How much does it cost to transfer a MSC Cruises reservation?

Booking an MSC Cruises vacation is an exciting experience. Whether you’re heading to the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, the Caribbean, or further afield, you expect everything to run smoothly. But life can be unpredictable—plans change, schedules conflict, or companions drop out. This often leads passengers to ask:

“How much does it cost to transfer an MSC Cruises reservation?”

The answer isn’t simple, because MSC Cruises has different rules and fees depending on the type of transfer you’re trying to make. Transfers can mean:

• Changing a passenger’s name (substituting one traveler for another).

• Moving your reservation to a different sailing date or itinerary.

• Transferring a booking between travel agents or to MSC directly.

Each scenario has its own costs, restrictions, and policies. This comprehensive 3000-word guide breaks down the details so you’ll know exactly what to expect.

We’ll cover:

• MSC’s official policies on reservation transfers

• Name change fees and rules

• Date and itinerary change costs

• Travel agent transfer conditions

• Flight-inclusive booking complications

• Step-by-step process to request a transfer

• Expert strategies to minimize fees

• Frequently asked questions

Understanding Reservation Transfers on MSC Cruises

When you ask about transferring an MSC Cruises reservation, it’s important to define what kind of transfer you’re referring to.

Types of Transfers

1. Name Changes (Passenger Substitutions)

   • Changing one passenger in the booking to another person.

2. Date or Itinerary Transfers

   • Moving your cruise booking to a different sailing date or itinerary.

3. Agency Transfers

   • Transferring a booking made with one travel agent to another agent or MSC direct.

Each of these comes with its own cost implications.

1. Name Change (Passenger Substitution) Fees

Changing the name on a cruise ticket is the most common type of “transfer.”

MSC Policy on Name Changes

• Lead Passenger (Primary Guest) – The primary guest on the booking cannot usually be changed. This person is financially and legally tied to the reservation. If the lead guest cannot travel, the booking often must be canceled and rebooked, incurring cancellation fees.

• Secondary Passengers – Substitutions are usually allowed for secondary guests. If a companion cannot travel, they can be replaced with another person, subject to deadlines and documentation.

Cost of Name Changes

• Administrative Fee: Usually between $50–$100 per change.

• Flight-Inclusive Bookings (Fly&Cruise): If flights are included, the cost can be much higher since airlines typically do not allow name changes. This often means buying a completely new ticket at full price.

• Packages: If the reservation includes hotel stays, transfers, or excursions, those vendors may also charge additional fees for name substitutions.

Timing Matters

• 30+ Days Before Departure – Easier and cheaper to process.

• 8–30 Days Before Departure – Still possible but may involve higher admin charges.

• Less than 7 Days Before Departure – Usually not allowed due to maritime security rules.

2. Date or Itinerary Change Costs

Sometimes passengers want to move their cruise to a different sailing instead of canceling.

MSC’s Policy

• Before Final Payment Deadline

  • Transfers to another date or itinerary are generally free, but you must pay any fare difference.

• After Final Payment

  • Changes may be treated as cancellations, and cancellation fees apply.

Cost Breakdown

MSC’s cancellation fees (applied if a change is treated as a cancellation):

• 60+ days before departure – Loss of deposit only.

• 59–30 days before departure – 25–50% of the cruise fare.

• 29–15 days before departure – 75% of the fare.

• 14 days or less – 100% cancellation fee.

This means if you want to transfer your cruise close to the sailing date, it may be very expensive or even impossible without losing your entire fare.

3. Agency Transfer Costs

Passengers sometimes ask if they can transfer a booking made through one travel agent to another—or to MSC directly—so they can take advantage of new offers or promotions.

MSC Policy

• Generally Not Allowed – Once booked through an agency, the reservation usually cannot be moved elsewhere.

• Exceptions – In some regions, if you act quickly (within 30 days of booking), MSC may allow a transfer, but both agencies must agree.

Cost

• Free within Grace Period – If approved within the short window, no fee may apply.

• Not Possible Later – After that, you’d need to cancel and rebook, incurring cancellation penalties.

Step-by-Step: How to Transfer or Change an MSC Reservation

1. Review Booking Terms – Check your confirmation email for fare rules and cancellation policies.

2. Contact the Booking Source – All changes must go through your original booking channel (travel agent or MSC direct).

3. Request Transfer Type – Specify whether you want a name change, date change, or booking transfer.

4. Provide Documentation – New passenger’s passport and details are required.

5. Pay Applicable Fees – Be prepared for admin charges, cancellation penalties, or new fare differences.

6. Get Written Confirmation – Always request an updated invoice showing the corrected details.

Complications with Flight-Inclusive Bookings

MSC’s Fly&Cruise packages include airfare, which adds complexity.

• Airline Rules – Most airlines do not allow name changes; instead, you may need to cancel the original ticket and purchase a new one.

• High Costs – This can easily cost hundreds of dollars per person.

• Better Option – Book flights separately when possible, to avoid restrictive airline rules.

How to Reduce Transfer Costs

1. Act Early – Changes are cheaper the earlier they’re requested.

2. Book Flexible Fares – Some promotions include free or reduced-fee changes.

3. Purchase Travel Insurance – Good coverage can reimburse you for cancellation or substitution fees.

4. Avoid Flight Bundles – Booking flights separately provides more flexibility.

5. Use a Travel Agent – Experienced agents may negotiate with MSC on your behalf.

Real-World Scenarios

Scenario 1: Substituting a Friend

You booked a cabin for yourself and a friend. Your friend cancels, and you want to bring another person instead.

• Cost: Around $75 administrative fee.

Scenario 2: Changing the Sailing Date

You booked a Caribbean cruise but want to move it 40 days earlier.

• Cost: Free if before final payment, but you’ll pay the fare difference if the new sailing is more expensive.

Scenario 3: Lead Passenger Cancels

As the primary guest, you can’t travel anymore and want to replace yourself with your sibling.

• Cost: Not allowed. The booking must be canceled and rebooked, leading to heavy cancellation penalties.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How much does it cost to change a passenger on MSC Cruises?

Between $50–$100 per change, unless flights are included (which can cost much more).

Can I transfer my MSC booking to someone else entirely?

No. The lead passenger cannot be replaced. Only secondary passengers can be substituted.

Can I move my reservation to a different date?

Yes, but fees depend on whether you’ve passed the final payment deadline. After that, cancellations penalties apply.

Can I transfer my booking to a different travel agency?

Usually no, except in rare cases within 30 days of booking.

Do fees vary by country?

Yes. MSC’s policies are region-specific, so check your local MSC office terms and conditions