Guide to Changing a Name on a Carnival Cruise

When planning a cruise vacation, the last thing anyone expects is to encounter issues because of a name typo or a legal name change that hasn’t been updated. Yet, it happens more often than people think. Whether you recently got married, divorced, or simply made a small error during the booking process, navigating name changes on your reservation can seem overwhelming—especially if you’re not familiar with how Carnival Cruise Line handles these requests. Fortunately, the Carnival Cruise Name Change Policy is designed to offer flexibility while maintaining the legal requirements for passenger identification. Understanding how this policy works can save you from unexpected surprises at check-in.

Carnival Cruise Line requires that the name on your booking matches the name on your government-issued photo ID exactly. Even a small typo, like a missing middle initial or misspelled last name, can raise red flags at boarding. The good news is that Carnival does allow for name changes under specific conditions. These include correcting minor spelling errors, updating names due to marriage or divorce, and in some cases, even allowing a complete change of the traveler’s name if one passenger can’t make it and another is taking their place. However, full passenger substitutions are generally subject to stricter rules and higher fees, especially as the sailing date approaches.

If you find yourself needing to correct or change a name on your Carnival reservation, the process is straightforward but must be followed carefully. The first step is to gather the necessary documentation, such as your booking confirmation, government-issued ID, and any legal papers proving the name change—like a marriage certificate or court order. After that, you’ll need to contact Carnival’s support team directly via phone or through their online form. They will review your request, verify your documents, and let you know if any additional information or fees are required to process the change. Timing plays a big role here. If you catch the mistake early—ideally 60 to 90 days before departure—there’s a good chance that minor corrections can be made free of charge. However, changes requested within 30 days of sailing usually incur higher costs and may even be declined depending on the circumstances.

Fees associated with name changes vary based on the type of modification. Minor spelling fixes are often free when addressed early, while legal name changes typically come with a fee ranging from $50 to $75. Full name substitutions, which involve transferring the booking to a completely different person, are the most expensive—costing up to $200 or more depending on how close the cruise date is. These fees are necessary because name changes can affect the cruise line’s passenger manifest, which must comply with U.S. Coast Guard and international travel regulations.

Personalized Support for Booking Modifications

From name changes to rebookings, our team is here to help. Call us at +1-877-777-6741 or email Info@cruiseease.com to get started.

Final Thoughts

Name changes on a Carnival Cruise don’t have to be stressful. Whether it’s a simple typo or a full legal change, knowing the Carnival Cruise Name Change Policy inside-out can save you money, time, and headaches. And remember—Cruise Ease is here to make every step simpler. From booking to boarding, we’re your cruise companion.