Eliminate the back to reality blues by doing it all again, and again, and………
Back to Back Cruises (B2B) or “It’s my ship!”
Eliminate the back to reality blues by doing it all again, and again, and………
It’s terrible. That last day feeling, packing up your things and visiting your favorite ship-board haunts one last time. You’ve exchanged emails, facebook friended your new cruise mates, said goodbye to your steward and best barkeep and now it’s time to move on. Not!
A back to back cruise can be a great way to extend a vacation a little or a lot. The feeling of staying on board, how the ship becomes yours when you include “the next journey”, the homey, friendly way the staff knows your likes, the familiarity of your cabin home.
You can create your own world journey as a ship relocates or just repeat a favorite itinerary. It’s a great way to put 2 Alaska one-ways into roundtrip from Vancouver/Seattle and avoid a lengthy flight to Anchorage, or reposition to Europe then take the next journey. Or, just add 3 day reposition to create a longer voyage.
You may have questions on what might happen when you “stay on” the ship for the next journey. Here’s some tips.
Immigration/Customs
It depends on the port. In some ports, all in-transit passengers (those staying for the next journey) must leave the ship (typically as a group) and meet port officials in person. There may be a gathering in a particular lounge to meet officials, there may be just a gathering in a lounge for a 0 count, and I’ve also done a B2B where I needed to do nothing.
If you are planning an early activity, consider disembarkation of passengers and delays this may cause.
Changing Cabins
Preferably you’ve worked with me to book in advance and this isn’t the case. But changing cabins is usually pretty easy. You can loosely pack and request a “bellhop” kind of cart. Just slightly pack loose items, hang your items on the cart and move your things. If you have certain loyalties or cabin types, or need help, you can arrange that with the cruise line.
Expect Closures
Pools/Spas may not open until a later time on embarkation days. Spa appointments are likely not available. Restaurants do typically open on a regular schedule for the inbound passengers.
Room Keys/Leaving the Ship
Most cruise lines will actually keep your cruise card or accessory active for the duration of your cruises. I’ve had to get a new activation once. On embarkation day, In Transit passengers have their own entry/exit methods, a special pass or card is issued.
Credits/Onboard Spending
Make sure you understand the rules about onboard spending money and how it is allocated to your overall bill. If you the spending money only applies to one of the booking, it might be use it or lose it.
Benefits of B2B cruises can range from enjoying your initial Port of Call more, traveling farther to experience new places, really getting to know “Your Ship” and crew. It is great when the crew see you again, it’s like being in a club!
Let’s create your Back to Back travel story!
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