Who's done a b2b?

[sandseeker3]

I'm booked on my first back to back and looking for tips from anyone who has done one before.  What happens between the two cruises (will I need to check in again?) and any other info you think would be helpful.  TIA!  

[Ravbo]

Before the end of your first leg, Celebrity will give you instructions on how the second leg will be handled.

Celebrity should also have a meeting with all B2B guests to explain the procedures and answer any questions.

If you still have questions after the meeting, Guest Services will be happy to help.

Congratulations on the B2B.  We Love Longer Cruises (see signature).

We love the get a cup of coffee and watch the NEW passengers board for the 2nd leg.  Love people watching.

Safe Travels,

Bob

Edited September 18, 2019 by Ravbo

[M&M Hayden]

Ravbo is correct. In MOST ports everyone doing a B2B meets in the morning and after other cruisers have departed you will be escorted off and go thru customs/immigration. When the ship has been "zero'd out" you will be escorted back on. You will get new seapass cards either at your B2B meeting, the group meet up in the morning or when you get off the ship.

In other ports you don't have to get off the ship. We have only encountered that twice.

In another port CBP came on board to process B2B cruisers.

If you aren't changing rooms there is nothing you have to do. If you are changing rooms leave the hanging items on their hangers and pack up everything else. They will send someone to move all your belongings to your new stateroom.  We have not had good luck with that service so we move it ourselves.

The B2B letter that they give you includes good instructions, just pay attention to that.

[villauk]

1 hour ago, Ravbo said:

see signature

 

 

You must really love the Caribbean, and be retired 😊.

[Ray in NH]

2 minutes ago, M&M Hayden said:

Ravbo is correct. In MOST ports everyone doing a B2B meets in the morning and after other cruisers have departed you will be escorted off and go thru customs/immigration. When the ship has been "zero'd out" you will be escorted back on. You will get new seapass cards either at your B2B meeting, the group meet up in the morning or when you get off the ship.

In other ports you don't have to get off the ship. We have only encountered that twice.

In another port CBP came on board to process B2B cruisers.

If you aren't changing rooms there is nothing you have to do. If you are changing rooms leave the hanging items on their hangers and pack up everything else. They will send someone to move all your belongings to your new stateroom.  We have not had good luck with that service so we move it ourselves.

The B2B letter that they give you includes good instructions, just pay attention to that.

 

I would echo much of what M&M Hayden said,  but, do not be too surprised by a different wrinkle being thrown in, especially if it is a non-U.S. port.  We have done a number of B-2-B,s and had some very different "experiences".  However, we almost always had the proper information to help make it somewhat "seamless".  Most of the cruise line staffs have experience in making as painless as possible, and they usually succeed.  If something goes slightly "amiss" it may be a great "You had to be there" story.

Hope all goes well for your first "B-2-B" experience.

 

NRayH

[Ravbo]

Only retired recently.  Just addicted to cruising.

Previous trips required limiting time spent on flights = Mostly Caribbean Cruises.

Now retired, working on bucket list to more distant locations.

• Mediterrannean
• Baltics
• South America
• Pacific Rim

[Northern Aurora]

We almost always do B2B, and B2B2B cruises with the periodic B2B2B2B.  So relaxing to be on a  ship for a month or so.

 

In addition to the comments by others just be aware that for accounting purposes Celebrity views each leg as a separate cruise.  Unused internet minutes will not roll over to the next leg. Even if you are in the same stateroom for both legs you will be issued a new seapasss card.  

[George C]

Our back to back earlier on infinity was super easy, we moved from celebrity suite  6104 to sky suite 6102, was told to back everything except what was hanging in closet . Left suitcases in suite , was escorted off ship about 9:45 and back on at 10:15 and everything was moved. 

[Northern Aurora]

After I posted I realized no one had mentioned the B2B discount.  Many travel agents don't seem to be aware that Celebrity offers a small discount which varies depending on the length of the legs.  I believe that I became aware of the discount through Cruise Critic.  You will likely have to request it as it is not applied automatically.  

[Katyoparty]

Currently on B2B and attended the info meeting earlier today. We have the option of leaving ship by 930am and returning anytime after 11am using transit pass and passport with a separate expedited boarding line OR remaining on board and meeting at a location at 930 am to get new sea pass.

[ProfCruise]

You might find the guide to b2b cruising I have on my blog helpful.  It includes a play-by-play of our recent b2b on the Millennium.  Depending on your ship and itinerary, it may be slightly different for you, but this will give you a sense of what to expect.  Congrats on your first b2b - it's the best!  https://profcruise.com/prof-cruises-complete-guide-to-b2b-cruising/

[TN Vol Fan]

Just a reminder that you will have to attend the second muster drill, so if you leave the ship, you should get back in time for that.

