No Result
View All Result
Eye of the Flyer
  • BANK & Travel Cards ★
    • Credit Cards
    • CardMatch™
    • Eye of the Flyer Recommended Cards
    • Best Welcome Offers
    • Travel Rewards Cards
    • Airline Credit Cards
    • Hotel Credit Cards
    • Cash Back Credit Cards
    • No Annual Fee Credit Cards
    • Small Business Credit Cards
    • Gas Rewards Cards
    • Balance Transfer Cards
    • Student Credit Cards
    • Visa Credit Cards
    • Mastercards
    • Bad or Poor Credit
    • No Credit or Limited Credit
    • Secured Cards
  • CardMatch™
  • Cruises
  • Rookie
  • Elite Mileage Runs
  • Merchandise
  • αbout US ✉
  • BANK & Travel Cards ★
    • Credit Cards
    • CardMatch™
    • Eye of the Flyer Recommended Cards
    • Best Welcome Offers
    • Travel Rewards Cards
    • Airline Credit Cards
    • Hotel Credit Cards
    • Cash Back Credit Cards
    • No Annual Fee Credit Cards
    • Small Business Credit Cards
    • Gas Rewards Cards
    • Balance Transfer Cards
    • Student Credit Cards
    • Visa Credit Cards
    • Mastercards
    • Bad or Poor Credit
    • No Credit or Limited Credit
    • Secured Cards
  • CardMatch™
  • Cruises
  • Rookie
  • Elite Mileage Runs
  • Merchandise
  • αbout US ✉
No Result
View All Result
No Result
View All Result

Is it Worth It to Pay For Norwegian Cruise Lines Priority Access Program or Are Other Options Better?

René by René
May 9, 2024
in Cruises
1
people standing in a line at a counter

Advertiser Disclosure: Eye of the Flyer, a division of Chatterbox Entertainment, Inc., is part of an affiliate sales network and receives compensation for sending traffic to partner sites, such as CreditCards.com. Some or all of the card offers that appear on the website are from advertisers. Compensation may impact how and where card products appear on the site. This site does not include all card companies or all available card offers. Opinions, reviews, analyses & recommendations are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, endorsed, or approved by any of these entities. Some of the links on this page are affiliate or referral links. We may receive a commission or referral bonus for purchases or successful applications made during shopping sessions or signups initiated from clicking those links.

As I blogged about on EyeOfTheFlyer a while back, this year I will be going for lifetime Diamond status, not with Delta Air Lines, but with Norwegian Cruise Lines. That means I have accumulated 350+ points or nights credits (you can get big bonus points / nights for booking suites and insiders deals). My only remaining goal is the top Ambassador spot with NCL but I will not push for this and if I ever make it many years from now I will enjoy the very limited extra perks that elite level provides.

Reaching 75 nights is a key status level for NCL frequent floaters. Booking Haven and insiders deals yielding 3x credits thus you could reach this level in as little as 25 nights onboard. Once reaching Platinum you unlock, no matter what cabin you book, the nice perk of “Priority Check-in / Embarkation” (in addition to a bunch of other perks). With so many folks showing up all at the same time to board being one of the first in line (and a shorter line) as well as first onboard is a really nice perk.

a blue and white text with a check mark

 

But what if you don’t have Platinum status or any status for that matter with NCL. They have an up-sell for you called the “Priority Access Program”. It is not cheap. Notice the current cost (as of today’s post date), depending on the length of your cruise, for this program:

  • 3 to 5 Days – $129 per cabin
  • 6 to 9 Days – $199 per cabin
  • 10 to 15 Days – $279 per cabin
  • 16+ Days – $329 per cabin

Yowzers! The only saving grace of this offer is it is per cabin not per person like most other things onboard. What else do you get for this offer? Per NCL.com

  • Streamlined Embarkation
  • Faster Tendering
  • Quicker Debarkation
  • Breakfast in Bed
  • Rest & Relax at Mandara Spa
  • Complimentary Canapés

Well that sounds great but are they worth the price upfront. As I blogged about the other day, if you are quick on the draw at the 21 day mark you can schedule early check-in and still be one of the first to board. So quicker embarkation is maybe not worth the upcharge.

