Celebrity B2B

[OUBaylor1]

If you are cruising b2b on a Celebrity cruise ship and staying in the same cabin number, do you have to pack up your belongings in between cruises?

[39august]

Absolutely not. Even if changing cabins, you only have to pack up what is not hanging in your closet. Your room steward will the packed luggage and everything on hangers to your new cabin. 

[OUBaylor1]

11 minutes ago, 39august said:

Absolutely not. Even if changing cabins, you only have to pack up what is not hanging in your closet. Your room steward will the packed luggage and everything on hangers to your new cabin. 

Thanks for your reply.  

[davekathy]

Also you will receive a consecutive cruisers letter in your stateroom a couple of days prior to the end of the first leg. It will give you detailed instructions concerning what you will need to do on TAD. What to bring, where to meet and the time. Also if you were to change staterooms the letter will explain that process. All our B2B cruises have gone very smoothly. 

Edited January 11, 2021 by davekathy

[OUBaylor1]

6 minutes ago, davekathy said:

Also you will receive a consecutive cruisers letter in your stateroom a couple of days prior to the end of the first leg. It will give you detailed instructions concerning what you will need to do on TAD. What to bring, where to meet and the time. Also if you were to change staterooms the letter will explain that process. All our B2B cruises have gone very smoothly. 

Thanks for all the info!

[Roxydog15]

We have a B2B in Feb2022 for Australia/New Zealand.  Lordy, hope things are "normal" by then!  Thanks for the question and the replies.  Helpful.  It's our first B2B.  We are in the same cabin, but nice to have confirming info. 🙂

[OUBaylor1]

42 minutes ago, Roxydog15 said:

We have a B2B in Feb2022 for Australia/New Zealand.  Lordy, hope things are "normal" by then!  Thanks for the question and the replies.  Helpful.  It's our first B2B.  We are in the same cabin, but nice to have confirming info. 🙂

The Australian/New Zealand cruise was our last trip before Covid-19.  We spent two weeks touring South Island New Zealand before departing Auckland for our 12 night Celebrity cruise from 2/12/2019 - 14/12/2019.  This was one cruise that we would enjoy doing again.  Wish we could have spent some time touring Australia.  You may enjoy the thread by mahdnc documenting his Australia/New Zealand cruise.  The thread is titled "Photo Review:  Solstice 12 Night New Zealand Holiday Cruise Dec 23 2019.

[Roxydog15]

OUBaylor1, thanks for the review tip, I did come across that and have been going through it. 

[WonderMan3]

5 hours ago, davekathy said:

Also you will receive a consecutive cruisers letter in your stateroom a couple of days prior to the end of the first leg. It will give you detailed instructions concerning what you will need to do on TAD. What to bring, where to meet and the time. Also if you were to change staterooms the letter will explain that process. All our B2B cruises have gone very smoothly. 

Do you know how it works exactly? Room service typically is not a breakfast option for departing guests but is it for b2b guests? I know you have to leave the ship by the latest departure time of all departing guests. Then I assume you have to check-in for the second cruise. But I have heard that it is a relatively quick process. Do you know how long (typically) you have to wait before being allowed to reboard? Just wondering if it will be before the new arriving guests have checked in and get to board? And if it is do you have full run of the ship or do you have to go to your cabin for a certain period of time?

[sandancer]

You do reboard before the new guests and yes you have the run of the ship. The pool area can be restricted if they are cleaning but not totally closed. Last time we were only off the ship for around 20 mins before being allowed back on. We had changed cabins and were amazed to find all our stuff in the new cabin when we reboarded. We have done many b2bs and that was the fastest cabin change ever. We assumed our new cabin had not been occupied for the first leg as it was so quick. Love b2b and do it whenever possible. 

[davekathy]

12 hours ago, WonderMan3 said:

Do you know how it works exactly? Room service typically is not a breakfast option for departing guests but is it for b2b guests? I know you have to leave the ship by the latest departure time of all departing guests. Then I assume you have to check-in for the second cruise. But I have heard that it is a relatively quick process. Do you know how long (typically) you have to wait before being allowed to reboard? Just wondering if it will be before the new arriving guests have checked in and get to board? And if it is do you have full run of the ship or do you have to go to your cabin for a certain period of time?

