Can I change a passenger name on a P&O Cruises ?

Can I change a passenger name on a P&O Cruises?

Life can be unpredictable, and sometimes plans don’t go as expected. You may have booked a dream cruise with P&O Cruises only to discover that one of your traveling companions cannot make it. In such cases, many passengers ask: Can I change a passenger name on a P&O Cruises cruise?

The good news is yes, in many cases, you can make a passenger name change. However, there are rules, fees, and deadlines you must be aware of before requesting such a modification. P&O Cruises, like most cruise lines, treats passenger details as legally binding, particularly because they tie directly to travel documents, port security, and immigration requirements.

P&O’s official stance on name changes
Fees and administrative charges involved
Conditions and eligibility requirements
How to request a passenger name change
Common scenarios and exceptions
Tips to avoid costly mistakes

Understanding P&O Cruises Passenger Name Change Policy

Why Passenger Names Are Important

Cruise lines, including P&O Cruises, require accurate passenger details for several reasons:

Legal documentation – Names must match passports or government-issued ID.
Security compliance – Cruise lines share passenger manifests with port authorities.
Travel insurance – Insurance policies are linked to specific individuals.
Airline bookings – If your cruise package includes flights, names must match tickets exactly.

Because of these reasons, P&O Cruises treats name changes as significant modifications, not simple corrections.

When Can You Change a Passenger Name?

1. Before Final Payment

Flexibility is highest before you make your final balance payment.
Name changes are often permitted with lower or no fees, depending on your fare type.

2. After Final Payment

Name changes are still possible but will usually involve an administrative fee.
If flights are included, airline penalties may apply as well.

3. Close to Departure

Generally, you must request a name change no later than 7–14 days before departure.
Within this timeframe, P&O Cruises may refuse changes or require cancellation and rebooking.

Costs of Passenger Name Changes

Standard Fees

£50–£100 per person for name changes on cruise-only bookings.
Applies once the final payment has been made.

Flight-Inclusive Packages

Additional airline fees may apply.
Airline penalties can range from £150–£250 per person or even more depending on fare class.

Administrative Fees

In some cases, if multiple elements (flights, transfers, hotels) are included, P&O may apply additional service charges.

Conditions for Passenger Name Changes

Eligibility Requirements

The new passenger must meet all requirements, including:
- Valid passport
- Visa eligibility for destinations
- Age restrictions (minimum 6 months for infants, 18 or 21 years for solo travelers, depending on cruise type)

Restrictions

Only one name change per passenger is typically allowed.
The lead passenger (primary contact) may not always be changed without P&O approval.
Group bookings may have stricter rules.

How to Change a Passenger Name on P&O Cruises

1: Review Your Booking

Check your booking confirmation and fare type. Saver fares may be less flexible compared to Select fares.

2: Contact P&O Cruises or Your Travel Agent

If you booked through a travel agent, contact them directly.
If you booked with P&O Cruises, call their customer support team.

3: Provide New Passenger Details

Full legal name (matching passport)
Date of birth
Passport number, issue, and expiry date

4: Pay Applicable Fees

Settle administrative charges and any airline fees.

5: Get Written Confirmation

Ensure you receive updated booking documents reflecting the new passenger’s details.

Common Scenarios for Name Changes

1. A Friend Can’t Travel

You booked with a friend who now can’t join. You can often substitute their name with another person, paying the name change fee.

2. Family Member Replacement

If a family member cannot travel, another relative can take their place, provided requirements are met.

3. Spelling Error Correction

Minor typos may be corrected without fees if reported early. For example, “Jonh” instead of “John.”

4. Airline Packages

If flights are part of your package, expect higher fees, as airlines treat name changes strictly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change the lead passenger on my booking?

Sometimes, but this is more complicated than changing a secondary passenger. P&O may require special approval.

How late can I make a name change?

Usually up to 7–14 days before departure, depending on whether flights are included.

Will my travel insurance transfer to the new passenger?

No. Travel insurance is individual-specific. The new passenger must purchase their own policy.

What if my new passenger is younger than the original?

Age restrictions still apply. For example, solo travelers must be at least 18 (or 21 on certain itineraries).

Tips to Avoid Problems with Passenger Name Changes

1. Double-Check Names During Booking

Always use passport names to avoid errors later.

2. Act Quickly

The earlier you request a name change, the lower the cost and the higher the chance it will be allowed.

3. Buy Flexible Fares

Select fares usually allow more modifications compared to Saver fares.

4. Keep Travel Insurance Updated

If you substitute a passenger, ensure new insurance coverage is purchased.

5. Work Through Your Travel Agent

Agents often have more experience negotiating with P&O Cruises on your behalf.

can you change a passenger name on a P&O Cruises cruise?

The answer is yes, but it comes with conditions.

Standard cruise-only bookings – £50–£100 per passenger.
Flight-inclusive packages – Airline fees apply, often £150–£250 or more.
Timing matters – Name changes must be made before departure, ideally 7–14 days in advance.

By acting early, checking fare conditions, and working with your travel agent, you can minimize costs and ensure a smooth transfer. Passenger name changes are possible, but they require careful planning and prompt action.