# Can I Change Names After Booking a Celebrity Cruise?

Can I change names [phone] after booking a Celebrity cruise? Yes, you can modify or correct passenger names depending on booking type, sailing date, and applicable change fees.

Booking a Celebrity Cruise is an exciting step toward enjoying an unforgettable voyage filled with elegance, entertainment, and adventure. However, life often brings unexpected changes — sometimes a friend can no longer travel, or you notice a spelling error in your reservation. This leads many travelers to ask, **“[Can I change names after booking a Celebrity Cruise?](https://www.cruiseregal.com)”**

The short answer is yes — Celebrity Cruises allows name changes and corrections under specific conditions. However, the process depends on the timing of the request, the type of booking, and how close you are to your sailing date. Understanding these details is essential to avoid additional fees, delays, or denied changes.

In this detailed guide, we’ll explain everything about changing names after booking your Celebrity Cruise — from minor corrections to passenger substitutions, timelines, costs, and insider tips to make the process smooth.

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

Celebrity Cruises categorizes name-related updates into two types:

* **Name Correction:** Fixing small errors like typos, missing initials, or reversed first and last names.
* **Name Change (Guest Substitution):** Replacing one guest with another entirely.

Both are possible, but the rules and costs differ. The cruise line has to maintain accurate passenger manifests for port security and immigration purposes, meaning changes become more restricted closer to departure.

### **2. Can You Change a Name After Booking?**

Yes, you can change or correct names **after booking** — even after paying in full. However, the ease and cost of doing so depend on **how close your sailing date is** and **what kind of change you’re requesting**.

For instance:

* Small spelling fixes are generally simple and free.
* Replacing a passenger with a new person may require a processing fee or approval.
* Within two weeks of sailing, name changes are often denied due to final manifest submission.

### **3. Why Celebrity Cruises Restricts Late Name Changes**

Cruise lines are heavily regulated when it comes to passenger data. Celebrity Cruises submits final passenger manifests to customs, immigration, and port authorities several days before sailing. These documents include legal names, birth dates, and identification details for every traveler on board.

If you attempt to change a name too close to departure, it could disrupt these processes. That’s why **Celebrity generally limits name changes within 14 days before departure** — except for minor corrections or emergencies.

### **4. Name Correction vs. Name Change — What’s the Difference?**

It’s important to understand the distinction between the two because Celebrity handles them differently:

| **Type** | **Example** | **Allowed Until** | **Typical Fee** |
| ------------------------------ | ------------------------------------------ | ------------------------------- | ------------------- |
| **Name Correction** | “Jonh” to “John” or missing middle initial | Up to a few days before sailing | Usually free |
| **Name Change (Substitution)** | Replacing guest “Sarah” with “Emily” | Up to 45 days before sailing | $50–$150 per person |

If your situation involves a **completely new traveler**, it’s considered a guest substitution, not just a correction.

### **5. When Can You Change Names After Booking?**

The earlier you make the request, the smoother and cheaper it will be. Here’s a general guideline of what to expect:

| **Time Before Sailing** | **Change Type Allowed** | **Conditions** |
| ----------------------- | ----------------------------- | ------------------------------ |
| **90+ days before** | Any name correction or change | Usually no fees |
| **89–45 days before** | Full name changes allowed | Administrative fees may apply |
| **44–15 days before** | Limited guest substitutions | Approval required; fees likely |
| **14 days or less** | Only small corrections | No guest changes allowed |

### **6. Who Can Request a Name Change?**

Only the **lead passenger** (the primary name on the reservation) or an **authorized travel agent** can request a name change.

If you booked:

* **Directly through Celebrity Cruises:** Call **[phone]** for assistance.
* **Through a travel agent:** The agent must contact Celebrity on your behalf.

This rule ensures the integrity and security of each booking.

### **7. Step-by-Step Guide to Changing a Name**

If you’ve already booked and need to make a change, follow these steps carefully.

#### **Step 1: Review Your Confirmation**

Check your booking confirmation for spelling errors, missing initials, or incorrect guest details.

#### **Step 2: Gather Information**

Have these details ready:

* Reservation number
* Ship name and sailing date
* Current and corrected passenger information

#### **Step 3: Contact Celebrity Cruises or Your Travel Agent**

If you booked directly, call **[phone]** to speak with a representative. For travel agent bookings, contact your agent immediately.

#### **Step 4: Confirm Eligibility**

The representative will review whether your change qualifies as a correction or substitution and inform you of any fees.

#### **Step 5: Provide the Correct Information**

If it’s a substitution, provide the new traveler’s full legal name, date of birth, and passport details.

#### **Step 6: Pay Fees if Required**

Most administrative fees must be paid before the update is processed.

#### **Step 7: Verify Your Updated Confirmation**

Always double-check your new booking details to ensure everything is accurate.

### **8. How Much Does It Cost to Change a Name After Booking?**

Celebrity Cruises’ name change fees vary depending on the situation:

* **Before final payment:** Often free or minimal ($0–$50 per guest).
* **After final payment:** May cost between **$50 and $150 per guest**.
* **Within 14 days of sailing:** Usually not permitted unless it’s a minor correction.

