I almost booked another back-to-back cruise—until I found this trick. Now I’ll never cruise the same way again.
It’s called side-by-side cruising, and most travelers don’t even know it exists. Instead of staying on the same ship for two sailings, you hop from one cruise to another—on a completely different ship, from the same port, with no flights or hotel nights in between.
One week I was soaking up the party energy on Carnival. The next? Total zen in a Celebrity spa suite. New shows, new food, new crowd—same vacation.
Most cruisers miss this entirely—and end up stuck with the same menu, same cabin, same everything. But if you know how to do it right, side-by-side cruising feels like unlocking a secret level of vacation.
Here’s why it’s my favorite way to cruise (and what nearly ruined it the first time I tried).
What Is Side-by-Side Cruising?
Side-by-side cruising means booking two separate cruises—on different ships, often with different cruise lines—that depart from the same port, usually on back-to-back dates. Unlike traditional back-to-back cruises on the same ship, you disembark one vessel and board a completely new one the same day, without flying or changing cities.
Why I Love Side-by-Side Cruises
So what makes side-by-side cruising so appealing? Imagine stepping off a fun-filled Carnival sailing and boarding a sleek Celebrity ship that afternoon—same port, new vibe, fresh energy. You’re sipping cocktails in a different atrium by dinnertime. For me, it felt like two vacations in one. Plus, no airport hassle.
Last year, I booked an Alaska expedition cruise followed by a Hawaiian island-hopper—same port, one week apart. Imagine, misty glaciers one week, warm beach breezes the next. On the first ship, I was bundled in fleece on the upper deck watching humpbacks. By the second, I was in flip-flops sipping a mai tai by the pool. Two ships, two climates, one suitcase. What’s not to love about these things:
- Fresh shows
- New food
- Double the ports
- No second flight
- More loyalty points
Is This Your Perfect Cruise Style? Here’s Who Side-by-Side Works Best For
There’s something strangely thrilling about switching ships mid-vacation—no flights, no hotel check-ins, just a whole new cruise vibe. For me, side-by-side cruising felt like hitting refresh halfway through my trip. New menus. New shows. New energy. It’s not about cramming in more—it’s about cruising smarter.
Let’s say you were planning a 10-day cruise. Why not split it? Do a 3-day on Carnival, then a 7-day on Celebrity. Or five and five. You’ll experience two totally different vacations with one suitcase and zero airport stress.
After digging through Cruise Critic forums, Facebook groups, and dozens of roll calls, one thing’s clear: seasoned cruisers are obsessed. Here’s who it works best for:
Cruisers who crave variety: Think Carnival one week, then Princess or Celebrity the next. One couple who tried Carnival and Royal Caribbean side-by-side from Miami said, “The ships couldn’t have been more different. One had a wild party vibe, the other had waterslides and Broadway shows. We loved both.”
Points and perks collectors: If you’re chasing loyalty rewards, this one’s for you. Some cruisers even report that their Royal Caribbean status got them perks on MSC. Two cruises = double the benefits.
Romantic travelers and couples: One pair booked a Carnival “booze cruise” followed by a chilled Celebrity sailing. “It felt like the ultimate romantic escape,” they said—fun first, spa second.
Retirees and locals: If you live near a cruise port, this is the dream. No flights, no chaos. As one Galveston cruiser put it, “We park once, sail twice, and the only decision is which pool deck to nap on.”
If any of that sounds like your idea of a perfect trip, side-by-side cruising might be the upgrade you didn’t know you needed.
The Real Ups and Downs of Side-by-Side Cruising (From People Who’ve Done It)
Many seasoned travelers rave about side-by-side sailing, and for good reason. Think: more variety, more memories, and more bang for your buck. But dig through the forums and Facebook groups, and you’ll find that it’s not all sunshine on the pool deck. There are a few curveballs worth knowing.
You don’t get bored
Some seasoned cruisers say they hit a lull mid-cruise, especially on longer cruises. They’re at the same pool deck, same trivia, same menus, and the routine seems repetitive. But booking one sailing after another changes that.
One long-time cruiser shared that as soon as they started to settle, they were boarding a new ship with a new cruise itinerary ahead.
Two vibes, one vacation
Side-by-side cruising lets you compare ships, vibes, and experiences—without more vacation days or extra airfare. Already at port? Roll into a second cruise instead of heading home.
One cruiser shared, “We didn’t have to pay for flights or transfers between ships. Just walk off one, stroll to the next, and enjoy a whole new cruise without the travel fuss.” However, I disagree about the “no travel fuss”—there can be multiple cruise terminals to navigate. Without planning, it transforms calmness into stress.
