Staying on a ship to do two cruises back to back

[Thascales]

Has anyone from the UK done two Celebrity cruises back to back? I’m looking at doing two Caribbean cruises (which have different itineraries) back to back next year and wondered if anyone had done it, whether they booked direct through Celebrity or through one of the agents (iglu or planetcruise for example) and how easy it was to organise in terms of flights etc. 

[Jim_Iain]

While I am not in the UK I have done a number of B2B's.    It is very easy and planning for things like flights should be no problem.   Just book a date for your departure and the date you wish to return home.  

 

I usually book directly with Celebrity (on board when possible to get additional perks).   You have 60 days from booking to transfer to an agent if you choose to use one for additional perks.    Remember to ask for the additional B2B bonus when booking (not much but better in my pocket).  

 

The process of B2B between cruises is really easy and you can either remain on the ship or treat it like a regular port and take a tour.   Celebrity sometimes offers a special excursion and lunch for B2B's.

[Thascales]

That’s very helpful. What sort of perks do you get if you book onboard? We are on a celebrity cruise later this year so might enquire about the back to back then. 

[Jim_Iain]

Attached is the perks offered a couple weeks ago.   Perks $50 - $500 depending on class of room and length of cruise.    Also you 1-4 perks are offered.  

 

Edited May 18, 2019 by Jim_Iain

[sddsddean]

We've done b2b's on Celeb and RCI...its dead easy! We book our cruises with the cruise people just off J29A of the M1(!) and never had any problems. Personally, I always book my flights myself, but they can do that too (as will any TA). Try and get the same cabin for both cruises (saves you having to move all your stuff on the 'middle' day). As you will obviously be doing this in a US port, you will have to get off (to go through immigration) and get on again. Note: the US is the only country you have to do this! You might get a 'consecutive cruisers' lunch. RCI do them, can't remember if Celeb do. There will be a meeting about 3 days before the end of the cruise where all the ins and outs will be explained. Best bit is to look really smug at breakfast on the last day...'cos you're not getting off!!

 

Have fun

 

Simon

[wendyam76]

We always book onboard for the extra OBC - basically for the UK you get whatever the UK offer is but more OBC. If you are sailing back to the USA in the middle of the B2B you will have to get off the ship but it’s usually very quick and you will be back onboard before the next guests. If you can keep the same stateroom but if you can’t they make the move very easy.

Wendy 

[Edinburghgirl1]

We did a 12 night and 9 night b2b this March. We flew down to Gatwick the night before then flew BA on a direct flight. We booked the flight to Fort Lauderdale as soon as they were released and managed to get premium economy both ways for £720. We spent 3 nights in Fort Lauderdale  pre cruise and one night at the end. We were are able to get the same Aqua class cabin on both cruises so didn’t have to move. At the meeting to discuss procedure for those in b2b they announced the drinks package  on the second cruise would be buy one get one free for those who didn’t have one. We did  have the classic package as a perk but had upgraded to premium before sailing. We complained along with others who had done the same and were given a refund of the cost of one upgrade. We thoroughly enjoyed being on a b2b and booked another on board for next year. Athens to Dubai then Dubai to Singapore 30 days on board in total. We again have drinks packages on  both cruises, free gratuities and onboard credit.!

[Jim_Iain]

Attached is a copy of the B2B memo for a recent cruise.  The process is similar in most ports but may be different due to local immigration rules  

 

 

Here is one for Fort Lauderdale about 3 weeks ago

 

Edited May 18, 2019 by Jim_Iain

[downsmead]

As above, in addition you get some money off the b2b cruises ~ £60 GBP. They had a raffle at the meeting - free laundry, bottles of wine, speciality restaurant. They also gave complimentary Internet to complete the survey after the first cruise!

We booked direct with Celebrity - you sometimes have to ask about the b2b discount, not always automatically given. Ours was in the Caribbean, Summit 2x12 day cruises from San Juan. 

PS be aware that you are not allowed to name travel agents on this site. 

[cruisestitch]

There can be as many as 800 back to back passengers....it’s a popular thing to do!

[sddsddean]

12 hours ago, Edinburghgirl1 said:

We did a 12 night and 9 night b2b this March. We flew down to Gatwick the night before then flew BA on a direct flight. We booked the flight to Fort Lauderdale as soon as they were released and managed to get premium economy both ways for £720. We spent 3 nights in Fort Lauderdale  pre cruise and one night at the end. We were are able to get the same Aqua class cabin on both cruises so didn’t have to move. At the meeting to discuss procedure for those in b2b they announced the drinks package  on the second cruise would be buy one get one free for those who didn’t have one. We did  have the classic package as a perk but had upgraded to premium before sailing. We complained along with others who had done the same and were given a refund of the cost of one upgrade. We thoroughly enjoyed being on a b2b and booked another on board for next year. Athens to Dubai then Dubai to Singapore 30 days on board in total. We again have drinks packages on  both cruises, free gratuities and onboard credit.!

Just did Dubai to Singapore in January. I'd say stay in Dubai for at least 4 days, but obviously you can't...don't want to miss the ship! However, as you end at Singapore, try and stay for at least 4 days if you can...there is so much to see and do.

 

Simon

[davekathy]

22 hours ago, Thascales said:

That’s very helpful. What sort of perks do you get if you book onboard? We are on a celebrity cruise later this year so might enquire about the back to back then. 

When booking your B2B cruise ask about getting the B2B discount. We always get $50.00 off each 7 day leg on all of our B2B cruises. . 

Edited May 19, 2019 by davekathy