"Name, just as it's shown on your passport"

[FigmentSpark]

We've done 2 cruises already and only had our first and last names on our paperwork, but I'm sure our passports show our middle names, as well.

What is the consensus about making sure your name on file matches your passport? Should I have our reservations updated with the middle names, as well? Or just leave it be?

 

[Marc D]

My DCL name is shorter than my passport name and it has never been a problem or even mentioned by DCL cast members. I had to go this route because my real name includes an hyphen and the DCL CC website could not handle it so DCL removed the hyphen and everything after it from my file between my first and second cruise.

 

[starvenger]

I think first and last is fine. Really the issue is if you generally use a different name than what is on your passport. We actually see this a lot amongst family and friends (including my wife).

 

[dcassetta]

We've done 2 cruises already and only had our first and last names on our paperwork, but I'm sure our passports show our middle names, as well.

What is the consensus about making sure your name on file matches your passport? Should I have our reservations updated with the middle names, as well? Or just leave it be?

I've never used my middle name on any DCL reservation. Part of that instruction might be to get people to use their legal name and not a nickname. You would want to be Figment, not just Fig.

 

[FigmentSpark]

When I was adding my sister to our room today, they told my TA that middle names 'would be better', but they didn't press it. We've never had any trouble before either, but I remember reading someone else here on DIS had to sort out their passport vs reservation before they could board, which delayed them. Maybe that was a one-off or maybe they are changing their policies?

 

[MillauFr]

A perfect post for pointing out that you should never name your kids a name that they will not use. What if your passport says William and your DCL reservation says Bill for the first name. That could be a problem. Better to give them a non formal name that they will always use.

 

[starvenger]

So by this logic, my friend’s parents should’ve anticipated that they’d move to Canada from China and thus name her “Angela” (which she uses all the time) instead of her Chinese name.

 

[Dug720]

A perfect post for pointing out that you should never name your kids a name that they will not use. What if your passport says William and your DCL reservation says Bill for the first name. That could be a problem. Better to give them a non formal name that they will always use.

Or you just teach the kid that in official things like standardized tests at school, college and job applications, travel reservations, etc. you use your given name and not the shortened nickname. I have always been called Beth, but everything official has always been Elizabeth. It never occurred to me to use “Beth” on any official documentation.

 

[MillauFr]

Or you just teach the kid that in official things like standardized tests at school, college and job applications, travel reservations, etc. you use your given name and not the shortened nickname. I have always been called Beth, but everything official has always been Elizabeth. It never occurred to me to use “Beth” on any official documentation.

Isn't it simpler just to put Beth on a birth certificate and then there isn't a problem in the future?

 

[olafLover]

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[Dug720]

Isn't it simpler just to put Beth on a birth certificate and then there isn't a problem in the future?

It has NEVER "been a problem" for me.

 

[jerseygal]

I would modify it to conform exactly to your passport. Would not take any chances; when it comes to being meticulous about vacation details, I try to make sure everything is exact. Don’t want there to be any problems.

 

[starvenger]

Isn't it simpler just to put Beth on a birth certificate and then there isn't a problem in the future?

Until your child decides that she wants to be called "Betty". Or "B". Or "Athena".

I mean, it's hard to predict the future. You can perhaps control the narrative a bit, but stuff happens and you have to adjust to it.

 

[OhDannyBoy]

It has NEVER "been a problem" for me.

I doubt it's been a problem for really anybody.

Bill's have William's for a LOOOOONG time. People are dumb but come on LOL

 

[Dug720]

Until your child decides that she wants to be called "Betty". Or "B". Or "Athena".

I mean, it's hard to predict the future. You can perhaps control the narrative a bit, but stuff happens and you have to adjust to it.

Yep! In 2nd grade I went through almost every variation on Elizabeth - and even a couple of days as “Annie” (middle name is Anne and I was enraptured with the Annie cast recording I got for Christmas). Beth was just who I am.

 

[Chirple]

A few weeks ago when I went to verify everything for my 10/29 cruise was completed I tried to add our middle names to online check-in because of the "match your passport" statement. I could not do it and had no issue when we checked in for the cruise.

 

[olafLover]

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[OhDannyBoy]

Well, my parents did what Dug720's did and always told me to only use my official name on official and travel documents, but I know of people having to pay a hefty fee for a name change. Also travel agents who don't get it right. I never give my day-to-day name to a travel agent

Because you are an intelligent well adjust human being and your parents taught you properly.

That was my point. I don't think this is really an issue for the Bill's who are actually Williams or Joes who are actually Josephs. Most, and yes I making an assumption here, well adjusted adults understand the difference in a day to day name and their official name.

But you are right, never trust a travel agent to get it right and give him your official name. No Danny. Use Daniel.

 

[Happy99]

I think it is more important when it comes to European cruises as to have the middle names, initials, etc as part of your legal name on your reservation.

 

[olafLover]

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