Is Concierge really worth the extra cost?

[volfan1978]

Can you give an idea of what some of the snack items are? I am just curious. We will concierge on the fantasy in April. And is that fancy looking coffee machine easy to figure out? Thanks.

The food offerings in the lounge skew to the "fancy" side. My kids are picky eaters, so they turned their noses at most of it. They rotate out frequently throughout the day. For breakfast it's pastries like danishes, tarts, fruit filled mini donuts, etc as well as salmon, egg dishes, etc. For midday snacks it's small sandwiches like turkey on specialty breads as well as some sweets--it was all delicious but the only thing my kids would eat were the chocolate mickey cookies on a stick and the rice krispie treats dipped in chocolate. For dinner they have more finger foods as well as some small desserts like mini cupcakes, bars, etc. My wife and I could have stayed full the whole time on the lounge offerings alone, but the kids would have starved.

The coffee maker is simple...just press a button and it does the rest. But the nozzles are pretty low to the place where the cup rests, so you won't be able to fill up a Tervis or Yeti directly from the coffee maker.

 

[pezgirlroy]

The food offerings in the lounge skew to the "fancy" side. My kids are picky eaters, so they turned their noses at most of it. They rotate out frequently throughout the day. For breakfast it's pastries like danishes, tarts, fruit filled mini donuts, etc as well as salmon, egg dishes, etc. For midday snacks it's small sandwiches like turkey on specialty breads as well as some sweets--it was all delicious but the only thing my kids would eat were the chocolate mickey cookies on a stick and the rice krispie treats dipped in chocolate. For dinner they have more finger foods as well as some small desserts like mini cupcakes, bars, etc. My wife and I could have stayed full the whole time on the lounge offerings alone, but the kids would have starved.

The coffee maker is simple...just press a button and it does the rest. But the nozzles are pretty low to the place where the cup rests, so you won't be able to fill up a Tervis or Yeti directly from the coffee maker.

Very helpful. Those snacks and things will probably work with my girls (7 and 2). The 7 year old was very excited when I told her she could get as much shrimp as she wanted on the boat. .

 

[diznymom]

If you can comfortably afford it, yes, it is worth it.

 

[jiminyC_fan]

I'll throw in my $0.02 based on my experience. If concierge is within your budget and you place a value on being pampered and made to feel important, then it is by all means "worth" it. It started with the rock star treatment when we boarded...we were whisked right past the line of "civilians" waiting for their picture, given the next available photographer, and then personally escorted to the concierge lounge. We really enjoyed that part of it, and it was things like that over and over again for the duration of the cruise. Pretty much snap your fingers and a team of people will do what they can to fulfill any reasonable/legal request. And keep in mind that if a cabana is high on your priority list then concierge is your best shot there.

Yikes, that's some statement. To me, it's all a part of cruising. I guess I will continue to be a lowly civilian by choice.

 

[mickeysimba]

This has been really helpful. I so appreciate everyone's feedback. I think we will be fine booking non-concierge. It seems way smarter to experience it as a "civilian" first before upgrading to concierge as a future treat. Otherwise, you set the bar too high!

 

[volfan1978]

This has been really helpful. I so appreciate everyone's feedback. I think we will be fine booking non-concierge. It seems way smarter to experience it as a "civilian" first before upgrading to concierge as a future treat. Otherwise, you set the bar too high!

I think you're absolutely right for a first time...it's a great vacation even in the smallest inside cabin they have. Experience that first, and then give concierge a try if you think it might fit.

And note that the "civilians" remark was an attempt at humor that apparently was taken seriously by some. Paying more for your cruise doesn't make you any better than anyone else on board. You're just paying for a different level of service, and part of that service is the skipping of certain lines.

 

[undertheradar]

We have sailed both ways and prefer concierge. We prefer suites, so no Cat Vs for us. We factor cost by pricing 4A, multiplying by size of suite we booked. Then compare cost for those rooms. We find that price for suites is lower when comparing cost for footage. We much prefer having multiple bathrooms and enjoy having hot breakfast delivered to enjoy in our suite. With Cat S and Cat R, in suite Palo is included. We partake of this benefit once or twice per cruise.

