Question for B2B veterans

[Angileyze1]

Searching for a cruise is hard enough, but my deployed Dh wants to do our first B2B when he comes home. Is there some easy secret way to search for one? I'm thinking theres just a ton of note taking and post its involved. So tell me, how do you go about doing a B2B search. We do not want the same itinerary.

[JayS]

Searching for a cruise is hard enough, but my deployed Dh wants to do our first B2B when he comes home. Is there some easy secret way to search for one? I'm thinking theres just a ton of note taking and post its involved. So tell me, how do you go about doing a B2B search. We do not want the same itinerary.

 

I did it on HAL and NCL so here is my advice.

 

CCL : go to the web site and pick the first cruise. If the dates listed between cruises are longer than the length of the cruise there is your possible B2B.

 

HAL : Again go to the web site pick your date port etc and the total length of the cruises. The B2Bs will be shown. HAL charged me a little less than the price of both legs.:D

 

NCL : I did the same on my EPIC Caribbean cruise with a small discount for the B2B. They are not running 2 different runs on the Epic so I don't know if it will work on other ships.

[meatloafsfan]

I picked the general area I wanted to sail out of (Florida) and then looked at the ships and itineraries of them to find ones that weren't the same every week.

 

The Carnival Dream and the Carnival Magic both alterate itineraries so if you're looking for a quick choice - you could go for either of them.

 

When are you looking to go and where would you prefer to sail from?

[revkev]

First, let me say that you will love doing a B2B.

 

A recommendation: IF AT ALL POSSIBLE stay on the same ship and THE SAME CABIN. You will have a couple hours in between cruises where the ship is all yours. ALSO, any liquor you buy at ports (during the first cruise) or the last night when they run all the specials (They allow you to take that booze back to your room that night - assuming its the last night of the cruise that you buy the liquor) will all be available that next cruise.:rolleyes:

 

BOOKING - I use a travel agent. I told her what I wanted and she worked with Carnival to find a cabin open for both cruises. A Carnival PVP will do the same. So I would recommend not booking online. Many times there are cabins available, just not shown on line. If you are able to stay in the same cabin, you don't have to pack-up and un-pack. Your room steward will help with this, but it is still a hassle.

 

Good luck,

 

Kevin from MPLS

[firefly333]

Destiny makes for a cheap B2B, though you might repeat one port, the price is great.

 

Conquest has some alternating out of New Orleans. I thought I had the same ole, but one week does cozumel, jamaica, caymans, and the following week that I booked does cozumel, belize and roatan.

[Angileyze1]

Thanks everyone. Since its my first time I was really hoping for a eastern/southern caribbean combo, but it doesn't work that way so I have found a few I like. I'm assuming since there are 3 ships that I can't access Nov 2012 dates for it might mean one in drydock or something? All the others are avail, just not those 3 particular ships. I've narrowed it down quite a bit for a B2B but if we drop one, it opens up a whole lot. Also, if I want to change ships in between it would too, but I don't really want to do that. So Now I just have to go back and look at prices. Whew! Its a lot of work!!

[Froufie]

I too would recommend staying on the same ship/same cabin - less hassle - more fun!

 

We did a b2b on the Destiny 4 day and 5 day - east/west - different ports! It was excellent - and I loved having that empty ship for a few hours on 'switchover' day! So cool!:D

 

My own 'personal' walking track

 

Not a chair hog in sight!

 

Anyone for a private pool party?

[sofaman61]

sorry...but what's B2B?

jeeez I feel a little slow today

[JeanieTheMom]

sorry...but what's B2B?

jeeez I feel a little slow today

 

A Back-to-Back.

 

Hey Froufie, great pictures! When I did a B2B on the Fascination, it was in February, so we stayed inside on our own personal promenade deck and read books for awhile, then went to our own personal buffet on the lido. By then the next passengers were coming on. It's fun watching the new people lug their bags around while you are carrying nothing.:D

[Froufie]

A Back-to-Back.

 

Hey Froufie, great pictures! When I did a B2B on the Fascination, it was in February, so we stayed inside on our own personal promenade deck and read books for awhile, then went to our own personal buffet on the lido. By then the next passengers were coming on. It's fun watching the new people lug their bags around while you are carrying nothing.:D

 

Thanks - glad you liked the pics! The nerve of those cruisers 'invading' your personal space! :D:D

[Gail & Marty sailing away]

Don't forget to get a vet, disc.

[JRock59]

Doesn't the Destiny pretty much have 3 different routes? 5/5/4 nights, she's a nice ship and most of the ports are very enjoyable! Look in to it as you'd get credit for 3 cruises not 2 which should get you to Platinum faster!

[Ykgorbie]

We did a B2B last October and were able to do two different itineraries - on Carnival Freedom. First was a 6 day followed by an 8 day cruise - it was WONDERFUL. So wonderful, in fact, that I'm wondering if our upcoming 8 day cruise is going to be long enough ! :o