MSC Cruise Name Change Policy: Guidelines

Can I change my name on an MSC cruise? 

Changing the name on an MSC cruise reservation is possible but it should be done not later than 7 days prior to the sailing date and the MSC Cruise Name Change Fee is applied at around $75 per name change in most cases. The rule permits only one name change for each booking and the changes asked for within the last 7 days before sailing are treated as cancellations wherein the passenger may incur extra charges. Hence, it is better to consult MSC or the booking agent regarding the latest rules and fare-specific restrictions.

 What is the MSC Cruise Name Change Policy? 

Learning about the MSC Cruise Name Change Policy, you will be aware of the possibilities that can be done prior to making a request. A fee is charged for the first name change, which allows the participation of one original traveler in the booking. Thus, if you are thinking of doing so, let the name change for the passenger be done with confidence.

  • MSC permits one name change for each booking.
  • A name change fee is charged, with the amount depending on how close you are to the sailing date.
  • If a booking has more than one passenger, MSC will treat it as a cancellation and rebooking unless there is at least one original passenger remaining.
  • Making multiple name changes or getting major changes done is considered a cancellation, resulting in the application of the cancellation fees.
  • Passengers are allowed to make name changes to their booked MSC Cruise reservation before the 7 days of sailing. 
  • You are eligible to change your name by contacting the customer service of MSC Cruise or by yourself through the website. 

Can you change a passenger on an MSC cruise? 

The option to change a passenger on an MSC cruise corresponds with the option to change a name on a booking, as both processes permit the exchange of one guest for another prior to cruise departure, with a fee and time limitation imposed. As per the MSC Cruise Name Change Policy, such alterations are generally required to be made not less than a week before the departure date, and usually, only one amendment per booking is permitted; late requests or reservations, including flights, may have more stringent or non-changeable terms.

Can you transfer a cruise ticket to another person MSC? 

MSC cruise tickets are transferable to another person provided the transfer rules are followed. Passenger transfer is allowed by MSC for most bookings, but the conditions depend on the type of fare purchased and how near you are to the sailing date. To get the transfer request, you will need to reach MSC via phone, email, website, or your travel agent, and a fee is generally applied for the changing of the original passenger's name to a new one. The new traveler should be able to meet all the travel requirements, and the change should be completed before the final cutoff determined by MSC.

How to change the name on MSC Cruise?

It is possible to amend a name on an MSC Cruise, albeit subject to the type of fare that a passenger has and the approach as to how close they are to the date of sailing. The following are the simple methods of asking for a name correction or a change of passenger.

1. Call: This is the quickest and most reliable method. You receive quick replies, and the agent is able to give permission for the change at once if your fare rules permit it. This is the most suitable for urgent or last-minute requests.

  • Go to the official website of MSC Cruise.
  • Look for the “Contact Us” section 
  • Choose the helpline number based on your region.
  • Call the MSC Cruise helpline number 1 (877) 665-4655.
  • Provide your booking details and sailing date.
  • Tell the agent the name you want to correct or update.
  • Share the correct spelling of your name.
  • Pay the applied fare difference.
  • Receive confirmation by email.

2. Website: Ideal for small corrections like spelling errors. It’s convenient because you can make the request anytime without waiting on the phone. Good for simple updates, not full passenger transfers.

  • Visit MSC’s official website.
  • Select Manage Booking.
  • Enter your booking number and last name.
  • Go to Passenger Details.
  • Look for the Edit or Request Change option.
  • Enter the corrected name.
  • Submit the request and complete payment if required.

3. Email Support: If you prefer a written record or sharing of documents, then email is the best option. However, the reply may take a while, so this option is good for non-urgent changes.

  • Find the regional MSC support email.
  • Write an email explaining your request.
  • Include booking number, sailing date, passenger name, and the corrected name.
  • Attach valid ID if MSC requires verification.
  • Send the email and wait for a written confirmation.

4. Port Visit: This one is best for the traveler who would like to go in and see the office and are comfortable doing the paperwork there. They offer some additional services as well, like document checking and processing on a "walk-in" basis.

  • Go to the port desk (before your sailing day).
  • Show your booking confirmation.
  • Provide your ID and the corrected name details.
  • Ask the staff to update the booking.
  • Pay the name-change fee if applicable.
  • Collect the updated booking confirmation.

What documents are required to submit for the name change? 

