Think cruising 75 nights with NCL gets you elite treatment? Think again.
Platinum status sounds impressive—two specialty dinners? Nice. Priority perks? Sounds promising. A long list of benefits? Sure. But when real cruisers talk, a different picture emerges: some perks shine, others fall flat—or vanish entirely.
The consensus? The dinners (with wine!) are a solid win. But priority boarding? Spotty at best. Some guests loved the exclusive ship tour—others said it was canceled last-minute with no explanation. The perks are there… they just don’t always show up the way you’d expect.
So, what do you actually get with NCL Platinum? And what’s just hype? Let’s break it down.
11 Things You Actually Get with NCL Platinum (And Some Are Surprisingly Good)
Platinum on NCL is a real glow-up from Gold. It takes 30 more points to get there, but you unlock a stack of new perks that finally feel rewarding. Compared to other lines, this mid-tier level actually pulls its weight. Here’s a look at what NCL cruisers love most.
Two Specialty Dinners (One With Wine) — Cheers to That
This is the perk that makes people say, “OK, now we’re talking.” Platinum cruisers get two complimentary dinners at specialty restaurants—think Cagney’s, Le Bistro, or Los Lobos—with one of those meals sweetened by a complimentary bottle of wine. For many, this is the main event.
It’s not just a cost-saver—it feels like a celebration. The value here is real, especially on longer cruises. Just don’t wait too long to book—prime times and venues fill up fast. It’s a cruiser favorite and one of the few perks that consistently lives up to the hype.
Wine Tasting — Worth It for the Buzz
Platinum status unlocks a complimentary “Wines Around the World” tasting—and it’s more than just a tiny pour and polite nod. You get multiple varieties, a relaxed setting, and often a sommelier who knows how to keep it fun without going full wine-snob.
Some cruisers say it was unexpectedly social, and others called it a “solid pre-dinner vibe starter.” Just don’t assume it’s automatic—you’ll need to reserve it early onboard, and not all sailings offer it. When it’s available, it’s a gem. When it’s not, people notice.
Behind-the-Scenes Ship Tour — Surprisingly Fun (When It Happens)
This perk flies under the radar, but many NCL cruisers rate it as a surprising standout and fun thing to do on sea days. You’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at crew-only areas, visit the galley, see the laundry facilities, and sometimes even the bridge. It’s a rare glimpse into the floating city you’re sailing on.
The catch? It’s first-come, first-served and doesn’t run on every cruise. Forum chatter is full of “we missed it” regrets or last-minute cancellations. But when it happens? Platinum cruisers say it’s one of the most memorable experiences onboard. Get to the Guest Services desk early.
Get access where most cruisers can’t—NCL’s ship tour is Platinum’s most underrated perk.
Priority Check-In and Embarkation — Skip the Lines Like a True VIP
Viewed as one of the best upgrades from Gold, priority check-in makes you feel special in the cruise terminal as you sail past lines of “ordinary” cruisers. This incredible perk gets you onboard ahead of the masses, first to your cabin, and far from the check-in chaos. (Spoiler: Just hope your cabin is ready on time.)
Priority check-in is especially useful on busy sailings or in chaotic ports. That said, experiences vary. Some ports execute it beautifully. Others, well, not so much. Still, when it works, it feels like you’ve finally “made it.” Early boarding means extra time for lunch, spa bookings, or just claiming that prime poolside lounger before everyone else.
Disembarkation Priority — Get Off Fast (and Skip the Madness)
Priority doesn’t stop at embarkation—Platinum gets you off the ship faster, too. Let’s face it: disembarkation day can feel like a cattle call. But those yellow luggage tags? They’re your fast pass to being first off and on your way home. Ideal for tight flights, beating the airport rush, or getting on the road early.
Most cruisers say this perk rarely fails. Just ensure you get your priority luggage tags from Guest Services. It’s usually well-organized and smooth. OK, it may not have the VIP Haven-level flash, but it’s one of the most practical perks you’ll use every time.
Priority Tendering — First Off Board, First on the Beach
Does your cruise itinerary include tender ports? If so, good news—you’ll be ashore while everyone else is waiting onboard in crowded hallways. Priority tendering means you’re already heading for the beach, first in line for a cocktail and snag a prime spot in the shade.
Cruisers rave about getting off the ship early at stunning locations like Great Stirrup Cay, Cozumel, Ocho Rios, or Santorini. It’s a quick escape from the madness to disembark and ensure your cruise day ashore gets the best start possible. Some cruisers say enforcement varies, but when it works, it’s a total time-saver.
Free Bag of Laundry — The Hero You Didn’t Know You Needed
Unlike Gold, where laundry comes with a discount, Platinum gives you a full bag washed and folded—for free. Just toss dirty clothing in a bag mid-cruise and let someone else deal with it. No mid-cruise sink washing. No suitcase overflow. Just clean, folded clothes delivered like magic.
