B2B on Century

[rollie]

Has anyone done a B2B cruise out of Miami on Century. What was the procedure for leaving the ship and reboarding. We were lucky enough to get the same cabins, so I know this will make it somewhat easier. My parents, who are starting to get a bit frail, are traveling with up. I'm just trying to make things as easy for them as possible. Thanks for any help. This will be our first B2B cruise.

 

Rollie

[Andy&Mary]

We did a 5d-4d b2b Western Caribbean over Thanksgiving week and about the only thing that was a hassle was the change-over day.

 

We stayed on the ship playing cards until they called us to the Rendez-Vous Lounge, about 11:00am. There were about 20 people doing the b2b. We waited there for a bit and then we were escorted off the ship and passed easily through customs. The hassle then started as we could not board the ship until it was cleared. We had no problems with waiting and we were fine with standing, although there were a few chairs. The problem was that more and more people started arriving and Celebrity had everyone gathering in just a "mob". There are lines for checking in but instead of having everyone form lines everyone was just instructed to stay in the entry area. We could see that there were going to be problems and as soon as Celebrity said people could start checking in there was a mad dash for the counters. My husband and I plus 2 friends we had met rushed ahead and thankfully we were able to get right through. Others were stuck and I don't know how long it took them to get through but we could hear them arguing with the Celebrity personnel.

 

You see, we didn't even have to check in again since we were already processed. Celebrity should have taken that into account and allowed us to wait at the doors and just walk right in after the ship was cleared.

 

If you are not planning to tour Miami and if Celebrity hasn't changed anything about the b2b process, you should speak with one of the Celebrity personnel in the terminal and make sure they know that you are already processed as a b2b. Try not to get grouped into the "waiting area".

 

mary

[rollie]

Thanks Mary, we will keep that in mind.

 

Rollie

[C 2 C]

We did a B2B2B in January 2007. It was not quite as bad as Mary's experience but it is still a hassle.

 

The entry area has very few seats. As we were waiting, new arrivals viewed us with hostility because our group occupied all the seats. When Century was finally cleared we went straight to the security checkpoint with our transit passes to get back to "our" home ahead of the tourists.. ;)

 

Let the Celebrity shoreside people know that you do not have to be processed again.

 

Arno

[ocngypz]

Your results may vary.

 

We were three cabins traveling together. I did not have to get off the ship.

I merely got a new sea pass card at Guest Relations and took it to security for the photo.

 

My traveling companions had to get off the ship with their in transit passes in hand.

 

All US citizens, all traveling in the same categories.

 

Typical.

[rollie]

Wow, such varied repsonses. I guess the best advise would be to keep one's eyes and ears open, and check in with the pursers desk.

 

Rollie

[Ships R Great]

Let the Captain's Club Hostess, if you are a member, know that your parents are a bit "frail" and you are concerned for their well-being. if she/he can;'t help then be sure to talk to the person who escorts you off the ship. On our B2B on Century iot was a bit hairy but they escorted us right through when the ship cleared. Be sure to lay claim to seats asap.

[rollie]

Thanks for the tips everyone. Will keep them in mind.

 

Rollie