our first B2B...I have ?s

[Sparky2]

[quote name='Vmalcolm']Just did b2b on Dream in May. We had to switch cabins which was not a big deal. Since we had purchased a lot of liquor on the first leg we decided it would be easier to take it off at the end of that leg and put it in the car (without having to cart luggage too). This caused us numerous problems.

First, our liquor was not delivered as we were doing b2b. No big deal, we went to guest services and explained what we were doing and they eventually delivered it.

Next morning we went to guest services and got our new cards and proceeded off with the in transit cards they gave us. Went to car, stashed stuff, and returned. No one knew what to do with us. After sitting us in a couple of places we were finally put in VIP lounge (we both are platinum). We had to wait with everyone to board, [B][U]in transit pass was worthless[/U][/B]. Fine...

We got to point to insert card for pictures, cards were invalid. We were given guest badges and told to get on. They had us sit in the lobby on the ship till someone from guest services could come and get us. Eventually they came, took us to the desk, and after standing there for awhile, they told us the new information was not in the system and we'd have to come back after 12:30 to get cards. Huh? How could the information not be in yet as all of the new passengers were already getting on.

They told us we could just go to our room. Nice, but no keys as no card. They said our room steward should be around in the hall. Off we went. No room steward to be found. After searching the hall we finally found someone who found him for us. Didn't want to let us in as we had no cards. Finally convinced him by identifying our luggage.

Great, in the room, unpacked. We are stuck. Both of us couldn't leave at one time.

Finally at 12:30 we got our new cards.

We did not get fruit and wine gift. Our points in casino didn't carry over even though we asked. Got a letter thanking us for doing b2b, that was it.

When we went to debark at first port, our cards wouldn't work as there was no photo associated with it. While we held up all the folks in line they tried to take our pictures for about 5 minutes. Eventually it worked and we had no further problems.

Not huge problems, but thought I'd post our experience with our b2b.

Valerie[/quote]

Wow. Glad we never do "in transit". I think that is for those who are spending a few hours off the ship in the home port.

You might not have gotten the fruit & wine gift because of changing rooms. That should not happen, though.

I've never heard of the casino points carrying over to the 2nd leg of B2B.

We received a bottle of champagne with our fruit basket. I took it to the MDR and the hostess exchanged it for white wine. I then had it in the MDR for a couple of dinners.

[Sparky2]

[quote=Cruisin'Doc;38565756]This is great! It looks as though you were on the Conquest, and we are doing a B2B on the Conquest in July. I have a couple of questions, if you do not mind.
1) What time/where did you meet to be escorted to customs?
2) Did you have to wait in the terminal to reboard, or did you just hand in your customs form and reboard?
Thanks![/quote]

We met in the atrium around 9:30 or 10. They took our old S&S cards so I don't have them for my file. We were given new cards, taken off ship & through customs, & back on the ship. They were not ready for us to get photos taken (for our S & S card) so we went to our cabin for a few minutes. Then up to lido for lunch. After lunch we went to lobby & had our photo taken for our card.

[Sparky2]

[quote name='kyo413']I have a few more questions for seasoned B2Bers.

1) The permissible bottle of wine that we can bring in carry on... can we bring two? Do we just pack the second and get it back that last night?

2) Doing B2B with younger kids- the last (and only time they have cruised) cruise that they went on, we did the YTD, as it made more sense. However, we prefer set dining times- we enjoy getting to know table mates, and moreso, getting to know the wait staff. What do others do when on a B2B? One early, one late (we prefer late, but that is LATE for our 9 and 5 year old, especially if Camp Carnival has something going on. But we are not early eaters, even in everyday life). So what do you think? [B][U]YTD/early/late/combo[/U][/B]? We were not the biggest fans of YTD, but currently have it booked for both, as it has the most flexibility.

3) Kind of a silly question.... for elegant night, do you wear the same thing both cruises? My thinking is that I would never do that on a sailing with 2 elegant nights, but what are the chances of anyone (other than us) knowing the difference on a B2B, and it may increase our chances of getting good formal pictures, and none of our friends/family would know they are from 2 different nights ;). Thoughts?[/quote]

#1 - Have your boarding docs with you for the 2nd leg so that you can take an addition bottle of wine with you. I've never done that, but I've read on CC that people are allowed the 2nd bottle PP as long as they show they're on a B2B.

#2 - You either have YTD, early, or late. You cannot have "combo".

