Priority boarding Norwegian Gem

[DREAMSAFLOAT]

I’m booked in a penthouse suite. Can anyone explain the priority boarding process and other perks you have found helpful during the cruise?

Also I am traveling with a family member who is in a balcony room. Will they be able to board with me?

[amygutman]

I can only speak to the NY terminal - 

 

Priority suites / Haven go through the regular screening (very quick, even when the Escape and Breakaway are the ships using this terminal), then head directly to the left where you will see an NCL employee / sign that says "HAVEN GUESTS". If I remember correctly, all suite passengers can use this "quick lane". 

 

You will be directed down to the very end of the terminal to the suite / Haven area where there is a breakfast buffet set up, and 4-5 check-in personnel. Usually only have to wait 5 minutes, during which you will meet your concierge and receive your room tags / tickets / confirmation paperwork. 

 

Very, very efficient. The last 2 Gem cruises, we didn't even have time for coffee...at 1100 we were checked in, registered for Kids Club (the booth is right outside the Haven check-in lounge across from a pretzel stand), and ready to be escorted aboard in  under 30 minutes from the time we entered the terminal (including luggage screening).

 

You do feel like a bit of a pretentious snob passing by 2000-5000 passengers waiting in long, long lines - even Platinum Latitudes, but you are paying a premium for a reason - and NOT waiting in line for an hour plus is a heck of a premium. 

 

Enjoy your trip!!! Amy

[DREAMSAFLOAT]

Thanks Amy!

[goldmom]

Just remember to always say Haven to the port staff to get directed to the correct area (even if you aren't in the Haven).  If you just say you're in a suite the personnel there don't understand where to send you.

 

When you first walk in there is a sign to the right for Haven, the person there has a clipboard and will check your cabin number.  This line puts you to the front of the screening line.

 

The person in the balcony cabin technically can't board with you.  They will have to go to the regular check-in to get their keys, your key card will be in the Haven Lounge.  Although I've heard mixed results on this.  Some people have said that they were able to ask the Concierge and have family members board with them, but I'm not sure how to do this.

 

Enjoy!

[ggTexasGal]

On 5/12/2019 at 9:27 PM, DREAMSAFLOAT said:

I’m booked in a penthouse suite. Can anyone explain the priority boarding process and other perks you have found helpful during the cruise?

Also I am traveling with a family member who is in a balcony room. Will they be able to board with me?

If you are traveling out of Boston, your experience might be quite different from the Manhattan cruise port.

The "Haven and Suites" waiting area can be quite crowded. It is an area that is set-up similarly to booths at a conference or trade-show, and  there are only folding chairs.  Also, note that a Penthouse Suite is the lowest category suite on the Gem!

You will not have Haven access and the suites are furthest away from Cagney's/Moderno and Haven area. Therefore, while the suite perks are nice, the overall experience might be less than expected.  (In our case, two weeks ago, the butler had 14 suites on three decks, located both forward and aft.)  The only thing we asked for was ice (per request now, only) and having the coffee area re-stocked (as usual).  

The suite is nice and the balcony wonderful.  The bathtub/shower can be difficult to climb into and out of, especially with rough seas!