Back to Back (B to B) Tips???

[SPacificbound]

Dont forget that you do NOT need to do Muster on the second leg!

 

The cruise lines we have done consecutive cruises with you most definitely DO have to attend muster drill for each cruise.

 

Even with five consecutive cruises we were required to attend five muster drills.

 

It is careless to make a blank statement implying that safety drills won't be required after cruise one.

[Liz54]

OKay, You can all stand down. Four posts in a row correcting me is enough.

I do however stand by my statement that the situation is different on Princess!

Worth knowing in case someone doing a B2B Not on Celebrity but on Princess is reading the post.

[GottaKnowWhen]

Dont forget that you do NOT need to do Muster on the second leg!

 

You must be joking! And this is not a topic to joke about. I see from your sig that your only b2b was in 2012 which was around the time of the Costa Concordia fiasco so maybe you just don't know any better. Since then the industry has gotten more diligent about the muster drill. One, the ship doesn't sail until the drill is completed. The Concordia's drill was scheduled for the next day, but by then the captain had sunk the ship. And second, everybody needs to go through the process. Every time. If you do not show up, you will be found. If you decline to participate, you will be escorted off the ship. If you are on a line that does not enforce these simple policies, you should ask yourself what other safety-related short cuts they are taking.

[davekathy]

OKay, You can all stand down. Four posts in a row correcting me is enough.

I do however stand by my statement that the situation is different on Princess!

Worth knowing in case someone doing a B2B Not on Celebrity but on Princess is reading the post.

 

You're forgiven.

[Liz54]

Well, I am NOT kidding. I am an avid reader of the Yellow Fish Cruisers who do in excess of 100 days a year, and they do Muster only every few weeks - or possibly longer. They are almost invariably on Princess.

[MicCanberra]

With X and RCI, they need to scan your card at the muster station otherwise you will be summoned to do a special session.

[QShip]

Thanks, everyone, for all the information.

 

You are absolutely right that there does not seem to be a universal process on how B2B's are handled, sometimes even on the same cruise line. After reading some of these posts I went to the CC Celebrity forum and was able to get Celebrity specific information, though even there nothing is definite.

 

Would certainly advise anyone with a similar question to go to their specific cruise line, and probably even the specific ship, for the most accurate information. This method also has an unexpected bonus of disclosing B2B benefits that one will not find anywhere else, such as OBC, special meals and cocktail parties, etc., though they also seem to be hit and miss.

[vickie_bernie]

I really think it depends on the cruise line. I have done over 60 sailings with Princess with around 20 of them being back to backs in some way. I have done 3 in a row, 2 in a row and at no time was I required to attend the second muster drill.

 

The letter (copied verbatim) we received from the Purser's desk the night Prior to Turn around stated quite clearly under Frequently Asked Questions:

 

Am I required to attend the passenger safety drill in Fort Lauderdale?

 

No. It is required by law that you attend the drill in your original port of embarkation. Although it is not mandatory for you to attend the second drill, we do recommend that you attend.

 

The only time we were required to attend the drill was when we were on a 49 day sailing - after 30 days on board they stated we had to attend again.

 

Princess even announces when the call for the Muster that all passengers who joined the ship that day must attend. It is not uncommon to wander around in the public areas up on the top deck during our second sailing and see many other in transit passengers.

 

Again I think it really depends on what cruise line you are sailing. It appears other lines do it differently. And the one time I sailed RCL I was sitting in Muster and the couple beside us was on a back to back so I am guessing they had to attend.

[MicCanberra]

Thanks, everyone, for all the information.

 

You are absolutely right that there does not seem to be a universal process on how B2B's are handled, sometimes even on the same cruise line. After reading some of these posts I went to the CC Celebrity forum and was able to get Celebrity specific information, though even there nothing is definite.

 

Would certainly advise anyone with a similar question to go to their specific cruise line, and probably even the specific ship, for the most accurate information. This method also has an unexpected bonus of disclosing B2B benefits that one will not find anywhere else, such as OBC, special meals and cocktail parties, etc., though they also seem to be hit and miss.

 

Yes, X have often provided a voucher for a HOHO bus or other type transfers while in port and a free lunch when back on board in a specialty restaurant (Bistro on 5) for B2B passengers.

[4x4bob]

Next may we are doing a different B2B. First leg is 1 day long, second leg is 7 day's long. We are staying in the same cabin.

 

We are wondering what will overlap and what will fall through the crack.

