Bliss Questions-Miami ,Cozumel, Platinum

[DrUrsula]

Hello!

We are Platinum and this is our first NCL since the shutdown. We have been cruising on other lines. This will also be our first NCL cruise without the benefit of the Haven and the escorted boarding.

 

if anyone can help me I would appreciate it.

 

1. Port of Miami - I have been reading that boarding times are not adhered to . How do I actually get on the ship at my assigned time if a bunch of others who have later times show up when I do? Is there priority line for Platinum? Do I need my football pads? I ask because the only show my husband wants to definitely see is the comedian. We are all booked for specialties , I just would like to be able to get a comedy reservation. 
 

2. I can't find a straight answer via Mr Google or NCL on where Bliss docks in Cozumel. We have been on Celebrity and Royal recently and they both docked at the pier away from downtown (International Pier?)

You have to take a cab to "downtown".

can someone please enlighten me?

 

3.Platinum has alleged "concierge service". I have a feeling this is a myth. Can anyone explain? 

Thank you so much!!

[hallux]

46 minutes ago, DrUrsula said:

boarding times

The time you sign up for during check-in is not a boarding time but a check-in time. When I boarded the Joy in Miami last year I showed up around 10, which is when they opened the doors to start letting people in.

 

47 minutes ago, DrUrsula said:

where Bliss docks in Cozumel.

Downtown.

[phillygwm]

52 minutes ago, DrUrsula said:

1. Port of Miami - I have been reading that boarding times are not adhered to . How do I actually get on the ship at my assigned time if a bunch of others who have later times show up when I do? Is there priority line for Platinum? Do I need my football pads? I ask because the only show my husband wants to definitely see is the comedian. We are all booked for specialties , I just would like to be able to get a comedy reservation. 

It really isn't a big deal, especially in Miami.  Platinum and above has a dedicated check-in line and, though I'm one of those who doesn't strictly adhere to check-in times, I've never encountered an issue.  There are a lot of ports I haven't sailed from and I've heard stories about New Orleans and San Juan, but never had an issue in Miami (or NYC.)

 

52 minutes ago, DrUrsula said:

3.Platinum has alleged "concierge service". I have a feeling this is a myth. Can anyone explain? 

You are correct; you'll have a better chance sighting Bigfoot or the Loch Ness Monster than a Platinum concierge.

Edited January 14, 2023 by phillygwm

[phillygwm]

6 minutes ago, hallux said:

The time you sign up for during check-in is not a boarding time but a check-in time. When I boarded the Joy in Miami last year I showed up around 10, which is when they opened the doors to start letting people in.

Good point.  Only if they weren't Platinum, in which case they'd be boarding by zone and it would matter.  I'm one of those people who need to be insanely early for everything, including check-in, and yeah, I know I'll be sitting around, but it just reduces my stress so that's what works for me.

Edited January 14, 2023 by phillygwm

[Mandalay5]

We recently sailed on Bliss out of Miami. We got to the port fairly early and there were plenty of general check In stations open…it took about 10 mins to check in. Boarding was late because of guests from the previous cruise not disembarking, but Platinum boarded right after special needs. We made reservations for the shows at the kiosks by the elavator and were having lunch at the Local in a hot minute…no lines, no problem. Ship docked at Punta Lagosta in Cozumel.

Edited January 14, 2023 by Mandalay5

[BirdTravels]

1 hour ago, DrUrsula said:

Hello! We are Platinum and this is our first NCL since the shutdown. We have been cruising on other lines. This will also be our first NCL cruise without the benefit of the Haven and the escorted boarding. if anyone can help me I would appreciate it.

1. Port of Miami - I have been reading that boarding times are not adhered to . How do I actually get on the ship at my assigned time if a bunch of others who have later times show up when I do?

 

You are assigned a time to arrive at terminal when you check in exactly 21 days prior to departure. Early times sell out quickly, so checking in at midnight eastern time on day 21 gives you the best selection. That is not a boarding time. Just the time they are suppose to allow you into the terminal. As you stated, they are not checking times any more, so enter the terminal as soon as you arrive (don't wait)

 

Is there priority line for Platinum?

Yes. Look for the Latitudes Priority Check-In line. It is beyond the general check in line (eDocs/no eDocs in photo)

 

 

Do I need my football pads? I ask because the only show my husband wants to definitely see is the comedian. We are all booked for specialties , I just would like to be able to get a comedy reservation. 