It’s especially handy on longer itineraries or back-to-backs. One cruiser even joked it let them pack for 10 days in a carry-on. It’s not glamorous, but it’s one of the most genuinely helpful perks on the list.
Gold gets a discount, but Platinum gets clean clothes, no questions asked. It’s the upgrade your suitcase didn’t know it needed.
Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries — A Sweet Surprise
Now we’re talking—a plate of chocolate-dipped strawberries waiting in your cabin. It’s a small welcome gesture, but one that hits just right. It’s also a welcome gift Silver and Gold NCL guests complain is missing. After all, who doesn’t love a little VIP sugar rush to start the trip?
Some cruisers say it’s their favorite welcome—simple, classy, and perfectly “Instagrammable.” It won’t change your cruise, but it’s one of those perks that make Platinum feel personal and worth all the previous cruises.
Concierge Service — Low-Key but Useful
It’s not flashy, but it’s there—and it gives Platinum cruisers that small VIP perk typically reserved for suites. The concierge desk can help with dining tweaks, tender tickets, or show reservations that aren’t showing up in the app. It’s like having a backstage pass to the logistics side of cruising.
Of course, it’s not the whole Haven-style concierge experience, but you’re not paying top dollar for a costly suite. However, it opens plenty of doors—especially when Guest Services is swamped. Savvy Platinum guests treat it like their quiet little hack.
Exclusive Cocktail Party — It’s Fine but Lacks Sparkle
Yes, Platinum gets you into an invite-only cocktail party with free drinks and light bites. It’s a nice gesture—and hey, free drinks are always welcome—but if you’ve been going since Silver, the novelty wears off fast. Same setup, same snacks, same push to sign up for the next cruise, and the same playlist. Yawn!
Many cruisers were hoping for something a little more elevated at this tier—a better venue, a meet-and-greet, or at least a nod to loyalty. Still, it’s a relaxed way to toast your status and snag a glass of bubbly. However, at Platinum level, the cocktail party feels more like tarnished silver than shiny white gold.
Discounts — Technically There, Emotionally Meh
Platinum perks include discounts on photos, shore excursions, and duty-free, but around the same level as Silver and Gold. But the real difference is the internet discount—something cruisers on lower tiers have been crying out for.
Of course, you’re still paying for overpriced WiFi, and the 15% doesn’t exactly scream “premium loyalty.” But it’s a nice token gesture for your years of cruising with NCL.
Just remember, if you booked the More at Sea package, your discounts won’t stack. That package already gives you 150 WiFi minutes, an open bar, three specialty meals, and $50 in excursion credit—making the Platinum discount kind of redundant.
10 Letdowns That Leave Platinum Cruisers Underwhelmed
Platinum looks great on paper—but not every perk lands the way cruisers hope. From missing upgrades to oddly absent basics, these letdowns don’t ruin the experience, but they do make you wonder if NCL’s Platinum status could use a polish and refresh.
No Free Internet (Just a Lousy Discount) — Really, NCL?
Nowadays, WiFi feels more like a utility than a luxury. But even after 75 nights with NCL, Platinum cruisers don’t get a single free minute. Just a small discount, which works out to around $10 for a five-day cruise. Hardly seems worth it.
Of course, you can add on the More at Sea plan, but you’re just adding to the cruise fare and paying for extras already included in Platinum. Some cruisers complain, “The budget hotel I stayed in before embarkation day had free Internet, so why can’t NCL provide some to loyal passengers?”
Other lines hand out basic packages at this tier. NCL? Still charging you to check your email. It’s one of the most consistently disappointing gaps in the perk list.
No Priority for Shows or Dining Reservations — Stand In Line Like Everyone Else
This missing “perk” really grieves NCL loyal cruisers—no preferred seating at shows or guaranteed dinner slots. You’d think with around 15 cruises under your belt, you could skip the crowds and get front-row seats. Nope, you’re left to fend for yourself, just like Bronze, Silver, and Gold guests.
Generally, cruisers find it frustrating, especially since other lines offer reserved seating or personalized help from staff.
No Lounge, No Nightly Event — Missing That “Exclusive” Feeling
There’s no dedicated lounge, no happy hour, no quiet spot to sip a cocktail and feel like your loyalty really means something. Platinum cruisers get a one-time party with a heavy sales pitch—but that’s it. After that, it’s back to the main bar, paying for drinks with everyone else.
Other cruise lines offer nightly events, free drinks, or at least bar discounts. Others provide member-only spaces for guests on mid to higher-tier levels. It’s a noticeable miss that leaves some cruisers feeling left out.
Perk Confusion — Who Gets What (and When?)