Keep in mind, if your change alters the fare type, discounts, or promotions (for example, a military or resident discount), your cruise fare may be recalculated.

### **9. Changing the Lead Passenger Name**

Changing the **lead passenger** is much more difficult than changing other guests. The lead name is tied to payment records, legal contracts, and documentation.

Celebrity Cruises typically does **not** allow a change to the lead passenger unless:

* The request is made early (60+ days before sailing).
* The original lead guest provides written authorization.
* There’s a valid reason, such as illness or emergency.

If permitted, expect additional documentation and administrative steps.

### **10. Changing Names for Group Bookings**

If your reservation is part of a **group cruise**, you may have more flexibility. Group contracts often allow substitutions up to **30 days before sailing** without heavy penalties.

However, every group has its own policy, so it’s best to confirm with your group leader or travel agency as early as possible.

### **11. How to Handle Small Errors or Misspellings**

If you only need to correct a minor spelling issue — for instance, “Kathrine” instead of “Katherine” — Celebrity Cruises usually makes these adjustments for free.

To avoid issues:

* Check your passport and booking confirmation immediately after payment.
* Request corrections at least 30 days before sailing.

Small mistakes can lead to check-in issues or even denied boarding if not fixed before departure.

### **12. Can You Change a Passenger Entirely After Booking?**

Yes, you can substitute a passenger after booking — as long as one original guest remains on the reservation.

For example:

* If you’re traveling with a friend who can’t go, you can replace them with another person.
* However, if you replace **all** guests, the booking is treated as a cancellation and rebooking, meaning cancellation penalties may apply.

The new passenger must provide valid identification and meet all cruise requirements (passport, age restrictions, etc.).

### **13. What Happens If You’re Too Close to Departure?**

If you’re within 14 days of sailing, most name changes are no longer possible. The only exception is for small corrections — for instance, a one-letter spelling error.

In this case, you’ll need to call **Celebrity Cruises Guest Services** immediately at **[phone]**. They may approve the change on a case-by-case basis if it doesn’t affect official documentation already submitted to authorities.

### **14. Effect on Travel Insurance and Shore Excursions**

If you purchased travel insurance or pre-booked shore excursions, don’t forget to update them after a name change.

* **Travel insurance:** Policies must match the name on the cruise ticket to remain valid.
* **Shore excursions:** If you change a guest, ensure the booking reflects the new traveler to avoid confusion onboard.

### **15. Documentation Requirements**

For every traveler, the name on their passport or ID must **exactly match** the name on the cruise reservation.

Discrepancies can result in denied boarding, even for small errors. Always verify your documents after any name change and reprint your e-docs before check-in.

### **16. Non-Transferable or Promotional Fares**

Certain fares offered by Celebrity Cruises are **non-transferable** and tied to specific guests. These include:

* Military or first responder discounts
* Resident-only fares
* Loyalty program promotions

If your booking falls under one of these, you may not be able to substitute the guest without losing the promotional rate.

### **17. Tips for Smooth Name Changes**

1. **Act quickly:** The earlier you call, the more flexible the options.
2. **Always verify documentation:** Ensure names match across all records.
3. **Check fees before confirming:** Avoid surprise charges by confirming costs upfront.
4. **Keep one original guest:** Otherwise, your booking may count as a cancellation.
5. **Call Celebrity Cruises directly:** Dial **[phone]** for the most accurate, up-to-date assistance.

### **18. Real-Life Scenarios**

**Scenario 1: Typo in Name (45 Days Before Sailing)**
A guest notices their name is misspelled on the confirmation. Celebrity corrects it immediately for free.

**Scenario 2: Substituting a Traveler (60 Days Before Sailing)**
A friend can’t go, so another person takes their place. The name change is approved with a $75 administrative fee.

**Scenario 3: Attempting a Change 5 Days Before Departure**
A traveler tries to replace a guest last-minute. The request is denied because the manifest has already been submitted.

### **19. Frequently Asked Questions**

**Q: Can I change my name after final payment?**
Yes, but fees may apply, and approval depends on timing.

**Q: Can I transfer my cruise to someone else?**
Only if at least one original guest remains on the booking.

**Q: How long does a name change take to process?**
Usually 1–3 business days, depending on documentation and sailing proximity.

### **20. Conclusion**

So, **can you change names after booking a Celebrity Cruise?** Absolutely — but the key is **timing**.

* **Minor corrections** can be made anytime before sailing, often at no cost.
* **Guest substitutions** are typically allowed up to **45 days before departure**, with modest administrative fees.
* **Within two weeks of sailing**, only small corrections may be approved.

To make your experience stress-free, always review your booking details as soon as possible and call **Celebrity Cruises at [phone]** for help.

By acting early and understanding Celebrity’s policies, you’ll ensure your vacation plans remain smooth, accurate, and ready for a luxurious journey at sea.