 

Since we are very flexable, we will go with the flow and keep moving forward.

 

Bob

[davekathy]

Next may we are doing a different B2B. First leg is 1 day long, second leg is 7 day's long. We are staying in the same cabin.

 

We are wondering what will overlap and what will fall through the crack.

 

Since we are very flexable, we will go with the flow and keep moving forward.

 

Bob

 

What Cruise line, ship and turn around port? As you must have read on this thread there are somethings that are different between the different Cruise lines and ports.

[flyingv4me]

My wife and I love B2B's and have been able to snag the same cabin for both legs both times.

 

I can think of only one possible negative if you stay in the same cabin. If your steward is marginal, you could be stuck for two weeks! We've had amazing stewards, but I do wonder what we'd do if he/she wasn't very good. ;)

[MicCanberra]

Have never had an issue with room stewards whether changing rooms or staying in the same room.:D

[davekathy]

My wife and I love B2B's and have been able to snag the same cabin for both legs both times.

 

I can think of only one possible negative if you stay in the same cabin. If your steward is marginal, you could be stuck for two weeks! We've had amazing stewards, but I do wonder what we'd do if he/she wasn't very good. ;)

 

I know what we would do. We would talk with him/her about our concerns. If that didn't work next trip would be to GS to speak with whoever is in charge of the cabin stewards. However we have always been pleased with the cabin stewards that work hard to make our Cruises enjoyable. Compared to some cabins we've walked by we spoil our cabin stewards if you know what I mean.

[4x4bob]

What Cruise line, ship and turn around port? As you must have read on this thread there are somethings that are different between the different Cruise lines and ports.

 

PRINCESS, The Star Princess. We board in Vancouver and sail down to Seattle on first leg. The second leg is from Seattle to Alaska back to Seattle.

 

Bob

[davekathy]

PRINCESS, The Star Princess. We board in Vancouver and sail down to Seattle on first leg. The second leg is from Seattle to Alaska back to Seattle.

 

Bob

 

IMO having the same cabin for the both legs of your B2B Cruise is a huge plus. Generally a couple of days before the first leg is over (not sure how that would work for you doing a one day Cruise)you will receive info/procedures in your stateroom concerning the second leg. The Cruise lines do a very good job of organizing the B2Bers and explaining everything in detail of what they will need to bring on Turn Around Day and where to meet. The whole process works really well if all B2Bers show up on time and have everything they were instructed to bring. Just for an FYI for the cabin steward we also let her/him know we are doing a B2B Cruise and staying in the same cabin. As a couple of Princess Cruisers have posted you will not have to the muster drill for the second leg of your Cruise. It also states that on the Princess website. Not sure what your dining plans are but if you are doing Traditional Dining you will most likely have a new table assignment for the second leg. A couple of times we've asked to be seated at the same table for the second leg and our request was honored. The wait staff generally will change for each leg. A B2B Cruise is considered two different Cruises.

Edited December 8, 2016 by davekathy

[QShip]

Just to hit all the bases I might as well ask the obligatory alcohol question: (I expect the answer once again will be cruise line specific.)

 

Celebrity allows one to bring 2 bottles of wine onboard at initial embarkation. Will that allow another 2 bottles onboard for the second leg embarkation out of Seward?

 

What do other lines do?

[GottaKnowWhen]

...I might as well ask the obligatory alcohol question: (I expect the answer once again will be cruise line specific.)

 

Celebrity allows one to bring 2 bottles of wine onboard at initial embarkation. Will that allow another 2 bottles onboard for the second leg embarkation out of Seward?...

 

Yes. When we went ashore in Vancouver at the end of our 1st leg on Millennium, we asked the security supervisor at the exit whether we would be allowed to bring two bottles back aboard with us for the 2nd leg. He went off and did a consultation with an officer, returned and said OK. When we re-boarded with the 2 wines in a shopping bag, I said we were told it was ok, they said "no problem." And this is as it should be since they treat each leg of a b2b as a separate cruise in every other way, e.g. with respect to OBC, on-board accounts, Captain's Club points, etc. etc.

