Platinum Concierge Perk

[cruise4kicks]

Was in a suite on the Breakaway in June. Had to stand in the security line like everyone else. Once I got through the security line there was the suite/vip lounge.

 

Harriet

 

You must have missed the priority security line. It's to the right as you enter Pier 88.

[sjbdtz]

Maybe this has already been noted, but one of the best Platinum perks in my opinion is the priority boarding. No, you won't have a butler to escort you on the ship, but you will be taken directly to front of security line, and after security be escorted directly to checkin service. Depending on how backed up embarkation is, this will definitely be a nice perk for you. Be sure to look for the Platnimum escort line (which is the same line set up for suite guests -- only difference is suite guests will also be escorted to conceriege area to meet their butler escort.)

 

You probably already know each Platinum guest will have a speciality restaurant dinner for two with bottle of wine coupon (maybe two coupons each Platinum member, but I can't remember for sure if my husband and I received a total of four dinners-for two...) Each Platinum member will also receive laundry bag coupon -- so all in all, it's great being Platinum :)

 

It can vary by port, but I'll have to agree with you that I've always seen everyone wait in the same security lines. For my last few cruises AFTER security I've waited in a separate check-in line for Platinum (Sometimes the sign will indicate Gold and Platinum.) Usually - but not always- the Platinum line is shorter.

 

 

I was going to thank BeckyThane for noting it's on the right side... I've never gone through Priority Security either... the priority service always seems to start on the other side of the scanner.

 

But maybe I've just missed something. That, or I'm there so early that nothing is set up yet. :)

 

 

 

Stephen

 

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[CarlsDad]

rvsullivan -- "I'm not sure which port you are talking about"

 

My husband and I only sail out of New York and book suites. The Suites escort waiting at the entry takes us to the front of the security line, and after we complete security, we are taken to the first check-in line and then to our Concierge station to be escorted on by one of the butlers (not necessarily the one assigned to our suite.)

 

What I have noticed is that the entry suite escort is the same person assigned for Platinum/Gold VIP boarding. In New York we are escorted to the front of security and immediately to check-in. Sometimes there is a "Suites/Gold/Platinum entry sign, and sometimes not -- but there is always a separate entry for VIP guests to be taken to the front of security and check-in.

 

We have not sailed NCL's new BIG ships, so I can only say this procedure is true in New York for the Dawn, Gem and Jewel, each of which we have sailed many times :)

NCL at Port of Seattle provides escort to front of security line for suite guests. Boston doesn't as far as I've experienced thus far.

[HokiePoq]

We each get a dinner for two certificate...think maybe the wording was just off here.

We've never received the number in our welcome packets.

How do you get priority tendering? Anyone can get in line early.....

Edited November 25, 2013 by HokiePoq

[DGP1111]

Sailing on the Breakaway tomorrow and it's our first time as a Platinum guest. One of the perks is the services of a concierge although I believe I've read that non-suite Platinum guests have not had access to their services lately. Does anyone know from recent experience what the story is? Thanks!

 

The totally pathetic excuse for a Cruise Consultant onboard Norwegian Breakaway for the 9/15/13 sailing was asked this very question, and he literally laughed at me.

 

He said that he was the only concierge to be used for Platinum assistance, and admitted that his hours were very limited throughout the week.

 

At embarkation I found that 100% of the pre-booked entertainment had been swapped around because 'somehow' the ship was seemingly unaware that brand new sets of entertainers would be arriving that week, and they'd need additional rehearsal time during the sailing. I asked about the concierge assistance in order to get that re-arranged in a way that would match the other two groups of passengers I was sailing with.

 

On the sheet of Platinum perks found onboard Breakaway, concierge service had been removed . . . Mr. Doofus wanted me to believe it was that way fleet-wide.

 

Just debarked Norwegian Dawn this morning. On the second day, I needed assistance with a small adjustment, and the concierge in Star Bar was extremely helpful, and said to please check with them for any needs. I had no more needs during the sailing, but was appreciative of the offer.

 

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[newmexicoNita]

It's one dinner per Platinum cruiser.

