Can I change the person on a Silversea cruise ticket?

Changing the person listed on a cruise ticket with Silversea Cruises can mean different things. It could be a correction to someone’s name (spelling, initials), a substitution (replacing one person with another), or more complex alterations if airfare or packages are involved. This article provides full details: what is and is not allowed, timelines, restrictions, costs, risks, and best practices for making such changes smoothly.

Before going into policies, it helps to clarify what kinds of name or person changes there are, and why cruise lines have strict rules about them.

Types of Name / Person Changes

 Minor Corrections

These are small edits: correct spelling, middle initials, capitalization, ensuring name matches the passport exactly. These are the simplest form of change.

Full Passenger Substitution

Replacing a person entirely—so someone who was booked cannot or will not travel, and someone else will take their spot.

Multiple Name Changes / All Guests Changed

More complex: changing several or all guests named on a reservation. Some lines do not allow full replacement of all names, or treat it as cancellation.

Impacted Elements: Air / Sea Packages, Optional Extras

If the booking includes flights, transfers, hotel stays, visa arrangements, or other third party components, these may complicate changing names because of airline rules, hotel policies, etc.

 Promotional Fares & Special Discounts

Some fares or promotions may have restrictions. Name changes might void the special discount, loyalty benefit, or special perks.

Silversea Cruises’ Policies and Rules for Name / Person Changes

Here are what Silversea’s published Terms & Conditions and regional policies say, plus what people have reported from experiences.

 What the Official Silversea Terms Say

Full Passport Information Requirement at Booking

Silversea requires full passport details (name exactly as on passport, date of birth, gender, nationality, expiry, etc.) at the time of booking, especially for Air / Sea packages. Silversea+1

No Name Changes after Confirmation / Air Ticket Issuance (in many cases)

For many bookings with flights included, once the booking is confirmed, once air tickets are issued, or seats preassigned, Silversea states that name changes are not permitted. Silversea+1

Case by Case Exceptions & Regional Flexibility

In some regions, there is more flexibility. For example in the Red Sea region Silversea allows full name changes up to 10 days before departure, subject to approval. SilverseaAlso, in Israel’s Silversea Terms and Conditions, substitution of one guest is allowed up to 7 days before sailing, with a fee. Silversea Cruises

Name Changes vs. Substitutions: Distinction Matters

Silversea makes a distinction between simply correcting details vs replacing a person completely (substitution). Substitutions are more likely to have stricter rules or higher fees. Silversea+3Silversea Cruises+3Silversea+3

Timing, Deadlines, and When the Change Request Must Be Made

Before Final Payment or Before Documents Issued

If you request corrections or substitutions before final payment or before documents and airline tickets are issued, there is more chance for success. Silversea’s policy shows that once these are finalized, name changes are often disallowed. Silversea+1

Time Windows in Specific Regions

• In the Red Sea region: can request full name change up to 10 days prior to departure, subject to approval. Silversea

• In Israel region: substitution allowed up to 7 days before sailing, with a fee. Silversea Cruises

After Ticket Issuance or Very Close to Sailing

Once airline tickets are issued, or very close to departure, requests are much less likely to be accepted. Even if accepted, fees are often higher and risk is greater. In many cases no change is allowed. Silversea+2EriksCruises+2

Financial, Documentation, and Practical Considerations

Changing persons on a cruise ticket is not just about the request; there are costs, documents, and risks. Here are the key things to know.

Costs and Fees

Administrative / Name Change Fees

Silversea imposes administrative fees in many cases if name changes or substitutions are permitted. For example, in Israel substitution of one guest costs about £50 per name change. Silversea CruisesFor other regions, fees may vary, potentially higher if near departure or if flights are involved.

Airfare Costs and Third‑Party Fees

If the booking includes an air portion (Air / Sea Package), airline rules often dominate. Changing name on a flight ticket often incurs airline fees, which can be substantial. Silversea’s terms in many cases say that any additional costs incurred as a result of a name change on the airline reservation/ticket will be the guest’s responsibility. Silversea+1

Fare Differences, Loss of Discounts

If a name or substitution results in change of fare type, loss of promotional or loyalty discounts may occur. Some offers have conditions that must be met by the original guest; substituting may void them or require re‑pricing. Silversea Cruises+1

Required Documentation

 Passport & Identification Matching

The new name must match passport exactly. If documents are provided with one version of the name, but boarding documentation shows another, boarding may be denied. Silversea requires name as appears on passport at booking. Silversea+1

Proof for Substitute Guest

If replacing a person, you may need their passport details, date of birth, nationality, etc., visa or other travel authorisation.

Written Requests & Approvals

Often you must submit a written request to Silversea (or through your travel agent). Some names are accepted subject to approval. For substitutions or full name changes, “case by case” approval is often required. Silversea+1

What Happens If a Name Does Not Match or You Fail to Change in Time

There are serious consequences if names are wrong, or substitutions are attempted too late.

 Boarding Denial and Immigration Issues

If the name on the ticket / cruise documents does not match passport exactly, immigration or customs authorities may deny boarding or allow entry. The cruise line may be unable to change the name last minute. This can lead to forfeiting the cruise fare.

Costs and Losses

You may lose parts of fare, special perks, or incur cancellation penalties. For example, promotional rates might be voided, and the booking might be re‑priced at standard fare.

Complexities with Air Travel

Even if the cruise line accepts a name change, the airline in the package may refuse to permit it or demand its own fees or conditions. Because flights are regulated strictly, changing passenger name on air tickets is more restricted.

How to Request a Person Change or Name Correction with Silversea

Here is a step‑by‑step guide to what you should do if you need to change the person on your Silversea ticket.

Step‑by‑Step Process

Review Your Booking Documents Immediately

Once you get confirmation, check names carefully. Compare exactly with passport details. If anything is off, start the process.

Contact Silversea Guest Services or Your Travel Agent

If you booked through an agent, contact them. If booked directly, contact Silversea. Ask whether your situation is a “minor correction” or “substitution,” what the rules are for your region / fare.

Provide Required Documentation

Have your and the substitute’s passport details, visa or travel authorisation, and anything else required ready. If proof of identity or legal name change is needed, get that ready too.

Ask About Fees & Confirm Any Consequences

Ask what administrative charges will apply, whether promotional benefits will be affected, whether the air portion (if any) will need separate change.

Get Written Confirmation of the Change

Once approved, ask Silversea or your agent to send you updated documentation (confirmation, cruise documents, boarding pass, name on manifest etc.).

 Verify All Other Related Documents

If you have visas, travel insurance, air tickets, hotel bookings, ensure their name fields match new name.

 Double‑Check Closer to Departure

A few days before sailing, verify that all documents (eticket, cruise documents, air tickets if included) show correct names.

Putting everything together, here are the most important conclusions for someone considering changing the person on a Silversea ticket.

 When It Is Likely Possible

• If the request is made well ahead of final payment, before air tickets are issued, and far enough before sailing.

• If you are doing a minor correction (spelling, initials) rather than full substitution.

• If the region’s Silversea policy allows substitutions / name changes (some regions are more flexible).

 When It Is Probably Not Allowed or Very Difficult

• Once air tickets have been issued or assigned.

• Very close to departure (within days).

• If the fare or promotion explicitly prohibits name changes or substitutions.

Best Practices to Avoid Problems

• Always use names exactly as in passport when booking.

• Review booking confirmations immediately.

• Keep all documentation handy.

• Book via agents if you want someone to help navigate changes.

• Understand the cancellation policy, as sometimes cancelling and rebooking is the only alternative.