Can I change a passenger name on a Windstar Cruises?

Booking a cruise is an exciting adventure, but sometimes plans change. You might find yourself in a situation where you need to change a passenger name on a Windstar Cruises reservation. Perhaps a family member is taking your place, a legal name has changed, or there was an error when entering the name during booking.

The question arises:

“Can I change a passenger name on a Windstar Cruises cruise?”

The answer is yes—but there are rules, limitations, and costs involved depending on timing, fare type, and cabin selection. Understanding these policies ensures that you can make name changes efficiently while avoiding unnecessary fees.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover:

• Windstar Cruises passenger name change policies

• Timing considerations

• Fees and penalties

• Future Cruise Credits (FCCs)

• Flexible fares and promotional options

• Travel insurance considerations

• Step-by-step process to change a passenger name

• Special situations (group bookings, cruise + air packages, shore excursions)

• Expert tips for smooth name changes

By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of how to change a passenger name on a Windstar Cruises booking and how to minimize costs.

1. Windstar Cruises Passenger Name Change Policy

Windstar Cruises differentiates between minor name changes and full passenger transfers:

• Minor name changes: Correcting typos, legal name updates (marriage, divorce), or adding a spouse/partner. Usually allowed without fees if done before final payment or ticket issuance.

• Full passenger transfers: Reassigning a reservation to an entirely different person. Typically treated as a cancellation and new booking after final payment.

Key takeaway: Minor name changes are usually straightforward, while full transfers may involve fees and administrative procedures.

2. Timing Considerations for Name Changes

The timing of your request significantly impacts feasibility and costs.

A. Before Final Payment

• Minor corrections or legal name updates are generally free

• Full transfers may require approval but often have minimal or no fees

• Fare differences may apply if transferring within promotional bookings

B. After Final Payment

• Full transfers are treated as cancellations and rebookings

• Cancellation penalties apply depending on days until departure

• Future Cruise Credits (FCCs) may be issued to offset costs for the new passenger

C. During Flexible Promotions

Windstar often offers Book with Confidence or other flexible promotions that allow:

• Name changes or transfers up to 48 hours before sailing

• Reduced or waived fees

• FCC application for new bookings

3. Fees for Changing a Passenger Name

Changing a passenger name can involve multiple fees depending on timing and type of change:

• Administrative fees: For minor name corrections or updates

• Cancellation fees: If treated as a full transfer after final payment

• Fare differences: If the new passenger selects a higher-priced cabin or itinerary

Approximate Fee Schedule

TimingFee TypeNotes

Before final paymentAdministrativeUsually free for minor changes

119–90 daysCancellation/Transfer$100–$200 per passenger

89–60 daysCancellation25–50% of fare

59–30 daysCancellationUp to 75% of fare

<30 daysCancellation100% of fare unless FCC used

Note: Fees may vary by promotion, itinerary, or cabin category. Always confirm with Windstar Reservations.

4. Minor Name Changes vs. Full Passenger Transfers

A. Minor Name Changes

• Correcting typos or spelling mistakes

• Updating legal names (marriage, divorce)

• Adding spouse/partner

• Usually allowed before ticket issuance or final payment

• Minimal or no fees

B. Full Passenger Transfers

• Assigning the reservation to a completely different person

• Treated as a cancellation and rebooking after final payment

• Original passenger may receive a Future Cruise Credit (FCC)

• New passenger pays fare differences and administrative fees

5. Future Cruise Credits (FCCs)

FCCs are critical when changing a passenger name in situations treated as cancellations:

• Issued when a full transfer occurs after final payment

• Can be applied toward a new booking for a different passenger

• Preserves the value of the original payment

• Allows new passengers to book the same itinerary or choose a new one

Benefits:

• Minimizes financial loss

• Retains promotional perks or cabin selection

• Provides flexibility for future travel planning

6. Fare Differences

Even with FCCs, fare differences may arise:

• Higher-priced cabin or upgraded itinerary: new passenger pays the difference

• Lower-priced cabin: remaining credit can be applied to future bookings

• Promotional fares may limit flexibility or increase cost

7. Flexible Fare and Promotional Options

Windstar occasionally offers flexible booking options that reduce costs and restrictions for passenger name changes:

• Book with Confidence: Allows modifications up to 48 hours before sailing with minimal fees

• Flexible fares: Permit limited name changes or passenger transfers

• Travel insurance: May cover administrative or rebooking fees for covered reasons

8. Travel Insurance Considerations

Travel insurance can protect against unexpected costs:

• Covers trip cancellation or interruption

• May reimburse administrative or rebooking fees

• Optional Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) policies allow maximum flexibility

Tip: Always review policy details to ensure coverage for passenger substitutions or name changes.

