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Booking a Uniworld River Cruises vacation promises an extraordinary journey through the heart of Europe, Asia, or Egypt — complete with boutique ships, fine dining, personalized excursions, and elegant service. But sometimes, life throws unexpected curveballs.
A family member falls ill, a friend can’t make the trip, or your travel partner’s schedule changes at the last minute. In such cases, travelers often wonder:
“Can I change the person on my Uniworld River Cruises cruise ticket?”
The short answer is: Yes, it’s possible — under certain conditions.
Uniworld understands that plans can change and strives to accommodate reasonable requests. However, since each passenger’s details are legally tied to immigration and customs requirements, changing a person on a cruise ticket involves more than just updating a name.
This in-depth guide covers everything you need to know about changing passengers on a Uniworld cruise — including the process, rules, fees, limitations, and expert advice for ensuring a smooth transition.
Uniworld River Cruises operates under international maritime and travel regulations, which means each cruise ticket is linked to an individual traveler’s identity — including passport details, travel insurance, and visa information.
When you purchase a Uniworld cruise, you enter into a legal travel contract under your name. That’s why any name change or substitution of a passenger must comply with company policy and international security laws.
Uniworld’s passenger change policy is designed to:
Protect against identity fraud
Maintain accurate passenger manifests
Ensure compliance with immigration requirements
Protect travel insurance and liability coverage
Because of these regulations, you cannot simply hand over your ticket to another person without Uniworld’s written approval.
Yes — but only with Uniworld’s authorization and within specific timeframes.
This process is commonly referred to as a “name change” or “passenger substitution.” It allows a new traveler to take the place of the original passenger, subject to approval, documentation, and applicable fees.
Key points to remember:
The change must be requested in writing through Uniworld or your travel advisor.
Only one name change per booking is typically allowed.
Timing is crucial — requests made close to departure are less likely to be accepted.
Administrative fees apply, depending on how far in advance the change is requested.
The new passenger must meet all travel eligibility requirements, including visa and insurance compliance.
Uniworld reviews each request individually, ensuring fairness and compliance with maritime law.
Uniworld’s flexibility decreases as the departure date approaches. Here’s a general overview of how timing affects your ability to change passengers:
Days Before DepartureChange PossibilityEstimated FeesNotes
120+ daysFully allowed$200–$250 per personLow-risk; documents not yet issued
90–119 daysAllowed with fees$300–$400 per personMust resubmit traveler details
60–89 daysLimited flexibility$400–$600 per personSubject to review
<60 daysRarely permittedTreated as cancellationHigh penalties or denied
If Uniworld has already issued travel or visa documents, reissuing them may add extra costs.
There are several legitimate reasons for needing to change a name or passenger on your Uniworld booking:
Illness or injury of the original traveler
Scheduling conflicts or work commitments
Family emergencies preventing travel
Gift transfers — you wish to give your cruise to someone else
Visa or passport issues
Shared cabin substitutions — one traveler cancels, another joins
Uniworld generally accommodates such changes when properly documented and within policy limits.
If you need to change the person on your Uniworld River Cruises ticket, follow these steps:
Check your booking confirmation or invoice. It outlines whether your fare type allows name changes, and under what conditions.
If you booked through a travel agent, they must initiate the change request.If you booked directly, contact Uniworld Guest Services at:
📞 1-800-733-7820📧 info@uniworld.com
Provide a formal email or letter including:
Your full name and booking number
The new traveler’s full legal name and contact details
A brief explanation of the reason for the change
Uniworld will confirm the administrative fee and any fare difference (if applicable). Payment must be made before the new ticket is issued.
The new traveler must submit valid passport details and, if required, visa and insurance documents. Once verified, Uniworld will issue updated travel documents.
The name change or passenger substitution fee typically ranges between $200 and $600 per person, depending on timing and complexity.
Additional costs may apply if:
Travel documents have already been issued
Flights were booked through Uniworld (subject to airline name change policies)
Insurance or visa applications must be resubmitted
If the new passenger’s cruise fare differs (e.g., based on current pricing or promotions), Uniworld may adjust the balance due accordingly.
While Uniworld allows name changes, several restrictions apply:
Promotional or non-refundable fares: Some discounted fares are strictly non-transferable.
Group bookings: Group or chartered sailings may have their own policies.
Airline tickets: If you booked air travel through Uniworld, airlines often prohibit name changes entirely.
Insurance policies: Most travel insurance is non-transferable; the new passenger must purchase a new policy.
Visa and passport issues: Travelers must independently meet all legal entry requirements.
Always verify all third-party elements (flights, hotels, excursions) to ensure the new traveler is fully covered.
It’s important to distinguish between a name change and a full reservation transfer.
