Back To Back Cruises

[firedog001]

Would like any info on booking back to back. Can we request the same cabin, same dinner seating for both cruises. Can we stay on the ship when we return or do we have to depart along with the other passengers. I know this has been discussed before, but either the search is not working or i can't do it correctly. I am looking for any help or suggestions from some of you that have done this before. Thanks

Lynda

[KamloopsCruisers]

We are doing back to back cruises (Voyager end of January:) ). When we booked, we ensured we were able to get the same cabin for both legs of the trip. I understand we are also booked at the same table (although this doesn't mean we will have the same waiter). At the end of week one we will have to disembark the ship and get back on. TA advised us that a RCCL Rep will accompany us off the ship and back on and this should only take a few minutes. We can hardly wait!

[bh2359]

We've done two back-to-back cruises.

 

First was on Princess both weeks (different itineraries each week). We did not have to leave the ship at the end of the first week (Checked us in for both weeks at initial embarkation) and the nice thing on the second week was we did not have to attend lifeboat drill again. We had the same cabin, same attendent, same dining room table, same waiter etc. and they all treated us so well that second week, like seeing an old friend. It was great.

 

Second was this past October when we did a back to back on Rhapsody and Elation. We simply got off Rhapsody in Galveston on a Sunday, went back to our hotel where our van was parked and got rid of dirty clothes and picked up Pepsi etc for the second week, then returned to the pier and got on Elation. It all went very smooth.

 

Reviews of the Rhapsody (pretty good) and the Elation (good and bad) are posted seperately on the reviews boards under each ship's name.

[ricko1]

We were on the Radiance. We had the same cabin both weeks. We did however have to go through immigration in Miami but were accomanied by guest relations and went right back on the ship. The back to backers are the last to do this. Our new sea passes were delived to our cabin. We were not able to keep the same table the second week, but we only had to move 2 tables over. The waiters change stations each week so even if you had the same table it would be a different wait staff.

 

I would recommend a back 2 back.

[NoVa Mimi]

We are doing our first back to back in July on AOS. It is my understanding from RCI, that we have to get off then reboard. In San Juan we are told, we cannot get right back on but must wait with the new passengers. I was in hopes of not having to wait to reboard, but that's the way it is. We have the same cabin for both weeks as it was available, otherwise we would have had to change cabins. If you do have to change cabins, the staff will assist you I am told.

[glgolfer]

If you really like your waiter the first week and want to move to the table he will be working the second week, talk to your head waiter and/or maitre'd. A little up front incentive will go a long way to making that happen. Also, please tip everyone at the end of the first week as if you are getting off the ship. You might not have the same cabin attendant, even if you're in the same cabin as staff come and go all the time. Also, even if you can keep the same waiter, their assistant will be different.

Make sure the staff, cruise director, loyalty person, excursion desk folks (if you use them for excursions), and anyone else you will see a lot the first couple days onboard. They will remember you and you may get some perks you would not normally get. As the other poster said, you will feel like part of the staff when you get off as you'll be on a first name basis with some of them.

Have fun, you will love the feeling when everybody else gets off after the first week and you're only half way thru your cruise.

We did back to back to Hawaii in 2000 and we were on the ship in the same cabin for 22 nights. It was great.

[cherith]

Hey Kamloops,

Which date are you sailing on the Voyager. We're on the 15th, and we have 2 girls with us that are from Kamloops.

(actually they moved to work for us, one is now in Victoria and one in Nanaimo)

Any snow at Sun Peaks yet? We're itching to go up.

[KamloopsCruisers]

Hey Kamloops,

Which date are you sailing on the Voyager. We're on the 15th, and we have 2 girls with us that are from Kamloops.

(actually they moved to work for us, one is now in Victoria and one in Nanaimo)

Any snow at Sun Peaks yet? We're itching to go up.

We on the Voyager Jan 29th & Feb 5th - can't wait. Some snow at Sun Peaks, but not lots. We used to be avid skiiers and never did ski much before Christmas. When are you coming up to Sun Peaks? We haven't been up the mountain in a while, but friends report it just keeps getting better and better. Very warm - 5 + today, but cooler temps are forecast for Monday, so perhpas more snow will come this week.

 

Enjoy the skiing - and your cruise!

[cherith]

Hi Kamloops,

Yes, the pre-Christmas skiing isn't so great is it? We spent Christmas up there last year and came home the morning of the 27th and it just about killed me because it snowed close to a foot overnight and before that it was mediocre at best. So we came up Jan 3 and it was awesome!