So,,, be on the ship early. Wait at the boarding door (it is marked about 2/3 the way back in the terminal) and jump in line as soon as they call Platinum. As you walk quickly to show reservations, usually in The Social but verify with greeters on the ship, try and book the shows on your NCL app. On our most recent cruise, all of the shows were not loaded in the app, so we stood in line at show reservations. You could also try a touch screen kiosk. But if either the app or kiosk is slow, just go to show reservations. 
 

2. I can't find a straight answer via Mr Google or NCL on where Bliss docks in Cozumel. We have been on Celebrity and Royal recently and they both docked at the pier away from downtown (International Pier?) You have to take a cab to "downtown". can someone please enlighten me?

NCL uses Punta Longosta (downtown - not the international pier used by RCL and Carnival)

 

3.Platinum has alleged "concierge service". I have a feeling this is a myth. Can anyone explain? 

It is a non-benefit. After dozens of cruises, we have only been offered a concierge phone number once, and it was not beneficial. You can inquire at the Cruise Next Desk and see what they say. 

 

On embarkation day, go to the Cruise Next desk and (1) verify that Platinum vouchers can be used at any specialty restaurant and any restrictions on using the voucher with wine (on our most recent cruise, one of the restaurants was serving only "NCL Sustainable Wines" and we could not get the Platinum freebie wine there. (2) Sign up for the Wines Around the World wine tasting (sign up is first come first serve). 

[forgotmyCCname]

2 hours ago, BirdTravels said:

1. Port of Miami - I have been reading that boarding times are not adhered to . How do I actually get on the ship at my assigned time if a bunch of others who have later times show up when I do?

 

You are assigned a time to arrive at terminal when you check in exactly 21 days prior to departure. Early times sell out quickly, so checking in at midnight eastern time on day 21 gives you the best selection. That is not a boarding time. Just the time they are suppose to allow you into the terminal. As you stated, they are not checking times any more, so enter the terminal as soon as you arrive (don't wait)

 

Is there priority line for Platinum?

Yes. Look for the Latitudes Priority Check-In line. It is beyond the general check in line (eDocs/no eDocs in photo)

 

 

Do I need my football pads? I ask because the only show my husband wants to definitely see is the comedian. We are all booked for specialties , I just would like to be able to get a comedy reservation. 

So,,, be on the ship early. Wait at the boarding door (it is marked about 2/3 the way back in the terminal) and jump in line as soon as they call Platinum. As you walk quickly to show reservations, usually in The Social but verify with greeters on the ship, try and book the shows on your NCL app. On our most recent cruise, all of the shows were not loaded in the app, so we stood in line at show reservations. You could also try a touch screen kiosk. But if either the app or kiosk is slow, just go to show reservations. 
 

2. I can't find a straight answer via Mr Google or NCL on where Bliss docks in Cozumel. We have been on Celebrity and Royal recently and they both docked at the pier away from downtown (International Pier?) You have to take a cab to "downtown". can someone please enlighten me?

NCL uses Punta Longosta (downtown - not the international pier used by RCL and Carnival)

 

3.Platinum has alleged "concierge service". I have a feeling this is a myth. Can anyone explain? 

It is a non-benefit. After dozens of cruises, we have only been offered a concierge phone number once, and it was not beneficial. You can inquire at the Cruise Next Desk and see what they say. 

 

On embarkation day, go to the Cruise Next desk and (1) verify that Platinum vouchers can be used at any specialty restaurant and any restrictions on using the voucher with wine (on our most recent cruise, one of the restaurants was serving only "NCL Sustainable Wines" and we could not get the Platinum freebie wine there. (2) Sign up for the Wines Around the World wine tasting (sign up is first come first serve). 

THANK YOU!!!!! I truly appreciate all the detailed info.

[New2cruise2022]

4 hours ago, BirdTravels said:

1. Port of Miami - I have been reading that boarding times are not adhered to . How do I actually get on the ship at my assigned time if a bunch of others who have later times show up when I do?

 

You are assigned a time to arrive at terminal when you check in exactly 21 days prior to departure. Early times sell out quickly, so checking in at midnight eastern time on day 21 gives you the best selection. That is not a boarding time. Just the time they are suppose to allow you into the terminal. As you stated, they are not checking times any more, so enter the terminal as soon as you arrive (don't wait)

 

Is there priority line for Platinum?

