Suite embarkation procedure, your experience?

[Silverspoon]

Last March, we stayed in an AE penthouse on the Gem. We knew in advance that we would have a special "suite" line for embarkation--but it didn't seem to go very smoothly...

 

We arrived in NY at 11:30am. We were allowed to enter the "empty" line for VIP/Suite passengers. We quickly got to the end of the roped off line that ended at the long check-in counter. That's where it got confusing...there didn't seem to be a dedicated check-in attendent for VIP/Suite passengers. We just kind of stood there, waiting for someone to come over to us and help process our info. Nobody did. Finally, I interrupted a group of agents chatting and asked where we should check-in. An agent reluctantly checked us in. He didn't seem to know that we could go to the VIP lounge/waiting room. We just kind of found it on our own.

 

What should have happened? I've read some accounts of proceeding directly to the VIP lounge to get paperwork/ID's processed...What was your experience?

 

TIA!:o

[angeljt]

We've stayed in a suite 4 times and this past April was the first time we've been to the VIP lounge at the port, but only for about 2 minutes.

We checked in very quickly since there wasn't a line for suite passengers, but I think the person who checked us in was new since she gave us the wrong key cards.

This is the first time that we have not been met right after check in by the concierge or butler and that is why we never made it to the lounge before.

We walked around the terminal, not knowing where to go after the terminal remodel.

We asked an NCL employee where the VIP lounge was and he said there wasn't one and to wait where we were. I then asked someone else, and she said she would take us there. We had walked to the end of the terminal and had to lug our too heavy carry-ons all the way back to the lounge. As she was bringing us there, she stopped and said to wait in a certain place since the concierge would be passing this spot and we could join them, but she didn't know how long that would be, so we said we would prefer to wait in the lounge.

We wanted to see what it was like since we had never been. Just a room with chairs (none in the main terminal area), coffee, juice, cake and cookies, I believe. We were only there a couple of minutes so didn't have anything.

We had a great cruise and now we'll know where to wait next time. :D

[angeljt]

Sorry, I guess I can't tell you what is supposed to happen, but that is what happened with us.

[Baitman19]

Last March, we stayed in an AE penthouse on the Gem. We knew in advance that we would have a special "suite" line for embarkation--but it didn't seem to go very smoothly...

 

We arrived in NY at 11:30am. We were allowed to enter the "empty" line for VIP/Suite passengers. We quickly got to the end of the roped off line that ended at the long check-in counter. That's where it got confusing...there didn't seem to be a dedicated check-in attendent for VIP/Suite passengers. We just kind of stood there, waiting for someone to come over to us and help process our info. Nobody did. Finally, I interrupted a group of agents chatting and asked where we should check-in. An agent reluctantly checked us in. He didn't seem to know that we could go to the VIP lounge/waiting room. We just kind of found it on our own.

 

What should have happened? I've read some accounts of proceeding directly to the VIP lounge to get paperwork/ID's processed...What was your experience?

 

 

TIA!:o

 

The system has changed since the pier has been redone. When you get into the pier. There is a big sign for Penthouse/Suite VIP checkin. There is a person waiting here to let you thru the ropes. You then show you ID and they get you thru security. You then walk to the Penthouse/Suite checkin area. (1st one you see). You checkin and the Concierge gives you your room cards and escorts you to the VIP waiting area. A butler will come there and escort you onto the ship. There is champagne as you enter the ship. They will take you to your cabin and tell you about having lunch in Cagney's.

 

Very simple. The ship has been coming in around 9:00-9:15am. We didn't board on the 12/6 until after 1:00pm.

 

Happy Cruising,

Monty

[goldmom]

When we got to the pier we went to the special line for suites. The person there checked her clipboard for our name, then let us through the rope. This brought us to the front of the room to the x-ray machine. We went through the x-ray machine, then into the line marked suite check-in. This took us up to the long desk area for check-in. We were helped by the next available agent who checked us in and then came around the desk to escort us to the VIP lounge.

 

Once in the lounge, our concierge (the amazing Alex Forbes) greeted us and gave us our key cards. We were really glad to be in a suite that trip as the boarding was delayed due to sanitizing. We enjoyed some coffee while we looked over the menus for the specialty restaurants which were available in the lounge and we were able to make a reservation for that evening. Once boarding was opened, the concierge escorted the entire group on to the ship and took us directly to Cagney's for lunch as the cabins were not yet available. By the time we finished lunch, we could go to our cabin.

 

We found the entire experience much more well organized than the last few times we had sailed from NYC. What a nice relaxing way to start a cruise. Enjoy!

[watchdiva]

We had a very smooth embarkation on our Dawn to Bermuda cruise this June. We entered the terminal and as we started walking, we saw a large sign. The sign had an arrow directing VIP/Suite pax to climb a short flight of steps to the VIP waiting area where cookies, juice, coffee, etc were offered. We were then escorted to the processing area where we were greeted by the concierge who oversaw the check-in process.