Do not forget to use up any OBC from the first leg as you cannot use it on the second leg.

Love B2Bs. 

[screwsmcernst]

18 hours ago, Northern Aurora said:

After I posted I realized no one had mentioned the B2B discount.  Many travel agents don't seem to be aware that Celebrity offers a small discount which varies depending on the length of the legs.  I believe that I became aware of the discount through Cruise Critic.  You will likely have to request it as it is not applied automatically.  

 

Do I request it with my TA, or X?  

[lizinindy]

We're doing a back to back ...sort of! Going from the Edge straight onto the Silhouette. Will there be assistance?

[Northern Aurora]

3 hours ago, screwsmcernst said:

 

Do I request it with my TA, or X?  

 

 

If you booked through a TA the TA should make the request.  If you booked directly with X then call them.  

[Grayce]

20 minutes ago, Northern Aurora said:

 

 

If you booked through a TA the TA should make the request.  If you booked directly with X then call them.  

 

A few weeks ago, I had my TA request the back to back OBC and she was told by celebrity that they don't do that 😞

[Northern Aurora]

16 minutes ago, Grayce said:

 

A few weeks ago, I had my TA request the back to back OBC and she was told by celebrity that they don't do that 😞

 

 

I think technically it is a B2B discount, not OBC.  I wonder if the issue is that you are in Canada?  We have the B2B discount on all legs of a B2B2B starting October 1 on the Constellation, a B2B2B2B on the Solstice starting in March, 2020, a B2B on the Eclipse starting in September, 2020 and another B2B on the Millennium starting in April, 2021.

[phoenix_dream]

51 minutes ago, Grayce said:

 

A few weeks ago, I had my TA request the back to back OBC and she was told by celebrity that they don't do that 😞

Our discount has been just that - a reduced price for each leg of the cruise.  Never received it as an OBC.  Perhaps it is because you are in Canada, but more likely the TA did not ask the question correctly.  Or it could be that the Celebrity person was confused.  Anytime Celebrity gives an answer you think is wrong, it helps to try again as unfortunately their customer service on land is nowhere near as good as onboard.

[Grayce]

10 minutes ago, phoenix_dream said:

Our discount has been just that - a reduced price for each leg of the cruise.  Never received it as an OBC.  Perhaps it is because you are in Canada, but more likely the TA did not ask the question correctly.  Or it could be that the Celebrity person was confused.  Anytime Celebrity gives an answer you think is wrong, it helps to try again as unfortunately their customer service on land is nowhere near as good as onboard.

 

Maybe I should have my TA call again and phrase it that way. 

[calicakes]

For all you B2B people, do you have pets?  

 

We have 2 more sea days and one port day( Key West) left on our current Equinox cruise.  I can't wait to get home and see my furry kids.  I could not imagine leaving them for 2 or 3 or 4 cruises in a row. 

[nikel]

22 minutes ago, phoenix_dream said:

Our discount has been just that - a reduced price for each leg of the cruise.  Never received it as an OBC.  Perhaps it is because you are in Canada, but more likely the TA did not ask the question correctly.  Or it could be that the Celebrity person was confused.  Anytime Celebrity gives an answer you think is wrong, it helps to try again as unfortunately their customer service on land is nowhere near as good as onboard.

 

Somebody messed up....I  am I in Canada and got the discount for the B2B I am on next month.  Got $50.00 for the first leg of 8 days and $100. for the second of 13 days.  Try again, you should get it.

[snichols23]

In Barcelona, the transition was a breeze. the Hotel Manager worked with port authorities so we didn't go thru customs. Ship arranged for city tour while the ship transitioned for new passengers. Smooth as silk

[Carole2313]

 

3 hours ago, calicakes said:

For all you B2B people, do you have pets?  

 

 

We’re doing a 5 week B2B next April.  We have 1 dog and 2 cats that we’ll board at a great kennel that has doggie daycare and kitty playtime.  They get a vacation, too!  I’m sure other B2B cruisers make similar arrangements.

[Edinburghgirl1]

At the b2b meeting we were at in March we were offered 2 for 1 drink packages or drink package upgrades. Don’t know if this is normal on b2b or only in Caribbean. We had already upgraded our package for the full 21 days so we’re given a refund after contacting guest services. 

[Gordoncruickshank]

51 minutes ago, Edinburghgirl1 said:

At the b2b meeting we were at in March we were offered 2 for 1 drink packages or drink package upgrades. Don’t know if this is normal on b2b or only in Caribbean. We had already upgraded our package for the full 21 days so we’re given a refund after contacting guest services. 

That didn't happen to us. Your first cruise was our second part of our b2b although our drink package was part of the suite booking.