Back to Back not so special!!!!

[elleluv]

On Serenade in San Juan, we didn't have to get off on our B2B.

DH had to get up between 8 & 9 AM and go and pick up our new seapass cards from the international ambassador onboard, then he came back to bed.

Our experience was a little different. We’ve done several B2B’s… including two on Serenade out of San Juan (one in 2010 and the other in 2010), and have always had to meet as a group and get off the ship together.

Based on my experience and that of fellow cruisers I’ve talked with, I think this post is right on…

We've done the turn around day on Oasis three times, Allure three times, and lots of others so here are a few tips to consider:

--No two have ever been the same

--Some are much better than others

--The person in charge of the B2Bers can really make all the difference

--Shore side RCI folks can screw up the best plan of the best ship's crew

--Technically "the ship" doesn't have to do anything for you -especially lunch in the MDR

--The U.S. Customs Service does the best job of making B2B a real hassel

--If you want to you can walk off the ship as early as possible and reboard just like any other passenger. Remember to take all of the required paperwork off with you and don't be late.

--Sometimes we have been allowed (including Oasis & Allure) back to our rooms as soon as we walk off the ship, present ourselves to customs, and right back on the ship and straight back the room. Other times we have waited, like you, until general boarding began.

--On some B2Bs in Europe the excursion desk has offered tours on turn around day for the B2Bers. I have never seen that in the states.

You really can’t know how the turnaround is going to go until it’s over, so you really just need to be flexible.

[ppg0270]

 

Our experience was a little different. We’ve done several B2B’s… including two on Serenade out of San Juan (one in 2010 and the other in 2010), and have always had to meet as a group and get off the ship together.

 

Based on my experience and that of fellow cruisers I’ve talked with, I think this post is right on…

 

 

 

 

You really can’t know how the turnaround is going to go until it’s over, so you really just need to be flexible.

 

I would agree with you on some level, but since they do this week after week, there should be some consistency. It's not like their first time doing it.

[sunseeker551]

We just returned from B2Bs on the Liberty and the procedure wasn't that great. We docked after leg one on Saturday, March 2 and had the dreaded chaos with Customs scenario. RCCL staff told us there were only three customs officers assigned to the ship that day (which seems to be a problem when there are a lot of ships in port...it was fine the day we got off the next Thursday).

 

The paperwork we were given in our cabin the night before (along with our new sea pass cards) said to be in the Olive or Twist Lounge any time between 9am & 10:30am and we'd be escorted off & on again by a crew member. We got there at 9:45am thinking they were escorting people individually or else why was there such a wide range to arrive. There were several people there already so we sat down & people kept coming. There were finally about 25 of us and we waited & waited & waited. People were getting really frustrated and angry. Someone asked if they could at least bring us some coffee or water but they said they didn't think they could do that. :(

 

I took pics of the departure boards on our way up and they were at least an hour and a half behind schedule so I guessed that meant we would behind as well and I was right. At noon, we were finally escorted off the ship, past all the people outside still in line waiting to go through customs (they were not thrilled to see us all pass them & I felt guilty), through a fast peek at our passports by Customs and then back on the ship. By this time it was 12:15 and people were starting to get back on the ship. I had hoped to have some time for more pics of an empty ship but it didn't happen. We were able to go to our room when we told the staff watching the doors that we were consecutive cruisers, so that was nice at least.

 

It certainly didn't ruin our cruise but sitting in a lounge for 2 hrs was not what we had hoped to do on a B2B cruise. No special lunch or anything...once we got back on the ship we were like everyone else.

[petesweet]

We could immediately go through the closed doors to return to our room.

 

We have done B2B's in the US on 4 different ships . Only thing consistent and the same (1) Had to get off the ship and a walk through US Customs (2) Once on board we could go to our stateroomquote]

I've done four B2Bs and absolutely love them. I have a question, though.

 

Several people have talked about being able to go right to their staterooms. Not trying to be critical or snarky, but why would you want to go back to your stateroom right away? One of the loveliest things about a B2B is being able to roam the beautiful ship while it is practically empty. I love seeing the expression on the faces of the new passengers as they stand in awe of what they are seeing.

 

Kathy

 

P.S. Sorry - my quote got messed up.