 

It was smooth and easy and one of our favorite suite perks!

[d man]

Does anybody know if there is a VIP waiting area at the port in Valparaiso Chile?

 

Enjoy

 

d man

[mpk218]

Does anybody know if there is a VIP waiting area at the port in Valparaiso Chile?

 

Enjoy

 

d man

 

I asked this very question on a different board . The response was .

" All they had was a curtained off area next to the regular check in with water juice and cookies ",

Thats all I could find. Hopefuly someone whom has gone recently will be able to address.

 

mpk

[d man]

I asked this very question on a different board . The response was .

" All they had was a curtained off area next to the regular check in with water juice and cookies ",

Thats all I could find. Hopefuly someone whom has gone recently will be able to address.

 

mpk

I like cookies! LOL

[terrymtex01]

Of course this goes without saying, but I think it is going to be different at each port. We have boarded NCL at three different ports, for four different cruises and have had a different experience for each time. Two times in Miami, once in Seattle and once in LA.

 

The first time we were in Miami was a HORRIBLE experience for us. It was their first sailing that season on the Sun out of Miami and up until that point we did not know that the people who check you in and work that whole area are seasonal employees. Yes, up until then we thought they all had jobs on the ship and came down to check you in, etc.. stupid I know.. but it is what we thought. Well.. we went through the line they had set up where you had to show your passport, etc. Then we went into this big huge room where you were to get your room keys, etc. We told this guy that we were in a Penthouse suite and we had been told we were to go to a special line or a lounge, etc. He insisted we could not be in the Penthouse as that would cost us thousands of dollars. I STILL have no idea why he would have said that to us.. it isn't like we were dressed like slobs, etc. Anyway. he sent us through the regular line which was no problem because there was really no one in the line. So when they went to get us our keys. guess what.. no room keys.. why?? because they were over in the VIP lounge waiting for us, but even the people handing out the keys told us we were not supposed to go to the VIP lounge. This post has already turned out longer than I meant it to.. but lets just say.. it was a royal screw up for that time. It was then I found out that those people are seasonal employees and this being their first cruise that season they probably just didn't know the processes, etc.

 

For our next three cruises it has always gone as smooth as can be. We get in the VIP line at check in, we are escorted to the VIP waiting area.. sometimes it has been a lounge, but in LA it was just a waiting area right by the elevators where anyone could walk up to. Two of the three of the four times a butler has escorted us onboard, twice to go immeditately to our stateroom.

 

I have honestly grown to expect anything at check-in and for them to know everything they should or nothing they should. That is one time you just kind of have to roll with the flow. I do think the VIP lounge we had in Seattle was the best.

[raudacruise]

We were on Spirit a couple weeks ago with an Owners Suite. Went to the Suite/VIP line and were handed a number and told to "go over there" and sit. I told the young lady we had an Owners Suite and were supposed have priority boarding on the ship. She blew us off.

 

Finally found someone a little more senior who did an "ooops" over the whole thing. Got checked in, spent 5 minutes in the VIP room and were escorted on board by our butler (Denny who was wonderful).

 

Keep in mind the workers are mostly temp folks and don't really know what's going on. This was also only the 2nd cruise of NOLA for Spirit after the drydock.

 

Minor blip on the cruise experience. Major blip was getting off the ship, but thats another story.

[mpk218]

Of course this goes without saying, but I think it is going to be different at each port. We have boarded NCL at three different ports, for four different cruises and have had a different experience for each time. Two times in Miami, once in Seattle and once in LA.

 

The first time we were in Miami was a HORRIBLE experience for us. It was their first sailing that season on the Sun out of Miami and up until that point we did not know that the people who check you in and work that whole area are seasonal employees. Yes, up until then we thought they all had jobs on the ship and came down to check you in, etc.. stupid I know.. but it is what we thought. Well.. we went through the line they had set up where you had to show your passport, etc. Then we went into this big huge room where you were to get your room keys, etc. We told this guy that we were in a Penthouse suite and we had been told we were to go to a special line or a lounge, etc. He insisted we could not be in the Penthouse as that would cost us thousands of dollars. I STILL have no idea why he would have said that to us.. it isn't like we were dressed like slobs, etc. Anyway. he sent us through the regular line which was no problem because there was really no one in the line. So when they went to get us our keys. guess what.. no room keys.. why?? because they were over in the VIP lounge waiting for us, but even the people handing out the keys told us we were not supposed to go to the VIP lounge. This post has already turned out longer than I meant it to.. but lets just say.. it was a royal screw up for that time. It was then I found out that those people are seasonal employees and this being their first cruise that season they probably just didn't know the processes, etc.