Avoid repetition
If you get restless halfway through a cruise, this fixes it fast. Instead of repeat shows and déjà vu dinners, you switch ships and start fresh. Many avid side-by-side fans say that by mid-cruise, they usually know the whole layout. Another ship, another itinerary, and different entertainment keep the vacation exciting.
Better deals (sometimes)
Some veteran cruisers know the best cruise hacks to snag the best deals on shorter cruises. For example, one shared how they scored a fantastic weekend deal on Carnival, then followed it with a midweek rate on Royal Caribbean.
Also, if you’ve traveled far to reach the cruise port, doubling up makes the trip feel way more worthwhile.
The energy dip gets some cruisers
The thing is, not everyone wants to switch ships and itineraries mid-vacation. The transfer day can feel like a total grind and really cut into the vacation vibe. After all, embarkation and debarkation are usually the worst part of cruising. One cruiser said, “By the time we boarded the second ship, I was fried. I didn’t even want to unpack.”
The solution? Come prepared for the gap between cruises.
Not every ship feels equal
Switching from a newer ship to an older one, or vice versa, can create a weird mismatch. But this is all about planning. Several seasoned travelers say that they should have done the fancier ship second. One traveler shared, “The downgrade felt more obvious.”
Remember: Book wisely—and remember to save the best for last.
Packing and unpacking—twice!
Even if you’re walking to the next ship, you still have to fully pack, disembark, and drag your luggage through the cruise terminal. Some cruisers who’ve done back-to-back cruises share how they miss being able to leave their stuff in the cabin. OK, it’s not the worst scenario—but it’s not relaxing either.
My solution is to use packing cubes to make packing and unpacking super organized. It’s never been a problem for me.
Starting from zero again
Several travelers shared that they had to line up with everyone else boarding the second sailing, even though they’d just cruised out of the same port. Some hate the fact that they’re treated like first-timers all over again. No priority boarding, no shortcuts—you’re treated like a new passenger.
Wish You’d Known Before? Avoid These Rookie Side-by-Side Mistakes
Not all side-by-side cruises are plain sailing. You can run into waters pretty fast if you assume everything will work like clockwork. One wrong click at booking or one missed terminal map, and your second cruise could run aground before it’s even started.
How can you make a smooth switch between ships and avoid a mad scramble across asphalt to a new cruise terminal with sweaty luggage and zero shade? Here’s what many cruisers wish they’d known before their first side-by-side.
Check Terminal Locations—They’re Not Always Next Door
Don’t assume you can get from one terminal to the next quickly and easily. One couple wished they’d checked the cruise terminals for the Virgin Voyages cruise, followed by an MSC cruise. The terminal was a 50-minute walk away, construction was going on, and they had trouble finding a sidewalk.
Lesson learned? Book a taxi or a shuttle to take you between terminals. Your heart and stress levels will thank you for it.
Don’t Assume WiFi Will Save You Between Cruises
If you assume WiFi will have your back between cruises, you’re in for a scramble. Internet connections can be patchy in cruise terminals. One figured on using their mobile boarding pass at the terminal. The cruise app logged out, cell service was spotty, and they almost couldn’t check in.
Lesson learned? Screenshot everything while still onboard or have hard copies just in case.
Complete All Online Check-Ins Before You Leave Home
It’s a good move to check in for your second cruise before leaving home. Otherwise, you’re setting yourself up for a side-by-side disaster. One traveler shared how they got off their Carnival sailing only to realize they hadn’t completed online check-in for their Royal Caribbean cruise. No WiFi, no shade, and a dying phone battery? Pure parking lot panic.
Lesson learned? Treat your second check-in like a flight—lock it in before your first cruise even starts.
Expect a Gap—and Plan for It
When it comes to timing, plan for the worst and hope for the best. There are two things here. First, don’t cut it so close that you feel like a contestant on The Amazing Race. Second, plan activities to keep yourself occupied between disembarkation and boarding.
Many passengers share how they disembarked early, only to find themselves waiting around until their 3 p.m. boarding time. No lounge access, no WiFi, no seating, and just a long wait with luggage.
Lesson learned? Plan for the gap. Scout out a café nearby or book a hotel with day-use perks.
Have a Plan for Luggage Transfers—You’re on Your Own
If you think the cruise lines will handle your luggage for you, you’re dreaming. Some rookie cruisers assume the port staff will transfer their bags between ships. Nope. They ended up hauling two overstuffed suitcases through three terminals in the Miami heat. They posted: “Worst two hours of the trip.”
