Sapphire Priority Dining. What is this?

[Middleager]

On 2/11/2023 at 5:27 PM, TrumpyNor said:

When it comes to the "priority dining benefit", I have often  (with great success) also referred to that when there is a long waiting line to get in to any of the complimentary restaurants. Of course done discretely, politely and with a smile - and that often has resulted in us getting a table very quickly....

Can you please explain.  When there is a long line to get in the MDR, how do you get to a table very quickly? 

[TrumpyNor]

2 hours ago, Middleager said:

Can you please explain.  When there is a long line to get in the MDR, how do you get to a table very quickly? 

I just show the host/hostess my ship card that shows my Diamond status, and say that my Latitudes status usually gives priority seating and ask politely if that may be possible at that time. The result is then usually that we have a table within 5 minutes. 

[JGmf]

4 minutes ago, TrumpyNor said:

2 hours ago, Middleager said:

Can you please explain.  When there is a long line to get in the MDR, how do you get to a table very quickly? 

I just show the host/hostess my ship card that shows my Diamond status, and say that my Latitudes status usually gives priority seating and ask politely if that may be possible at that time. The result is then usually that we have a table within 5 minutes. 

 

Per the Latitudes benefits chart, Sapphire and above get priority restaurant and entertainment seating.  The fine print says "when available" and also says to "present your keycard to receive these benefits and discounts".

 

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

 

 

[phoenix1181]

Dinner for Two with a Bottle of Wine⁶
(per stateroom)

 

Am I reading that correctly, one dinner instead of the two we previously got?

Edited February 16, 2023 by phoenix1181
spelling

[TrumpyNor]

2 minutes ago, phoenix1181 said:

Dinner for Two with a Bottle of Wine⁶
(per stateroom)

 

Am I reading that correctly, one dinner instead of the two we previously got?

Still two dinners, but only one that includes a bottle of wine.

[mking8288]

For considerations be given to priority dining with Sapphire (and Diamond) status, show your card(s) to the host once you reach the podium, especially if and when there is a long line and you do not have a reservation, smile & be patient - you will likely be given one of the vibrating pager like everyone else; and, asked to step aside and wait like everyone else, once a "suitable" table is available.   Most of the time, the wait at one of the MDR is usually not more than 5 to 10 minutes (mostly) but not always - and, you will be "paged" and escorted/shown to your table - best, choice or most preferred seating like next to the dance floor or with a window view will not necessary be offered or given.   But, odds are - you probably were discretely bypassing a few others waiting too, and skipped to almost the front of the line to be seated for your meal.   On our most recent cruise last month, I can't say for sure how much time we've saved but pretty sure, otherwise, we could've waited easily another 15 to 30 minutes without a reservation when there are dozens all waiting outside for the "next" table to become available.  

 

For smaller venue like Shanghai Noodles, this subtle discretion used by the host/ess to give "priority" probably doesn't really work that well - given its very limited seating capacity and long lines.  To get faster & better services, I would still recommend going early at 5:00 p.m. or 5:30 p.m. for best available prime seating ... and, you are also less likely to be asked as to whether you mind sharing a table with others, especially for at breakfast & lunch in the MDR.  As always, YMMV.  

[phoenix1181]

1 minute ago, TrumpyNor said:

Still two dinners, but only one that includes a bottle of wine.

Thanks!  I thought we werelosing one of the few benefits I actually use & enjoy.

[Middleager]

1 hour ago, JGmf said:

 

Per the Latitudes benefits chart, Sapphire and above get priority restaurant and entertainment seating.  The fine print says "when available" and also says to "present your keycard to receive these benefits and discounts".

 

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

 

 

 

2 hours ago, TrumpyNor said:

I just show the host/hostess my ship card that shows my Diamond status, and say that my Latitudes status usually gives priority seating and ask politely if that may be possible at that time. The result is then usually that we have a table within 5 minutes. 

I guess this works when there is a long line, and after people get to the hostess, she gives everyone a pager, then you may be called earlier.

 

Since the pandemic, we cruised five times, and never ran into a situation where we were given a pager to wait.  There were a few times there was a line for the MDR.  We waited in line, and everyone who got to the hostess would be escorted to a table (other than the very big groups).

[Sailing12Away]

6 hours ago, sebastienbo said:

Does the concierge do not get tipped already by the 580 dollar service charges everybody needs to pay per cabin ?

The concierge is not used by all guests, so it's not fair to ask them all to pay for such service. Same with the kids clubs - if you don't have children, why should your daily service charge go up an extra $1/day to cover them if you never use them? Same with the spa folks, butler, etc.

 

The DSC covers staff that everyone uses whether they know it or not - the behind the scenes crew for laundry, food service, housekeeping, etc etc.

[TrumpyNor]

8 hours ago, Middleager said:

 

I guess this works when there is a long line, and after people get to the hostess, she gives everyone a pager, then you may be called earlier.

