Experience with Transatlantic B2B?

[smoothsailors]

Looking for input, please: We've booked on the Eurodam March 30th 23-night Passage to Italy in an SA and now realize that this is actually a 14-night transatlantic combined with a 9-night Greek Isle cruise. We love the itinerary, especially since the port-intensive segment comes after the relaxing crossing. However, our only previous long transatlantic was one where everyone was along for the entire cruise.

 

Wondering what percentage of passengers will switch out after the first 2 weeks? We've reserved traditional late seating and requested a table for 8...would they try to seat us with others on for the whole trip?

 

One of the attractions of this itinerary was that it will include Passover, Easter Sunday & the Greek Orthodox Easter, which in 2014 fall on the same day. We've had wonderful Seders with HAL in the past and thought it would be fascinating to be in Athens the day before Easter amidst all the preparations. However, realizing now that this is a B2B, with the second portion RT from Rome, should we expect a large influx of Europeans on a holiday cruise at the turn-over? Probably more children? (Although with all the port days that wouldn't matter as we'd be touring...hopefully, weather cooperating, we can enjoy the pools and facilities in relative quiet during the TA portion!)

 

One place we may notice a difference, tho, is in the Neptune Lounge as there is a changed atmosphere when the suites are occupied by adults vs families. One reason why, despite great last-minute offers here in Florida, we no longer cruise during school-vacation times!

 

Any comments from those who've taken similar TA/B2B would be appreciated! Thanks!!!

[Vict0riann]

On our 23-night Passage to Italy on the Eurodam in April, about 600 people stayed on for the entire Collector's Cruise. For the second portion, it seemed to be a lot of Australians boarded for the next two legs. As far as Easter, this year it was earlier, so I don't know what would happen We did have some young people on board, and a few younger children, all very well behaved. We had open seating at dinner, so I'm not sure how they would work fixed seating - perhaps put you with others who were staying on? You could ask HAL, they must have a plan!

 

We enjoyed this cruise (have done it twice), I'm sure you will, too.

[smoothsailors]

:) Thanks so much for the prompt reply! Sounds like you had a happy mix on your cruise last year...would be happy with a third of the passengers signed on for the whole length of ours!