B2B - what happens between cruises

We are fortunate enough to be on a UK B2B on Sapphire Princess soon - never done one before and wondering what happens in between. To add to the excitement of the day we will be changing cabins - do we pack move cases then unpack? Do we get off and on again? Any experience, advise would be appreciated. TIA. :eek:

We are fortunate enough to be on a UK B2B on Sapphire Princess soon - never done one before and wondering what happens in between. To add to the excitement of the day we will be changing cabins - do we pack move cases then unpack? Do we get off and on again? Any experience, advise would be appreciated. TIA. :eek:

We did a B2B on the Sapphire out of Southampton this last July/August and we did not have to get off of the ship. We did not change cabins so I can't tell you how it went. Other posts on this forum in the past have stated that the cabin steward will move your stuff to the new cabin and that you can leave the clothing you have on hangers on the hangers and just put the other items in your luggage and it will be moved for you.

You will receive written instructions in your cabin near the end of the first cruise.

In the US, you have to get off the ship. Europe is different and most countries you stay on the ship.

Talk to your steward and let him know your new cabin #, he will likely coordinate with the new steward.

As stated above, leave clothes on hangers. Usually the steward will want you to remove all drawer items and put them in your suitcase. Some stewards request that you leave the drawers alone and they move the drawers to the new cabin.

Be sure you empty the safe!! Put the safe contents in your personal bag and carry to the new cabin yourself.

You'll get a letter a day or two before turn around day with all needed directions and new cards (medallions???) plus an "in transit" pass to use if you want to leave the ship.

We are fortunate enough to be on a UK B2B on Sapphire Princess soon - never done one before and wondering what happens in between. To add to the excitement of the day we will be changing cabins - do we pack move cases then unpack? Do we get off and on again? Any experience, advise would be appreciated. TIA. :eek:

In Southampton you are not required to get off the ship.

You will receive new cruise cards, and an intransit card plus instructions one or two evenings before returning to Southampton. Fully read the instructions. Speak with your cabin steward. The steward is the one that organizes the move. For changing cabins place as much on hangers as possible and hang them in the closet. These items will be moved on hangers and placed in your new cabin's closet. If you require more hangers just ask the steward. Pack the remaining items in your luggage. You may wish to visit your new cabin steward in advance. In the morning you may be able to move your valuables yourself and place them into the new cabin's safe. You are then free to either stay on the ship or leave the ship and go into Southampton. If you choose to stay on the ship you will most likely have to visit the gangway at some point in the morning to scan out your old card and scan in your new one. If you leave the ship take your old and new cruise cards and your intransit card with you. You are not required to attend a second muster drill.

JF,

We did not get off the ship on B2B through Port Everglades (2016). We did have to go to a lounge area with other B2B guests. That area is designated temporary "customs/no man" zone by customs officials working with Princess, because Princess is required to bring the ship to zero passenger count between the cruises. Once everyone is gathered and there are no passengers left outside designated area (in our case took 2 hours because of some inconsiderate jerks), customs officials take a quick look at your passport and let you go about your day around the ship.

Granted, we didnt get off the ship at all, so I dont know what happens when you want to go explore the city? Also our original cruise cards worked for second cruise, we didnt need to change anything. We didnt change rooms, so dont know how that works.

JF,

We did not get off the ship on B2B through Port Everglades (2016). We did have to go to a lounge area with other B2B guests. That area is designated temporary "customs/no man" zone by customs officials working with Princess, because Princess is required to bring the ship to zero passenger count between the cruises. Once everyone is gathered and there are no passengers left outside designated area (in our case took 2 hours because of some inconsiderate jerks), customs officials take a quick look at your passport and let you go about your day around the ship.

Granted, we didnt get off the ship at all, so I dont know what happens when you want to go explore the city? Also our original cruise cards worked for second cruise, we didnt need to change anything. We didnt change rooms, so dont know how that works.

