# Can I Change a Passenger Name on a Celebrity Cruises?

Booking a dream vacation with Celebrity Cruises is a thrilling experience. From luxury staterooms and world-class dining to stunning global destinations, everything about the journey promises unforgettable memories. But sometimes, plans change. Perhaps the person who was supposed to join you can no longer travel, or maybe you’ve noticed a spelling mistake in the booking details. That’s when the question arises: **[Can I change a passenger name on a Celebrity Cruises?](https://www.cruiseregal.com)**

The short answer is **yes**, but with some important rules, deadlines, and possible fees involved. Celebrity Cruises allows passenger name changes and corrections under specific conditions. Whether it’s a small typo or a full substitution, understanding the cruise line’s policies helps you avoid extra costs or last-minute issues.

Let’s explore everything you need to know about changing a passenger name on Celebrity Cruises — from when it’s allowed and how to do it, to how much it costs and what restrictions may apply.

### **1. Understanding Celebrity Cruises’ Name Change Policy**

Celebrity Cruises treats name changes and name corrections differently. It’s essential to know the difference before making a request.

* **Name Correction:** This refers to fixing a minor mistake such as a misspelling, a missing middle name, or reversing first and last names.
* **Name Change (Guest Substitution):** This means replacing one guest with another person on the same reservation.

Celebrity Cruises allows both — but under different conditions. Generally, **minor corrections are free**, while **complete substitutions may involve fees or limitations.**

The cruise line’s policy ensures compliance with international maritime and security laws. Since passenger manifests are submitted to port authorities before sailing, every name must match the traveler’s legal identification exactly.

### **2. When You Can Change a Passenger Name**

Celebrity Cruises allows name changes or substitutions **up to a certain number of days before departure**. The earlier you make the request, the better your chances of avoiding fees or complications.

Here’s a general breakdown:

| **Time Before Sailing** | **Type of Change Allowed** | **Typical Cost** |
| ------------------------- | ------------------------------------------- | ----------------- |
| 90+ days before sailing | Name changes and corrections allowed freely | Usually free |
| 89–45 days before sailing | Allowed with approval | $50–$100 per name |
| 44–15 days before sailing | Allowed in limited cases | $100–$150 |
| 14 days or less | Not guaranteed; may be denied | Varies or denied |

It’s always best to handle name changes as soon as possible — ideally, well before your final payment date.

### **3. Who Can Request a Name Change**

Only the **lead guest** or **the travel agent** who made the original booking can request a passenger name change. If you booked directly with Celebrity Cruises, you can contact their customer service team by calling **[phone]**.

If you booked through a travel agent, you’ll need to go through them for any updates. Celebrity Cruises will not make changes directly if a booking is managed by an agency.

### **4. The Difference Between Name Corrections and Name Changes**

Before proceeding, it’s important to understand which situation applies to you.

#### **Name Correction Example:**

If your name is “Sarah Johnson” but your booking says “Sara Jonhson,” that’s a correction. It’s a small fix that doesn’t change the traveler’s identity. These are typically **free of charge** and processed quickly.

#### **Name Change Example:**

If your original booking was for “Sarah Johnson,” but she can’t go, and you want to replace her with “Emily Brown,” that’s a **guest substitution**. This type of change may involve an administrative fee, as it alters the passenger manifest and potentially affects cruise documentation.

### **5. Celebrity Cruises’ Rule: One Original Guest Must Remain**

A key rule to remember is that **at least one original guest must remain on the reservation** for a name change to be allowed.

For example:
If two guests are booked — Alex and Jordan — and Jordan can’t go, you can replace Jordan with another traveler. However, if both Alex and Jordan cancel and you try to transfer the entire booking to two new people, Celebrity Cruises will treat it as a **cancellation**, not a name change.

That means you could lose your deposit or face cancellation fees depending on how close you are to sailing.

### **6. How to Change a Passenger Name on Celebrity Cruises**

Changing a name on a Celebrity Cruises reservation is simple, but it must follow the proper steps.

#### **Step 1: Contact Customer Service or Your Travel Agent**

If you booked directly, call **[phone]** to speak with Celebrity Cruises’ guest services. If a travel agent booked it, they must submit the request on your behalf.

#### **Step 2: Provide Booking Details**

You’ll need your reservation number, ship name, sailing date, and the name of the person being replaced or corrected.

#### **Step 3: Submit the New Passenger’s Information**

The new traveler must provide:

* Full legal name (as it appears on their passport)
* Date of birth
* Gender and nationality
* Passport or government ID number (if applicable)
* Contact details

#### **Step 4: Pay Any Applicable Fees**

If a name change fee applies, payment must be made before the change is finalized.

#### **Step 5: Receive Confirmation**

Celebrity Cruises will issue an updated confirmation email showing the corrected or new passenger information. Check everything carefully — names must match passports exactly.

