What exactly is priority boarding for suite & Haven in NYC

[CWMixer]

The Haven waiting area in MCT.  This is from 2019 and I’m not certain if anything has been changed since then.
Security is outside the door in the upper left; once through that, this Haven area is to your immediate left.  Check-in counter is at the front, as shown.  

Concierge will take you out a door at the front right (to the side of the desk area) to board.

Not the most luxurious facility but at least there are chairs and some refreshments.

 

 

 

[mking8288]

This is the view (May & June 2022) outside MCT Pier 88's (within the building) Haven check-in area, additional staging area roped off right next to the lounge as posted above.  Noticed the ropes for the line 😳 to ???  Clear signage and marked also as Boarding E. Platinum waiting area is just ahead of here, opposite the section set aside for accessible passengers.

 

The mini concession stand, accessible to everyone, that's near the restrooms was still closed. Vending machines are nearby & stocked.

[kitty-sail]

On 8/18/2022 at 1:11 PM, Peachypooh said:

I can only speak to the Haven process. Unless things have changed you pass through security along with everyone else. Then there is a separate waiting area (room) where they check you in and offer you snacks and beverages. Then as the room fills up you are escorted to a separate waiting area and board first.

There are 3 lines for check-in. Haven - Priority - Everyone else. 

[GeminiBrian]

I am a CAS guest and there is always a separate Priority check-in for us. Boarding, however, has varied based on Latitudes level. I'm currently Platinum (almost Sapphire) and have usually boarded right after the Haven guests. I should note I primarily sail out of either Miami or Port Canaveral.

[cruiseny4life]

26 minutes ago, GeminiBrian said:

I am a CAS guest and there is always a separate Priority check-in for us. Boarding, however, has varied based on Latitudes level. I'm currently Platinum (almost Sapphire) and have usually boarded right after the Haven guests. I should note I primarily sail out of either Miami or Port Canaveral.

NYC is a far more utilitarian animal. 

[Trappedontheboat]

Unless it is veggies, soup or fish: I will never refuse free food. @cruiseny4life I agree, milkshake is sooooooooo good in American Diner.

[Justmekaren918]

If I understand correctly everyone is in one area to be processed through NYC  security & than I'd move over into Haven line! Are there restrooms in the waiting lounges? When does the security first start @ NYC? Might there possibly be a specific window of time for Haven pax to not get caught in these long lines? Just show up early. I just can't stand in a 3hr+ line! 

 

Brings the ptsd back of trying to get on Oasis in FL & thankfully I was Diamond, so no wait & looking @ all those faces of this stinks! 

[dandelpino]

14 hours ago, GeminiBrian said:

I am a CAS guest and there is always a separate Priority check-in for us. Boarding, however, has varied based on Latitudes level. I'm currently Platinum (almost Sapphire) and have usually boarded right after the Haven guests. I should note I primarily sail out of either Miami or Port Canaveral.

NCL's terminal at the port of Miami is a modern 5 star hotel and the manhattan cruise terminal is a DMV office in a bad neighborhood. The experiences are not comparable. 

[complawyer]

justmekaren918. while i realize that you were only trying to make a point, please dont compare trying to get on a cruise ship (regardless of how long you have to stand in line) to PTSD.

 

i can only hope you never experience any of the stressors that triggered PTSD

[mking8288]

1 hour ago, Justmekaren918 said:

If I understand correctly everyone is in one area to be processed through NYC  security & than I'd move over into Haven line! Are there restrooms in the waiting lounges? When does the security first start @ NYC

As others and I wrote in the early post w photo, there is triage for Haven & accessible pax as you first step inside the NYC terminal, approaching checkpoint 1 for security screeners w documents checked briefly.  There were 4 lines for the metal detectors & carry-on luggage - no porters here, DIY; and those privileged get steered left to cut to front of the line to a faster security screening. After that, one is directed & sometimes get semi-escorted to the faster lane for additional documentation checks (i.e. Bermuda sailings)  With 3,500+ passengers on a mega ship cruise, there are thousands in Have & with status, if not more - lines are inevitable & a given, it is what it is ...DYKWIA kinda irrelevant when shore contracted workers w NCL name tags aren't briefed & tossed in there.

