How late can I change a name on Windstar Cruises?

Booking a luxury voyage with Windstar Cruises is a dream come true for many travelers. But sometimes, plans change — whether it’s a typo in a name, a legal name update, or a complete passenger substitution. In these cases, one of the most common questions guests ask is:This might seem like a small issue, but it can have big implications for your trip. Cruise lines, including Windstar, are required by law to have accurate passenger details for security, port clearance, and ticketing. That means even a minor name mismatch can cause issues at check-in or during travel.The good news? Windstar Cruises allows name changes — but the timing, fees, and process depend on when and why you’re making the change.

• Windstar’s official name change policy

• How late you can make a name change before sailing

• Fees for late name changes

• What happens after final payment

• Future Cruise Credit (FCC) options

• Special cases (marriage, typos, replacements)

• Name change process step-by-step

• Tips to avoid last-minute fees

By the end, you’ll know exactly how to handle any name change situation confidently — whether it’s a minor correction or a full passenger swap.

1. Windstar Cruises’ Official Name Change Policy

Windstar Cruises distinguishes between minor corrections and passenger replacements when it comes to name changes.

A. Minor Name Changes

These are small adjustments to the name on your reservation, such as:

• Fixing typos or spelling mistakes

• Updating a legal name (after marriage, divorce, etc.)

• Adding or removing a middle name or initial

Allowed up to final payment (and sometimes after) Usually free if corrected early May incur administrative fees if made close to departure

B. Full Passenger Substitution

If the person on the booking is completely changing — for example, if you can’t go and want to send a friend instead — it’s considered a passenger substitution or reservation transfer.

This type of change is more complex and time-sensitive:

• Allowed only before tickets are issued (about 14–30 days before sailing)

• After ticketing, it’s treated as a cancellation and rebooking

• Subject to Windstar’s cancellation penalties

2. How Late Can You Change a Name?

The latest you can change a name on Windstar Cruises depends on the type of name change and fare conditions.

Let’s break it down by timing:

Stage of BookingType of Change AllowedFees/Conditions

Before Final PaymentAll name corrections and substitutions allowedUsually free or small admin fee

After Final Payment (up to 30 days before departure)Minor corrections only; full transfer may incur penaltyPossible $100–$200 admin fee

29–15 days before sailingMinor legal corrections may be accepted with documentationHeavier admin fees, ticket reissue may apply

14–0 days before sailingRare exceptions only (security/legal issues)Usually not allowed; treated as cancellation

The General Rule:

You should complete all name changes at least 30 days before your sailing date to avoid issues or penalties.

Windstar uses passenger manifests to clear travelers with port authorities and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Once the final manifest is submitted (usually 14 days before sailing), no name changes can be processed.

3. What Happens After Final Payment

Final payment for most Windstar Cruises is due 90–120 days before sailing, depending on itinerary length.

After this point:

• Minor corrections (typos, initials) can still be made.

• Major name changes or passenger substitutions are subject to Windstar’s cancellation policy and rebooking rules.

• Tickets may already be issued if you’ve purchased air travel through Windstar, making changes more complex.

If you need to change a name after final payment, Windstar may:

• Charge a name-change or rebooking fee (typically $100–$200)

• Require the original booking to be canceled and reissued under the new name

• Deduct applicable cancellation penalties from your fare

• Issue a Future Cruise Credit (FCC) to the original traveler

4. Fees for Late Name Changes

Late name changes can be costly depending on how close to the sailing date you make the request.

Here’s a general breakdown:

Days Before DepartureType of ChangeEstimated FeeNotes

120–90 daysMinor correctionFreeBefore ticketing

89–60 daysPassenger substitution$100–$200Requires approval

59–30 daysPassenger substitution25–50% of fareTreated as cancellation

<30 daysNo change permitted100% lossExcept in legal/emergency cases

Pro Tip: If your change is due to a legal reason (like marriage or a government ID update), provide official documentation. Windstar may waive administrative fees at their discretion.

5. Legal Name Changes (Marriage, Divorce, etc.)

If your name has changed legally between the time of booking and sailing, Windstar Cruises allows updates with valid documentation, such as:

• Marriage certificate

• Divorce decree

• Government-issued name change record

You must provide copies at least two weeks before sailing so your ticket and manifest match your travel ID.

Failing to do this could lead to boarding delays or denial, as cruise lines must ensure that passenger names match travel documents exactly.

6. Correcting Typographical Errors

Small typos, misspellings, or middle initial issues are easy to fix.

Examples include:

• “Jon” instead of “John”

• “Smiht” instead of “Smith”

• Missing middle initial

Windstar typically fixes these errors free of charge if reported early.After ticket issuance, however, there may be a $50–$100 administrative fee for reprinting or reissuing documentation.

Always review your confirmation email and itinerary carefully to ensure every detail matches your passport.

7. Passenger Substitution (Transferring the Booking)

Passenger substitution is when a new traveler replaces an existing one.

This is only allowed before ticket issuance and must be done well before the final passenger list submission (ideally 30–45 days before sailing).