[WetToes]

We were on the Oasis of the Seas 02/16/2013 and 02/23/2013. It was our first time on the ship and have heard that there is a lot to do on the ship and that 1 week doesn't do it just. After reading a few people review about the back to back experience we decided to give it a try. We were under the impression that we would be the last one off the ship and then turn around be the first on back on; and then was treated to a special lunch. This was not the case. After we had gone through the informal immigration, 53 of us were heading toward the entrance. To our surprise they had already allowed all C&A member (suite and diamond plus down to gold) and people with day passes to board. We were just thrown into the crowd and left to try to get back on board. It was total pandemonium. Since we didn't have a picture taken with our new sea pass made it even more of a headache because those behind us were wondering what was wrong with us. The special lunch was in the main dinning hall, which only 16 people actually when to. If this is just a single incident pleased let me know but if this is how things are, we will not do it again.

 

 

This can't be true! ROYAL would NEVER treat it's cruisers this way! :rolleyes:

[ppg0270]

This can't be true! ROYAL would NEVER treat it's cruisers this way! :rolleyes:

Actually there was someone else that someone else that post a worst incident than mine. Just trying to state that on the large size ships like Oasis and Allure, and passengers (6000 or so) they seem to not have gotten the back to back situated. While on the smaller ships only holding around 3000, they seem to have it situated, but their always seem exception to the rule.

[ALSEAU]

We could immediately go through the closed doors to return to our room.

 

We have done B2B's in the US on 4 different ships . Only thing consistent and the same (1) Had to get off the ship and a walk through US Customs (2) Once on board we could go to our stateroomquote]

I've done four B2Bs and absolutely love them. I have a question, though.

 

Several people have talked about being able to go right to their staterooms. Not trying to be critical or snarky, but why would you want to go back to your stateroom right away? One of the loveliest things about a B2B is being able to roam the beautiful ship while it is practically empty. I love seeing the expression on the faces of the new passengers as they stand in awe of what they are seeing.

 

Kathy

 

P.S. Sorry - my quote got messed up.

The point isn't necessarily that you want to go back to your stateroom but that it is an option.

 

Maybe you want to change into swimwear or just have a drink on your balcony. Might want to get a book. If by chance you had to change rooms you can finish unpacking.

 

We usually eat a late breakfast and after reboarding sit in the Promenade and watch the newbies come on board and you are right their facial expressions are priceless.

[denamo]

We have done b2b on the Allure twice and both times, we had a special lunch at Giovanni's, we were back on ahead of the suite guests and we could go back to our rooms whenever we wanted. Next timetry the b2b on the big ship ;)

 

Our B2B on the Oasis was exactly the same as your experience on the Allure. So enjoyed the Giovanni's lunch.

[Arzeena]

We were on the Oasis of the Seas 02/16/2013 and 02/23/2013. It was our first time on the ship and have heard that there is a lot to do on the ship and that 1 week doesn't do it just. After reading a few people review about the back to back experience we decided to give it a try. We were under the impression that we would be the last one off the ship and then turn around be the first on back on; and then was treated to a special lunch. This was not the case. After we had gone through the informal immigration, 53 of us were heading toward the entrance. To our surprise they had already allowed all C&A member (suite and diamond plus down to gold) and people with day passes to board. We were just thrown into the crowd and left to try to get back on board. It was total pandemonium. Since we didn't have a picture taken with our new sea pass made it even more of a headache because those behind us were wondering what was wrong with us. The special lunch was in the main dinning hall, which only 16 people actually when to. If this is just a single incident pleased let me know but if this is how things are, we will not do it again.

 

The sense of entitlement!!!

You are NOT entitled to anything "special" just because you are doing a B2B! Hundreds of people do it! perhaps you were expecting the cruise line to carry you out on a palanquin with a band playing in the background and people throwing rose petals at you?:) NO that does not happen!

[printingchick]

Its not the special lunch or being the first one back on the ship, we were told of the process the night before of how things were going to progress and they didn't fall through; if you read some of the other comments on here. It is the beginning of saying one thing and then doing another.

 

I can see why it might be more of a nightmare on the MegaShips for a variety of reasons. SO MANY more passengers, would obviously add to the chaos. In addition, most people cruising the big ships are cruising for the floating resort aspects of the ship. They would not be interested in spending time OFF the ship. Besides, the departure port is not an attraction.

