Booking a cruise months in advance often provides access to the best cabins, lower fares, and attractive promotions. However, life circumstances can change. Travelers may need to alter passenger names, move bookings to different dates, or transfer a reservation to another person.

One of the most common questions among cruise travelers is:

The answer depends on several factors, including the type of change, the timing of the request, the fare conditions, and the specific booking terms that apply at the time of reservation.

In many cases, P&O Cruises charges an administration fee for changing names or transferring bookings. Additional fare differences may also apply if the new reservation carries a higher cruise price.

This guide explains everything passengers need to know about reservation transfer costs, change fees, cancellation rules, and practical strategies to reduce expenses.

Understanding Reservation Transfers

The term "reservation transfer" can mean several different things:

• Changing one passenger name.
• Replacing one traveler with another.
• Moving the booking to a different sailing date.
• Rebooking after cancellation.
• Transferring a booking between travel agents.
• Assigning the cruise to another traveler.

Each situation has different rules and costs.

Does P&O Cruises Allow Reservation Transfers?

P&O Cruises generally permits certain booking modifications, but they are subject to the cruise contract and booking conditions.

Common permitted changes include:

• Correcting spelling errors.
• Changing one guest name.
• Changing multiple passenger names.
• Moving to another sailing.
• Upgrading cabins.

However, complete transfers to entirely different travelers may sometimes be treated as cancellations and new bookings.

Passengers should review the official booking conditions before making changes.

Typical P&O Cruises Transfer Fees

The following table summarizes common charges.

Type of Change	Possible Cost
Minor name correction	Often free
Passenger name change	Administration fee
Multiple passenger changes	Higher fees may apply
Sailing date change	Administration fee plus fare difference
Cabin upgrade	Fare difference
Full booking transfer	May require cancellation and rebooking

 

The exact fee structure can vary.

Based on publicly available information, there is no confirmed data on a universal transfer fee that applies to every P&O Cruises booking.

Name Change Fees

One of the most common requests involves changing the name of a passenger.

Examples include:

• A family member cannot travel.
• A friend cancels.
• A replacement traveler joins the cruise.
• A spelling mistake appears on the booking.

P&O Cruises may charge an administrative fee for these changes.

Factors Affecting Name Change Costs

• Time remaining before departure.
• Number of passengers being changed.
• Fare type.
• Promotional booking conditions.
• Travel agent policies.

When Does a Name Change Become a Cancellation?

Many cruise lines distinguish between:

Minor Change

• Correcting a typo.
• Updating a passport spelling.
• Adjusting initials.

These changes may be free.

Major Change

• Replacing the lead passenger.

• Replacing multiple guests.
• Transferring the entire reservation.

Such changes may be treated as:

1. Cancellation of the original booking.
2. Creation of a new booking.

This can trigger cancellation penalties.

Can You Transfer a Cruise to Another Person?

This depends on the circumstances.

Generally:

 One passenger replacement may be allowed.

 Entire booking transfers may not always be permitted.

If the original traveler cannot sail, P&O Cruises may require cancellation according to the cancellation schedule.

How Much Does It Cost to Change Cruise Dates?

Changing to another departure date often involves:

• Administration fees.
• Fare increases.
• Loss of promotions.
• New taxes and fees.

For example:

Original Booking	New Booking
Cruise fare: £1,500	New fare: £1,800
Change fee: £100	Additional cost: £300

 

 

Total additional cost: £400.

Real-World Example

Sarah books a Mediterranean cruise nine months before departure.

Three months later:

• Her travel companion cannot travel.
• She wants to substitute another friend.

Possible costs:

• Name change administration fee.
• Updated port charges.
• Travel insurance adjustments.

Total costs may range from modest administrative charges to significant cancellation penalties depending on timing.

Factors That Influence Transfer Costs

Several variables determine the final amount.

1. Time Before Departure

Earlier changes usually cost less.

Days Before Sailing	Potential Cost
90+ days	Lowest
60–89 days	Moderate
30–59 days	Higher
Under 30 days	Highest

 

2. Promotional Fares

Discount fares often have stricter rules.

Examples:

• Early saver fares.
• Special promotions.
• Limited-time deals.

These fares may restrict changes.

3. Travel Agent Bookings

If booked through a travel agent:

• Agency fees may apply.
• Cruise line fees may still apply.
• Some agencies waive administration charges.

4. Destination Requirements

Certain destinations require:

• Advance passenger manifests.
• Visa information.
• Security checks.

Late changes can become more expensive.

Step-by-Step Guide to Requesting a Reservation Transfer

1: Review Your Booking Conditions

Read:

• Booking confirmation.
• Fare rules.
• Terms and conditions.

2: Contact P&O Cruises or Your Travel Agent

Prepare:

• Booking number.
• Passenger names.
• Requested changes.
• Travel dates.

3: Request a Cost Estimate

Ask for:

• Administration fees.
• Fare differences.
• Taxes.
• Cancellation penalties.

4: Confirm Changes in Writing

Always obtain:

• Updated invoice.
• Revised itinerary.
• New booking confirmation.

Can Travel Insurance Cover Transfer Costs?

Travel insurance may help if changes occur because of:

• Illness.
• Injury.
• Family emergencies.
• Certain covered events.

Policies vary significantly.

Travelers should carefully review:

• Cancellation coverage.
• Trip interruption benefits.
• Medical provisions.

How to Avoid Reservation Transfer Fees

Book Flexible Fares

Flexible fares often allow changes.

Verify Passenger Names

Double-check:

• Passports.
• Middle names.
• Dates of birth.

Purchase Travel Insurance

Insurance can reduce financial risk.

Make Changes Early

Earlier changes generally cost less.

Comparison: Reservation Transfer vs Cancellation

Feature	Transfer	Cancellation
Keeps reservation	Yes	No
Administrative fee	Usually	Sometimes
Fare difference	Possible	Not applicable
Cancellation penalties	Sometimes	Often
New booking required	Occasionally	Yes

 

Expert Advice for Cruise Travelers

Industry travel advisors often recommend:

1. Book early.
2. Review fare rules.
3. Purchase insurance.
4. Confirm names carefully.
5. Request changes immediately.

These steps can significantly reduce costs.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How much does P&O Cruises charge for a name change?

Fees vary depending on timing and booking conditions.

2. Can I transfer my cruise to another person?

Partial passenger changes may be allowed, but complete transfers may be treated as cancellations.

3. Can I change my cruise date?

Yes, subject to availability, fees, and fare differences.

4. Are early changes cheaper?

Generally, yes.

5. Do travel agents charge additional fees?

Some agencies may apply administration charges.

6. Is travel insurance helpful?

Yes, especially for covered emergencies.

7. Can I change the lead passenger?

This may be restricted and could trigger cancellation policies.

8. What happens if I change multiple passengers?

Additional fees may apply.

9. Are promotional fares flexible?

Usually less flexible than standard fares.

10. Can fees be waived?

Occasionally, depending on circumstances and promotions.

Final Verdict

The cost of transferring a P&O Cruises reservation depends on the type of change, timing, fare conditions, and booking rules. Minor corrections may cost nothing, while substantial passenger changes or date transfers can result in administrative charges, fare increases, or cancellation penalties.

Travelers who anticipate potential changes should:

• Book flexible fares.
• Purchase travel insurance.
• Review booking conditions carefully.
• Request changes as early as possible.