What is the best check in time to pick?

[missdenise]

I do not see anything posted post all the Covid requirements.   I was just wonder what would be the best for us to pick as our check in time, we are sailing on the NCL Breakaway.   I am mostly concerned about time waiting in line to go through security.  After security, I do not care as we are staying in the Haven and we should have our own waiting area and priority boarding.   Thanks. 

[RocketMan275]

16 hours ago, missdenise said:

I do not see anything posted post all the Covid requirements.   I was just wonder what would be the best for us to pick as our check in time, we are sailing on the NCL Breakaway.   I am mostly concerned about time waiting in line to go through security.  After security, I do not care as we are staying in the Haven and we should have our own waiting area and priority boarding.   Thanks. 

I'm going to assume you've never boarded NCL at NOLA.  

First, I'm going to describe the boarding process we experienced last March and then describe our plans for this March.  BTW, we were in the Haven last March and this March too.

 

Haven passengers receive no priority until after they pass secuirity since all passengers are in the same security line.

 

Last March, we had a checkin time of 0930 for the four of us, all in the Haven.  We arrived at approximately 0945 to find that the line to clear security was a couple of blocks long.  The line was at a standstill, nothing moving.  This line didn't start to really move until about 1100.  Once we got to the head of the line, we saw the Haven checkin point where there was no line.  The Haven checkin process for the four of us took less than five minutes and we moved into the Haven lounge area.  There was seating for maybe 50 or 60.  There were softdrinks, juices, cookies, and IIRC some pastries.    There were only a couple of stewards/butlers there and someone arrived within a few minutes to escort us aboard.   It was around 1115 maybe 1130 before we boarded.  IOW, almost two hours from arriving at the port until boarding.  Most of that time was spent standing in the line for security. 

 

This is what I've learned from questioning other NCL NOLA passengers.  

Our experience was nothing unusual.

Boarding will not commence until the ship reaches zero status where it is confirmed that all departing passengers have left the ship.  This usually doesn't happen until 1100 or 1130 or even perhaps later.

The later you arrive, the greater the probability that you will not encounter a long line to process security.

Most posters on CC will recommend securing the earliest possible checkin time.  That may work well elsewhere but at NOLA that only guarantees that you'll spend a couple of hours standing in line, or if you're very lucky sitting in the few plastic chairs that are available.  No one boards until 1100 or 1130.

 

Now, here's our plan.  We plan on arriving at the port around 1130.  We will check our bags with the porters and then look at the security line.  If it's short or at least moving fairly quickly, we will get in line.  Otherwise, we're going upstairs and surf the mall until sometime after 1200, maybe 1230.  Then we will return to finish checking in.

 

[umtigerfan1]

@RocketMan275 Do you park at the port? We have taken one NCL from NO and arrived early so no issue getting a space in the Whale Lot, just curious how often it fills up and forced to the overflow lots? Thanks!

[RocketMan275]

6 minutes ago, umtigerfan1 said:

@RocketMan275 Do you park at the port? We have taken one NCL from NO and arrived early so no issue getting a space in the Whale Lot, just curious how often it fills up and forced to the overflow lots? Thanks!

We parked in the whale lot March 2022.  Arrived about 0915.  Plenty of available spaces.

We will not park there again.

 

There have been multiple reports of dozens of car break ins at the Whale Parking.  Also at various major sporting events.  

 

https://neworleanscitybusiness.com/blog/2022/12/29/port-nola-to-increase-harbor-police-presence-after-vehicle-break-ins-near-cruise-terminal/

 

We've reserved a place at the Fulton Garage.

https://www.saintgregtravel.com/new-orleans-parking/

Much better security.   The whale lot does not control access to the lot.  Fulton Garage is enclosed. Access is controlled.  Security staff 24/7.  Over sixty security cameras.  Shuttles to and from the port.

 

 

[umtigerfan1]

Thank You!