Back to back cruises

[cruisinlibrarian]

Considering back to back cruises from NYC to Quebec and back to NYC.  Not sure how the process works on turn around day.  Do you need to leave the ship, go through check in & reenter?  Can you leave & explore city?  What would be process for getting back on ship?  TIA

[TheOldBear]

The details will vary slightly with the ship's schedule.

For example, Cunard's QM2 will typically have an overnight in Quebec city, and 'in transit' passengers [the folks making a round trip from NY] can come and go freely while the ship is docked.

[leaveitallbehind]

Typically B2B's are seen as two separate cruises by the cruise line and as such the ship needs to be "cleared" at the port after each itinerary.  This may vary by cruise line, but what often happens is that those passengers who are booked on both segments will be gathered as a group, typically in a lounge area, on the final morning of the first cruise segment and taken as a group off and then check in back on the ship to facilitate the reboarding. 

 

This usually takes a very short time and then once back on board, the time is yours until whatever time you need to be back on board for departure for the second cruise segment.  Once checked back on board, If you leave the ship you simply would show your ship pass card to exit and reboard the ship.

 

To be sure, as it can vary, I would contact the cruise line or TA (if you are using one) to confirm the specifics of the process with that cruise line.

Edited November 29, 2023 by leaveitallbehind

[cruiseryyc]

If this B2B cruise is on the same ship, you might be contravening the Passengers Vessel Services Act.  Best to check that out before booking.  Mind you the cruise line shouldn't let you even book that cruise if it is in contravention.

[leaveitallbehind]

16 minutes ago, cruiseryyc said:

If this B2B cruise is on the same ship, you might be contravening the Passengers Vessel Services Act.  Best to check that out before booking.  Mind you the cruise line shouldn't let you even book that cruise if it is in contravention.

Just to clarify the term B2B typically refers to repeat, or following itineraries on the same ship. Non same ship following itineraries I believe are referred to as side to side?  (someone can confirm)  B2B's are very common and typically are repeat closed loop itineraries (that include a port of call at a foreign port). They also frequently are alternating closed loop itineraries on the same ship originating from the same port.  No contravention issues with that.

 

And you are correct, if there are any contraventions resulting from a B2B the cruise line would typically not permit the booking.

Edited November 29, 2023 by leaveitallbehind

[CruiserBruce]

10 minutes ago, cruiseryyc said:

If this B2B cruise is on the same ship, you might be contravening the Passengers Vessel Services Act.  Best to check that out before booking.  Mind you the cruise line shouldn't let you even book that cruise if it is in contravention.

This is NOT violating the PVSA. It is a roundtrip out of the same US port, with the minimum required stop in a foreign port.  It would be a violation if the cruise started at one US port and ended at a different US port, without a stop at a DISTANT foreign port.

[cruiseryyc]

Well CruiserBruce that's precisely why I used the terms "might" and "best to check out"; no need to get hostile using all caps and shouting.

 

Cheers mate!

[leaveitallbehind]

5 minutes ago, cruiseryyc said:

Well CruiserBruce that's precisely why I used the terms "might" and "best to check out"; no need to get hostile using all caps and shouting.

 

Cheers mate!

Not sure what you are seeing but @CruiserBruce response only has the words "NOT" and "DISTANT" capitalized - and neither are in bold type, which typically indicates shouting.  And I take those words in caps only for emphasis.   

 

Nothing hostile or shouting in his response at all.

 

And to add, he is correct in his information.

Edited November 29, 2023 by leaveitallbehind

[CruiserBruce]

6 minutes ago, cruiseryyc said:

Well CruiserBruce that's precisely why I used the terms "might" and "best to check out"; no need to get hostile using all caps and shouting.

 

Cheers mate!

It's called "emphasis ".

[njhorseman]

2 hours ago, leaveitallbehind said:

Typically B2B's are seen as two separate cruises by the cruise line and as such the ship needs to be "cleared" at the port after each itinerary.  This may vary by cruise line, but what often happens is that those passengers who are booked on both segments will be gathered as a group, typically in a lounge area, on the final morning of the first cruise segment and taken as a group off and then check in back on the ship to facilitate the reboarding.