 

I think that is what the poster meant: 2 dinner for a total of 4 people, but it did sound like 4 dinners for 2.

 

To me, that and the cocktail parties are the best perks, plus the laundry. I do think the perks for Plat members are as good if not better than on other lines. of course the only one I have experienced was Princess and the elite perks.

[newmexicoNita]

Miami is not like New York either. Everyone stands in the line until you go through the scanners then there is a Suite area never before.

 

Glad you clarified that: I thought I was missing something, I have never seen a platinum line when checking in, not before going through the scanner. Now, I know it isn't just me.

[2boyzmom]

I am totally confused after reading this thread:

 

1. Does platinum offer concierge services?

2. Does platinum provide priority debarkation at each port?

 

We have been platinum but have been in suites for the past few cruises. We are thinking of booking 2 regular cabins on the getaway for next year (Haven price is outrageous) and want to know if extra services will apply such as priority tenders and reservation assistance.

[Love my butler]

I am totally confused after reading this thread:

 

1. Does platinum offer concierge services?

2. Does platinum provide priority debarkation at each port?

 

We have been platinum but have been in suites for the past few cruises. We are thinking of booking 2 regular cabins on the getaway for next year (Haven price is outrageous) and want to know if extra services will apply such as priority tenders and reservation assistance.

 

1. Yes, kind of. Usually you get to speak to an assistant because the concierge is too busy with suite guests. Anymore we don't even get a number for concierge service in our platinum envelope.

 

2. Yes and no. Technically no. If you speak to the concierge and ask they will usually offer it.

 

You do get the extras as indicated by platinum status, but they are NOT the same VIP priority as being in a suite. Develop a relationship with your concierge and you will usually be treated very well, no matter what cabin you occupy.

[kylenyc]

Maybe this has already been noted, but one of the best Platinum perks in my opinion is the priority boarding. No, you won't have a butler to escort you on the ship, but you will be taken directly to front of security line, and after security be escorted directly to checkin service. ...<snip>

No, this is not guaranteed and the experience varies by port.

 

In my experience... Gold/Platinum guests are directed a shorter priority check-in line (along with VIP/suite guests) only after passing through security screening. Which is still a benefit and one that I enjoy. I just wish it included the line before security screening.

 

More times than not there is no priority check in line before security screening. Port personnel are employees of the port authority and not NCL, and also circumstances change. In Rotterdam 2013 for the Breakaway there was a separate priority before security screening but Getaway 2014 there was not. In Southampton there was no separate line. In Manhattan Cruise Terminal (Gem or Breakaway) it depends on the circumstances - Sometimes they have a third security machine and line open for VIP/Haven/CAS/Platinum/Gold, sometimes they do not (or the port personnel rudely refuse to acknowledge it or could care less).

Edited April 24, 2014 by kylenyc

[peg013]

We got a Latitudes Rewards Platinum letter welcoming us to the Norwegian Breakaway on Jan 5, 2014. It details all that is in the Latitude packet. The second to last paragraph is as follows:

 

Concierge Service: Making your cruise with us as enjoyable as possible is our primary goal. Therefore, for our Platinum guests, a Concierge is available to assist you with reservations in the specialty restaurants or arrangements for shore excursions. Just call 216210. (Their emphasis not mine)

 

Our concierge took good care of us as always even though we were in an aft-facing balcony and not a suite this time. :) We also received Priority Disembarkation Information from him including Gold Priority luggage tags and were escorted off with the suite guests. (not the yellow tags that were in Latitude packet).

[Love my butler]

We got a Latitudes Rewards Platinum letter welcoming us to the Norwegian Breakaway on Jan 5, 2014. It details all that is in the Latitude packet. The second to last paragraph is as follows:

 

Concierge Service: Making your cruise with us as enjoyable as possible is our primary goal. Therefore, for our Platinum guests, a Concierge is available to assist you with reservations in the specialty restaurants or arrangements for shore excursions. Just call 216210. (Their emphasis not mine)

 

Our concierge took good care of us as always even though we were in an aft-facing balcony and not a suite this time. :) We also received Priority Disembarkation Information from him including Gold Priority luggage tags and were escorted off with the suite guests. (not the yellow tags that were in Latitude packet).

