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Booking a Windstar Cruises voyage is the beginning of an extraordinary travel experience. Known for its small luxury ships, intimate atmosphere, and personalized service, Windstar offers an unmatched sailing experience across the world’s most stunning destinations.
However, life is unpredictable — sometimes plans change after you’ve already booked your cruise. Maybe someone in your travel group can’t go anymore, or you noticed a typo in the passenger’s name. In such cases, many travelers ask:
“Can I change names after booking a Windstar Cruises cruise?”
The short answer is: Yes, but there are strict rules, time limits, and possible fees.
Windstar Cruises understands that travel plans may shift, but passenger name changes after booking are subject to cruise line regulations, security requirements, and ticketing systems.
This comprehensive guide will explain:
Windstar Cruises’ official name change policy
When and how you can change names after booking
The difference between name corrections and passenger substitutions
How much it costs to change a name
What happens after final payment
Legal name change procedures (e.g., marriage, divorce)
How to request a change step-by-step
Pro tips to avoid penalties
By the end, you’ll have all the knowledge to handle a name change smoothly — and continue looking forward to your dream cruise.
Windstar Cruises classifies name changes into two main categories:
Minor Name Corrections — small fixes such as typos, misspellings, or missing initials.
Full Passenger Substitutions — completely replacing one traveler with another.
Minor corrections are usually easy and free if handled early. These include:
Correcting a spelling mistake
Adding or removing a middle name
Adjusting initials
Fixing transposed letters (e.g., “Smiht” → “Smith”)
Windstar allows these changes up to 30 days before sailing, often without fees, provided tickets have not yet been issued.
A passenger substitution is a complete change of who is traveling under the reservation.
For example:If your friend John booked the cruise but can’t make it, and you want your sister Anna to go instead — that’s a passenger substitution.
This type of change is allowed only before ticket issuance and must be completed well before the sailing date. Once final passenger lists are sent to port authorities (usually around 14 days before sailing), substitutions are no longer possible.
Yes, you can change names after booking, but there are important restrictions:
Stage of BookingAllowed ChangesConditionsPossible Fees
Before Final PaymentAll name corrections and substitutions allowedFree or small admin fee$0–$100
After Final Payment (before ticketing)Minor corrections allowedLegal proof may be required$50–$150
After Ticketing (usually 14–30 days before sailing)Only minor correctionsMajor changes not allowed$100–$300
Within 14 days of sailingNo name changesSecurity manifests finalized100% loss if cancellation
In other words, you can change names after booking, but not indefinitely. Timing is everything.
To avoid costly mistakes, always double-check all passenger details before the final payment date or ticket issuance.
Cruise lines, including Windstar, are bound by strict maritime and security laws. Every passenger manifest is shared with:
Port authorities
Customs and immigration offices
Homeland security (for U.S. departures)
Because of this, passenger identities must match government-issued travel documents exactly.
Once manifests are finalized (usually two weeks before sailing), name changes are legally restricted to prevent identity or security risks.
Additionally, if your booking includes airfare through Windstar, airlines also restrict name changes, sometimes requiring full ticket cancellation and rebooking.
Final payment for Windstar Cruises is typically due 90–120 days before sailing. After this date:
Minor spelling fixes can still be made.
Full passenger substitutions become difficult or costly.
The cruise may already be in the ticketing stage, limiting flexibility.
If you need to change a name after final payment, expect to pay administrative fees and possibly face partial cancellation penalties if the change involves replacing a passenger.
Windstar’s flexibility depends on:
How far in advance you request the change
Whether cruise documents have been issued
If the booking includes airfare or packages
Fees depend on the type of change and timing.
Timing of RequestType of ChangeApproximate FeeNotes
Before final paymentMinor correctionFreeEasy and quick
After final payment (60+ days before sailing)Passenger substitution$100–$200Requires Windstar approval
30–15 days before sailingPassenger substitution25–50% of fareTreated as cancellation
Within 14 daysNo changes allowed100% lossManifest closed
Tip: If you can’t travel, it might be better to cancel early and rebook later to recover part of your fare or Future Cruise Credit (FCC).
Sometimes a name change is unavoidable due to legal reasons — for example, after marriage, divorce, or court-ordered updates.
Windstar Cruises allows legal name updates with official documentation, such as:
A certified marriage certificate
Divorce decree
Court-issued name change certificate
You must submit these documents at least two weeks before departure.
Windstar will then reissue your cruise documents with the updated name. In many cases, administrative fees are waived if the change is supported by valid proof.
If your cruise booking includes airfare arranged by Windstar, be extra cautious.
Airlines are stricter than cruise lines when it comes to passenger identity.Most airlines:
Do not allow full name changes after ticketing.
May allow minor corrections for a fee.
Require full cancellation and rebooking for substitutions.
Airline-imposed reissue fees can range from $200 to $500 or more, depending on the fare class and route.