 

For our next three cruises it has always gone as smooth as can be. We get in the VIP line at check in, we are escorted to the VIP waiting area.. sometimes it has been a lounge, but in LA it was just a waiting area right by the elevators where anyone could walk up to. Two of the three of the four times a butler has escorted us onboard, twice to go immeditately to our stateroom.

 

I have honestly grown to expect anything at check-in and for them to know everything they should or nothing they should. That is one time you just kind of have to roll with the flow. I do think the VIP lounge we had in Seattle was the best.

 

 

LMAO that is sooo funny . I can just picture this guy telling you NO NO that is not for you those are for the people with money. Sorry Im still :p:p.

Those are the moments that make life interesting...

 

matt

[raudacruise]

We were on Spirit a couple weeks ago with an Owners Suite. Went to the Suite/VIP line and were handed a number and told to "go over there" and sit. I told the young lady we had an Owners Suite and were supposed have priority boarding on the ship. She blew us off.

 

Finally found someone a little more senior who did an "ooops" over the whole thing. Got checked in, spent 5 minutes in the VIP room and were escorted on board by our butler (Denny who was wonderful).

 

Keep in mind the workers are mostly temp folks and don't really know what's going on. This was also only the 2nd cruise of NOLA for Spirit after the drydock.

 

Minor blip on the cruise experience. Major blip was getting off the ship, but thats another story.

 

Forgot to add that when the butler escorted us to our cabin he opened the door with his "magic" key. For whatever reason, I decided to check both of our keys and neigther worked. We looked around and dropped our stuff off and went to Cagneys for lunch. The butler showed up with new keys while we were dining (lots of time - very slow service).

[Zimomiller]

Sailed from Miami on the Sky 11/7/08. We were not in a suite, but we have Gold status for Latitudes.

 

We were arriving fairly early afternoon on Friday and went wandering in to the check in area where a woman with a clipboard spotted us and asked us if we were in a suite, to which we answerd no.

 

I then made the comment that we had Gold Latitude status and she checked her list, found our names, and promptly led us to a private checkin lounge. (Same lounge that suites check in at as well)

 

The lounge had a couple desks, with agents seated and chairs waiting for us to plop down in to complete check in. There were a couple side tables with drinks , cookies etc.

 

We were quickly checked in and then escorted to the ship where champagne was waiting.

[terrymtex01]

LMAO that is sooo funny . I can just picture this guy telling you NO NO that is not for you those are for the people with money. Sorry Im still :p:p.

Those are the moments that make life interesting...

 

matt

 

We laugh at it now ourselves.. but I would give anything to see the look on my face when he said that to us. It was one of those moments where I was so shocked that I didn't react like I normally would have.

[Silverspoon]

Thanks for the replies. We'll be cruising out of Miami on the Pearl. Is it safe to say that we should find the Suite/VIP line, and from there someone should escort us to a desk in the VIP lounge, where we'll be checked in?

 

That does sound relaxing...to sit down and check in, and have an agent who actually knows the VIP drill.:rolleyes:

[DMH15]

Terry - I had forgotten your story about the penthouse and $$$$. I seem to recall that when I originally read your story of this tale that I was new to CC and I realized you were from "my neck of the woods". You had said you were dressed in nice jeans, I recall.

 

I agree, ALL embarkations are soooo different. Even within the same cruise line, city, etc. As long as I get on eventually I am fine with just about anything.

 

Hey, I am in a penthouse too next time, guess I am up there with you now!!! Ha-ha.

[llam]

DH suprised me with an upgrade from a mid-ship mini suite to an AFT AE. Very excited to be leaving on the Gem this Saturday. First time in a real suite.

 

Question for all you experienced suite cruisers: The brochure states "bottled water" 0n embarkation. Do we receive one bottle complimentary or daily?

Also is lunch at Cagney's complimentary on embarkation?:confused:

 

Thx for all your advice and knowledge.

[d man]

DH suprised me with an upgrade from a mid-ship mini suite to an AFT AE. Very excited to be leaving on the Gem this Saturday. First time in a real suite.

 

Question for all you experienced suite cruisers: The brochure states "bottled water" 0n embarkation. Do we receive one bottle complimentary or daily?

Also is lunch at Cagney's complimentary on embarkation?:confused:

 

Thx for all your advice and knowledge.

I think you receive a one liter bottle free and then you have to purchase any additional bottles.

 

d man

[islandgirlejfan]

Of course this goes without saying, but I think it is going to be different at each port. We have boarded NCL at three different ports, for four different cruises and have had a different experience for each time. Two times in Miami, once in Seattle and once in LA.

