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# System prepended metadata

title: Can I Change Names After Booking a Royal Caribbean Cruise?
tags: [Royal Caribbean name correction rules, Royal Caribbean passenger substitution rules, Royal Caribbean name change policy, Change names after booking Royal Caribbean cruise]

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# Can I Change Names After Booking a Royal Caribbean Cruise?

“Can I change names after booking a Royal Caribbean cruise?” Yes, but it depends on the type of change and when you request it. For quick assistance, call **844-807-7245** to connect with Royal Caribbean’s support team and confirm what options apply to your reservation. While minor corrections are usually straightforward, complete passenger substitutions follow stricter rules and deadlines.

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## Why Name Changes Matter

When you book a Royal Caribbean cruise, all passenger names must match government-issued identification exactly. This includes passports, driver’s licenses, or other documents used for travel. Even a small discrepancy, such as a missing middle name or a single letter out of place, can create issues at check-in.

Cruise lines are required to submit passenger manifests to port authorities and immigration well before sailing. That means name changes aren’t just for convenience—they’re part of important security and travel compliance processes.

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## Types of Name Changes Allowed

Royal Caribbean recognizes that mistakes and life changes happen, so they allow certain adjustments. However, not all changes are treated the same.

### Minor Name Corrections

These are simple fixes to spelling, formatting, or incomplete names. For example:

* Changing “Jhon” to “John.”
* Adding a missing middle initial.
* Updating a recently married guest’s surname.

**Key details about minor corrections:**

* Usually free of charge.
* Allowed until final travel documents are issued, typically a few weeks before departure.
* Quick and easy if caught early.

### Passenger Substitutions

This involves replacing one traveler with another if someone can no longer go on the cruise. For example, if your sibling can’t make it, you may want to bring a friend in their place.

**Key details about substitutions:**

* At least one original guest must remain on the booking. You cannot replace all names with new passengers.
* Substitutions must be requested no later than **48 hours before sailing**.
* Administrative fees or fare differences may apply.
* Some promotional fares, such as nonrefundable deposit rates, may not allow substitutions at all.

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## How Late Can You Make Changes?

The deadlines are strict:

* **Minor corrections**: Allowed until documents are finalized, usually a few weeks before departure.
* **Passenger substitutions**: Must be completed **at least 48 hours before sailing**.

Once you reach the 48-hour cutoff, no further changes can be made. At that point, if names don’t match the identification presented at boarding, the guest may be denied entry.

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## Costs Associated with Name Changes

In many cases, name changes are free—but not always. Here’s what to expect:

* **Minor corrections**: Typically no cost.
* **Passenger substitutions**: May involve an administrative fee. If the new traveler’s fare is higher than the original, you’ll need to pay the difference.
* **Special fares**: Nonrefundable deposit bookings or promotional rates may block substitutions altogether.

For this reason, it’s wise to review the terms of your fare before assuming a change is allowed.

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## Why Early Action Is Best

Even if corrections are allowed closer to sailing, waiting until the last minute is risky. Here’s why you should act early:

* **Smoother processing**: The earlier you request a correction, the easier it is for Royal Caribbean to update the record.
* **Avoid boarding issues**: Late or incomplete corrections can delay check-in or prevent boarding altogether.
* **Reduced costs**: Acting early helps you avoid fare differences or administrative fees.
* **Peace of mind**: Once corrected, you’ll know your reservation details are accurate well before your trip.

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## Steps to Change Names After Booking

Making a correction or substitution is simple if you follow the correct process:

1. **Check your reservation confirmation** – Review names immediately after booking to spot errors early.
2. **Contact Royal Caribbean or your travel agent** – If you booked directly, call **844-807-7245**. If you booked through an advisor, they will need to handle the request for you.
3. **Provide necessary details** – Have your booking number, sailing date, and corrected passenger information ready. For substitutions, provide full details for the new traveler.
4. **Receive confirmation** – Once updated, you’ll get a revised booking confirmation or updated travel documents showing the corrected names.

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## Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making name changes, many travelers run into problems because they don’t realize how strict the rules are. Here are some pitfalls to avoid:

* **Assuming substitutions are always allowed** – Some fares restrict them. Always check your booking terms.
* **Waiting too long** – If you pass the deadline, changes are not permitted.
* **Not matching IDs exactly** – Middle initials, suffixes (Jr., Sr.), and hyphenated names all matter.
* **Trying to replace all passengers** – At least one original guest must stay on the booking.

Avoiding these mistakes will save time, stress, and potential disappointment at boarding.

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## Final Thoughts

So, can you change names after booking a Royal Caribbean cruise? The answer is **yes—but it depends on the type of change and timing**. Minor spelling corrections are generally free and easy to fix up until your documents are finalized. Passenger substitutions are possible but must be requested no later than 48 hours before sailing, and at least one original guest must remain on the booking.

Waiting too long can mean denied requests, added costs, or even the inability to board. That’s why it’s best to review your reservation as soon as you book and correct any issues right away.

If you’re unsure whether your booking qualifies for a correction or substitution, don’t wait until it’s too late. Call **844-807-7245** for assistance directly from Royal Caribbean and ensure your reservation details are accurate well before your vacation begins.
