Planning a cruise involves excitement, research, and careful coordination. But life sometimes throws curveballs—unexpected work, family commitments, or even a change of heart about the destination. In these moments, passengers often ask:

“How much does it cost to transfer a Norwegian Cruise Line reservation?”

The answer isn’t simple. The cost depends on what kind of transfer you mean. For Norwegian Cruise Line, “transfer” could mean:

1. Moving your booking to a travel agent after booking directly with NCL.

2. Transferring your reservation to a different date, itinerary, or ship.

3. Transferring your reservation to another person.

Each case has different rules, costs, and deadlines. This article breaks down every scenario in detail, so you can understand exactly what it might cost you and how to avoid unnecessary penalties.

Why Transfer a Reservation?

Passengers may wish to transfer their NCL reservations for many reasons:

• To access better perks by moving a direct booking to a travel agent.

• To reschedule due to a conflict in dates.

• To allow another person to travel if the original guest cannot.

• To switch to a different ship, itinerary, or promotion.

The key question isn’t whether you can transfer—but how much it will cost depending on the timing and type of transfer.

1. Transferring a Reservation to a Travel Agent

Policy

If you booked directly with Norwegian Cruise Line, you can transfer your reservation to a travel agent for additional benefits.

• Must be done within 30 days of booking.

• Must occur before final payment is made.

• Requires submitting a transfer form through NCL.

Cost

• Free. NCL does not charge for travel-agent transfers.

• Your fare remains the same, but your agent may offer added perks such as:

  • Onboard credit.

  • Group rates.

  • Extra assistance with excursions, flights, or insurance.

Example

Maria books an Alaska cruise directly with NCL. A week later, she learns a travel agent can offer $100 onboard credit. She transfers her booking at no cost.

Cost to transfer: $0.

2. Transferring a Reservation to a Different Date or Ship

Changing to a new sailing date or ship is one of the most common “transfer” requests.

Before Final Payment Deadline

• No penalty to change.

• You only pay the fare difference if the new sailing is more expensive.

• If the new sailing is cheaper, you may get a refund or Future Cruise Credit (FCC), depending on fare type.

Cost range: $0 (if same price) → unlimited (if new cruise is more expensive).

After Final Payment Deadline

• Considered a cancellation and rebooking.

• Standard cancellation penalties apply:

  • 120–91 days before sailing: loss of deposit.

  • 90–61 days before sailing: 50% of fare.

  • 60–31 days before sailing: 75% of fare.

  • 30 days or less: 100% of fare.

Cost range: Loss of deposit → loss of full fare.

Example

Raj booked a $2,000 cruise.

• If he changes 150 days before sailing → pays only fare difference.

• If he changes 70 days before sailing → loses 50% ($1,000) as penalty.

3. Transferring a Reservation to Another Person

This is the most restrictive type of transfer.

Policy

• Primary guest name cannot be changed.

• If the primary guest cannot sail, the booking must be canceled (penalties apply).

• Secondary guest names can often be changed for a fee.

• Spelling corrections are free.

Costs

• Name change fee (secondary guests): $100–$150.

• Spelling corrections: Free.

• Primary guest transfer: Not allowed—treated as cancellation with penalties based on the schedule above.

Example

Anita booked for herself (primary) and her friend (secondary). Her friend couldn’t go, so Anita switched to another guest.

Cost: $100 name-change fee.

If Anita herself couldn’t go, the whole reservation would need cancellation, with penalties of $400–$2,000 depending on timing.

4. Future Cruise Credit (FCC) as a “Transfer”

If you cancel or reschedule after penalties apply, NCL may issue Future Cruise Credit (FCC).

• Value equals fare paid minus penalties.

• FCC is issued in the passenger’s name (non-transferable).

• Must be used within 12–24 months, depending on terms.

This isn’t a transfer to another person—but it lets you “transfer” your booking’s value to a future sailing for yourself.

Example

John cancels a $3,000 cruise 45 days before sailing.

