B2B Questions

[Avril]

I'm thinking of going back to the 1st ship I ever sailed on (Imagination, January 2003) in the next year or 2. The ship still holds a special place in my heart as she was my 1st so I'd love to sail her again!! :D The thing is, the Imagination only does short cruises and I like at least 7 days so I'll just do a B2B. :D

 

I was just wondering, how does a B2B work? At embarkation for the 1st cruise, do you get your S&S card for both cruises or do you just use the same card for both?

 

At the end of the 1st cruise, do you have to get off the ship with everyone else or do you stay onboard just like a day at sea?

 

If I buy booze ashore during the 1st cruise, will they give it to me on the last night like any other cruise or will they know I'm on a B2B and keep it until I debark at the end of the 2nd cruise?

 

If I do have to get off at the end of the 1st part, do I have nto get right back on or could I spend the day in Miami (go to the beach, shopping in South Beach, etc) and come back to the ship like any other port of call?

 

If when I call to book, could I give Carnival my cabin number from the last time I was onboard (R19) and would they let me have the same cabin (nothing special about it, it's an inside on Riviera Deck all the way forward but would be cool for old times sake)?

 

If for some reason I can't have that cabin, does Imagination have the new cabins with the aft balconies?

Sorry for my little game of 20 questions here but I've never done a B2B before. :o

Thanks a lot!!!! :D

[JRock59]

I'm thinking of going back to the 1st ship I ever sailed on (Imagination, January 2003) in the next year or 2. The ship still holds a special place in my heart as she was my 1st so I'd love to sail her again!! :D The thing is, the Imagination only does short cruises and I like at least 7 days so I'll just do a B2B. :D We've done this on a few different Ships at times it can be cheaper than a 7 day!

I was just wondering, how does a B2B work? At embarkation for the 1st cruise, do you get your S&S card for both cruises or do you just use the same card for both? No different cards

 

At the end of the 1st cruise, do you have to get off the ship with everyone else or do you stay onboard just like a day at sea? You will get a letter the last night of the first Cruise with a time and place to meet the next morning. If you don't have it by bedtime call or stop by the Information Desk.

 

If I buy booze ashore during the 1st cruise, will they give it to me on the last night like any other cruise or will they know I'm on a B2B and keep it until I debark at the end of the 2nd cruise? They've always given it to us and we just keep it in the Cabin to enjoy.......

 

If I do have to get off at the end of the 1st part, do I have nto get right back on or could I spend the day in Miami (go to the beach, shopping in South Beach, etc) and come back to the ship like any other port of call? This will all be in the letter you get that last night or if you want to get more info ahead of time just visit the Information Desk. You do have to get off and go through customs and get your new S&S cards. But to answer your question you can do either it's just a different process.

 

If when I call to book, could I give Carnival my cabin number from the last time I was onboard (R19) and would they let me have the same cabin (nothing special about it, it's an inside on Riviera Deck all the way forward but would be cool for old times sake)? If it's available yes, but I'd try to get the same cabin for both Cruises that way you don't have to deal with packing and having your stuff moved.

 

If for some reason I can't have that cabin, does Imagination have the new cabins with the aft balconies? I don't think so but check her deck plans at Carnival.com I always have them pulled up when we book to make sure I like the cabin location we get.

 

Sorry for my little game of 20 questions here but I've never done a B2B before. :o Ask away most of us are Happy to help you out but don't be surprised if someone tells you to "do a search" as this topic has been on the boards a number of times. And Happy Sailing! :)

 

Thanks a lot!!!! :D

 

 

Smooth Seas and lot's of Sunshine to you!

[Synthetic]

I'm thinking of going back to the 1st ship I ever sailed on (Imagination, January 2003) in the next year or 2. The ship still holds a special place in my heart as she was my 1st so I'd love to sail her again!! :D The thing is, the Imagination only does short cruises and I like at least 7 days so I'll just do a B2B. :D

 

I was just wondering, how does a B2B work? At embarkation for the 1st cruise, do you get your S&S card for both cruises or do you just use the same card for both?

 

At the end of the 1st cruise, do you have to get off the ship with everyone else or do you stay onboard just like a day at sea?

 

If I buy booze ashore during the 1st cruise, will they give it to me on the last night like any other cruise or will they know I'm on a B2B and keep it until I debark at the end of the 2nd cruise?

 

If I do have to get off at the end of the 1st part, do I have nto get right back on or could I spend the day in Miami (go to the beach, shopping in South Beach, etc) and come back to the ship like any other port of call?

 

If when I call to book, could I give Carnival my cabin number from the last time I was onboard (R19) and would they let me have the same cabin (nothing special about it, it's an inside on Riviera Deck all the way forward but would be cool for old times sake)?

 

If for some reason I can't have that cabin, does Imagination have the new cabins with the aft balconies?

