Priority Embarkation and Disembarkation in New Orleans.

We are sailing out of NOLA next March and we were wondering if the Latitudes priority embarkation and disembarkation actually saved any time at that port. If anyone has experience at this port we would appreciate your insight and comments. Thanks in advance for any advice.

"Priority Embarkation" means that you have a separate check-in line for latitudes members (i.e., anyone who has taken more than 1 or more NCL cruises). If you are an Ambassador (700 nights), Platinum Plus (175 nights), or Platinum (80 nights) member, you will be allowed to board the ship before general boarding is started.

"Priority Disembarkation" means that you will receive (or can get from the CruiseNext desk), yellow luggage tags. The Yellow bags will be put into the baggage hall after the Gold tagged bags from suites guests. Essentially, you are the first color tag group called for disembarkation. And you join the back of the line for disembarkation. (Suites guests are escorted to the front of the line for disembarkation.)

Actually I am seeking information on priority boarding and disembarkation as it relates to the cruise terminal in New Orleans. As I'm certain you know, the process varies dramatically from port to port. New York and San Pedro priority embarkation is often slower than general boarding while the process at Miami seems very efficient. Anyone with experience at NOLA?

19 cruises out of NOLA. first 3 had it since then NO./

The last time we went out of New Orleans it was like the troops had woke up in a new world, very screwed up. We must of asked 10 various people about priority line. Everyone said it didn’t exist. Eventually just before boarding we saw a group gathering behind a rope and went and ask the head if the group. It was priority sure enough.

We had a suite for so many cruises and that was easy so this was different.

For many cruises there was only priority check in, not boarding.

I always say cruising is like child birth- everyone is different.lol

The last time we went out of New Orleans it was like the troops had woke up in a new world, very screwed up. We must of asked 10 various people about priority line. Everyone said it didn’t exist. Eventually just before boarding we saw a group gathering behind a rope and went and ask the head if the group. It was priority sure enough.

We had a suite for so many cruises and that was easy so this was different.

For many cruises there was only priority check in, not boarding.

I always say cruising is like child birth- everyone is different.lol

Have to agree! Each one is indeed different. We arrived rather late to board and did not have a lot of lines/trouble....but it was indeed the case that it was hard to identify WHAT line to get in and where it was located as we have suite, CAS, Platinum Plus....but I do not think this is only in NO as we experienced it last year in Barcelona. This year in Barcelona? Piece of cake! Again....each boarding seems to be different.....

For New Orleans The Answer is No. It's all for one and one for all.

One thing we have found for many embarkation ports is that many (most?) of the terminal employees have absolutely NO idea that there is supposed to be some type of priority boarding for Platinum/Plat Plus and Ambassador.

Just keep smiling and if you look around enough you can sometimes find a priority waiting area.

One thing we have found for many embarkation ports is that many (most?) of the terminal employees have absolutely NO idea that there is supposed to be some type of priority boarding for Platinum/Plat Plus and Ambassador.

Just keep smiling and if you look around enough you can sometimes find a priority waiting area.

Very true look around enough (for that signage Platinum CAS etc.) -

Don't rely on directions from a cruise terminal employee - only a NCL rep. -

There will be a line snaking its way thru a roped off area to get to the registration check-in area -

Usually the system is set up with a long counter with many NCL agents finishing the registration -

taking a key card photo and issuing same key card and then you are directed to a waiting area.

Yes suites may have the same check-in point but will be diverted to a semi-lounge area for escort on board.

Beware that the longest line maybe moving faster with more agents working it - this happens when

platinums have their own designated check-in area and ONLY 1 agent checking in - heads up !

YMMV by port and whole bunch of other unspecified circumstances - it is NCL after all !