Priority Access with NCL
KBdesigned • February 22, 2020

Norwegian Priority Access – Is it worth it?
The Priority Access from Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) allows you to reduce wait times for a price. If you purchase the priority pass it will give your priority embarkation, priority dismemberment, complimentary canapés, a spa credit and no room service fee for select hot breakfast items.
When we sailed in January it was a pilot project being offered only on two ships, Norwegian Sky and the Norwegian Breakaway. However as we prepare for our March 29th sailing on the Norwegian Dawn it is listed as a perk that is available for purchase. It is normal for cruise lines to test different strategies on some ships before rolling it out fleet wide. The service can be purchased as an add-on with your online purchase or by calling into the customer service/booking centre. This is very similar to the ‘fun pass’ that Carnival Cruise lines offers but NCL has offered it as an add-on to your purchase rather than cruise package.
Here is the skinny:
What the Priority Access Pass package includes:
• Priority Check-In and Boarding
• Tender Priority When Applicable (Off the Ship)
• Priority Debarkation (Homeport)
• Daily Complimentary Standard Room Service Breakfast
• $50 Spa Discount per person (Port Days Only)
• Complimentary Canapés (Second Day of Cruise)
Expect to pay for this perk:
• 3 to 5 Days - $99 per cabin
• 6 to 9 Days - $179 per cabin
• 10 to 15 Days - $249 per cabin
• 16+ Days - $299 per cabin
Where do I go for priority tender/embarking and disembarking?
• You will be call after cruisers with special accommodation to embark on embarkation day
• Letter will be sent to guest staterooms providing time and location to meet for early tender
Ordering breakfast to the room?
Use the existing menu found in each stateroom:
It’s important to note that your only indicator that you have priority pass is on your e-docs that are provide to you on your online check-in. You’re not using the same lines as the Haven however you are ahead of the regular assigned lines. The spa credit is for only face and body of 50 minutes or more, and the coupon cannot be combined with any other offer. The canapés were cute but not really note worthy. You cannot cancel the program after you have boarded.
Priority tender/embarking and disembarking fix add value in reducing line up ques and maximizing that vacation time but the program failed to fully explain most of this process and we were forced to figure things out. Priority really does mean first thing in the morning which is a great value for the early risers. This perk may be more valuable on the Mega ships or ports of call that require tendering.
The canapés were okay but did not add value. Perhaps if they were served in area with a vibe with sparkling wine, it would complete the moment rather than a 2 PM knock at the stateroom door.
Priority check in and boarding is where we saw all the value for this purchase. It was great to find a nice spot on board near the outdoor café with good food and drink well before most others weaved through the lines.
The spa credit was a bit of a pain because there was little communication between NCL corporate and the Spa on the new program and how the credit can be used which lead to a discrepancy on one of my Spa bills, it was resolved after several attempts and a lot of frustration.
Your free room service breakfast items range from continental items, coffee, team, juices. For hot items there were a few omelette selections and French toast that typically comes with a $7.95 USD/order, however with Priority Pass this fee was waived.
Overall, we saw the value in the program but hope NCL tweaks some of the value-added items that they are offering on the program.
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