We all hate tendering. It is a big perk of both status and suite cabins to be escorted quickly to a tender and not have to wait in line on mega ships. Honestly I like this perk the most from the list but if you are up early and work to get on the first tenders of the day this may be pointless.

Waiting in line to disembark is a real drag to an already sad day. I just don’t know if the fee paid is real value to what may save you some minimum time getting off the ship.

a table with plates of food and drinks

I am not a breakfast in bed fan. In fact I hardly ever order room service, even when in a suite, as the food is never ever as fresh or warm as in a restaurant. If you like this every day this could be for you but keep in mind the fee for room service for anyone is just $5.00 so add up the cost / value benefit.

$50 Spa credit. I have never been impressed with the Mandera Spa services. I have had a number of massages onboard and none have motivated me to return again.

a plate of desserts on a table

Finally we have complimentary canapés. If you are in a suite you get these each day in the afternoon. They are, most times, dried out and uninspiring. This is not worth 2 cents IMO.

So there you are. As a Frequent Floater I just don’t see the real value proposition for this program. Granted I get most of these perks free at my elite status but even if I were not a top elite I have a better idea for this kind of cash outlay.

a screenshot of a website

a screenshot of a hotel room

What I would do instead is try to spend this cash for a discounted cabin upgrade that may on it’s own include so many of the things listed. I have a number of times been successful bidding for and upgrade to the Haven and really enjoyed the value for the upgrade cost per day.

Bottom line I would pass if I were you on the “Priority Access Program” unless you will really use everything the program provides. – René

 

Advertiser Disclosure: Eye of the Flyer, a division of Chatterbox Entertainment, Inc., is part of an affiliate sales network and receives compensation for sending traffic to partner sites, such as CreditCards.com. Some or all of the card offers that appear on the website are from advertisers. Compensation may impact how and where card products appear on the site. This site does not include all card companies or all available card offers. Opinions, reviews, analyses & recommendations are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, endorsed, or approved by any of these entities. Some of the links on this page are affiliate or referral links. We may receive a commission or referral bonus for purchases or successful applications made during shopping sessions or signups initiated from clicking those links.

Responses are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser. Responses have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by the bank advertiser. It is not the bank advertiser's responsibility to ensure all posts and/or questions are answered.

Tags: Norwegian Cruise Lines
Previous Post

Paper or Plastic – When It Comes to Reading On Board What’s Your Favorite?

Next Post

Is Ecuador Safe? If Not, What Does This Mean for Galapagos Cruises?

René

René

René de Lambert is a contributing writer for EyeoftheFlyer.com - He is an avid Delta and SkyTeam flyer who has held Delta’s top Diamond Medallion status for many years and flown millions of miles.

Next Post
Celebrity Flora Galapagos Islands Ecuador

Is Ecuador Safe? If Not, What Does This Mean for Galapagos Cruises?

Comments 1

  1. Jay Diaz says:
    2 years ago

    I understand the perks and signed up for it…the boarding was key to us as we are sailing out of Seattle and a relative who works there said it could be a bit hectic…Priority should relieve that a bit…we planned on an early morning Spa visit on one of our port days, and we are very early risers, so the breakfast (just coffee and lite stuff) should hold us over until real breakfast. We are in ports, so no tendering for us on this trip, but the other amenities coupled with an 80 dollar credit due to the cruise price change made it worth it for us.

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

➤ Search Eye of the Flyer

No Result
View All Result

Subscribe

Subscribe To Our NewsletterJoin our mailing list to receive the latest news and updates from our team.

You have Successfully Subscribed!

GREAT Travel and Cash Back Card Offers for Spring 2025!

Eye of the Flyer may receive a commission from the links below. See our Privacy Policy

See some of the biggest and best offers now!
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card CardBIGGEST EVER OFFER! Earn 100,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 in purchases within three (3) months of being approved for the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card! (Learn here how to apply. All information about the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card was gathered independently by Eye of the Flyer. It was neither provided nor reviewed by the card issuer.)
Capital One Venture X Business
Capital One Venture X Business: Earn 150,000 bonus miles once you spend $30,000 on eligible purchases within three (3) months of being approved for card membership. Then, earn an additional 200,000 miles after you spend a total of $200,000 within the first six (6) months. That's a total of 350,000 miles. Learn here how to apply.