Hope you enjoy your cruise! (we've got Whistler planned for the end of January, what a juxtaposition eh? Caribbean to Skiing in a matter of one week)

[firedog001]

Thanks everyone for your helpful suggestions and advise. I knew i would get some help here. Atleast now we have an idea of what happens on back 2 back cruises.

[sj25]

We are doing our first back to back Oct. 2005 Mariner Of The Sea.

I was told by the RCCl agent that I could leave my lugage on the boat he thought. I don't know if that is true. We don't have the same room but we are on the 9th floor each time.

We do have late seatings for both.

I will be curious how this all works.

To the one that said they had to wait was it very long?

We will be in Port Canerval :)

[FaithsAngel]

Hey, we a back to back on teh Mariner, NOv this year and we're doign the same one next year :)

 

After the first week we did tip everyone as if we were leaving for good.

 

We had the same table as the week before, but as the waiter we had moved we asked to be changed to his table and they did!!

 

We had to move cabins unfortunately. But all our luggage was moved for us etc.

 

We did have to get off teh ship to go through customs, but we were allowed to reboard straight away!!

 

It was great in the second week, because as we spoke to so many staff/crew in the first week we were on first name basis with loads of them, which was great!!! Even when we went on shore we had people saying hi to us lol

 

 

Gem :)

[ricko1]

On the Radiance b2b there were 175 doing a b2b. We were given a special lunch. I don't know if RCL does this always or because it was such a large number of b2b'ers. The captain came and said a few words to us and both he and the executive chef stopped by each table. It truely was first class treatment.

The lunch was a special menu just for us. It was so good. They had Turnovers (samosas); NE Clam Chowder; Salad; Main entree choice of Flounder stuffed with crab, Chicken Ballontine or Lamb Shank Gremolada. And wonderful almond tulip filled with ice cream and fresh berries.

[sj25]

Faithsangel so you didn't have to mess with your luggage at all then when you got off the first one and it was waiting for you on the next room when you got there? Did you talk with your stewdard about doing this or what?

This is my first back to back and looking forward to it. I do agree you would get to know the staff and be neat the second time around.

 

Very cold here today! -1 degree wind chill factor -20 I need a cruise!!!!!

[FaithsAngel]

Nope, all we had to do was leave our luggage packed in the middle of the oom and the steward moved it for us. We didn't even have to say anything to him :)

 

Mum actually accidently put the tags on it for luggage that was going to the airport and had a panic that it would go to the airport even though we hadnt left it outside, but no it was sat nice and neatly in the middle o our new cabin when we were allowed back in!!

 

Gem

[sj25]

Nope, all we had to do was leave our luggage packed in the middle of the oom and the steward moved it for us. We didn't even have to say anything to him :)

 

Mum actually accidently put the tags on it for luggage that was going to the airport and had a panic that it would go to the airport even though we hadnt left it outside, but no it was sat nice and neatly in the middle o our new cabin when we were allowed back in!!

 

Gem

Thanks Faithsangel,

When I booked the cruise from RCCL the agent thought you just tip your steward good and he would make sure your bags got to your next room.

 

I am sooooo anxious for this back to back.

so how did you like it for your first cruise?

What was your thoughts of the ship and ports?

[sally r]

We have done several b2b's. Twice we have switched cabins (got free upgrades!). They sent up a luggage cart similar to those that bellhops use in hotels and two crew members to assist us. We hung the things from our closet on the cart and just made a few trips with our other things (save your plastic bags) and it was all done in a few minutes. No need to "pack" your bags. We tipped the guys a $5 each, I think.

 

Back to backs are great!

[sj25]

thanks sallyr also,

I am so anxious and like the ideal that I will not have to to deal with the luggage on and off. I hope it works the time I go that they can get it to my next room a waiting for me. I would of loved the same room but could not afford a balcony both times. So good thing the balcony is on the second cruise that I will not have to know the balcony and then go back to a inside room. We will be on the same floor each time just on different sides of the boat and one is a couple room down the hall the second time.

:)

[cme]

I also was on my first b2b in Oct. on the Navigator. It was by far the best cruise that I have been on. It is much more relaxing as you know you have extra time to check everything out on the ship. Everyone that was staying on the ship after the first week met in a lounge and were given our new seapass cards and then escorted off the ship together. You go through immigration and then get right back on. It was fun because we could see all the people waiting in the long lines to get on the ship.

