I have the opportunity to get a good deal on a family cruise for December. I want to take my son and his girlfriend, but as these things go who knows if she will be around in December. Can I subsitute someone else if she doesn't go? Thanks for your help.

You can do it without any problem before final payment. After that, it may involve a fee, depending on cruise line policy. Some like Celebrity will let you change the name up to 48 hours before sail time without a fee. At least one passenger name in a cabin must stay unchanged.

That is good to know. Hopefully by the time we get around to plane tickets closer to leaving, I will know if she is in or out Thanks for your help.

Donna - when you book the cruise, you may just want to put your son's name on the cabin (as a single). When you make final payment, you can add a 2nd person (whoever that may be).

Donna - Actually, ignore my past message. I just remembered that lines may handle things differently than how Princess does. I think one line may reprice the whole cabin if you change from single to double.

I wish there was an edit button.

No problem - I think that most cruises charge more for a single person in a cabin, but we have decided to book out for 6 people, 3 cabins, and if she doesn't go, then my son or someone else can take a friend or another relative. I will just make sure that the people are set before buying the plane tickets. Thanks again.

my uncle had to change the name of a passenger and he was charged $50 i believe

this was with Carnival last yr

Not every cruise line will allow changes prior to final payment.It varies.I am on a Carnival cruise in July, and I was told that after making the initial deposit, changes would be allowed for a $50 fee, until 24 hours prior to when final payment is due.

Beachboi - that most likely is a specific agent fee and not a Carnival fee.

Theresa....I checked directly with Carnival yesterday as my TA was, gulp...., on the golf course......So, yes its a Carnival fee.The only reason I got invloved is that our deposit is due tomorrow, and one of the gang is talking about opting out.I'm suspecting that Carnival at sometime this year or late last year revised their deposit and payment fees and policies.Last year, some friends had like a 3 day option on their cruise , not a 24 hour option for a July cruise that we were given on Friday.

There is no cruise line fees for name change between deposit date and 24 hours prior to final payment, and if somebody from Carnival told you otherwise, they don't know their job. You can just cancel and rebook your cruise in this time frame with no penalty, so name change charge would make no sence.

As for option date, most likely you can extend it.

I am surprised. I didn't think most lines were charging fees for this. Most of the time, it is the agent who is charging the fee.

Good luck with your booking.

I took my mom last year on a cruise for her birthday, however I was always worried if she would make it. I'm in FL she in IL, hurricane season (9/3) her health etc. However, I knew that if she did not go, my husband would be the substitute. I booked the room for double, gave my name and listed the second passenger as a TBA. When I was sure it was a go, I put my mom's name in, rather than dealing with a change.
Oh I was on RCL Mariner of the Seas.