Platinum/VIP embarkation at NOLA

[okgirl]

I haven't cruised out of NOLA for many years and don't really remember how VIP embarkation is handled.......I've read some recent threads that it gets quite crowded even early......I usually arrive at the pier around 10:30ish, but I'm wondering if we should go earlier than that?

 

Can some recent cruisers from NOLA explain the layout of the cruise terminal and the embarkation process currently being used. Is there a separate VIP door like in Galveston? Is there a VIP lounge? I seem to remember a small narrow room with only 2 desks and about 40 chairs.....

[kansas kruiser]

I haven't cruised out of NOLA for many years and don't really remember how VIP embarkation is handled.......I've read some recent threads that it gets quite crowded even early......I usually arrive at the pier around 10:30ish, but I'm wondering if we should go earlier than that?

 

Can some recent cruisers from NOLA explain the layout of the cruise terminal and the embarkation process currently being used. Is there a separate VIP door like in Galveston? Is there a VIP lounge? I seem to remember a small narrow room with only 2 desks and about 40 chairs.....

:cool: Thanks for asking Janey!! I would like to know also!!!:) Anybody???

[CruzieSue]

We boarded in NOLA this past March. This was our first cruise so no priority lines for us. :rolleyes: We arrived at the port between 11:15-11:30 a.m. I thought it was really crowded, but the lines for everything moved pretty quickly. Once you got checked in with customs (presented passports, IDS, etc.), there was one large room - large waiting area for regular boarders, and a sign here or there directing VIP boarding to the far wall, far end of the room best I could tell. I'm not sure if there was a separate room or not - maybe someone else can clarify that. The VIPs did get called first to have their seapass cards/photos made, etc., and begin boarding the ship, and then other groups were called by alphabet number assigned or something similar. I think actual boarding began about 12:00, and we were onboard by 12:30.

 

One of the employees in the port calling the groups to assemble told us if we weren't in a hurry in the future, to avoid large crowds and long lines wait until about 2:00 (this particular ship was scheduled to leave at 4:30). That will work for us on our next cruise as we don't have to be onboard at the very earliest possible moment. As long as we're on when the horn blows and the ship leaves the dock, I'll be happy !!! :D

[VideoTech]

I haven't cruised out of NOLA for many years and don't really remember how VIP embarkation is handled.......I've read some recent threads that it gets quite crowded even early......I usually arrive at the pier around 10:30ish, but I'm wondering if we should go earlier than that?

 

Can some recent cruisers from NOLA explain the layout of the cruise terminal and the embarkation process currently being used. Is there a separate VIP door like in Galveston? Is there a VIP lounge? I seem to remember a small narrow room with only 2 desks and about 40 chairs.....

 

Although I've done at least two cruises from New Orleans, both as Suite VIP's, I still can't remember the exact details, but here's what I do remember:

 

There is no separate entrance to the terminal building for VIP's. You go in through port security screening with everyone else.

 

Then, once you're through the security line, I seem to remember separate lines for VIP & Suites check in, after which there is a smallish lounge for Suite customers where you meet your concierge, and get escorted (around the waiting lines) onto the ship.

 

Since you can't board any NCL ship in any port before noon, we usually arrive around 10:30 to 11:00. With suite boarding, we've never really had to wait long.

 

Best NCL port operation for Suite VIP: Seattle. Separate outside check in desk, nice lounge, process was smooth and fast. Worst: Miami. Crowded and long waits, even for Suite/VIP customers.

[okgirl]

I haven't cruised out of NOLA for many years and don't really remember how VIP embarkation is handled.......I've read some recent threads that it gets quite crowded even early......I usually arrive at the pier around 10:30ish, but I'm wondering if we should go earlier than that?

 

Can some recent cruisers from NOLA explain the layout of the cruise terminal and the embarkation process currently being used. Is there a separate VIP door like in Galveston? Is there a VIP lounge? I seem to remember a small narrow room with only 2 desks and about 40 chairs.....

 

The taxi's drop you off at the far end of the terminal building.

 

There is a separate line for VIP to have your docs checked and get into the terminal (look for the red line, it's the far left door)

 

There is a separate line for VIP to go through security, again look for the red line. But I think this isn't handled well because there is one scanner for VIP and 3 or 4 for regular.

 

There is a VIP lounge where you check in at the podium. They pull your S&S cards and take you into the lounge where you wait for your name to be called in order of when you get there. This was MUCH better than the last time that I was there....

 

There is a special set of chairs to sit in the main area waiting for embarkation (this is after you've had your picture taken).

 

Embarkation began around 11:20 and we were on the ship having our 1st Bloody Mary at the Lobby bar (hello Merry, Grace, Katarina and Josphine) by 11:30.........