#3 - I bring black dress slacks & 2 fancy tops. Nobody will even know you wore them the previous week.

On our 2013 B2B, there were 80 of us doing B2B - probably to get grandfathered in to Platinum with just 10 cruises. On our 2010 B2B, there were only about 10 of us.

I don't expect to have as many doing B2B on our 2014 cruises.

[kyo413]

[quote name='Sparky2']#1 - Have your boarding docs with you for the 2nd leg so that you can take an addition bottle of wine with you. I've never done that, but I've read on CC that people are allowed the 2nd bottle PP as long as they show they're on a B2B.

#2 - You either have YTD, early, or late. You cannot have "combo".

#3 - I bring black dress slacks & 2 fancy tops. Nobody will even know you wore them the previous week.

On our 2013 B2B, there were 80 of us doing B2B - probably to get grandfathered in to Platinum with just 10 cruises. On our 2010 B2B, there were only about 10 of us.

I don't expect to have as many doing B2B on our 2014 cruises.[/QUOTE]

Sorry, I should have phrased the YTD question differently. I am well aware that I can't mix and match within a sailing. What I was asking, was for opinions, giving the ages of my kids, but the fact that we prefer set dining times (late, to be specific, but that's when it is just adults). So, I was wondering what others would do in my situation- do ALL YTD, ALL early, ALL late, or a combo (as in Early one sailing, late the next. Or YTD one sailing, a dining time the next. Etc)

[big_duck]

[quote name='kyo413']Sorry, I should have phrased the YTD question differently. I am well aware that I can't mix and match within a sailing. What I was asking, was for opinions, giving the ages of my kids, but the fact that we prefer set dining times (late, to be specific, but that's when it is just adults). So, I was wondering what others would do in my situation- do ALL YTD, ALL early, ALL late, or a combo (as in Early one sailing, late the next. Or YTD one sailing, a dining time the next. Etc)[/QUOTE]

I'd book YTD for both.

If you find it isn't working out on the first leg you could talk to the Maitre d' and have it switched for the second.

I say book YTD because it is the hardest to get.

[kyo413]

[quote name='big_duck']I'd book YTD for both.

If you find it isn't working out on the first leg you could talk to the Maitre d' and have it switched for the second.

I say book YTD because it is the hardest to get.[/QUOTE]

Thank you! That is what we currently have. I guess I am second guessing it, as I really didn't care for it when we did it last November, and I have had such wonderful experiences with dining times. Great service, every time, and the waitstaff gets to know you- which I enjoy. I have also made some very close friends, that began as table mates (one from my very first cruise just came to visit us last week!). So from those aspects, I felt like we were "missing something" with YTD. However, I realize logistically, with kids, it makes more sense.

(But then I have this nagging in the back of my mind reminding me that my boys requested to go to Camp Carnival as soon as it opened for the evening, and wanted to eat in the Lido vs. in MDR with us, 1/2 of the nights. By no means would I allow that every night, but I think it's fine some of the time- it is their vacation too!)

[Quilting_Cruiser]

[quote name='kyo413']Thank you! That is what we currently have. I guess I am second guessing it, as I really didn't care for it when we did it last November, and I have had such wonderful experiences with dining times. Great service, every time, and the waitstaff gets to know you- which I enjoy. I have also made some very close friends, that began as table mates (one from my very first cruise just came to visit us last week!). So from those aspects, I felt like we were "missing something" with YTD. However, I realize logistically, with kids, it makes more sense.

(But then I have this nagging in the back of my mind reminding me that my boys requested to go to Camp Carnival as soon as it opened for the evening, and wanted to eat in the Lido vs. in MDR with us, 1/2 of the nights. By no means would I allow that every night, but I think it's fine some of the time- it is their vacation too!)[/quote]


You can still have some of that with YTD. We've done it the last four cruises, I believe, and have found a wait staff we like the first or second night. We've then requested them every evening. It's really been no different than set dining except we can go when we want. We've experienced the same level of service--part of that could be because we've requested the same staff. I think they appreciate it when you ask for them as it communicates to them that you like their service. :D

[kyo413]

[quote name='Quilting_Cruiser']You can still have some of that with YTD. We've done it the last four cruises, I believe, and have found a wait staff we like the first or second night. We've then requested them every evening. It's really been no different than set dining except we can go when we want. We've experienced the same level of service--part of that could be because we've requested the same staff. I think they appreciate it when you ask for them as it communicates to them that you like their service. :D[/QUOTE]

Did requesting the same staff increase your wait time. There would be no way to know if they have tables open in their section, when we decided to go. Were you sat with the same people ever?

