Back-to-back cruises are a great way to extend your cruise vacation. They can be a cruise traveler’s dream, but many people wonder what to expect.
There are many reasons to consider this type of cruise vacation. The most obvious is to prolong your vacation.
Back to back cruises allow you to maximize the value of your airfare if flying into the port. Airfare is expensive and doing a back-to-back means you get more time on the ship to justify the flight cost.
In addition, doing a back-to-back cruise can expand the ports you visit. It is not uncommon for a ship to sail one itinerary and then follow it up with a different itinerary. This is very common in the Caribbean….many ships often alternate between Western and Eastern Caribbean itineraries. A back-to-back allows you to do both.
There are itineraries where cruise lines do a one-way cruise….you board in one city and disembark in another. By doing a back-to-back, you can avoid having to deal with flying to and from different cities….just disembark back in the original port after sailing the return cruise.
How does a back-to-back cruise work?
The procedure for a back-to-back cruise is pretty much the same for all cruise lines.
It’s a good idea to stop by Guest Relations during the first cruise to confirm you on the consecutive cruiser list. If you aren’t, they will expect you to leave at the end of the first cruise. This is not necessary for back-to-back (B2B) cruisers.
A few days prior to the end of the first sailing, B2B passengers will receive a letter in their stateroom with details about the process on turnaround day (disembarkation day for the rest of the passengers). This letter will instruct the passengers to report to a venue onboard at a specific time and give details about what to bring. Your passport or identification papers you used when joining the ship will be required.
When you arrive, a crew member will take your name and stateroom number and sign you in. This indicates that you are technically “off the ship”, so you must remain in the venue until the ship has reached a zero passenger count. At this time, guests staying onboard will be escorted by a crew member to the gangway. You will scan your old SeaPass card and will then be given a new SeaPass card which you will scan to begin the next sailing.
We recently did a B2B in Alaska. We met in the Sky Lounge at 9am where we showed our old sea pass cards and were given new ones. They had us scan them in the venue….we did not have to leave the ship. This is not always the process. Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) of the country you are in dictates the process for consecutive cruisers. It will vary by port.
How do you book a back-to-back cruise?
If you want to book a B2B cruise, you need to do some leg work….or hire a travel agent to do it for you. You have to book two separate cruises…..one after another. Sometimes you are able to find the same cabin on each cruise, but not always. If not, don’t worry…your cabin steward will help you move your belongings.
You do not need to book each cruise at the same time. You can always book another cruise, as long as there is space available.
Be sure to ask if there are any discounts available when booking. Cruise lines usually offer a small discount, typically $100-$200/cruise.
If changing cabins, what happens to my luggage?
If you are staying in the same cabin, you do not need to do anything.
If you are changing cabins, you must pack clothing and personal items that were in drawers and the bathroom. Be sure to check the safe for valuables! Hanging garments can remain in the wardrobe and will be moved on a rolling hanger rack by your cabin steward. (There have been reports that some cruise lines are now requiring all items must be packed. Details for your cruise will be in the information letter) Leave your luggage in your cabin. It will be moved to your new cabin for you. DO NOT PLACE THE LUGGAGE TAGS FOR DISEMBARKATION OR PUT THEM OUTSIDE THE CABIN ON THE LAST NIGHT!! If you do, your bags will be removed from the ship and you will need to retrieve them shoreside and go through the normal luggage delivery process.
Talk with your cabin steward prior to the last day of the cruise. They will instruct you on the best and easiest way for them to assist in moving your luggage for you.
Is muster drill required for the 2nd sailing?
YES!
Maritime law requires all passengers to conduct the mandatory safety drill on each cruise. It MUST be done prior to the ship sailing for all passengers onboard, including consecutive cruisers. Each cruise is a separate sailing and the Coast Guard makes no distinction between consecutive cruisers and passengers just joining the ship.
We like to be among the first to check in as soon as they open, then we are free to enjoy our day. Of course, if you plan to disembark and explore the port, be sure to complete this as soon as you re-board. The ship cannot sail until everyone has completed this task.
What can I do on turnaround day?
You are welcome to remain onboard and enjoy the quiet of an almost empty ship. The pools will be available but bars and food venues will be closed until embarkation begins. Some cruise lines offer a special lunch for B2B cruisers. Be sure to take advantage of this if offered!
You are also free to leave the ship and explore the port until the all aboard time. Be sure to verify this time when leaving the ship. You will not have to go through the embarkation process again at most ports. Ask the port agents where consecutive cruisers go to re-board the ship.
Some cruise lines offer special excursions for B2B cruisers. On our Alaska sailing, we had the opportunity for a Kenai fjords tour at a reduced rate. We did not take advantage of it, as our daughter was an Activity Host onboard and we wanted to spend time with her in port.
Things to remember…
You have to settle your shipboard account at the end of the first cruise and start fresh with cruise #2. If you purchased a beverage or internet package on the first cruise, you need to repurchase those and reactivate them for the second sailing. Of course, if you booked with those already included, all you need to do is activate the new internet package.
If you like to give additional tips to your stateroom attendant, be sure to do this prior to the end of the first sailing, especially if you are changing cabins. If you are staying in the same cabin, make sure you will keep the same attendant. Crew changes do happen and crew does leave for vacation, sometimes even mid-cruise.
Final Thoughts
Doing a back-to-back cruise can be a fantastic experience that offers lots of benefits for cruisers. The opportunity to transition from one cruise to another without the hassle of disembarking, gathering your luggage, traveling to a new port and re-boarding makes taking a back to back cruise a great vacation option…..not to mention the opportunity visit different ports or even the same ones again! AND the chance to explore an almost empty ship prior to embarkation beginning and witness the excitement of the new cruisers joining the ship is always fun!
Please share your experiences with us…we’d love to hear them!
Happy Cruising!
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