 

People doing back to back cruises out of San Juan, for example, probably get off the ship, viewing the stop as simply an additional port of call. I suspect they take advantage of the opportunity to sight-see in Puerto Rico and therefore don't have an issue with not being able to get back on the ship immediately. Any delays likely go unnoticed. Even Galveston, where we've both cruised from, has great places to see near the ship. I'd get off and sight-see during my turn-around if doing a B2B from there. But Fort Lauderdale? Nah...no point.

 

I wonder how many of these issues involve the size of the ship and how many involve the port of call. Maybe all of them result from a combination of both.

 

Sorry this was an unpleasant day mid-cruise, but I know from your photos you otherwise had a GREAT time!! Hope to SEE you at SEA again sometime!! :)

[beachnative]

The sense of entitlement!!!

You are NOT entitled to anything "special" just because you are doing a B2B! Hundreds of people do it! perhaps you were expecting the cruise line to carry you out on a palanquin with a band playing in the background and people throwing rose petals at you?:) NO that does not happen!

 

We have done many B2Bs, including a B2B2B2B.

The frustration kicks in when the experience varies so widely.

On our Oasis B2B the procedure was quick and included lunch in Giovannis.

Later in the year we did a B2B on the Allure and the procedure was long and included dictatorial Royal shoreside reps grumping at people in our group as well as a long time sitting in the terminal waiting to re-board.

On the B2B2B2B, all turnaround days were handled differently:eek:.

 

Consistency across the fleet would be helpful, but I realize that isn't going to happen.

 

Here is what I have come to expect on a B2B, in other words "the average". Anything less than what I have come to expect is a mild disappointment, anything better is a pleasant surprise.

 

>To meet briefly the day before turnaround and be informed of the process (and that process followed).

>To have reps from the appropriate departments available to book excursions and address dining plans.

>On turnaround day to gather with others at the designated time and have the process begin shortly thereafter.

>To move quickly through customs and be able to return to the ship immediately.

>To have access to my cabin once I return to the ship.

Note: having done a lot of B2Bs, the only time that I was told that I would not have access to my cabin I discussed it with my cabin attendant and he kindly permitted it.

 

The most enjoyable turnaround day was on the Freedom. They had their act together and even put plastic wrist bands on us to enable us to roam the ship and tour any guest room that was vacant. We toured every class of cabin offered on the ship. The Freedom gets an A++.

 

We've had two B2B turnaround days that included deep cleaning due to Norovirus which required all B2Bers to leave the ship for several hours. The Enchantment handled it seamlessly...Guest Services gets an A++. The Serenade out of PR was mass confusion, conflicting directives, and a unskilled handlers...Guest Services gets a F-. On both of these turnaround days the ship provided an excursion so that it was not necessary for us to sit in the terminal for 4 hours.

 

I have noticed that the few times that our turnaround process was delayed it was due to a handful of inconsiderate departing passengers "hiding out" because they did not want to leave the ship.

[Clarea]

We have done many B2Bs, including a B2B2B2B.

The frustration kicks in when the experience varies so widely.

On our Oasis B2B the procedure was quick and included lunch in Giovannis.

Later in the year we did a B2B on the Allure and the procedure was long and included dictatorial Royal shoreside reps grumping at people in our group as well as a long time sitting in the terminal waiting to re-board.

On the B2B2B2B, all turnaround days were handled differently:eek:.

 

Consistency across the fleet would be helpful, but I realize that isn't going to happen.

 

Here is what I have come to expect on a B2B, in other words "the average". Anything less than what I have come to expect is a mild disappointment, anything better is a pleasant surprise.

 

>To meet briefly the day before turnaround and be informed of the process.

>On turnaround day to gather with others at the designated time and have the process begin shortly thereafter.

>To move quickly through customs and be able to return to the ship immediately.

>To have access to my cabin once I return to the ship.

Note: having done a lot of B2Bs, the one time that I was told that I would not have access to my cabin I discussed it with my cabin attendant and he kindly permitted it.

 

The most enjoyable turnaround day was on the Freedom. They had their act together and even put plastic wrist bands on us to enable us to roam the ship and tour any guest room that was vacant. We toured every class of cabin offered on the ship.

 

I have noticed that the few times that our turnaround process was delayed it was due to a handful of inconsiderate departing passengers "hiding out" because they did not want to leave the ship.

Now that was a really nice touch!:)

[TravelerThom]

In San Juan we did not have to get off when we did our b2b on Serenade.

