When Do They Board Special Assistance Group?

[broadwaycam]

Does anyone if special assistance boarding starts after Haven board and before latitudes?

[newmexicoNita]

Does anyone if special assistance boarding starts after Haven board and before latitudes?

It either started before the suite guest on our last cruise or immediately after. We were part of the assistance group.

[QuickieGlenn]

When we boarded the Escape last February, They were not sure when I should go (I use a wheelchair full time and push myself) It was a bit unorganized and they would not let us use the elevator. Until I saw some else use it I took it upon myself to get to the 2nd floor, but had no boarding number so I just joined the group going at that time

[BirdTravels]

Does anyone if special assistance boarding starts after Haven board and before latitudes?

No real set rule. Varies by port. Usually during Suites boarding. But it depends on whether they have ship's personnel ready to push people up the gangway.

[DeltaOne]

Does anyone if special assistance boarding starts after Haven board and before latitudes?

 

Last March we had a Haven room on the Breakaway and one of our party uses a power wheelchair. I'm pretty sure the special assistance folks went first, even before Haven folks. At least that's what I remember.

[NLH Arizona]

My last cruise, they went after Haven passengers.

[DeltaOne]

My last cruise, they went after Haven passengers.

 

Yeah, that may have been what we saw last March. I don't recall exactly.

 

As I said, one of our Haven party was in a wheelchair. When Haven folks started boarding a NCL rep suggested we wait for an escort. I only waited a minute or two...we took off on our own. We were anxious to board and knew where to go...we didn't need an escort.

[shadowmeboy]

Does anyone if special assistance boarding starts after Haven board and before latitudes?

 

On the Escape this past June. Special Assistance was going at the same time or slightly before the Haven. My dad was in a wheelchair assist and we boarded at the same time as him.

[deladypilot]

I think a lot is going to depend on the port of departure. In Boston a few weeks ago. The people that needed assistance were all in one roped off area. They boarded the Suite guests then the assistance group then group 1.

[mking8288]

Boarding sequence and procedures do seem to vary by ships and by ports, looked like OP is sailing soon on the Getaway ...

 

 

Here in NYC for both the Breakaway & Gem, Special Needs - lately, board after Haven & VIP (i.e. wedding parties & day guests) but before Platinum/Plus - waiting in a roped off seating area near the walk path to the gangway ... once assigned crew members are free & available for wheelchair & escort duties. Casino guests now seemed to follow Platinum/Plus ,,, then, general boarding.

 

Hence, do plan to arrive early & let the NCL rep's on the pier (beyond security/checkpoint - know that you are with Special Needs. There is someone outside pre-security also on the lookout for anyone needing wheelchair assistance, but not always easy to "spot" in a sea of hundreds of guests moving around.

[broadwaycam]

Boarding sequence and procedures do seem to vary by ships and by ports, looked like OP is sailing soon on the Getaway ...

 

 

Here in NYC for both the Breakaway & Gem, Special Needs - lately, board after Haven & VIP (i.e. wedding parties & day guests) but before Platinum/Plus - waiting in a roped off seating area near the walk path to the gangway ... once assigned crew members are free & available for wheelchair & escort duties. Casino guests now seemed to follow Platinum/Plus ,,, then, general boarding.

 

Hence, do plan to arrive early & let the NCL rep's on the pier (beyond security/checkpoint - know that you are with Special Needs. There is someone outside pre-security also on the lookout for anyone needing wheelchair assistance, but not always easy to "spot" in a sea of hundreds of guests moving around.

 

 

We have the special assistance symbol on our boarding documents.

[cb at sea]

If you are in line BEFORE boarding starts, they will take you in order of importance......once boarding has started, and you check in, you will be assisted onboard. I would recommend NOT getting there before 11am....just to avoid any potential waits!

[Maplemoose]

What about someone legally blind with or without a white cane? Are they considered in the same class as someone in a wheelchair?