Side by Side

[CruisingSoon88]

We have a side by side scheduled next month on the Horizon and the Magic. While we have done a back to back before, this will be our first side by side. I was just wondering if anyone had any nuggets of wisdom that they would like to share from experience. Our current plan is to get a higher luggage tag number and take our time getting off of the ship. Normally we self assist so it will be different not trying to get off the ship early. With no long drive ahead and just a short stroll to the parking lot to rearrange a few things in our luggage, no need to hurry off. Please let me know of any tips for packing or anything else that you may have learned. Thanks in advance!

[momof3cruisers]

We are doing a trip in Jan/Feb that has us getting off of one ship on Fri and on the next one on Sat with a night in Miami in between. It is my intention to wash our clothes the last day of the first cruise so that I can repack everything clean for the second portion of the trip.

 

Since you will have your car, consider leaving two extra bottles of wine in it if you plan to take some aboard with you.

[Von & John]

Not sure  which port you will be at.  A few years back - with our side by side - we had to transfer between Miami & Fort Lauderdale.  We rented a car for the day, had a fabulous drive - hit a couple of beaches & enjoyed lunch.  Stopped to restock champagne, dropped the luggage off, returned the rental, took the shuttle to the ship, checked in & strolled on.

[2Shoes2Go]

We did this last Oct/Nov.S2S2S Glory, Vista, Splendor. It’s not as easy as it sounds in Miami. Even docked bow to stern, it is somewhat challenging. Be prepared for some walking without sidewalks in some areas. We did have to wait outside until 1030 for entering the terminal; late debark will help.

We flew in, but, since you’re driving, plan where to park carefully. It may be quite a hike back to the car after the second leg.

We talked with the Guest Services Manager on each ship. Each was able to assist or give valuable information. One even bussed us around the block to the next ship.

We had a wonderful experience on each cruise, but not sure we’d try this again, at least in Miami. You should do great, as long as your physically good. Enjoy! We love b2bs.

[evandbob]

In Miami, Carnival ships are usually docked next to each other, so the most you may walk from one ship to another is about 1500 feet.  The less luggage you have, the easier it is for a reasonably fit person to walk from ship to ship in under 10 minutes (more likely 5).

 

Also, you can park opposite your original ship, but find out that the ship will return to a spot opposite a different garage.  I think "C" and "D" garages are opposite Carnival docks.  There is no way of knowing where your original ship will dock on its return.

 

If you have linked both cruises, you should get special instructions for debarking the 1st ship.  You may get to wait with the B2B's who are remaining on the 1st ship and debark when it's their turn through Customs.

 

Enjoy your cruise!

[S.S.Oceanlover]

Love the thought of back to back cruises. Hoping one day to be able to do at least one if not more.

 

I hope you enjoy yours!

 

Bill

[dezertcruzer]

I once did a side to side in Miami.  I got a taxi from the first ship, had it stop at the second ship to drop off my luggage, then had it take me to downtown Miami where I spent the day walking around, doing a little shopping, and lunching ay Bayside shopping center before I headed back.  I really enjoyed the day - stress-free and relaxing!

 

[CruisingSoon88]

Thanks so much everyone for the tips and suggestions. I would have never thought to tell guest services. Luckily, since we will be driving, we thought we would just walk back to our car and switch out some luggage and then move it if the 2nd ship is far away. We are excited to try this side to side. The Magic cruise was scheduled first as an Ultra cruise and then we received a cruise play repeat offer after we sailed on the Horizon last month. It was a good deal so we jumped at the chance to go back on her again. Anyway, thanks again for the responses.

[evandbob]

Are you on Nov 11 Magic Ultra sailing?  Might see you on board if you are, either at the M&G or in the casino.  Didn't see you on that roll call though.

[CruisingSoon88]

No we are on the Magic 25th cruise.

12 hours ago, evandbob said:

Are you on Nov 11 Magic Ultra sailing?  Might see you on board if you are, either at the M&G or in the casino.  Didn't see you on that roll call though.

 

[Garth2]

We did a side by side at Port Canaveral,  We linked our bookings.  The ships were docked bow to stern.  We were literally the last ones off the first ship and a Carnival rep escorted us to the second ship, where we had priority boarding so we didn't have to wait.

[coevan]

The thought of debarking twice, makes me cringe. Although 2 weeks of cruising is your bonus

[S.S.Oceanlover]

On 10/20/2018 at 10:58 PM, CruisingSoon88 said:

We have a side by side scheduled next month on the Horizon and the Magic. While we have done a back to back before, this will be our first side by side. I was just wondering if anyone had any nuggets of wisdom that they would like to share from experience. Our current plan is to get a higher luggage tag number and take our time getting off of the ship. Normally we self assist so it will be different not trying to get off the ship early. With no long drive ahead and just a short stroll to the parking lot to rearrange a few things in our luggage, no need to hurry off. Please let me know of any tips for packing or anything else that you may have learned. Thanks in advance!

no tips but just wanted to wish you smooth sailings on your back to back cruises.

 

Bill

[schazzy]

1 hour ago, coevan said:

The thought of debarking twice, makes me cringe. Although 2 weeks of cruising is your bonus

 

And embarking twice and 2 muster drills!