FYI, In Port Everglades if you want to leave the ship, just walk off after disembarkation has begun. Take your passport, cruise card(s) and intransit card with you. You will pass through immigration and then you can do whatever in Ft. Lauderdale. You can re-board anytime after general boarding has begun.

I am going to give you a slightly different answer than you have received so far. You will receive instructions by the night before turnaround day for in transit passengers. Follow those instructions. You probably will not be required to disembark since it is the UK, not the US.

As far as changing staterooms, this is where I have to disagree with the advice others have offered so far. Turnaround day is by far the busiest and hardest day for cabin stewards. Be considerate. First, the two keys are communication and self-sufficiency. Communicate clearly with your current stateroom steward concerning the fact that you will be moving to a different stateroom. And, you also should speak with the steward who is responsible for the new stateroom you will be moving to. Why? So he or she will be sure to make preparation of the stateroom a priority. Do you know how far the move is? We have moved decks, we have moved next door with a different steward. If you are moving to a cabin a few doors away, my advice is plan to do this on your own. (More detail to follow in another paragraph.) If you are moving a distance down a corridor or to another deck, make sure that your cabin steward coordinates with the housekeeping supervisor and has a garment rack scheduled for you so that the hanging clothing can easily be moved for you.

Whether you are moving to a nearby cabin or to the other end of the ship, my advice is to pack anything that you have in drawers and/or in shelves into your luggage and plan on schlepping those bags to your new cabin yourself. Hopefully you will have a carry on or two that you can toss the contents of the bathroom and any other personal/toiletry items into at the last minute. Do this so that you can leave your stateroom at 8 am or very shortly thereafter. (Even if you didn't have to change staterooms I would advise emptying the personal items from the bathroom, as on rare occasion a helper may simply clear out anything left behind. Hasn't happened to us, but to acquaintances who had prescription meds tossed.)

Hanging items - if it's only a matter of a few doors, when you can get access to your new stateroom, it only takes a few trips to move them yourself. If it is a distance, let the housekeeping staff do that part for you.

Clear out your safe also asap (I have asked the steward for a spare tote bag in a pinch to hold the stuff) and transfer it promptly to the new safe.

If you wish to go ashore, you should be able to do "your work" and be ready to go ashore by 8:45, and trust that the hanging garments will be relocated for you. If you are staying on board, you will be able to organize your new stateroom by around that time, and relax the balance of the day.

Honestly, that is how is it has worked best for us and we have had to do it more than a couple of times. When we are doing a b2b and keeping the same cabin we always tell the steward not to bother with our cabin on turnaround morning. They have more than enough to do without worrying about us for a morning.

Most of the time I call my Credit Card Co. to move my credit limit UP. You should see the :D Smile on my wife’s face :D.

The Captain of The Rowboat,

Tony

When they bring the cart for the hanging clothes it will hold the suitcases too. Don't have to carry yourself.

Just take the stuff out of the safe and your meds. (meds just to be safe) with you till you get to your new cabin.

Usually in Europe don't have to get off ship but in USA you mostly have to.

JF,

We did not get off the ship on B2B through Port Everglades (2016). We did have to go to a lounge area with other B2B guests. That area is designated temporary "customs/no man" zone by customs officials working with Princess, because Princess is required to bring the ship to zero passenger count between the cruises. Once everyone is gathered and there are no passengers left outside designated area (in our case took 2 hours because of some inconsiderate jerks), customs officials take a quick look at your passport and let you go about your day around the ship.

Granted, we didnt get off the ship at all, so I dont know what happens when you want to go explore the city? Also our original cruise cards worked for second cruise, we didnt need to change anything. We didnt change rooms, so dont know how that works.

Yes. That does happen in FLL. Never happened to us. :(

If you change cabins, you get 2 cards. We've done it many times. Love B2Bs.

JF,

We did not get off the ship on B2B through Port Everglades (2016). We did have to go to a lounge area with other B2B guests. That area is designated temporary "customs/no man" zone by customs officials working with Princess, because Princess is required to bring the ship to zero passenger count between the cruises. Once everyone is gathered and there are no passengers left outside designated area (in our case took 2 hours because of some inconsiderate jerks), customs officials take a quick look at your passport and let you go about your day around the ship.

