Can I change the person on a Viking Cruises ticket?

Life is unpredictable, and sometimes travelers need to change the person named on a Viking Cruises cruise ticket. Whether due to illness, work conflicts, personal emergencies, or gifting a cruise to a friend or family member, understanding Viking Cruises’ policies is essential.

Viking Cruises, renowned for its luxury river, ocean, and expedition voyages, has structured procedures for updating passenger information to maintain safety, compliance, and operational integrity. This comprehensive 3,000-word guide explores how to change the person on a cruise ticket, including fees, timelines, documentation requirements, optional package adjustments, travel protection considerations, and best practices in 2025.

1. Understanding Name Changes on Viking Cruises Tickets

Changing the person on a cruise ticket means updating the reservation to a different individual while keeping the same booking, cabin, and itinerary. This is different from:

• Cancellation: Voiding the reservation entirely

• Rebooking: Changing dates under the same passenger name

A name change allows the new passenger to inherit the reservation and any pre-purchased packages, subject to Viking Cruises’ policies.

2. Reasons for Changing the Passenger Name

Travelers may need a name change for several reasons:

1. Personal Emergencies: Illness, accidents, or family obligations

2. Scheduling Conflicts: Work or unforeseen obligations

3. Gifting the Cruise: Allowing another person to use the reservation

4. Group Travel Adjustments: Switching travelers within a group booking

5. Documentation Corrections: Passport or ID discrepancies

Understanding the reason for the name change helps determine timing, fees, and procedural requirements.

3. Viking Cruises’ Name Change Policy (2025)

Viking Cruises allows name changes under strict guidelines:

• Eligibility: Reservation must be fully paid or near full payment

• Notification: Must notify Viking well in advance, usually at least 60–90 days before departure

• Fees: Administrative fees typically $50–$100 per passenger

• Documentation: Both original and new passengers must provide government-issued ID and passport information

• Optional Packages: Can be transferred but may incur additional fees

The goal is to ensure accurate documentation and compliance with international travel and immigration laws.

4. Timing and Deadlines for Name Changes

Timing Before DeparturePolicy & Fees

120+ daysAdmin fee $50–$75; straightforward approval; cabin availability usually maintained

119–90 daysAdmin fee $75–$100; some packages may require adjustments; timely submission recommended

<90 daysAdmin fee $100+; may require Future Cruise Credit (FCC) or approval from Reservations Team; stricter rules

Tip: The earlier the request, the smoother and more cost-effective the process.

5. Eligibility Requirements

Not all bookings are eligible for a name change:

• Must be fully paid or nearly paid in full

• Cabin type must be available for the new passenger

• Optional packages, excursions, and beverage plans can be transferred

• Certain promotional, group, or expedition sailings may have restrictions

Transfers are not allowed without Viking’s written authorization.

6. Fees for Changing the Passenger Name

Administrative fees vary based on timing and itinerary:

• Standard name change: $50–$100 per passenger

• Late name change (<90 days): $100+

• Optional packages: $25–$50 per item

• Cabin upgrades requested by new passenger: fare difference + admin fee

Early requests reduce costs and increase the likelihood of approval.

7. Steps to Change the Passenger Name

Step 1: Review Your Booking

• Verify cabin type, itinerary, passengers, and optional packages

Step 2: Contact Viking Reservations

• Provide booking reference and new passenger details

• Confirm cabin availability and potential additional costs

Step 3: Submit Required Documentation

• Passport or government-issued ID for both original and new passenger

• Signed forms authorizing name change

Step 4: Pay Administrative Fees

• Pay applicable admin fees, fare differences, and optional package transfer fees

Step 5: Receive Updated Confirmation

• Viking issues updated reservation in new passenger’s name

• Travel Protection coverage should be updated accordingly

8. Cabin Considerations During Name Changes

Changing the passenger may involve:

Upgrades

• New passenger may request upgraded cabin

• Fare difference + admin fee applies

Downgrades

• Refund credited to original payment method minus admin fee

• Availability may be limited

Pro Tip: Coordinate cabin adjustments with name changes for smooth processing.