In case you are very near to the departure date, the regulations could be more strict and at times the cruise line might consider it as a cancellation and rebooking. It is required to get in touch with MSC directly or through the travel agent who arranged your ticket if you want to change the name. If by any chance the passenger's name on the documents has changed after the booking and now wishes to have the name on the ticket updated, they have to provide the necessary documents. The passengers are permitted to use these documents for a name change request. The following documents can be included:

  • Divorce decree
  • Government-issued name change document
  • State, county, or province-issued marriage license
  • Official adoption papers
  • Birth Certificates
  • Passport

While you are submitting the name change request, do not forget to attach the papers mentioned along with the name change request form. The cruise line will then acknowledge and evaluate your request, change the name on the ticket, and dispatch the new ticket to you.

How much does MSC Cruise charge for a name change?

MSC Cruise Name Change Fee (Keyword ) use 2 times usually allows a $75 fee for each name change prior to 89 days of the cruise, with a maximum of one change per booking. Name changes activated during the last week before departure are considered as cancellations, and the categories of the special fare may have tighter restrictions or may not allow changes at all. The fees vary, and some sources reported a range from $50 to $100 for changes made during the last two weeks, but the most usual and mentioned amount is $75.

Date Range Before Departure

Name Change Fee

Limitations

Notes

More than 89 days

Usually Free

1 name change per booking

Changes may be accepted at discretion

89 days – 8 days

$75 per change

Only one name change allowed

Applies to standard fares; restricted fares excluded

15 days – 7 days

$100 per change

Treated as a cancellation if fewer than 7 days before departure

The fee is higher, and stricter rules apply

7 days or less

Not Allowed

Considered a cancellation

Subject to full cancellation charges

Restricted Fare Category

Not Allowed

No reservation changes

 

Fly&Cruise (with flights included)

$300+ airline fee

Subject to airline policies

Changes may require a new flight ticket purchase

How to avoid the name change fee on MSC Cruise?

The MSC Cruises name change fee can be completely avoided if you verify and correct the passenger’s name before finalizing your booking, as small spelling mistakes and corrections are sometimes allowed to be rectified free of charge if they are discovered early. Most of the time, travel agents take care of the name changes or minor corrections, like adjusting spelling errors, before the penalty period starts (usually 89 days before departure) and don’t charge any fees. 

If a full name or passenger swap is required, then make the changes as early as possible and discuss it with the MSC or your travel agent while pointing out any special circumstances like medical emergencies or unexpected events, as these have the potential to occasionally lead to fee waivers, although exceptions are not common. Always check the terms and get the details confirmed in writing because the policies might vary between standard and special fare categories.

How late can you apply for the name change?

Before the last electronic manifest is sent to the vessel, passengers wishing to change their names have to submit a request. The cruise may reject the request to change the name if the list has already been sent to the ship or the name has been printed. Passengers are free to reach out to the agent and inquire about the fees if they wish to know the charges. The agent will work out the charges for you.

What are the Restrictions of the MSC Cruise Name Change?

Passengers who are struggling with their name change may have to be aware of the restrictions of the MSC Cruise name change restrictions are follow as:

  • A single name change per reservation is allowed; any additional changes or changes of dates are treated as cancellations.
  • Name change requests must be made at least 7 days before the flight.
  • Any requests submitted within 7 days of the cruise departure will be treated as cancellations and will incur cancellation penalties.
  • There is a charge for name changes which is usually around €50 - €75 depending on the cabin category (Bella, Fantastica, Aurea, Yacht Club).
  • The original passenger and the new passenger (third party) are responsible together for all the expenses resulting from the name change.
  • Passengers with restricted fares may not be allowed to change or amend their names.
  • A name change could be that the new passenger will meet all cruise conditions.
  • With Fly&Cruise packages, the airline might also charge or place restrictions due to its policies.
  • Legal identification documents must show the same name as the booking.
  • Any changes should be made according to the passport and visa requirements for boarding.
  • If these conditions are not met, the passenger may be refused boarding or charged additional penalties.

Conclusion

MSC Cruise name change policy allows passengers to change their names on their booked reservations. For a name change request, the guest has to follow the complete guidelines of the cruise, which apply to name changes. Also, if someone misses changing their name before the 7 days of sailing, they have to pay $75 to correct the name. 

The travelers need to take care that the name alterations are done according to the required documents and fare restrictions. Moreover, it is the best option to communicate directly with MSC or a travel agent to lower the chances of complications and smooth the process even more. Advance planning can save not only the extra costs but also the hassle of the whole process.

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