Back to Back Cruises - Question

[Jojoba77]

Thanks guys!

 

[Soontobegoodsell]

All of this was helpful - thank you!!

 

[DCLPrincess]

Thinking about booking a back to back and I read that you can get back on the ship after going through customs but some people hear said you might have to wait. What's everyone's experience? Also anyone know how it works with parking?

 

[scgustafson]

Thinking about booking a back to back and I read that you can get back on the ship after going through customs but some people hear said you might have to wait. What's everyone's experience? Also anyone know how it works with parking?

You have to go through check-in again and wait to board, but both of those are done before the new guests for that sailing. As for parking, that would depend on the port.

 

[allashore]

Thinking about booking a back to back and I read that you can get back on the ship after going through customs but some people hear said you might have to wait. What's everyone's experience? Also anyone know how it works with parking?

For those that did B2B both in Concierge, did you tip the concierge hosts after the first cruise? or at the end of the 2nd cruise? I am assuming we will have the same host for both cruises. If one happens to be at the end of their contract then we would tip, after the first cruise.
We plan on tipping all other positions after each cruise, such as head server, assistant server, etc... since there is a chance they could change

 

[PrincessShmoo]

Thinking about booking a back to back and I read that you can get back on the ship after going through customs but some people hear said you might have to wait. What's everyone's experience? Also anyone know how it works with parking?

The actual time off the ship can vary - anywhere from reboarding immediately, to waiting a couple of hours.

For those that did B2B both in Concierge, did you tip the concierge hosts after the first cruise? or at the end of the 2nd cruise? I am assuming we will have the same host for both cruises. If one happens to be at the end of their contract then we would tip, after the first cruise.
We plan on tipping all other positions after each cruise, such as head server, assistant server, etc... since there is a chance they could change

It's best to tip at the end of each leg, as it's not guaranteed that you'll have the same CMs on both cruises. Contracts begin/end at various times for the CMs.

 

[Trera]

Thinking about booking a back to back and I read that you can get back on the ship after going through customs but some people hear said you might have to wait. What's everyone's experience? Also anyone know how it works with parking?

with regards to parking at Port Canaveral for B2B cruises.................since the port doesnt know you are going B2B, you will only be charged for the parking for the first cruise.

 

[Quellman]

with regards to parking at Port Canaveral for B2B cruises.................since the port doesnt know you are going B2B, you will only be charged for the parking for the first cruise.

Another reason to do a 3 night and then a 4 night.... saves parking costs!

 

[Travel60]

We did B2B out of Puerto Rico last year...same room, requested same servers. We treated the change day like a port day, took a cab into Old San Juan, went to church, ate lunch, walked around and boarded the ship among the last group. Not sure PC has enough to offer to do that but other ports might.

 

[n2mm]

Another reason to do a 3 night and then a 4 night.... saves parking costs!

I did a 3 night/7 night on the Wonder feb 2018. Same room both times. I really saved on parking! We have done a b2b every feb for the last 4 years. Always Magic or Wonder....always same cabin, normally oceanview deck 2. Yes, we’ve always had to wait to get back on but normally it’s been 45 minutes or less. Yes some folks leave and do a-day trip in Port Canaveral, but you would have to pay to park again if you move your car. There will be instructions and a boarding card the day before. Your dining team will know and the head server will speak with you regarding keeping your dining team. We normally are at a multi table on part one and ask for a private table on part 2. In the past we have always been told to gather and meet in one of the clubs until the ship is cleared, then we are escorted off and back into the terminal to check in. Often that part is slow as they usually only have 2 windows open. When you get back on the ship, the pools are not open, but you can get some coffee at the cove. Some folks do laundry, but we go and find lounge chairs and relax. This past February it was raining so we gathered in the lounge and chatted with fellow cruisers.

 

[Quellman]

We did B2B out of Puerto Rico last year...same room, requested same servers. We treated the change day like a port day, took a cab into Old San Juan, went to church, ate lunch, walked around and boarded the ship among the last group. Not sure PC has enough to offer to do that but other ports might.

You could hit a beach, or you could head to the Space Center. Express walk off, be there at open, head back an be on board by 3pm. Not a bad day.

I did a 3 night/7 night on the Wonder feb 2018. Same room both times. I really saved on parking! We have done a b2b every feb for the last 4 years. Always Magic or Wonder....always same cabin, normally oceanview deck 2. Yes, we’ve always had to wait to get back on but normally it’s been 45 minutes or less. Yes some folks leave and do a-day trip in Port Canaveral, but you would have to pay to park again if you move your car. There will be instructions and a boarding card the day before. Your dining team will know and the head server will speak with you regarding keeping your dining team. We normally are at a multi table on part one and ask for a private table on part 2. In the past we have always been told to gather and meet in one of the clubs until the ship is cleared, then we are escorted off and back into the terminal to check in. Often that part is slow as they usually only have 2 windows open. When you get back on the ship, the pools are not open, but you can get some coffee at the cove. Some folks do laundry, but we go and find lounge chairs and relax. This past February it was raining so we gathered in the lounge and chatted with fellow cruisers.

Wish we could cruise that often! We did a 3-7 on the Fantasy when she came out of dry dock. Really loved those 3 days at Castaway Cay!

 

[Trera]

lots of stuff to do about an hour away from port.

You would have to get off early, drive to Orlando and then leave after lunch to get back.

Might be more trouble than it is worth.

 

[chiefdragon]

I have a B2B booked for this coming June. This has helped me so much. We are in the same room. Cannot wait for this. It will be my 5th/6th trip and my daughters 4th/5th trip. So makes it even better that we change levels part way through as well.

 

[n2mm]

I have a B2B booked for this coming June. This has helped me so much. We are in the same room. Cannot wait for this. It will be my 5th/6th trip and my daughters 4th/5th trip. So makes it even better that we change levels part way through as well.

You’ll change level, but your daughters won’t until they checkin for their 6th cruise. They are officially gold after they completed their 5th cruise. You will get your gold lanyard when you checkin for your second part of your b2b. Enjoy