Windstar treats substitutions made after ticketing as cancellations because the passenger manifests are already finalized.

Important Guidelines:

• Both original and new passengers must provide consent

• The booking cannot be transferred to a different sailing or date (only names can change)

• Fare differences may apply if current rates differ from the original fare

8. Air + Cruise Packages

If your booking includes air travel through Windstar, name changes become more complicated because airlines have stricter policies.

• Airlines usually do not allow full passenger name changes.

• Even small corrections may require canceling and reissuing tickets.

• This can result in airline-imposed reissue fees ($200–$500 or more).

Thus, it’s crucial to double-check passenger names before final payment or ticketing.

If the air portion is booked independently, you must handle airline name changes separately.

9. Using Future Cruise Credits (FCCs) After a Name Change

If a name change request is treated as a cancellation after ticketing, the original traveler may receive a Future Cruise Credit.

• FCCs retain the value of the paid fare minus any applicable penalties.

• Credits are non-transferable but can be applied by the same traveler to a future Windstar voyage.

This is useful if you can’t travel now but plan to reschedule later.

Windstar has been flexible post-pandemic, often extending FCC validity and allowing partial fare applications toward new bookings.

10. Flexible Booking Promotions

Windstar periodically offers Book With Confidence or other flexible fare programs.

Under these, you may:

• Make name or passenger changes up to 48 hours before departure

• Avoid heavy cancellation fees

• Receive FCCs for future rebookings

If flexibility matters, choose these fare options during booking. They offer peace of mind and reduced penalties for last-minute changes.

11. Step-by-Step: How to Change a Name on Windstar Cruises

Here’s the process to follow if you need to change a name:

Step 1: Review Your Booking Details

Check whether your reservation is paid in full and if your cruise documents have been issued.

Step 2: Contact Windstar Cruises or Your Travel Agent

• Call 1-888-526-2803 (U.S./Canada)

• International guests should contact their local Windstar office

Provide:

• Reservation number

• Current passenger name(s)

• Correct or replacement name(s)

• Reason for change

Step 3: Confirm Timing and Fees

Ask the agent:

• Whether the change can be processed as a correction or a transfer

• Applicable fees

• Whether your booking is already ticketed

Step 4: Submit Documentation

If applicable, send legal proof of name change or authorization from both passengers.

Step 5: Review Updated Confirmation

Windstar will send an updated booking confirmation once the change is processed.Check it immediately to ensure accuracy.

12. Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Waiting too long to request a change (especially after final payment).

2. Booking under a nickname or name that doesn’t match your passport.

3. Ignoring middle names—they matter for some airline and immigration systems.

4. Not updating travel insurance after a name change.

5. Assuming group bookings have the same flexibility as individual reservations.

13. Travel Insurance and Name Changes

Travel insurance is a crucial safety net for these situations.

Policies may cover:

• Fees associated with name changes or reissuance

• Cancellation penalties if the original traveler cannot go

• Rebooking or FCC-related expenses

Consider a Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) policy if you anticipate possible changes.

Always update your policy details if your name or passenger information changes.

14. How to Avoid Last-Minute Name Change Stress

Here are some pro tips to make sure you don’t get caught by surprise:

• Double-check all details (spelling, middle names, passport match) within 24 hours of booking.

• Make any corrections before final payment.

• Choose flexible fares when available.

• Avoid last-minute passenger swaps.

• Keep copies of legal documents if your name changes legally.

• Coordinate with travel agents who can advocate on your behalf with Windstar.

15. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. How late can I change a name on Windstar Cruises?

You can make minor name changes up to 30 days before departure. After that, it becomes difficult and may not be allowed once the passenger manifest is finalized (typically 14 days prior).

Q2. What if my name changed after marriage or divorce?

Windstar allows legal name updates with documentation (like a marriage certificate) if submitted at least two weeks before sailing.

Q3. Can I transfer my cruise ticket to someone else?

Yes, but only before final ticketing. After that, it’s treated as a cancellation and rebooking, often with penalties.

Q4. Are name changes free?

Minor corrections before final payment are usually free. Full substitutions or late changes incur administrative or cancellation fees.

Q5. Can travel agents make name changes for me?

Yes. If you booked through a travel agent, they can process the change directly with Windstar.

Q6. Can I change my name at the port on the day of departure?

No. Once manifests are submitted to port authorities (usually 14 days before), name changes are not allowed for security reasons.

16.Windstar Cruises

Windstar Cruises offers a luxurious and intimate sailing experience, but it also follows strict passenger documentation rules.

To avoid complications or financial losses, remember:

• Minor corrections are easy — just fix them early.

• Full substitutions must be made before ticket issuance (preferably 30+ days out).

• Late name changes are risky and may trigger cancellation fees.

• Flexible fare options and travel insurance are your best allies for peace of mind.

By acting promptly and understanding Windstar’s timelines, you can handle any name change confidently — ensuring your journey remains as smooth and sophisticated as the cruise itself.