Granted, we didnt get off the ship at all, so I dont know what happens when you want to go explore the city? Also our original cruise cards worked for second cruise, we didnt need to change anything. We didnt change rooms, so dont know how that works.

We have done many B2Bs on different cruise lines including Princess. The one thing that has always been consistent is that we received an instruction letter in our cabin the day before. Beyond that, it depends on the requirements of Customs, the country, and the year.

It is NOT true that you must disembark at all US ports, or at least that has not been our experience. We've been able to stay on board and receive a cruise card for the full length of the vacation on Princess! Obviously we were in the same cabin on this trip.

We've had times when we had to meet in a lounge and were escorted off (and back on) the ship as a group. We've met in a lounge and had all the processing occur in the lounge. We've had times when we were just told to disembark and clear Customs on our own. This seemed to depend on the number of cabins doing B2Bs. The problem with the "meet in Wheelhouse" is that there is typically one family who feels that this instruction did not apply to them, and we are all kept in the are until they are located. Groan.

There have been times when we went to Guest Services to pick up our new cruise card and times where we went thru a check in counter in the terminal.

As to changing cabins, the stewards will coordinate the move and do it for you. They will bring a rack that will take the hanging clothes and has a bottom shelf area for your suitcases. What you will want to do is to empty your safe and keep that stuff on your person. We've always packed up our suitcase stuff, but others have reported being told to leave the stuff in drawers and the stewards will just swap out the drawers for you--placing your full drawers in the new cabin and bringing the empty ones down to your vacated cabin.

Again, the ONLY consistency is that we got an instruction letter the day before on each B2B.

One hint--keep watch on cabin availability and if you see it available, ask if you can change your reservation so that you are in the same cabin for both legs. It doesn't always work, but it is great when it does.

What time, if you remember, did you have to check-in at the lounge area?

In Ft. Lauderdale while it is normally around 9:30/10am you should fully read the instructions provided in your cabin. It will specify the time and location, usually the theater, where you have to report. Be early. Do not be late, other passengers will be waiting for your arrival and will boo you if you arrive late. One thing to remember is that no one can be processed through immigration until ALL passengers planning to stay on the ship are present. A Princess staff member will escort you through immigration. Sometimes immigration agents come on the ship, but on my cruises earlier this year we were required to walk off as a group, into the terminal, past the immigration agent and then back onto the ship.

We have done many B2Bs on different cruise lines including Princess. The one thing that has always been consistent is that we received an instruction letter in our cabin the day before. Beyond that' date=' it depends on the requirements of Customs, the country, and the year.

 

It is NOT true that you must disembark at all US ports. We've been able to stay on board and receive a cruise card for the full length of the vacation on Princess! Obviously we were in the same cabin on this trip.

 

We've had times when we had to meet in a lounge and were escorted off (and back on) the ship as a group. We've met in a lounge and had all the processing occur in the lounge. We've had times when we were just told to disembark and clear Customs on our own. This seemed to depend on the number of cabins doing B2Bs. The problem with the "meet in Wheelhouse" is that there is typically one family who feels that this instruction did not apply to them, and we are all kept in the are until they are located. Groan.

 

There have been times when we went to Guest Services to pick up our new cruise card and times where we went thru a check in counter in the terminal.

 

As to changing cabins, the stewards will coordinate the move and do it for you. They will bring a rack that will take the hanging clothes and has a bottom shelf area for your suitcases. What you will want to do is to empty your safe and keep that stuff on your person. We've always packed up our suitcase stuff, but others have reported being told to leave the stuff in drawers and the stewards will just swap out the drawers for you--placing your full drawers in the new cabin and bringing the empty ones down to your vacated cabin.

 

Again, the ONLY consistency is that we got an instruction letter the day before on each B2B.