Sorry for my little game of 20 questions here but I've never done a B2B before. :o

Thanks a lot!!!! :D

 

I will answer all of your questions in a minute... let me finish typing them... heh

[Synthetic]

I'm thinking of going back to the 1st ship I ever sailed on (Imagination, January 2003) in the next year or 2. The ship still holds a special place in my heart as she was my 1st so I'd love to sail her again!! :D The thing is, the Imagination only does short cruises and I like at least 7 days so I'll just do a B2B. :D

 

I was just wondering, how does a B2B work? At embarkation for the 1st cruise, do you get your S&S card for both cruises or do you just use the same card for both?

 

At the end of the 1st cruise, do you have to get off the ship with everyone else or do you stay onboard just like a day at sea?

 

If I buy booze ashore during the 1st cruise, will they give it to me on the last night like any other cruise or will they know I'm on a B2B and keep it until I debark at the end of the 2nd cruise?

 

If I do have to get off at the end of the 1st part, do I have nto get right back on or could I spend the day in Miami (go to the beach, shopping in South Beach, etc) and come back to the ship like any other port of call?

 

If when I call to book, could I give Carnival my cabin number from the last time I was onboard (R19) and would they let me have the same cabin (nothing special about it, it's an inside on Riviera Deck all the way forward but would be cool for old times sake)?

 

If for some reason I can't have that cabin, does Imagination have the new cabins with the aft balconies?

Sorry for my little game of 20 questions here but I've never done a B2B before. :o

Thanks a lot!!!! :D

 

OKAY:

 

First - when you book B2B (I am assuming you are booking both through Carnival or a TA and not simply online with a website), they will know you are B2B and you will get VERY special treatment:

 

S&S Card: You will get the card for the first cruise only. When you disembark, you will get another card. All accounts are settled at the end of each cruise.

 

Disembarkation: You will receive a letter in your cabin telling you to sleep in the last day of your first cruise and be given a time and place to meet your Guest services rep. They will then ESCORT YOU through customs (you will leave your bags, etc. on board) and back on the ship prior to any other guests coming on board. Simple - off - customs - on again process.

 

Cabin: If your cabin is available and you book it B2B no worries. If not, the cabin stewards will relocate your luggage for you to your new cabin.

 

Alcohol: They will deliver it to your cabin and you 'technically' can keep it for the next cruise. They do not treat B2B cruisers any differently in that respect.

 

I think I answered all of your questions - B2B cruising is SO COOL and they make sure your are whisked through between cruises...

 

WORD OF WARNING: Security did hover around me once I reboarded (at the lido bar hanging out with my buddy-bartenders I'd made last cruise) thinking I may be a stow-away and asked to see my S&S with the new sailing... I felt like a criminal! It was a blast!

 

EDIT: I missed your Miami question... YES - they allow you the option of getting off and spending time in port BUT - you will simply be treated like another passenger then when you want to check in for the next cruise... lol

[JRock59]

WORD OF WARNING: Security did hover around me once I reboarded thinking I may be a stow-away and asked to see my S&S with the new sailing... I felt like a criminal! lol

Wow we've never had that problem weren't you escorted back on by a member of the Purser's Staff? We've done two B2B and one B2B2B and have always been escorted on and off by a crew member. We always head back up to Lido Deck find a good spot to sit and just relax. It seems the Crew remembers us most of the time and always stops to talk. IMHO the best part is sitting on the Lido watching the first group board as they can't figure out who you are and HOW you got there before them! :D

[Synthetic]

WORD OF WARNING: Security did hover around me once I reboarded thinking I may be a stow-away and asked to see my S&S with the new sailing... I felt like a criminal! lol

Wow we've never had that problem weren't you escorted back on by a member of the Purser's Staff? We've done two B2B and one B2B2B and have always been escorted on and off by a crew member. We always head back up to Lido Deck find a good spot to sit and just relax. It seems the Crew remembers us most of the time and always stops to talk. IMHO the best part is sitting on the Lido watching the first group board as they can't figure out who you are and HOW you got there before them! :D

 

Oh yes, I was... Allow me to expand on this...

 

Fabio (from the Purser's Office) was amazingly professional in communicating to me where to meet him, was on time, and was wonderful in escorting me off - through customs - then back on board as the first guest on the ship.

 

Simply put, once I was on board I went to the Lido Pool Bar to watch the new batch of passengers board. Because I was the only passenger on board for about 30 minutes, I am sure it looked a bit suspicious (as I have a rather memorable appearance and I am sure security remembered me from the previous sailing). I am sure security simply was not told I was B2B. They were courteous, simply uninformed.

 

And I agree - the oncoming passengers are always inquisitive about how I got such treatment... Even though I am VIP with Carnival, I was still boarded ahead of even the wedding cruisers as a B2B.

