Priority Check-in?

[mdsgu]

What exactly do they mean by priority check-in at the pier? Every Latitudes level gets that perk, but what is it? I can't imagine it is anything THAT special if they are able to offer to everyone except first-time cruisers.

[EmergencyPA]

They have different guest check in areas at the terminals. Haven and suites, latitudes and first time cruisers. The first time cruisers line usually takes the longest to get through.

[BirdTravels]

With in Latitudes, Platinum and Platinum Plus have their own lines.

[don't-use-real-name]

In general Havens gardens suites penthouses would check in at a different point and wait in a lounge for a butler or

concierge escort on board to their stateroom if available if not then to Cagney's or Moderno for lunch refreshments.

 

Latitudes are checked in and boarded by group with Platinum being the first group*.

* usually right away after the check in counters are open.

Arriving late after your group has been called - board anytime there is an opening or as directed.

 

All other pollywogs; malihines; first time cruise travelers after all the above by groups.

 

Those with disabilities i.e. wheelchairs are boarded when a crew member is available

to assist with passage up the gangway - immediate boarding no priority necessary

OR if the WC cruiser has their own assistance move into line when there is an opening and board.

 

NCL is capable of boarding 15 times the number of passengers on a wide-body aircraft in about 4 hours.

 

YMMV by port and number of gangways available and of course the capacity of the ship !

 

In some cases NCL mails or emails out a questionnaire or recommended time for you and your group

to check-in and board. All classes of (Full) suites ignore this - this does not apply to you.

 

Unless you are part of an affinity group with a designated time for check-in and group boarding just

check-in as your traveling schedule permits - if you are early you may have to wait - if late perhaps

you will be boarded almost right away.

 

Further questions ask the NCL staff person what to do.

 

AND don't forget to have a great cruise it is far easier than jumping through hoops and avoiding

flaming arrows of the TSA airline check points EXCEPT for those darn water issues.

 

Read on further (other threads and posts) here at CC how to successfully pass the water boarding test !

[casofilia]

It will be interesting to hear how well that happens in Honolulu.

[mamasylvia]

> board anytime there is an opening

> OR if the WC cruiser has their own assistance move into line when there is an opening

 

Can you expand on this please? I've only cruised once (on Royal) and we just headed onto the ship when we were done checking in. I can't picture how a line would not have an opening (at the end). (My SIL and I both use wheelchairs and we both have our own assistants aka husbands.)

[easyboy]

my guess is probably cutting in line is allowed for WC cruisers?

Edited February 26, 2017 by easyboy

[mdsgu]

That'll be very interesting. We have 8 people in our group: 4 seniors (3 of whom will be using a WC -- 1 has a power chair and the other 2 just for boarding), me and my wife, and our 2 children (ages 7 & 6).

[don't-use-real-name]

> board anytime there is an opening

> OR if the WC cruiser has their own assistance move into line when there is an opening

 

Can you expand on this please? I've only cruised once (on Royal) and we just headed onto the ship when we were done checking in. I can't picture how a line would not have an opening (at the end). (My SIL and I both use wheelchairs and we both have our own assistants aka husbands.)

 

 

I can't picture how a line would not have an opening (at the end).

 

 

You have a point there - the line forms at the end (rear) and you are "X" and you are there !

NCL would not be cruel and have you wait to board last. While you may not be in a suite cabin with escorted

service - NCL does board in groups at most ports and during those group boardings breaks are made to

accommodate families and special needs guests.

When in the gangway you will often see crew members; escorted suite guests and people with wcs like your

party - it is no big deal for NCL to make it easy for keeping family and large parties together in the boarding

process - if you have traveled by air the boarding process is similar.

 

After check-in --- check with the NCL representative at the entrance to the gangway to make that break in

boarding for your family group with wcs.

When the gangway ramp is steep usually NCL provides assistance - with your powered wc (or scooters)

should pose no problems. Two of my group companions have scooters and they scoot all over the ship.

Everybody (well 99.44% of them) are friendly and make way for them in waiting to board and use elevators.

At some ports after check-in you maybe directed to elevators instead of steep slanted gangways to get

one or more levels up with the least amount of effort.

 

Ask QUESTIONS ??? NCL representatives are there to HELP and provide ANSWERS !

 

Yes this could be construed to be "cutting in line" cause that is what it is - but I don't think NCL has come up

with a better solution. They are not teleporting guests on the NCL Enterprise yet !

[mamasylvia]

Thanks for the clarification. We probably will just get in line - we are all adults and can wait. Now if we were sailing with young children I would have no hesitation to ask for a break! lol

 

We aren't sailing until May, maybe they will have the teleporter working by then. ;)