 

Since the pandemic, we cruised five times, and never ran into a situation where we were given a pager to wait.  There were a few times there was a line for the MDR.  We waited in line, and everyone who got to the hostess would be escorted to a table (other than the very big groups).

My point is that I go to the front of the line, show my ship card and get escorted to a table within minutes (instead of waiting in line).

[graphicguy]

Probably shouldn’t shove your way to the head of ANY dining venue to show your sail card.  Do I get priority seating because of my status once I get to the front of the line?  I dunno.  Maybe?  If I do, they don’t make a “thing” about it.  They just seat me.

 

However, I have received the pager when waiting for the NOODLES venue.  I heard the hostess tell the folks in front of me it was a 30 minute wait.  For me, who got to the hostess desk right after, I was given a pager which went off about 5 minutes later.  Was it because of status? Was it because of my charming wit and personality?  Not sure.  It just happened.

[Middleager]

20 hours ago, TrumpyNor said:

My point is that I go to the front of the line, show my ship card and get escorted to a table within minutes (instead of waiting in line).

I wouldn't want to go to the front of the line, to show my card/status, to get escorted to table ahead of those still lining up there.  If there is a separate line, like at the time of embarkation, I'd go there.  But not when there is just one line for the MDR.

[TSUmom]

On 2/17/2023 at 10:58 PM, Middleager said:

I wouldn't want to go to the front of the line, to show my card/status, to get escorted to table ahead of those still lining up there.  If there is a separate line, like at the time of embarkation, I'd go there.  But not when there is just one line for the MDR.

I guess if there were two lines - maybe one for those with reservations I would be more comfortable showing my card but if I did not have reservations I would feel awkward walking in front of others without reservations to show my card.  We dine early usually around 5:30 so we never encounter lines.

[podgeandrodge]

On 2/18/2023 at 4:58 AM, Middleager said:

I wouldn't want to go to the front of the line, to show my card/status, to get escorted to table ahead of those still lining up there.  If there is a separate line, like at the time of embarkation, I'd go there.  But not when there is just one line for the MDR.

 

On 2/20/2023 at 12:25 PM, TSUmom said:

I guess if there were two lines - maybe one for those with reservations I would be more comfortable showing my card but if I did not have reservations I would feel awkward walking in front of others without reservations to show my card.  We dine early usually around 5:30 so we never encounter lines.

Agree with both of these statements.  I'd be morto going to the front of the line.  But if separate line at least it would be official.  (Even more morto if they told me to get back in line 😆)

[omahabob]

On 2/16/2023 at 12:26 PM, graphicguy said:

Been looking for the Platinum/Sapphire “concierge” for years.  Still haven’t found him/her....

Didn't they tell you? Scavenger hunts are one of the perks at that level.

[mscdivina2016]

On 2/16/2023 at 1:26 PM, graphicguy said:

Been looking for the Platinum/Sapphire “concierge” for years.  Still haven’t found him/her.  

I actually did get the concierge before I switched to Havens.

 Many extra perks have been given to me over the last several cruises.

 There is something that Sapphires need to do or get done prior to boarding which I am not going to disclose because everyone would start doing it.

 It is listed as a perk and it's real. Keep in mind you are now expected to top them as well.

[graphicguy]

12 minutes ago, mscdivina2016 said:

I actually did get the concierge before I switched to Havens.

 Many extra perks have been given to me over the last several cruises.

 There is something that Sapphires need to do or get done prior to boarding which I am not going to disclose because everyone would start doing it.

 It is listed as a perk and it's real. Keep in mind you are now expected to top them as well.

Really?  Secret Sapphire concierge perks that we don’t know about.  But, if disclosed we would all want them?  I’ve got quite a few NCL cruises under my belt and have been cruising with them for a while.  What perks are you referring to?  What do you do prior to cruising where they “grant” you these perks?

 

Going to have to throw the red flag on this.  Not buying it.

[cruiseny4life]

2 hours ago, graphicguy said:

Really?  Secret Sapphire concierge perks that we don’t know about.  But, if disclosed we would all want them?  I’ve got quite a few NCL cruises under my belt and have been cruising with them for a while.  What perks are you referring to?  What do you do prior to cruising where they “grant” you these perks?

 

Going to have to throw the red flag on this.  Not buying it.

Isn't it listed as a perk? Folks just aren't sure how to use it, except perhaps @mscdivina2016 did figure out the secret handshake? Not sure I'd throw out a flag, except to NCL who (from what I've read here) do not disclose how to access the concierge. 

 

Or, are you referencing the "many extra perks" mentioned? That I could see as sus. 

[UKstages]

3 hours ago, mscdivina2016 said:

Keep in mind you are now expected to top them as well.

really? wow. i mean, i didn’t even think staff was allowed to fraternize with guests and now THIS is an expectation? as my mom used to say, it’s a new world.

 

just kidding.
 

i realize it’s a typo. but, um, yeah… wow. that would be a very special service indeed. i almost feel like they should be tipping me (pun intended).