Yes. Look for the Latitudes Priority Check-In line. It is beyond the general check in line (eDocs/no eDocs in photo)

 

 

Do I need my football pads? I ask because the only show my husband wants to definitely see is the comedian. We are all booked for specialties , I just would like to be able to get a comedy reservation. 

So,,, be on the ship early. Wait at the boarding door (it is marked about 2/3 the way back in the terminal) and jump in line as soon as they call Platinum. As you walk quickly to show reservations, usually in The Social but verify with greeters on the ship, try and book the shows on your NCL app. On our most recent cruise, all of the shows were not loaded in the app, so we stood in line at show reservations. You could also try a touch screen kiosk. But if either the app or kiosk is slow, just go to show reservations. 
 

2. I can't find a straight answer via Mr Google or NCL on where Bliss docks in Cozumel. We have been on Celebrity and Royal recently and they both docked at the pier away from downtown (International Pier?) You have to take a cab to "downtown". can someone please enlighten me?

NCL uses Punta Longosta (downtown - not the international pier used by RCL and Carnival)

 

3.Platinum has alleged "concierge service". I have a feeling this is a myth. Can anyone explain? 

It is a non-benefit. After dozens of cruises, we have only been offered a concierge phone number once, and it was not beneficial. You can inquire at the Cruise Next Desk and see what they say. 

 

On embarkation day, go to the Cruise Next desk and (1) verify that Platinum vouchers can be used at any specialty restaurant and any restrictions on using the voucher with wine (on our most recent cruise, one of the restaurants was serving only "NCL Sustainable Wines" and we could not get the Platinum freebie wine there. (2) Sign up for the Wines Around the World wine tasting (sign up is first come first serve). 

Another great response from WikiBirdTravels. Encyclopedic-level knowledge shared graciously for the rest of us to benefits. Thanks!

[DrUrsula]

1 hour ago, New2cruise2022 said:

Another great response from WikiBirdTravels. Encyclopedic-level knowledge shared graciously for the rest of us to benefits. Thanks!

 

3 hours ago, forgotmyCCname said:

THANK YOU!!!!! I truly appreciate all the detailed info.

 

[DrUrsula]

Just now, DrUrsula said:

 

 

Thank you, Bird Travels. You have allayed my fears.

The pictures are a great touch.

I really appreciate your time and sharing of knowledge. Happy Travels!

[DrUrsula]

1 hour ago, New2cruise2022 said:

Another great response from WikiBirdTravels. Encyclopedic-level knowledge shared graciously for the rest of us to benefits. Thanks!

Exactly! There's a special place in CC history for BirdTravels.

[BirdTravels]

2 hours ago, DrUrsula said:

Thank you, Bird Travels. You have allayed my fears.

The pictures are a great touch.

I really appreciate your time and sharing of knowledge. Happy Travels!

You are very welcome! 

 

The photos above were from our cruise out of Miami in December on the Prima to the Western Caribbean (Punta Longosta). 

 

The following is a link to a pre-pandemic cruise on the Bliss. While you need to ignore the menus, it may have some interesting information/photos of the ship. 

 

[Beachedgirl]

We cruised the Bliss the first week of December.  We are sapphire and boarded early and we typically book our comedy shows on the kiosks once onboard.  This past cruise we went to the social and we’re given a piece of paper that outlined all of the entertainment that could be booked that cruise.   We picked all the shows we wanted and handed it to the staff working.  Within an hour the reservations appeared on our app.  It was so much easier and much quicker.   

[DrUrsula]

Thank you!!

[DrUrsula]

One more question, if I may.

Do you use cabin key card/sea pass in slot machines ? I can't believe how much I have forgotten since 2019!

[phoenix1181]

44 minutes ago, DrUrsula said:

One more question, if I may.

Do you use cabin key card/sea pass in slot machines ? I can't believe how much I have forgotten since 2019!

Yes!  Use the card in the machines and, if you play the tables, the dealer will swipe your card so you'll get credit for your play.

[DrUrsula]

19 minutes ago, phoenix1181 said:

Yes!  Use the card in the machines and, if you play the tables, the dealer will swipe your card so you'll get credit for your play.

Great. Thanks!!

[DrUrsula]

5 hours ago, BirdTravels said:

You are very welcome! 

 

The photos above were from our cruise out of Miami in December on the Prima to the Western Caribbean (Punta Longosta). 

 

The following is a link to a pre-pandemic cruise on the Bliss. While you need to ignore the menus, it may have some interesting information/photos of the ship. 

 

Great pictures /comments. Thank you for taking the time to share this!