 

There are restrooms and it's for everyone inside the terminal with signage, just follow or ask if you are obscured by the other 1,000 inside the complex.  Delays in early boarding do happen with unscheduled public health and or safety inspections, etc. 

 

Travel these days isn't what it used to be, patience & understanding can go a long way, relax & be calm and enjoy the cruise 😷

 

 

[2boyzmom]

We have cruised a few times from NY. Most recently in 2019 with Platinum Latitudes. Went through security quick then huge sign for platinum towards the right of entrance. We waited 5-10 minutes before documents and cards were received and boarded right after Haven. As a past Haven guest I'd love to be escorted on with my Haven lunch awaiting but I guess I can keep the extra 5k and wait a few more minutes to board this time around (unless the upgrade bid is accepted). 

[cruiseny4life]

2 minutes ago, 2boyzmom said:

We have cruised a few times from NY. Most recently in 2019 with Platinum Latitudes. Went through security quick then huge sign for platinum towards the right of entrance. We waited 5-10 minutes before documents and cards were received and boarded right after Haven. As a past Haven guest I'd love to be escorted on with my Haven lunch awaiting but I guess I can keep the extra 5k and wait a few more minutes to board this time around (unless the upgrade bid is accepted). 

Don't worry, my experience in April was that Haven did not receive priority anything either. We waited three hours, solely based on where we were in line. Different place in line (not status) and we could have waited eight hours.

 

I'm hoping for a far different experience in eleven days, but not holding out much hope! 

[2boyzmom]

3 hours ago, cruiseny4life said:

Don't worry, my experience in April was that Haven did not receive priority anything either. We waited three hours, solely based on where we were in line. Different place in line (not status) and we could have waited eight hours.

 

I'm hoping for a far different experience in eleven days, but not holding out much hope! 

Let us know how it goes. Happy Cruising! 

[pcakes122]

Just wanted to add that I've seen several people note incorrect information about suites boarding in NYC.  Suites (as in Jewel-class suites that include butler service) go through security and then to the Haven lounge where you will receive your keyboard and be escorted onboard.)

 

I don't know about any other kind of suites, but Jewel-class suites 10000% board with Haven in NYC.

[Sailing12Away]

10 hours ago, pcakes122 said:

I don't know about any other kind of suites, but Jewel-class suites 10000% board with Haven in NYC.

What do you mean "Jewel-class" suites? On the Joy there is no such thing... there's either Haven, or 2 categories of rooms that are non-Haven suites. Are you referring to those 2 rooms and saying they board when Haven guests board?

[njhorseman]

59 minutes ago, Sailing12Away said:

What do you mean "Jewel-class" suites? On the Joy there is no such thing... there's either Haven, or 2 categories of rooms that are non-Haven suites. Are you referring to those 2 rooms and saying they board when Haven guests board?

They mean suites on Jewel class ships so yes, it doesn't apply to the Joy or other ships built after the Jewel class. The percentage of suites on the Jewel class ships that are  not Haven suites is quite substantial.

 

@pcakes122 is correct. All those suites do board with the Haven suites.

Edited August 24, 2022 by njhorseman

[PaulBrowning]

We are wondering if the Haven embarking process has completely changed, or is just different at each pier.  We sailed the Getaway last month out of Port Canaveral.  It was our first time trying the Haven.  You went through the "priority" line, which was much slower-moving than the regular line, ended up at the same check-in desk as everyone else,  & just getting our Haven room card was about a 2-hour standing process with the other Haven residents.   No lounge or special waiting area.  The only thing Haven-specific on the pier is a single NCL staff member with a small "Haven" sign at the ship boarding ramp that just points you up the same ramp everyone else goes up after you get your room card.  No escorting onto the ship.  No orientation whatsoever.   We were really disappointed with the reality, compared to what was advertised with the Haven experience.  Once on-board, you are on your own trying to figure out how to even get into the Haven area.  

Edited November 8, 2022 by PaulBrowning