Why cruising Royal Caribbean back-to-back could be a solution
The cruise line has moved some of its best Oasis-class ships to 3-4 day itineraries.
Even with cruise ships sailing 365 days out of the year, aside from when they are in dry dock getting renovations, cruisers must plan their trip around the cruise lines' schedule.
This means when certain ships, such as the Oasis class ships of Royal Caribbean, only offer three- and four-night sailings, cruisers sometimes will book two short sailings back-to-back. This is not always the case, as ships will alternate their itineraries, home ports, and sailing lengths.
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Currently, the Utopia of the Seas, which is less than one year old, does only three- and four-night sailings. Until recently, before Allure of the Seas went to Europe and to dry dock, it sailed three and four-night sailings to the Caribbean out of Fort Lauderdale.
Now, it is sailing seven-night Western Mediterranean itineraries until it makes its way back to Florida in the middle of October. At that point, it will offer six- and eight-night sailings to the Caribbean.
A lot of cruisers are not happy with the fact that most of the Oasis class ships will move to three- and four-night sailings. Consider having to fly from another state or from out of the country to get on a cruise for three or four nights. Some travelers will not consider this worthwhile.
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Be aware of fluctuating cruise costs
It is important to note that cruise prices are not fixed. In addition, popular cruise ships and itineraries quickly can become sold out. Shorter cruises will sometimes, but not always, cost less than a seven- or 10-night voyage. Some cruisers book back-to-backs to extend their trip while getting on the cruise ship of their choice.
Paying attention to other variables could help maximize your budget. The cost of cruises is often higher during the holidays and spring break. New ships often cost more, at least initially. Prices are also based on demand.
Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the seas (the largest cruise ship in the world) currently sails seven-night itineraries to the Western and Eastern Caribbean. At the time of this writing, during the month of May, the price per person starts at around $1,600; however, only one month later in June, prices are $2,000+ per person and late-December prices range from around $2,500 to over $3,000 per person.
Another choice could be booking back-to-back three- and four-night sailings on the Utopia for a comparable price, which varies based on demand. Sometimes you may get a better deal by booking Utopia back-to-back and sometimes you may save money with booking the Icon of the Seas for seven nights. However, since Icon of the Seas made its debut, Utopia has had more availability to book.
Essentials of back-to-back cruising
If you are selecting a three- or four-night sailing, chances are you will go to the same ports, give or take a port. With that said, you will want to make sure that you are okay with having the same or similar itinerary if you are doing more than one leg on your trip. For example, three- and four-night sailings to the Caribbean almost always go to the Bahamas, the cruise line’s private islands, and sometimes Key West.
If you are cruising back-to-back, you will be required to leave the ship to pass through immigration once again before you embark on your next leg of your journey.
Once there is a zero count of passengers on the ship, you can embark once again on the second leg of your journey. Your old sailing card — or in Royal Caribbean’s case, a “sea pass card” — will be replaced by a new card for boarding.
If you are staying in the same room, you can often leave your belongings and take your essentials such as your passport, wallet, and valuables. If you are changing rooms, you will have to pack your luggage, but your stateroom attendant will often help move your possessions to your new cabin.
You will receive information about all of this on the first leg of your cruise, and you should always check with guest services if you have any questions.
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