Back to Back Procedures

[Definitas]

We are on a Silhouette back to back in April, staying on board for a Transatlantic to the UK. What is the procedure for the change over? We have to move cabin. Do we hang on to our bags and just place them outside our new cabin (or inside once it has been vacated?) Do we have to go through immigration and then re-board? (We are Brits) Any tips would be very welcome

[Jim_Iain]

You will receive instrucitons about 3-4 days before the end of cruise 1 and an invitation to a B2B meeting.

 

Basically you only pack up things in bathroom and drawers and leave in room.   Your stateroom attendant will move all of you hanging clothing and suite cast to your new room.    Usually they will also coordinate with you to move things from your safe as soon as the previous guests in your new room vacate their room.

 

In the U.S. you will meet the other B2B's in a designated area around 9:15 and will be escorted off the ship after the final passengers have disembarked.  You will clear immigration and customs (for U.S. Passengers a verbal declaration - not sure if the same for UK).   You will then get your new sea pass and escorted back aboard about 9:30.  

 

Very easy and relaxing.  

Edited January 26, 2020 by Jim_Iain

[Kartgv]

You don't mention what port the turn-around is done - that makes a difference in the immigration and reboarding requirements.   You will receive detailed written instructions in your cabin several days prior to turn-around day.   On every cruise line we've been on, you pack everything from drawers/cabinets/shelves into your suitcases and leave the suitcases in your cabin.    Hanging garments in the closet can be left there.    Your cabin steward will move the suitcases and hanging garments during the turn-around.   Make sure to confirm the procedures with your steward the day before.   Also make sure to keep all valuables with you at all times.    

[Northern Aurora]

Will your turnaround day be in Southhampton?  Hope so as Southhampton is one of my favorite cities for a turnaround day.

 

As already mentioned, there most likely will be a meeting for B2B passengers to go over the process and answer questions.  That succinct instruction letter which has also been mentioned will include a transit pass, so it will be easy to leave the ship and walk past the lines of boarding passengers in the cruise terminal.  

 

If you elect to stay on board the ship the letter for B2B passengers will also mention that you are invited to the Concierge Class luncheon (sometimes you are told to show your transit pass at the lunch entrance, other times you are told to show the B2B letter).

 

I put the items to be moved into the cabin safe in a plastic bag.  Makes it so fast.

[Jim_Iain]

I believe the OP will be doing turn around at Port Everglades in April  as they indicated --- " We are on a Silhouette back to back in April, staying on board for a Transatlantic to the UK."

 

While I have never attended the B2B lunch that Norther Aurora I believe it is also offered on U.S. B2B's. 
 

Here’s a  couple of a B2B memo’s.  Infinty US and Edge was Rome. 
 

 

 

 

Edited January 26, 2020 by Jim_Iain

[Northern Aurora]

Jim:  You clearly read that original post closer than I did!

 

And yes, the invitation to the Concierge Class embarkation day lunch extended to B2B passengers is also offered during US turnaround days.

 

Gerry

[Jim_Iain]

Just now, Northern Aurora said:

Jim:  You clearly read that original post closer than I did!

 

And yes, the invitation to the Concierge Class embarkation day lunch extended to B2B passengers is also offered during US turnaround days.

 

Gerry

 

Thanks Gerry -    How was the lunch?    We generally only have a light lunch and have usually just picked up a light lunch in Aqua Spa Cafe or hang out in Retreat and have lunch in Luminae.      I'm not sure if it is standard process but our Room attendant and butler have usually told us he would make up our room and we could use it immediately upon return to the ship.   I always try to get the same room but have changed rooms a couple times.  

 

 

[justcrusn]

The best part of a B2B is that quiet time when you have the ship “to yourself” as the old group leaves and the next group is not yet invaded.

Oh, and telling the dining room staff on the last night “see you tomorrow” and they look puzzled!

Enjoy your cruises!

[Definitas]

14 hours ago, MacH said:

We are on a Silhouette back to back in April, staying on board for a Transatlantic to the UK. What is the procedure for the change over? We have to move cabin. Do we hang on to our bags and just place them outside our new cabin (or inside once it has been vacated?) Do we have to go through immigration and then re-board? (We are Brits) Any tips would be very welcome

We will be the only ship in port Everglades on turn around day so will be at the new terminal. Last time we docked there disembarkation was all electronic. Has anyone actually done a B2B at the new terminal? 

[George C]

We did it last year on infinity, was surprised on how smooth everything went .