• Penalty: 75% ($2,250).

• FCC issued: $750.

Travel Insurance and Transfer Costs

Buying NCL’s Travel Protection Plan or third-party insurance can dramatically reduce costs if you need to cancel or transfer plans.

• Covered reasons (illness, injury, family emergencies) may allow full refunds.

• Without insurance, standard fees and penalties apply.

Cost Breakdown Table

Type of TransferAllowed?DeadlineCostNotes

To Travel AgentYesWithin 30 days of booking, before final paymentFreeGain perks like OBC or discounts

To Different Date/Ship (before final payment)YesBefore final payment$0–fare differenceNo penalty

To Different Date/Ship (after final payment)Yes, treated as cancellationAfter final paymentDeposit–100% farePenalties escalate closer to sailing

To Another Person (primary guest)NoN/ANot allowedMust cancel booking

To Another Person (secondary guest)YesBefore final travel docs issued$100–$150Name change fee

Spelling CorrectionYesAnytime before sailingFreeOnly for minor corrections

Real-Life Case Studies

Case 1: Free Travel Agent Transfer

Michael booked a Caribbean cruise directly. Within 20 days, he transferred it to a travel agent. He paid nothing extra and gained $75 in onboard credit.

Cost: $0.

Case 2: Secondary Guest Change

Priya was traveling with her cousin, who canceled last minute. Priya replaced her cousin with her sister for $100.

Cost: $100.

Case 3: Date Transfer After Final Payment

Suresh booked a $2,500 cruise but had to postpone 50 days before sailing. Penalty was 75% ($1,875). He received $625 as FCC.

Cost: $1,875 lost.

Case 4: Primary Guest Unable to Travel

Neha booked as primary guest with her husband as secondary. Neha fell ill and couldn’t travel. Since the primary name couldn’t be changed, the booking was canceled under penalty.

Cost: 50–100% of fare, depending on timing.

Pros and Cons of Transfer Policies

Pros

• Travel agent transfers are free and flexible.

• Secondary name changes are allowed.

• FCC preserves some value after penalties.

Cons

• Primary guest cannot be transferred.

• Late date/ship transfers cost heavily.

• FCC is non-transferable to other people.

How NCL Compares to Other Cruise Lines

• Royal Caribbean: Similar policies—primary guest cannot be changed, secondary guests $100–$200 fee.

• Carnival Cruise Line: Secondary guest changes allowed, stricter with timing.

• Disney Cruise Line: Even less flexible—often requires changes months in advance.

NCL’s costs are average for the industry.

Tips to Minimize Costs

1. Make Changes Early – before final payment.

2. Use Travel Agents – for free transfers and perks.

3. Avoid Non-Refundable Deposits – less flexible.

4. Buy Travel Insurance – protects against emergencies.

5. Check Promotions – perks may not transfer.

6. Double-Check Names – avoid costly last-minute corrections.

FAQs

Q1: Is there any way to transfer my whole booking to another person?

No, primary guest transfers are not allowed. Only cancellations with penalties.

Q2: How much does it cost to change a secondary guest?

$100–$150 per name change.

Q3: Can I transfer my Future Cruise Credit to a friend?

No, FCC is non-transferable and linked to the original passenger.

Q4: Can I switch ships after final payment?

Yes, but it’s treated as cancellation—costs depend on timing.

Q5: Are there exceptions for emergencies?

Only if covered by travel insurance.

Conclusion

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

• To a travel agent: Free (within 30 days and before final payment).

• To a different date or ship (before final payment): $0, plus fare difference.

• To a different date or ship (after final payment): Loss of deposit up to 100% of fare.

• To another person (secondary guest): $100–$150 fee.

• Primary guest transfer: Not allowed—requires cancellation.

The costs range from $0 (free transfer) to thousands of dollars lost if you cancel late. The key is timing—make transfers early, buy insurance, and understand NCL’s policies before booking.