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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).

A row of cruise check-in desks labeled 'Rockstar Quarters and VIP'
Checking in for your first cruise begins at your origin port © Photo by VV Insider

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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. European/Australian Sailings:
    • If your back-to-back sailings are in Europe 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 1:00 PM.
    • A limited lunch will be available at The Gallery from 12:00 PM, ensuring you have sustenance during your extended stay on board.
  4. Miami 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 have the privilege of reboarding before other sailings, ensuring a smooth transition between voyages.
  5. 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. You can treat the ship as your private yacht! 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 logged out of the app when everyone has disembarked from the previous voyage. It’s now you can log back into the app and start booking slots for events for the upcoming voyage (before everyone else gets onboard!).

A trendy-looking bar with empty seats in various shapes and colours
On the Rocks venue showing how quiet switchover day is before the new sailors come aboard© Photo by VV Insider

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.

In Summary

By following these guidelines, you can enjoy a seamless experience during your back-to-back sailings with Virgin Voyages. Remember to inform Sailor Services, check for relevant information in your cabin, and be aware of the specific procedures based on your sailing location. Whether you’re staying on board during European voyages or transitioning smoothly during Miami sailings, these guidelines will help ensure a hassle-free continuation of your vacation.

About the author

Co-Founder and Director. David has a background in web design and development and writes travel content, vacation guides and tips about Virgin Voyages.

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9 Comments

  1. Cheryl says:

    Since San Juan will now have the Valiant Lady as its port, what will be the B2B procedure???

    1. david says:

      Seeing at this will be the first sailing that Virgin Voyages will have from San Juan. It’s unclear yet what the back-to-back procedures will be, but it will likely follow the Europe sailings.

      1. Dave Schoenbrun says:

        I would imagine it would be more like Miami, as San Juan is a US Territory and subject to the laws and customs policies of the United States.

        1. david says:

          That’s a great point! We’ll do some digging and update this page once we have an answer.

          1. David Schoenbrun says:

            I’m doing in January, I’ll let you know

          2. Cheryl says:

            Thank you 😊 also was it decided about what embarkation pier will it be. Pan American or the pier’s directly at old San Juan????

          3. VV Insider says:

            Not known yet, we’re going to ask Virgin Voyages for all the details we can ahead of the January sailings so keep tuned in!

  2. Lou says:

    I am doing a few back to back sailings and I want to make as much use of my day in each of the off/on stops such as Barcelona and Athens. How do I get off as early as possible and get back on as late as possible?

    1. david says:

      As far as I’m aware you will need to process your B2B with the desk on board – this only opens at a certain time and I think it’s slightly later in the morning (around 9:00-10:00 – Sailor Services will put a letter in your room containing exact details) – from then you will be able to leave the ship and reboard later. Ask sailor service what the latest time you’re able to return – this will vary depending on the time scheduled for departure.

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