how does it work when doing b2b?

[imae39]

Have never done a b2b and wonder how 'smooth' it goes when coming back to Ft. Lauderdale and then heading out that afternoon for second segment. Have cruise booked for Christmas but daughter called this week and said they would like to come to us in Florida for the holiday. I always love to have family with us for the holidays. So have to change this cruise to another. Have never been on Eurodam which is doing a b2b in Nov. Also, looking at 14 nights Ryndam from Tampa (we live 1 hr. from port) but would be booking an inside for that cruise. Have been on her and her sisters many times. Wonder if we would like a larger and newer ship. Short drive to port is tempting. Also, looking at Zuiderdam. Have to make a decision soon!

[Krazy Kruizers]

We have done many back-to-back cruises -- now called Collectors Cruises.

If you book early enough, you have a good chance to get the same cabin for both segments. If you end up with 2 different cabins, your cabin stewards will be happy to help you move. You don't have to pack everything into your suitcases -- they will get a luggage rack for your closet clothes. And many of the drawers are interchangeable.

No matter which Florida port you sail from, you will have to get off the ship at the end of the first segment to go through immigration. You will get a letter the day before indicating where and at what time to meet on "Intransit" day. You will be the last group off the ship -- this usually happens around 9:30. Someone from the front office will escort you off the ship. No one can get back on the ship until it is down to "Zero" count. Sometimes we have sat in the terminal for 15 minutes -- a couple of times we sat for 1 1/2 hours. You will need to take your passports with you.

[imae39]

This is very helpful and you spelled everything out very well. I thank you lots.

[Thebes]

We have done many back-to-back cruises -- now called Collectors Cruises.

If you book early enough, you have a good chance to get the same cabin for both segments. If you end up with 2 different cabins, your cabin stewards will be happy to help you move. You don't have to pack everything into your suitcases -- they will get a luggage rack for your closet clothes. And many of the drawers are interchangeable.

No matter which Florida port you sail from, you will have to get off the ship at the end of the first segment to go through immigration. You will get a letter the day before indicating where and at what time to meet on "Intransit" day. You will be the last group off the ship -- this usually happens around 9:30. Someone from the front office will escort you off the ship. No one can get back on the ship until it is down to "Zero" count. Sometimes we have sat in the terminal for 15 minutes -- a couple of times we sat for 1 1/2 hours. You will need to take your passports with you.

 

What if we have an an early excursion in FLL. Will we be able to leave early ? And does it have to be a ship excursion. ? I also wonder what the majority of people ( booked on the collectors cruise ) do that day ? I imagine people stay on board or leave for a short period to get a couple bottles of wine for their wine allowance.

[CruiserBruce]

What if we have an an early excursion in FLL. Will we be able to leave early ? And does it have to be a ship excursion. ? I also wonder what the majority of people ( booked on the collectors cruise ) do that day ? I imagine people stay on board or leave for a short period to get a couple bottles of wine for their wine allowance.

 

If it is a ship's excursion, obviously you will be able to leave. They aren't going to schedule an excursion you can't leave to catch...

 

Otherwise you are subject to the standard disembarkation times and rules, even if you are doing a B2B.

 

As to what people do, any of the many threads on B2Bs cover this. Some go get more wine. Some go shopping. Some just get back onboard and enjoy the quiet time, prior to the new energy of the next group of pax.

[sail7seas]

What if we have an an early excursion in FLL. Will we be able to leave early ? And does it have to be a ship excursion. ? I also wonder what the majority of people ( booked on the collectors cruise ) do that day ? I imagine people stay on board or leave for a short period to get a couple bottles of wine for their wine allowance.

 

 

B-to-B'ers can leave the ship as soon as they announced it has been cleared and disembarkation is beginning.

[sail7seas]

If you have the same cabin, you leave all your personal property in place in your cabin.

The last night of your first segment, you will receive a letter telling you the requirement for Immigration clearance, when and how to go and dining hours for 'turnaround day'.

 

You will have to exit the ship, go into the terminal with your passport and clear Immigration. You will not be permitted back aboard until the ship has 'zeroed down' meaning all who are meant to be leaving have done so.

This pertains to turnaround days in U.S. ports.

 

You can choose to either go as a group following the instructions as to where to meet or you can go on your own. We always go on our own. There has been some negative conversation that you must go with the whole crowd but that is not true. In a very large number of b-to-b, we have always gone on our own and security at the gangway, CBP Officials in the Terminal, Shore Operations people in the terminal and Security when we reboard all have told us it is fine and never have we had a problem.

 

We always wait until they call the last of the disembarkation colors/numbers and go then as that usually should mean a short wait ashore. Our average wait has been in the range of 30-45 minutes but it can vary. If there is a selfish idiot who takes their sweet time about leaving despite repeated calls to disembark, no one can board until they leave.