 

Starting from the first night of the second week a treat was delivered to our room right before dinner. My favorite was the plate of chocolates. We did get to know to alot of the cruise staff as we participated in most activities. They always thanked us for participating and showing up for things. They were the best. We were thrilled to be asked to dine with the captain and his wife on the second formal night of the first week.

 

We did not however have the same table for the second week. We were to sit with friends we had met on cruisecritic. They ended up not having us at the same table. The headwaiter worked it out for us, and he received a nice tip.

 

You will have a wonderful time, b2b is the only way to go.

[sj25]

I am so anxious now I can say this year we're doing our back to back!

I sure hope we have as good experience as it seems to be on the boards with b2b trips.

I am just curious how it will work that the second one if I will be considered a circle member

I think will be nice to know the ship and people by the second one.

Also the first one we have 3 sea days and the second one we have 2 sea days.

Well hope this new year is good to everyone!

[FaithsAngel]

so how did you like it for your first cruise?

What was your thoughts of the ship and ports?

It was amasing for my first cruise!! I loved every second of it!! I went away this weekend and everyone got so sick of me talking about it they banned from saying cruise!!!!!!!!1 :p

 

The ship was beautiful :) And HUGE! I loved her, and never ever got bored!!! We always had seats near the pool....and the staff were amazing!!!!

 

The ports: Labadee was georgous, like a lil paradise! I loved Jamaica aswell!! Wasn't to keen on the Bahamas, not to sure why I just wasn't to fond of it!!! There were more ports but those are the ones that most stick out!

 

Gem :)

[sj25]

Faithsangel you sound like I was when I got back from our carnival cruise I was ready to get back on but had to wait 3 years...so your very lucky to get back on the boat within a year again.

 

Also your first one to do b2b cruise.

 

I am glad to hear that you liked the ship. What kind of room did you have?

Did you do early or late seating?

 

My hubby wants to do parasailing I think I was going to do it on Labadee do you think he will be able to do it and I'll see him but not go with him?

I don't care to do it but want to take picture of him doing it.

[ROYALSUITE]

If you are planning to have the same dining table and waiter, at the end of the first week tip you dining room staff but dont give any additional for the sercond week. I make it a practice to give part of the tip the first night. if things go as expected I give the remainder of the tip the last night. The last time that I was doing a back to back we were very satisfied with our waiter and when i gave him the rest of the tip at the end of the first week I also included the part of the tip that I usually give at the begining of a cruise and I told him that I will be seeing him tomorrow..

 

Guess what when I went into the dining the first night of the second week he was gone and I had a new dining room staff, who I had to tip all over again. My first waiter never told me that his table station had been changed.

 

Dont make the same mistake that I did by pretiping for the second week at the end of the first week.

[sally r]

ROYALSUITE, you bring up a valid point on b2b cruises. I had forgotten about dining room seating changing between cruises.

 

We also always let our cabin steward know that we are b2b. That way they don't have to worry about our cabin so much on turnaround day.

 

Lately on b2b's we have also been invited to very nice luncheons in either Chops or Portifinos. Our last b2b, 22 days, we had a Grand Suite and they gave us real nice slippers to go with our robes, too.

[FaithsAngel]

Faithsangel you sound like I was when I got back from our carnival cruise I was ready to get back on but had to wait 3 years...so your very lucky to get back on the boat within a year again.

 

Also your first one to do b2b cruise.

 

I am glad to hear that you liked the ship. What kind of room did you have?

Did you do early or late seating?

 

My hubby wants to do parasailing I think I was going to do it on Labadee do you think he will be able to do it and I'll see him but not go with him?

I don't care to do it but want to take picture of him doing it.

Our first one was a b2b and our one next year will be as it is a long way to fly for just one week :) Great for us though!!!!

 

We had an outside for our first week and an inside for our second. Both rooms were lovely!! The only thing we didn't like about our inside is you couldn't tell what time of the day it was :) But then again our steward for the second week was amasing, so nice to chat to, so it wasn't to bad!!

 

We had the late seating, which was brilliant!! We managed to have the same waiter for both weeks as we asked to swop tables so we could be with him, which was brilliant!!!! We asked them beginning of the second week when we realised we wouldn't b with him and within 5 minutes we were on our new table!!!

 

Labadee and the parasailing I couldn't really tell you about!! We did see parasailers though! But not that close.....sorry!

 

Gem