### **7. Costs Involved in Changing a Passenger Name**

The cost depends on the timing and type of change.

Here’s what you can generally expect:

* **Minor corrections:** Free of charge if done early.
* **Guest substitutions:** Typically $50–$150 per name, depending on when you make the change.
* **Late changes (within two weeks):** May not be allowed or may incur higher administrative costs.

If your booking includes promotional offers, such as onboard credits or discounted fares, those benefits might not transfer to the new traveler.

### **8. Restrictions You Should Know**

Celebrity Cruises enforces a few important restrictions for name changes:

1. **At least one original guest must remain on the booking.**
2. **Full transfers** (changing all names) are not permitted.
3. **Promotions and discounts** may not transfer to the new traveler.
4. **Group bookings** may have different policies.
5. **Chartered sailings or non-refundable fares** might not allow name changes at all.
6. **Documentation requirements** (passport, visa, health requirements) must still be met by the new guest.

### **9. Documentation Rules and Identification**

Every guest must travel under their legal name as it appears on their government-issued identification. For international cruises, a valid passport is required.

Even small mismatches between your cruise ticket and your passport — like “Jon” instead of “John” — can lead to boarding issues. Always double-check the spelling before finalizing your booking or after any changes are made.

### **10. Changing a Name After Final Payment**

After you’ve made your **final payment**, name changes can still be possible — but they become more complex and may include fees.

Celebrity Cruises finalizes its passenger manifests well before departure. Once the information is submitted to port authorities, changes may require approval and can be denied if the cruise is too close to departure.

If you must make a change after final payment, contact Celebrity Cruises immediately at **[phone]**.

### **11. Can You Change the Lead Passenger’s Name?**

Changing the **lead passenger** (the main person who made the booking) is more difficult. In most cases, Celebrity Cruises does **not** allow lead passenger changes because they’re tied to the booking, payment, and communication details.

However, if there’s an exceptional reason — like a medical emergency — Celebrity may review the request on a case-by-case basis.

### **12. Name Changes on Group Bookings**

If your reservation is part of a **group cruise**, the rules might differ. Many group contracts allow name substitutions up to a specific deadline without penalty.

Contact your group coordinator or travel agent to confirm the timeline and process for your specific group booking.

### **13. Travel Insurance and Name Changes**

If you purchased **travel insurance** (like Celebrity’s CruiseCare® plan), you’ll need to update it whenever a passenger name changes. The new traveler’s name must appear on the insurance policy for coverage to apply.

If you switch passengers, you may have to cancel the original insurance policy and repurchase coverage for the new traveler. Always coordinate with your travel insurance provider to ensure continuous protection.

### **14. Tips for a Smooth Name Change Process**

Here are a few best practices to make your name change or correction process hassle-free:

1. **Check details early:** Review your booking confirmation immediately after reserving your cruise.
2. **Act quickly:** Make any changes before the final payment date.
3. **Keep one original guest:** Avoid triggering cancellation penalties.
4. **Verify with your travel agent:** If applicable, your agent can handle paperwork and fees.
5. **Update travel insurance:** Ensure the new traveler is properly covered.
6. **Confirm all documents:** Make sure passport names match exactly with your booking.

### **15. Example Scenarios**

**Scenario 1: Minor Misspelling**
Your booking shows “Andrw Brown” instead of “Andrew Brown.”
→ Celebrity fixes this for free since it’s a simple correction.

**Scenario 2: Replacing a Guest**
You booked a cruise with a friend who can’t attend, so you want your sibling to go instead.
→ Allowed, as long as you remain on the booking; $50–$100 fee may apply.

**Scenario 3: Last-Minute Substitution**
You want to replace a guest one week before departure.
→ May be denied or subject to high administrative fees.

### **16. Frequently Asked Questions**

**Q: Can I change both passengers’ names?**
A: No. At least one original guest must stay on the booking.

**Q: How long does it take to process a name change?**
A: Typically 24–72 hours, depending on how soon you’re sailing.

**Q: Do I lose my promotions if I change a name?**
A: Some promotions or discounts may not transfer to new guests.

**Q: What if I booked through a travel agent?**
A: Your agent must process the change — Celebrity Cruises won’t handle it directly.

### **17. Final Thoughts**

So, **can you change a passenger name on a Celebrity Cruises?** Yes, you can — as long as you follow the proper guidelines and act early.

* **Minor corrections** are usually free.
* **Guest substitutions** may incur fees, especially after final payment.
* **At least one original guest** must remain on the booking.

Timing is the most crucial factor — the sooner you make the change, the smoother the process will be.

If you need to make a name change or discuss your specific situation, contact **Celebrity Cruises at [phone]** or your travel agent. Their team can help you review available options, explain any fees, and make sure your updated travel details are accurate and ready for an unforgettable sailing experience.

With the right preparation and timely communication, adjusting your booking can be simple — ensuring that your luxury cruise adventure continues exactly as planned.