Back to back cruises for beginners, what to know BEFORE you go

[@Carolmaizy]

I've always wondered how the BTBs work. I appreciate the information.

[@CruisewithGrant]

Hi Carol 👋 I"m so glad that this one was helpful, I certainly had lots of questions on my first back to back and so wanted to pay it forward. Hope that you're having an amazing day!

[@janiebean1390]

I'm hoping to do a back-to-back in the near future. You've given a ton of information that I don't see other channels providing. Thank you for answering a lot of the questions I had and giving me confidence in the process.

[@madchatteress]

I have sailed two NCL cruises but never did a B2B with them. I recently did a B2B with Holland America, which was my first time even sailing with them due to the itinerary. I was fortunate that I was able to remain in the same cabin and did not have to check-out/check-in or even go through border/customs but this occurred in Italy and my previous stop was Greece (another EU country) so maybe it varies based upon the embarkation port where the 1st cruise ends and 2nd cruise begins as well as the itinerary.

[@sanfordmiller-ns8ok]

Thank you! I am planning a back to back later this year. You answered my questions.

[@CruisewithGrant]

Hi Sanford 👋 Thanks for your comment! I had lots of questions before doing my first back to back and so wanted to share. I'm so glad it was helpful! Where are you thinking of travelling on your back to back?

[@user-ty8hh7oi4d]

Thanks. Really helpful comments.

[@CruisewithGrant]

Hi Evan 👋 You're most welcome! Any cruises planned for you?

[@gbcruises9339]

Fantastic timing Grant, we are leaving for Barcelona in 24 days for a b2b Mediterranean on the Epic. This was very informative and helpful. Thank you!

[@CruisewithGrant]

I'm so glad to hear it! Barcelona is one of my favourite places in the world. I've also done a Transatlantic on the Epic that finished there. You'll have a wonderful time. Thanks again for the kind words! Safe and happy cruising!

[@lauragwillim1055]

The star B2B sounds amazing! I want to do a transatlantic some time and a B2B. It was nice of the Encore to set up refreshments while you waited for customs. Wonder why the Star didn’t do that?

[@brucebaker3523]

Excellent advice and much appreciated! Hoping to do back to back soon.

[@CruisewithGrant]

Thanks Bruce! I'm so glad it was helpful. I didn't have any idea what to expect on my first nack to back cruise so I was happy to share my experience. Wishing you safe and happy cruising! 🛳

[@andreacohen4730]

Just discovered your channel and looking forward to a cruise with two friends this January

[@CruisewithGrant]

Hi Andrea first and foremost welcome 👋 I hope you found this video help! Ooooh which ship are you sailing on in January? I'm hoping to finalize some end of year plans myself. Always great to have something to look forward to 😍

[@andreacohen4730]

@@CruisewithGrant I will be sailing to the Caribbean on the breakaway

[@kb-km4pc]

Really enjoying the channel! I believe you mentioned in one of your videos that you had gone on a solo cruise with NCL - I'd love to hear about your experience and any tips you may have. I just booked my first solo cruise for September and I'm super excited.

[@CruisewithGrant]

Hi there! I'm so happy that you're enjoying the channel! You got it absolutely right, I've done about half of my cruises solo, including my recent back to back cruises in April! I have some ideas for a solo traveller video in the works so stay tuned. Please also feel free to reach out via DM on Instagram (@cruisewithgrant) if you have some specific questions.

[@donalderckert792]

Thanks!

[@CruisewithGrant]

Hi Donald 👋 Apologies for the delay in saying the biggest THANK YOU! So grateful for your support! It really make my day! 🫶

[@roberthudson2821]

My partner and I cruised back-to-back last month on the Norwegian Jewel: Vancouver to Seward (7 days), Seward to Vancouver (7 days). Even though the itineraries were almost the same, we enjoyed our return cruise as much as our northbound cruise. And we didn't need to fly anywhere because we live on Vancouver Island and can get to Vancouver by ferry. We cleared US Customs & Immigration at the cruise ship port in Vancouver and with Canadian Customs & Inmigration in Vancouver upon return - both very fast. We were tested onboard at the end of the first cruise (antigen). The crew on the Jewel were amazing and we'd cruise Alaska back-to-back again. 😎😎

[@CruisewithGrant]

Thanks Robert! Wow you're a back to back pro! I haven't done an Alaskan cruise yet, but it's on my bucket list! Perhaps even next year if I can swing it! I was just in BC in May and it was so beautiful, you're so lucky to live there! Wishing you safe and happy cruising (where-ever you may cruise next!!)

[@LMays-cu2hp]

Thank you for sharing. It is nice to cruise great ships.

[@CruisewithGrant]

Thanks so much for your comment! I agree it's truly such a privilege to be able to cruise on such beautiful ships!

[@LMays-cu2hp]

@@CruisewithGrant I am able to admire cruise ships when they are in port. They do look very big in port. I always tell my friends to buy the cabin suites with balcony/terraces all the time..

[@scottsaltman]

Great content as always :)

[@CruisewithGrant]

Thanks Scott! A new one coming next week! Stay tuned!

[@debbiec8501]

What is the best way to get a room upgrade? and/or tips to do so via bid/auction? Thanks!

[@CruisewithGrant]

Hi Debbie, in this case NCL upgraded me without even asking because I was taking a transatlantic so that was great. I'll make another video about the bidding process, but you can also keep an eye on the price of your cruise. If it drops your travel agent or cruise consultant may be able to see if they will upgrade you.

[@rorybrowne4973]

Shareholder credit..... must learn more.....

[@CruisewithGrant]

Hi Rory 👋 You may have found this one already, but I'm linking below just in case; I've got your covered with a video on this topic too! 😉 kzbin.info/www/bejne/i6uQqnRtp7eJsNU

[@Carolmaizy]

Hi Grant. I've been on five cruises, all using a Casino at Sea voucher, and always with NCL, on the smaller, older ships. I've asked staff members and done research on the App and website, but I still don't fully understand exactly how onboard credit works, and what specifically it can be used for. Your explanations on other subjects are clear and very helpful. I'm hoping you can enlighten me on the matter, as anytime I've asked others about it I haven't been given a definitive answer. Can it be downloaded and used on a slot machine in the casino? If it's on our account, can we use it to pay the remainder of our excursion fees, after the $50 dollar excursion credit is applied? We don't drink much alcohol, so can it be used for specialty coffee drinks or soda, souvenir purchases, sale items? What about for specialty dining package fees if reserved online before the cruise? I apologize for all the questions. We don't fly to our cruise port or use internet while aboard, so could we possibly ask for OBC, in lieu of those Free at Sea perks? I understand it is "onboard" credit, so if we have some, will it be applied to our total bill at the end of the cruise? I would certainly appreciate some advice, if you can.

[@effie-montreal]

oo

[@goalaspect]

I don't get the insider email or offers - weird

[@CruisewithGrant]

I'm sorry to hear that, it's very strange. First stop for me is always checking my spam, or "promotions" folders on my e-mail, but if you're not getting anything at all definitely reach out to NCL and they will help to set it right. I get e-mails and/or postal mailers at least once every two weeks.