When planning a cruise, unexpected changes can happen — from spelling errors during booking to a traveler needing to be replaced. If you’re sailing with Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), understanding the NCL name change policy can help you navigate these adjustments smoothly.
The Norwegian Cruise Line name change policy is designed to handle two main situations:
Name corrections or spelling errors – small adjustments to ensure travel documents match official IDs.
Passenger substitutions – replacing one guest with another person after booking.
NCL allows name changes and corrections, but the conditions, deadlines, and fees vary depending on the type of change and timing.
Mistakes happen when entering passenger information, especially with multiple travelers on one reservation. NCL understands this and allows minor name corrections without significant penalties.
Misspelled first or last name (e.g., “Jonh” instead of “John”)
Typo or missing letter
Wrong middle name or initial
Reversed name order
The correction must not result in a change of identity (the traveler must remain the same person).
Supporting documentation (like a passport or driver’s license) may be required.
Corrections must be completed before the final cruise documents are issued.
Small corrections may be free of charge.
If the correction involves reissuing tickets or updating official manifests, expect a fee of $25–$50 per passenger.
Example: If you entered “Sara Johnson” instead of “Sarah Johnson,” NCL will usually update the booking at no cost if corrected early.
If one traveler can’t go and you want to replace them with someone else, this is considered a name change or passenger substitution, not a correction.
NCL allows name changes for passengers, but certain restrictions apply.
At least one original guest on the booking must remain.
The substitution must be made before final documents are issued (usually 30 days before sailing).
Changes requested after final documentation may be denied.
All updated passenger details must match government-issued ID or passport.
The name change fee typically ranges from $100–$150 per person, depending on the fare type and sailing.
Promotional, group, or restricted fares may not allow substitutions at all.
Example: If you booked a two-person cabin and one guest can no longer travel, you can replace them with another person for about $100, as long as the main traveler remains the same.
The process for requesting a name change or correction on an NCL cruise depends on how you booked your trip — directly with Norwegian Cruise Line or through a travel agent.
Step 1: Contact your booking channel
If booked directly: Call NCL’s reservation department.
If booked via a travel agent: Contact your agent, who will handle the request on your behalf.
Step 2: Provide the necessary information
Booking number
Old and new passenger names
Date of birth and identification details
Reason for the name change (spelling error, traveler replacement, etc.)
Step 3: Submit documentationYou may need to provide a valid photo ID, passport, or other identification to confirm the correct name.
Step 4: Confirm the fee and paymentOnce NCL verifies eligibility, they’ll inform you of the applicable name change or correction fee.
Step 5: Receive updated confirmationAfter processing, you’ll get an updated cruise confirmation showing the corrected or substituted passenger name.
Timing plays a crucial role in whether NCL accepts a name change request.
Many travelers wonder if they can swap guest names completely — for example, transfer a booking to two entirely new people.
The answer is no. Norwegian Cruise Line does not allow full guest swaps that remove all original passengers from the reservation. At least one original traveler must remain for the booking to stay valid.
If both passengers cancel, the cruise is considered canceled and subject to NCL’s standard cancellation policy, which may include penalties based on how close you are to the sailing date.
Cruise lines, including NCL, operate under international travel and maritime laws that require accurate passenger manifests. These records are shared with port authorities and border control agencies before each voyage.
As a result:
The name on your ticket must exactly match your ID.
Every name change triggers updates to customs, port, and ship security databases.
This is why even small corrections require formal requests and sometimes a fee.
NCL’s strict policy ensures passenger safety and compliance with global regulations.
Making sure your booking details are accurate from the start can help you avoid paying NCL name correction fees later. Here are some helpful tips:
Double-check spelling when entering traveler names.
Match names to government IDs — use full legal names as shown on passports.
Review your confirmation email immediately after booking.
Make changes early — within 24–48 hours for the best chance of a free correction.
Use the same booking channel to avoid delays or processing issues.
Proactive verification saves time, money, and stress before your cruise departs.
You can make minor corrections after final payment if the cruise documents haven’t been issued yet. However, major name changes or passenger swaps are much harder to approve after final payment.
Once boarding documents are finalized — usually around 30 days before the sailing — no further name updates can be processed.
If a traveler cannot go after this point, you may have to cancel that person’s spot and pay any applicable cancellation fee under NCL’s policy.
So, can you change a passenger name on a Norwegian Cruise Line cruise? Yes, you can — but the process depends on timing and type of change.
For minor corrections, NCL may fix your name for free or charge a small fee. For guest substitutions, expect a fee of around $100–$150 per person, as long as one original guest remains.
To avoid complications, always double-check your passenger information during booking and make any necessary corrections as early as possible. Doing so ensures a smooth check-in experience and avoids last-minute surprises before your cruise vacation begins.
Q1. Can I change a passenger name on a Norwegian Cruise Line booking?
Yes, NCL allows passenger name changes if one original guest remains on the booking, usually for a fee of $100–$150.
Q2. Is there a fee for correcting a spelling error?
Minor name corrections are often free or may incur a small $25–$50 fee, depending on the type of error.
Q3. Can I transfer my entire NCL booking to someone else?
No, full booking transfers are not permitted. At least one original traveler must remain on the reservation.
Q4. How late can I change a passenger name on NCL?
You must complete all name changes before final cruise documents are issued, typically 30 days before sailing.
Q5. Can I change the name after final payment?
You may be able to make minor spelling corrections, but full passenger replacements are usually not allowed after final payment.
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