[Quilting_Cruiser]

[quote name='kyo413']Did requesting the same staff increase your wait time. There would be no way to know if they have tables open in their section, when we decided to go. Were you sat with the same people ever?[/quote]


In the four times we've done YTD, we've waited only once--for about 10 minutes. That was on an elegant night.

We always requested a table for two, so never sat with others. On Spirit-class, that put us with an aisle between us and the nearest table. On the Inspiration, we were a few inches from the table next to us. I'm very outgoing, DD is very shy. So, I didn't engage the people at the table next to us, but if they talked to us then we chatted during dinner. If they didn't we respected their privacy. It was always a different couple seated next to us, so we met quite a few people. But, you're right, it's nothing like set dining where you're dining with the same people every evening.

[Cruisin'Doc]

[quote name='kyo413']Did requesting the same staff increase your wait time. There would be no way to know if they have tables open in their section, when we decided to go. Were you sat with the same people ever?[/quote]

We do ATD, and generally go at the same time (when they open). We always request the same waitstaff, and since we are there early, we get them, and we get the same table. I have found since we are sitting at the same table, it is actually fairly common to have, even though we are at a table for two, the same people around us on a nightly basis - because they are doing the same thing! :D

[Sh1035]

Just did b2b on the fascination in May. Rule number one never leave the ship in between legs that's like leaving front row seats at a concert to go stand in line again???? I had 20 folks coming on board and told them see you on the ship!

We were told to arrive at guest services at 9:30' we sat around until the ship was empty about an hour after. A very smart couple sat In thier room until they got a call. Basically,they gathered all of our customs forms, handed us our new cards, walked us down for a pic, then let us go.

At some point go to guest services and ensure they know you are on the next cruise as well. I thought I had let everyone know but last day had the debark info. So had to go stand in line again.

Also, first thing go to the Mongolian wok at 12, it might be you only chance without a long line!

[Ladydarcy1]

I am so glad I found this thread. My folks and I are doing our first ever back to back on the Dream 9/21 and 9/28. All the tips people have had here have been most helpful. I even started a running list of the ones I want to make sure I do not forget on my tablet!

[dulcimergirl]

[quote=Cruisin'Doc;38565779]Dulcimergirl - re: #6 - do you mean the drinks 'On Us' card? If so, do you mean tell the casino manager (or is a host ok to tell?) while you're on the first leg, and when the casino opens on the second leg, you will get the card as soon as it opens?

Just wanting to clarify :)[/quote]
Yep, thats exactly what happened on my B2B Fantasy cruise last December. Was great to not have to get all those points again.
Your welcome!

[Almost Packed]

WOW EVERYONE!!!! THANKS SO MUCH FOR THE GREAT INFO!

There are a few different experiences I have read. The agent I spoke to on the phone told me I would not have to debark the ship. Seems like I can possibly expect different circumstances at different ports.

Thanks for the warning about the laundry. I really don't want anything of mine ruined lol...

There are some really great tips in here...thanks everyone!

[JWGrayson]

[quote name='kyo413']Sorry, I should have phrased the YTD question differently. I am well aware that I can't mix and match within a sailing. What I was asking, was for opinions, giving the ages of my kids, but the fact that we prefer set dining times (late, to be specific, but that's when it is just adults). So, I was wondering what others would do in my situation- do ALL YTD, ALL early, ALL late, or a combo (as in Early one sailing, late the next. Or YTD one sailing, a dining time the next. Etc)[/quote]

We only book B2B, or B2B2B cruises and use YTD. We go early most days unless we are in port and have not made it back. We usually go to dinner with cruise friends and have no trouble getting a table. If we find a waitstaff we like, we have been able to ask for them. If you use YTD and go later, this may not work as their section may be full. The only time YTD is an issue is Elegant night, on those nights you will likely have a line waiting to get a table.

You really need to look at your plans. How port extensive is your cruise? Will you always be back on board in time for early dinning? If so, then ask for Early Dinning, if not, then YTD is the better option. John

[JWGrayson]

[quote name='Almost Packed']...There are a few different experiences I have read. The agent I spoke to on the phone told me I would not have to debark the ship. Seems like I can possibly expect different circumstances at different ports.

Thanks for the warning about the laundry. I really don't want anything of mine ruined lol...