As a general rule it's not the cruise line requiring that the ship be cleared of all passengers before anyone can board the next voyage, That is normally only done because the customs and immigration procedures of the country in which the ship is docked require it. The USA requires the ship to be  cleared of all passengers, but many if most most other countries do not. We've never been required to disembark in any country not mandating it.

Even in the USA, where clearing the ship s mandated, you aren't always herded off in a group. Once in a while because of issues with inadequate port facilities or local CBP practices you may be cleared in a lounge on board the ship and not have to physically disembark. Also we have at times disembarked with the early self assist walk off passengers because we had activities ashore planned. 

[leaveitallbehind]

2 hours ago, njhorseman said:

As a general rule it's not the cruise line requiring that the ship be cleared of all passengers before anyone can board the next voyage, That is normally only done because the customs and immigration procedures of the country in which the ship is docked require it. The USA requires the ship to be  cleared of all passengers, but many if most most other countries do not. We've never been required to disembark in any country not mandating it.

Even in the USA, where clearing the ship s mandated, you aren't always herded off in a group. Once in a while because of issues with inadequate port facilities or local CBP practices you may be cleared in a lounge on board the ship and not have to physically disembark. 

As you quoted my comments specifically, I want to clarify.  Although not stated specifically, my implication with having the ship "cleared" was referring to immigration protocol as the OP is describing a US based closed loop itinerary, with which this would apply.  But as a cruise line requirement, since each cruise is a sperate folio, that folio would also need to be closed with each cruise, so having the ship "cleared' would be a necessary component of that.

 

And as I was referring to the OP's question only, I did not qualify other country's procedures as a result. 

 

The method by which this is accomplished as I described is a cruise line procedure that often occurs, which I also indicated may vary by cruise line. I never said this was an "always" procedure.

Edited November 29, 2023 by leaveitallbehind

[Hlitner]

Having done back to backs in many places (US, Canada, Europe, Asia, Australia, etc) it is safe to say that turn around day procedures vary depending on the country, port and cruise line!   Our turn around days in Canada (in both Quebec City and Montreal) have been relatively simple with no major hassles.  In the USA, there is the silly "zero out" policy which makes the process a royal pain for those that want to stay on the ship without spending a few hours ashore.

 

In most other places we have had few issues, although the UK can be a real hassle (even worse than in the USA).

 

As to the cruise lines, some will issue a cruise card for the entire voyage (assuming one has the same cabin) while others issue a new cruise card for each segment.  And it is the same with accounting.  Some lines will close out the on board account after each voyage/segment while others just carry it over like one long voyage.

 

Hank

[njhorseman]

19 minutes ago, leaveitallbehind said:

To clarify, although not stated specifically, my implication with having the ship "cleared" was referring to immigration protocol as the OP is describing a US based closed loop itinerary, with which this would apply.  And as I was referring to the OP's question only, I did not qualify other country's procedures as a result.  The method by which this is accomplished as I described is a cruise line procedure, which I also indicated may vary by cruise line. I never said this was an "always" procedure.

The individual segments of the OP's B2B are NOT US-based closed loop itineraries as the first segment ends and the second segment starts in Canada. As a result it will be Canadian laws and regulations that govern whether the OP will have to disembark and re-board in  Quebec City. US procedures have nothing to do with whether disembarkation will be required in Quebec City.

 

Again, I've never been on a cruise where this was a cruise line decision. If the local government required disembarkation and re-boarding then obviously you had to comply with that. If it wasn't a  government requirement then you were free to stay on board. Have I been on a B2B on every cruise line? Obviously not...but I've been on B2Bs on a number of cruise lines in a number of countries (not Canada by the way) and I've not experienced anything different. If you know of a cruise line requiring disembarkation that was not required because of local law please name it so I can educate myself..