9. Step-by-Step Guide to Changing a Passenger Name

Step 1: Review Your Booking

• Check fare type, cabin category, and payment status

• Identify any flexible fare or promotional protections

Step 2: Contact Windstar Reservations

• U.S./Canada: 1-888-526-2803

• International: Refer to regional contacts

Step 3: Provide Booking Details

• Reservation number

• Current passenger name(s)

• New passenger name(s)

• Desired sailing date if applicable

Step 4: Confirm Fees

• Administrative fees

• Cancellation penalties

• Fare differences

Step 5: Process the Change

• Minor name changes processed immediately

• Full transfers may require cancellation and rebooking using FCC

Step 6: Receive Updated Confirmation

• Verify passenger information, cabin assignments, and excursions

• Confirm FCC application or payment of any fare difference

Step 7: Update Travel Arrangements

• Flights, transfers, and shore excursions may need adjustments

• Notify travel agents, airlines, or local providers

10. Special Situations

A. Group Bookings

• Changes may require approval from Windstar’s group reservations department

• Individual passenger substitutions may have limited flexibility

B. Cruise + Air Packages

• Air tickets booked through Windstar may have separate rules and fees

• Airline policies for name changes apply

C. Shore Excursion Adjustments

• Excursions can be rebooked under the new passenger

• Availability is subject to tour capacity

11. Tips to Minimize Costs

1. Act promptly: Changes before final payment avoid fees

2. Leverage flexible promotions: Book with Confidence reduces penalties

3. Use FCC strategically: Offset fare differences for upgraded cabins or itineraries

4. Avoid last-minute changes: Fees escalate sharply in the last 30 days

5. Consult travel agents: Experts can navigate complex procedures

6. Plan for group bookings: Ensure all passengers’ arrangements are coordinated

12. Comparing Windstar Name Change Policies with Other Cruise Lines

Cruise LineName Change PolicyFull Transfer Policy

WindstarModerateOften treated as cancellation/rebooking

SeabournFlexibleCruise credits may be used for transfers

SilverseaModerateTransfers allowed with penalties

AzamaraFlexibleLimited transfer options

Regent Seven SeasVery FlexibleLate transfers allowed

Windstar is competitive in small-ship luxury cruises but less flexible than ultra-luxury lines like Regent Seven Seas.

13. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. Can I change a passenger name on a Windstar Cruises booking?

A: Yes, minor name changes are usually free. Full passenger transfers after final payment are treated as cancellations and rebookings.

Q2. Are there fees for changing a passenger name?

A: Fees vary by timing, fare type, and cabin selection. Minor corrections before ticket issuance are often free.

Q3. Can I use a Future Cruise Credit (FCC) for a passenger change?

A: Yes, FCCs can facilitate transfers or rebookings for new passengers.

Q4. Does travel insurance cover name changes?

A: Many policies cover administrative fees or cancellation for covered reasons; CFAR provides maximum flexibility.

Q5. Are group bookings treated differently?

A: Yes, group bookings require coordination with Windstar’s group department.

Q6. Does timing affect fees?

A: Yes, the closer to the sailing date, the higher the administrative or cancellation fees.

14.Changing a passenger name on a Windstar Cruises booking is possible, but the cost and process depend on timing, fare type, and cabin category.

• Before final payment: Minor name changes are usually free; full transfers may be limited

• After final payment: Full transfers are treated as cancellations and rebookings, with applicable fees

• Future Cruise Credits (FCCs): Minimize financial loss and facilitate rebooking

• Flexible fares and promotions: Reduce penalties and allow greater flexibility

• Travel insurance: Adds protection and peace of mind

By planning ahead, understanding Windstar’s policies, and leveraging FCCs and flexible fare options, travelers can confidently change passenger names while maintaining the luxury and personalized experience that Windstar Cruises provides