Can a Nickname Be on a Cruise Card? Carnival Explains Why Not
Many, many people don’t necessarily go by their given, legal names, the names printed on their birth certificates.
Whether they simply prefer a shortened version of their name, their middle name, or a completely different name they feel more comfortable with – why can’t that preferred name be on their cruise card?
One very upset guest reached out to Carnival Cruise Line’s brand ambassador, John Heald, to express their frustration about such name confusion. Unfortunately, Heald’s answer will not be one they’re happy with.
“Why can’t Carnival let me have a name other than my first name on my [Sail & Sign] card?” the guest asked. “I have gone by my middle name my entire life, but my [Sail & Sign] card always has my first name. It’s just a card. The legal bit has been done at check-in.”
The guest is correct in that the legal identity check for their full name is done at cruise check-in, when they first arrive at the terminal prior to boarding their Carnival Fun Ship.
Heald does note, however, that legally all guests are required to have matching documentation even throughout the sailing.
“Thank you and I do have sympathy. Firstly though let me explain that you have to legally have the same name on your card as the documents used to check in with,” he confirmed. “Middle names or nicknames are not allowed.”
Many passengers may not immediately recognize that while they remain with the same cruise ship throughout their sailing, they are still visiting at least one – often several – different countries.
The guest did not clarify which Carnival ship they’ve sailed on recently with such name concerns, nor where the ship sailed. For example, take a 7-night Western Caribbean itinerary aboard Carnival Celebration from PortMiami – one of the cruise line’s most popular itineraries.
After departing the United States, the ship sails through international waters to reach Mexico, visiting two different destinations in that country. A third port is in yet another country when the ship visits Isla Tropicale in Honduras, before spending two more days in international waters while returning to the US.
At each new country, the ship will need to past that country’s customs clearance before guests are permitted to debark for the day.
Furthermore, at any time during the sailing, poor weather, mechanical difficulties, or other unexpected circumstances could cause the ship to divert to yet another destination, perhaps in Belize or the Bahamas – yet another country.
A guest’s ship ID card is still a legal identification, issued through the cruise line, and it needs to be matched to the ships’ manifest and other legal documentation. Because of this, it is not possible to put a nickname, shortened name, or just a middle name on a Sail & Sign card.
Even simple and very common short names – Bob instead of Robert or Kate instead of Katherine – are not permitted.
Guests Can Ask for Preferred Names Onboard
Heald does point out that once onboard the ship, guests can request to be called by any name they prefer.
“Secondly, if you prefer to be called by your middle name please tell your cabin attendant, waiter or any of the crew and they will of course make it so,” he assured the original commenter.
While the Sail & Sign card will still read a guest’s legal name, crew members onboard have astonishing memories and generally have no trouble remembering exactly how a guest would prefer to be addressed.
Other travelers share the concern, explaining that their names might be unusual or difficult to pronounce, and a nickname might be easier.
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In some cases, guests who travel together might have difficulties where a nickname would be easier. This could be the case for a grandfather, father, and son who are the first, second, and third men with the same name in the family.
Many other commenters note that they don’t particularly care what they are called so long as they get onboard the ship – and I certainly agree with that!
Can a Nickname Be on a Cruise Card? Carnival Explains Why Not