Booking a Disney Cruise Line vacation is exciting, but plans can change. Whether it’s a spelling mistake, legal name update, or a switch in passengers, many travelers wonder: how late can you change a name on a Disney Cruise Line booking?
Disney Cruise Line (DCL) maintains specific deadlines for modifications to ensure smooth check-in, proper documentation, and compliance with maritime regulations. Understanding these deadlines and processes helps you avoid last-minute complications before sailing.
Every passenger on a Disney Cruise must have their name correctly listed on the reservation. Disney Cruise Line uses passenger details for:
Security checks and port documentation
Customs and immigration requirements
Onboard identification and safety procedures
Even small discrepancies between the name on your booking and your passport can cause check-in delays or boarding denials. Therefore, it’s crucial to correct or update names well before your cruise date.
Disney Cruise Line allows guests to modify or correct names, but the deadline for such changes depends on your booking status and payment schedule.
Here are the general rules:
Before final payment: You can usually change or correct passenger names without fees.
After final payment: Name changes are subject to Disney’s approval and may incur modification charges.
Close to sailing: Only minor corrections are permitted; major name swaps or transfers are restricted.
These rules apply whether you book directly with Disney or through a travel agent.
The last date to change a name on a Disney Cruise Line reservation varies depending on the itinerary length and sailing region.
Typically:
For cruises 1–5 nights: The final payment is due about 90 days before sailing.
For cruises 6 nights or longer: Final payment is due 120 days before sailing.
After final payment, Disney may allow name changes up to 30 days before departure, but this depends on the specific case and cruise category.
Beyond this point, Disney’s system begins finalizing passenger manifests for customs and maritime authorities. Therefore, no changes are generally accepted within 14 days of sailing unless it’s a legal correction with proper documentation.
If you’ve already made your final payment, changing a name is still possible — but with conditions.
Approval required: You must contact Disney Cruise Line or your travel agent for authorization.
Fees may apply: Administrative fees can range depending on when the change is requested.
Documentation needed: A marriage certificate, court order, or government-issued ID may be required.
Disney Cruise Line prioritizes security and ensures that every name matches the documentation submitted for check-in and boarding.
In emergencies, Disney Cruise Line may allow last-minute name corrections — but only if it’s a small adjustment, such as fixing a spelling error or updating a married name.
For example:
Changing “Katherine” to “Catherine”
Adding or removing a middle name
Correcting a mistyped letter
However, swapping one traveler for another is typically prohibited after final payment, as it is considered a reservation transfer, not a correction.
Follow these steps to request a name change on your Disney Cruise Line booking:
Booking number
Passenger details
Documentation showing the correct name (passport, ID, marriage certificate, etc.)
If you booked directly with Disney, reach out to DCL reservations.
If booked through a travel agent, contact them — they will coordinate the change.
Ask whether a fee applies.
Request updated booking confirmation showing the corrected name.
Double-check your updated reservation and travel documents to ensure all names match your IDs exactly.
While Disney Cruise Line does not have a fixed public fee chart for name changes, these general guidelines apply:
Before final payment: Usually free.
After final payment: A fee may be charged per passenger, depending on how late the change is made.
Within 30 days of sailing: Only corrections, not replacements, are allowed.
Within 14 days of sailing: Changes are rarely accepted unless due to legal reasons.
Disney reserves the right to deny changes that conflict with security or port clearance regulations.
Cruise lines like Disney must submit a passenger manifest to authorities several days before sailing. This includes each traveler’s name, date of birth, and identification details.
Once this data is transmitted to port and customs officials, Disney cannot easily make modifications. This is why late name changes are restricted or entirely disallowed.
Double-check details immediately after booking.Confirm each passenger’s full legal name matches their passport.
Make changes before final payment.This avoids fees and ensures smooth processing.
Keep documentation ready.Legal paperwork can support corrections if needed.
Avoid last-minute traveler swaps.DCL rarely allows replacing one guest with another after final payment.
Use a travel agent.They can monitor deadlines and handle communication with Disney directly.
If you miss the cutoff to change a name, Disney Cruise Line may not allow you to modify your booking. In such cases, your only option may be to cancel and rebook — which could result in cancellation penalties depending on your fare type and timing.
In rare circumstances involving legal name changes or emergencies, Disney may make exceptions, but these are evaluated individually.
So, how late can you change a name on a Disney Cruise Line reservation?
Generally, you can make name changes freely before final payment. After that, Disney allows limited modifications — typically up to 30 days before sailing, with documentation and possible fees.
Beyond two weeks before departure, changes are rarely approved due to port and security regulations.
To avoid stress or extra costs, always verify your passenger information as soon as you make your reservation.
1. How late can I change a name on my Disney Cruise booking?
You can usually make name changes up to 30 days before sailing, but earlier is better to avoid restrictions.
2. Can I change the name after final payment?
Yes, but fees may apply, and approval is required from Disney Cruise Line.
3. Are name changes allowed within two weeks of sailing?
Only minor corrections with valid documents may be accepted.
4. What if I need to replace one guest with another?
Disney generally doesn’t allow full passenger swaps after final payment.
5. How do I confirm my updated name on the booking?
Request a new confirmation email or document showing the corrected passenger details.
Recent Guide
Your ultimate guide to cruise adventures. Discover amazing destinations, find the perfect cruise, and create unforgettable memories on the high seas.
Quick Links
Cruise Types
© 2025 Portjourney.com. All rights reserved. | Privacy Policy | Terms of Service