our first B2B...I have ?s

[Almost Packed]

We will be turning platinum on our second leg of a B2B. This is my first B2B cruise.

 

I know when calling Carnival, the agents are not always up to date on all the info. Example, I was told that one ship had waterworks, when in fact it did not.

 

So I come here for real life experiences (and truth lol)

 

Will we have to get off the ship and get back on at the end of our first leg?

 

Also, once we begin the 2nd leg, it will be my 10th...which should make me platinum. Will I get my free laundry on that cruise? If so, it will help determine what and how much to pack for us. Of course, I'd like the Tervis tumbler as well.

 

We are booked in the same cabin so hopefully we don't have to pack up. Will they still kick us out of the cabin on debarkation day? What should we plan on during that time.

 

Thanks in advance for your insights.

[Sixtytwo]

We have the same situation in September. DW is platinum on the first leg, I am on the second. Yea!!!

 

As I understand from other posters here, yes, you will have to disembark between the two cruises, but only to walk off, turn in your customs forms and go right back on board. I understand it takes only an hour or so and instructions will be provided during the first leg. Also, we are in the same cabin for both cruises so, again, I understand we don't have to pack and leave the room. Your cabin steward will know you are B2B and will just clean the room as a normal day.

 

We're excited and looking forward to the cruise as much as turning platinum!! Enjoy your B2B!!

[Publius1787]

We had the same situation this past Jan, my wife turned Platinum on the second leg of our B2B. I called Carnival before the cruise and the rep linked the 2 cruises in their system, afterwards she showed Platinum on the the 1st and second leg. We got laundry and the gifts on both portions!

 

The way the middle section is done seems to vary from port ot port, we were in NOLA and they had us wait until everyone left the first leg and then walked us down to Customs and than we got your new S&S cards and they walked us right back on about 30 minutes before they started the boarding for the second cruise. Tell your steward about the B2B and usually they will clean your cabin first thing, go up and have breakfast so they can get in there early. We hung out on our balcony after the room was cleaned and then walked the ship and found stuff we hadn't seen before, it was a lot of fun.

 

Have a great time!

[wmowan8485]

Can't wait to do my first b2b!! :)

[Rob&Bonnie]

We did our 1st B2B last year, with the first being #9, 2nd #10. We were given Platinum status for both cruises, with the chocolate covered strawberries on both and gifts on both. I didn't ask for laundry services, but with the other platinum benefits, I would assume that would have been included.

 

We were told to report to guest services at the end of the 1st cruise, where we waited until the ship was cleared. A CCL employee gave us new cruise cards, then escorted us into the terminal, where we showed our passports to the Agent, then walked right back on board. We did not have to pack up our room, nor leave the ship except for that 10 minute trip into the terminal.

 

Keep in mind that the ship staff is VERY busy on turn around day. There is no bar services, etc. On our trip the pools were closed during the turn around - we aren't sure if that is normal or if it was because the Coast Guard boarded for an inspection.

[Elaine5715]

You will get a letter in your cabin telling you where to meet. I suggest mentioning to your cabin steward that you are doing a B2B and stopping by Guest Services on the first part, "just to confirm".

 

Some suggest that you declare all purchases on the second leg.

[FlaParrotHead]

First B2B booked for The Breeze this fall --- cant't wait and enjoy reading past B2Ber hints, tips, and ideas.

[big_duck]

You don't say when you are going, but the plastic cups will probably be gone by then.

[RRCRUISE]

I did a B2B a few years ago on the Freedom. If your in the same cabin, you just leave your belongings in the same cabin and you don't have to pack up anything. It was nice the night before disembarkation as others were dreading going back and packing up their belongings and heading home the next day. We knew we still had another week left on board. I was told by another couple that if your switching rooms...they let you move your belongings into the new room the morning embarkation.

 

We received a letter on where and when we were supposed to meet. They put us in a small room with the other B2B guests and we had to wait until all the other guests had left the ship. Once everyone had left, we had to use our S&S card to "ding" our way out and they took us off the ship to hand our information to customs. They turned us right back around in just a few minutes once everyone was done (maybe 10 couples) and handed us our new S&S cards and took a new picture associated with the card for the new week. It was nice as we pretty much had the whole ship to ourselves for a few hours. The crew recognized us as sailing the week before as we were walking around the ship and seemed to pay special attention to us more the second week.

