Turn around day

[jimmy2x]

Looking to book a back to back cruise next Feb in the Caribbean out of Ft Lauderdale next winter. The question is how is the turnaround day handled. Do we have to get off?  Or are we more or less sequestered somewhere?

[Quartzsite Cruiser]

We just did a turnaround day in Ft. Lauderdale in January.  We had the option to get off the ship for the day, take a ship’s tour, or remain in the ship.  Those who  chose to spend the day off the ship, went through immigration in the port.  For those of us who decided to stay on the ship, we met in the showroom.  Once everyone else was off the ship, we were escorted off the ship for immigration inspection.  We saw the immigration officer who looked at our passports, and then we returned to the ship.

 

If you decide to explore Ft. Lauderdale on your own, you will need to get to take a taxi, Uber or Lyft into town.

[Shmoo here]

11 minutes ago, Quartzsite Cruiser said:

We had the option to get off the ship for the day, take a ship’s tour, or remain in the ship.

 

12 minutes ago, Quartzsite Cruiser said:

Once everyone else was off the ship, we were escorted off the ship for immigration inspection.

In US ports, they must "zero out" the ship.  You didn't "remain on the ship".  You were escorted off.  Then you reboarded.

 

 

[Daisyloo]

It is possible to remain on the ship.  We did a B2B on the Nieuw Amsterdam a few years ago.  There were quite a few people doing this.  We all had to go to the showroom.  Once everyone was there, the immigration people processed us there and then we were allowed to leave and do whatever we wanted.  

On another B2B we did have to actually get off the ship, be processed and then we could return to the ship.  

Our B2B cruises were both out of Fort Lauderdale.

 

[sevenseasnomad]

Depends on how many passengers are B2B.  On our most recent NS Christmas cruise, over 400 passengers opted for B2B.  If a lot of passengers take B2B as in our case, you may be asked to meet in the Show Room or other public space onboard at a certain time.  Ours was 10:00 a.m.  Up to that point, we ate a leisurely breakfast, sat in the Crow's Nest and read.  At 9:45, we showed up at the theater, where ship personnel (at the entrance) asked to see our passports and in-transit cards (which they collected).  About 30 people were already seated in the theater.  Again, personnel directed us where to sit; they wanted passengers to sit in one section with no saved seats, each person filling in the next seat.  At 10:15, they escorted us in two lines off the ship and into the customs area.  As we left the ship, we had to show our key cards, so Security could "zero" out the ship.  

 

Once in the customs area, which was completely empty, we stood in lines to go through the customs check, where we turned around, lined up, and were escorted back onto the ship prior to 10:30 a.m.  My son and I steered clear of cabin decks, knowing that the stewards were trying hard to prepare staterooms for the new passengers.  We sat by the pool and read.  Very relaxing.  

 

If you're on a B2B where few passengers are continuing the cruise, you may be asked to leave the ship at a certain time as occurred on one of our cruises where we were one of two couples who were staying on the ship for the next cruise.  We left the ship at 10:15 as instructed.  An immigration official met us at the bottom of the gangplank, checked our passports, and asked both couples to have a seat in a waiting area.  After a few minutes, a security officer told us we could board the ship again.

 

In both cases, the process was easy.  Everyone appeared to follow instructions.  You will receive a letter and in-transit cards for everyone in the stateroom.  Follow those instructions; you'll be fine.

 

You also have the option to leave the ship earlier to tour the port/go on an excursion.  The instructions for your particular turn-around day will explain what to do, so don't worry.  Enjoy that B2B.  It's a wonderful experience not having to rush off the ship on that turn-around day.

[jimmy2x]

I really appreciate the information. Although I finally made 4* last year, have never done a B2B. It all sounds pretty painless 😀

[SusieKIslandGirl]

Not only fairly painless but it is a wonderful feeling that night before the first 1/2 ends to see all the suitcases in the hall and know you're not leaving. Of course at the end of the next segment you'll be the one leaving.

[Krazy Kruizers]

We have had it both ways.  It all depends on how many people are doing the back-to-back (Collectors Cruise).

 

Sometimes we had to wait over an hour in the terminal before we were allowed back on the ship.  The ship has to get down to a zero count before anyone can get back on or begin to embark.

 

On the last full day of the cruise you will get a letter explaining what to do.

 

 

[cruiseaholic78]

Don’t forget the smug feeling walking casually through to breakfast without wearing your holiday gear and watching all the rest with luggage who are going home.

Priceless.

Rosalyn

[Btimmer]

On the Volendam at FLL after the 2019 Amazon cruise, those who were staying on the ship for the Christmas cruise had to disembark.  We elected to walk into town and shop and enjoy a nice lunch off the ship.

