B2B Cruises

[Northshorecruisers]

Friends of ours that live in Vancouver, BC are going to take the 4 day Oosterdam repositioning cruise prior to the cruise we are all on Oct 4 to the Mexican Riviera. They really couldn't pass up the cost to add 4 days to their cruise and save one air travel and hotel the night before.
When they dock in San Diego, will they be required to get off the ship? They have the same verandah cabin for both portions of the trip.

[grannynurse]

We didn't have to leave the ship in Amsterdam but what I've heard about changeover day in US Ports is that you do have to go through immigration (not customs). They will be given their new room card the day before, and since there is no room change, all that it should involve is waiting until those departing the ship are off, then go through US immigration at the port and reboard through another entrance than the oncoming guests. I don't know if it makes a difference that they are citizens of Canada, it might entail different procedures.
GN

[Northshorecruisers]

Previously when we sailed the Oosterdam, the Canadians did customs early in the morning before anyone was allowed to get off the ship.
I'm looking forward to boarding in San Diego and being able to put our carryon in their cabin and tour the ship. It will make our vacation seem a little bit longer.

[sail7seas]

They will receive a letter from the front office the last night of their first cruise. It will instruct them of what they have to do in terms of Immigration. At the most, they will have to report at appointed time to Immigration. That is all that will be required of them.
It is possible it could be done aboard the ship but most likely in the terminal.

The letter they receive will contain their new ID and advise them of dining hours.

B-to-B's are the BEST!! We love them. :)

[Krazy Kruizers]

We have done quite a few back-to-back cruises and as yet we have NEVER had to go get off the ship or go through immigration in San Diego.

[Krazy Kruizers]

[opps

[lorekauf]

We have done quite a few back-to-back cruises and as yet we have never had to go get off the ship or go through immigration in San Diego.

That is true. I am Canadian and I just took a cruise (in Oct.07) from Vancouver to San Diego then San Diego to Mexico and off in San Diego. I didn't have to do through immigration or get off the ship between the B2B. For some reason it is different in San Diego.

[sail7seas]

They will have to do Life Boat Drill on their second cruise.

It will be nice for you to have your friends aboard when you arrive and to leave your carryon there.

[Northshorecruisers]

Yes, it will be great. We met this couple through the Cruise Critic roll call for our first cruise on the Oosterdam in Jan '06. They joined us for our Nov '07 cruise and now for our Oct '08 cruise. I'm really happy that they will be able to enjoy a relaxed trip over 4 days from Vancouver. Although I will miss having fun with them on the Friday night pre-cruise, I'm sure we'll make up for it when we get together on the ship Saturday!
This cruise will be to celebrate our 5th wedding anniversary and our friends celebrate their 7th anniversary just two days later.

Deb

[Krazy Kruizers]

That will be so nice that you all be will be celebrating your anniversaries together.

Congratulations.

[sail7seas]

Have a great time with those special celebrations. Get a BIG cake. :D