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NCL's new "Priority Access" program - a big middle finger to Platinum cruisers?

PortFees45

By PortFees45,
in Norwegian Cruise Line

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don't-use-real-name

don't-use-real-name

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The Program in brief:

Norwegian’s Priority Access will be similar to programs offered by other cruise lines.

For a fee, guests can receive VIP perks that will enhance their cruise and cut down on the need to wait in lines.

Norwegian’s Priority Access includes the following:

  • Priority check-in and boarding
  • Tender priority for ports that require a tender
  • Priority debarkation
  • Standard room service breakfast menu
  • $50 spa credit per person on port days
  • Complimentary Canapés on the second day of the cruise

This new program is currently being tested on Norwegian BREAKAWAY and Norwegian SKY.  Cruise lines often test new programs on a few cruise ship before deciding on whether to roll them out fleetwide.

 

The cost for Norwegian’s Priority Access is as follows:

  • 3-5 day cruises – $69
  • 6-9 day cruises – $99
  • 10-15 day cruises – $149
  • Cruises 16 days and longer – $199

 

x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x

 

The Latitude Rewards Benefits:

 

https://www.ncl.com/latitudes-rewards-program

 

Doesn't infringe much on the Platinum benefits except for the Priority Check-in and Tendering

Platinum still gets the meal coupons - laundry - cocktail party - Behind Scenes Tour - Internet time

that the Priority Access does not get.

 

The Priority Access is not all that a great value - a gimmick that will not last long - will probably die on the vine.

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smplybcause

smplybcause

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If you think loyalty means anything to any company anymore you're kidding yourself. With the endless chase to the bottom by consumers companies will 100% place more value on the infrequent customer that spends a lot vs the frequent customer they're barely breaking even in. 

 

In other words NCL doesn't really care about the customer on they're 8th sailaway cabin booked 3 weeks out customer. They make way more money on the one who books once every 3 years a year out,  who books their excursions through NCL, goes on the go karts 3 times, and pays for photos as it was a once in 3 years vacation. 

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calizona

calizona

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Ya know I do not think it is a middle finger to platinum members for those of us who will probably never reach platinum status. I for one can only afford one cruise ever 2 years or so.  I think this is a great idea to allow lower ranked passengers a chance at a vacation with higher perks.  They only sell the program to 25 cabins which is about 50 passengers based on double occupancy.  Some of platinum members need to remember that not everyone can afford the higher life and us lower class people appreciate the chance to experience it if only for a short while.

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Two Wheels Only

Two Wheels Only

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FAQ...

 

Q - What’s included in the program?
A - Priority Access Pass package includes the following amenities:

  • Priority Check-In and Boarding
  • Tender Priority When Applicable (Off the Ship)
  • Priority Debarkation (Homeport)
  • Daily Complimentary Standard Room Service Breakfast
  • $50 Spa Discount per person (Port Days Only)
  • Complimentary Canapés (Second Day of Cruise)

Q - How much does it cost?
A - Package prices are set by cabin and on the number of days in the sailing:

  • 3 to 5 Days - $99 per cabin
  • 6 to 9 Days - $179 per cabin
  • 10 to 15 Days - $249 per cabin
  • 16+ Days - $299 per cabin

 

 

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spanishguy1970

spanishguy1970

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let's face it, their " latitude party" with stale appetizers and rum punch telling us they appreciate our loyalty, that we are family pretty much is a waste of time considering that each time we go on an NCL cruise our perks are depleted. They raised prices in specialty restaurants so if you order something above 35 dollars we pay the difference so much for our free dinner voucher. They have been saying screw you Platinum, P. Plus and Ambassador for a while now, so this does not surprise me.

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spanishguy1970

spanishguy1970

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7 hours ago, smplybcause said:

If you think loyalty means anything to any company anymore you're kidding yourself. With the endless chase to the bottom by consumers companies will 100% place more value on the infrequent customer that spends a lot vs the frequent customer they're barely breaking even in. 