I know exactly how the consecutive cruisers (B2B) process works from my personal experiences.

No room service at all on TAD.

All of our B2B cruises have been out of San Juan, Miami and Fort Lauderdale. Depending on the embarkation port and if the Coast Guard is doing a 100% inspection of the ship if you are required to get off the ship or not on TAD. One of our B2B cruises, we were on the Jewel Of The Seas out of San Juan in 2017. That B2B cruise on TAD we didn't have to leave the ship. Customs came aboard and checked passports. Other B2B cruises out of San Juan , Fort Lauderdale and Miami prior to and after 2017 we were escorted off the ship. The TAD process doesn't start until all consecutive cruisers have been assembled and are counted for and all nonconsecutive cruisers are off the ship and the ships manifest has been cleared. During the TAD process you are given your new Sea Pass cards. If the requirement is to get off the ship all consecutive cruisers leave together and are escorted into the embarkation terminal. There you show your passport to customs and are allowed to get right back on the ship. If the CG is doing an inspection you'll have to wait until they are done. All consecutive cruisers will be the first back on the ship. Then after that general boarding. Once you are back onboard you have the run of the ship. But everything is shut down while the crew is preparing for the new guest.  Right before  general boarding starts the ship is back open for business. So you won't go hungry or thirsty.  Staterooms are not open to new guests until 1:00 or 1:30. But you are allowed to go back to your stateroom if you want. The stateroom attendants do all consecutive cruisers staterooms first.  If you want to go back to your stateroom the fire doors to the hallways will be shut and but not locked. You can open them to gain entry. Just make sure you close them behind you as you come and go. We have always received an invitation for consecutive cruisers to have lunch in the MDR from 11:30 to 1:00. Limited menu.

Like I said before you will receive a TAD detailed letter in your cabin a day or two prior to TAD explaining the whole process for your cruise. A lot of the TAD process is the same and somethings the process changes. One thing to note (and is explained in your TAD letter) your account for the first leg of your B2B cruise will be closed. So any OBC ,refundable and non refundable will not carry over to the second leg of the B2B cruise. So it's use the OBC (non refundable) or lose the OBC. Also on TAD you do not have to stay on the ship. If you want to get off and do your thing you're free to go. 

Edited January 11, 2021 by davekathy

[C-Dragons]

We've done several B2B's in the port of Rome and were not required to get off the ship. Instead we received instructions the night before to report to a specific room with our passports. We turned in our old key cards and were given new ones even though we were booked in the same cabin. It was a quick and efficient process.

If you are booked in a suite and have TAD in Fort Lauderdale, you disembark and spend time in the lounge in the terminal where refreshments are provided. Once the ship is cleared you are allowed to reboard.

[ipeeinthepool]

As much as I like B2B cruises, the turn-around day seems like a wasted day.  The morning is just a lot of waiting around.  I'd encourage everyone to find something to on shore rather than just waiting around to re-board.  Get off the ship, do something and return after lunch.

[jg51]

41 minutes ago, ipeeinthepool said:

As much as I like B2B cruises, the turn-around day seems like a wasted day.  The morning is just a lot of waiting around.  I'd encourage everyone to find something to on shore rather than just waiting around to re-board.  Get off the ship, do something and return after lunch.

.

What you suggest, above, is reasonable.  However ... we don't know how long it will be (weeks, months, years) before "X" will allow back-to-back guests (aka "consecutive cruisers") to "get off the ship, do something, and return."  If the CDC and cruise lines will allow people to go on official excursions only, then maybe they will not allow consecutive cruisers to get off and explore (until the CoViD-19 era has ended).

 

We have done many "back-to-backs" (involving four or five "X" ships and at least one RCI ship) -- and we want to commend "davekathy" for the excellent recap of what "OUBaylor1" can expect.  We can hardly think of anything to add. 

 

One little item is this:  If you are required to disembark on turn-around day,  you will be given a small white card that identifies you as an "INTRANSIT" guest; you may have to show that card, at a certain place in the terminal, to be able to reboard easily. 

