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Can I change the person on a Holland America Line cruise ticket?

Sometimes life changes after booking a cruise, and you might ask: can I change passenger on Holland America cruise tickets? Whether a family member can no longer travel, or you want to substitute a passenger for personal reasons, it’s important to understand Holland America’s policies on name change cruise requests and passenger swaps.

Can I change the passenger on a Holland America cruise ticket?

Holland America allows certain changes to passenger information, but there are limits. Technically, what many guests hope to do is a passenger swap—moving a reservation from one individual to another. In practice:

  • Minor corrections, like spelling errors, are usually allowed and sometimes free.

  • Full substitution of one traveler for another may be restricted and depends on the fare type, timing, and itinerary.

  • Some promotional or discounted fares may not allow Holland America changing traveler after booking.

Understanding the difference between minor name change cruise adjustments and full Holland America guest change is critical.

Holland America ticket name change rules

Holland America has clear ticket name change rules:

  1. Minor corrections

    • Spelling corrections, middle name adjustments, or title changes often fall under minor changes.

    • These are usually permitted for free if done in advance.

  2. Full guest substitution

    • Replacing the passenger entirely is treated differently.

    • Often considered a new booking for the substituted guest.

    • May involve passenger swap fees or restrictions based on fare rules.

  3. Timing restrictions

    • Most name change requests must be made well before the sailing date.

    • Requests closer to departure are less likely to be approved.

  4. Fare and cabin type considerations

    • Non-refundable or special promotional fares often have stricter rules.

    • Standard or flexible fares typically allow more leeway.

How to change a passenger on a Holland America cruise reservation

If you want to change guest on reservation, follow these general steps:

1. Check your booking and fare type

  • Look at your confirmation for Holland America ticket name change rules.

  • Confirm if your fare allows Holland America changing traveler after booking.

2. Contact your travel agent or Holland America reservations

  • If booked through an agent, contact them first.

  • If booked directly, reach out to Holland America by phone or online.

3. Explain your request clearly

  • Specify whether it’s a minor correction or a full passenger swap.

  • Provide the new traveler’s full legal name and details.

4. Understand potential fees or restrictions

  • Administrative fees may apply for cruise ticket change.

  • Some fare types may not allow substitutions at all.

5. Receive updated confirmation

  • Ensure the revised reservation accurately lists the new passenger.

  • Keep documentation for embarkation and boarding purposes.

Minor corrections vs. full substitutions

Minor corrections

  • Correcting a typo in a first or last name

  • Adding a middle name or title

  • Correcting a passport mismatch

These are usually straightforward and do not affect fare or Holland America guest change policies significantly.

Full substitutions

  • Replacing the original guest entirely

  • Adding a new passenger to a cabin (sometimes considered a new booking)

  • May require payment adjustments, fare differences, or passenger swap fees

Holland America generally treats full substitutions more restrictively than minor corrections, especially for non-refundable fares.

Costs and restrictions

When you change passenger on a Holland America reservation:

  • Administrative fees: Some minor name corrections are free; larger substitutions may carry fees.

  • Fare differences: If the new passenger’s booking conditions differ (such as age, promotions, or discounts), you may need to pay the difference.

  • Restrictions on promotions: Special deals may be non-transferable.

  • Timing: Last-minute requests may be denied or subject to higher fees.

Understanding these factors before requesting Holland America guest change can save time and money.

Holland America substitute passenger policy

Holland America generally handles passenger changes with the following guidelines:

  1. Early requests are easier

    • The sooner you request a passenger swap, the more likely it can be accommodated.

  2. Some substitutions are not permitted

    • For security, regulatory, or fare-based reasons, some bookings may not allow full traveler changes.

  3. Documentation is key

    • Full legal name, date of birth, and identification may be required for the new passenger.

  4. Booking source matters

    • Agents and direct bookings have slightly different procedures, but the rules are generally aligned with Holland America ticket name change rules.

Tips for a smooth passenger change

  • Check fare conditions before booking

    • If flexibility is important, choose a fare that allows Holland America changing traveler after booking.

  • Act early

    • Early passenger swaps are more likely to be accepted with fewer fees.

  • Get everything in writing

    • Ensure your reservation confirmation reflects the new passenger accurately.

  • Verify ID and travel documents

    • The new passenger’s passport or travel ID must match the reservation to avoid boarding issues.

FAQs about changing the passenger on a Holland America cruise

1. Can I change passenger on a Holland America cruise ticket?

Yes, minor corrections are usually allowed, but full Holland America guest change or substitutions depend on fare type, timing, and availability.

2. Are there fees to change the traveler on a reservation?

Some minor name corrections are free. Full substitutions may involve administrative fees, fare differences, or restrictions based on Holland America ticket name change rules.

3. How early should I request a passenger change?

The earlier, the better. Requests made well before departure are more likely to be approved with fewer fees.

4. Can promotional fares be transferred to another guest?

Often not. Special or non-refundable fares may restrict Holland America changing traveler after booking, so check your fare rules before requesting.

5. What steps are required to change the passenger?

Contact your travel agent or Holland America reservations, provide the new traveler’s details, confirm any fees, and ensure the updated reservation is issued accurately.

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