Edited November 29, 2023 by njhorseman

[suzyed]

8 hours ago, cruiseryyc said:

If this B2B cruise is on the same ship, you might be contravening the Passengers Vessel Services Act.  Best to check that out before booking.  Mind you the cruise line shouldn't let you even book that cruise if it is in contravention.

Well they DID just let us book a B2B cruise on the Discovery Princess.  California Coastal from LA to Vancouver.  Then an Alaska cruise from Vancouver to Seattle.  Booked the same cabin on each leg and paid my deposits and it shows as booked on Princess.com and the Princess Medallion although the Medallion shows it as a 14 day rather than two 7 day sailings.

Edited November 30, 2023 by suzyed

[suzyed]

5 hours ago, Hlitner said:

Having done back to backs in many places (US, Canada, Europe, Asia, Australia, etc) it is safe to say that turn around day procedures vary depending on the country, port and cruise line!   Our turn around days in Canada (in both Quebec City and Montreal) have been relatively simple with no major hassles.  In the USA, there is the silly "zero out" policy which makes the process a royal pain for those that want to stay on the ship without spending a few hours ashore.

 

In most other places we have had few issues, although the UK can be a real hassle (even worse than in the USA).

 

As to the cruise lines, some will issue a cruise card for the entire voyage (assuming one has the same cabin) while others issue a new cruise card for each segment.  And it is the same with accounting.  Some lines will close out the on board account after each voyage/segment while others just carry it over like one long voyage.

 

Hank

We just did it in Southampton in October....no hassle whatsoever....just hung out on the ship.

[suzyed]

8 hours ago, leaveitallbehind said:

Just to clarify the term B2B typically refers to repeat, or following itineraries on the same ship. Non same ship following itineraries I believe are referred to as side to side?  (someone can confirm)  B2B's are very common and typically are repeat closed loop itineraries (that include a port of call at a foreign port). They also frequently are alternating closed loop itineraries on the same ship originating from the same port.  No contravention issues with that.

 

And you are correct, if there are any contraventions resulting from a B2B the cruise line would typically not permit the booking.

But that did just that...let us book it online AND transfer it to our TA.

[GeezerCouple]

5 hours ago, leaveitallbehind said:

As you quoted my comments specifically, I want to clarify.  Although not stated specifically, my implication with having the ship "cleared" was referring to immigration protocol as the OP is describing a US based closed loop itinerary, with which this would apply.  But as a cruise line requirement, since each cruise is a sperate folio, that folio would also need to be closed with each cruise, so having the ship "cleared' would be a necessary component of that.

 

And as I was referring to the OP's question only, I did not qualify other country's procedures as a result. 

 

The method by which this is accomplished as I described is a cruise line procedure that often occurs, which I also indicated may vary by cruise line. I never said this was an "always" procedure.

[emphasis added]

 

I don't think the "separate folio" bit is involved in requiring "clearing/zeroing the ship".

 

I thought there are some cruises (not in the USA) where different passengers embark and disembark at different ports.

Each of those passengers will have a "folio" for their trip (under phrasing "folio" or some other wording).  And there's no need to "clear the ship" in order to have each of the departing passengers get their accounts settled.

 

GC

[CruiserBruce]

28 minutes ago, suzyed said:

Well they DID just let us book a B2B cruise on the Discovery Princess.  California Coastal from LA to Vancouver.  Then an Alaska cruise from Vancouver to Seattle.  Booked the same cabin on each leg and paid my deposits and it shows as booked on Princess.com and the Princess Medallion although the Medallion shows it as a 14 day rather than two 7 day sailings.

Is this a future cruise? It is possible they will come back and say it is not legal. It doesn't appear legal based on the info you have given.

[Shmoo here]

38 minutes ago, suzyed said:

Well they DID just let us book a B2B cruise on the Discovery Princess.  California Coastal from LA to Vancouver.  Then an Alaska cruise from Vancouver to Seattle.  Booked the same cabin on each leg and paid my deposits and it shows as booked on Princess.com and the Princess Medallion although the Medallion shows it as a 14 day rather than two 7 day sailings.

