# Carnival Cruise Name Change Policy?

Carnival Cruise policy **[phone]** allows passengers to correct name errors or transfer reservations under specific rules, ensuring smooth boarding and compliance with travel regulations.

[Carnival Cruise Line](https://www.cruiseregal.com/blog/how-do-i-change-a-name-on-a-carnival-cruise-line-cruise-reservation) is one of the most recognized names in the cruise industry, offering guests memorable vacation experiences across the world. However, travel plans sometimes change, and passengers may find themselves needing to correct a name on their booking or transfer a reservation to another person. In such cases, understanding the Carnival Cruise name change policy is essential to avoid complications or unexpected fees.

While cruise tickets are not as flexible as airline reservations, Carnival does provide certain options for correcting or changing names on a booking, depending on the timing and reason for the modification. This detailed guide explains how the policy works, when changes are allowed, and what steps passengers can take to ensure their travel documentation matches their booking details.

## Importance of Accurate Passenger Names

When you book a cruise, the names listed on your reservation must exactly match the names on the identification documents you plan to present at boarding. This is especially important for international sailings that require a passport. Even a minor misspelling or typographical error can cause issues during check-in, leading to delays or denied boarding.

Carnival Cruise Line uses this information to comply with security and customs regulations. Therefore, ensuring your name appears correctly is a critical step in the booking process. If you notice an error after booking, it’s best to address it immediately rather than waiting until closer to the sail date.

## Overview of Carnival Cruise Name Change Policy

Carnival’s name change policy distinguishes between minor corrections and complete name changes. A minor correction usually involves fixing small spelling mistakes or adjusting initials, while a complete name change typically refers to replacing one passenger with another or altering the name due to legal reasons such as marriage or divorce.

The general principle is that name corrections are permitted with minimal restrictions, whereas full name changes may not always be allowed or could require cancellation and rebooking. Understanding this distinction can save you time and money.

### Minor Name Corrections

If you notice a small error in the spelling of your first or last name, Carnival Cruise Line usually allows you to correct it without major difficulty. For instance, if your booking lists “Jonh” instead of “John,” this can be corrected by contacting the cruise line or your travel agent.

Minor corrections are typically processed at no additional charge, though this may vary depending on how far in advance you make the request. It’s recommended that you make the correction as soon as possible, ideally at least 30 days before departure.

To make a minor correction, you can call Carnival Cruise Line’s customer service team at [phone], or contact the travel agency through which you booked the cruise. Providing supporting identification may be required to confirm the correct spelling.

### Full Name Changes or Substitutions

A full name change occurs when a reservation is transferred from one person to another. For example, if one passenger cannot travel and wants to give their spot to someone else, this is considered a name change substitution.

Carnival Cruise Line generally treats substitutions as new bookings, and in many cases, these changes are not allowed once final payment has been made. Before that point, passengers may request a substitution, but a change fee may apply. The new traveler must meet all booking requirements, and the fare may be adjusted based on current pricing.

If the reason for the name change is due to legal circumstances, such as a marriage or court-ordered name update, Carnival may make exceptions. In such cases, the passenger must provide official documentation, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or legal name change document.

It’s important to note that Carnival reserves the right to deny a name change request if it violates booking conditions or if the change is requested too close to departure.

### Timing and Fees

Timing plays a significant role in [Carnival’s name change policy](https://www.cruiseregal.com/blog/how-do-i-change-a-name-on-a-carnival-cruise-line-cruise-reservation). The earlier you make the request, the easier and less expensive it is likely to be.

Before Final Payment:
If your cruise has not yet reached its final payment date, you can often request name changes or substitutions with minimal restrictions. There may be a small administrative fee, but it is typically affordable.

After Final Payment:
Once full payment has been received, changes become more restricted. In some cases, Carnival may not allow complete name substitutions at all. Minor corrections can still be made, but they might involve additional verification and possible service charges.

Close to Departure:
Within 14 days of sailing, Carnival generally does not permit name changes except for simple spelling corrections. This is due to strict security and manifest requirements.

Each booking is unique, so it’s best to confirm the specific terms of your reservation by calling [phone] or checking directly with the travel professional who arranged your cruise.

How to Request a Name Change

If you need to make any kind of name correction or change, follow these simple steps to ensure a smooth process:

Review Your Booking Confirmation:
Double-check all passenger names as soon as you receive your booking confirmation. Spotting errors early gives you the best chance of fixing them easily.

Gather Required Documentation:
Prepare identification documents such as a passport, government-issued ID, or legal paperwork (for name changes due to marriage or other reasons).

Contact Carnival Cruise Line:
Call Carnival’s guest services department or your travel agent to report the change. Be prepared to provide your booking number, sailing date, and corrected information.

Confirm Any Fees:
Ask whether your change qualifies as a correction or a substitution and whether any fees apply. Always request written confirmation of the updated details.

Recheck Before Departure:
Once the change has been made, verify that the updated name appears correctly on your final documents and boarding pass.

By following these steps promptly, you reduce the likelihood of any issues at check-in or during embarkation.

Tips to Avoid Future Name Issues

Book Using Legal Names Only:
Always use the exact name as it appears on your passport or government ID. Avoid nicknames or abbreviations.

Review Booking Confirmation Immediately:
Take a moment to confirm all names, dates, and cabin details as soon as you receive your reservation.

Use One Source for Booking:
If you booked through a travel agency, let them handle all communications with Carnival to prevent confusion.

Keep Documentation Handy:
Save copies of your booking confirmation, payment receipts, and any correspondence about name changes.

Act Quickly:
The sooner you request a correction, the higher the chance that Carnival can accommodate it without fees or delays.

Why Carnival Enforces Strict Name Policies

Carnival Cruise Line, like all major cruise companies, must comply with government security regulations, including passenger manifests and customs documentation. Every traveler’s name must match exactly between their booking record and travel identification. Any discrepancy can cause delays or even boarding denials at the port.

These strict requirements protect passenger safety, ensure accurate records, and comply with international maritime laws. For this reason, Carnival urges guests to check their booking details thoroughly as soon as reservations are made.