Name ChangeReservation Transfer
Substitutes one passenger for another on the same bookingTransfers the entire reservation (all passengers) to another party
Fees typically $200–$600Fees may equal a partial cancellation
Allowed up to 60–90 days before sailingRequires full payment transfer and approval
Keeps same cabin, itinerary, and fareMay involve repricing and rebooking
Most travelers seeking to “change the person” on a ticket are requesting a name change, not a full transfer.
If your booking includes onboard credits, loyalty benefits, or promotional perks, here’s how they’re typically affected:
Onboard Credit: Usually transfers to the new passenger.
Loyalty Points: Uniworld’s River Heritage Club points stay with the original guest and do not transfer.
Promotional Discounts: If the fare type was linked to your personal loyalty status, Uniworld may reprice the booking for the new traveler.
Upgrades or special offers: Subject to availability at the time of reissue.
It’s always best to confirm these details with Uniworld before finalizing the change.
If you purchased travel insurance, be aware that most policies are non-transferable. That means when the passenger changes, the insurance coverage does not automatically transfer to the new traveler.
You’ll need to:
Cancel the existing policy for the original traveler.
Purchase a new policy for the substitute passenger.
Contact your insurance provider or Uniworld’s recommended insurer to coordinate this adjustment.
Uniworld allows only one name change per booking, in most cases. If you wish to change multiple passengers, the booking may need to be canceled and rebooked, which can incur standard cancellation penalties.
Exceptions may apply for group reservations or family bookings, but approval is required.
If Uniworld cannot process a name change — usually due to timing or fare restrictions — you still have options:
Request a Future Cruise Credit (FCC): Instead of transferring your cruise, you can apply your payment toward a future sailing (subject to policy terms).
Cancel Under Your Travel Insurance: If illness or emergencies prevent travel, insurance may reimburse your cancellation.
Rebook Later: Sometimes, canceling and rebooking is less costly than paying late transfer fees.
Uniworld’s policies align with international maritime and security laws. Changing passengers affects:
Ship manifests required by European Union port authorities
Customs and immigration records
Emergency contact and safety logs
Travel insurance verification
Because of these legal factors, every substitution must be carefully processed — not just for business reasons, but also for security compliance.
To ensure your name change or substitution goes smoothly, follow these practical tips:
Act early: Initiate the change at least 90 days before departure.
Keep records: Use email to create a written trail of communication.
Check passport validity: The new traveler must have a valid passport for all destinations.
Coordinate with insurance and airlines: Avoid last-minute surprises.
Avoid non-refundable fares: Choose flexible fare options if you anticipate possible changes.
Use a travel advisor: Agents often have direct access to Uniworld’s support channels.
Original traveler cancels 150 days before departure.
Friend takes their place.
Fee: $200 per person
Outcome: Smooth change, minimal hassle.
Traveler requests a name change 30 days before sailing.
Flights already ticketed.
Outcome: Airline denies name change; Uniworld charges $500 fee.
Resolution: Traveler cancels; future cruise credit issued.
Family of four changes one passenger’s name 100 days before departure.
Fee: $250
Outcome: Allowed; travel documents reissued for one passenger only.
Yes, but it may incur higher fees or be treated as a partial cancellation, depending on timing.
Airline policies may prevent name changes. You may need to cancel and repurchase the flight.
Yes. If the fare has increased since your original booking, the new traveler must pay the difference.
Usually not. Many discounted fares are marked as “non-transferable.”
Yes, if approved by Uniworld, but administrative and legal processes apply.
To request a name change or passenger substitution, contact:
Uniworld Boutique River Cruises🌐 Website: www.uniworld.com📞 Phone (U.S. & Canada): +1-800-733-7820📧 Email: info@uniworld.com🕓 Hours: Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM–6:00 PM (local time)
Your travel advisor can also facilitate the entire process on your behalf.
Changing a passenger makes sense when:
You’re early in the booking timeline
Your fare allows flexibility
The new traveler can quickly provide required documents
However, if you’re within 60 days of departure or booked a non-refundable promotion, it’s often better to cancel and apply for a Future Cruise Credit instead of paying steep reissue fees.
Uniworld strives to maintain guest-friendly, compassionate policies. In extraordinary situations — such as medical emergencies or unforeseen global events — the cruise line has historically offered exceptions, waivers, or travel credits.
If your situation involves hardship, always explain your circumstances clearly when contacting Uniworld. They often review such requests on a case-by-case basis.
So, can you change the person on a Uniworld River Cruises cruise ticket
Uniworld’s goal is to balance flexibility with operational and legal responsibilities. By understanding the policy, acting early, and maintaining transparent communication, you can ensure your booking transition is seamless and stress-free.
Changing the person on a Uniworld cruise ticket isn’t a complicated process if you plan ahead — and with the right approach, your dream river cruise can continue uninterrupted, even when your travel plans shift.
Your ultimate guide to cruise adventures. Discover amazing destinations, find the perfect cruise, and create unforgettable memories on the high seas.
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