 

8 minutes ago, CruiserBruce said:

Is this a future cruise? It is possible they will come back and say it is not legal. It doesn't appear legal based on the info you have given.

Exactly.  This was my first thought when I read that post.  It's not rare that a cruise line will allow B2B bookings that actually turn out to be illegal.  Then they contact you later and say "cancel one leg".  Often when you will wind up losing money with other travel plans tied to the B2B.

 

 

[njhorseman]

53 minutes ago, suzyed said:

Well they DID just let us book a B2B cruise on the Discovery Princess.  California Coastal from LA to Vancouver.  Then an Alaska cruise from Vancouver to Seattle.  Booked the same cabin on each leg and paid my deposits and it shows as booked on Princess.com and the Princess Medallion although the Medallion shows it as a 14 day rather than two 7 day sailings.

Unfortunately it's not uncommon for at least some cruise lines to accept your booking for illegal B2Bs only to come back at a later date and advise you that you can't sail the itinerary. It happens every year at the beginning and end of the Alaska cruise season when ships are being repositioned with itineraries similar to yours.

[SPacificbound]

We have done dozens of B2B cruises and have never been required to get off the ship. Primarily Royal Caribbean and Celebrity, in South America, Europe, Iceland/Greenland/Cape Liberty, and US/Canada.

 

A few days before the turn around the B2B cruisers will be notified of a meeting and will then be advised of the process. You will also be advised of when you turn in your sea pass card and when you get the new one. If you like to sleep late, you can't on turn around day, typically you will be out at to the designated area by 8:00AM. 

 

B2B is my favorite way to cruise!

 

B2B2B2B2B is even better!!

 

 

[whogo]

We did a back to back cruise Boston - Montreal - Boston in 2022. No special procedures in Montreal (previous three ports were in Canada as were the next three). We left the ship when we wanted, returned when we wanted, could have stayed aboard.

 

I would expect your cruise to be the same, cruisinlibrarian, although there is a chance your keycard won't work or there will be some bookkeeping problem.

[Shmoo here]

43 minutes ago, SPacificbound said:

We have done dozens of B2B cruises and have never been required to get off the ship.

It depends on the turnaround port country's laws.  Generally, if the turn around port is in the US, the ship has to be cleared before new boarding can begin.  Other countries, it may or may not be required.

[TheOldBear]

1 hour ago, GeezerCouple said:

[emphasis added]

 

I don't think the "separate folio" bit is involved in requiring "clearing/zeroing the ship".

 

I thought there are some cruises (not in the USA) where different passengers embark and disembark at different ports.

Each of those passengers will have a "folio" for their trip (under phrasing "folio" or some other wording).  And there's no need to "clear the ship" in order to have each of the departing passengers get their accounts settled.

 

GC

I've booked our upcoming sailing as a NYC round trip - but passengers will be leaving or joining at several ports each marking the endpoint of a segment that may be booked as its own sailing - NY, Southampton, Hamburg, Southampton again, LeHavre France and finally back in NY where we disembark. 

There is no special obligation for in-transit passengers to do anything while other folks leave and arrive - we can even have room service breakfast delivered [not an option for disembarking passengers].

The ship will have been 'zeroed out' in NY before we embark, and again as we disembark. 

[JanR]

We’ve done several B2Bs.   They are rather easy. If NYC is the first American port after leaving Canada, you will need to depart the ship for immigration.   The amount of time varies with the number of passengers as well as the process of the port.  When we did a B2B out of Miami on NCL, B2B passengers were given a time to gather in one of the lounges where we were escorted off the ship and to the VIP lounge. After about 90 minutes we were escorted back in the ship.  
 

If you have an American port before NYC, you’ve already done immigration so that won’t be an issue.  
 

Normally, we found that you’ll need to go to guest services or your concierge to get a new ship card for the new cruise as the ship does consider your experiences as separate cruises.  
 

Have a great voyage!