Back-to-Back (B2B) Sailings
This guide walks through the steps to make the most of staying on board for concurrent sailings (known as back-to-back).
Back-to-Back (B2B) sailings on Virgin Voyages
If you’re fortunate enough to embark on another voyage immediately following your current Virgin Voyages cruise, there’s a special process in place to ensure a smooth transition. Follow this guide to make the most of your back-to-back sailings:
- Notify Sailor Services:
- It’s recommended to contact Sailor Services and inform them that you’re participating in back-to-back sailings.
- Ensure that this information is noted against each individual booking.
- Additionally, you can request to stay in the same cabin, if available, by communicating your preference to Sailor Services.
- Look for Information in Your Cabin:
- On the last night of your current cruise, keep an eye out for a letter in your cabin.
- This letter will provide detailed instructions and fully explain the process for your back-to-back sailings including how your luggage will be transferred if you are moving cabins. Typically your hangers and packed luggage will be moved to your new cabin by your cabin hosts.
Local Customs Between Sailings
- European/UK/Australian Sailings:
- If your back-to-back sailings are in Europe (including UK) or domestic Australian, you’ll have the option to stay on board the ship between voyages.
- Enjoy the ship to yourself during this time between 10:30 AM and 1:30 PM.
- If you opt to go ashore you will be able to skip any queues in the terminal, simply inform staff you’re already checked in.
- Lunch will be available from around 12:30pm at The Galley and other services may open later when other sailors board.
- US (Miami etc) Sailings:
- For back-to-back sailings in Miami, a specific procedure is in place.
- You’ll debark as a group and proceed through customs.
- Once cleared, you’ll be able to board before other sailors including Rockstars
- Other Sailings:
- Depending on local customs and regulations, there may be specific requirements for disembarkation between back-to-back sailings.
- Please be prepared to follow the instructions provided by the crew and adhere to any necessary procedures.
Pre-Sail Setup & Switching Voyage
On the Virgin Voyages app ahead of sailing you will want to make sure you have checked in, secured all of those important dining reservations and other bookings. To do this go to Account > Settings (top right) > Scroll down to the bottom > Switch Voyage. This will change your voyage onto your other sailings.
Keep in mind once you are on board you are locked into the current voyage and won’t be able to switch, if you need to make any adjustments to your next booking it is best to contact Sailor Services.
Make the Most of Switchover Day
As a back-to-back sailor you have the benefit of being able to enjoy the amenities of the ship while all the other sailors are either leaving the ship or waiting to board. Be aware that most venues will be closed and cleaning teams will be hard at work all around the ship.
Our advice is to use this morning as a time to do some serious relaxing before the next cruise kicks off. The whirlpools and pools will likely be very quiet during this time so make sure you bring swimwear with you as you leave the cabin in the morning.
Keep an eye on the app as you will automatically be logged out of the app when everyone has disembarked from the previous voyage. Around 12:30pm you can log back into the app and start booking events for the upcoming voyage (before everyone else gets onboard).
Sailing Club Benefits
Credit for a voyage is applied towards perks 30 days after the voyage concludes. Sailors on back to back voyages who meet the criteria for the next tier of perks will not experience the benefits of that higher tier during the consecutive voyage.
Laundry
Back-to-back sailors can submit laundry by 6 p.m. the day before, and it will be returned by 7 p.m. on the first day of your new sailing (times subject to change). Your laundry will be delivered to your new cabin (if applicable) or your current cabin.
Overview
To make your back-to-back sailings with Virgin Voyages go smoothly, just follow these simple tips. Let Sailor Services know about your plans, check your cabin for any updates, and be aware of the procedures for your specific sailing location. Whether you’re staying onboard during European cruises or making an easy transition in the US, these steps will help keep your vacation hassle-free.
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