Booking a Carnival Cruise Line vacation is exciting, but sometimes life throws a curveball. Medical emergencies, work conflicts, or family obligations may make it impossible for the original traveler to sail. In these cases, many travelers wonder: How much does it cost to transfer a Carnival Cruise Line reservation?

While Carnival offers flexibility in some aspects of travel, transferring a cruise reservation to another person is not straightforward. Carnival generally treats reservations as non-transferable, meaning the person who booked the cruise is usually the one who must sail. However, there are ways to effectively “transfer” a reservation or its value, often through cancellation, rebooking, or using Future Cruise Credit (FCC).

This guide explains Carnival’s reservation transfer policies, associated costs, alternatives, and tips for minimizing financial loss when circumstances change.

Carnival Cruise Line’s Policy on Reservation Transfers

Carnival Cruise Line maintains strict policies regarding reservation transfers. Reservations are generally non-transferable to another person who is not part of the original booking. The reasons are practical:

• Passenger safety and security – Cruise lines must have accurate information for emergency procedures.

• Identification and travel documents – Names on the ticket must match passports or IDs exactly.

• Cabin occupancy and age verification – Cruise lines must ensure cabins meet the correct age and capacity requirements.

Exceptions

Although full transfers to unrelated passengers are usually prohibited, Carnival does allow:

1. Minor name corrections – Typos or spelling errors.

2. Legal name changes – Name changes due to marriage, divorce, or legal documentation.

3. Future Cruise Credit usage – Canceling the original reservation and using FCC to book a new cruise in someone else’s name.

Can You Directly Transfer a Carnival Reservation?

In most cases, direct transfers to another person are not allowed. Carnival treats such requests as cancellations followed by rebooking. This means:

• The original passenger forfeits the reservation or may receive a Future Cruise Credit.

• The new traveler must book a new cruise in their own name.

• Pricing, promotions, and cabin availability may differ for the new booking.

Costs Associated with “Transferring” a Reservation

Since Carnival does not generally allow a direct transfer, costs depend on how the transfer is effectively handled:

1. Minor Name Corrections

• Usually free if reported early.

• Covers simple spelling mistakes or title updates.

2. Legal Name Changes

• May require an administrative fee.

• Documentation such as a marriage certificate, court order, or updated passport is required.

3. Full Passenger Change (Cancellation + Rebooking)

The cost for effectively transferring a reservation by canceling and rebooking depends on the timing of cancellation:

Timing Before SailingPenaltyNotes

Before final paymentMinimal or no penaltyPay only fare difference if new cruise is more expensive

59–30 daysDeposit forfeitedDeposit typically $150–$500 per person

29–15 days50% of total fareCost increases as sailing approaches

14–8 days75% of total fareMost of the fare may be lost

7 days or less100% of total fareFull fare may be forfeited; no refund

Example:

• Original booking: $2,000 per person

• Cancel 40 days before sailing: Lose deposit ($300), rebook with current fare

• Cancel 5 days before sailing: Lose full $2,000

Using Future Cruise Credit (FCC)

Future Cruise Credit is the most common way to transfer the value of a Carnival cruise reservation to another person:

• How it works: When the original reservation is canceled, Carnival issues an FCC equal to the value of the canceled cruise minus any penalties.

• Application: The FCC can be applied toward a new cruise booking in another person’s name.

• Limitations:

  • FCCs are valid for 12–24 months from the date of issue.

  • Promotions from the original cruise may not transfer.

  • Cabin availability may differ for the new cruise.

Step-by-Step Process to Transfer a Carnival Reservation Using FCC

1. Contact Carnival Guest Services

   • Explain that you cannot sail and wish to use FCC for another traveler.

2. Cancel Original Reservation

   • Understand the cancellation penalties and obtain the FCC.

3. Share FCC with New Traveler

   • Provide FCC details so they can book a cruise under their name.

4. Book a New Cruise

   • The new traveler selects a cruise and applies the FCC toward payment.

5. Confirm Details

   • Ensure all documentation, payment, and cabin assignments are correct.

Travel Insurance and Reservation Transfers

Travel insurance can help reduce costs associated with effectively transferring a cruise reservation:

• Covered reasons: Illness, emergencies, or unforeseen circumstances.

• Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR): Reimburses a portion of the fare even if the reason is not specifically covered.

• Benefit: Insurance can allow the original passenger to cancel, receive reimbursement, and enable another traveler to book using those funds.

Situations That May Require a Reservation Transfer

1. Medical Emergencies – Original passenger cannot travel due to illness.

2. Work or School Conflicts – Scheduling changes prevent attendance.

3. Family Events – Weddings, graduations, or emergencies.

4. Personal Preferences – Desire for a different traveler to sail.

Pros and Cons of Effectively Transferring a Carnival Reservation

Pros:

• Preserves the value of your cruise through FCC.

• Enables another traveler to use the reservation.

• Allows flexibility for unforeseen circumstances.

Cons:

• Direct transfer is not allowed; FCC is required.

• Cancellation penalties may reduce the value of the original booking.

• Promotions, discounts, and cabin availability may change.

• Timing is critical; last-minute cancellations can result in total fare loss.

Tips to Minimize Costs

1. Act Early

   • Make cancellations or name change requests before final payment to reduce penalties.

2. Purchase Travel Insurance

   • Protects against losses and enables smoother rebooking.

3. Leverage FCCs

   • FCCs allow the value of the cruise to benefit another traveler even if direct transfer is not possible.

4. Work with a Travel Agent

   • Agents can help navigate penalties, rebooking, and FCC application.

5. Check Cabin Availability and Promotions

   • Ensure the new traveler can book a comparable cabin and access any available promotions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I transfer my Carnival cruise reservation directly to a friend or family member?

No. Direct transfers are generally not allowed. The reservation must be canceled, and the new traveler books using FCC or cash.

How much does it cost to transfer a Carnival cruise reservation?

Costs depend on timing: before final payment, minimal; after final payment, penalties range from deposit loss to full fare forfeiture.

Can I use a Future Cruise Credit to transfer a reservation?

Yes. FCC is the primary method to transfer the value of a reservation to another traveler.

Are there fees for minor name changes?

Usually no, if reported promptly. Legal name changes may incur a small administrative fee.

Does travel insurance help with transferring reservations?

Yes. It can reimburse cancellation costs and enable a new traveler to book using those funds.

Conclusion

So, how much does it cost to transfer a Carnival Cruise Line reservation?

• Direct transfers to another person are not allowed.

• Minor or legal name changes may incur small fees but are generally straightforward.

• Full passenger changes are treated as cancellations and rebookings, with costs depending on timing.

• Future Cruise Credit (FCC) is the most practical way to transfer the value of a cruise to another traveler.

• Travel insurance can further reduce financial risk and increase flexibility.

By understanding Carnival’s policies, acting early, and leveraging FCCs or insurance, travelers can minimize losses and ensure the value of their cruise reservation is preserved, even if someone else ends up sailing in their place.