back to back cruising

[lovesstlucia]

We are going on our first back to back cruise with Carnival...can anyone tell me how the process works, such as when do we get off the ship? How long will we be off the ship? Do we need to participate in another muster drill for the second cruise?...etc Thanks!

[SadieN]

I'll assume turnaround day is in a US port.

 

Usually this is how it works...

 

Contact Guest Services during your first cruise to make sure you are on the back to back list.

 

If you are in the same cabin you do not have to repack. If you are changing cabins then ask the room steward how to pack things up. Some will pack everything, others will leave the clothes on the hangars. I've even read where pax were able to leave everything in the drawers and those were exchanged with the new cabin.

We packed everything up and put the new luggage tags on our suitcases.

 

You will be told where and when to meet. Escorted thru customs, check in and then escorted to the ship. You also have the option of going ashore. Last off and first on.

 

Yes, you have to attend the second muster drill.

 

**

One cruise friends and the others were not allowed to be escorted thru. They had to take everything off with them and go thru checkin as if the second cruise was their first. They were not happy campers.

Edited July 8, 2014 by SadieN

[Disconnections]

Technically, under maritime law, you do not have to attend the second muster drill if you have been mustered and embarked for the first time on the same vessel for a back to back sailing within the past 30 days.

 

Carnival, for some reason, wants you to attend the second one. Other cruise lines don't require you to attend the second muster drill. You can try talking to the Guest Services Manager and they may be able to make an accommodation, as you are not legally required to attend the second one.

[Shmoo here]

Technically, under maritime law, you do not have to attend the second muster drill if you have been mustered and embarked for the first time on the same vessel for a back to back sailing within the past 30 days.

 

Carnival, for some reason, wants you to attend the second one. Other cruise lines don't require you to attend the second muster drill. You can try talking to the Guest Services Manager and they may be able to make an accommodation, as you are not legally required to attend the second one.

 

Maybe some, but not all. I know that HAL and DCL require attendance at all muster drills on all cruises. Been there, done that. Our most recent Boston-San Diego cruise also picked up passengers in Ft. Lauderdale 3 days into the cruise, and we had to attend the muster in Boston as well as Ft Lauderdale.

 

It's not unusual for cruise lines to have stricter "rules" than the law states.

[Disconnections]

Maybe some, but not all. I know that HAL and DCL require attendance at all muster drills on all cruises. Been there, done that. Our most recent Boston-San Diego cruise also picked up passengers in Ft. Lauderdale 3 days into the cruise, and we had to attend the muster in Boston as well as Ft Lauderdale.

 

It's not unusual for cruise lines to have stricter "rules" than the law states.

 

Princess doesn't require transit passengers to attend the second one because it is not required under maritime law.

Edited July 8, 2014 by Disconnections

[Izziebella]

We've done B2B a few times and they're all run basically the same. You stay on the ship while everyone else is disembarking. You have a leisurely breakfast, go get the pick of lawn chair for the day, and walk around the ship to see all the little nooks and crannies that you missed during the first sailing. Then they'll ask for all remaining guests to join them in the lobby. You will fill out a customs form (bring your passport with you). You'll be taken off the ship with a few others who are doing the same thing. You clear customs, turn around and get right back on the ship. Then you can continue to explore or be the first inline for lunch....do whatever you want because the ship is all yours for about an hour (two if you're real lucky). I love the look on our waiters face when we show up for the second sailing....they're always surprised and pleased that they already know our likes and dislikes.

Enjoy Enjoy!!

[fishinrob68]

Question #1 What do you do if your not on the back to back list?

 

Question #2 Do you keep the same sail & sign cards or do you get new ones?

 

Thank you!!!!!!

[ffmikey]

Question #1 What do you do if your not on the back to back list?

 

Question #2 Do you keep the same sail & sign cards or do you get new ones?

 

Thank you!!!!!!

 

You should get a letter the last sea day letting you know what procedures you will be going thru, so if you don't get one, contact guess services.

 

You get a new S&S card for the next cruise. It is a new folio number and possibly a new MDR table number. We requested the same table early in the 1st cruise for the second cruise and got it. We told the staff that we really liked the waiters and location.

[Smiling Cruiser]

We had 250 B2B cruisers when we boarded in NY. Still a crowd at the buffet!! They had been transatlantic cruisers from England, traveling on to the Caribbean and debarking in Tampa. Great cruise but I think it set the record for B2B ER's. Also made it hard to win trivia and bean bag toss- they had been practicing for weeks. :).

 

 

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[SadieN]

Question #1 What do you do if your not on the back to back list?

 

 

 

Question #2 Do you keep the same sail & sign cards or do you get new ones?

 

 

 

Thank you!!!!!!

 

They'll put you on the list. We went to GS when it was empty one night. Much easier than waiting til the last night.

 

Each cruise has to zero out the books. That's why you have to get a new card. Talk with the maître d or hostess about seating for the next cruise.

[seashinesunshine]

We will be b2b in Jan on the Glory, switching rooms so I know we have to pack up, that's ok, going from red to gold status from one week to the other, so hopefully they get that right and our points catch up. I see on John Healds fb that he seems to give free drinks to the people on each sailing who gets to the bar first, does every CD do this, and does being B2b help get there first? :) Not that need a free drink enough to be grabby, but it could be fun. 179 days til we sail!

[Sparky2]

We will be b2b in Jan on the Glory, switching rooms so I know we have to pack up, that's ok, going from red to gold status from one week to the other, so hopefully they get that right and our points catch up. I see on John Healds fb that he seems to give free drinks to the people on each sailing who gets to the bar first, does every CD do this, and does being B2b help get there first? :) Not that need a free drink enough to be grabby, but it could be fun. 179 days til we sail!

 

All ships probably give a free drink to the first at some bars. He posts photos on ships he's not on.

[gtalum]

Question #1 What do you do if your not on the back to back list?

 

Question #2 Do you keep the same sail & sign cards or do you get new ones?

 

Thank you!!!!!!

 

1) Visit guest services early in your cruise and make sure you are on the list. if you're not, (but you will be!) they'll put you on it.

 

2) You get new sign and sail cards as well as a card that lets you jump the line to reboard at any time if you choose to explore the port city instead of immediately reboarding.

 

You'll get a nice letter near the end of the first cruise giving you all of the details, so don't sweat it except make sure to talk to guest services on your first or second day to make sure you're on the B2B list.

[Disconnections]

All ships probably give a free drink to the first at some bars. He posts photos on ships he's not on.

 

Only at the Red Frog Pub. That doesn't include any other bar, even the Red Frog Rum Bar.

 

This promotion is limited to the Carnival Magic, Carnival Breeze, Carnival Sunshine, Carnival Legend and the Carnival Freedom.

Edited July 9, 2014 by Disconnections

[seashinesunshine]

Only at the Red Frog Pub. That doesn't include any other bar, even the Red Frog Rum Bar.

 

This promotion is limited to the Carnival Magic, Carnival Breeze, Carnival Sunshine, Carnival Legend and the Carnival Freedom.

 

Oh well, I'm thinking after we get all settled finding a nice chair on the deck and watching the newcomers come on and be in awe of the ship.