GSC Villa / tendering Question/meeting place- a few questions re: our Encore trip

[DrUrsula]

We have reserved a villa on GSC when we visit on Encore.

I understand that we get an excursion ticket for the villa. 

Reading the multiple reviews of 2 hour waits to board a tender if non-Haven, I am beginning to question my purchase.

Do Villa folks have a meeting place at a specific time as with other excursions? Is there a designated tender or tender escort for non-Haven Villa people?

I hate to think that I spent all this money only to have a 2 hour wait and seriously limited time on the island.

 

Thank you so much.

[TYTY]

Following - I'm wondering the same thing but I have a cabana reserved not a villa.

[Noworkforme23]

I too have an ocean villa for our December trip. From what I have read they put tender tickets in the room and we will be the first to tender that morning. I have never done it before either and spent so much money,  it it is our first cruise back in 5 years so this was our splurge. 🏝🏝 and the splurge for the Vibe Beach club and our room is a spa balcony room. So it is all about relaxing this vacation. 🏝

Edited November 2, 2023 by Noworkforme23

[bookbabe]

Cabanas and villas count as excursions, and you can use those tickets to get an early tender.

 

[BirdTravels]

An excursion ticket just means that you don’t have to pull a tender group number. It allows you to join the BACK of the tender line at any time. The only people who get escorted to the front of the line are Haven guests. 
 

Joining the BACK of the tender line is the definition of Priority tendering. 

Edited November 3, 2023 by BirdTravels

[razor7_us]

7 hours ago, BirdTravels said:

Joining the BACK of the tender line is the definition of Priority tendering. 

I found this to be not true on the Joy. Platinum and above were advised to go the Q restaurant, show their keycard and we were comfortably seated while we waited for an escort to a tender. I doubt if we were waiting longer than 10 minutes. Most efficient tender process I've experienced.

[DrUrsula]

9 hours ago, razor7_us said:

I found this to be not true on the Joy. Platinum and above were advised to go the Q restaurant, show their keycard and we were comfortably seated while we waited for an escort to a tender. I doubt if we were waiting longer than 10 minutes. Most efficient tender process I've experienced.

This would be great. We are Sapphire.

[razor7_us]

10 hours ago, DrUrsula said:

This would be great. We are Sapphire.

Unfortunately, I have found that the practice I described on the Joy last December was not repeated on the Dawn in April.  In your case, I would definitely go to Guest Services and inquire where Sapphire members meet for priority boarding and stand your ground until you get a sensible answer other than join the queue at the back. If you don't get the correct response, ask for a supervisor.  You also a have a concierge who is at your service to run interference for you in these matters. I have found that NCL doesn't always practice what they publish as far as Latitude amenities goes, especially with priority boarding at embarkcation.  Raising a flag and asking for a supervisor at check-in works wonders in this case.

[DrUrsula]

17 minutes ago, razor7_us said:

Unfortunately, I have found that the practice I described on the Joy last December was not repeated on the Dawn in April.  In your case, I would definitely go to Guest Services and inquire where Sapphire members meet for priority boarding and stand your ground until you get a sensible answer other than join the queue at the back. If you don't get the correct response, ask for a supervisor.  You also a have a concierge who is at your service to run interference for you in these matters. I have found that NCL doesn't always practice what they publish as far as Latitude amenities goes, especially with priority boarding at embarkcation.  Raising a flag and asking for a supervisor at check-in works wonders in this case.

This is what I was thinking as well. I am planning on going to GS as soon as we board. Escalating as you outline is perfect. If I do not get satisfaction I plan on cancelling the villa within the cancellation period.

 

NCL loves to list the "concierge" for upper tiers yet no one seems to have met this elusive creature.

 

Thank you so much for your thoughtful response!!