9. Optional Packages

Pre-purchased packages like shore excursions, beverage packages, and pre/post-cruise hotels can be transferred:

• Admin fees: $25–$50 per item

• Best to transfer packages alongside the main reservation to minimize administrative work

10. Travel Protection Plan (TPP)

Viking’s Travel Protection Plan is essential during a name change:

• Covers illness or emergencies

• Protects pre-paid excursions and packages

• Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) may allow partial refund or FCC usage

Travel Protection ensures financial security for both original and new passenger.

11. River Cruises vs Ocean Cruises

River Cruises

• Smaller ships, limited cabins

• Early name change recommended

• Admin fees usually lower

Ocean Cruises

• Larger inventory, more flexibility

• Late changes may be costlier

• Expedition and polar voyages have stricter deadlines

Understanding the vessel type helps plan name changes efficiently.

12. Expedition Cruises

Special considerations for expeditions:

• Antarctic, Arctic, and Galápagos sailings have stricter rules

• Early notification essential

• Travel Protection recommended

• Admin fees may be higher due to logistical complexity

13. Private Charter or Group Bookings

Private or group bookings may allow:

• Multiple passenger name changes

• Adjustments to cabin assignments and optional packages

• Fees negotiated individually

Private bookings provide maximum flexibility for updating passengers.

14. Real-Life Examples of Name Changes

Scenario 1: Early Name Change (130 Days Before Departure)

• Admin fee: $50

• Cabin retained

• Minimal cost

Scenario 2: Mid-Term Name Change (95 Days Before Departure)

• Admin fee: $75

• Optional package fee: $25 per item

• Total: $100–$150

Scenario 3: Late Name Change (60 Days Before Departure)

• Admin fee: $100

• Cabin upgrade requested by new passenger: $1,500

• FCC may be required

15. Exceptions and Fee Waivers

Viking may waive or reduce fees for:

• Cruise line-initiated itinerary changes

• Force majeure events (pandemic, natural disaster)

• Documented medical emergencies

Fee waivers are rare but provide maximum flexibility.

16. Best Practices for Name Changes

1. Act Early: Minimizes administrative fees and ensures cabin availability

2. Coordinate All Changes: Cabin, optional packages, and passenger details together

3. Use Travel Protection: Provides financial safety net for emergencies

4. Maintain Documentation: Keep signed forms, passports, and confirmations

5. Communicate Clearly: Directly with Viking Reservations for approval

17. Comparing Viking’s Policy to Other Cruise Lines

Cruise LineName Change Allowed?FeesNotes

Viking CruisesYes, restricted$50–$100 per passengerAdult-focused, strict deadlines

Royal CaribbeanYes$100–$300Family-oriented, more flexible

Oceania CruisesYes$150–$300Luxury-focused

SilverseaYes$75–$200Luxury, expedition-focused

Disney Cruise LineLimitedFree/discountedFamily-oriented, includes children

Viking’s policies are structured, secure, and cost-effective when done early.

18. Timeline Strategies for Smooth Name Changes

• Early Changes (120+ days): Lower fees, higher success rate

• Mid-Term (119–90 days): Moderate fees, timing is critical

• Late Changes (<90 days): Higher fees, FCC or Travel Protection may be required

• Expeditions: Notify as early as possible

Timing ensures smooth processing and minimal additional costs.

19. Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can I change the person on a Viking cruise ticket?

• Yes, with Viking’s approval and admin fees.

Q2: How much does it cost?

• $50–$100 per passenger, plus fare difference or optional package fees if applicable.

Q3: Can cabin upgrades be applied to the new passenger?

• Yes, fare difference plus admin fee applies.

Q4: Can optional packages be transferred?

• Yes, $25–$50 per item may apply.

Q5: Does Travel Protection help?

• Yes, it supports emergencies, partial refunds, or FCC usage.

20. Viking Cruises

Changing the person on a Viking Cruises ticket in 2025 is possible but requires structured steps, documentation, and administrative fees. Costs depend on timing, cabin, optional packages, and whether the new passenger requests upgrades.

Early requests reduce fees, while Travel Protection and Future Cruise Credits provide financial security for emergencies or late changes. By understanding Viking’s policies, travelers can update passenger information confidently, ensuring a smooth and luxurious cruising experience on river, ocean, or expedition voyages.

Viking Cruises’ name change policies balance flexibility, compliance, and operational integrity, ensuring both original and new passengers enjoy the premium experience Viking is known for