Are Carnival Cruise Line Tickets Transferable Heres What You Need to Know

Carnival Cruise Line tickets are generally non-transferable, meaning the original guest must be the one to sail—name changes or transferring bookings to another person are not permitted under standard policies. Exceptions are rare and typically require official approval, such as in cases of medical emergencies or military deployment, so it’s crucial to review your booking terms and contact Carnival directly before assuming a transfer is possible.

Key Takeaways

• Tickets are non-transferable: Carnival prohibits resale or gifting of cruise tickets.
• Name changes allowed: You can update passenger names for a fee before final payment.
• Documentation matters: Ensure IDs and booking names match to avoid boarding issues.
• No third-party transfers: Selling or transferring tickets voids the booking entirely.
• Review contract terms: Always check your cruise contract for transfer policies.
• Contact Carnival directly: Request exceptions only through official customer service channels.

Understanding Carnival Cruise Line’s Transfer Policy

Booking a cruise is an exciting experience, but it can also come with uncertainties—life happens, plans change, and sometimes, you may need to transfer your Carnival cruise tickets to another person. Whether you’re gifting a cruise, selling your spot, or simply unable to make the trip, knowing whether Carnival cruise line tickets transferable is a crucial part of your planning process. The answer isn’t always straightforward, as Carnival’s policies are designed to balance flexibility with security, ensuring both the cruise line and passengers are protected.

Carnival Cruise Line, one of the most popular cruise operators in the world, has specific rules governing ticket transfers. These policies are in place to prevent fraud, maintain accountability, and ensure that all guests are properly documented and vetted before boarding. However, this doesn’t mean transfers are impossible—just that they come with conditions. In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about transferring Carnival cruise tickets, including the official rules, workarounds, fees, and practical tips to make the process as smooth as possible. Whether you’re a first-time cruiser or a seasoned traveler, this comprehensive resource will help you navigate the ins and outs of Carnival’s transfer policy with confidence.

Can You Transfer Carnival Cruise Tickets? The Official Policy

When it comes to transferring Carnival cruise tickets, the short answer is: Yes, but with significant restrictions. Unlike some other vacation bookings (like airline tickets or hotel reservations), cruise tickets are not freely transferable without following specific procedures. Carnival Cruise Line treats each cruise booking as a binding contract between the cruise line and the named guest(s), which means transferring ownership requires formal approval and often involves fees.

What the Official Terms Say

According to Carnival’s Contract of Passage, which every passenger agrees to upon booking, cruise tickets are generally non-transferable unless specific conditions are met. The contract states that the ticket is “personal to the named passenger” and cannot be resold, assigned, or transferred to another person without Carnival’s written consent. This means you cannot simply hand over your ticket to a friend or family member and expect them to board the ship without going through the proper channels.

However, Carnival does allow for name changes under certain circumstances, which is the primary method by which a ticket can be “transferred.” A name change involves updating the passenger information on the booking to reflect a new traveler. This is not the same as a free transfer—Carnival treats it as a modification to the original booking, not a new reservation.

When Name Changes Are Allowed

Carnival permits name changes in the following scenarios:

• Before final payment: If you change the passenger name before your final payment is due (typically 75–90 days before departure), there is usually no fee.
• After final payment: If the name change occurs after the final payment deadline, Carnival charges a name change fee, which can range from $50 to $250 per person, depending on how close to the sailing date the change is made.
• Medical or emergency reasons: In cases of documented illness, injury, or death, Carnival may waive the fee or allow a transfer under special circumstances. You’ll need to provide official documentation (e.g., a doctor’s note or death certificate).

Example: Sarah booked a 7-night Caribbean cruise with Carnival for $1,200. She paid her deposit but hasn’t made the final payment. When her sister can no longer join, Sarah wants to transfer the ticket to her cousin. Since the final payment isn’t due yet, she can request a name change with no fee, as long as she submits the new passenger’s information to Carnival at least 30 days before departure.