 

The easiest ports are those that are not controlled by the US Port Authorities because they are the ones that require the ship to have a zero count which means no passengers on board for at least 20-30 minutes. I've often wondered if some guy in a uniform actually stands on deck with a stop watch. :D

 

When we did our b2b2b on Radiance last May our first cruise was R/T Vancouver and we had to disembark the ship as a group. Have no idea why. But, the second part was Vancouver to Seward and we did not have to get off in Seward. Go figure.

I'm getting confused here - you say "US Port Authorities ... require the ship to have a zero count", but you also say you did not have to get off the ship in San Juan and Seward. Aren't US Port Authorities in control of those two port:confused:

Whatever was done in Vancouver would have determined by the Canadian authorities. Most likely you did not have to get off in Seward because the ship's previous port was in the US so the ship was not entering the US from a foreign country.

It was stated that the ship was coming from Vancouver to Seward - assuming that was Vancouver, BC then you most definitely would be coming from a foreign country - while you always clear US Customs at the first port of entry on airplanes, I never seen ship passengers clear US Customs prior to ship destination, so I doubt that you'd have already cleared in Ketchikan or wherever.

 

Thom

[cruisenfever]

I'm getting confused here - you say "US Port Authorities ... require the ship to have a zero count", but you also say you did not have to get off the ship in San Juan and Seward. Aren't US Port Authorities in control of those two port:confused:

 

Thom

You can still have a zero count and not have to leave the ship. If you want to leave the ship you can do so but then can not reboard until normal boarding has started. You are given an "in-transit" card that will allow you to bypass the long lines when reboarding.

 

Those that decided to stay on board were held in the theater for about 20 minutes and then we were free to do as we wanted after the zero count had been recorded.

 

In Seward we had a wonder debarkation officer that was able to eliminate our having to disembark the ship.

 

I believe that in San Juan, those that work for the Port Authorities are from Puerto Rico.

[TravelerThom]

You can still have a zero count and not have to leave the ship...Those that decided to stay on board were held in the theater for about 20 minutes and then we were free to do as we wanted after the zero count had been recorded...

Okay - I had never thought of it like that, but now it makes sense. THANKS

[cruisenfever]

Okay - I had never thought of it like that, but now it makes sense. THANKS

You're welcome. It also helps when the Debarkation Officer is a young attractive female.:D

[sjb317]

We have done many B2Bs, including a B2B2B2B.

The frustration kicks in when the experience varies so widely.

On our Oasis B2B the procedure was quick and included lunch in Giovannis.

Later in the year we did a B2B on the Allure and the procedure was long and included dictatorial Royal shoreside reps grumping at people in our group as well as a long time sitting in the terminal waiting to re-board.

On the B2B2B2B, all turnaround days were handled differently:eek:.

 

Consistency across the fleet would be helpful, but I realize that isn't going to happen.

 

Here is what I have come to expect on a B2B, in other words "the average". Anything less than what I have come to expect is a mild disappointment, anything better is a pleasant surprise.

 

>To meet briefly the day before turnaround and be informed of the process (and that process followed).

>To have reps from the appropriate departments available to book excursions and address dining plans.

>On turnaround day to gather with others at the designated time and have the process begin shortly thereafter.

>To move quickly through customs and be able to return to the ship immediately.

>To have access to my cabin once I return to the ship.

Note: having done a lot of B2Bs, the only time that I was told that I would not have access to my cabin I discussed it with my cabin attendant and he kindly permitted it.

 

The most enjoyable turnaround day was on the Freedom. They had their act together and even put plastic wrist bands on us to enable us to roam the ship and tour any guest room that was vacant. We toured every class of cabin offered on the ship. The Freedom gets an A++.

 

We've had two B2B turnaround days that included deep cleaning due to Norovirus which required all B2Bers to leave the ship for several hours. The Enchantment handled it seamlessly...Guest Services gets an A++. The Serenade out of PR was mass confusion, conflicting directives, and a unskilled handlers...Guest Services gets a F-. On both of these turnaround days the ship provided an excursion so that it was not necessary for us to sit in the terminal for 4 hours.

 

I have noticed that the few times that our turnaround process was delayed it was due to a handful of inconsiderate departing passengers "hiding out" because they did not want to leave the ship.

 

I agree with you, it would be nice if there were a little consistency among the ships but that doesn't seem to be a word in RC's vocabulary!:D Even on our B2B2B there was no consistency between each leg.

