Changing the name or person on a Princess Cruises ticket is a topic many travelers encounter when plans shift unexpectedly. Whether a friend drops out, a family member wants to join, or you simply need to correct personal details, Princess Cruises has specific rules for modifying the guest information on an existing reservation. Understanding these guidelines helps avoid mistakes, fees, or last-minute issues that could affect your travel experience.
Princess Cruises distinguishes between minor guest information updates and full passenger changes. The flexibility of your booking depends on how substantial the change is, how close you are to your sailing date, and the fare type associated with your reservation.
Small corrections—like fixing a spelling error or updating a middle name—are usually simple. However, swapping out one traveler entirely for another involves more rules and may not be allowed close to departure.
Cruise lines must follow strict security protocols. Because Princess must submit passenger manifests to authorities in advance, significant guest changes often require compliance checks and may trigger limitations.
Cruise tickets are not always transferable from one person to another. Unlike airline tickets that sometimes permit name changes with a fee, cruise reservations are linked directly to your travel documents, security checks, and immigration requirements.
Cruise lines must provide accurate guest records to port authorities and immigration services prior to departure. Changing a passenger on short notice can conflict with these regulations.
Certain promotional fares, casino offers, group blocks, and discounted rates have strict non-transfer rules. These restrictions aim to prevent misuse of special pricing or loyalty-based deals.
Princess Cruises does allow passenger substitutions in certain situations, but the rules vary based on how early the change is requested and what kind of fare you booked.
This is typically the easiest period to request a passenger change. Most standard Princess fares allow you to replace one traveler with another before final payment, as long as the new passenger meets eligibility requirements.
Regular bookings—especially those made at publicly available prices—tend to offer more flexibility. If the change is requested early, there is usually little or no penalty.
Princess may ask for:
Full legal name
Date of birth
Country of citizenship
Passport information (if required for itinerary)
Emergency contact detailsThe booking will not finalize until the updated information is complete.
Once the final payment date passes, Princess becomes significantly stricter about guest name changes. The cruise line may still permit replacing a passenger, but fees and conditions apply.
Princess may charge an administrative fee for passenger substitutions after final payment. This varies by sailing and region, and some bookings may prohibit changes altogether.
If the final manifest has already been submitted to authorities, Princess may refuse changes because they no longer have the ability to update passenger records.
Trying to change a traveler very close to departure usually triggers the highest restrictions. At this stage, Princess often denies passenger swaps altogether.
If the cruise line cannot change the guest, you may need to cancel the original passenger and add a new one. This typically results in cancellation penalties for the departing traveler.
Rare exceptions may apply for emergencies, but they are handled on a case-by-case basis and are not guaranteed.
If you need to replace or update a traveler on your reservation, the process is relatively straightforward, but attention to detail is essential.
If you booked directly through Princess, you must contact their customer service team to request any changes.
Princess may require verification documents to confirm the identity of the new guest. This ensures that all travel records remain accurate.
Allow time for processing, especially close to the sailing date. Passenger changes involve updating multiple internal systems and verifying travel details.
If your reservation is managed by a travel agency, only the advisor can initiate the change on your behalf.
Travel advisors can guide you through what is allowed under your fare type and may help reduce stress by managing communication with Princess.
Some agencies impose their own administrative fees for changes. These are separate from Princess’ fees.
Passenger changes can sometimes affect pricing depending on the rate type and the new passenger’s eligibility.
Certain promotions—such as past guest discounts, casino offers, or military fares—are tied to the traveler. If the new guest does not qualify, your fare may increase.
Price per person can shift depending on the number of guests in the cabin. Replacing a guest may trigger a new fare quote.
Changing the passenger also means verifying the new traveler has correct documentation for your itinerary.
Some itineraries—such as Alaska, Europe, or South America—require passports or visas that must be valid months beyond your travel dates.
The name on the cruise ticket must match the passport exactly. Even minor inconsistencies can cause issues at embarkation.
Passenger substitutions affect several aspects of your cruise experience beyond just the reservation.
If the departing passenger has purchased extras, you’ll need to determine how these transfer.
Drink packages are tied to specific individuals. These typically need to be refunded or reassigned through Princess.
Excursions and dining reservations may be automatically canceled or may need to be manually transferred or rebooked for the new guest.
If you purchased insurance through Princess or a third-party provider, the policy may need to be updated.
A new traveler usually requires a new policy or a revised policy reflecting their information.
Insurance eligibility may change depending on the new passenger’s circumstances.
Princess Captain’s Circle loyalty benefits do not transfer between passengers.
Each traveler earns points for their own travel. A new guest may not receive the same perks the original traveler was entitled to.
Changing the traveler does not normally alter your cabin, but it may influence what Princess allows you to modify afterward.
Certain offers—like upgrade promotions—may be tied to the original traveler and not transferable to replacements.
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