Does Princess Cruise Lines Let You Do Name Changes Find Out Here

Yes, Princess Cruise Lines allows name changes on bookings, but they must be made at least 30 days before departure and are subject to a name change fee. Guests can update passenger names online or by contacting customer service, though the primary guest on the reservation must remain the same to avoid cancellation. This flexibility makes it easier to adjust travel plans while keeping your cruise secure.

Key Takeaways

• Name changes are allowed but require early request and valid documentation.
• Notify Princess Cruises ASAP to avoid booking complications or fees.
• Fees may apply depending on proximity to departure date.
• Legal documents required for name changes, like marriage or court certificates.
• Group bookings have stricter rules; confirm policies with your travel agent.
• Double-check deadlines to ensure changes are processed before final payment.

Understanding Princess Cruise Lines’ Name Change Policy

Planning a cruise is exciting—until life throws a curveball. Maybe a friend can’t make the trip, or a family member needs to step in last minute. You’ve booked your Princess Cruise, but now you’re wondering: Does Princess Cruise Lines let you do name changes? The short answer? Yes, but with some important rules and timing to keep in mind. It’s not as simple as just swapping a name on a reservation, but it’s far from impossible either. In this post, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know—from deadlines and fees to real-life tips that’ll help you avoid stress and extra costs.

When I first booked a cruise with Princess, I thought name changes were a free-for-all. I imagined calling up customer service, saying, “Hey, my buddy Mike can’t make it—can we swap in Sarah instead?” I was wrong. There’s a process, and timing matters. But once I understood the policy, it actually made sense. Cruise lines like Princess need accurate passenger details for safety, legal, and logistical reasons. Think about it: your name is tied to your passport, travel insurance, and even your cabin assignment. So, while they do allow changes, they can’t just let you swap names willy-nilly. The good news? With a little planning and the right info, you can make that change smoothly—and avoid unnecessary fees or last-minute panic.

When Can You Change a Name on a Princess Cruise?

Understanding the “Final Payment” Deadline

The most critical factor in whether you can change a name is timing—specifically, the final payment date. Princess Cruise Lines sets a final payment deadline, usually around 75 to 90 days before departure, depending on the cruise length and destination. Before this date, name changes are generally more flexible and often come with lower (or even no) fees. After final payment, the rules tighten up, and fees increase significantly.

For example, let’s say you’re sailing on a 7-day Alaska cruise with a final payment date of 80 days prior. If you want to change a name, you’ll have the most options if you do it within 60–70 days before sailing. But if you wait until 2 weeks out? You’re likely looking at a higher fee—or possibly no change at all, depending on the situation.

Name Changes After Final Payment: What to Expect

After final payment, Princess still allows name changes, but it’s treated more like a “rebooking” than a simple update. This is because the cruise line has already issued your booking confirmation, confirmed your stateroom, and possibly sent out travel documents. At this point, the system treats the original booking as “locked,” so changing a name requires administrative work.

I once had a guest on a Caribbean cruise who had to drop out due to a medical emergency. The final payment had already been processed, but I called Princess within 24 hours of the deadline. They allowed the change, but it came with a $100 name change fee per person and required the new passenger to accept all existing terms—including any non-refundable deposits. The new traveler also had to provide full documentation (passport, emergency contact, etc.) right away.

Tip: If you’re making a change after final payment, act fast. The longer you wait, the harder it becomes—and the more expensive it gets.

Name Changes Close to Departure: The 30-Day Window

Within 30 days of departure, Princess’s name change policy becomes much stricter. At this point, changes are considered “late name changes,” and fees can jump to $150–$200 per person. In some cases, especially for international cruises, the change might not be allowed at all due to visa or immigration requirements.

For instance, if you’re on a cruise that visits multiple countries, each with its own entry rules, the cruise line may not be able to update your name in all systems in time. This is especially true for destinations like Canada, the UK, or the Schengen Zone, where passenger manifests are submitted to immigration authorities weeks in advance.

Pro tip: If you’re within 30 days and need to make a change, call Princess directly—don’t rely on online tools. Their customer service team can sometimes make exceptions if you explain the situation (e.g., a death in the family or sudden illness).

How to Request a Name Change: Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Gather Required Information

Before you even call or log in, make sure you have the following:

• Your booking reference number (found in your confirmation email)
• Full legal names of the original and new passenger(s)
• Date of birth, gender, and nationality for the new passenger
• Passport details (number, expiration, issuing country)
• Emergency contact and next of kin information
• Travel insurance details (if applicable)

Princess requires all this info because they need to verify identity, update safety records, and ensure compliance with international travel laws. If you’re missing any details, the process will be delayed.