[Buffettfan 225]

B2B sounds so fun. We always thought it would be cool to get off one ship and onto another right away, but B2B sounds better. Even better if it has a varied route each week as I noted some are doing now.

talk about a way to not have last day cruise blues (well first cruise anyhow)

[Melismass]

I heard you are allowed to stay in your cabin after you go through customs and re-board (Is that a word?) I also heard that you didn't have to do the Muster drill a second time? Is this true? I can't wait! I just can't wait! Thanks OP for the tread I just love hearing about B2B's.

[ATL2LAS]

I have been looking at doing the Imagination as a B2B. This will be my 6th time on her because she is my favorite. Western Carib and the Bahamas. I just have to find the right time of year when prices are best.

[BARBARA J.W.]

I heard you are allowed to stay in your cabin after you go through customs and re-board (Is that a word?) I also heard that you didn't have to do the Muster drill a second time? Is this true? I can't wait! I just can't wait! Thanks OP for the tread I just love hearing about B2B's.

 

Talk with your Cabin Steward,,about

getting back into your Cabin,,

after customs.................

Also ask he/or she about skipping the

drill for the 2nd Cruise,,,,,,,just stay in your Cabin......

[Cruzin 1025]

I heard you are allowed to stay in your cabin after you go through customs and re-board (Is that a word?) I also heard that you didn't have to do the Muster drill a second time? Is this true? I can't wait! I just can't wait! Thanks OP for the tread I just love hearing about B2B's.

 

Yes, you can use your cabin. Your steward will know you are B2B and should make up your room first so you can hang out there. If the fire doors are closed to the cabin, just open them and let yourselves in. May get a few funny looks but you'll be okay.

 

As for muster, we'd heard you didn't have to go again, but when we asked our steward he said we did (as did our friend's steward on another deck). So perhaps that has changed.

[Cruzin 1025]

WORD OF WARNING: Security did hover around me once I reboarded thinking I may be a stow-away and asked to see my S&S with the new sailing... I felt like a criminal! lol

 

 

Wow we've never had that problem weren't you escorted back on by a member of the Purser's Staff? We've done two B2B and one B2B2B and have always been escorted on and off by a crew member. We always head back up to Lido Deck find a good spot to sit and just relax. It seems the Crew remembers us most of the time and always stops to talk. IMHO the best part is sitting on the Lido watching the first group board as they can't figure out who you are and HOW you got there before them! :D

 

We got some funny looks as well from the crew who were cleaning/preparing for the next cruise. Never said anything, just gave us funny looks.

[Cruzin 1025]

OKAY:

 

First - when you book B2B (I am assuming you are booking both through Carnival or a TA and not simply online with a website), they will know you are B2B and you will get VERY special treatment: We got a bottle of champagne in our room as a thank you for doing a B2B.

 

S&S Card: You will get the card for the first cruise only. When you disembark, you will get another card. All accounts are settled at the end of each cruise.

 

Disembarkation: You will receive a letter in your cabin telling you to sleep in the last day of your first cruise and be given a time and place to meet your Guest services rep. They will then ESCORT YOU through customs (you will leave your bags, etc. on board) and back on the ship prior to any other guests coming on board. Simple - off - customs - on again process.

Warning...make sure you eat something before you go thru customs as no food is available for the time between cruises. Also, on our cruise even though we went to the buffet before the listed closing time, there was only one line still open and even that they were trying to close. So you might want to head up a little early.

 

 

Cabin: If your cabin is available and you book it B2B no worries. If not, the cabin stewards will relocate your luggage for you to your new cabin.

 

Alcohol: They will deliver it to your cabin and you 'technically' can keep it for the next cruise. They do not treat B2B cruisers any differently in that respect. I had read this on many posts, but on our cruise last October they did NOT bring it to us. Not sure if our room steward just didn't like us, or what. However, anything you buy in the shops the last day they give to you to take to your room, so if you want to ensure you have something to enjoy on your second cruise, buy it that day.

 

I think I answered all of your questions - B2B cruising is SO COOL and they make sure your are whisked through between cruises...

 

WORD OF WARNING: Security did hover around me once I reboarded (at the lido bar hanging out with my buddy-bartenders I'd made last cruise) thinking I may be a stow-away and asked to see my S&S with the new sailing... I felt like a criminal! It was a blast!

 

EDIT: I missed your Miami question... YES - they allow you the option of getting off and spending time in port BUT - you will simply be treated like another passenger then when you want to check in for the next cruise... lol

 

A couple more comments above.

 

As for balconies, the Imagination still just has balconies in the suites. But the Evolutions of Fun upgrades are great! We love the Imagination as well (been on her 5 times) and every time we got off we'd say we should do a B2B next time. Finally did one, but by then the Destiny had taken over the Imagination's 4/5 day itineraries, so we did it on there.

