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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.

I'm on the April 30, 2016 sailing of Anthem. Spoke to RC last night (04/27/16) on the phone and they indicated DD was still in place for the April 30th sailing and they aren't aware of any changes to remove it.

Wonderland was my favorite! I enjoyed all of them though.

Susie Q in the Two 70 bar. Made great drinks and was very friendly. She muddled fresh lime, lemons and oranges for my margaritas instead of using sour mix. She was awesome.

I'm attaching a copy of the message that displays on the tv the day you have reservations for Grande. I was on the 11/23/14 sailing and men and children were required to wear a jacket. They were loaning jackets out at the restaurant if you didn't have one. There is a closet at the entrance where they are located. I noticed a lot of children (estimating age between 10-16 years old) were receiving them. I was sitting at the Royal table at the entrance so I saw this happening a lot. I wore a suit and tie. If you don't want to wear formal atire, I would choose another restaurant. Or if everyone in your group has formal but one of your children doesn't have a jacket, I would just ask to borrow one at the door. Maybe check ahead of time just to make sure they have one available.

Loved Dynamic Dining. Had no problems and enjoyed the atmosphere and food of each restaurant.

I was on the 11/23 sailing and had the Ultimate Package and loved it. It covered any drink up to $12. If you wanted a drink that cost $17, you would pay $5 for that drink. Most drinks were $12 but there was someone in my group who bought a glass of wine that was $17 and paid $5 for the difference. Almost all the $12 drinks included top shelf liquor. For example, I'm a big fan of margaritas and all the items I ordered were made with Patron, Grand Marnier and fresh lime and they cost $12 and were included. My bloody marys were made with Grey Goose and were included. Another benefit of the Ultimate compared to the Premium is you are able to have fresh squeezed juice and premium coffee. For example, in the Windjammer, there is a coffee bar were you can get a coffee with Baileys or Godiva Liquor and it's included. Or you can get a cappuccino or expresso. If you had the Premium package this would not be included. Also in the Windjammer there is a bar where you can get fresh squeezed orange juice. This would be included on the Ultimate but not the Premium.

http://media.royalcaribbean.com/content/shared_assets/pdf/menus/beverage_packages.pdf

I had a lot of fun on the 11/23 - 12/01 cruise. It was actually the best cruise I've been on (been on 5). Maybe it's because I enjoyed the Unlimited Beverage Package a little too much. :) Will definitely do it again.

I was on the Nov 23 - Dec 01 cruise and my room was available at 11:30 am when i boarded the ship. I was on deck 6 obstructed view balcony. The key was outside my room in an envelope. There were other rooms next to mine that we still being cleaned without envelopes outside the door at 11:30. I think it just depends how fast your room steward is.

I was on the 11/17 sailing and agree with everything you said. It was an awesome time. :)