Step 2: Contact Princess Cruise Lines

You have two main options:

1. Call the Princess Customer Service Line: This is often the fastest and most effective way, especially if you’re close to departure. The phone number is 1-800-774-6237 (U.S. and Canada). Have your booking details ready. The agent will check your eligibility and guide you through the next steps.
2. Use the “Manage My Booking” Tool Online: Log in to your Princess account, go to “My Cruises,” and look for the “Change Passenger” or “Update Guest Info” option. This works best if the change is simple (e.g., correcting a typo) and you’re well before final payment. For actual name swaps, especially after final payment, calling is usually better.

Real-life example: A friend of mine tried to change a name online 45 days before sailing. The system allowed her to update the name, but it didn’t update the passport field. She didn’t catch this until two weeks before the cruise. She had to call customer service, who fixed it—but only after a 45-minute hold. Lesson learned: double-check every field after making a change.

Step 3: Pay Any Applicable Fees

Princess will inform you of the fee during the call or via email. As of 2024, the standard name change fees are:

• Before final payment: $0–$50 per person (often waived for minor corrections)
• After final payment but before 30 days: $100 per person
• Within 30 days of departure: $150–$200 per person

These fees are non-refundable, even if the new passenger later cancels. So, make sure the new traveler is committed before you proceed.

Step 4: Confirm the Change and Update Documents

Once the change is processed, Princess will send a revised confirmation email. Do not ignore this email. Review it carefully to ensure:

• The new name is spelled correctly
• The passport and personal details match
• The cabin assignment hasn’t been changed (sometimes it does)
• Any pre-purchased packages (excursions, dining, etc.) are transferred

If anything looks off, call immediately. It’s much easier to fix an error now than at check-in.

Special Cases: What If the New Passenger Has a Different Itinerary?

Same Cabin, Different Traveler

This is the most common scenario: one person drops out, another takes their spot, and everyone else stays the same. Princess handles this all the time. As long as the new passenger agrees to the same cabin, cruise dates, and pre-purchased add-ons (like drink packages or spa credits), the change is usually straightforward.

However, the new passenger will need to complete all pre-cruise tasks—like online check-in, passport upload, and health questionnaire—under their own name. Princess’s system won’t automatically transfer these, so remind them to log in and complete everything.

Different Cabin or Upgrade Requests

What if the new traveler wants a different cabin—say, a balcony instead of an inside? Or they want to add an excursion that wasn’t in the original booking?

In this case, Princess may treat it as a partial rebooking. They’ll keep the original reservation but create a new one for the new passenger. This can get messy:

• The new passenger might have a different cabin number
• They may not be able to join pre-purchased group activities (e.g., a shared excursion)
• They’ll need to book their own shore excursions and dining reservations

Tip: If the new passenger wants changes, it’s often easier to cancel the original booking (if it’s refundable) and book a new one. But check the cancellation policy first—some fares are non-refundable or charge steep penalties.

International Travel and Visa Complications

If your cruise visits countries that require visas or electronic travel authorizations (e.g., Canada’s eTA, the UK’s Electronic Visa Waiver), the new passenger must apply under their own name. Princess can update the passenger manifest, but they cannot apply for visas on your behalf.

For example, a family I know had to change a name on a cruise to Canada and the UK. The new traveler had to apply for an eTA and a UK visa—a process that took over a week. They barely made it in time. Always allow extra time for visa processing when making last-minute name changes.

Fees, Refunds, and What’s Covered

Name Change Fees: A Breakdown

Here’s a clear look at the current name change fee structure for Princess Cruise Lines (as of 2024):

Timing Relative to Departure	Fee per Person	Notes
More than 90 days	$0–$50	Often waived for minor corrections (e.g., spelling)
75–90 days (before final payment)	$0–$50	Depends on booking type (e.g., group vs. individual)
31–74 days (after final payment)	$100	Standard fee; may include document reissuance
0–30 days (within 30 days)	$150–$200	Highest fee; not guaranteed; may require manual approval

Note: Fees are per person, not per booking. So if two people are swapping names, it’s $100 each (or $200 total) after final payment.

What’s Not Covered by the Fee

The name change fee only covers the administrative cost of updating the reservation. It does not include:

• New shore excursions booked by the new passenger
• Upgrades to dining or beverage packages
• Travel insurance for the new traveler (they must purchase their own)
• Visa or passport application fees
• Airfare changes (if the new passenger needs different flights)

Also, if the original booking had a non-refundable deposit, the new passenger will need to pay that amount again—unless the cruise line agrees to transfer it (rare).

