A name on a cruise reservation needs to be accurate because Celebrity Cruises requires the name on the reservation to match the guest's government-issued identification used for boarding. A mismatch can create problems during check-in and may result in delays or, in some circumstances, denial of boarding.
The good news is that some name changes can be requested before sailing. However, the process depends on why the name needs to be changed. Correcting a spelling mistake is different from replacing one traveler with another person, and the applicable rules can vary according to the booking terms and country from which the reservation was made.
This guide explains how to change a name on a Celebrity Cruises cruise reservation, what information you may need, when fees can apply, and what to do when the name on your travel documents does not match your booking.
Yes, Celebrity Cruises' published booking terms allow certain name changes, but they are subject to specific conditions, deadlines, availability, and possible fees.
Celebrity's general booking conditions for many markets state that minor changes, including name changes on an existing booking, may be subject to an amendment fee. The same terms also warn that some suppliers may not permit name changes and that a reservation could sometimes need to be canceled and rebooked instead.
This means you should not assume that every requested name change will be handled in the same way.
Before contacting Celebrity Cruises, determine whether you are correcting an existing guest's information or replacing the guest.
A minor spelling error should be addressed as soon as possible. Examples include:
Celebrity's booking conditions indicate that even a change in the spelling of a first or last name can be treated as a name change in some markets.
Because boarding documents need to match the reservation, it is better to correct an error well before your sailing date rather than waiting until check-in.
A legal name change is a little different. Celebrity says that the name on the reservation should appear exactly as it does on the government-issued identification used for boarding. If the name changed after the identification document was issued, the guest may need to update the document or bring official supporting documentation explaining the difference. Examples listed by Celebrity include a marriage license, divorce decree, or government-issued name-change document.
In other words, do not automatically change the reservation without considering the name that will actually appear on the travel documents you plan to use.
Replacing one traveler with a completely different person is more significant than correcting a typo.
Celebrity's published terms for several markets specifically describe a name change as the substitution of one guest's details for another. Such changes may have a separate fee and must meet applicable participation requirements, including age, health, and visa requirements.
A replacement guest also needs to be eligible for the cruise and must have the documents required for the itinerary.
Start by checking the spelling of the passenger's name exactly as it appears on the reservation.
Compare it with the government-issued identification that will be used for the cruise.
Pay particular attention to:
Celebrity emphasizes that names should match the applicable identification documents used for boarding.
Have a clear explanation ready. For example, you may be requesting:
The reason matters because different types of changes can be handled differently under Celebrity's booking conditions.
For a reservation booked directly with Celebrity Cruises, contact Celebrity through its current customer-service channels and provide your reservation details.
If you booked through a travel agent, it is generally best to contact the agent first. The agent can request the change through the booking system and tell you whether any fare or administrative charges apply.
Have your reservation number available when making the request.
You may need to provide information such as:
For a legal name change, Celebrity may require appropriate supporting documentation depending on the circumstances.
Do not send sensitive documents through an unofficial contact method. Use the contact or document-submission process provided by Celebrity Cruises or your authorized travel professional.
Do not assume that a name change is free.
Celebrity's general booking terms for many markets specify a $50 amendment fee per guest per booking per amendment for certain minor changes made before the applicable final-balance deadline. Additional costs from suppliers can also apply, and some changes after the final payment date may be treated as cancellations and rebookings.
Rules vary by market. For example, Celebrity's published terms for some European markets use different amendment fees and deadlines.
Therefore, ask Celebrity or your travel agent for the exact cost associated with your reservation before authorizing the change.
Once the change has been processed, review the updated booking carefully.
Make sure the corrected name appears consistently on the reservation and any available cruise documents.
Do not rely only on a verbal confirmation. Keep the updated confirmation or other written evidence of the change.
There is no single worldwide fee that applies to every Celebrity Cruises reservation.
Celebrity's current published booking conditions vary by market. For many bookings covered by its general "All Other Locations – English" terms, certain minor changes outside the final balance due date can incur a non-refundable $50 per guest, per booking, per amendment fee, plus applicable supplier costs.
In other markets, Celebrity publishes different fees. For example, its Germany and several related European terms state that a guest substitution name change may cost €50/£50 per name change per booking, subject to the relevant deadline and conditions.
This is why it is important to check the terms applicable to the country where your booking was made rather than relying on a fee quoted for another market.
