Changing a passenger name on a Princess Cruises reservation is a request that many travelers eventually face. Whether a friend can no longer travel, a family member wants to take their place, or a simple spelling error needs correction, Princess Cruises has clear procedures for handling name changes. However, the rules vary depending on timing, documentation requirements, and fare conditions. Knowing what is allowed, when it’s allowed, and what it may cost helps avoid unnecessary complications and ensures your booking remains valid and ready for travel.
Cruise lines operate under strict security and immigration rules, meaning the names on the reservation must match official travel documents. Because of this, Princess Cruises must follow detailed guidelines for when and how names can be updated.
All passengers must be correctly listed on the ship’s manifest, which is submitted to authorities before sailing. Name changes too close to departure can conflict with regulatory timelines.
Some discounted or promotional fares include non-transfer or restricted-change conditions. These may limit whether a passenger can be replaced by someone else.
Name changes fall into two main categories: minor corrections and full passenger substitutions. Princess treats these differently based on the extent of the change.
Small spelling errors, missing middle initials, or minor formatting corrections are generally allowed without major restrictions, provided they do not materially change the identity of the traveler.
Replacing an existing traveler with a new person is considered a full substitution. Princess may allow this depending on timing and fare rules, but it typically comes with more restrictions than minor corrections.
Princess Cruises’ flexibility regarding name changes depends primarily on how early the request is made. Another key factor is whether final payment has been completed, because bookings become more difficult to modify after that point.
This is the most flexible and easiest time to request a name change or passenger substitution.
Most standard Princess fares allow full name changes before final payment. This means you can replace one traveler entirely with another as long as the request is made early enough.
Princess will need:
Full legal name
Date of birth
Citizenship information
Passport details (if required by itinerary)
Emergency contact information
The reservation is not finalized until all new details are provided accurately.
Once the final payment date has passed, name change options become more limited. Princess may still allow certain changes, but fees or restrictions often apply.
Princess may charge a name-change fee after final payment. The exact cost varies by sailing and region but is typically modest for simple corrections.
Replacing an entire traveler after final payment is allowed only in certain cases. Princess may deny the request if the deadline for passenger manifest submission has passed.
The closer you are to the sailing date, the harder it becomes to change passenger names.
Princess must submit the full passenger list to authorities several days before departure. After this point, name changes may be blocked entirely.
If the name cannot be changed, Princess may require you to cancel the original traveler and add a new one. This may result in cancellation penalties depending on your timeline.
Whether updating a spelling error or replacing a passenger, the process involves specific steps. How you request the change depends on how you originally booked the cruise.
Guests who booked directly must contact Princess customer service to make any name adjustments.
Princess agents can guide you through what is allowed, what fees may apply, and what documents are required for the change.
Princess may require proof of correct spelling for minor corrections, such as a passport or government-issued ID.
If your booking is with a travel advisor or agency, they must submit the name change request on your behalf.
Travel advisors have direct access to Princess’ booking system and can update passenger information or handle substitution requests.
Some travel agencies may charge a small administrative fee for processing a name change, separate from any fee Princess may impose.
Changing a passenger affects far more than just the name on the reservation. It can influence pricing, onboard arrangements, and documentation requirements.
The type of fare you originally booked plays a major role in what name changes are allowed.
Some promotional fares restrict substitutions or name changes. In these cases, Princess may not allow a new passenger to take the place of the original one.
Offers tied to a specific individual—such as casino rates or Captain’s Circle promotions—may lose eligibility if a new passenger is substituted.
If the original traveler purchased add-ons, these may need adjustment.
These may be canceled automatically when a new passenger replaces the original traveler, requiring rebooking.
Excursions tied to the original name may need to be reassigned or refunded before being booked under the new passenger.
A name change on the reservation must always match the new traveler’s documentation.
The cruise ticket must match the passport exactly, including middle names where applicable.
If visas were already issued for the original traveler, the new passenger will need to obtain their own documents.
Travel insurance purchased for the original traveler will not automatically transfer to a new person.
The insurance provider will usually require reissuing the policy under the new passenger’s name.
Replacing a passenger may affect your overall fare.
If the cabin occupancy shifts from double to single temporarily during the substitution process, the fare could adjust before being corrected.
If the new traveler qualifies for a different promotion, the fare may be recalculated.
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