Anyone use the new "Priority Access" yet?

[rjs3434]

Priority Access and NYC Pier 88 - NCL Bliss

 

Priority Access at NYC Pier 88 for NCL Bliss was not the best experience.  Went on the 11/24/19-12/01/19 Thanksgiving sailing.  We entered the Pier and indicated we were Priority.  They gave us a boarding number of 18 and sent us to the regular line to get our cards.  I think there was a separate line for us but still do not know to this day.  The woman checking us in was not familiar with it so she discussed with fellow worker.  She still didn't understand and told us we still need to board with group 18.  We said the reason we purchased it was because we wanted to get Vibe passes so that's why we wanted priority access ($179) just so we could go to deck 6 to get the passes early.  Finally another worker got involved and indicated they never should have given us the boarding 18 tag they hand you when you walk in.  He said to disregard the boarding 18 tag and just use our cards that have "Priority" printed on the cards.  This will allow us to board with the priority group (Plat/Plat Plus/Priority).  The Haven boarded first by being escorted onto the ship by an employee.  Special needs went next and then they called Plat/Plat Plus/Priority.  We didn't need a boarding number when entering.  They just saw our card indicated "Priority".  Some had group boarding 1 but we didn't have this card.  

There is an area in Pier 88 NYC where Priority guests can sit which is kind of in the middle of the Pier.

We ordered the hot breadfast (3 omelette options) every morning and Priority Access waved this $7.95 charge each morning.  

Priority access did not help with debarkation.  Waited in about a 1 hour long line to exit at 7:30 am with our luggage. Took a while for customs to clear us.

The employees at Pier 88 in NYC are not knowledgeable on the Priority Access Program which made us frustrated.  Let me know if you have any other questions.

[NoobCroozer]

16 minutes ago, rjs3434 said:

 The woman checking us in was not familiar with it so she discussed with fellow worker.  She still didn't understand and told us we still need to board with group 18. Finally another worker got involved and indicated they never should have given us the boarding 18 tag they hand you when you walk in.  He said to disregard the boarding 18 tag and just use our cards that have "Priority" printed on the cards.  

 

The employees at Pier 88 in NYC are not knowledgeable on the Priority Access Program which made us frustrated.  Let me know if you have any other questions.

Thank you, this was my biggest fear. I have read the same is happening at various other ports, and now confirmation of cluelessness to NCL's own program now in NYC. Hopefully by May (my cruise) they get the update. Sorry for your heartache, hope the cruise otherwise was pleasant.

[NutsAboutGolf]

With the hot breakfast, good to know its the door menu, which has only three omelette options.  Can anyone share if you also get a priority tender from the port to the ship?

NCL states a priority access logo will appear on the eDocs.  If one is unable to locate a special line just ask any employee where the “priority line” (Intentionally vague) is and point to your eDocs priority logo.  Most likely you’re dealing with contracted non-NCL employees at a port what have no idea where to direct those with “Priority Access” but if they can direct you to any “priority”  location, any employees manning that area can better direct you.

All and all, stack PAC with a vibe pass, book specialty dining every night and you pretty much have Haven perks including a private area thanks to Vibe, at a fraction of the cost.  Yes you miss out on breakfast in a better restaurant but can just have it delivered to your room.  For lunch, unless it’s TA you’ll like be off the ship the majority of days.

[Laszlo]

On 12/6/2019 at 11:47 AM, yankees111 said:

I couldn’t  fathom paying $179 extra to board a cruise ship 15 minutes earlier then a non suite guest.

 

Ditto, NCL is really starting to loose me on crap like this

[NutsAboutGolf]

4 minutes ago, Laszlo said:

 

Ditto, NCL is really starting to loose me on crap like this

If someone wants the Vibe/Posh pass, assuming you use the $50 spa credit and have several ports with tenders I could see the value.  Otherwise, I agree, it’d be difficult to justify.

[deefer]

22 hours ago, danak13 said:

Since I started this thread, I wanted to make sure that I came back and reported how the Priority Access went for me......

 

Got another letter in our stateroom about Priority Tendering.  They had a conference room set up for us to wait in if we chose to be on the first tender.  After the process started, we could go down whenever and get on the first available tender. 

 

 

Just clarifying......this gets you to the front of the line (same as in a suite/haven), not just join the line anytime (platinum/platinum plus perk).

 

When we were in Halong Bay Vietnam,  by being on one of the first tenders (bc we were in a suite) we were off  & on our junk by 930am, bc NCL was using their life boats, some people did not get off the ship until 11am.   For exotic cruises with tender ports I would absolutely pay for this perk.....having said that we are not eligible as we are platinum+ !?!

Edited December 10, 2019 by deefer

[Kwakwa630]

30 minutes ago, deefer said:

Just clarifying......this gets you to the front of the line (same as in a suite/haven), not just join the line anytime (platinum/platinum plus perk).

I hope this is the case, but their wording is ambiguous ... I'm sure on purpose. 

[Sweetnspicy]

Just went into my account today to make sure everything was still 100% checked in. We weren’t checked in any longer and I had to deny a whole host of add on items including this! I am shocked  at that the price! This is for the 11 Day Southern Caribbean on the Epic January 26th. 

[NoobCroozer]

52 minutes ago, Sweetnspicy said:

Just went into my account today to make sure everything was still 100% checked in. We weren’t checked in any longer and I had to deny a whole host of add on items including this! I am shocked  at that the price! This is for the 11 Day Southern Caribbean on the Epic January 26th. 

 

[NoobCroozer]

Yeah, its worse on longer cruises, its $299 per cabin. I suppose if you utilize the spa every port day its not too bad...