 

You can reboard by just clearing through security but no need to go to the check in lines or get a 'number'.

 

You should bring the 'in transit card' that will be enclosed with the letter you receive and your ship's ID, as always.

 

They will carry your shipboard account forward for the next segment. We have never had to settle our account after first cruise but we always look it over to be sure there are no obvious errors.

 

B-to-b's are fabulous. We've done a great many and always enjoyed each and every one.

[MR NW GUY]

We too have done the B2B. I agree with most of the advise previously provided. A couple of draw backs to consider on the B2B

1) The hydro spas close early the last night.

2) The dinning room menu is a re-run.

3) I feel the turn around day is a lost day...

4) We tend to stay up late and sleep in which you are unable to do.

 

Some things I like...

 

1) about 3-days prior to the end of the first leg, go pick your favorite table for the next leg of the cruise.

2) Fort Lauderdale has a great excursion that is a combo boat and bus trip which was very good!

 

And for the folks who want have WINE WINE and MORE WINE....

If things have not changed, you can pick up all the booze you purchased on leg one and sit in your cabin and drink it all up!

[BumperII]

The very first cruises we ever booked were B2B. The cruise lines have been doing this for a long time. They know how to make almost any situation go smoothly. Of course, you might have to follow the directions..............? We've done it many times, it is a snap. Enjoy your cruise, leave the details to HAL.:D

[sail7seas]

We too have done the B2B. I agree with most of the advise previously provided. A couple of draw backs to consider on the B2B

1) The hydro spas close early the last night. Means nothing to us. :)

2) The dinning room menu is a re-run. A chance to eat what you didn't order the first segment. :)

3) I feel the turn around day is a lost day... We sometimes go to a favorite nearby hotel, use their pool, eat brunch or lunch at poolside patio, visit with friends.... fun. :)

4) We tend to stay up late and sleep in which you are unable to do. True. :)

 

Some things I like...

 

1) about 3-days prior to the end of the first leg, go pick your favorite table for the next leg of the cruise. We always keep the same table because it is the one we requested when we made our booking.

2) Fort Lauderdale has a great excursion that is a combo boat and bus trip which was very good! Lots to do if one wishes.... :)

 

And for the folks who want have WINE WINE and MORE WINE....

If things have not changed, you can pick up all the booze you purchased on leg one and sit in your cabin and drink it all up!

 

 

My comments in Bold.

 

Sometimes what one sees as a negative, someone else thinks is a plus.

Thus the dilema of cruise lines...... how to please all the people all the time. :D

 

[OVgirl]

Have never done a b2b and wonder how 'smooth' it goes when coming back to Ft. Lauderdale and then heading out that afternoon for second segment. Have cruise booked for Christmas but daughter called this week and said they would like to come to us in Florida for the holiday. I always love to have family with us for the holidays. So have to change this cruise to another. Have never been on Eurodam which is doing a b2b in Nov. Also, looking at 14 nights Ryndam from Tampa (we live 1 hr. from port) but would be booking an inside for that cruise. Have been on her and her sisters many times. Wonder if we would like a larger and newer ship. Short drive to port is tempting. Also, looking at Zuiderdam. Have to make a decision soon!

 

Are you past final payment date for the cruise you have booked? Not sure if that will have any impact on your decision.

[sail7seas]

Are you past final payment date for the cruise you have booked? Not sure if that will have any impact on your decision.

 

 

Good point. It must be just about time for final payment and penalty phase to start.

 

[Krazy Kruizers]

The very first cruises we ever booked were B2B. The cruise lines have been doing this for a long time. They know how to make almost any situation go smoothly. Of course, you might have to follow the directions..............? We've done it many times, it is a snap. Enjoy your cruise, leave the details to HAL.:D

 

 

Our first cruises back in the 80's were also back-to-back cruises.

[Krazy Kruizers]

Are you past final payment date for the cruise you have booked? Not sure if that will have any impact on your decision.

 

 

OP did mention about doing a back-to-back (Collectors Cruise) in November.

I am sure by now that if they book a Nov cruise, they will have to pay it in full.

[SparklingBlonde]

We did a back to back on the Eurodam in 2011. The only glitch we had was that we booked the two cruises separately. Because it was not in their system as a collector's voyage they seemed to be confused about what to do with us. Starting two days before we got off the first time we went and asked over and over what should we do - since this was our first b2b. They said don't worry we will let you know. We changed rooms while everyone was getting off (we didn't have the same room for both) and then stayed in the room. We were told to stay there. Then we got a frantic call cause they were looking for us as we were the only passengers left on the ship. We were not pleased with how this was handled at all. However, once we got off it was less than 15 minutes before we got back on. From my experience, your wait in the terminal is based on the amount of time between when you get off and the last person gets off. I would wait until the last minute so your time in the terminal is minimal. We are trying the b2b again in Dec for the holiday - maybe we are going on the same one?

