How much does it cost to transfer a P&O Cruises reservation?

Transferring a P&O Cruises reservation is a common request among travelers whose plans change due to personal, financial, or scheduling reasons. While the process is possible in many situations, the cost to transfer a booking is not fixed and depends on several policy-driven factors. This guide explains the real costs involved, how transfers work in practice, and what experienced cruise travelers should consider before initiating a change.

This article is written from the perspective of cruise industry best practices and consumer travel policy analysis. It focuses on transparency, realistic expectations, and practical steps so travelers can make informed decisions without unexpected financial consequences.

P&O Cruises reservation transfers and pricing basics

What a reservation transfer actually means

A reservation transfer with P&O Cruises typically refers to changing the lead passenger name or assigning the booking to another eligible traveler. This is different from canceling and rebooking, which often results in higher penalties.

In most cases, P&O Cruises treats transfers as one of the following:

• A name change on an existing booking

• A full booking transfer to a new guest

• A partial transfer where one passenger is replaced

Each option has different cost implications and eligibility rules.

Name change versus full booking transfer

A name change usually involves updating one or more passenger names while keeping the original booking reference, sailing date, cabin category, and fare conditions intact. This is often less expensive than transferring the entire booking to a new lead guest.

A full booking transfer, on the other hand, means the original lead passenger is removed and replaced entirely. This may trigger higher administrative fees or require repricing under current fare conditions.

When transfers are permitted

Transfers are generally permitted only when:

• The cruise has not reached final payment deadline

• Promotional fare rules allow modifications

• The sailing is not fully booked or restricted

• The new guest meets travel document requirements

If any of these conditions are not met, P&O Cruises may deny the transfer or require cancellation instead.

Typical cost structure for transferring a reservation

There is no single published fee for transferring a P&O Cruises reservation. Based on industry-standard cruise line policies and publicly available booking terms, transfer costs typically fall into a predictable range.

Administrative and processing fees

Most transfers involve a non-refundable administrative fee, which is commonly:

• Charged per booking, not per passenger

• Applied each time a change is made

• Separate from any fare difference

While exact amounts vary by sailing and fare type, administrative fees are often modest compared to full cancellation penalties.

Fare differences and repricing risks

One of the most significant “hidden costs” of transferring a reservation is fare repricing. If the original fare is no longer available, P&O Cruises may require the booking to be reissued at the current market rate.

This can result in:

• Higher cruise fare

• Loss of promotional discounts

• Removal of onboard credit or perks

In practice, fare increases often exceed the administrative transfer fee itself.

Key factors that influence how much you pay

Timing of the transfer request

The timing of your request is the single most important factor affecting cost.

Early versus late transfer requests

Transfers requested well before the final payment date are generally:

• Less expensive

• More flexible

• Less likely to trigger fare repricing

Transfers requested after final payment often involve:

• Higher fees

• Limited eligibility

• Increased risk of denial

Industry data shows that cruise lines impose stricter controls closer to departure to manage inventory and revenue stability.

Step-by-step process to transfer a P&O Cruises reservation

Transferring a booking is not automatic and requires clear documentation and coordination. Following a structured process reduces delays and errors.

Documents and information typically required

Before requesting a transfer, prepare:

• Original booking reference number

• Full legal name of the new passenger

• Date of birth and nationality

• Passport validity confirmation

• Contact details for both parties

Failure to match travel documents exactly may result in denied boarding later.

Common mistakes that increase costs

Travelers often incur higher fees due to:

• Waiting until after fare deadlines

• Assuming name changes are always free

• Ignoring promotional fare restrictions

• Attempting multiple changes separately

Experienced cruise advisors recommend making all changes at once to avoid repeated administrative charges.

Expert strategies to reduce or avoid transfer costs

Practical ways to minimize fees and financial risk

Seasoned cruise travelers and booking professionals rely on several proven strategies to manage transfer costs effectively.

• Request transfers as early as possible

• Avoid deeply restricted promotional fares

• Confirm whether name changes preserve original pricing

• Keep at least one original passenger on the booking

• Ask whether a future cruise credit is more cost-effective

In some cases, canceling and rebooking during a promotional sale may be cheaper than transferring under current fare conditions.

Cruise travel is governed by contract terms rather than consumer retail laws. This means flexibility is limited, but informed planning significantly improves outcomes.

Frequently asked questions?

How much does it cost to transfer a P&O Cruises reservation?

The cost varies by fare type, timing, and sailing. Most transfers involve an administrative fee plus any applicable fare difference.

Is transferring a booking cheaper than canceling?

In many cases, yes. Transfers usually cost less than full cancellation penalties, especially before final payment.

Can I transfer my reservation to someone else completely?

Yes, but full transfers may require repricing at current rates and additional approval.

Are name changes free on P&O Cruises?

Name changes are rarely free. Most involve an administrative charge, even if only one passenger is changed.

Does P&O Cruises allow transfers after final payment?

Sometimes, but restrictions apply and fees are typically higher.

Will I lose onboard credit if I transfer my booking?

Promotional perks may be removed if the booking is repriced or modified under new terms.

Can I transfer only one passenger in a cabin?

Yes, partial transfers are often allowed, provided one original guest remains on the booking.

What happens if the new passenger pays less than the original fare?

Cruise lines generally do not refund fare differences when prices drop after booking.

Is travel insurance affected by a reservation transfer?

Yes. Insurance policies are usually non-transferable and may need to be repurchased.

What if my transfer request is denied?

If denied, your options may include cancellation, future cruise credit, or keeping the original booking.