Can I Change Names After Booking a Princess Cruise?

Booking a cruise is exciting, but plans can shift, passengers may change, and sometimes errors happen when entering information. For many travelers, one of the most common questions after securing a reservation is whether it’s possible to change names on a Princess Cruises booking. Fortunately, Princess does allow name changes in many situations, though the process depends heavily on timing, fare rules, and the type of name change required. Knowing what’s allowed can help you avoid unnecessary fees and last-minute stress.

When Princess Cruises Allows Name Changes

Princess Cruises provides travelers with some flexibility when modifying passenger information. However, name changes fall into different categories—from simple corrections to full passenger substitutions—and each has its own timeline and rules.

Changing Names Before Final Payment

The best time to make any name-related adjustment is before the final payment date, as this phase offers the greatest flexibility. Princess Cruises typically allows:

• Free or low-cost corrections

• Passenger substitutions

• Updates due to legal name changes

• Adjustments for typos or spacing issues

During this early stage, your reservation hasn’t yet entered the final documentation process, making it much easier for the cruise line to modify personal details.

Changing Names After Final Payment

Once you pass the final payment deadline, your reservation becomes more restrictive. Travel documents, manifests, and port authority information begin processing, so name modifications may:

• Incur administrative fees

• Require proof of identity

• Need additional verification

• Be subject to approval

Princess Cruises still allows many changes after final payment, but these are handled more carefully—and may take longer.

Changes Close to the Sailing Date

In the last 72 hours before departure, Princess Cruises significantly limits what can be changed. This is because the cruise line must submit passenger information to government agencies, including:

• Homeland security departments

• Port authorities

• Immigration officials

During this window, Princess may allow only minor spelling corrections that align with legal documents. Full substitutions or major name changes are typically not possible.

Types of Name Changes Allowed by Princess Cruises

Not all name changes are treated equally. Depending on what you need to update, Princess has different rules, deadlines, and documentation requirements.

Minor Spelling Errors or Typos

The most common issue involves small mistakes, such as:

• Misspelled first or last names

• Missing middle initials

• Incorrect spacing or punctuation

• Reversed letters

These minor corrections are usually simple to fix.

When Typos Can Be Corrected

• Freely before final payment

• Usually after final payment with proof

• Sometimes within 72 hours if documents match exactly

Documentation That May Be Required

• Passport

• Government ID

• Marriage license (if applicable)

These changes rarely result in fees unless they're requested extremely late.

Full Passenger Substitution

A complete change of traveler—replacing one person with another—counts as a full substitution. This is more complicated because it alters the reservation’s core details.

When Substitutions Are Allowed

• Permitted before final payment

• Sometimes allowed after final payment with fees

• Rarely possible close to sailing

Princess Cruises evaluates substitution requests case-by-case, especially after payment deadlines.

Legal Name Updates

Passengers who legally change their names due to marriage, divorce, or court order can request updates to their booking.

Required Documents for Legal Changes

• Certified marriage certificate

• Court-ordered name change document

• Divorce decree reflecting name restoration

Legal updates are generally accepted even after final payment, but must be completed early enough to avoid conflicts with customs or immigration checks.

Group or Multi-Cabin Bookings

If your booking is part of a group—family cabins, wedding parties, or large travel groups—name change rules may differ.

Group Booking Considerations

• Deadlines may be earlier or later than standard reservations

• Substitutions could be allowed longer depending on group contracts

• Fees may be negotiated by the group planner

Always review group-specific policies, which may vary from the general Princess guidelines.

Factors That Affect Whether a Name Change Can Be Made

Even if Princess Cruises typically allows name changes, certain conditions can influence how late and how easily these changes can occur.

Fare Type Restrictions

Some discounted or non-refundable fares have strict rules that limit or prohibit modifications.

Common Restrictions Include

• No changes after booking is finalized

• Passenger substitutions not permitted

• Higher fees for post-payment adjustments

Always check your fare terms before assuming a name change is allowed.

Travel Document Requirements

For international cruises, your reservation name must match your passport exactly.

Issues That May Complicate a Late Change

• Incorrect spelling on the booking

• Recent name changes not reflected on passport

• Visa requirements in certain ports

Ensuring consistency between your ID and booking prevents boarding delays.

Air and Hotel Packages

If your Princess booking includes flights or pre-cruise hotels, name changes may require additional adjustments.

Additional Work Required

• Airline ticket reissues

• Hotel guest list updates

• Transfer or shuttle reservations

Air ticket name changes, especially with major carriers, can be costly or limited.

Cruise Departure Port Regulations

Some ports and countries have stricter requirements regarding passenger manifests, which can affect cut-off times for name changes.

Regions With Strict Document Rules

• Europe

• Australia/New Zealand

• Parts of Asia

• South America

For these itineraries, Princess may tighten modification deadlines.

Possible Fees for Name Changes

While many name changes are free, Princess may charge fees in certain situations, especially as the departure date approaches.

When Fees Are Common

• After final payment

• For passenger substitutions

• For restricted or promotional fares

• When booking through third-party agencies

Costs vary by itinerary, timing, and reservation type.

How to Avoid Extra Charges

• Double-check details at the time of booking

• Review your confirmation within 24 hours

• Make changes before final payment

• Keep all identification documents updated

Early action is the easiest way to avoid fees and delays.

Tips for Successfully Changing a Name on a Princess Cruise

To make the process as smooth as possible, you can follow several practical recommendations.

Submit Changes as Early as Possible

The earlier you request the change, the more likely it will be accepted without fees or complications.

Contact the Correct Party

If you booked through a travel advisor, Princess typically requires all changes to go through your agent. If you booked directly, reach out to Princess Cruises customer service.

Have All Documentation Ready

Providing proper documentation speeds up verification and approval.

Check All Linked Reservations

If your cruise package includes:

• Flights

• Hotels

• Excursions

• Specialty dining

Make sure the name change is reflected everywhere.

Review Final Documents Before Departure

Always verify the final cruise ticket, boarding pass, and online check-in information to ensure everything is accurate.