Priority Boarding

With our latitudes rewards we apparently have priority boarding. Do we go somewhere different than the general line up when we get to the pier? Is there something in our boarding documents that we’re supposed to show someone? I don’t think it says anything in our documents; I just saw on ncl.com that our latitudes level qualifies for priority boarding.

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With our latitudes rewards we apparently have priority boarding. Do we go somewhere different than the general line up when we get to the pier? Is there something in our boarding documents that we’re supposed to show someone? I don’t think it says anything in our documents; I just saw on ncl.com that our latitudes level qualifies for priority boarding.

 

 

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What is your latitudes level?

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Your Latitudes level is indicated next to your name on the boarding document. There may be a check-in line for people with your status (Gold, Platinum, whatever). Just show your e-docs to any of the terminal agents in the check-in area and they will point you in the right direction. Or look for the signs yourself. There is usually a big banner at the entrance to each line saying who the line is for.

Once you check in, you will have your cruise cards, which also have your Latitudes level printed on them. You may also receive a boarding number, and if you are eligible for priority boarding, it will be a priority number (e.g. "1"). Listen for the announcements and board when they call your number and/or Latitudes level.

I recently experienced this for the first time at Manhattan port. After check in we were given priority 1 tickets and directed to a special roped off seating area. Once embarkation had commenced we were called immediately after the suite guests.

Yes a different line as others have stated. Our last cruise, however, the line for latitudes was 3 times as long as the general line! We stayed in it and did end up boarding sooner than those that walked in with us. We got there a little after 10 and were onboard by 11:30.

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There are some conflicting posts here, as most people are talking about priority embarkation (available to platinum and above), whilst the last post refers to priority check-in, which is available to everyone with a latitudes status.

I asked about the level that the OP is earlier, as a quick look at their latest posts suggests that they have done 2 NCL cruises before. Unless those were very good for latitudes points (long cruises, in suites, booked a long time out) then I suspect they actually qualify for priority check-in.

If that is the case then the advice directly above this post is correct. There is a latitudes check-in desk, but the queues for it (especially at the lower latitudes levels) is often busier than the general desks. I wouldn't even bother with it unless you are gold and they have a separate desk for that level.

Once you get to platinum then it's much better, and does include priority boarding.

With our latitudes rewards we apparently have priority boarding. Do we go somewhere different than the general line up when we get to the pier? Is there something in our boarding documents that we’re supposed to show someone? I don’t think it says anything in our documents; I just saw on ncl.com that our latitudes level qualifies for priority boarding.

 

 

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You get priority BOARDING if you are at the Ambassador, Platinum Plus, or Platinum level only. And arrive before general boarding starts. Look for signs for the Ambassador waiting area. The color of your cruise card indicates your status.

You get priority CHECK IN at any level of latitudes (I.e., any one who has ever sailed on NCL before). So don’t expect a short line. Look for latitudes check in signs.

You get priority BOARDING if you are at the Ambassador, Platinum Plus, or Platinum level only. And arrive before general boarding starts. Look for signs for the Ambassador waiting area. The color of your cruise card indicates your status.

 

You get priority CHECK IN at any level of latitudes (I.e., any one who has ever sailed on NCL before). So don’t expect a short line. Look for latitudes check in signs.

I am excited about this - I am finally Platinum so I will look for the priority boarding group. Yay me!!

Thank you for the clarification. We’re only bronze level, so it’s priority check in we’re eligible for, not priority boarding. I wasn’t aware there was a difference and was using the terms interchangeably. Sorry about that! Sounds like going through the latitudes check in line isn’t really an advantage, especially since we’re traveling with friends who are first time cruisers. We’re probably best off to just stay with them.

What time do you arrive at the pier? Travel documents say boarding is at noon and not to arrive more than one hour early. We’re also supposed to be on board two hours before sailing, so that would be 2 pm. However, the last two times we cruised we arrived at noon to a line already 1000 people long. We stood in line for an hour before even entering the building. So is there a better time to arrive in order to reduce the time standing in line?

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there is a latitudes line, but bronze wont get you any priority. the only priority boarding is platinum, plat plus and ambassador (in addition to haven, suites, and CAS).

In the Manhattan terminal, as you enter usually on the left is the Haven and those with mobility issues. To the right is the priority check in line for platinum and above. There usually is a staff member that will direct you to the proper line if you show your cruise documents. The Casino cruisers usually check in the priority line also. All of this happens after the security check in line which can be very lone and time consuming, (Again Haven has its own security check in) As long as boarding has started, as Platinum we have never had to wait to board,

So what is the difference between "priority check in" and "priority boarding?"

So what is the difference between "priority check in" and "priority boarding?"

Priority check in is basically some check in desks that can only be used by people of a certain latitudes level. Once you have checked in you are given a boarding number which you have to wait to be called.

You are allocated that number either when you arrive at the port or at the check in desk.

As so many people are at least bronze, that benefit is not great at that level, and the latitudes bronze or silver queues are often as long as the standard ones. Once you reach the higher levels then you start to get a benefit.

Priority boarding means that you can board soon after boarding starts, regardless of when you arrived. In some places you are given a low boarding number, in other places you don’t have a number and just show your card

This is a real benefit as it can mean that you get on the ship quite a bit earlier than you would otherwise. It’s especially useful if you want to get onboard to do things like get passes which are limited, for example.

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So what is the difference between "priority check in" and "priority boarding?"

Checking in - like the counter at the airport before security.

Boarding - like getting on the plane at the gate.

Only the “first class” and “top tier” (80 nights equivalent on prior cruises) folks get on the ship first.

Thank you all for such great answers! I guess I'll just have to cruise more and get to those higher tiers where it really counts :D:D

In the Manhattan terminal, as you enter usually on the left is the Haven and those with mobility issues. To the right is the priority check in line for platinum and above. There usually is a staff member that will direct you to the proper line if you show your cruise documents. The Casino cruisers usually check in the priority line also. All of this happens after the security check in line which can be very lone and time consuming, (Again Haven has its own security check in) As long as boarding has started, as Platinum we have never had to wait to board,

I just cruised in December and Haven most certainly does not have its own security area. Everyone entering that terminal goes through the same security check point.

When we cruised out of Miami two years ago we were gold and they had a separate line for gold and platinum. Everyone on your booking could use this and there was no one in line so we went right up to the desk. They may have changed this to platinum and above; I really don't know. We are in luck as we went to platinum after that cruise.