[Avril]

Thanks for the info everyone!! :D It's all great to know and definatly will be helpful when my turn comes to do a B2B!! I love reading about B2Bs so keep the stories coming!! :D

I've heard that it's more of a party cruise (each one) when you do 2 shorter cruises (either 2 7 days or a 3 day with a 4 day) than if you do a 14 day cruise. :D That you'll get more of a party crowd on each cruise. Is this true?

Also, does the B2B count as 2 cruises towards your total cruise credits or only 1 because you're taking it all as one cruise, not 2 seperate cruises? Not that it matters for me, I only need 1 more to be Platinum,:D I was just wondering.

Do you get any special gifts/thank yous/services (spa, supper club, etc) in your cabin at the beginning of the 2nd cruise from Carnival to say Thank You for doing a B2B? Not looking for freebies here, just wondering (inquisitive minds need to know these things).

[Avril]

WORD OF WARNING: Security did hover around me once I reboarded (at the lido bar hanging out with my buddy-bartenders I'd made last cruise) thinking I may be a stow-away and asked to see my S&S with the new sailing... I felt like a criminal! It was a blast!

 

OMG, this would have totaly freaked me out, I would have gone crazy trying to grab all my documents and ID trying to prove that I really was supposed to be there!! :eek: I most likely would have had some sort of panic attack. It does sorta sound like fun though (in a wierd way)!! :D

[JRock59]

Thanks for the info everyone!! :D It's all great to know and definatly will be helpful when my turn comes to do a B2B!! I love reading about B2Bs so keep the stories coming!! :D

 

I've heard that it's more of a party cruise (each one) when you do 2 shorter cruises (either 2 7 days or a 3 day with a 4 day) than if you do a 14 day cruise. :D That you'll get more of a party crowd on each cruise. Is this true? IMHO 3&4 days are Party Cruises but the 5 day is a bit better. And again IMHO it depends where you sail out of we've done them from the Gulf Coast not so much party but from Miami oh yea it's a Party Cruise.

 

Also, does the B2B count as 2 cruises towards your total cruise credits or only 1 because you're taking it all as one cruise, not 2 seperate cruises? Not that it matters for me, I only need 1 more to be Platinum,:D I was just wondering. YUP, B2B is TWO as you have different booking numbers for each one........YEA!

 

Do you get any special gifts/thank yous/services (spa, supper club, etc) in your cabin at the beginning of the 2nd cruise from Carnival to say Thank You for doing a B2B? Not looking for freebies here, just wondering (inquisitive minds need to know these things). We have always recv'd a bottle of Champagne have read others recv'd fruit basket or Choc Covered Strawberries (which would be my choice as the Champ is not really my favorite)

 

 

Happy Sailing

[Cruzin 1025]

Yes, it counts as two cruises, and if you're Platinum, you'll get your platinum gifts on both cruises as well. So since DH and I are both Platinum, we got 4 picture frames! We had newbies cruising with us, so we gave them one set of our frames.:D

[uffdafla]

Avril, my take on b2b is that you can do the events that you missed on part one during part two. Generally I want to do two things that have overlapping time schedules. Then the laundry for two weeks? plan on doing some or sending it out.(perk for platinum)

[Synthetic]

Thanks for the info everyone!! :D It's all great to know and definatly will be helpful when my turn comes to do a B2B!! I love reading about B2Bs so keep the stories coming!! :D

I've heard that it's more of a party cruise (each one) when you do 2 shorter cruises (either 2 7 days or a 3 day with a 4 day) than if you do a 14 day cruise. :D That you'll get more of a party crowd on each cruise. Is this true?

Also, does the B2B count as 2 cruises towards your total cruise credits or only 1 because you're taking it all as one cruise, not 2 seperate cruises? Not that it matters for me, I only need 1 more to be Platinum,:D I was just wondering.

Do you get any special gifts/thank yous/services (spa, supper club, etc) in your cabin at the beginning of the 2nd cruise from Carnival to say Thank You for doing a B2B? Not looking for freebies here, just wondering (inquisitive minds need to know these things).

 

It is definitely more of a party cruise when you do B2B on 2 shorter ones. less families, more party... In general, at least.

B2B is perfect when you want to cruise twice and only pay to get to the port once... heh I am trying to plan another B2B this spring (3 and 4 day maybe)

[marshhawk]

Thanks everyone for answering her questions, this is something I have wanted to do, but had the same questions too.

[Poomah]

Woo Hoo! Can hardly wait - our first B2B is January 2011. Silly me never even gave a thought to "special treatment" as this will only be cruises #7 & #8. Working hard towards that Platinum rating.

 

Not looking for any perks - just blessed to be able to cruise. So looking forward to this.

[audekat]

OH! Now I want to do a B2B. I better start looking to figure out when I could do one...:D