[graphicguy]

Just to clear up any confusion…Here are the facts of the matter…the Cruise Next Desk are the assigned “concierges” for Sapphire Latitudes.  They are not associated with the other Concierges on the ships who typically work with Have and/or Suite guests!

 

The Latitude “Concierges”/Cruise Next staff will not schedule entertainment or dining reservations.  They will not escort you anywhere on or off the ship.  

 

They will direct you to the groups who can do those things, but they won’t do them for you.

 

As far as some secret process you have to know or implement, there are none that I am aware of and believe they do not exist.  Believe me, I’ve looked…often.  From their phone personnel to their on board staff to the GMs on the ships I’ve sailed, aside for the Cruise Next personnel, they do not exist!

 

Latitudes “Concierge” is a very loose term by NCL!

 

I have had concierges on my GEM Suite cruise, and also in the Haven on both -“Away”

ships.  They take care of everything…billing issues, internet issues, dining/excursion planning, entertainment venue escorts. etc!  This does not exist for Sapphire Latitude members without being in a Suite or Haven!

[Sand and Seas]

@graphicguy above is correct when he says Latitudes “Concierge” is a very loose term by NCL!

 

A couple of years ago, we once asked at guest services how we could reach concierge service.  They gave us a phone number to call.  When we called, we got the 'WHO GAVE YOU THIS NUMBER???' .     Thank heavens we generally have no troubles prescheduling our own dinners nowadays.    (Of course, when we do the rare Haven, we absolutely love the Concierge desk onboard!)

 

When the new Tiers were announced, we bypassed Sapphire and became Diamond.  We went through many calls to the Dedicated Service Desk get our 'Onetime Diamond Upgrade' processed.  If the Dedicated Service Desk phone is our 'concierge' off the ship, it really isn't worth the bother.  When we called that number it was often answered by a regular agent who would then tell you to call the same number that they had just answered😒

[graphicguy]

6 minutes ago, Sand and Seas said:

@graphicguy above is correct when he says Latitudes “Concierge” is a very loose term by NCL!

 

A couple of years ago, we once asked at guest services how we could reach concierge service.  They gave us a phone number to call.  When we called, we got the 'WHO GAVE YOU THIS NUMBER???' .     Thank heavens we generally have no troubles prescheduling our own dinners nowadays.    (Of course, when we do the rare Haven, we absolutely love the Concierge desk onboard!)

 

When the new Tiers were announced, we bypassed Sapphire and became Diamond.  We went through many calls to the Dedicated Service Desk get our 'Onetime Diamond Upgrade' processed.  If the Dedicated Service Desk phone is our 'concierge' off the ship, it really isn't worth the bother.  When we called that number it was often answered by a regular agent who would then tell you to call the same number that they had just answered😒

Had the same experience with the (alleged) Latitudes Concierge phone number.  When I called them, they were surprised they were designated as Concierges since they were regular NCL agents who were willing to book a cruise but that's about it.

 

I think the upper tier Latitudes members can book Specialty Dinners earlier than the lower tiers, but that's about it.

 

Still want to know what supposed services the Latitudes Concierge provided and how to reach them.  If their services were meant for Platinum and above Latitudes members, why isn't it advertised to us/. Further, what sort of alleged "secret" process do we have to go to in order utilize them?

[DrUrsula]

6 hours ago, mscdivina2016 said:

I actually did get the concierge before I switched to Havens.

 Many extra perks have been given to me over the last several cruises.

 There is something that Sapphires need to do or get done prior to boarding which I am not going to disclose because everyone would start doing it.

 It is listed as a perk and it's real. Keep in mind you are now expected to top them as well.

Why would you against everyone "doing" it? Pretty rude to brag about your special treatment and then mock we, the pathetic Sapphire masses who know not of the secret pre-boarding concierge! 

[FLAHAM]

On a Caribbean cruise on the Prima in February, the Cruise Next staff got me reservations to “sold out” shows and specialty restaurants, in addition to the usual (dinner with officers, ship tour, etc.).  I visited the Cruise Next desk on the afternoon of embarkation day.

[mscdivina2016]

13 hours ago, graphicguy said:

Really?  Secret Sapphire concierge perks that we don’t know about.  But, if disclosed we would all want them?  I’ve got quite a few NCL cruises under my belt and have been cruising with them for a while.  What perks are you referring to?  What do you do prior to cruising where they “grant” you these perks?

 

Going to have to throw the red flag on this.  Not buying it.

Last non haven cruise was last October on the Spirit. I had a balcony cabin.

 I got canapes every afternoon, was able to eat in Cagney's for breakfast and lunch, got to sit up on the upper reserved balcony for shows, had the concierge book specialty dining which we had 8 dinners on a 16 night cruise and all were booked by the  concierge.

 When coming back from shore excursions we were escorted to the front as well as getting off on tender ports also escorted to the front.