How do I change a name on an American Queen Voyages cruise reservation?

Changing a passenger name on a cruise reservation can feel stressful, especially when travel documents, government-issued identification, and voyage policies are involved. For guests sailing with American Queen Voyages, name corrections and substitutions are handled through a structured process designed to maintain compliance with maritime security regulations while protecting travelers from unnecessary disruption.

This guide explains how to change a name on an American Queen Voyages cruise reservation, what types of changes are allowed, when fees may apply, and how to avoid last-minute boarding issues. It is written from a traveler-first perspective, combining operational knowledge with real-world booking scenarios to deliver practical, trustworthy guidance.

Name Change Policies on American Queen Voyages

American Queen Voyages operates river and small-ship coastal cruises, which follow stricter passenger manifest requirements than many large ocean cruise lines. Because manifests are submitted to authorities before departure, name accuracy is critical.

What Counts as a Name Change?

Not every update is treated the same. American Queen Voyages typically separates name requests into two categories:

• Name corrections

• Name substitutions

Each category follows different approval rules and timelines.

Common Reasons Travelers Request Name Changes

Travelers request name updates for many legitimate reasons, including:

• Typographical errors during booking

• Legal name changes after marriage or divorce

• Mismatch between reservation and government ID

• Replacing a guest who can no longer travel

Understanding the reason helps determine whether the change is simple or restricted.

Types of Name Changes Allowed on Cruise Reservations

Name Corrections vs Name Substitutions

Change TypeDescriptionApproval Likelihood

Minor correctionSpelling errors, missing letters, incorrect orderUsually approved

Legal name updateMarriage, divorce, court-ordered changeApproved with documents

Guest substitutionReplacing one traveler with anotherLimited, often restricted

Full name replacementChanging entire passenger identityOften denied

When a Name Correction Is Usually Approved

Minor corrections are commonly approved when:

• The change does not alter the identity of the traveler

• Supporting documents confirm the correct name

• The request is made well before sailing

Examples include correcting “Jonh” to “John” or adding a missing middle name.

When a Name Substitution May Be Restricted

Substitutions are more complex and may be denied if:

• The sailing date is close

• Manifests have already been submitted

• Promotional fares prohibit substitutions

Based on publicly available information, there is no confirmed data on this being universally allowed across all fare types.

Step-by-Step Guide to Changing a Name on Your Reservation

Step 1 Review Your Booking Confirmation Carefully

Before contacting anyone, compare your reservation name with:

• Government-issued photo identification

• Passport or travel document used for boarding

• Airline tickets if flights are bundled

Any mismatch should be corrected immediately.

Step 2 Contact the Booking Channel Used

Name changes must be requested through the original booking source, which may be:

• American Queen Voyages direct reservations team

• A travel advisor or agency

• A group or corporate booking coordinator

Requests made through third parties cannot be processed directly by the cruise line.

Step 3 Submit Required Documentation

Depending on the request, you may need:

• Marriage certificate

• Divorce decree

• Court-issued name change document

• Government ID showing the correct name

All documents should clearly match the requested correction.

Step 4 Confirm Fees and Processing Time

Some name updates are free, while others may involve administrative fees. Processing time varies based on:

• How close the sailing date is

• Whether manifests are finalized

• Complexity of the change

Always request written confirmation once the update is complete.

Timing Rules and Deadlines You Must Know

Why Timing Matters for Name Changes

Passenger information is shared with regulatory authorities in advance. Late changes may be restricted even if documentation is valid.

Typical Timing Guidelines

• 60+ days before sailing: Most corrections allowed

• 30–59 days before sailing: Limited approvals

• Under 30 days: Changes may be denied

These timelines are not guaranteed and vary by itinerary.

Consequences of Missing a Name Correction Deadline

Failing to correct a name in time may result in:

• Denied boarding

• Loss of fare without refund

• Inability to pass security verification

Cruise lines cannot override regulatory requirements at the pier.

Fees Refunds and Fare Rule Considerations

Are There Fees to Change a Name?

Fees depend on the nature of the change and the fare rules attached to your reservation.

ScenarioTypical Outcome

Minor typo correctionNo fee

Legal name changeNo or minimal fee

Guest substitutionFee or denial

Promotional fareRestrictions likely

Always review your booking terms before submitting a request.

Will Changing a Name Affect Promotions or Discounts?

Some promotional fares are non-transferable. A name substitution could void:

• Early booking discounts

• Group incentives

• Loyalty benefits

In such cases, travelers may need to rebook at current rates.

Expert Tips to Avoid Name-Related Travel Problems

Best Practices Before Finalizing a Booking

• Use full legal names exactly as shown on ID

• Avoid nicknames or abbreviations

• Double-check spelling before payment

What Travel Advisors Recommend

Experienced cruise advisors recommend submitting corrections as soon as an error is discovered, even if the sailing is months away. Early action prevents last-minute stress and limited options.

Special Situations to Watch For

• Hyphenated last names

• Suffixes such as Jr or Sr

• Accented characters not supported in booking systems

Clarify how names should appear during booking.

Real-World Scenarios Travelers Encounter

Scenario One Typo Discovered After Final Payment

A guest notices a spelling error two weeks after final payment. Because the identity remains the same, the correction is approved without penalty.

Scenario Two Guest Replacement Due to Illness

One traveler cannot sail and wants to transfer the booking. The fare rules prohibit substitution, requiring cancellation and rebooking.

Scenario Three Legal Name Change Before Sailing

A traveler marries after booking and submits documentation. The cruise line updates the reservation without issue when notified early.

Frequently Asked Questions?

How long does it take to process a name change on an American Queen Voyages reservation?

Most corrections are processed within several business days, but timing depends on sailing proximity.

Can I change just one letter in my name without paying a fee?

Minor spelling corrections are commonly approved without additional charges.

Is it possible to replace a guest on my reservation?

Guest substitutions are limited and depend on fare rules and sailing deadlines.

What documents are required for a legal name change?

Official legal documents showing the updated name are typically required.

Will a name change affect my cabin assignment?

Cabin assignments usually remain unchanged unless the fare rules require rebooking.

Can I make a name change online?

Most requests must be handled by the booking source rather than self-service tools.

What happens if my name does not match my ID at boarding?

Mismatch may result in denied boarding without refund.

Are group bookings treated differently?

Group contracts often have stricter rules regarding substitutions.

Does a name change reset cancellation penalties?

Corrections do not usually reset penalties, but substitutions may.

What if I discover an error on the day of departure?

Same-day corrections are rarely possible due to security requirements.