With the new terminal not yet ready to welcome guests, Norwegian Cruise Line is finally giving passengers an idea of what they should expect norwegian gemsday of embarkation. As one passenger asked in a Facebook message group dedicated to the first voyage: “Is this the best they can do?”
Interim plans are being developed
Expectations have been building for months, norwegian gems It will be the first ship to sail from Philadelphia in nearly 15 years. But as the date of the maiden voyage approached, it soon became apparent that things were not going quite according to plan.
“We are excited to bring cruise ships back to Philadelphia for the first time in many years,” Norwegian said in a statement. cruise The collection was released in late March. “Given that there has been no cruise activity in the market for quite some time, we are working closely with our partners at PhilaPort to prepare the facilities to welcome guests.”
Now, we know exactly what these plans entail, and they’re unconventional, to say the least.
What to expect on embarkation day
In a letter sent to booking guests and travel partners, Norwegian promised that it was working to ensure “the improved check-in experience is as efficient as possible.”
So what difference will it make? Almost everything.
First, the company recommends paying special attention to luggage tags, as the check-in process won’t happen in the usual way. In fact, the process will take place at the Clarion Hotel Philadelphia Airport.
Upon arrival, guests will be directed to the parking area “reserved for our guests.” The fee will be paid directly to the hotel and will cost approximately $16 per day, the letter said.
As for luggage, “the luggage check-in location is just outside the hotel entrance,” the letter explains. “After dropping off your luggage, you will enter the hotel to complete the parking fee and continue the check-in process.” The event will be held in the hotel’s ballroom.
“Our team will do their best”
One extremely important piece of information provided in the letter is, “While Clarion Hotel does not provide wheelchair assistance, our staff will do their best to assist guests with mobility needs. Upon arrival at the port, wheelchair assistance will be provided for those who require assistance aboard the ship.”
After check-in, passengers will board a shuttle and be transported to the terminal.
The letter ended with a bold warning: “For everyone’s safety and to ensure smooth access to the Port of Philadelphia, guests will not be able to travel to the port or check-in on board the ship. Only guests arriving by official bus from the Clarion Hotel will have access to the port area.”
It was later noted that on embarkation day, guests “will be transported back to the Clarion Hotel” to pick up their car and “arrange for onward transportation.”
That’s easier said than done, as the letter clearly states “Rideshare and taxi services will not be available at the marina. Guests in need of these services may arrange to be picked up from the Clarion Hotel.”
“I refuse to take pressure”
As the details unfolded, many found themselves unsatisfied with the arrangements that had been made. Others, however, took a more positive approach. “As long as I’m on board when that ship sets sail,” one Reddit user commented, “I’m good. I mean, I wish my luggage would be on board too, but I refuse to stress about it!”
Thankfully, this situation, like many of life’s annoying bumps in the road, is only temporary. “Once this is built,” one of our travel agency colleagues shared, “it will actually be easy to get in and out of the terminal and parking lot. But right now, it’s going to be a disaster.”