Limitations and Exceptions

Even when a name change is allowed, there are limitations:

• No last-minute transfers: Carnival typically does not allow name changes within 30 days of departure unless under extreme circumstances (e.g., medical emergencies).
• No third-party resales: You cannot legally sell your cruise ticket to a stranger through third-party platforms (e.g., eBay, Craigslist). Carnival’s terms of service prohibit this, and doing so may result in the ticket being voided.
• Group bookings: For group reservations (16+ cabins), name changes are subject to additional restrictions and may require approval from the group leader or travel agent.

How to Transfer a Carnival Cruise Ticket: Step-by-Step Process

If you’ve determined that a name change is the right path for your situation, follow this step-by-step guide to ensure a smooth transfer of your Carnival cruise ticket. While the process is more involved than simply handing over a ticket, careful planning and timely action can make it manageable.

Step 1: Review Your Booking Timeline

Timing is critical. Determine whether your final payment has been made and how many days remain until departure. As mentioned earlier:

• Before final payment: You have the most flexibility. No fee is typically charged.
• After final payment (31–90 days before sailing): A name change fee applies (usually $100–$150 per person).
• Within 30 days of sailing: Only possible for medical or emergency reasons with documentation.

Step 2: Gather Required Information for the New Passenger

Carnival requires the following details for the new traveler:

• Full legal name (as it appears on government-issued ID)
• Date of birth
• Gender
• Nationality and passport number (if applicable)
• Contact information (email, phone, address)
• Emergency contact details
• Dietary preferences and special needs (e.g., mobility requirements)

Tip: Ensure the new passenger has a valid passport (if international travel is involved) and any required visas or vaccinations. Carnival will not allow boarding without proper documentation.

Step 3: Contact Carnival or Your Travel Agent

You have two options for initiating the transfer:

• Directly with Carnival: Call Carnival’s customer service at 1-800-CARNIVAL (1-800-227-6482). Have your booking number, the original passenger’s information, and the new passenger’s details ready.
• Through a travel agent: If you booked through a travel agency (e.g., Expedia, Cruise.com, or a local agent), contact them instead. They may have access to faster processing or negotiated terms.

Example: Mark booked a cruise through a travel agent for his parents, but his dad fell ill. Mark contacts the agent, who submits a name change request to Carnival on his behalf, including a doctor’s note to justify the transfer. The agent handles the paperwork and confirms the new passenger (Mark’s uncle) is added to the booking within 48 hours.

Step 4: Pay the Name Change Fee (If Applicable)

If the transfer occurs after final payment, Carnival will charge a fee. This is usually:

• $100–$150 per person for changes 31–90 days before sailing
• $200–$250 per person within 30 days (if allowed)

Payment is typically processed via credit card at the time of the request. Keep a receipt for your records.

Step 5: Confirm the Update and Re-Issue Documentation

After the name change is processed, Carnival will:

• Update your booking in their system
• Email the new passenger a confirmation with their name and booking details
• Re-issue boarding passes, luggage tags, and other pre-cruise documents

Important: The original passenger (you) will no longer be associated with the booking. Double-check that the new passenger receives all necessary documents and completes online check-in (via Carnival’s Online Check-In portal) at least 24 hours before embarkation.

Step 6: Prepare the New Passenger for Embarkation

Ensure the new traveler:

• Completes online check-in and prints boarding passes
• Brings required identification (passport, driver’s license, birth certificate for domestic cruises)
• Understands Carnival’s onboard policies (e.g., dress code, drink packages, shore excursions)
• Has travel insurance (recommended, especially for last-minute transfers)

Workarounds and Alternatives to Transferring Carnival Tickets

While Carnival’s official name change process is the most reliable method, there are alternative strategies if the transfer isn’t feasible due to timing, fees, or policy restrictions. These workarounds can help you recoup your costs or ensure the cruise isn’t wasted.

Option 1: Cancel and Re-Book (With a Travel Agent)

If a name change isn’t allowed (e.g., within 30 days of departure with no emergency), consider canceling the original booking and having the new traveler book a new reservation. This is only viable if:

• The cruise is still available (not sold out)
• Prices haven’t increased significantly
• You have travel insurance that covers cancellations

How it works: Work with a travel agent who can negotiate with Carnival to apply your original deposit or partial payment toward a new booking. Some agents have relationships with cruise lines and may secure a credit or discount for the new passenger.