Yes, deadlines can apply, and they differ depending on the booking terms governing your reservation.
Celebrity's published general terms state that certain minor changes, including name changes, are handled differently after the final balance due date. In some circumstances, a post-final-payment change may be treated as a cancellation and rebooking, with applicable cancellation charges.
Some regional Celebrity terms are more specific. For example, Celebrity's Germany and Ireland terms allow certain guest-substitution name changes up to seven days before sailing, subject to a fee and eligibility requirements.
Because the deadline can depend on your market and fare conditions, request the change as early as possible.
This is an important issue because cruise boarding depends on acceptable identification and travel documents.
Celebrity states that the reservation name should match the government-issued identification used for boarding. If your legal name has changed, Celebrity says you may need to update the identification document or carry an official supporting document that explains the difference.
Celebrity also warns that guests without the required documents may be denied boarding.
For that reason, resolve discrepancies before the cruise rather than waiting until you arrive at the terminal.
Changing the lead guest can be more complicated than correcting another passenger's name.
Celebrity's published terms for some markets state that changing the lead guest, or changing both names on a booking, can be treated as a transfer rather than an ordinary name change.
Because transfers may have separate conditions and charges, contact Celebrity or your travel agent before making this type of request.
A cruise booking that includes flights or other travel services can be more complicated.
Celebrity's booking conditions explain that supplier charges may apply to changes and that some suppliers may not allow name changes. In certain situations, the reservation may need to be canceled and rebooked, potentially at a substantially different price.
If your booking includes air travel, check both the cruise reservation and the airline reservation. A name update to the cruise booking does not necessarily mean every separate travel component has been changed.
The exact requirements depend on the reason for the change and the cruise itinerary, but having the following information available can make the request easier:
Celebrity recommends checking the current travel-document requirements because documentation requirements can depend on the departure port and itinerary.
A last-minute name problem is much harder to resolve than a correction made well before sailing.
Fees and supplier charges can apply, and regional booking terms can differ.
The reservation and identification documents need to work together. Celebrity specifically advises that names match the identification being used for boarding.
Replacing one traveler with another can be treated differently from correcting a typo and may be subject to eligibility requirements, fees, and other conditions.
If your cruise reservation includes services from other suppliers, those suppliers may have their own restrictions and charges.
Yes, a correction may be possible, but the applicable process and fee depend on your booking terms. Celebrity's published terms indicate that name spelling changes can be treated as name changes.
In some circumstances, yes. Celebrity's booking terms in several markets allow substitution of one guest for another, provided the applicable conditions are met. Fees and deadlines can apply.
A fee may apply. For many bookings covered by Celebrity's general terms, certain minor changes can carry a $50 amendment fee per guest per booking per amendment, while other markets have different fees.
A legal name change may be reflected in the reservation, but your travel documents also need to be handled correctly. Celebrity says that guests whose names have changed may need an updated identification document or official supporting documentation explaining the difference.
A change requested after the final balance due date may be subject to different rules. Celebrity's general terms state that some changes at that point may be treated as cancellations and rebookings, with cancellation charges potentially applying.
A change involving one guest may be possible, depending on the type of change and the terms for your booking. A replacement guest must meet applicable cruise requirements.
Check the name on the passport or other identification you intend to use for boarding and compare it with your reservation. Celebrity says that when a legal name has changed, an updated document or official supporting documentation may be required.
When a cruise was booked through a travel agent, the agent can generally assist with reservation changes and communicate with Celebrity on your behalf. Contact the agent that holds your booking for the exact procedure.
There is no single deadline for every reservation. Celebrity's regional terms can contain different deadlines. Some published European terms allow certain guest-substitution name changes up to seven days before sailing.
Start the process as soon as you notice the problem, give Celebrity or your travel agent the exact legal name, ask about applicable fees and deadlines, and verify the updated reservation against the identification you will use for the cruise.
Changing a name on a Celebrity Cruises cruise reservation is possible in many situations, but the rules depend on whether you are correcting a spelling error, documenting a legal name change, or replacing one guest with another traveler.
The most important step is to act early. Celebrity requires reservation names to align with the identification used for boarding, and unresolved discrepancies can cause travel problems.
Before making the request, gather your reservation details, determine exactly what needs to be changed, and confirm the applicable fee and deadline for your booking. Because Celebrity's name-change rules vary by market, your reservation's specific booking conditions should always take priority over a general fee or deadline found elsewhere.
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