises may refuse a transfer:
Promotional or discounted faresSome deals are strictly non-transferable.
Group bookingsGroup contracts may have separate rules.
Last-minute changesVery close to sailing date, name changes may be blocked.
Main passenger cancellationIf the lead passenger cancels entirely, the booking may need to be canceled and rebooked rather than transferred.
It is important to compare costs between:
Transferring a reservation
Canceling and rebooking
Cancellation usually involves:
Losing part or all of your payment depending on how close to sailing
For example:
Cancel 90 days before sailing: small fee
Cancel 30 days before sailing: higher penalty
Cancel 7 days before sailing: no refund
Transfer often costs less than cancellation, which is why many people prefer it.
If you booked directly with P&O Cruises:
Call their customer serviceIf you booked through an agent:
Contact the agent first
Have ready:
Booking reference number
Original passenger name
New passenger details
Explain that you want to:
Transfer the reservation to another person
Replace a passenger name
They will inform you:
Whether it is allowed
What fees apply
Any fare difference
You will need:
Full name (as per passport)
Date of birth
Passport details
Contact information
Accuracy is critical to avoid boarding problems.
Once approved, you must pay:
Name change fee
Any fare difference
After payment:
A new confirmation will be issued
Transferring a cruise reservation may also involve extra charges such as:
Insurance is usually non-transferable. The new passenger must buy their own policy.
If your cruise includes flights or hotels:
These may not be transferable
Airlines often charge separate name change fees
Some pre-booked excursions may need to be rebooked under the new name.
Cruise lines charge transfer fees because:
Passenger records are tied to safety systems
Security checks must be updated
Immigration documentation must be changed
Promotional pricing could be misused
The fee discourages people from reselling cruises for profit and ensures proper traveler verification.
Free transfers are rare but possible if:
The cruise is far in the future
No promotions were applied
You make the change soon after booking
The cruise line makes an exception
However, most standard bookings involve at least a small administrative fee.
Waiting too long to request a transferThis increases fees or blocks the change.
Assuming it is freeMany travelers are surprised by name change charges.
Not checking fare differencesThis can double the cost unexpectedly.
Trying to change at the portName changes at embarkation are usually not allowed.
Some travelers try to sell their cruise booking to someone else. This can be risky because:
Cruise lines prohibit resale for profit
You still need official name changes
The cruise line must approve the new passenger
Always go through official channels.
Here are smart ways to minimize charges:
Request transfer as early as possible
Avoid promotional fares if flexibility is important
Keep at least one original passenger on the booking
Compare cost of cancellation vs transfer
Ask customer service for exceptions politely
Sometimes agents can waive or reduce fees depending on circumstances.
In some cases, medical documentation can help reduce penalties.
Cruise lines may show compassion and allow changes with lower fees.
Transfers may be allowed if the original passenger cannot travel legally.
Each case is reviewed individually.
Every booking is governed by:
The cruise contract
Fare conditions
National consumer laws
Always read the booking terms carefully before assuming transfers are allowed.
Usually yes, especially close to departure.
Yes, in most cases, but fees apply.
Yes, but passport and visa rules must be met.
Often yes, but with higher fees.
A cruise is a major investment. Losing the full fare due to cancellation can be stressful. Transfers offer a middle path that:
Preserves some value
Helps someone else enjoy the vacation
Reduces financial loss
Understanding the policy in advance helps you make calm decisions.
P&O Cruises allows reservation transfers in many cases
Typical fee ranges from £50 to £100 per person
Fare differences may apply
Transfers must be requested before a deadline
Additional costs like flights and insurance may apply
Early action saves money
Transferring a P&O Cruises reservation can be a practical solution when travel plans change. While it is not completely free, it is often much cheaper than canceling outright and losing the full cost of your cruise. The exact cost depends on timing, fare type, and current prices, so acting quickly is the best strategy.
The most important lesson is this: always read your booking terms and contact customer service as soon as you know you cannot travel. The earlier you request a transfer, the more options you have and the lower the fees are likely to be.
With proper planning and understanding, a transfer can turn a stressful situation into a manageable one—and even give someone else the chance to enjoy the cruise you couldn’t take.
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