 

In other words NCL doesn't really care about the customer on they're 8th sailaway cabin booked 3 weeks out customer. They make way more money on the one who books once every 3 years a year out,  who books their excursions through NCL, goes on the go karts 3 times, and pays for photos as it was a once in 3 years vacation. 

I completely agree

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BirdTravels "Live from...." Rare

BirdTravels

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10 hours ago, PortFees45 said:

Who cares about loyalty, when you can just buy it?

 

https://cruisefever.net/norwegian-cruise-line-testing-priority-access-new-pay-for-perks-program/

This is old news. NCL is one of the last cruise lines to offer this type of service. We are platinum plus and really don’t care. 

Edited by BirdTravels
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All-ready2cruise Holiday Sharing Rare

All-ready2cruise

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I'm Platinum as well and find embarkation has improved dramatically ever since we've been able to add our credit card to our check in information.  I've cruised 3x this year and been on the ship within 30 mins every time.  Very little delay, heck, last month I boarded the Joy and didn't have any wait time... walked right on after checkin. 

I don't blame newer cruisers for wanting a few added perks such as earlier boarding, however, I do feel this is a money grab on NCL's part and wouldn't bother with it if it were me. But, to each their own. 

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graphicguy "Live from...." Rare

graphicguy

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Platinum Latitudes don't pay for any of that.  It reminds me a bit of Carnival's Faster to the Fun.  Not something I'd pay for when I cruise them, either.

 

Platinum also get the specialty dinners, free laundry, in addition to all the other "stuff".

 

If someone wants to pay for those little perks they describe?  Hey, have at it.  I don't much care.

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dshefter Great Review Rare

dshefter

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For someone who might want to purchase Vibe passes, this is a nice perk. I agree it's a bit pricey and NCL should offer a bit more. Maybe a $25-$50 voucher in the casino? A bottle of wine? A free bingo card? Something to sweeten the pot. But it's no different than Carnival's Faster to the Fun. And if they are only selling 25 passes, it's not a whole lot more people getting on the ship earlier.

 

They are offering this perk on the Encore for $179

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Liljo22 Great Review Rare

Liljo22

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9 minutes ago, dshefter said:

For someone who might want to purchase Vibe passes, this is a nice perk. I agree it's a bit pricey and NCL should offer a bit more. Maybe a $25-$50 voucher in the casino? A bottle of wine? A free bingo card? Something to sweeten the pot. But it's no different than Carnival's Faster to the Fun. And if they are only selling 25 passes, it's not a whole lot more people getting on the ship earlier.

 

They are offering this perk on the Encore for $179

The biggest perk that Carnival has that NCL is not offering is having access to your stateroom sooner.  

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NLH Arizona

NLH Arizona

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15 hours ago, PortFees45 said:

Who cares about loyalty, when you can just buy it?

 

https://cruisefever.net/norwegian-cruise-line-testing-priority-access-new-pay-for-perks-program/

Seems like NCL is not the only cruise line to do this.

 

The Celebrity Premier Pass includes all this - for one set price:

• Priority embarkation and debarkation
• Welcome bottle of Veuve Clicquot
• Unlimited internet access (two devices)
• Inside Access tour (two guests)
• Officer’s lunch (two guests)
• Captain’s toast and photo
• Wine pairing with sommelier (two guests) - wine is complimentary
• Laundry service (one bag per stateroom)

 

Royal Caribbean

  • Priority check-in and boarding
  • Onboard carry-on luggage service offering drop off and delivery to your stateroom
  • Exclusive welcome lunch at Chops Grille on boarding day
  • Private daily hours at onboard activities like the Flowrider, rock climbing wall, and ice skating
  • Access to reserved seating at shows
  • Surf and Stream VOOM internet for one device
  • Priority debarkation from ship to shore
  • A la carte breakfast and choice departure on debarkation day

 

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dshefter Great Review Rare

dshefter

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12 minutes ago, Nclgetawaymenhoney said:

I'm platinum this doesn't effect my cruise experience, and as has been said this is a cruise industry standard 

Those other lines offering quite a bit for those who pay for it. NCL's offer not even close to that. Not sure what those priority boarding offers cost on other lines, but if similar to NCL, then Norwegian lagging significantly behind

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