 

Another item is this:  As stated above, you will be invited to enjoy lunch in the MDR on turn-around day (to avoid the crowded/crazy Embarkation-Day buffet), but you have no obligation to accept the invitation.  If/when you get to the MDR, do not be troubled if you see signs identifying the meal as being a "Concierge luncheon," because you really ARE invited too, even if you are not staying in a Concierge-class stateroom. 

 

Although the MDR's luncheon menu for that day will be subject to change (especially after one year's shutdown), the menu that we have encountered on four ships, over the last several years, has looked like this (and we have enjoyed each of these items):

 

Butternut Squash Soup
Caesar Salad (with optional Chicken Slices)
-----
Whole-Wheat Penne Pasta
Moroccan Braised Short Ribs
Roast Salmon
Grilled Chicken Paillard
Hamburger, Cheeseburger, or Hot Dog
-----
Warm Apple Pie (with Vanilla Bean Gelato)
Chocolate Cake
-----
Ice Cream [Vanilla, Chocolate, and one other flavor]
Sorbet
Frozen Yogurt
Chocolate Fudge, Butterscotch, and Raspberry toppings for the above

 

Have fun!

.

[davekathy]

jg51...thanks for the memory jog on the "INTRANSIT"  cards. Also I forgot to mention the consecutive cruisers will receive an invitation to present to the staff at the entrance to the MDR for the consecutive cruisers lunch. 

[Roxydog15]

Thanks everyone, great info. I'm bookmarking this thread!

[ipeeinthepool]

45 minutes ago, jg51 said:

.

What you suggest, above, is reasonable.  However ... we don't know how long it will be (weeks, months, years) before "X" will allow back-to-back guests (aka "consecutive cruisers") to "get off the ship, do something, and return."  If the CDC and cruise lines will allow people to go on official excursions only, then maybe they will not allow consecutive cruisers to get off and explore (until the CoViD-19 era has ended).

 

We have done many "back-to-backs" (involving four or five "X" ships and at least one RCI ship) -- and we want to commend "davekathy" for the excellent recap of what "OUBaylor1" can expect.  We can hardly think of anything to add. 

 

One little item is this:  If you are required to disembark on turn-around day,  you will be given a small white card that identifies you as an "INTRANSIT" guest; you may have to show that card, at a certain place in the terminal, to be able to reboard easily. 

 

Another item is this:  As stated above, you will be invited to enjoy lunch in the MDR on turn-around day (to avoid the crowded/crazy Embarkation-Day buffet), but you have no obligation to accept the invitation.  If/when you get to the MDR, do not be troubled if you see signs identifying the meal as being a "Concierge luncheon," because you really ARE invited too, even if you are not staying in a Concierge-class stateroom. 

 

Although the MDR's luncheon menu for that day will be subject to change (especially after one year's shutdown), the menu that we have encountered on four ships, over the last several years, has looked like this (and we have enjoyed each of these items):

 

Butternut Squash Soup
Caesar Salad (with optional Chicken Slices)
-----
Whole-Wheat Penne Pasta
Moroccan Braised Short Ribs
Roast Salmon
Grilled Chicken Paillard
Hamburger, Cheeseburger, or Hot Dog
-----
Warm Apple Pie (with Vanilla Bean Gelato)
Chocolate Cake
-----
Ice Cream [Vanilla, Chocolate, and one other flavor]
Sorbet
Frozen Yogurt
Chocolate Fudge, Butterscotch, and Raspberry toppings for the above

 

Have fun!

.

 

You point is well taken regard any new Covid tests and checks required to board the ship.  (For a moment I forgot about Covid ).  Until we return to something close to normal, it's probably better just to stay on the ship.  One other note if you get off the ship,  you won't be able to re-board until boarding new passengers starts.

[WonderMan3]

4 hours ago, davekathy said:

I know exactly how the consecutive cruisers (B2B) process works from my personal experiences.

No room service at all on TAD.