That’s why Windstar always advises guests to double-check all travel details before tickets are issued.
If you realize that you need to change a passenger’s name after booking, follow this step-by-step guide:
Log in to your Windstar account or contact your travel agent to review your booking status. Note whether final payment has been made and if tickets have been issued.
Call Windstar Guest Services at 1-888-526-2803 (U.S. & Canada)
International travelers should contact their regional Windstar office or booking agency
Provide the following details:
Reservation number
Passenger name(s) to be changed
Correct or replacement name(s)
Reason for the change (correction, substitution, or legal update)
Ask about:
Applicable change fees
Documentation requirements
Whether the booking includes airfare
Send scanned copies of passports, ID cards, or legal certificates as proof of the name change.
Once Windstar processes the change, you’ll get an updated booking confirmation and e-tickets.Review them carefully to ensure everything is correct.
Windstar may allow late name changes in exceptional circumstances, such as:
Sudden illness or death of a traveler
Legal name change confirmed by court order
Humanitarian or medical emergencies
In these rare situations, Windstar’s Guest Relations team may make exceptions, often requiring supporting documentation.
However, last-minute changes are still subject to approval and depend on manifest restrictions.
If your name change request cannot be processed (e.g., it’s too close to sailing), you may choose to cancel and receive a Future Cruise Credit (FCC).
FCCs are usually valid for 12–24 months.
They can only be used by the original traveler — not transferred.
FCCs can be applied toward a new booking at a later date.
This is a useful option if you can’t sail now but plan to cruise again in the future.
If you booked through a travel agent, they will handle the name change process with Windstar on your behalf.
Advantages:
Travel agents are familiar with Windstar’s internal systems.
They can negotiate waivers or faster processing.
They track deadlines to avoid penalties.
If you booked directly through Windstar, contact their customer service directly for all changes.
Passenger names must exactly match your passport or government ID.
At check-in, any discrepancy between your cruise documents and identification may cause delays or boarding denial.
To ensure smooth boarding:
Always review your confirmation letter carefully.
Verify spelling, middle names, and initials.
Ensure your passport matches your booking exactly.
Travel insurance can be a valuable safeguard for unexpected changes.
Many travel insurance providers cover:
Rebooking fees due to illness, emergencies, or cancellations
Administrative costs from name corrections
Trip cancellation or interruption due to a traveler’s unavailability
Make sure your travel insurance details match your cruise booking exactly — including names and birth dates.
If you change a name, update your insurance policy immediately.
Waiting until after final payment to review your booking details.
Booking under a nickname instead of your legal name.
Forgetting to include middle names that appear on your passport.
Not updating travel insurance or air tickets after a name change.
Assuming group or promotional fares are fully flexible.
Double-checking early saves time, stress, and money.
Always verify your booking confirmation immediately after reservation.
Make all name corrections before final payment.
If you’re unsure, book under your full legal name exactly as it appears on your passport.
Avoid making substitutions within 30 days of sailing.
Keep copies of marriage or legal name change documents handy.
Consider purchasing flexible fare options or travel protection.
Q1. Can I change a passenger name after booking my Windstar cruise?
Yes. You can make changes before ticketing or final manifest submission, but fees may apply depending on timing.
Q2. How late can I change a name before sailing?You should submit all name changes at least 30 days before sailing. After that, changes may not be possible.
Q3. Is there a fee to correct a typo?
Minor spelling corrections are usually free if made early. After final payment, a $50–$150 fee may apply.
Q4. Can I transfer my cruise to another person?Yes, but only before ticketing and subject to administrative approval. After ticket issuance, it may be treated as a cancellation.
Q5. What if I change my name due to marriage?
Provide a marriage certificate and updated passport or ID at least two weeks before sailing to update your booking.
Q6. Can I change the name of someone in a group booking?
Yes, but the same timing and fees apply. Group reservations may have stricter deadlines.
Q7. What happens if I show up with a misspelled name?
You may be denied boarding if your ID does not match your cruise documents. Always fix errors in advance.
Changing a passenger name after booking a Windstar Cruises voyage is possible — but only within specific timeframes and conditions.
Here’s what to remember:
Minor corrections (spelling, initials) are usually free if made early.
Passenger substitutions (replacing a traveler) are allowed only before ticketing.
After final payment or manifest submission, name changes may not be possible.
Always provide legal proof for official name changes.
Review your reservation immediately after booking.
Windstar Cruises is dedicated to ensuring a seamless and luxurious travel experience for every guest. By staying informed and proactive, you can handle any name change efficiently — and look forward to an unforgettable journey on the open seas.
Your ultimate guide to cruise adventures. Discover amazing destinations, find the perfect cruise, and create unforgettable memories on the high seas.
© 2025 cruisebite.com All rights reserved. | Privacy Policy | Terms of Service