[NutsAboutGolf]

17 minutes ago, NoobCroozer said:

Yeah, its worse on longer cruises, its $299 per cabin. I suppose if you utilize the spa every port day its not too bad...

Spa credit isn’t every port day, it’s an one time $50/person credit, valid on port days only and cannot he combined with any other spa discounts.  Most spas offer about a 25% discount on port days.

 

The biggest benefit to this is if you want a Vibe/Posh pass.

[NoobCroozer]

25 minutes ago, NutsAboutGolf said:

The biggest benefit to this is if you want a Vibe/Posh pass.

I keep hearing everyone say that......Is that because you can only get Vibe onboard, and by boarding first (well, before most) you have the opportunity to buy a pass?

Edited December 13, 2019 by NoobCroozer

[GA Dave]

3 minutes ago, NoobCroozer said:

I keep hearing everyone say that......Is that because you can only get Vibe onboard, and by boarding first (well, before most) you have the opportunity to buy a pass?

Correct.

[NoobCroozer]

2 minutes ago, GA Dave said:

Correct.

Danke

[esm54687]

On 12/10/2019 at 12:49 PM, Laszlo said:

 

Ditto, NCL is really starting to loose me on crap like this

Just curious why NCL is starting to lose you on crap like this??   If it's something that doesn't interest you then don't purchase it (similiar to internet packages, SDP, PBP, PPBP, art auctions, casino, bingo, photography items, excursions.....) 

 

These are options others may want. 

Edited December 13, 2019 by esm54687

[kellymccrea]

I do think the price is high for what's offered, but I'm still debating for my 11 day Mediterranean Cruise out of Rome next June.  I like the idea of priority tendering for Santorini in particular.  I really dislike the whole lining up for tender tickets thing.  Also the breakfast in the morning might be good for us since we have multiple early port days starting at 7, and it'd be nice to have breakfast in the room with no waiting or lines in the buffet or dining room.  Still can't quite pull the trigger.

[NutsAboutGolf]

33 minutes ago, kellymccrea said:

I do think the price is high for what's offered, but I'm still debating for my 11 day Mediterranean Cruise out of Rome next June.  I like the idea of priority tendering for Santorini in particular.  I really dislike the whole lining up for tender tickets thing.  Also the breakfast in the morning might be good for us since we have multiple early port days starting at 7, and it'd be nice to have breakfast in the room with no waiting or lines in the buffet or dining room.  Still can't quite pull the trigger.

Some people may see the value, the more people in the cabin the more benefits as everyone receives a $50 spa credit (I value that at $25/person since you can’t stack it with the discount) to help offset the cost.  I just wanted to ensure you’re clear what’s included with breakfast; it’s a choice between three omelettes on the door menu.  IMO, you can make a better omelette at the buffet by grabbing some more exotic cheeses and other ingredients and bring them to the omelette maker.  Someone from your group will need to wait in line but you can order multiple omelettes.  I’ve never ordered more than two but on my last NCL cruise, the omelette maker had no problem making six omelettes for a tiny older women, she carried two away at a time and came right back to wait for the next two to be ready.

[Kwakwa630]

NOLA Getaway Priority Accesa Experience today: 

 

There's a single security line for everyone. Then a very clear priority checkin. Then, you go to this giant room where everyone except Haven is sitting together. That's where things are a bit of a cluster. 

 

They called handicap first, then Platinum/Platinum+, but at some point, someone asked "Priority Access too?" And the person said yes. Super disorganized, but they just sorta let anyone through. 

 

I boarded with that group, booked it to the Vibe line, and was 8th in line to get a pass. 

 

My advice in NOLA: Advocate for yourself if you have Priority Access and you'll get the perks you purchased. 

[Laszlo]

2 hours ago, esm54687 said:

Just curious why NCL is starting to lose you on crap like this??   If it's something that doesn't interest you then don't purchase it (similiar to internet packages, SDP, PBP, PPBP, art auctions, casino, bingo, photography items, excursions.....) 

 

These are options others may want. 

My wife and I have done 10 sailings on NCL since 2011. Every year they seem to add on another fee. I've seen many things that used to be "Free" go and many things are now an added fee. Don't get me wrong they are in the business to make money and I'm sure thousand will pay for it

[NoobCroozer]

On 12/13/2019 at 12:41 PM, Kwakwa630 said:

NOLA Getaway Priority Accesa Experience today: 

 

Thank you!

[All-ready2cruise]

Being this Priority Access is relatively new, I'd say most of the feedback has been pretty positive. Yes, it will take some time to get all the kinks out but, it seems to be coming along not so badly for a new perk. 

Good luck to all who've paid the price.  NoobCroozer, sounds better and better for your upcoming cruise. 

8 minutes ago, NoobCroozer said:

Thank you!

 

[solle1]

My next cruise will mark my fourth  with priority boarding and I only benefited once including one time standing in the wrong line . NCL does such a good job it's hard to notice the difference . I hope there are huge delays next time so I can hold my nose in the air as I pass all the steerage folks. 

[gonna go cruising]

Good information. I purchased it for our March sailing and hopefully will learn more by then.

Thanks for all of the input.

[LovesPurple]

We used it in Miami this week on the Escape. Even though we didn’t use breakfast or the spa credit, it was worth it to get Vibe passes and get on early during a super busy week. Here is a link to my detailed review:

 

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2720114-escape-review-including-priority-access-part-1/

[krazykohns]

Edited and cannot delete post - found my answer. - Spa credit can only be used on treatments only. 

Edited January 8, 2020 by krazykohns