How many of you've done b2b and your thoughts

[Sparky2]

That was on my bucket list and we did it twice in 2014! I loved it! We booked while onboard last year and got some great prices. We had to change rooms but it was so easy, you have to pack up your stuff but the room steward moves it for you. Then after everyone else is off the ship, you get escorted off, through immigration and then right back on the ship while every one else waiting to get on is watching! It was so much fun. When we came back they took a picture of the group and gave it to us for free and had a free drink! AAnd then you can go to your new room!

 

My next goal is to do a B2B and stay in the same room!

 

I would do it again! We did eastern and western, then then did Aruba/Curacao 8 days and a 5 day Bahamas. I love Half Moon Cay!

 

Fortunately, we've always been able to stay in the same cabin. It makes it so much easier.

[cruiser fanatic]

We did a B2B in April on the Valor, 5 day followed by an 8 day. Try to make sure that you do different ports. The 5 day went to Freeport, Nassau, and Half Moon Cay and the 8 day went to Aruba, Bonaire, and Grand Turk. I would do it again. At the end of the first cruise, you go to Guest Services, they will escort you through Customs and take you right back on. We had the ship to ourselves for about 45 minutes. It is a great time to take ship pictures when there is nobody there. They let us order a free drink at the atrium bar and we got a fruit basket in our room. You also take a picture with the other guests doing a B2B and they deliver it to your room.

Edited December 28, 2015 by cruiser fanatic

[crooooze]

We've done B2B twice - on the Dream and on the Freedom. We'd definitely do it again. As other's have said, it makes sense to do it where the itinerary is different from week to week. The first time, we switched rooms between the two sailings. That really was a pain in the rear. One of the best parts is the last night of the first sailing. It's great to mosey around the ship taking in all the activities, while everyone else is in depression, packing up all their stuff. Then, the next day is so quiet and peaceful, as you virtually have the ship to yourself, before they onboard the next set of passengers.

[cruisetobeaches]

We've done one S2S and several B2B, with another coming up next month. Love it! We always make sure we have the same cabin so we don't have to pack anything up.

 

On the second week, the crew will know you better and can be real fun, especially the bar waiters.

 

We have also been able to keep the same MDR table and wait staff for both weeks.

[afcruiser]

We're getting ready to book our first B2B on Magic next Nov..

A 5 day then an 8 day.

Soo excited.

 

So if we were to purchase booze the first leg. Would we pick it up morning of debark or will they know we have a B2B booked.?

 

Thanks.

[NOSaints1]

Does the entertainment and food differ or is it the same?

[jmcancruise]

We have done a couple of b2b cruises. Had a couple more booked, but they didn't quite work out, once because of a broken arm, once because of an engine fire. One had a repeat itinerary. We loved it because it provides us with a more relaxing cruise. We weren't pressured to squeeze everything in to one week.

 

I highly recommend them. Traveling from a great distance they provide more bang for your buck.

[NOSaints1]

We have to travel from Ontario

[DarthGrady]

So never done one, but just wondering how many have you done one, your thoughts, what ship did you do it on, do they do anything for you special and how it all works and where did you go?

Several years ago, a b2b on Inspiration when she was in Tampa. It was interesting/bizarre to stay onboard during the changeover. We never debarked the ship, Customs just checked us in one of the lounges with the non-US citizens and GR gave us new cards. The ship was totally empty for about 45 minutes and the crew disappeared for awhile, so it was just us roaming a strangely empty ship. Very fun, had a great time.

 

It was supposed to be a Grand Cayman and Cozumel five night and a Cozumel four night. GC got cancelled so we just went back and forth to Cozumel twice.

[CaCanCop]

We did a B2B on the Imagination last February. It was a 4 day and 3 day together. One Catalina day and 2 Ensenada days. We loved it!! Just walked around Avalon and did an excursion on first trip to Ensenada. My wife and I love just being on a cruise so ports are not that important. We booked OV guarantee and were given the same cabin for both halves so we didn't have to move. It was an awesome time during the turnaround day. We waited at Atrium bar for everyone to get off the ship. They then took our picture and escorted us through customs and back on before anyone else could board. We were then given a drink of our choice and set free on board.

 

We are now getting ready for another B2B on the Imagination the end of January. It is two 4 day cruises b2b. We chose a cabin to stay in for both halves. We may only get off the ship during first half.

 

So if you love cruising and live on the west coast, B2B on the Imagination is the way to go!!!

[cruisetobeaches]

We're getting ready to book our first B2B on Magic next Nov..

A 5 day then an 8 day.

Soo excited.

 

So if we were to purchase booze the first leg. Would we pick it up morning of debark or will they know we have a B2B booked.?

 

Thanks.

 

They will know you have a B2B. Gone are the days where you could enjoy that first week's purchase the second week!

[SadieN]

We have to travel from Ontario

 

So do I! But my Ontario is only an hour from Long Beach.:D

 

Answering your question about a longer cruise or two shorter ones--- Rather do a longer on, just because turn around day is almost a 'lost day'.

[crooooze]

Does the entertainment and food differ or is it the same?

 

 

When we did it, the entertainment and food were the same.

[DaytonCruiser]

Does the entertainment and food differ or is it the same?

 

The flyon performers can change, so maybe a different set of comedians, magician or whatever other flyon entertainers they have booked.

 

The food would remain the same unless you do a longer cruise,then you would see one different menu.

Food wise its nice to try different things each week.

[NOSaints1]

Do you prefer big or smaller ships and what kind of staterooms do you like the best for b2b?

[TDCRose]

We have done b2b on the Valor, Liberty, Freedom and the Glory. We are booked on a b2b on the Breeze in Jan. After our first b2b we really do not want to go back to just one week. We stay in the same cabin each time and enjoy unpacking for 14 days. The first day of the second leg is somewhat a down day as not everything is open as they prepare for the new cruisers boarding-but it is a relaxing. If we miss a show the first week, we take it in the next week. Enjoy trying different entrees in the MDR as well. Have a great trip!

[NOSaints1]

We were on the Valor last November, nice ship poor layout

[afcruiser]

[quote name='cruisetobeaches']They will know you have a B2B. Gone are the days where you could enjoy that first week's purchase the second week![/QUOTE]

Just concerned if we purchased on an island that it would still be available for pick up the last day of the 2nd leg.

We like to try new cocktails back home. Always more fun when purchases on vacation, stuff you can't get back home.

Thanks.

[NOSaints1]

Your favourite ship for good food, entertainment, service and layout

[grandmacani]

We did b2b on the Sunshine from Venice to Barcelona. Barcelona to New Orleans 2013. Doing Vista October from Athens to Barcelona, Barcelona to New York 2016. I like only flying one way.

[NOSaints1]

Do you book a b2b on a ship before or sometimes do a b2b on a ship you've never gone on before?

[tandemcruzr]

[quote name='NOSaints1']Do you book a b2b on a ship before or sometimes do a b2b on a ship you've never gone on before?[/quote]

Our Sunshine B2B was the first time on that ship. Also true for the Valor. Our upcoming B2Bs on the Magic and Vista will also be our first time on either of these ships as well. Edited December 30, 2015 by tandemcruzr

[CruiseScrooge]

i've done them but only on the fascination with carnival and love them. if you don't have to go down to customs even better.

[SadieN]

[quote name='NOSaints1']Do you book a b2b on a ship before or sometimes do a b2b on a ship you've never gone on before?[/QUOTE]


Both.

First one was because we were flying and were able to go to different ports. Second one was on a ship we've been on before and been to the one port too many times to count.

[NOSaints1]

Your thoughts on Dream/Magic but my only concern is Carnival is in US and we live in Canada.