Lesson learned? Be prepared to arrange your own transfer. Nobody’s coming to grab those bags for you.
Consider a Hotel Night Between Cruises
Booking a hotel night might feel like overkill—until you’ve done this once. I’ve found this to be a top hack when booking side-by-side cruises. Disembark, unwind in a hotel, enjoy the city, and board stress-free the next day. All thanks to my hotel buffer night.
Lesson learned? If your timing’s tight or you’re switching cruise lines, consider a sleepover. Your sanity is worth it.
But don’t let these near misses scare you off. Every cruiser who’s done it will tell you the same thing: it’s worth it. Just learn from other cruiser mistakes and forum flops. I’d sail side-by-side again in a heartbeat—just smarter next time.
How to Actually Switch Ships in One Day—Without the Stress
Transfer day moves fast—off one cruise ship, onto the next. But if you’re not ready, things can get sweaty, chaotic, and frustrating real quick. Here’s how to stay ahead of it:
- Pack a day bag: Pack cruise essentials, like your passport, meds, charger, documents, and snacks. Ensure all mobile devices are fully charged.
- Tag your luggage clearly: Especially if you’re rolling it yourself.
- Book transport ahead: Don’t count on rideshares showing up.
- Screenshot everything: Boarding passes, maps, cruise card info—before leaving ship one.
Top cruise hack: Get Guest Services to tag you as “Side-by-Side.” This can ensure disembarkation goes as smoothly as possible.
“I’d Do It Again, But Not Like That”—Real Cruiser Lessons and Smart Switch-Day Hacks
Want to hear what seasoned cruisers advise on the best ways to enjoy a successful side-by-side cruise experience? Here are the best hacks I’ve found on Cruise Critic, Facebook Groups, and Reddit threads.
End with the Nicer Ship for a Satisfying Finish
“We did Celebrity first, then switched to an older Carnival ship. Big mistake—felt like a downgrade.”
Check Where Each Ship Docks—Seriously
“Our ships were in the same port… two miles apart. We ended up dragging bags across a bridge in 90° heat.”
Do Laundry Before You Switch Ships
“Best tip ever. We walked onto the next cruise with a bag of clean clothes and nothing to worry about.”
Avoid Booking Ships with the Same Itinerary
“I didn’t think it through. I basically saw the same ports twice and even had the same lunch spot two days in a row.”
Make Your Suitcase Stand Out
“I grabbed the wrong bag, didn’t realize for 20 minutes. Bright ribbons on your handle = peace of mind.”
Check Your Travel Insurance Covers Both Cruises
“Lost a bag on the second cruise. Turns out my insurance only covered the first. Brutal lesson.”
Best Ports for Side-by-Side Cruising (And a Few That’ll Just Stress You Out)
Not all ports make switching ships easy. Some are a breezy walk from one terminal to the next. Others? You’ll need a cab, a porter, and maybe a cold drink to cool down. If you’re planning side-by-side cruises, these North American ports are worth considering—and the ones worth double-checking.
Port Everglades (Ft. Lauderdale): North American cruisers consistently rank this as the easiest port for side-by-side trips. Terminals are close, signage is solid, and many ships use this hub. One traveler shared, “We walked across the lot and were on ship two before noon.”
Miami, Florida: Miami offers endless cruise options—but only works well if you plan ahead. Some terminals are walkable; others are a 15-minute cab ride away. A Reddit user noted, “We didn’t plan transport and ended up walking along the road with no sidewalk. Never again.”
Galveston, Texas: Terminals are widely spaced, and shuttle service isn’t always reliable. Even locals find the port layout confusing. One traveler said, “We thought we could walk it. Five blocks in, we gave up and called a cab.”
Los Angeles (San Pedro vs. Long Beach): Carnival often uses Long Beach, while others like Royal Caribbean use San Pedro. These are separate facilities about 25 minutes apart. No easy way to walk it—Uber or pre-arranged transport is a must.
Thinking About It? Here’s Why Side-by-Side Cruising Might Be Your Next Best Trip
Whether you’re after variety, value, or just a new kind of fun, this is the kind of trip you’ll want to brag about. For me, it’s the perfect way to shake up my cruise routine once in a while—no additional flights or stress, just double the fun, vibes, and unforgettable experiences. I’ve even found side-by-sides to be cheaper than a single longer sailing!
So why not consider it? Smart planning turns a simple switch into a totally unforgettable cruise vacation.
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