Refunds and Cancellations After a Name Change

Once a name is changed, the new passenger is bound by the original booking’s cancellation policy. If they cancel, they won’t get the name change fee back—and they may lose their deposit too.

For example: You change a name 40 days before sailing (fee: $100). The new passenger cancels 20 days later. They’ll lose the $100 fee and, depending on the fare, may also lose 50–75% of their cruise fare.

Smart move: Have the new passenger purchase travel insurance that covers cancellation for any reason (CFAR). It’s more expensive, but it protects them if they later can’t go.

Tips to Avoid Name Change Hassles (From Real Cruisers)

Book Flexible Fares When Possible

Princess offers different fare types: Standard, Premium, and Elite. The higher-tier fares often come with more flexibility, including lower or waived name change fees. If you’re booking for a group or know there’s a chance of changes, consider upgrading.

For example, the “Premium” fare includes a one-time name change at no cost before final payment. That’s a $100 savings right there.

Use a Travel Agent (Yes, They Still Help!)

Many cruisers think travel agents are outdated, but they’re lifesavers for name changes. A good agent has direct access to Princess’s booking system and can often negotiate fees or speed up the process. They’ll also handle all the paperwork and remind you of deadlines.

I once worked with an agent who got a name change fee waived for a client whose brother had to drop out due to a job transfer. The agent knew the right person to call and presented the case with documentation. It worked!

Double-Check Everything After the Change

After a name change, log in to your Princess account and review every detail. Check:

• Name and spelling
• Date of birth and gender
• Passport number and expiration
• Cabin number and deck
• Pre-booked excursions and dining reservations

I’ve heard horror stories of people arriving at the terminal only to find their name wasn’t updated in the system. Don’t be that person. A 10-minute check online can save you hours of stress.

Communicate with the New Passenger

The new traveler should know:

• The cruise dates and departure port
• What’s included (e.g., meals, entertainment)
• What they need to bring (passport, medications, etc.)
• When to complete online check-in
• Any group activities they’re now part of

Send them the revised booking confirmation and a checklist. It’ll make their first cruise experience much smoother.

Final Thoughts: Yes, You Can—But Plan Ahead

So, does Princess Cruise Lines let you do name changes? Absolutely. But it’s not a free pass to swap names at the last minute. The policy is designed to balance flexibility with operational needs—and it works well if you understand the rules.

The key takeaways? Act early, know the deadlines, and be ready to pay a fee if you’re close to departure. Whether it’s a typo fix or a full passenger swap, Princess gives you options—but they come with responsibilities. The new traveler must meet all requirements, complete their own documentation, and understand the cancellation risks.

From my experience, the best name changes happen when everyone involved is informed and prepared. So if you’re planning a cruise and know there’s a chance of a change, talk to your group upfront. Set expectations. And if a change does happen, don’t panic—call Princess, follow the steps, and double-check everything.

At the end of the day, a cruise is about relaxation and fun. With a little planning, a name change doesn’t have to derail your vacation. It’s just another part of the journey—one that, with the right info, you can handle with ease.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change the name on my Princess Cruise Lines booking?

Yes, Princess Cruise Lines allows name changes, but they must be made before the final payment deadline. Contact their customer service or your travel agent to process the update, as some fees or restrictions may apply.

Does Princess Cruise Lines let you do name changes for free?

Princess Cruise Lines may permit name changes without a fee if done early, but last-minute changes or substitutions could incur administrative charges. Always check their current policy or consult a representative for specifics.

How late can I request a name change for a Princess cruise?

Name changes should be submitted as early as possible, ideally before the final payment date. Requests made close to the sail date may be denied or subject to additional fees due to documentation and security requirements.

Is there a deadline for changing passenger names on Princess Cruise Lines?

Yes, the deadline typically aligns with the final payment date for your cruise. After this point, name changes are harder to process due to finalized travel documents and airline bookings.

Can I transfer my Princess Cruise booking to someone else’s name?

Princess Cruise Lines allows name transfers, but the new passenger must meet all eligibility requirements (e.g., citizenship, age). Documentation updates may take time, so act promptly to avoid complications.

What documents are needed for a Princess Cruise Lines name change?

You’ll usually need the booking reference, original passenger’s ID, and the new passenger’s details. Princess may also require a signed authorization form or proof of relationship in some cases.