[jimmy2x]

I am very appreciative of the information. Spent hours yesterday trying to book the B2B with a cabin I could be happy with. No success. Wound up booking the 10 day to the ABC’s which I haven’t done for years. 

[sevenseasnomad]

1 hour ago, jimmy2x said:

I am very appreciative of the information. Spent hours yesterday trying to book the B2B with a cabin I could be happy with. No success. Wound up booking the 10 day to the ABC’s which I haven’t done for years. 

Oh, no.  How sad you didn't get the cruise you wanted.  Couldn't you have waited until Monday to call a TA you trust or a PCC?  (Online travel agents are available 24/7, and many on these boards swear by them, but I've used one only once.)  Can you still cancel the cruise you've booked and call someone to help you with the B2B? 

 

Of course, if you're thrilled with the cruise you booked, ignore the previous question, but maybe in the future, understand that help is out there if you need it.  Have a marvelous time.  BTW, you'll love the ABC's, very different from many of the other Caribbean islands.  Aruba in particular is like being on another planet.  Its landscape is stark.  Go with a private tour company, especially for the 4x4 tour, for a more intimate, enjoyable experience.

 

I empathize with your experience on HAL's website.  For years, I've read threads where members discuss frustration with the site, and I've wondered what they were referring to because I've never had a problem.  Until this week.  I tried to make several payments on upcoming cruises, and the site refused to connect me.  Then, I wanted to book Flight Ease.  Again, it failed to recognize the round-trip status and would only provide me with quotes for a one-way fare.  After grinding my teeth, I finally gave up and called my PCC, which I probably should have done in the first place.  How much potential business does HAL loose because of their website?  

Edited March 1, 2020 by sevenseasnomad

[Cruise4food]

9 hours ago, Btimmer said:

We elected to walk into town and shop and enjoy a nice lunch off the ship.

Just want to ask about how easy (or difficult) the walk is through Port Everglades to the shops and restaurants. When riding the shuttle bus, the area seems to not be pedestrian friendly. I presume you went basically northward to the business row?

[sevenseasnomad]

1 minute ago, Cruise4food said:

Just want to ask about how easy (or difficult) the walk is through Port Everglades to the shops and restaurants. When riding the shuttle bus, the area seems to not be pedestrian friendly. I presume you went basically northward to the business row?

Walking at Port Everglades?  Are you in good physical health?  That's a fairly l-o-n-g walk, much of which has no sidewalk, if my memory is correct.  After you leave the port, that intersection is a busy one.  I don't recall seeing restaurants or shops at that cross-section.  The closest, I believe, is a mile or so.  If I'm mistaken, someone please say so.

[1884Vic]

We're doing a B2B for the holidays and I am not as curious about process as I am about the general facilities and mood onboard the ship during that day.  I am genuinely curious about how cruise ships operate, but I don't want to be in the way of the very busy crew.  I also want to be able to use facilities.  We are buying a thermal spa pass, but does that mean it is closed until later that evening because of cleaning and first day tours?  Is the pool available? 

[jimmy2x]

3 hours ago, sevenseasnomad said:

Oh, no.  How sad you didn't get the cruise you wanted.  Couldn't you have waited until Monday to call a TA you trust or a PCC?  (Online travel agents are available 24/7, and many on these boards swear by them, but I've used one only once.)  Can you still cancel the cruise you've booked and call someone to help you with the B2B? 

 

Of course, if you're thrilled with the cruise you booked, ignore the previous question, but maybe in the future, understand that help is out there if you need it.  Have a marvelous time.  BTW, you'll love the ABC's, very different from many of the other Caribbean islands.  Aruba in particular is like being on another planet.  Its landscape is stark.  Go with a private tour company, especially for the 4x4 tour, for a more intimate, enjoyable experience.

 

I empathize with your experience on HAL's website.  For years, I've read threads where members discuss frustration with the site, and I've wondered what they were referring to because I've never had a problem.  Until this week.  I tried to make several payments on upcoming cruises, and the site refused to connect me.  Then, I wanted to book Flight Ease.  Again, it failed to recognize the round-trip status and would only provide me with quotes for a one-way fare.  After grinding my teeth, I finally gave up and called my PCC, which I probably should have done in the first place.  How much potential business does HAL loose because of their website?  

I did call HAL direct which is something I have only done rarely. Also spoke with a rep from the TA I have used for years. Both tried very hard to help to no avail. 
 

To be clear, the problem is more mine than theirs. Could I have booked the B to B?  The answer is yes. Unfortunately,  could not find a cabin that was acceptable. I freely admit to being very picky about location, so have no one to blame but myself.  I should have done it last month when on the Koningsdam. Live and learn.  In any case, since I haven’t been to the ABC islands in a long time, am look forward to it. 
 

