Can I change the person on a P&O Cruises ticket?

Booking a cruise is an exciting experience, but plans don’t always go as expected. Sometimes, the original traveler can no longer join the trip, and another person needs to take their place. This raises a common question: Can I change the person on a P&O Cruises cruise ticket?

The good news is that in many cases, P&O Cruises does allow name changes or passenger substitutions, provided certain conditions are met. However, these changes often come with restrictions, deadlines, and fees.

This article explores the complete details of passenger changes on P&O Cruises, including:

• Rules for changing the name on a ticket

• Fees involved

• Deadlines for making changes

• Step-by-step instructions

• Alternatives if changes aren’t possible

• Useful tips to minimize costs

Understanding P&O Cruises Booking Policies

Why Name Changes Are Restricted

Cruise lines, including P&O, maintain strict passenger policies due to:

• Security and immigration requirements – Passenger details are shared with ports and border control.

• Cabin occupancy rules – Changes must comply with the number of passengers per cabin.

• Insurance and liability issues – The passenger named on the ticket is covered under specific terms.

Flexible vs. Restrictive Fares

• Saver Fares – Typically more restrictive, making passenger name changes harder or impossible.

• Select Fares – More expensive but usually allow for flexibility, including substitutions.

• Early Saver Fares – Somewhere in between, with limited flexibility.

Can You Change the Person on a P&O Cruises Ticket?

The Short Answer

Yes, in most cases you can change the passenger name on a P&O Cruises ticket. However, this is subject to conditions such as time before departure, fare type, and administrative fees.

When Is It Allowed?

• If requested in advance (usually no later than 7–14 days before departure).

• If the new passenger meets eligibility requirements (such as age, travel documents, and health rules).

• If applicable fees are paid.

When It May Not Be Allowed

• Close to departure (often less than 7 days).

• Saver fare bookings with no flexibility.

• Special promotions or group bookings with strict rules.

Fees for Changing a Passenger

Standard Fees

• P&O Cruises charges an administration fee per name change (often £50–£100 per person).

• If the new passenger requires cabin upgrades or changes, additional costs may apply.

• If airfare was booked through P&O, airline change fees also apply.

Cancellation Rules May Apply

If the request is too close to departure, P&O may treat it as a cancellation for the original passenger and a new booking for the replacement passenger, which can be significantly more expensive.

 Guide to Changing a Passenger Name

 1: Review Your Booking Terms

Check your booking confirmation or online account to see which fare type you purchased.

 2: Contact P&O Cruises or Your Travel Agent

Notify them as early as possible about the need to change passengers.

 3: Provide New Passenger Details

The replacement passenger must supply full legal name, date of birth, nationality, and passport details.

 4: Pay Applicable Fees

Settle administration charges and any fare differences.

 5: Confirm the Change

Get an updated confirmation showing the new passenger details.

Important Conditions for Passenger Substitutions

Passport Validity

The new passenger must have a passport valid for at least 6 months after the cruise.

Travel Insurance

Insurance policies are tied to passenger names. A new traveler will need their own insurance coverage.

Visa Requirements

Some itineraries require visas, which the new passenger must obtain before travel.

Age and Occupancy Rules

• At least one adult (18+) must be in each cabin.

• Minimum sailing age requirements must be met.

Alternatives If You Cannot Change a Passenger

• Future Cruise Credit (FCC) – Sometimes, P&O allows unused fares to be applied to future cruises.

• Transfer Reservation – In some cases, you may be able to transfer the whole booking to a new traveler.

• Partial Refund (if insured) – If cancellation is necessary, travel insurance may cover the loss.

Tips to Make Passenger Changes Easier

1. Book Flexible Fares

Select Fares cost more but allow name changes with fewer restrictions.

2. Act Early

Don’t wait until the last week before departure—changes get harder and more expensive.

3. Use a Travel Agent

Agents can sometimes negotiate exceptions with P&O on your behalf.

4. Always Buy Insurance

Insurance may cover unexpected cancellations, reducing financial losses.

5. Double-Check Passenger Info

Ensure names on the ticket match passports exactly to avoid problems at check-in.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change the main passenger on a booking?

Yes, but the lead passenger must remain if the booking is financed or tied to certain offers.

Can I substitute both passengers in a cabin?

Yes, but at least one of the original passengers may need to remain depending on the fare rules.

Can I change a passenger after final payment?

Yes, but fees apply and it becomes harder the closer you get to departure.

Can I sell my cruise ticket to someone else?

Not directly, but you may transfer the ticket to another person through P&O, subject to approval and fees.

Do children’s tickets follow the same rules?

Yes, but P&O requires at least one adult in the cabin to accompany minors.

can you change the person on a P&O Cruises cruise ticket? The answer is generally yes, provided you meet the conditions, act early, and pay the required fees. Passenger substitutions are possible but are strictly controlled for security, legal, and operational reasons.

If you anticipate potential changes, it’s always best to:

• Book Select Fares for flexibility

• Purchase travel insurance

• Make changes as early as possible

By understanding P&O Cruises’ policies and preparing in advance, you can make adjustments smoothly and ensure that your cruise holiday remains stress-free, even when plans change.