[darth frosty]

We will be turning platinum on our second leg of a B2B. This is my first B2B cruise.

 

 

 

Also, once we begin the 2nd leg, it will be my 10th...which should make me platinum. Will I get my free laundry on that cruise?

Thanks in advance for your insights.

 

UMM you no longer make platinum with 10 cruises they changed it to number of days sailed.

 

At least thats my understanding someone correct me if I am wrong.-

[camper49]

We walked off and right back on. We waited with about 20 other people. For us it took a while..they started letting people on the ship very shortly after we re-boarded.

Had the same cabin both legs...worked great! Loved our B2B!!!

[Sparky2]

We did our 1st B2B last year, with the first being #9, 2nd #10. We were given Platinum status for both cruises, with the chocolate covered strawberries on both and gifts on both. I didn't ask for laundry services, but with the other platinum benefits, I would assume that would have been included.

 

We were told to report to guest services at the end of the 1st cruise, where we waited until the ship was cleared. A CCL employee gave us new cruise cards, then escorted us into the terminal, where we showed our passports to the Agent, then walked right back on board. We did not have to pack up our room, nor leave the ship except for that 10 minute trip into the terminal.

 

Keep in mind that the ship staff is VERY busy on turn around day. There is no bar services, etc. On our trip the pools were closed during the turn around - we aren't sure if that is normal or if it was because the Coast Guard boarded for an inspection.

 

OP - We also received Platinum (Priority) status on Cruise #9 with B2B #10 on same ship, same cabin.

 

Check your luggage tags through Manage My Cruise and it should say PRIORITY.

 

At the end of our 1st cruise, I put away almost anything that was on the shelves in bathroom, on vanity, on desk, etc. Just put them in drawers or on the shelves. That way the steward could do a more thorough job of cleaning.

 

Some people say that if you buy booze on the ship at the end of the day on the 1st leg, you are allowed to take it back to your cabin and will have it for the 2nd leg.

 

I bought 3 small bottles of pre-mixed drinks on shore at the end of the 1st leg and turned them in at the desk when I re-boarded the ship. They asked me if I had any booze (saw bottles in X-ray) and I had to say yes because my SO was with me. I still hoped to get them at the end of the 1st leg. However, my cabin steward told me since I was doing B2B, he was not allowed to get them for me. It had been flagged & held till the end of the 2nd leg.

[Sparky2]

UMM you no longer make platinum with 10 cruises they changed it to number of days sailed.

 

At least thats my understanding someone correct me if I am wrong.-

 

Yes, you are partially incorrect.

 

If you reach #10 before the end of 2013, you will be grandfathered in to Platinum.

[serene56]

 

Also, once we begin the 2nd leg, it will be my 10th...which should make me platinum. Will I get my free laundry on that cruise? If so, it will help determine what and how much to pack for us. Of course, I'd like the Tervis tumbler as well. .

 

 

I would use the laundry room the turn over day- throw the stuff in the washer then go have your breakfast. By the time you are done eating the washer will be done.

 

Platinum wash is only for three during the week. they can not wash everything. Its what fits in the small bag. And its washed in veryhot water so if you have an attachment to some clothes you might to reconsider sending stuff like that out.

[S&Skruzers]

Haven't booked a B2B yet but will definitely consider it. Question......do you get any discounts booking B2B's other than the normal for "past guest", etc. Thanks! :)

[Elaine5715]

Haven't booked a B2B yet but will definitely consider it. Question......do you get any discounts booking B2B's other than the normal for "past guest", etc. Thanks! :)

 

Nope, no discounts for B2Bs

[Sparky2]

I would use the laundry room the turn over day- throw the stuff in the washer then go have your breakfast. By the time you are done eating the washer will be done.

 

Platinum wash is only for three during the week. they can not wash everything. Its what fits in the small bag. And its washed in veryhot water so if you have an attachment to some clothes you might to reconsider sending stuff like that out.

 

I only used the laudry service once during our B2B. I sent 8 pr. of socks, one nighty, & 4 pair of capri in the bag. Surprised it all fit.

 

My tops & other undies are more delicate so I didn't want them washed in hot water. I brought enough undies with me. The tops were all sleeveless, loose fitting (not tank) and I hung them back up in the closet after wearing them the first week. They did not feel at all dirty (I don't sweat) so I could wear them again the 2nd week.