Edited March 1, 2020 by jimmy2x

[VMax1700]

6 hours ago, 1884Vic said:

We're doing a B2B for the holidays and I am not as curious about process as I am about the general facilities and mood onboard the ship during that day.  I am genuinely curious about how cruise ships operate, but I don't want to be in the way of the very busy crew.  I also want to be able to use facilities.  We are buying a thermal spa pass, but does that mean it is closed until later that evening because of cleaning and first day tours?  Is the pool available? 

General mood is busy!  We enjoy the relaxed breakfast while other pax are rushing for flights etc.  We tell our room steward not to bother with our room until they have time and they seem to appreciate that.  Lido is busy as new cruisers arrive so we tend to stay on our veranda with burger/pizza for lunch.

Pool is open ok, but I know nothing about thermal spa.  

[rkacruiser]

1 hour ago, VMax1700 said:

General mood is busy!  We enjoy the relaxed breakfast while other pax are rushing for flights etc.  We tell our room steward not to bother with our room until they have time and they seem to appreciate that.  Lido is busy as new cruisers arrive so we tend to stay on our veranda with burger/pizza for lunch.

Pool is open ok, but I know nothing about thermal spa.  

 

The thermal spa is not open.  The spa is available for "tours" for the embarking guests.

 

I have never ordered Room Service for embarkation day Lunch (if that is what VMax1700 is saying), but I have learned on CC that such is available.  I prefer the MDR Embarkation Day Lunch.  Going to Dive-in or the pizza area of the Lido and bring lunch to one's veranda is a good idea.

 

B2b cruises are great; it's the CBP hassles that are irritating.  

[VMax1700]

5 minutes ago, rkacruiser said:

 

 

I have never ordered Room Service for embarkation day Lunch (if that is what VMax1700 is saying), but I have learned on CC that such is available.  I prefer the MDR Embarkation Day Lunch.  Going to Dive-in or the pizza area of the Lido and bring lunch to one's veranda is a good idea.

 

B2b cruises are great; it's the CBP hassles that are irritating.  

Sorry I should have been clearer. Absolutely not room service, but Dive in burger and NY pizza.

Is room service even available during embarkation hours?

 

[rkacruiser]

1 minute ago, VMax1700 said:

Is room service even available during embarkation hours?

 

I have read that it is.  I have not tried to do so.  The staff is already under so much pressure to embark the new guests that I feel it's an intrusion on my part to request Room Service.

 

Having Room Service Breakfast available on the morning of disembarkation is a unique service of HAL that many other cruise lines do not allow.

[Happily@Sea]

I usually find that my veranda is wet on turnaround day - whether on a B2B or an embarking passenger. They do a wash-down to remove the salt that day and they have come past while I'm waiting for the zero count call.

[1884Vic]

Thanks all.  I am leaning towards doing something in FLL that day . Trying to stay out of the way doesn't sounds like a vacation day.  We know FLL well and don't mind fooling around for a few hours so there is less stress on the staff. 

 

 

[VMax1700]

11 hours ago, 1884Vic said:

Thanks all.  I am leaning towards doing something in FLL that day . Trying to stay out of the way doesn't sounds like a vacation day.  We know FLL well and don't mind fooling around for a few hours so there is less stress on the staff. 

 

 

We went shopping one turnaround day in Fort Lauderdale and I bought another couple of bottles of wine.  Expecting to have to pay corkage (I had brought my allowance onboard on first cruise) I was pleasantly surprised to see that the 'wine desk' was no longer manned (personned! 🙄) and I walked on with my two bottles.  This was a collector cruise so only one booking number.  A true B2B would have 2 booking numbers (one for each cruise segment) and you should be able to bring a second wine allowance aboard.

[RocketMan275]

3 hours ago, VMax1700 said:

We went shopping one turnaround day in Fort Lauderdale and I bought another couple of bottles of wine.  Expecting to have to pay corkage (I had brought my allowance onboard on first cruise) I was pleasantly surprised to see that the 'wine desk' was no longer manned (personned! 🙄) and I walked on with my two bottles.  This was a collector cruise so only one booking number.  A true B2B would have 2 booking numbers (one for each cruise segment) and you should be able to bring a second wine allowance aboard.

Just be prepared to assert  your rights to bring those bottles on board.  Once when the wine desk wasn't manned, the port personnel doing the luggage check insisted that I could not bring more than two bottles because the wine desk wan't manned.  Got a bit heated when they wanted me to abandon my wine. Finally a more knowledgeable person allowed me to proceed.

[Roz]

My one and only turnaround day was a miserable experience that I hope I don't have to repeat.  I was in Vancouver in May of 2019 and I had to change cabins.  Those in charge of passengers staying onboard were clueless, and the people working in the terminal even less so.