[sail7seas]

In no event should you plan to clear Immigration in the terminal later than 9:30. You WILL be holding things up and others being able to go back aboard. You will not be considered a 'popular person' should you delay reporting. ;)

 

You should have been given a letter with instructions but I understand your post about them being confused.

 

A number of times we have booked a b-to-b and at a later date HAL chose to make the segments a Collector's. They automatically converted our booking without even consulting us. Just changed it from two bookings to one.

 

[lcand1923]

A number of times we have booked a b-to-b and at a later date HAL chose to make the segments a Collector's. They automatically converted our booking without even consulting us. Just changed it from two bookings to one.

 

 

What happens with your Stockholder's Credit? I would imagine if it is a b-to-b, you would get a OBC for each booking --- say two 14 day cruises, $250 each. If HAL would change it to one booking, would you only get one $250 OBC? :confused:

 

I'm thinking of a b-to-b in 2015, so I'm asking now.

[imae39]

We have booked a 14 day cruise on the Ryndam sailing Nov. 17 from Tampa.

[BumperII]

We have booked a 14 day cruise on the Ryndam sailing Nov. 17 from Tampa.

Been there, done that, got a Tee Shirt and a Hat. You are going to love it. I just can't see flying all the way to Tampa for only seven days, fourteen days is really nice.

 

Bon Voyage

[Thebes]

We too have done the B2B. I agree with most of the advise previously provided. A couple of draw backs to consider on the B2B

1) The hydro spas close early the last night.

2) The dinning room menu is a re-run.

3) I feel the turn around day is a lost day...

4) We tend to stay up late and sleep in which you are unable to do.

 

Some things I like...

 

1) about 3-days prior to the end of the first leg, go pick your favorite table for the next leg of the cruise.

2) Fort Lauderdale has a great excursion that is a combo boat and bus trip which was very good!

 

And for the folks who want have WINE WINE and MORE WINE....

If things have not changed, you can pick up all the booze you purchased on leg one and sit in your cabin and drink it all up!

 

Thanks MR NW. Re : the table request. Is that possible to do even if we're booked on fixed dining pre- cruise. I take it that tables are not pre- assigned and ship is flexible to accommodate ? Also re : excursion in FLL. Is it a ship excursion ?

Re : wine and spirits, if my cruise is after new policy , can I for example pick up the rum I buy from st. Thomas and take it to my room ? You think the ship hasn't closed that loophole or us not going to close that loophole ? Esp w new wine policy ? Thanks again for the wonderful info. :)

[Thebes]

My comments in Bold.

 

Sometimes what one sees as a negative, someone else thinks is a plus.

Thus the dilema of cruise lines...... how to please all the people all the time. :D

 

 

Thanks so much S7S :)

I didn't know u can request a certain table in MDR ? Do they have names for the tables or how do you request a certain table ? Or is there a map for MDR tables ? And finally what table is your fav on the Eurodam ?

[MR NW GUY]

Thanks MR NW. Re : the table request. Is that possible to do even if we're booked on fixed dining pre- cruise. I take it that tables are not pre- assigned and ship is flexible to accommodate ? Also re : excursion in FLL. Is it a ship excursion ?

Re : wine and spirits, if my cruise is after new policy , can I for example pick up the rum I buy from st. Thomas and take it to my room ? You think the ship hasn't closed that loophole or us not going to close that loophole ? Esp w new wine policy ? Thanks again for the wonderful info. :)

Table - We were fixed dining and changed tables with no problem.

Wine - Really good question and perhaps only time will tell.

Excursion - Yes we booked it on the ship.

[Thebes]

Also wonder if one can use their cabana, SPA or the pool on turnaround day ?

[Krazy Kruizers]

What happens with your Stockholder's Credit? I would imagine if it is a b-to-b, you would get a OBC for each booking --- say two 14 day cruises, $250 each. If HAL would change it to one booking, would you only get one $250 OBC? :confused:

 

I'm thinking of a b-to-b in 2015, so I'm asking now.

 

 

Before HAL started Collectors Cruises, on our back-to-back cruises we were not able to get Stockholder's Credit for each segment. Carnival claimed that we had to have a couple of days between cruises to qualify for the second OBC. Carnival made the decision -- not HAL.

[Krazy Kruizers]

Thanks so much S7S :)

I didn't know u can request a certain table in MDR ? Do they have names for the tables or how do you request a certain table ? Or is there a map for MDR tables ? And finally what table is your fav on the Eurodam ?

 

 

Since we usually stay in the PS or the SA, we have been able to request a certain table. Only a couple of times did we not get the table we requested. We always request the early dining time -- 5:45. Our TA has copies of all the table numbers and also sent us copies of them.

There used to be link here (I can't find it) that showed the different ships and table numbers.