Example: Lisa booked a cruise for $1,500 but can’t go due to a family emergency. She cancels her booking (losing her $300 deposit) and her sister books a new cabin. The travel agent arranges for Carnival to apply $200 of Lisa’s deposit as a credit toward her sister’s fare, reducing the cost to $1,300.

Option 2: Transfer Through a Group Booking

If you’re part of a group cruise (e.g., a family reunion, wedding, or corporate event), the group leader may have more flexibility. Carnival allows group bookings to:

• Substitute passengers within the group (e.g., swapping cabins between members)
• Adjust the number of cabins without penalty (within limits)

Tip: If you’re in a group, coordinate with the leader early. They can often facilitate transfers without involving Carnival’s standard name change fees.

Option 3: Use a “Cruise Credit” or Future Cruise Certificate (FCC)

If Carnival offers compensation for a cancellation (e.g., due to a medical issue or cruise line disruption), they may issue a Future Cruise Certificate (FCC) instead of a refund. An FCC is a credit that can be applied to a new booking, and in some cases, it can be transferred to another person.

Key points:

• FCCs are usually transferable to immediate family members (spouse, child, parent).
• Transfers require written approval from Carnival.
• FCCs have expiration dates (typically 1–2 years).

Example: Tom cancels his cruise due to a job relocation. Carnival issues a $1,000 FCC. Tom requests to transfer it to his brother, who books a new cruise using the credit. Carnival approves the transfer, and the brother sails with a $1,000 discount.

Option 4: Sell Through a Reputable Cruise Marketplace (With Caution)

While Carnival prohibits third-party resales, some platforms specialize in connecting buyers and sellers of cruise bookings. Examples include:

• Cruise Critic’s “Cruise Marketplace”
• VacationStarter
• CruiseCompete

How it works: You post your booking details (sailing date, cabin type, price paid), and interested buyers contact you. You then work with a travel agent to process the name change officially. The buyer pays you directly, and you pay Carnival’s name change fee.

Warning: This method carries risks (e.g., scams, ticket invalidation). Always:

• Use escrow services for payment
• Verify the buyer’s identity
• Confirm with Carnival that the transfer is approved before releasing funds

Fees, Refunds, and Financial Implications of Ticket Transfers

Transferring a Carnival cruise ticket isn’t free—there are costs, refund policies, and financial considerations to keep in mind. Understanding these will help you decide whether a transfer is worth it or if cancellation is a better option.

Name Change Fees

As outlined earlier, Carnival charges fees for name changes after final payment:

Time Before Departure	Fee Per Passenger	Notes
90+ days	$0	No fee if before final payment
31–90 days	$100–$150	Standard name change fee
15–30 days	$200–$250	Higher fee; requires approval
Less than 15 days	Not allowed (except emergencies)	Medical documentation required

Refund Policies and Cancellation Penalties

If you cancel instead of transferring, Carnival’s cancellation policy applies:

• 120+ days before sailing: 100% refund (minus optional add-ons like excursions)
• 90–119 days: 50% refund
• 60–89 days: 75% refund
• 30–59 days: 50% refund
• 15–29 days: 25% refund
• Less than 15 days: No refund (except for medical emergencies with proof)

Tip: Compare the name change fee to the cancellation penalty. For example, if a name change costs $150 but canceling would result in a $400 loss, transferring is financially smarter.

Travel Insurance and Reimbursement

Travel insurance can offset transfer or cancellation costs. Look for policies that cover:

• Trip cancellation (for covered reasons like illness or job loss)
• Trip interruption (if you must leave mid-cruise)
• Name change fees (some premium policies reimburse this)

Example: Alex has travel insurance through Allianz. When he needs to transfer his ticket due to a broken leg, the policy reimburses the $125 name change fee and covers his non-refundable shore excursion costs.

Tax and Legal Considerations

Selling a cruise ticket (even to a friend) may have tax implications. In the U.S., if you sell a ticket for more than you paid, the profit could be considered taxable income. While small transfers between family members are rarely audited, it’s worth noting:

• No formal tax form is required for transfers under $600 (IRS gift tax rules).
• For larger amounts, consult a tax professional.