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card: Earn 185,000 bonus Marriott Bonvoy points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on the card within six (6) months of being approved for card membership. (Terms Apply. This offer expires on May 14, 2025.). Read more and learn here how to apply.

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card: Earn 75,000 Miles once you spend $4,000 on eligible purchases within three (3) months of being approved for card membership. Plus, receive a one-time $250 Capital One Travel credit in your first cardholder year. Learn more here.

 

American Express® Business Gold Card

American Express® Business Gold Card: Earn 100,000 bonus Membership Rewards® points after you spend $15,000 on eligible purchases with the Business Gold Card within the first three (3) months of being approved for card membership. Plus, enjoy a 0% introductory APR for the first six (6) months from the date of account opening on purchases eligible for Pay Over Time, then a 18.49% to 27.49% variable APR. (See Rates & Fees) Terms apply.. Learn more here.

The Business Platinum Card® from American Express

The Business Platinum Card® from American Express: Earn 150,000 bonus American Express® Membership Rewards® points after you spend $20,000 on eligible purchases on the card within the first three (3) months of being approved for card membership. Plus, earn a $500 statement credit after you spend $2,500 on qualifying flights booked directly with airlines or through American Express Travel with your Business Platinum Card within the first 3 months of Card Membership. You can earn one or both of these offers. This offer expires on June 30, 2025. Terms apply.. Plus, enjoy select airport lounge access, statement credit opportunities galore, and more! Read here why we love this card.

 

Eye of the Flyer partner offer!CardMatch™CardMatch™
Offers may not be available to all users.

Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Eye of the Flyer with appropriate and specific directions to the original content.

Subscribe

Subscribe To Our NewsletterJoin our mailing list to receive the latest news and updates from our team.

You have Successfully Subscribed!

Resources

  • ✍ Editors Disclaimer
  • 💰 Advertiser Disclosure
  • 🔒 Privacy Policy
  • BANK & Travel Cards ★
  • CardMatch™
  • Cruises
  • Rookie
  • Elite Mileage Runs
  • Merchandise
  • αbout US ✉

Copyright © 2025 Eye of the Flyer. All Rights Reserved.

No Result
View All Result
  • BANK & Travel Cards ★
    • Credit Cards
    • CardMatch™
    • Eye of the Flyer Recommended Cards
    • Best Welcome Offers
    • Travel Rewards Cards
    • Airline Credit Cards
    • Hotel Credit Cards
    • Cash Back Credit Cards
    • No Annual Fee Credit Cards
    • Small Business Credit Cards
    • Gas Rewards Cards
    • Balance Transfer Cards
    • Student Credit Cards
    • Visa Credit Cards
    • Mastercards
    • Bad or Poor Credit
    • No Credit or Limited Credit
    • Secured Cards
  • CardMatch™
  • Cruises
  • Rookie
  • Elite Mileage Runs
  • Merchandise
  • αbout US ✉

Copyright © 2025 Eye of the Flyer. All Rights Reserved.

Cleantalk Pixel
No Result
View All Result
  • BANK & Travel Cards ★
    • Credit Cards
    • CardMatch™
    • Eye of the Flyer Recommended Cards
    • Best Welcome Offers
    • Travel Rewards Cards
    • Airline Credit Cards
    • Hotel Credit Cards
    • Cash Back Credit Cards
    • No Annual Fee Credit Cards
    • Small Business Credit Cards
    • Gas Rewards Cards
    • Balance Transfer Cards
    • Student Credit Cards
    • Visa Credit Cards
    • Mastercards
    • Bad or Poor Credit
    • No Credit or Limited Credit
    • Secured Cards
  • CardMatch™
  • Cruises
  • Rookie
  • Elite Mileage Runs
  • Merchandise
  • αbout US ✉

Copyright © 2025 Eye of the Flyer. All Rights Reserved.