All of our B2B cruises have been out of San Juan, Miami and Fort Lauderdale. Depending on the embarkation port and if the Coast Guard is doing a 100% inspection of the ship if you are required to get off the ship or not on TAD. One of our B2B cruises, we were on the Jewel Of The Seas out of San Juan in 2017. That B2B cruise on TAD we didn't have to leave the ship. Customs came aboard and checked passports. Other B2B cruises out of San Juan , Fort Lauderdale and Miami prior to and after 2017 we were escorted off the ship. The TAD process doesn't start until all consecutive cruisers have been assembled and are counted for and all nonconsecutive cruisers are off the ship and the ships manifest has been cleared. During the TAD process you are given your new Sea Pass cards. If the requirement is to get off the ship all consecutive cruisers leave together and are escorted into the embarkation terminal. There you show your passport to customs and are allowed to get right back on the ship. If the CG is doing an inspection you'll have to wait until they are done. All consecutive cruisers will be the first back on the ship. Then after that general boarding. Once you are back onboard you have the run of the ship. But everything is shut down while the crew is preparing for the new guest.  Right before  general boarding starts the ship is back open for business. So you won't go hungry or thirsty.  Staterooms are not open to new guests until 1:00 or 1:30. But you are allowed to go back to your stateroom if you want. The stateroom attendants do all consecutive cruisers staterooms first.  If you want to go back to your stateroom the fire doors to the hallways will be shut and but not locked. You can open them to gain entry. Just make sure you close them behind you as you come and go. We have always received an invitation for consecutive cruisers to have lunch in the MDR from 11:30 to 1:00. Limited menu.

Like I said before you will receive a TAD detailed letter in your cabin a day or two prior to TAD explaining the whole process for your cruise. A lot of the TAD process is the same and somethings the process changes. One thing to note (and is explained in your TAD letter) your account for the first leg of your B2B cruise will be closed. So any OBC ,refundable and non refundable will not carry over to the second leg of the B2B cruise. So it's use the OBC (non refundable) or lose the OBC. Also on TAD you do not have to stay on the ship. If you want to get off and do your thing you're free to go. 

 
Thank you! This was helpful. We are doing our first back to back next year and was curious how it functioned. Our mid-point will be in Amsterdam so it will be interesting to see how that works. We stop at Belfast during the cruise which is outside the European Union so I’m wondering if that will impact whether we have to get off or stay on the ship. We’ve been to Amsterdam a couple times before and will do an overnight pre-cruise so likely will not get off ship to do touring that day. Hoping that if it’s a nice day that we can go and hang out at the pool since that will be one of the quietest days there during our trip and weather on our cruise may allow few to no pool days otherwise (Iceland & Ireland cruise with Norwegian Fjords in June).

[davekathy]

2 hours ago, WonderMan3 said:

 
Thank you! This was helpful. We are doing our first back to back next year and was curious how it functioned. Our mid-point will be in Amsterdam so it will be interesting to see how that works. We stop at Belfast during the cruise which is outside the European Union so I’m wondering if that will impact whether we have to get off or stay on the ship. We’ve been to Amsterdam a couple times before and will do an overnight pre-cruise so likely will not get off ship to do touring that day. Hoping that if it’s a nice day that we can go and hang out at the pool since that will be one of the quietest days there during our trip and weather on our cruise may allow few to no pool days otherwise (Iceland & Ireland cruise with Norwegian Fjords in June).

You're welcome. I'm sure others will also post their experiences with B2B cruises. I believe we all will agree all post CV-19 cruises will be handled differently, at least for awhile. We really like B2B cruises. We always have the same stateroom but different intinaries (1st leg v 2nd leg). If you're elite or higher the CC laundry perk/benefit comes in handy.  

[wrk2cruise]

One other detail on the way it used to work.   If you wanted to leave on your own you could do so any time after the ship was cleared and people started disembarking.   You did need your INTRANSIT pass to avoid the checkin counter to reboard the ship.  You can't reboard the ship until boarding of the new passengers begins.   You will probably need to go to guest services to get your new card (unless you are on a post revolution ship where they put the cards on the door).

[crusin okie]

We have only done one B2B on X and that was in FLL in Feb 2020.  The only thing different we experienced was that there was no luncheon involved.  It was a smooth process and the crew handled the process well.  Our only other B2B had been on Carnival Vista out of Galveston in Nov of 2019.  There were 24 of us.  Then, 3 months later on the Equinox, there were just under 250 in our group.  That was quite a few more folks than we expected to see.  🙂