No our travel agent,LInda on this one never even mentioned it. We found it in the literature. it was sort of amazing though, i mean there were probably 25 that embarked early (it is a free privilidge with a certain number of days i think)several of us paid the $100. We were the only ones on board until nearly 3. i guess they must stick to that like glue. i agree the early boarding policy with Radisson is wonderful. We did it with them in France and loved it. you really do feel special and don't feel like you are cheating. i'm not sure WHAT would have happened on SS if you tried it. How embarrasing would it be to try and be turned away. awful.