Recent Back to Backs?

[jrez]

I was just on the phone with Disney for 4 hours (the first 3 on hold just getting to the car) to discuss our B2B on the Wish on 8/8 and 8/12. I had some questions and things to work thru...but one of the questions led to the CSR saying to make sure I check in and get the earliest PAT for the 8/12 cruise. I was confused why that would matter since I was under the belief that for the second cruise on a B2B we would just get back on the ship after we tested and when they were ready for us and that we wouldn't go back thru the general boarding process. Anyone B2B'd lately and have any experience like this????

 

[Kwami]

I was just on the phone with Disney for 4 hours (the first 3 on hold just getting to the car) to discuss our B2B on the Wish on 8/8 and 8/12. I had some questions and things to work thru...but one of the questions led to the CSR saying to make sure I check in and get the earliest PAT for the 8/12 cruise. I was confused why that would matter since I was under the belief that for the second cruise on a B2B we would just get back on the ship after we tested and when they were ready for us and that we wouldn't go back thru the general boarding process. Anyone B2B'd lately and have any experience like this????

The system is stupid sometimes. You don't actually need a PAT for the second cruise. You'll be led off the ship as a group for your free Covid-19 antigen test, you'll go through check-in and security again, and then you'll wait in the lobby until they're ready for you to reboard the ship. You'll board before anyone else, even concierge guests.

 

[jrez]

Thanks! That is what I tried to tell the rep and even after she put on hold to answer some of my other questions they insisted that was the only way to reboard was with a PAT so to be sure to get an early as possible one.

 

[Kwami]

Thanks! That is what I tried to tell the rep and even after she put on hold to answer some of my other questions they insisted that was the only way to reboard was with a PAT so to be sure to get an early as possible one.

Oh, you'll probably have to pick a PAT because, as I said, the system is silly. It just won't matter at all.

 

[readyplayer]

I have a question about B2B. What if we want to do some quick sightseeing in-between cruises? I'm doing a B2B in New York and I would like to go 2 piers down to see the Intrepid Museum. Can we test and wait for the results, then walk over to the other pier? Or do we have to check-in and board right away?

 

[Kwami]

I have a question about B2B. What if we want to do some quick sightseeing in-between cruises? I'm doing a B2B in New York and I would like to go 2 piers down to see the Intrepid Museum. Can we test and wait for the results, then walk over to the other pier? Or do we have to check-in and board right away?

Once you test, you can't leave. But if you want to go sightseeing between cruises, just let the B2B crew know. In the past, people have been able to break out of the B2B pattern and then return later. I don't know how that will work with testing. They might require you to pay for a test instead of getting it for free since you'll be testing with non-B2B guests. And you'll probably need to adhere to your PAT and boarding group, too.

Incidentally, are you on the October 31 cruise out of NYC? And are you platinum or concierge? I'm looking for a list of activities offered in the three ports. Disney's website lists everything ever offered, but I'd rather get a more focused list.

 

[readyplayer]

Once you test, you can't leave. But if you want to go sightseeing between cruises, just let the B2B crew know. In the past, people have been able to break out of the B2B pattern and then return later. I don't know how that will work with testing. They might require you to pay for a test instead of getting it for free since you'll be testing with non-B2B guests. And you'll probably need to adhere to your PAT and boarding group, too.

Incidentally, are you on the October 31 cruise out of NYC? And are you platinum or concierge? I'm looking for a list of activities offered in the three ports. Disney's website lists everything ever offered, but I'd rather get a more focused list.

Thanks for letting me know. I didn't know about not being able to leave after testing. No. I'm on the 10th and 16th NYC cruises and I'm still gold (unfortunately, even though I have 75 nites of cruising under my belt...ugh!) and I'm not doing concierge. I agree that Disney does list everything ever offered and when onboard and port activities opened up for me last week, a lot of the activities I wanted were not even offered. So make a list with a lot of contingencies.

 

[n2mm]

I have a similar question. While on a b2b, can we stop by our car in the parking lot to grab our allotment of alcohol before we get tested. Since its in October I’m hoping it’s not an issue.

 

[ArielRae]

@readyplayer
You may have already seen it but here is the meets thread for the Oct 16th sailing.
https://www.disboards.com/threads/o...gh-seas-cruise-from-new-york-bermuda.3842423/

I would recommend doing the Intrepid Museum before your first sailing. You can drop off your bags at the port with the porters and then head over to the museum. They open at 10:00am so gives you time to enjoy the museum before going thru security and checking in for your sailing.

 

[Intr3pid]

The way it works right now on the turnaround day - with testing in place in PC - is below. This is the escorted version.

1. Let everyone debark, and wait for a CM to escort you out and back in. The wait may be quick or take a while if the testing facility isn't ready yet.
2. Exit customs, 'step on the US soil', and turn around for customs again. There shouldn't be anyone other than B2B guests/staff/contractors entering at this point.
3. Once through customs, test first, wait for the positive result, check in, and return to the ship. You will likely lose the escort at testing, but since you are first in the queue, it won't matter.

The reason why they are asking you to pick a PAT for the second leg is that it's still a new cruise all over again. See the logistics below. Inspire has to order a test for you as well.

In 2 above, once you are on the US soil, you can leave, do any tours, visit your car, etc. Up to you - just let the CM know. You will, of course, lose the escort at that point and will have to go through customs, testing, and check-in on your own. That theoretical PAT will become the actual PAT.

 

[Kwami]

The way it works right now on the turnaround day - with testing in place in PC - is below. This is the escorted version.

1. Let everyone debark, and wait for a CM to escort you out and back in. The wait may be quick or take a while if the testing facility isn't ready yet.
2. Exit customs, 'step on the US soil', and turn around for customs again. There shouldn't be anyone other than B2B guests/staff/contractors entering at this point.
3. Once through customs, test first, wait for the positive result, check in, and return to the ship. You will likely lose the escort at testing, but since you are first in the queue, it won't matter.

The reason why they are asking you to pick a PAT for the second leg is that it's still a new cruise all over again. See the logistics below. Inspire has to order a test for you as well.

In 2 above, once you are on the US soil, you can leave, do any tours, visit your car, etc. Up to you - just let the CM know. You will, of course, lose the escort at that point and will have to go through customs, testing, and check-in on your own. That theoretical PAT will become the actual PAT.

When I did a B2B in February, we never lost the escort. In fact, we tried to leave the testing tent when we got our result, but they sent us back until all of the B2B guest results were ready and then we proceeded as a group back into the terminal building.

It might be different in NYC.

 

[readyplayer]

Thanks everyone for the information and advice. It's good to know how B2B's are handled.