 

Sounds like you had established a relationship with the concierge, which as I noted, is very important when expecting VIP treatment.

[2boyzmom]

Sounds like you had established a relationship with the concierge, which as I noted, is very important when expecting VIP treatment.

 

How do you develop a relationship if you never met them and have not boarded? We have met a few from prior sailings but doubt they would remember us. I don't think we will even use them but if it is offered in writing it should be honored.

[2boyzmom]

1. Yes, kind of. Usually you get to speak to an assistant because the concierge is too busy with suite guests. Anymore we don't even get a number for concierge service in our platinum envelope.

 

2. Yes and no. Technically no. If you speak to the concierge and ask they will usually offer it.

 

You do get the extras as indicated by platinum status, but they are NOT the same VIP priority as being in a suite. Develop a relationship with your concierge and you will usually be treated very well, no matter what cabin you occupy.

 

How do I meet them in the first place if not in a suite?

[time2cruise1]

How do I meet them in the first place if not in a suite?

 

 

For a while they had a phone number in the Platinum package in your cabin. Last couple cruises it was not there.

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk - Jim

[peg013]

How do you develop a relationship if you never met them and have not boarded? We have met a few from prior sailings but doubt they would remember us. I don't think we will even use them but if it is offered in writing it should be honored.

 

I should have said that the letter was from the Latitude Rewards Representative on the Gem, not from the Concierge. I will admit the fact that my knee needs replaced and I had to use a cane to get around and the fact that we have had this concierge before entered into the priority disembarkation, but the rest was strictly platinum benefits as listed in the letter from Martin Visser, Cruise Consultant Manager. Down the right side of the letter, the Platinum Benefits are all listed. Concierge service is the second one listed.

 

I would assume the letter I received is sent to all Platinum members whether they usually book suites or not. As I said, we were in a balcony.

[Love my butler]

How do I meet them in the first place if not in a suite?

 

Easiest way is to go to the reception desk first thing, ask for the name of the concierge and their phone number. Write it down for future reference.

[gooch47]

Someone mentioned the cocktail party. We've only been to one and it was a madhouse. Is there a separate one just for platinum level that we overlooked?

Edited April 25, 2014 by gooch47

[lordchaos]

I don't know if they have a special platinum only party, but I do think there is a separate VIP party for suite/haven guests. I only know this because I was in the haven just this month on the Pearl.

[nadeki]

Someone mentioned the cocktail party. We've only been to one and it was a madhouse. Is there a separate one just for platinum level that we overlooked?

 

Allegedly there is. You will receive an invitation to an exclusive Platinum gathering. Then it goes on to say come meet your fellow gold, silver and platinum travelers.

 

I do not go as it does not seem like good use of my vacation time.

[SissasMomE]

For a while they had a phone number in the Platinum package in your cabin. Last couple cruises it was not there.

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk - Jim

 

Just an FYI - it was on our table when we got onboard the Getaway on the 12th.

[2boyzmom]

Just an FYI - it was on our table when we got onboard the Getaway on the 12th.

 

Super! I guess I will just ask if not in the room- or else I will just ask a cruise critic buddy a few weeks before what the number is:)

[time2cruise1]

Just an FYI - it was on our table when we got onboard the Getaway on the 12th.

 

 

The package was on my table every cruise what was missing in the last few was a phone number for the concierge.

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk - Jim

[peg013]

The package was on my table every cruise what was missing in the last few was a phone number for the concierge.

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk - Jim

 

The letter with the Concierge phone number has always been part of our Platinum packet. We have received it on the Dawn x2 in Dec 2012, Gem May of 2013 and the Breakaway as recently as Jan 2014. I wonder why you don't seem to be getting it? :confused:

[SissasMomE]

The package was on my table every cruise what was missing in the last few was a phone number for the concierge.

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk - Jim

 

I understand. Ours was there, though, when we boarded on the 12th.