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Back to back process


BrianB

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I leave tomorrow on the Anthem from Cape Liberty for a nine day cruise to New England and Canada. I then stay aboard for a back to back for a five day to Bermuda. This will be my first b2b aboard the Anthem.

Does anyone have any information on the process aboard the Anthem at Cape Liberty? I was unfortunately unable to book the same cabin so I have to move to another nearby cabin. Do I pack everything and leave my bag in the cabin taking only my carry-on and valuables? Or do I pack everything but the clothes hanging in the closet? Do I need to leave the ship to pass through customs or is there a place onboard where we b2b’ers meet with CBP officers and show our passports?

I’m sure this will all be spelled out completely when I receive my letter in the cabin, and I apologize for posting this so close to sailing...but I know I’ll get the best insight and opinions of the process by the experts here on this blog. I tried searching the forums but apparently wasn’t doing it right as I couldn’t find any past posts. Thank you! Happy cruising!

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16 minutes ago, BrianB said:

Do I pack everything and leave my bag in the cabin taking only my carry-on and valuables? Or do I pack everything but the clothes hanging in the closet?

Towards the end of the first sailing, your stateroom attendant and you should talk to coordinate. In most cases, they will tell you to pack everything up, but leave clothes on hangers and they will move it for you. I'd say 90% of the time this is what happens. A few will make you move it. 

17 minutes ago, BrianB said:

Do I need to leave the ship to pass through customs or is there a place onboard where we b2b’ers meet with CBP officers and show our passports?

You will get a letter in your room instructing you to meet at a specific place at the end of cruise #1. RC then escorts you off the ship last and then back onboard first.

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On 9/25/2019 at 9:09 AM, Matt said:

Towards the end of the first sailing, your stateroom attendant and you should talk to coordinate. In most cases, they will tell you to pack everything up, but leave clothes on hangers and they will move it for you. I'd say 90% of the time this is what happens. A few will make you move it. 

You will get a letter in your room instructing you to meet at a specific place at the end of cruise #1. RC then escorts you off the ship last and then back onboard first.

A few times I was cleared on the ship and did not have to clear in the terminal. However the usual is to clear in the terminal.

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B2B, the ONLY way to cruise. We have done many, very easy. You will be told well before hand what to expect. Yes, you will have to leave the ship (to clear you from the ship manifest) and check back onto the ship (with a new sea pass card) so you are on the ship manifest. Almost seamless and your're on the ship well before the rest of the gang gets on board! Best part is the last night on board, just look out into the hallway and the luggage and know you don't have to do that! ENJOY!!:27_sunglasses:

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Hi, and thanks for the replies. I'm aboard now and just learned how b2b's are handled on the Anthem at Cape Liberty in Bayonne NJ...

Because I was unable to book the same cabin, I have to pack up all my clothes that I keep in the drawers...plus, of course all my bathroom stuff. My room attendant will take care of the clothes hanging in the closet, moving them on the hangers. He will also move my suitcase when the other room is empty.

I, and every other b2b'er must report to the Diamond Lounge on deck 4 on turnaround day where we must show our passports to CBP and then we will be checked in. That's it! We don't have to disembark. We don't have to go to guest services. It's all done in the Diamond lounge. We are then free to wander about the ship until our cabins are ready (except those fortunate enough not to have to change cabins).

This procedure is specifically for Port Liberty in Bayonne. I know other ports may have other procedures that may differ somewhat. 

I think this is another good reason to start a 'Port Specific' information forum...as has been mentioned in a previous posting. I have lots of info on Cape Liberty.

Happy cruising!

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On 9/29/2019 at 5:01 PM, BrianB said:

 

This procedure is specifically for Port Liberty in Bayonne. I know other ports may have other procedures that may differ somewhat. 

I think this is another good reason to start a 'Port Specific' information forum...as has been mentioned in a previous posting. I have lots of info on Cape Liberty.

Happy cruising!

The problem is that isn’t always the case in Bayonne.  There is no standard at any port.  

I've been fortunate to not be required to disembark in San Diego.  That’s rare.  It all depends on the CBP agents on duty, how many B2B and their status.  In Bayonne we all disembarked for a B2B   

My last 3 non-B2B cruises have ended with a pass at CBP   Keep walking and smile  To declare that’s the standard in Ft Lauderdale or Miami would be misleading   It’s not  

I've also been pulled into secondary when someone sharing my name did something to raise a flag.   

TSA and CBP are completely unpredictable intentionally.  

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On 9/30/2019 at 4:04 AM, twangster said:

The problem is that isn’t always the case in Bayonne.  There is no standard at any port.  

Ive been fortunate to not be required to disembark in San Diego.  That’s rare.  It all depends on the CBP agents on duty, how many B2B and their status.  In Bayonne we all disembarked for a B2B   

My last 3 non-B2B cruises have ended with a pass at CBP   Keep walking and smile  To declare that’s the standard in Ft Lauderdale or Miami would be misleading   It’s not  

ive also been pulled into secondary when someone sharing my name did something to raise a flag.   

TSA and CBP are completely unpredictable intentionally.  

I've discovered the policy can change from sailing to sailing. Sometimes it may depend on how many crew members need to see CBP whether they come aboard or not. If they don't, then b2b'ers would need to disembark. Or, as posted, if CBP has enough officers on duty that day. Plus, there's always the unpredictably factor. Luckily for us, it's the onboard check...at least for now. We'll see what happens when we get back to Bayonne Saturday. Fingers crossed!

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