There are some really great tips in here...thanks everyone![/quote]

It is funny how you can ask 3 people these questions and get 3 totally different answers. One reason is that what happens on a B2B transition changes depending on the port and ship. If at an American port, Customs requires the ship to be "zero'ed" out. Thus, you must be escorted off the ship, through customs and back on the ship. When transitioning in a foreign port, they may give you your new S&S card the night before allowing you to come and go as you please on transition day.

The number of B2B'ers also makes a big difference. On the typical Caribbean cruise there are few, if any, B2B'ers. So, we have gotten special treatment. But, we have been on cruises with over a 1,000 B2B'ers. This is a headache for the ship as most are Platinum or Diamond and are demanding.

If you keep the same cabin on a B2B trip, you don't have to do anything. No packing, NADA! If you are changing cabins, it depends on how many B2B'ers there are. With only a few of us, we pack the loose stuff and the steward moves the packed bag and hanging clothes. With a large group changing rooms we have had to pack everything and are given a special luggage tag with our new cabin number.

So, things can change from ship to ship and port to port. Just remember to be flexible and patient. John

[Anyislandwilldo]

For those who chose to keep the champange, is it a dry champange or sweet and fruity champange? This will determine if I trade in for a bottle of wine. Thanks.

[JWGrayson]

[quote name='Anyislandwilldo']For those who chose to keep the champange, is it a dry champange or sweet and fruity champange? This will determine if I trade in for a bottle of wine. Thanks.[/quote]

The Sparkling Wine we have been given on Carnival ships has been labeled [B]Brut[/B] and by definition it is dry. We enjoyed it! John

[Elaine5715]

[quote name='Anyislandwilldo']For those who chose to keep the champange, is it a dry champange or sweet and fruity champange? This will determine if I trade in for a bottle of wine. Thanks.[/quote]

I liked it also. On the Imagination they would not exchange it for wine unless I wanted to pay the up charge.

[Sparky2]

[quote name='Elaine5715']I liked it also. On the Imagination they would not exchange it for wine unless I wanted to pay the up charge.[/quote]

Hope that doesn't happen to us on our next B2B in 2014. My SO does not drink, and it was nice getting white wine rather than having the champagne go flat if I tried to extend it over a couple of days.

Do you happen to know what the upcharge would have been?

[Sparky2]

[quote name='Elaine5715']I liked it also. On the Imagination they would not exchange it for wine unless I wanted to pay the up charge.[/quote]

I have mentioned on many B2B posts about changing my champagne for white wine. Guess I should have kept my mouth shut. Many too many were asking for a change.

I do like champagne but do not want it to go flat. We request a table for 2 so don't have any tablemates to share it with.

[Noel182002]

I was wondering if they would let me bring on four bottles of wine(me and my husband) so I guess if I print out my boarding passes for both and show them they should be okay with it....I mean I'm being forward with them and not trying to smuggle so I would think they would be okay with it......

[Elaine5715]

[quote name='sparky2']hope that doesn't happen to us on our next b2b in 2014. My so does not drink, and it was nice getting white wine rather than having the champagne go flat if i tried to extend it over a couple of days.

Do you happen to know what the upcharge would have been?[/quote]


$10

[Seago2]

Silly question: what sparkling wine/champagne are you guys speaking of?

[Almost Packed]

[quote name='JWGrayson']It is funny how you can ask 3 people these questions and get 3 totally different answers. One reason is that what happens on a B2B transition changes depending on the port and ship. If at an American port, Customs requires the ship to be "zero'ed" out. Thus, you must be escorted off the ship, through customs and back on the ship. When transitioning in a foreign port, they may give you your new S&S card the night before allowing you to come and go as you please on transition day.

The number of B2B'ers also makes a big difference. On the typical Caribbean cruise there are few, if any, B2B'ers. So, we have gotten special treatment. But, we have been on cruises with over a 1,000 B2B'ers. This is a headache for the ship as most are Platinum or Diamond and are demanding.

If you keep the same cabin on a B2B trip, you don't have to do anything. No packing, NADA! If you are changing cabins, it depends on how many B2B'ers there are. With only a few of us, we pack the loose stuff and the steward moves the packed bag and hanging clothes. With a large group changing rooms we have had to pack everything and are given a special luggage tag with our new cabin number.

So, things can change from ship to ship and port to port. Just remember to be flexible and patient. John[/quote]


Great info! Thank you.