The benefit of express embarkation/debarkation is something that is much appreciated. Having experienced the masses exiting a cruise on December 24, out of Galveston, the express debarkation is a very nice benefit.

As to "worth," only the individual can decide. We started sailing with Mickey and crew on the Big Red Boat. We could afford a porthole room and were crammed into an area where multiple room doors opened into a small, narrow hallway. This hallway then opened into a deck hallway. We were happy.

Choose what you can afford without having regrets about what you are spending. There is no right or wrong answer and no matter what, you will be sailing on Disney Cruise Line and going to the same ports, the same mdrs, and seeing the same shows.

 

[cadien]

And note that the "civilians" remark was an attempt at humor that apparently was taken seriously by some. Paying more for your cruise doesn't make you any better than anyone else on board. You're just paying for a different level of service, and part of that service is the skipping of certain lines.

It's actually well worth clarifying when you're just kidding because there are other cruisers who absolutely feel that way. They're usually on Regent, Crystal, etc, but take Disney when there are grandkids and find concierge/Haven/etc absolutely vital to staying away from the masses.

 

[abuck75]

I'm curious which things are most helpful to use the shoreside concierge? This will be our first trip and we're fortunate enough to be in concierge and I just got the 130 day e-mail. It mentioned a few things I was unaware of, like character breakfast tickets. I'm planning to use them for the following at least, but curious where it's been helpful to others?

- Castaway Cay Cabana
- Initial booking of Palo (although I hope we can switch if it falls on a standard menu night).
- Character breakfast, I guess (do the do these every day? Every sea day?). Is there a charge?
- Character meets - not sure which these are, and we have boys so if only princesses shouldn't be necessary

I'm undecided on shore excursions as I'd be inclined to save some money and do myself, but we'll see.

 

[pezgirlroy]

I'm curious which things are most helpful to use the shoreside concierge? This will be our first trip and we're fortunate enough to be in concierge and I just got the 130 day e-mail. It mentioned a few things I was unaware of, like character breakfast tickets. I'm planning to use them for the following at least, but curious where it's been helpful to others?

- Castaway Cay Cabana
- Initial booking of Palo (although I hope we can switch if it falls on a standard menu night).
- Character breakfast, I guess (do the do these every day? Every sea day?). Is there a charge?
- Character meets - not sure which these are, and we have boys so if only princesses shouldn't be necessary

I'm undecided on shore excursions as I'd be inclined to save some money and do myself, but we'll see.

There is one Character Breakfast that I believe has some Disney Jr. characters and maybe Mickey. No charge. The two character meets you need tickets for are the Princesses and Frozen. We will be in Concierge in April and I will be talking to Shoreside about requesting a cabana, reservations for Palo brunch, Palo dinner, Palo diner and Remy diner for my parents (I am handling their reservation as well), reservations for the Character Breakfast, tickets for the princesses and frozen, Nursery time for our 2 year old, a couple of the alcohol tastings that we want to do, and when port excursions.

 

[undertheradar]

There is one Character Breakfast that I believe has some Disney Jr. characters and maybe Mickey. No charge. The two character meets you need tickets for are the Princesses and Frozen. We will be in Concierge in April and I will be talking to Shoreside about requesting a cabana, reservations for Palo brunch, Palo dinner, Palo diner and Remy diner for my parents (I am handling their reservation as well), reservations for the Character Breakfast, tickets for the princesses and frozen, Nursery time for our 2 year old, a couple of the alcohol tastings that we want to do, and when port excursions.

With the 5 hour "Happy Hour" that is now in effect, you may not want to spend extra for tastings. We are not planning on buying any additional alcohol due to the extended hours. Just a suggestion.

 

[volfan1978]

I'm curious which things are most helpful to use the shoreside concierge? This will be our first trip and we're fortunate enough to be in concierge and I just got the 130 day e-mail. It mentioned a few things I was unaware of, like character breakfast tickets. I'm planning to use them for the following at least, but curious where it's been helpful to others?

