Planning a cruise vacation is exciting, but sometimes unexpected circumstances require adjustments — such as changing or correcting a passenger’s name on your booking. Whether it’s fixing a spelling error, replacing a guest who can’t travel, or updating legal documentation, knowing how the Carnival name change policy works is crucial to avoid delays or added fees.
Carnival Cruise Line allows passengers to modify certain booking details, but name changes are regulated due to security and travel document requirements. The cruise line differentiates between two types of name modifications:
Minor name corrections — fixing typographical errors or updating legal spelling.
Full name substitutions — replacing one guest with a different traveler.
Each case follows different rules under the Carnival name change policy, with distinct costs and deadlines.
A minor name correction involves fixing simple mistakes in a passenger’s name that do not alter the traveler’s identity. Common examples include:
Misspelling (e.g., “John” instead of “Jon”)
Missing or incorrect middle initial
Typo in last name (e.g., “Smith” vs. “Smit”)
Name order correction (first and last name reversed)
Carnival’s Policy:
Minor corrections are free of charge if identified early (before final documents are issued).
Corrections should match the passenger’s government-issued ID and passport exactly.
You must notify Carnival or your travel agent immediately once the mistake is found.
How to Request a Correction:Contact Carnival’s customer service or your travel agent, provide proof of the correct spelling, and request an update. Most minor corrections are processed within 24–48 hours.
If you need to replace a passenger entirely, Carnival considers this a guest substitution, not a correction.
This usually happens when one traveler can’t attend, and you want to substitute another person in their place.
Carnival Cruise Line name change policy for substitutions:
Allowed only before final payment on most fare types.
At least one original guest must remain on the booking.
If all passengers are replaced, it’s treated as a cancellation and rebooking.
A name change fee typically applies, depending on the fare and cruise date.
Typical Carnival guest name change fees:
$50–$150 per person, depending on when the change is made and the type of cruise.
Additional fare differences may apply if prices have increased since the original booking.
If you need to modify a name on your Carnival booking, here’s how to do it correctly:
Log in to your Carnival account or contact your travel agent to review the reservation details. Double-check the spelling of all guest names against their travel documents.
Correction (minor fix): no or minimal cost.
Substitution (replacing a guest): fee may apply.
If you booked directly, call Carnival’s Reservations Department.
If booked through an agent, request the change through them — they can process the update faster.
You may be asked for:
The booking number.
ID or passport copy showing correct spelling.
Written authorization from the lead guest for guest substitution.
If a name change fee applies, you’ll need to pay it before Carnival finalizes the modification.
Once completed, Carnival will email an updated booking confirmation reflecting the corrected or substituted passenger’s name. Always verify the new version before boarding documents are printed.
If it’s a typo, Carnival usually corrects it for free, provided it’s done early. Always make sure the corrected name exactly matches your passport.
If your friend or family member can’t join the cruise, you can replace them with another person before final payment. Expect to pay a Carnival guest name change fee of around $50–$150.
If every name on the booking needs to change, Carnival considers this a new reservation, not a modification. You’ll have to cancel and rebook, and standard cancellation fees apply.
If a guest’s legal name has changed since booking (e.g., due to marriage), Carnival allows free correction if valid documentation is provided (marriage certificate, court order, etc.).
To ensure smooth check-in and boarding, the name on your booking must match your government-issued photo ID (and passport, if applicable).
You’ll need the following to make or confirm any name change:
Updated passport or ID
Booking confirmation number
Proof of legal name change (if applicable)
Payment authorization (for substitutions)
If your ID doesn’t match your cruise documents, Carnival may deny boarding until corrections are made.
Carnival provides several ways to manage booking modifications:
Online via “Manage My Booking”: You can view details, but name changes must be handled by an agent.
Through your travel advisor: Agents have access to backend tools to process updates.
By calling customer service: Direct changes can be made over the phone with Carnival representatives.
Avoiding name-related problems starts with accuracy and attention to detail at the time of booking. Here are a few tips:
Double-check spelling before submitting names.
Use the same name as your travel ID or passport.
Avoid using nicknames or initials that differ from official documents.
Make changes early — ideally, before final payment or document issuance.
Keep documentation ready if a legal name change occurs.
These precautions can save you both money and stress before your sailing date.
If your booking contains incorrect or mismatched passenger names and you fail to correct them in time:
You could be denied boarding at the terminal.
Travel insurance might not cover issues caused by incorrect booking information.
You may have to cancel and rebook at current prices, losing your original rate or deposit.
That’s why confirming names well before sailing is crucial.
So, can you change a passenger name on a Carnival Cruise Line cruise? Yes, but with conditions.
Carnival allows minor name corrections for free and passenger substitutions before final payment, typically charging a $50–$150 fee per person. However, complete replacements of all guests are not allowed and are treated as cancellations.
To avoid delays, always ensure your booking information matches your government-issued identification. Contact Carnival Cruise Line or your travel advisor as soon as you spot any errors to make quick corrections without penalties.
A little preparation and early action can help you keep your travel plans stress-free and your cruise experience smooth from start to finish.
1. Can I change a name on my Carnival Cruise after final payment?
In most cases, yes — but it may incur higher fees and must be approved by Carnival before sailing.
2. How much does Carnival charge for a name change?
Name change fees usually range between $50 and $150, depending on the cruise and timing.
3. Can I replace one guest with another on my Carnival booking?
Yes, if done before final payment and at least one original guest remains on the reservation.
4. Are name corrections free on Carnival Cruises?
Yes, minor spelling corrections are typically free if reported before final documents are issued.
5. Can I change all passenger names on a Carnival booking?
No, full replacements are not allowed. You’ll need to cancel and rebook a new reservation.
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