B2B tips

[Molls]

We’re doing our first B2B cruises in May-June this year from Southampton on Independence. 2 adults and a 6yo.
 

I’m wondering what to do on the changeover day going from cruise 1 to 2. Assuming the weather is dry and warm we’ll probably make use of the pool while it’s quieter. If it’s raining (highly likely!) any suggestions on the best things to do while it’s not so busy?
 

Also we’re normally Windjammer lunch people but is it a good day to do MDR for lunch? 
 

We’re keeping the same cabin but I’m assuming it would be a good idea to pack a little bag of essentials as we won’t be able to access it again until the afternoon?

Any tips on making the most of the ship on the changeover day would be appreciated! Thanks.

[WAAAYTOOO]

I have never done a B2B in Europe so maybe they have a different process, but in the US there is almost always a special luncheon for consecutive cruisers.  This is a nice, sit-down meal in the MDR and it’s a much better option than the WJ on embarkation day. Other than this special consecutive cruisers luncheon, the MDR is not open on embarkation day - or at least, it isn’t in the US.

[Molls]

That sounds lovely! I’ll do some research and see if that’s something they offer on the UK sailings. Thank you

[rjac]

WE have done MANY b2bs but none in Europe. I imagine the process as embanking/debarking in the US. Very easy process. You will have to get off the ship to clear your names out of the ship passenger manifest. You will be given a new sea pass card and then you get right back on board the ship ahead of the new cruisers boarding. It might be a god idea to bring a little bag of essentials for the 6 yo. The pools and bars will be pretty empty and the Windjammer will fill up quickly. You will get a letter of instruction before the ship gets into port. We LOVE b2bs, especially the night before getting into port. It's really nice to see all of the luggage in the hallways for those disembarking the next day. And you won't be part of the group !! Enjoy!!

[Kelseylovestocruise]

I did one this past summer out of Ravenna. There was a consecutive cruiser lunch and I’m not sure if I can go back. It was the key lunch and it was amazing with a glass of wine (or 2). As my cruise did not leave the EU I did not need to leave the ship or even bring my passport. I went to the MDR as per the letter left in my stateroom and then was checked off a list and given a new cruise card.

[Traveling Mike]

I thought all of the B2B were the same until I did one in Sydney.  On the ones in the United States they have you wait until everyone gets off the ship and they walk you off the ship, make a U-Turn and go right back on the ship.  Then we would do kick back time and do the B2B lunch that most of the time is very good.  In Sydney they made us get off the ship and stay off the ship for 4 hours.  I was not prepared for that and I spend 4 days in Sydney before the cruise so I just found a bar across the street and watched everyone getting ready to board the ship.  I can say when I went back at 11 am they let me bypass all the lines to get back on the ship.  When you are done let us know what they do in Europe.

[Surrounded by water.]

We did a back to back in Southampton in October last year. We did not have to leave the ship. We were directed to go down to the dining room. We handed in our old Sea pass and had your name checked off the list and were issued a new Sea pass.
We were than free to roam a very empty ship. Had the same cabin and had told our cabin attendant not to worry about making it up that day so we ended up sneaking back into our room and enjoying some of those unopened beverages on balcony.

[Molls]

@Surrounded by water. oh thanks for that, I’m hoping it’ll be the same and we can stay onboard. Very excited at the thought of an empty ship to wander in!
 

@Traveling Mike yes I’ll report back afterwards about what the process is this summer from the UK.

[ckruetze]

We have done a B2B in the Mediterranean two years ago and the only difference to a B2B in the US we did last year was what @Surrounded by water. also said. No need to go through customs. We just got our new Sea pass cards scanned the old one on the ship exit and then scanned the new one right away without actually leaving the ship.

With regards to leaving your room usually you are allowed to access your room during the day if you are on a B2B but the hallway will be busy. Talk to your stateroom attendant, we usually suggest they can do the deep cleaning of the cabin a day early / later if it helps them in there schedule as changeover day is always very busy for them.

As for lunch, try the Solarium Bistro unless you get a special lunch invitation for the B2B - usually there is something offered.

[rjac]

2 hours ago, ckruetze said:

we usually suggest the can do the deep cleaning of the cabin a day early / later if it helps them in there schedule as changeover day is always very busy for them

Really good suggestion, will remember that on our next b2b. Thanks!