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Booking a luxury river cruise with Uniworld Boutique River Cruises is a dream for many travelers who seek an all-inclusive, elegant journey through Europe, Egypt, India, or Southeast Asia. However, life can be unpredictable — sometimes plans change, and you might need to modify your booking details. One of the most common questions guests ask is:“Can I change a passenger name on a Uniworld River Cruises booking?”This comprehensive article explores Uniworld’s policies, procedures, and costs related to passenger name changes. You’ll also learn practical tips for managing name corrections, passenger substitutions, and reservation updates effectively.
Uniworld River Cruises allows limited modifications to passenger information after a booking has been confirmed. However, a name change is considered a significant alteration because cruise lines are required to submit passenger manifests to local and international authorities for safety and security compliance.
A name change can refer to one of the following:
Minor Correction: Fixing a spelling mistake, missing middle name, or typographical error.
Major Change: Replacing one traveler with another person (i.e., transferring the booking).
Legal Change: Updating the name due to marriage, divorce, or a legal court order.
Each of these cases is treated differently by Uniworld, depending on the timing and nature of the request.
If the name on your Uniworld River Cruises reservation contains a small spelling mistake — for example, “Johnn” instead of “John” — this is considered a minor correction.
Minor corrections can typically be done free of charge within a certain period after booking (usually within 24–72 hours).
After that, a small administrative fee may apply.
You must submit proof of the correct spelling (such as a passport or government-issued ID).
Contact Uniworld directly via phone or email, or reach out to your travel advisor if booked through an agency.
Provide your booking reference number and a copy of the passenger’s passport.
Request a “minor name correction.”
Confirm that the updated details appear on your invoice and travel documents.
Changing a passenger entirely — meaning you’re replacing one traveler with another — is called a passenger substitution.This type of change is treated as a cancellation and rebooking under Uniworld’s policy.
Yes, you can change the passenger name, but it is subject to approval and possible fees or restrictions.
The replacement traveler must meet eligibility requirements, such as passport validity, visa eligibility, and health regulations.
The fare difference between the original and new booking may apply if prices have changed.
If the change occurs close to the departure date, Uniworld may treat it as a full cancellation of the original passenger and the addition of a new one.This means cancellation penalties may apply according to Uniworld’s cancellation schedule.
The cost of changing a passenger name varies based on timing, type of change, and booking channel.
While exact fees are not publicly fixed, here’s a general idea based on industry standards and Uniworld’s policies:
Minor correction (within 24–48 hours): Free
Minor correction (after confirmation): $50–$100 per change
Major passenger substitution (before final payment): $200–$500 per person
After final payment or close to departure: May be treated as a cancellation and rebooking, with fees up to 100% of the fare
It’s crucial to contact Uniworld or your travel agent as soon as possible to minimize fees and ensure a smooth update.
To complete a name change, Uniworld requires official documentation verifying the correct or updated name. The following are commonly requested:
Copy of valid passport (for the new or corrected passenger)
Booking reference number
Reason for the name change (e.g., error correction, legal name change, substitution)
Marriage certificate, divorce decree, or legal document (for legal name updates)
All supporting documents must be provided well before the final payment deadline or before travel documents are issued.
You can initiate the process through one of the following methods:
If you booked your cruise directly through Uniworld:
Call Uniworld’s reservations department or use their contact form on the official website.
Provide your booking details and explain the change.
Submit the necessary identification documents.
Confirm receipt and updated details in writing.
If you booked through a travel advisor:
The agent must handle the name change request on your behalf.
Agents have direct access to Uniworld’s internal systems, which helps expedite the process.
Always ensure your agent forwards confirmation of the approved name change to you.
If your cruise is part of a group booking, promotional offer, or tour package, the process might differ.In such cases:
The tour operator or partner company must initiate the name change.
Additional partner fees or restrictions may apply.
