Would You Pay Extra For Priority Boarding?

I’ve just read of yet another money making scheme being introduced by a major cruise line.

Similar to the priority boarding you can choose with the airlines,  such as Easyjet Plus, Speedy Boarding, etc, Princess Cruises has come up with the idea of charging passengers a ‘small fee’  to jump to what they think is the front of the queue and board the ship before all others.

The idea is that for a fee of $49 per cabin, guests on selected sailings can benefit from early access onboard on embarkation day along with early access to book extras like shore excursions and dining reservations.    Or can they?

Here’s the official line:

“We’re currently running a pilot test on Ruby Princess for 3 voyages only. Guests with Princess Advance Boarding will be among the first to enjoy amenities onboard and access to book activities like Shore Excursions, Speciality Dining, and Sanctuary reservations.

Guests with Advance Boarding will use the Priority check-in lane and will board after Elite, Platinum, Suite, and Club Class Mini-Suite guests. Space is extremely limited and subject to availability. Available online up to 3 days before the cruise.”

It is strictly capacity controlled and available to reserve up to three days before cruise departure.

Hang on a second though! – So I won’t be amongst the first ‘wave’ of passengers on the ship?  I’ll be the 6th on!  So by the time we PAB’s (that’s Priority Advance Boarders) get on board, the chances of getting a reservation in one of the Speciality Restaurants or a bed in the Sanctuary, or a place on one of the more popular excursions – will be pretty slim!  Not to mention a decent plate of food at the Buffet!

If this new scheme proves successful, then Princess will consider rolling it out amongst the entire fleet!

I’m sure there are many people who would jump at the chance to ‘beat the queues’, but is it really value for money?  Or is it just another way of making money from gullible passengers?

Would you pay $49 for the chance to ‘Priority Board’?