 

One hint--keep watch on cabin availability and if you see it available, ask if you can change your reservation so that you are in the same cabin for both legs. It doesn't always work, but it is great when it does.[/quote']Thanks for the in depth response. I will not be switching cabins so won't have to deal with packing and moving, etc. I was just wondering if I would have to get up as early as those who are truly disembarking. Thanks.

Thanks for the in depth response. I will not be switching cabins so won't have to deal with packing and moving, etc. I was just wondering if I would have to get up as early as those who are truly disembarking. Thanks.

No--again, my experience only, but when we were required to disembark or to meet as a group, our typical time was 9 or 9:30. They basically waited until all the disembarking passengers had gone thru Customs, and then took us thru (9:30 meeting) or asked us to do it on our own "no later than 9:00." In that case, when we entered the terminal with our "in transit" cards, we were ushered to a Customs desk with no waiting in line. After that, you can stay off the ship and enjoy a port day or you can re-board and enjoy an empty ship for a few hours. It is a great time to photograph areas of the ship if you wish to do so.

No--again' date=' my experience only, but when we were required to disembark or to meet as a group, our typical time was 9 or 9:30. They basically waited until all the disembarking passengers had gone thru Customs, and then took us thru (9:30 meeting) or asked us to do it on our own "no later than 9:00." In that case, when we entered the terminal with our "in transit" cards, we were ushered to a Customs desk with no waiting in line. After that, you can stay off the ship and enjoy a port day or you can re-board and enjoy an empty ship for a few hours. It is a great time to photograph areas of the ship if you wish to do so.[/quote']Thanks for the great feedback, you answered my question!

What time, if you remember, did you have to check-in at the lounge area?

Usually right around 11, we're Elite, so we are usually on the ship by 11:30 or 12.

We have done several B2B in PE and had to leave the ship, show our passports and were not allowed to reboard until general boarding started but we were the first to reboard. Maybe next time we will be lucky and able to just go to a lounge on the ship and wait.

In Southampton we were able to stay on the ship and did not have to show our passports.We did have to assemble in a appointed lounge.

Getting off the ship and then reboarding later is a hassle to be sure. We have sometime been given new cruise cards and sometimes we kept the old one that was still good. Go figure.

We are fortunate enough to be on a UK B2B on Sapphire Princess soon - never done one before and wondering what happens in between. To add to the excitement of the day we will be changing cabins - do we pack move cases then unpack? Do we get off and on again? Any experience, advise would be appreciated. TIA. :eek:

They will give you instructions.

I did a B2B on the Ruby where I had a new stateroom in a different location/deck. I introduced myself to the new steward & everything was left on hangers & in my suitecase. Since it was in San Pedro, Ca we were required to muster together & were taken off the ship & then we could return on the ship or come back later. It was kind of peaceful being on the ship with very few other passengers. When I returned from leaving & reboarding the ship right away everything was allready in my new stateroom. I also had the same cruise card for both cruises & ate at the same table with the same wait staff. I could have left the ship & come back later but there’s not much to do there unless you have a car.

Tom😎

You'll receive paperwork with instructions. Here is the paperwork from a recent B2B at Port Everglades.

You'll receive paperwork with instructions. Here is the paperwork from a recent B2B at Port Everglades.

I did a B2B on the Ruby where I had a new stateroom in a different location/deck. I introduced myself to the new steward & everything was left on hangers & in my suitecase. Since it was in San Pedro, Ca we were required to muster together & were taken off the ship & then we could return on the ship or come back later. It was kind of peaceful being on the ship with very few other passengers. When I returned from leaving & reboarding the ship right away everything was allready in my new stateroom. I also had the same cruise card for both cruises & ate at the same table with the same wait staff. I could have left the ship & come back later but there’s not much to do there unless you have a car.

Tom😎

Thank you so much for doing that!!

You bet. Glad it was helpful.

Thanks for this information. We are doing a B2B in Auckland next year. We also plan on doing an excursion that day so hopefully we will have time for that.