Booking a P&O Cruises holiday is an exciting milestone, but sometimes plans change. Maybe you booked through one travel agent and want to move your reservation to another. Perhaps you need to transfer your reservation to another person due to unforeseen circumstances. This raises an important question: How much does it cost to transfer a P&O Cruises reservation?
The answer depends on the type of transfer you are making—whether it’s transferring between travel agents, changing passenger names, or moving a reservation to a different sailing date. Each situation carries its own policies, conditions, and costs.
This comprehensive guide will explore everything you need to know about P&O Cruises’ transfer policies, including:
Different types of reservation transfers
Costs and administrative fees involved
Conditions and deadlines for making transfers
Step-by-step instructions for transferring a reservation
Money-saving tips for passengers who may need changes
In the cruise industry, “transfer” can mean different things depending on the context:
Transferring a booking to another travel agent – moving your reservation management.
Transferring a reservation to another passenger – substituting one traveler for another.
Transferring your cruise to another date or itinerary – shifting your booking to a future sailing.
Each of these has separate rules and costs under P&O Cruises’ terms and conditions.
If you initially booked directly with P&O Cruises, you may sometimes request to transfer your reservation to a travel agent for management.
Cost: Typically, P&O does not charge a direct fee for this type of transfer. However, restrictions may apply, such as:
The request must usually be made within 30 days of booking.
The reservation must not be paid in full.
Once transferred, the new travel agent manages your booking, including any future payments and adjustments.
This is the most common scenario passengers ask about.
Allowed? Yes, in many cases P&O Cruises allows you to change the name on a booking, effectively transferring the reservation to another person.
Cost:
A name change fee usually applies, ranging between £50–£100 per passenger.
If flights are included in the package, airline change fees may also apply (which can be significantly higher, sometimes £150–£250 or more).
Conditions:
Must be done well before departure (usually at least 7–14 days).
The new passenger must meet eligibility requirements (passport, visa, age restrictions).
Insurance must be updated, as it is passenger-specific.
Sometimes, passengers cannot sail on their original date and want to move their booking to a later cruise.
Cost:
Administrative fee between £100–£200 per booking, depending on timing.
Any fare difference must also be paid if the new sailing is more expensive.
If the new sailing is cheaper, refunds are usually not given, though sometimes future cruise credit may apply.
Conditions:
Transfers to another date must usually be requested well in advance of the departure date.
Close-to-departure requests may be treated as cancellations, with cancellation charges applied.
More than 12 weeks before departure – Transfers are usually possible with standard admin fees.
6–12 weeks before departure – Fees may increase, and restrictions tighten.
Less than 6 weeks before departure – Transfers may no longer be permitted, and cancellation charges may apply instead.
Usually within 30 days of booking and before final payment.
Typically allowed until 7–14 days before sailing.
Best done at least 12 weeks before sailing to avoid cancellation penalties.
Check your fare type (Saver, Select, or Early Saver). Saver fares are generally more restrictive when it comes to transfers.
Travel agent transfer?
Passenger name change?
Cruise date transfer?
Call the P&O Cruises customer service team or notify your travel agent to request the transfer.
If transferring to another passenger, submit their full legal details and passport information.
If transferring to a new cruise date, provide your preferred sailing options.
Settle administration costs and any fare differences.
Always request updated confirmation reflecting the transfer.
Although more expensive upfront, Select Fares usually allow more flexibility for transfers.
The earlier you request a transfer, the lower the fees and the more likely P&O will allow it.
Agents can often negotiate exceptions or reduced fees with P&O Cruises.
Insurance may cover cancellation or transfer costs if you cannot travel due to unforeseen events.
Last-minute changes are either very expensive or not possible at all.
Yes, but the new passenger must meet all eligibility requirements, including passport, visas, and age restrictions.
Generally no. Most transfers involve an administration fee, except travel agent transfers made within the allowed period.
You may cancel your booking, but cancellation charges will apply depending on how close to departure you cancel.
Yes, you can change one passenger in a cabin while keeping the rest of the booking intact.
Yes, because airlines have stricter name change policies and may impose high change fees.
Travel Agent Transfer – Usually free if requested within 30 days and before final payment.
Passenger Substitution (Name Change) – £50–£100 per person, plus possible airline charges.
Cruise Date/Itinerary Transfer – £100–£200 per booking, plus any fare differences.
The cost depends on the type of transfer, timing, and fare type. To minimize expenses, always act early, choose flexible fares, and consider travel insurance.
By understanding P&O Cruises’ transfer policies, you can adjust your booking with minimal stress and enjoy a smooth sailing experience.