[4x4bob]

IMO having the same cabin for the both legs of your B2B Cruise is a huge plus. Generally a couple of days before the first leg is over (not sure how that would work for you doing a one day Cruise)you will receive info/procedures in your stateroom concerning the second leg. The Cruise lines do a very good job of organizing the B2Bers and explaining everything in detail of what they will need to bring on Turn Around Day and where to meet. The whole process works really well if all B2Bers show up on time and have everything they were instructed to bring. Just for an FYI for the cabin steward we also let her/him know we are doing a B2B Cruise and staying in the same cabin. As a couple of Princess Cruisers have posted you will not have to the muster drill for the second leg of your Cruise. It also states that on the Princess website. Not sure what your dining plans are but if you are doing Traditional Dining you will most likely have a new table assignment for the second leg. A couple of times we've asked to be seated at the same table for the second leg and our request was honored. The wait staff generally will change for each leg. A B2B Cruise is considered two different Cruises.

 

Thanks for the info on advising the room steward that we will be staying in the Cabin. He/She might not be informed of this since it is not really normal.

 

We already have been informed that we will have to go to Any Time Dining the first leg, and then we will have Traditional Dining the second leg.

 

And, we will be watching to make sure we get our In Transit card in our Cabin that night. On other cruises things did not show up and we had to go looking for what we did not receive.

 

Any way, it will be an adventure.

 

Bob

[MicCanberra]

Just to hit all the bases I might as well ask the obligatory alcohol question: (I expect the answer once again will be cruise line specific.)

 

Celebrity allows one to bring 2 bottles of wine onboard at initial embarkation. Will that allow another 2 bottles onboard for the second leg embarkation out of Seward?

 

What do other lines do?

 

Yes, that is allowed on X, Royal and Princess. Other lines may allow it as well.

[davekathy]

Thanks for the info on advising the room steward that we will be staying in the Cabin. He/She might not be informed of this since it is not really normal.

 

We already have been informed that we will have to go to Any Time Dining the first leg, and then we will have Traditional Dining the second leg.

 

And, we will be watching to make sure we get our In Transit card in our Cabin that night. On other cruises things did not show up and we had to go looking for what we did not receive.

 

Any way, it will be an adventure.

 

Bob

 

Your welcome.

[Robjame]

Difference between a Canadian and a canoe? A canoe tips.

I hate the whole concept of tipping and much prefer the customs in Australia and France among other countries.

 

HOWEVER the expectation and the mandatory nature of cruise tipping has been established. As such, with b2b cruises or any longer cruise for that matter, are there advantages to slipping your room stewards a little somethin' - somethin' BEFORE the first leg starts?

 

... and if so, how much? $20 ? $50 ?

 

BTW - Canadian here so don't get upset.

[GottaKnowWhen]

Difference between a Canadian and a canoe? A canoe tips.

I hate the whole concept of tipping and much prefer the customs in Australia and France among other countries.

 

HOWEVER the expectation and the mandatory nature of cruise tipping has been established. As such, with b2b cruises or any longer cruise for that matter, are there advantages to slipping your room stewards a little somethin' - somethin' BEFORE the first leg starts?

 

... and if so, how much? $20 ? $50 ?

 

BTW - Canadian here so don't get upset.

Just because you are Canadian does not mean that you are required to apologize! ;)

I can't say honestly if there is an advantage to early tipping as I have never done that. However, what seems fair and reasonable to me is: a. Whenever there is good service above and beyond normal expectations, a small tip. b. At the end of the week, a thank-you tip for good cheerful prompt service throughout the week; if he/she has made your week more pleasant, they deserve at least a small thank you.

[paul929207]

Difference between a Canadian and a canoe? A canoe tips.

I hate the whole concept of tipping and much prefer the customs in Australia and France among other countries.

 

HOWEVER the expectation and the mandatory nature of cruise tipping has been established. As such, with b2b cruises or any longer cruise for that matter, are there advantages to slipping your room stewards a little somethin' - somethin' BEFORE the first leg starts?

 

... and if so, how much? $20 ? $50 ?

 

BTW - Canadian here so don't get upset.

I never "pre" tip and always get excellent service

[Bonnie J.]

For our B2B I took two bottles and my husband took two. He was in front of me and when he was questioned I said B2B- no problem.

 

You can ask to go on the waitlist for traditional dining on your 1st cruise. The time you can make dining changes, etc. will be posted in the ship's daily news or ask at Guest Services. It's usually 1 or 1:30 in one of the dining rooms. We had two couples who wanted any time but got sent to traditional. By the 2nd night they had gotten what they wanted so you may be able to get traditional that way. Then ask the Maitre'd for the same table the next week if you are happy with it the 1st week.

 

We never tip before the last night/day. We tip extra (cash) if something extra is done for us or room steward/waiter have been really great.