B2B Cruise Q's

[rothjer]

Hi there,

 

we are doing our first B2B , and I have a few questions that are not addressed in the earlier posts about this topic, hope someone can help.

 

We are doing a B2B in two different cabins, the second leg we booked quite some time ago, booked a SS1, got a great deal on the first leg and decided to go for the B2B in a C3 cabin !

 

I originally ordered paper doc's for the second leg, and now we booked the what will be the first leg, and we didn't specify so we are getting paperless doc's. To complicate matters more, we have permission to embark at another port other than the one of embarkation. Any suggestions on what to do?

 

From what I gather is that you do not need to check in for subsequent cruises for B2b's, you only check in the one time. So should we switch to paperless for the second leg and ask them to instead send us paper doc's for the first? Would they even entertain such a request?

[cruisestitch]

The documents aren't really important, except for your records. They are the cruise contract, the insurance coverage (if you bought it) and information like what to wear, how many formal nights, etc etc. Paper or paperless , either way is no big deal. What you do need to have with you for boarding is the X=press pass, which is the on-line check in form. You fill that out on your computer from home, up to several weeks prior to the cruise, print it out, sign it, and bring it with you to check in. And even that isn't a really big deal, because if for some reason you lose it or forget to bring it, you just fill it out in person.

 

Now as to embarking in a "non-standard" port, X should be the one to tell you how to do that.

[lcmslady]

I'm doing my first B2B in January - I've been asking some of the same questions.

 

I've been told that at the end of your first 'leg', you will be escorted off the ship separately, then you go check-in again - different sea pass card, etc.

 

I'm not sure how that will work for you since you're getting off at a different embarkation port. In fact, I'm surprised that they're allowing you to do that given customs.....

[cruisestitch]

No, I think that the OP is getting ON at a different embarkation port, not getting off. I have met others who did this as well. Was on a cruise that began in San Juan, next port was one of the smaller islands. People who were at my table lived on that island, and boarded the ship there, rather than flying to San Juan to start their cruise.

[C 2 C]

The only piece of paper you need is your Xpress pass for the first cruise but fill out all the information online for both cruises.

About the only thing X requires for you to do is to register your credit card at the beginning of your second cruise. In most cases your new "keys" will be delivered on the last day of your cruise. In American ports you will be required to go through immigration, either on board as we did in California, or by disembarking in the case of Florida.

If you wish to go ashore you can leave right away, if you wish to stay on board, you will be meeting as a group and escorted ashore and sometimes, immediately for reboarding.

[DiamondPlusDan]

Can you get off the ship when the first cruise ends and the second leg begins? We are doing a b2b and want to get off in Rome and sightsee while everyone boards. Has anyone done this before? Is it even possible?

[rothjer]

I'm doing my first B2B in January - I've been asking some of the same questions.

 

I've been told that at the end of your first 'leg', you will be escorted off the ship separately, then you go check-in again - different sea pass card, etc.

 

I'm not sure how that will work for you since you're getting off at a different embarkation port. In fact, I'm surprised that they're allowing you to do that given customs.....

 

 

Im not sure how much it has to do with customs, as it does with the 'Jones' act.

 

Anyhow, the process is very straightforward, you can contact AirSeaGFO@rccl.com (or call them), they will tell you if you can or cannot make a particular alteration to the cruise.

 

Then you book the cruise, the agent reconfirms for you with AIR/SEA GFO and then you need to email AIR/SEA GFO and "request" a change in iternerary. Took us 12 hours to get authorization.

[rothjer]

 

Now as to embarking in a "non-standard" port, X should be the one to tell you how to do that.

 

Its funny, because our authorization email mentioned nothing except the request to embark elsewhere other than the port of embarkation. No specifics or anything !

[C 2 C]

Its funny, because our authorization email mentioned nothing except the request to embark elsewhere other than the port of embarkation. No specifics or anything !

 

Which cruise are you on? I have been led to believe that this is not possible in any North American run.. Are you being asked to embark after the cruise begins for other passengers?

[Essiesmom]

Which cruise are you on? I have been led to believe that this is not possible in any North American run.. Are you being asked to embark after the cruise begins for other passengers?

The OP is going on the Summit repo from Bayonne to San Juan via Bermuda and St. thomas. However, he plans to board in Bermuda. PVSA does not apply here. EM

[Denny01]

Can you get off the ship when the first cruise ends and the second leg begins? We are doing a b2b and want to get off in Rome and sightsee while everyone boards. Has anyone done this before? Is it even possible?

We did a B2B out of Rome, and when you pull back into Rome after the 1st leg, its like another port of call. There will be tours or you can go on your own. They had our new cards ready for us the night before - I had a problem with mine and had to go to the front desk, but not a big issue. Didn't have to get off the ship for customs or anything, but you can - as I said, treat it as if its another port, except you get to stand there watching all the poor souls getting off and heading home and you are relaxing or touring for the day.

 

Enjoy!

 

Denny