 

The only thing I "expect" is what they tell me is going to happen is actually what happens! I don't care if they do anything "special" for us, just do what you have told me you are going to do!

 

Sherri:)

[petesweet]

The sense of entitlement!!!

You are NOT entitled to anything "special" just because you are doing a B2B! Hundreds of people do it! perhaps you were expecting the cruise line to carry you out on a palanquin with a band playing in the background and people throwing rose petals at you?:) NO that does not happen!

It seems unfair to jump on OP in this way.

 

His experience was not what he had been led to believe was the norm through his reading of CC. I don't see that as having a sense of entitlement.

 

I have enjoyed all of our B2B cruises. None have been as disorganized as described here, and I am thankful for that. I can see why OP felt disappointed.

 

OP: Let your goal for the B2B to be merely an extra week of enjoyment on your lovely ship and you will not be disappointed.

 

Happy sails.

 

Kathy

[Arzeena]

It seems unfair to jump on OP in this way.

 

His experience was not what he had been led to believe was the norm through his reading of CC. I don't see that as having a sense of entitlement.

 

I have enjoyed all of our B2B cruises. None have been as disorganized as described here, and I am thankful for that. I can see why OP felt disappointed.

 

OP: Let your goal for the B2B to be merely an extra week of enjoyment on your lovely ship and you will not be disappointed.

 

Happy sails.

 

Kathy

 

Hi kathy, I did not think it was unfair at all! Stating my opinion of the entitlement issue that the OP was having. Having to board after the steerage classes were let on and not getting to a "special lunch"!!!! Oh what a calamity!:rolleyes::D

These things are sometimes very smooth and sometimes not. That should not deter anybody from going on a B2B I hope!

[LBumb]

on our back to back, we explored all other types of rooms while all the doors were open. saw the ben and jerry sweet, jr suite, promenade room, inside, outside, grand suites. it was awesome.

[39august]

Glad to hear about Freedom. We are doing b2b on her in Sept.

[kath00]

Anyone just off Allure or Oasis this weekend who can report on a B2B experience? We are going in 2 weeks and would like to hear if any new developments have come up since the cutbacks with the immigration officers.

[erin_cruisers]

...The most enjoyable turnaround day was on the Freedom. They had their act together and even put plastic wrist bands on us to enable us to roam the ship and tour any guest room that was vacant. We toured every class of cabin offered on the ship. The Freedom gets an A++.

...

 

Our one and only B2B was also on the Freedom, and it was everything we expected and more.

It was so nice to have 14 days onboard at once, and the little perks they offered on changeover day was the icing on the cake.

 

They really do know how to do it on the Freedom.

:)

[varoo]

Having done a lot of B2Bs, we find that the procedure can vary not only from one port to another, but also from one cruise to another at the same port, even for the same ship.

 

 

On some cruises it takes longer than others to get the ship cleared.

On some cruises we were required to leave the ship, and on others it was optional. Sometimes we received our seapass cards for the next cruise the night before, and sometimes not until the next day.

 

Sometimes they provide a special lunch for the B2B passengers and sometimes they do not. We really do not care either way because we are usually off the ship doing something else at lunch time on the turnaround day.

 

We find the easiest way to avoid disappointment is just to go with the flow, without any preconceived expectations that it should be done a certain way, or that it must be done the same way it was done the last time.

 

But we always want to get off the ship at Seward to take one of the wonderful Kenai Fjord excursions there.

[Alexat2]

I've never done a b2b on RCCL, just with Orient Lines (and I did a bunch with them), and all I can say about RCCL - what a complete PAIN - even when they do it "right".

 

With OL we NEVER had to disembark and then get back on, and we didn't even have to get a different sea pass, unless we changed cabins. If we did change cabins, then we just went to the pursers desk to get the new card. We were allowed in our cabins whenever we wanted, we could stay on board, we could go ashore, we could come and go as we pleased, just like any other stop on the cruise.

 

I have friends that have done b2bs on HAL and Princess and they didn't have any of the BS Royal puts everyone through either. Does Royal do this on all b2b's or just the ones that turn around in the US (all our b2bs were outside the US)?

 

Lydia

 

ps. I can understand the BS if this is only happening on turnarounds in the US, they're probably required to, but everywhere else - it's crap.