Uniworld strongly recommends making all passenger-related changes before final payment.Here’s why timing matters:
TimelineChange Policy
Within 24–72 hours of bookingMinor corrections allowed, usually free
Before final paymentPassenger name change allowed with fee
After final paymentTreated as cancellation/rebooking
Within 14 days of departureUsually not allowed; exceptions may apply for emergencies
If you’re close to departure, it’s best to contact Uniworld immediately. Sometimes, exceptions can be made for genuine reasons like medical or family emergencies.
Uniworld generally does not allow full transfer of tickets to another person. However, in specific cases (especially long before sailing), they may permit a passenger substitution — provided:
The original traveler gives written consent, and
The new traveler meets all travel and visa requirements.
If accepted, the new passenger assumes the same booking terms — including payment deadlines, cancellation penalties, and conditions.
If your name has changed legally due to marriage, divorce, or a court order, Uniworld typically updates your record without penalty, as long as:
You provide official proof, and
The change is requested before travel documents are issued.
Once tickets are printed and travel manifests finalized, such changes become more difficult and may incur reissue fees.
A name mismatch between your booking and passport can cause serious issues, including:
Denied boarding
Visa complications
Inability to check in
Therefore, always ensure the name on your booking matches your passport exactly, including middle names and initials.
If you discover a mismatch close to your departure, contact Uniworld immediately to correct it.
When you change a passenger name on your Uniworld booking, related travel services may also need updates, such as:
Flight tickets
Hotel pre- or post-cruise stays
Travel insurance
Airport transfers
Airlines and insurance companies often have stricter rules for name changes, sometimes requiring ticket reissuance or cancellation.
Therefore, coordinate all modifications simultaneously to avoid inconsistencies.
Let’s explore some practical examples:
You booked under “Sara Johnsonn” instead of “Sara Johnson.”
Correction possible via Uniworld support.
No fee if within 48 hours; otherwise, $50 administrative charge.
Your friend can’t go, and you want to transfer the cruise to your sister.
Treated as a passenger substitution.
Must request before final payment.
Fee likely $200–$500, plus any fare difference.
You got married after booking, changing your name from “Emily Brown” to “Emily Carter.”
Provide marriage certificate and updated passport.
No penalty if before documents are issued.
Double-check spelling before finalizing your booking.
Use full legal names exactly as shown on passports.
Book early to allow ample time for document corrections.
Notify Uniworld promptly if you notice an error.
Avoid third-party websites unless reputable, as they may have stricter policies.
Consider travel insurance covering cancellation or name-change penalties.
Some travel insurance policies cover expenses resulting from rebooking or administrative changes. Check if your plan includes:
Trip modification coverage
Administrative fee reimbursement
Cancellation protection
If your policy includes such benefits, you may be reimbursed for name-change fees imposed by Uniworld.
Work through your travel advisor: They can advocate on your behalf and often secure fee waivers for small corrections.
Keep records of all communication: Always retain written proof of approval or changes.
Understand fare conditions: Promotional or discounted fares may have stricter restrictions.
Avoid last-minute changes: The closer you get to departure, the fewer options you’ll have.
If you realize too late that a name is incorrect and the ship’s manifest has already been finalized:
The cruise line may deny boarding due to security regulations.
In most cases, Uniworld cannot alter manifests within 72 hours of sailing.
You may lose your fare if no correction is made in time.
Hence, timely review and communication are crucial.
For assistance, Uniworld’s customer service can be reached at:
Website: www.uniworld.com
Phone (U.S. & Canada): +1-800-733-7820
Email: info@uniworld.com
Hours: Monday–Friday, 6:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. PST
For guests outside North America, Uniworld has dedicated regional offices and partner agents available through their official website.
To summarize, yes, you can change a passenger name on a Uniworld River Cruises booking — but the process depends heavily on when and why you make the change.
Minor corrections are often free or low-cost.
Passenger substitutions involve higher fees and may be treated as a rebooking.
Legal name updates are usually accepted with documentation.
Timing is crucial — the earlier you act, the easier and cheaper it is.
Always verify your booking details immediately after reservation and keep your travel documents up to date. With proactive communication and attention to detail, you can ensure your Uniworld river cruise journey remains stress-free and elegant from start to finish.
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