- Castaway Cay Cabana
- Initial booking of Palo (although I hope we can switch if it falls on a standard menu night).
- Character breakfast, I guess (do the do these every day? Every sea day?). Is there a charge?
- Character meets - not sure which these are, and we have boys so if only princesses shouldn't be necessary

I'm undecided on shore excursions as I'd be inclined to save some money and do myself, but we'll see.

Elemis products come standard in Concierge...if you'd prefer H2O (or both) let them know and they'll make that happen. Want a particular soft drink that's not usually stocked on the ship (like Dr. Pepper or Mt Dew)? Put in your request, and they'll do their best to have it stocked in your stateroom fridge on arrival. You might also review the pillow menu and put in your requests with shoreside so it will be taken care of on arrival (you can also ask when you get there and they can hook you up quickly). These are just a few examples of things I've heard people request from shoreside...

 

[pezgirlroy]

With the 5 hour "Happy Hour" that is now in effect, you may not want to spend extra for tastings. We are not planning on buying any additional alcohol due to the extended hours. Just a suggestion.

Thanks. We still plan on doing some of the tastings for the social aspect.

 

[Tasmen]

I'm curious which things are most helpful to use the shoreside concierge? This will be our first trip and we're fortunate enough to be in concierge and I just got the 130 day e-mail. It mentioned a few things I was unaware of, like character breakfast tickets. I'm planning to use them for the following at least, but curious where it's been helpful to others?

- Castaway Cay Cabana
- Initial booking of Palo (although I hope we can switch if it falls on a standard menu night).
- Character breakfast, I guess (do the do these every day? Every sea day?). Is there a charge?
- Character meets - not sure which these are, and we have boys so if only princesses shouldn't be necessary

I'm undecided on shore excursions as I'd be inclined to save some money and do myself, but we'll see.

We ended up having both Palo and Remy on nights last cruise that did not work for us due to not wanting to miss SWDAS one night and Animator's Palate another. What we did this time was request that we get a dining rotation that did not put Remy or Palo on either of those nights for our upcoming cruise. Shoreside told us they would put in the requests as part of our reservations so we should not have those conflicts again. Maybe try that so that you do not have to move Palo around?

Shoreside was SUPER helpful in us getting someone in on an excursion that showed otherwise sold out on the website. We had one in our party (a child) we could not book as things were showing full and they went ahead and got permission to add another person to the group. There is no way we could have gotten that done before the cruise without their help. I did not want to stress and worry about being able to change it onboard.

Elemis products come standard in Concierge...if you'd prefer H2O (or both) let them know and they'll make that happen. Want a particular soft drink that's not usually stocked on the ship (like Dr. Pepper or Mt Dew)? Put in your request, and they'll do their best to have it stocked in your stateroom fridge on arrival. You might also review the pillow menu and put in your requests with shoreside so it will be taken care of on arrival (you can also ask when you get there and they can hook you up quickly). These are just a few examples of things I've heard people request from shoreside...

Really???? I did not know that about the soda! May be time to put in a request for a specific kind for us!

 

[phinz]

This has been really helpful. I so appreciate everyone's feedback. I think we will be fine booking non-concierge. It seems way smarter to experience it as a "civilian" first before upgrading to concierge as a future treat. Otherwise, you set the bar too high!

We sailed Concierge on our first cruise and have since split our time between Concierge and steerage. Concierge will sort of spoil you, but not enough to not really enjoy being in steerage too, especially once you learn the tricks of things like boarding times (get there after the initial rush and you'll walk right on) and signing up for tastings, etc. when you board.

I'm curious which things are most helpful to use the shoreside concierge?

We always request ginger ale and green apples in the room at embarkation, as both help my wife if she becomes ill the first night. She gets motion sickness for a little bit usually. Concierge makes sure it happens.