[Scotch Mist]

My partner and I are considering doing 3 b2b cruises later in the year. Do you settle your room charges after each cruise or at the end of your full trip? Personally I would rather settle 1 bill rather than 3!

[Noel182002]

My partner and I are considering doing 3 b2b cruises later in the year. Do you settle your room charges after each cruise or at the end of your full trip? Personally I would rather settle 1 bill rather than 3!

 

Each bill at the end is done the last night like any other cruise...so you would have a bill for each sailing....

 

 

We are going a b2b in September....we will be gold the 2nd leg....I wonder if we will be gold the 1st leg....Our status still says red....guess we will see what color our cards are when we get them

[darth frosty]

Yes, you are partially incorrect.

 

If you reach #10 before the end of 2013, you will be grandfathered in to Platinum.

 

:eek::(:eek:

 

Hmm so If I can finagle 3 more cruises this year I'll be platinum?!?

[sailfirst]

We have done several back to backs they work easily friends had two different rooms once they packed and the room attendant moved their things for them. I'm not sure if we got wine and fruit baskets each time I am pretty sure we did. Which is nice since you don't even get that for one week in a grand suite which for the price they should. Other than things I don't care about I don't send things to be laudered.

[dulcimergirl]

Doing my third B2B in September. The best part is not having to pack.

1. Yes, you do have to settle all the accounts of each cruise when it ends. This also means the tips. Be sure to tip your cabin steward well. So the next leg will be comfortable. (if he/she did a good job, of course.

2. Wake when you wish, and have a relaxing breakfast in the dining room.

3. The letter left in your cabin the last night will let you know when and where to meet. Do not be early. They have to wait until most (if not all) the previous passengers have left. So spend some time in the hot tub.. or cabin, or at the rail watching the very unhappy faces leaving.

4. It's fun to be escorted off and then right back on, in front of everyone else waiting to get on that cruise.

5. They then hand you your new stateroom card, and your free to enjoy an almost empty ship!

6. If you receive your Players Club card, during the first cruise, mention to the club manager your on a B2B and you will get a new card, as soon as the casino opens, and won't have to wait to accrue the points again.

Be sure to tip your waiter/waitress at the casino if you have a "free drinks" card. They are more likely to return often. If you don't its awfully hard to catch one.

We received a free bottle of wine, too. very nice.

Any more questions? I've got answers, right or wrong. he he

[serene56]

2. Wake when you wish, and have a relaxing breakfast in the dining room.

 

 

do back to back cruisers not get those numerous announcements in the morning inside their cabins?

[Seago2]

I would use the laundry room the turn over day- throw the stuff in the washer then go have your breakfast. By the time you are done eating the washer will be done.

 

That's exactly what I'm going to do. I'm hoping they don't think it's a load accidentally left behind by normal cruisers and throw it all out.

 

My partner and I are considering doing 3 b2b cruises later in the year. Do you settle your room charges after each cruise or at the end of your full trip? Personally I would rather settle 1 bill rather than 3!

 

Thank you for asking that! I've been wondering. It's going to put the chill on the second leg for sure ;).

[kyo413]

Subbing to this thread!! So happy to find this- I have had several of the same questions!

 

I am also doing B2B on Victory in October. This will be #9 & 10 for me, so PLATINUM!!! :D:D

 

Few more questions for you all:

1) From what I am understanding, everyone here got Platinum on that first leg, correct? I am debating getting the FTTF pass, but don't want to if I don't need it. But, that also raises another question. If I am Platinum, but the rest of my family is not, would they get that priority boarding with me? Or do I need the FTTF for them anyway? (We are in one cabin during the first leg) I don't care about the other perks, just the priority boarding/tendering.

 

2) I understand that SS accounts get closed out for each sailing, but what about OBCs? I have a decent OBC for the first leg, and may/may not use it all on that trip. If I have some left over, can it transfer to our next cruise?

 

3) On my last cruise, a gentleman that was doing B2B offered to buy alcohol for people that were going on our cruise (his second leg). He was able to get 2 bottles of vodka for my group. He told me how he did this, but honestly, I wasn't listening, because I didn't think that my next sailing would be a B2B. I would be interested in doing this. I am guessing it would get delivered to our stateroom on the last night of the first sailing, and then we would just pack in our luggage to move to our new rooms? (We are going from one balcony to connecting rooms. Love my kiddos, but need to have a bit of space for part of the trip. I think that long of all of us in 185 sq feet would be a bit much! LOL)