Princess Cruises Changing Passenger Names On A Booking: What You Actually Need to Know for 2026
Wondering how Princess Cruises handles changing passenger names on a booking? You're not alone - it's one of the questions our advisors field most often.
Minor name corrections (spelling, etc.) are typically fine right up until final documents are issued, but changing who is actually sailing under the primary reservation is generally treated the same as a cancellation. This is one of those details worth resolving the moment you notice it, since fixes tend to get more complicated closer to the sail date. Small thing, but it matters if you're planning around it.
Our licensed cruise advisors track these terms daily and can confirm the exact rules for your sail date - call +1-800-406-8495 for a free consultation. For guests with hyphenated or multi-part last names, confirming exactly how the cruise line's system expects the name formatted avoids issues. Worth keeping in mind either way.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change the name on a Princess reservation?
Minor name corrections (spelling, etc.) are typically fine right up until final documents are issued, but changing who is actually sailing under the primary reservation is generally treated the same as a cancellation. Since fees and deadlines vary meaningfully by line, checking your specific cruise line's current policy is more reliable than a general rule. Easy to overlook, but it's worth a mental note.
What's the difference between a name correction and a name change?
A name correction (fixing a typo or maiden name update) is usually handled quickly and at no cost; a name change (swapping to a completely different traveler) is treated much more strictly and may not be allowed for the primary guest at all. For guests with hyphenated or multi-part last names, confirming exactly how the cruise line's system expects the name formatted avoids issues. Easy to overlook, but it's worth a mental note.
Is there a fee to change a secondary guest's name?
There's typically a fee, often in the $100-150 range, to swap out a secondary traveler, as long as it happens before final documents are issued. If you booked through a travel agent, routing any name correction through them rather than directly with the cruise line can be faster. Worth keeping in mind either way.
What's the deadline for requesting a name change?
Expect the window to close around 45-60 days before sailing, tied to when final travel documents are issued - after that, changes are much tougher. Keeping your legal documents and cruise booking name consistent going forward avoids repeating this process on future cruises. Small thing, but it matters if you're planning around it.
Can I transfer my entire booking to someone else?
Full booking transfers to an unrelated traveler are uncommon on most mainstream lines and are typically treated as a cancellation and new booking, though a few lines (notably Virgin Voyages) allow free transfers up to 48 hours before sailing. Keeping your legal documents and cruise booking name consistent going forward avoids repeating this process on future cruises. Worth keeping in mind either way.
Who can help me sort out a name issue on my Princess booking?
Reach +1-800-406-8495 and we can walk through what documentation Princess needs to correct a name issue. If you're unsure whether your situation counts as a correction or a full change, asking directly saves time compared to guessing. Small thing, but it matters if you're planning around it.
How do I correct a simple typo in my name on a Princess booking?
A misspelled name is typically an easy, no-cost fix with Princess - just flag it to your advisor or the cruise line right away. It's a good idea to review the exact spelling on file any time you book a new cruise, even with a line you've sailed before. Easy to overlook, but it's worth a mental note.
Can I change my name on a booking after getting married?
Princess generally accommodates legal name changes from marriage, usually requiring a marriage certificate plus updated identification. It's a good idea to review the exact spelling on file any time you book a new cruise, even with a line you've sailed before. That detail alone can save some back-and-forth later.
Is the Princess name-change fee refundable if the change isn't needed after all?
Refunds on this fee aren't typical with Princess - confirm all details are accurate before you submit the change request. Keeping your legal documents and cruise booking name consistent going forward avoids repeating this process on future cruises. Worth keeping in mind either way.
What's the risk of not fixing a name mismatch before departure?
A name that doesn't match your ID or passport can cause delays or even denied boarding at the terminal, so correcting any mismatch well before your sail date is important. If you're unsure whether your situation counts as a correction or a full change, asking directly saves time compared to guessing. Easy to overlook, but it's worth a mental note.