Ask five Platinum cruisers how many specialty dinners they got—you’ll probably get five different answers. One room, two Platinums? Sometimes you get two dinners, sometimes four. The rules aren’t clear, and staff responses vary by ship.
Even seasoned cruisers say they double-check the perks with Guest Services. A loyalty tier shouldn’t feel like a test of how well you read the fine print.
No Drink Package Discount — A Confusing Rebate at Best
It’s one of the most talked-about “phantom perks” among Platinum cruisers. Many think they’re getting a deal on drink packages—some even mention a 45% discount. But dig deeper, and it’s often tied to limited-time promos, not Platinum status.
What’s worse? If a discount does appear, it usually requires buying the first package at full price to get a partial rebate on the second. That’s not a perk—it’s a marketing trick. This one’s a head-scratcher that keeps popping up in forums—and not in a good way.
Hit Platinum Mid-Cruise? Congrats! But Continue Cruising Gold
One thing that really irks NCL passengers is when Platinum doesn’t kick in immediately. Imagine you hit the 75-point mark mid-cruise. But those juicy premium perks don’t activate until your next cruise. No extra dinners, no ship tour invite, and definitely no strawberries this time around.
Cruisers call this a loyalty buzzkill. You’ve earned the status, but you’re stuck watching the clock. Carnival, by comparison, upgrades your perks on day one of your cruise if you reach a new tier during the sailing. NCL’s delay feels outdated.
Nothing for Cabin Upgrades and Discounts
For a tier that takes serious cruising to earn, you’d expect some love in the cabin department. But Platinum doesn’t come with any upgrade priority, price breaks, or even early access to better rooms. If you want a better cabin, you’re bidding or paying like everyone else.
Royal and MSC offer at least occasional upgrades at similar levels. With NCL? Not even a splash in the upgrade pool.
Further reading: NCL Best and Worst Cabins as Ranked by Cruisers.
No Early Access to Cabin (or Luggage Delivery)
Even with Platinum status, your cabin isn’t ready any sooner than everyone else’s. You’ll still wait in crowded hallways with your carry-on, hoping your room number finally unlocks. And don’t expect luggage to arrive any faster either—it’s the same wait, same shuffle.
Some lines offer early access or priority delivery at mid-tier levels. Unfortunately, loyalty perks don’t extend to some things where you need them the most—so you can be first to the fun.
For top-notch advice on how to make the most of your first day, check out my article: 9 Things Every Savvy Cruise Does in Their First Hour Onboard.
Events Can Feel Like Filler (If They Happen at All)
That wine-tasting and ship tour sound great—until you try to book them. Cruisers report events getting canceled, replaced with generic alternatives, or not offered at all. Worse, there’s usually no apology or backup option. If you miss it, you’re out of luck.
For many, these events are the “fun” part of Platinum. When they quietly disappear from the schedule, it feels like the best perks were just marketing.
Oh Look, Another Pin — The New Bling Your Lanyard Was Crying Out For
Each time you level up, NCL gives you a shiny new tier pin. At Platinum, it’s no different—you’ll get one more little badge to add to your growing cruise bling collection. Cute? Sure. Meaningful? Eh, maybe not. But it’s nice to see your pin collection changing color—and, oh, how you wish for that sky-blue Ambassador pin!
Some cruisers joke that the pins are the only thing NCL never forgets to deliver. They’re nice to collect, but don’t expect anyone onboard to notice—or care. In the end, it’s one more thing to toss in your junk drawer.
How NCL Platinum Stacks Against the Competition
Hitting Platinum with NCL feels like a milestone—but does it really deliver more than comparable tiers on other cruise lines? Here are a few things I discovered about how it compares perk-for-perk.
Compared to Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and MSC, Platinum is a hands-down winner when it comes to specialty dining. You get two dinners, one with a bottle of wine. Also, the free laundry and strawberries are nice touches. However, the lack of priority seating and reservations, free WiFi, and complimentary drinks puts it behind Royal Caribbean and MSC.
The good news—you get more perks for the same days at sea than with Carnival’s VIFP Platinum tier. And you generally get more tangible perks than with MSC.
Is NCL Platinum Worth It?
NCL Platinum is where the real perks finally kick in. From specialty dining and wine to priority boarding and laundry, it’s a major upgrade from the slow climb through Gold. For frequent cruisers, it’s the first tier that actually feels rewarding.
Of course, don’t forget the highlight of Gold and Platinum—a single bottle of water. Enough said. Don’t worry, when you reach 150 points and hit Sapphire, you get two bottles of water. Bet you can’t wait—just be sure to hydrate responsibly!
My Final Thoughts
Platinum with NCL delivers where it counts—real perks, smoother sailing, and a few well-earned treats along the way. It’s not flawless, but it finally feels like the recognition you were craving in Gold. Here’s to happy cruising and even better adventures ahead.
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