Can I Change a Passenger Name on a Royal Caribbean Cruise?

# Can I Change a Passenger Name on a Royal Caribbean Cruise? the answer is yes—but it comes with conditions and deadlines. For direct guidance call **844-807-7245** to connect with Royal Caribbean’s support team. While minor corrections are usually straightforward, complete passenger substitutions are more restricted and depend on the type of booking and timing of your request. --- ## Understanding Name Changes on Royal Caribbean Royal Caribbean distinguishes between two scenarios when it comes to name adjustments on a reservation: 1. **Minor Corrections** – Fixing small errors such as typos, misspellings, or incomplete names (like missing a middle initial). 2. **Passenger Substitutions** – Replacing one traveler with another when someone can no longer sail. These two categories are treated very differently under Royal Caribbean’s policies, and it’s important to know the difference to avoid unnecessary fees or denied requests. --- ## Minor Name Corrections If you made a simple spelling mistake when booking your cruise, don’t worry—Royal Caribbean understands that errors happen. Minor corrections are generally easy to process, provided they are submitted before your final documents are issued. * **Examples of minor corrections**: fixing “Jonh” to “John,” adding a missing middle name, or correcting a married versus maiden name. * **Cost**: Typically free of charge. * **Deadline**: Corrections must be made before the cruise documents are finalized, usually a few weeks before sailing. Because your cruise ticket must match your government-issued ID or passport, even a small mismatch can cause boarding issues. It’s best to catch and correct these mistakes as early as possible. --- ## Passenger Substitutions Changing an actual traveler on your booking—such as replacing one guest with another—is more complex. Royal Caribbean allows this in limited situations, with several important restrictions: * **One original guest must remain on the booking** – You cannot transfer the reservation entirely to a completely new group of travelers. * **Deadlines apply** – Substitutions must typically be completed at least 48 hours before the sailing date. * **Possible fees** – Administrative charges may apply, and if the new guest’s fare is higher, you’ll need to pay the difference. * **Promotional fares** – Some nonrefundable deposit fares, group rates, or promotional offers may not permit substitutions. This means you cannot simply “give” your entire cruise ticket to someone else. The booking is tied to the original guest list, with only partial flexibility for adjustments. --- ## Why Name Changes Matter Passenger names on a cruise ticket must match official identification documents exactly. Royal Caribbean cross-checks names with passports or government IDs during check-in and security processes. A mismatch could: * Delay your boarding. * Lead to denied entry at the terminal. * Cause issues with international immigration authorities at different ports. Because of this, even small discrepancies can create big problems. That’s why Royal Caribbean enforces clear rules and deadlines for name changes. --- ## How to Change a Name on Your Booking The process for making a correction or substitution is straightforward if you follow the right steps: 1. **Contact Royal Caribbean or Your Travel Agent** If you booked directly, call **844-807-7245** for assistance. If you booked through a travel advisor, they can submit the change on your behalf. 2. **Provide Documentation** Be prepared with your reservation number, the correct spelling of the passenger’s name, and supporting documents such as a passport or driver’s license if needed. 3. **Confirm the Change** Once updated, you should receive a revised booking confirmation reflecting the corrected or substituted passenger details. --- ## Costs Associated with Name Changes While many minor corrections are free, some scenarios may involve fees: * **Administrative fee** – A small charge may apply for processing substitutions. * **Fare differences** – If the replacement guest requires a different fare, you may need to pay the higher amount. * **Nonrefundable deposits** – If your fare type is nonrefundable, Royal Caribbean may deny the substitution entirely. It’s always best to request the change as soon as possible to minimize potential costs. --- ## Timing is Everything Royal Caribbean’s deadlines for changes are strict. Here’s what you need to know: * **Minor corrections** – Allowed until final documents are issued. * **Passenger substitutions** – Must be requested no later than 48 hours before sailing. * **Last-minute changes** – Requests made at the port on embarkation day are typically denied. Waiting too long can limit your options or lead to additional charges, so don’t delay once you realize a correction is needed. --- ## Tips for Avoiding Issues 1. **Double-check names at booking** – Make sure all passenger names match government IDs exactly, including middle names and suffixes. 2. **Act quickly** – Submit corrections or substitutions as soon as possible. 3. **Keep documents handy** – Having ID copies on hand makes processing faster. 4. **Work through one channel** – If you booked through an agent, let them handle the process instead of contacting Royal Caribbean directly. 5. **Ask about fees in advance** – Always confirm whether your specific booking type allows changes and whether costs apply. --- ## Final Thoughts So, can you change a passenger name on a Royal Caribbean cruise? The answer is **yes**, but the process depends on whether you’re fixing a small typo or attempting to replace a traveler. Minor spelling corrections are usually free and simple, while passenger substitutions come with restrictions, deadlines, and sometimes fees. The best way to protect your vacation is to review your booking details as soon as you receive them. If you spot an error or need to make a change, act quickly. And if you’re unsure of your eligibility or the rules tied to your specific fare, call **844-807-7245** for direct assistance.