We were on 2 different cruises since September 2023. On the Dawn and the Gem. On the Dawn, we were told we could get on anytime, just show our cards with Sapphire status. On the Gem, we needed to go to the cruise next desk to get a ticket allowing us to board the tender with the second calling. There was no separate line for those getting tickets, so we had to wait until those folks buying cruise next vouchers were done which often takes a while. Not the most efficient process. Seems each ship has its way of handling things.