Tips for a Smooth and Stress-Free Transfer Experience

Transferring a Carnival cruise ticket doesn’t have to be a headache. With the right approach, you can minimize hassle, avoid fees, and ensure the new passenger has a great trip. Here are practical tips to make the process seamless.

Plan Ahead and Act Early

The earlier you initiate a transfer, the better. If you know you might need to change passengers:

• Make the request as soon as possible (ideally before final payment).
• Allow at least 2–3 weeks for processing (especially during peak seasons).
• Factor in time for the new passenger to complete online check-in and gather documents.

Document Everything

Keep records of:

• All communications with Carnival or your travel agent
• Payment receipts for name change fees
• Email confirmations of the updated booking
• Copies of the new passenger’s ID and travel documents

Communicate Clearly with the New Passenger

Ensure the new traveler understands:

• What’s included in the booking (e.g., cabin type, dining, drink packages)
• What they need to bring (ID, medications, formal wear)
• Carnival’s onboard rules (e.g., no outside alcohol, dress codes)
• How to access their booking (via Carnival’s website or app)

Tip: Share a checklist or itinerary with the new passenger to reduce confusion.

Use Carnival’s Online Tools

After the transfer, help the new passenger:

• Log into Carnival’s Online Check-In to complete paperwork
• Book shore excursions and dining reservations
• Download the Carnival Hub app for onboard communication

Consider a Travel Agent for Complex Transfers

If the transfer involves multiple passengers, group bookings, or special circumstances (e.g., medical emergencies), a travel agent can:

• Negotiate with Carnival for fee waivers
• Coordinate documentation and payments
• Act as a point of contact for both parties

Prepare for the Unexpected

Even with careful planning, issues can arise. Have a backup plan:

• If the transfer is denied, explore cancellation options.
• If the new passenger backs out, contact Carnival immediately to avoid no-show penalties.
• Keep a copy of all documents in case of lost luggage or missed boarding.

Conclusion

Are Carnival cruise line tickets transferable? The answer is a qualified yes—but only through official name changes, with fees, and under specific conditions. While Carnival doesn’t allow free or last-minute transfers, their policy does provide a structured way to update passenger information when needed. By understanding the rules, acting early, and using the right strategies, you can successfully transfer your cruise ticket without losing money or stressing over logistics.

Remember, the key to a smooth transfer lies in timing, documentation, and communication. Whether you’re gifting a cruise to a loved one, selling your spot, or adjusting plans due to an emergency, following Carnival’s process ensures both you and the new passenger are protected. Always review your booking timeline, weigh the costs against cancellation penalties, and consider travel insurance to cover unexpected changes. With this guide in hand, you’re equipped to navigate the transfer process with confidence—and ensure that the cruise adventure lives on, even if the original passenger can’t make it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Carnival Cruise Line tickets transferable to another person?

Carnival Cruise Line tickets are generally **non-transferable** once the booking is finalized and names are confirmed. However, you may be able to change the guest name for a fee (typically $50–$100) if done before the final payment deadline.

Can I transfer my Carnival cruise booking to someone else if I can’t go?

While Carnival doesn’t allow direct ticket transfers, you can update the guest name(s) on your reservation through their customer service. This isn’t a true transfer but a name change, and fees or restrictions may apply depending on timing and cruise length.

Is there a deadline to transfer Carnival cruise tickets or change names?

Yes, name changes for Carnival Cruise Line tickets must be completed before the final payment date (usually 75–90 days before departure). After this, modifications are rarely permitted due to legal and security policies.

Are Carnival cruise tickets transferable for group bookings?

Group bookings follow the same rules: individual names can be changed (not transferred) for a fee, but only before final payment. Contact your group coordinator or Carnival directly to adjust the roster early.

Can I sell my Carnival cruise ticket if I no longer want to go?

Selling Carnival tickets violates their terms of service, as they are non-transferable and tied to the original guest. Instead, explore name changes or cancellation with possible refunds under their policy.

What fees are involved in changing a name on Carnival Cruise Line tickets?

Carnival typically charges $50–$100 per name change, depending on the cabin type and timing. Fees increase closer to departure, so act early to minimize costs and avoid last-minute denials.