 

The first time we were in Miami was a HORRIBLE experience for us. It was their first sailing that season on the Sun out of Miami and up until that point we did not know that the people who check you in and work that whole area are seasonal employees. Yes, up until then we thought they all had jobs on the ship and came down to check you in, etc.. stupid I know.. but it is what we thought. Well.. we went through the line they had set up where you had to show your passport, etc. Then we went into this big huge room where you were to get your room keys, etc. We told this guy that we were in a Penthouse suite and we had been told we were to go to a special line or a lounge, etc. He insisted we could not be in the Penthouse as that would cost us thousands of dollars. I STILL have no idea why he would have said that to us.. it isn't like we were dressed like slobs, etc. Anyway. he sent us through the regular line which was no problem because there was really no one in the line. So when they went to get us our keys. guess what.. no room keys.. why?? because they were over in the VIP lounge waiting for us, but even the people handing out the keys told us we were not supposed to go to the VIP lounge. This post has already turned out longer than I meant it to.. but lets just say.. it was a royal screw up for that time. It was then I found out that those people are seasonal employees and this being their first cruise that season they probably just didn't know the processes, etc.

 

For our next three cruises it has always gone as smooth as can be. We get in the VIP line at check in, we are escorted to the VIP waiting area.. sometimes it has been a lounge, but in LA it was just a waiting area right by the elevators where anyone could walk up to. Two of the three of the four times a butler has escorted us onboard, twice to go immeditately to our stateroom.

 

I have honestly grown to expect anything at check-in and for them to know everything they should or nothing they should. That is one time you just kind of have to roll with the flow. I do think the VIP lounge we had in Seattle was the best.

 

OMG, I know my husband would have probably went off!:mad: That happened to us when we were looking at houses. My hubby is a computer analyst, so he has always made pretty decent money. Had a saleslady at this new development look at us and tell us that *these houses are for people who are buying a home for the second or third time*.:o Pretty sure she based it on what she felt our ages were at the time. My hubby lost it right there and told her "well, you just lost a sale because we qualified for several thousand dollars more than the asking price*, which we had. It was fun walking out of there and seeing her mouth wide open. Bet she never did that again. Saw a gentleman in a BMW dealership in a pair of ragged jean shorts, stained t-shirt and flip flops pay cash for a Beamer while we were working on financing our car. You should never *assume* anything!:eek:

 

Our experience was in Miami. We were taken to the VIP area straight away, did our check in and could have stayed in the lounge where there were drinks and small sandwiches, cookies and so forth....room wasn't ready, but we opted to tour the boat until it was. Virginia took us up about 45 minutes later. Hope it's that smooth next December!

[terrymtex01]

Terry - I had forgotten your story about the penthouse and $$$$. I seem to recall that when I originally read your story of this tale that I was new to CC and I realized you were from "my neck of the woods". You had said you were dressed in nice jeans, I recall.

 

I agree, ALL embarkations are soooo different. Even within the same cruise line, city, etc. As long as I get on eventually I am fine with just about anything.

 

Hey, I am in a penthouse too next time, guess I am up there with you now!!! Ha-ha.

 

Yes.. LOL..I had on Calvin's .. and trust me.. for my size they are about $100.00. LOL. We don't dress shabby.. I can tell you that.

 

Thanks for the replies. We'll be cruising out of Miami on the Pearl. Is it safe to say that we should find the Suite/VIP line, and from there someone should escort us to a desk in the VIP lounge, where we'll be checked in?

 

That does sound relaxing...to sit down and check in, and have an agent who actually knows the VIP drill.:rolleyes:

 

I wish I had said this in my original post, but our last cruise was out of Miami and embarkation went as smooth as silk. The lounge was very nice and every one knew the drill, so to speak.

 

OMG, I know my husband would have probably went off!:mad: That happened to us when we were looking at houses. My hubby is a computer analyst, so he has always made pretty decent money. Had a saleslady at this new development look at us and tell us that *these houses are for people who are buying a home for the second or third time*.:o Pretty sure she based it on what she felt our ages were at the time. My hubby lost it right there and told her "well, you just lost a sale because we qualified for several thousand dollars more than the asking price*, which we had. It was fun walking out of there and seeing her mouth wide open. Bet she never did that again. Saw a gentleman in a BMW dealership in a pair of ragged jean shorts, stained t-shirt and flip flops pay cash for a Beamer while we were working on financing our car. You should never *assume* anything!:eek:

 

Our experience was in Miami. We were taken to the VIP area straight away, did our check in and could have stayed in the lounge where there were drinks and small sandwiches, cookies and so forth....room wasn't ready, but we opted to tour the boat until it was. Virginia took us up about 45 minutes later. Hope it's that smooth next December!

 

Thats exactly what I thought when it happened. Anywhere, but expecially here in Texas and in the South, you could be standing next to a millionaire and never know it. I had an Uncle who was worth several million as far back as the 70's and you NEVER saw him any anything but overalls... LOL.. God love him.. He was the sweetest cutiest old man... I miss him.