You can request that your Palo be on a certain night (ie Pirate Night) and they will figure out which night is Pirate Night for you. That's what we are doing in a couple of weeks.

It's actually well worth clarifying when you're just kidding because there are other cruisers who absolutely feel that way.

The biggest culprit of this left a while back. I've not seen much of the "steerage v. First Class" attitude since.

 

[pezgirlroy]

I just have to say I am starting to type up my requests for Shoreside even though I will not be sending them until December. I feel like I am sounding so demanding.

 

[CA_WestCoast]

We are booked to go concierge in April...doing the SWDAS so our son can experience more of the the non-princess meet and greets and benefit as much as our daughter. On our first cruise, I looked at the daily Navigator to find other Disney characters that interested our son and made sure he got his time.

We are not regular cruisers as many of you. We did our first cruise ever about a year ago and when I tried to schedule the 2 character meet and greets that DCL offered, I had 1 choice each...back to back times...only in the early morning day in port...racing from one spot to the other. Seemed kind of silly, but we did it. It worked out as we stayed on the ship. But, I was really frustrated at the lack of choices. This experience helped provide me one reason of many in deciding to go concierge for our next cruise.

In my opinion, going concierge is about FLEXIBILITY, CHOICES, OPTIONS, and yes, PAMPERING.

One cannot rationally justify the financial cost of concierge. You either do it or you don't; you can afford it or you can't. I believe it's good to live a little from time to time. I'm doing it to enjoy being pampered and ensuring we get every option we decide we want to select, and on the days / times that work best for us.

Thank you to everyone who's shared their concierge experiences, as I've been taking notes and learning how I can maximize our time on the ship for the areas of interest to us.

I think it's smart for any concierge cruiser to make a document in advance listing their special requests. We're paying extra to be pampered, regardless of how small the list may be.

Enjoy your cruise!

 

[Stratus22]

We are Gold Castaway Members and I keep saying next cruise, next cruise, next cruise.....so maybe next cruise....you know, to see what it's like.

 

[FairestOfThemAll37]

I swear my next cruise on DCL I’m booking concierge no matter how painful so I can have a fully formed opinion, but so far...

I always book concierge equivalent on other lines and absolutely wouldn’t do it any other way, but I just can’t seem to pull the trigger with DCL. I mainly sail DCL for quick weekend cruises. So for 3-days it’s not super important and always end up in a family veranda (I always travel as part of a 2-adult group).

That category is usually around $800pp and Cat. V starts at $1600. I’ve never been able to wrap my head around double the cost for just three days. It’s over so quick. The one time I was looking at DCL for a comparison (I rarely include DCL when looking for “a cruise” but rather know I want to book DCL if that makes any sense at all) on a 7-day European itinerary it was going to be $29k for 2 people in a 1br suite. No freaking way. I booked a 16-day on Crystal in a suite for that price and feel it’s a much better value and a much higher level of service.

Now I realize the Disney brand just by virtue of being Disney means a lot to some people. It means a bit to me but not enough to choose DCL no matter what.

I think the crux for me is that I often find DCL overpriced for the product you receive. I think it’s close on a family verandah but the concierge prices really tip the scales for me, especially since compared to other lines, the concierge perks are lacking compared to other lines.

 

[Cirlonde]

I just have to say I am starting to type up my requests for Shoreside even though I will not be sending them until December. I feel like I am sounding so demanding.

We're taking our first cruise in May, sailing Concierge, and I'm already worrying about this!!! I'm afraid that I will feel so awkward making even small requests that my concierge staff are going to think I am avoiding them. If my life was Downton Abbey, I'd definitely be one of the working class and not one of the aristocracy, haha! I have no idea how to be "pampered".

For us, we chose Concierge because I wanted to stay in that snazzy 1-bedroom suite. We "justified" it by skipping a full annual vacation in 2017, so we're basically using a two-year vacation budget to pay for a single trip and it's not actually costing us more than we'd normally spend in that amount of time. So I think sometimes it's less a consideration of inherent value and more about how you want to allocate your funds.