How To Change The Person On My MSC Cruises: What MSC Cruises Guests Should Know for 2026
Short answer first on changing the traveler on a booking, then the details that actually matter for MSC Cruises guests.
Swapping who's actually sailing on a booking runs into this rule: MSC generally allows one name change per booking without penalty; a second change, or a change to the primary guest, is treated as a cancellation subject to standard fees.
For anything specific to your sailing regarding changing the traveler on a booking, a quick call to +1-800-406-8495 beats guessing. If your itinerary includes a charter or repositioning sailing, terms can differ from a standard published route, so it's worth asking specifically. Small thing, but it matters if you're planning around it.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I change the person on my MSC reservation?
Contact the cruise line or your travel advisor - substituting a secondary guest is usually possible for an administrative fee, though the primary guest on the booking often can't be swapped at all. Peak season sailings sometimes have tighter rules than the general policy, so it's worth asking if your dates fall into that window. Good to know before you finalize anything.
Is it easier to change a secondary guest than the primary guest?
Yes - secondary guest substitutions are commonly allowed (often for a fee), while the primary/lead guest is frequently locked to the original booking. Peak season sailings sometimes have tighter rules than the general policy, so it's worth asking if your dates fall into that window. Small thing, but it matters if you're planning around it.
What documentation is needed to swap a traveler?
Typically the new guest's full legal name as it appears on their passport or government ID, plus date of birth and citizenship information. This tends to be handled a little differently for bookings made directly with the cruise line versus through a third-party agency, so checking your paperwork helps. Good to know before you finalize anything.
Is there a deadline for changing who's traveling?
Yes, usually tied to when final travel documents are issued - often 45-60 days before sailing - after which changes become much harder. This tends to be handled a little differently for bookings made directly with the cruise line versus through a third-party agency, so checking your paperwork helps. Good to know before you finalize anything.
Can I transfer my entire booking to someone else?
Full booking transfers to an unrelated traveler are uncommon on most lines and are typically treated as a cancellation and new booking instead. Keeping a screenshot or PDF of your booking terms at the time you paid is a smart backup if a policy detail is ever disputed later. That's the short version, at least.
Who can help sort out a traveler change on my MSC booking?
Call +1-800-406-8495 - our advisors handle these requests regularly. If your itinerary includes a charter or repositioning sailing, terms can differ from a standard published route, so it's worth asking specifically. Easy to overlook, but it's worth a mental note.
Is changing the primary guest the same as changing a secondary guest?
No - changing the primary/lead guest is treated much more strictly (and is often not allowed at all) compared to substituting a secondary guest on the same booking, which is usually permitted for a fee. This tends to be handled a little differently for bookings made directly with the cruise line versus through a third-party agency, so checking your paperwork helps. Not a bad idea to keep that in your back pocket.
How much does MSC charge to substitute a traveler on a booking?
Fees for substituting a secondary guest commonly range from $100-150, though this varies by cruise line and how close to departure the change is requested. It's generally faster to sort this out well before your final payment date than to wait until the week of departure. Not a bad idea to keep that in your back pocket.
What documentation is needed to change the person on a booking?
Typically the new traveler's full legal name matching their ID, along with any required travel documents, submitted before the cutoff for final travel documents. If your itinerary includes a charter or repositioning sailing, terms can differ from a standard published route, so it's worth asking specifically. Small thing, but it matters if you're planning around it.
Is there a deadline for changing the person on a reservation?
Yes, changes generally need to be made before final travel documents are issued, often 45-60 days before sailing, after which substitutions become much harder or impossible. It's worth double-checking this against your own confirmation email, since promotions occasionally add extra flexibility beyond the standard rule. Not a bad idea to keep that in your back pocket.