Cruise ships with tour bus

How Does Back-to-Back Cruises Work?

A back-to-back cruise is when you book consecutive cruises on the same ship. Instead of leaving after the first cruise, you are staying on for the next cruise. 

Repeat Cruise Itineraries

Cruise ship at Port Canaveral
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Most back-to-back cruises repeat the same itinerary, where you depart and arrive at the same port and visit the same places. For example, you can easily find back-to-back Mediterranean cruises.

Back-to-Back Cruises with Different Itineraries

Cruise ship port talk
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If you think you’ll get bored repeating the same cruise, you can also find back-to-back cruises that visit different ports. The cruise embarkation and departure ports might not be the same on both cruises, and even the lengths of the cruises might not be the same. 

Repositioning Cruises

Cruise ship main dining room
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Look for repositioning cruises if you want to combine different itineraries. Repositioning cruises is when the cruise ship moves from one region to another. You can combine two different itineraries for a unique back-to-back cruise experience. 

What is the Transition Like on Back-to-Back Cruises?

Cruise ship atrium
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On a back-to-back cruise, you typically stay onboard the ship between both cruises. On some cruises, you will be asked to wait in a transit lounge while the ship clears immigration and customs. You might also be asked to disembark to clear customs and immigration.

Can You Get off the Ship on Turnaround Day?

Cruise Ship Balcony
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After you have cleared immigration and customs, you can get off the cruise ship. It will feel like a normal port day. 

Do You Stay in the Same Cabin?

Cruise ship cabin
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You may or may not be booked in the same cabin for your back-to-back cruises. If you are not in the same cabin, the cruise staff will help you move cabins. Check out Mediterranean Cruise Mistakes to Avoid

Less Hassle

Cruise Ship Balcony Cabin
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Back to Back-to-back cruises are a great way to have an extended vacation without the hassle of switching ships. Check out Alaska Cruise Mistakes to Avoid

Maximize Airfare

Delta Airlines at LaGuardia Airport
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One of the advantages of back-to-back cruises is that they allow you to maximize your airfare. For example, if you are flying to Europe, you might as well extend your stay to make the most of the plane ride. If you live near a cruise port, try to find a repositioning cruise to take you back to your home cruise port so you don’t need to fly home! Check out 13 Important Things to do ASAP on the First Day of Your Cruise

Book Early

Celebrity Cruise
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You should book your back-to-back cruises early. That way, you can be sure to get the same cabin on each cruise and avoid the hassle of changing cabins. Check out 12 Important Things to Know Before Booking a Caribbean Cruise

How to Find Back-to-Back Cruises

Cruise ship cabin
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You can easily find back-to-back cruises by searching on various cruise line websites. Travel agents are a great help when booking back-to-back cruises because they can make sure you stay in the same cabin and get you a good deal. Check out I’ve Been on Over 25 Cruises, Here is How Much Extra Gratuity I Give to the Cruise Staff

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