Champagne tasting if in concierge

[Edna Cloud]

So, this is a completely first world problem, but, for those who have sailed concierge before, would you bother with a champagne tasting 3.30 to 4.30 pm on embarkation day, given that drinks are served in the concierge lounge from 5pm. The champagne tasting is around $50 per person.

It's not just the cost that bothers me; I'm also thinking that we might be trying to orient ourselves on the first day which might mean it feels a bit restrictive to have the tasting as a fixed point.

Any thoughts appreciated.

 

[twoprincesses12]

In my previous concierge experience there were complimentary alcoholic beverages during the meet& greet at boarding. Not sure if the Wish follows suit, but I really hope so

 

[3 Hobbits 2 Disney]

duplicate

 

[3 Hobbits 2 Disney]

So, this is a completely first world problem, but, for those who have sailed concierge before, would you bother with a champagne tasting 3.30 to 4.30 pm on embarkation day, given that drinks are served in the concierge lounge from 5pm. The champagne tasting is around $50 per person.

It's not just the cost that bothers me; I'm also thinking that we might be trying to orient ourselves on the first day which might mean it feels a bit restrictive to have the tasting as a fixed point.

Any thoughts appreciated.

I would not do a tasting on first night. When we sail concierge in Dec, we’ll have our tasting on a Thursday at noon.

 

[pangyal]

I’ll take your first world question and give you a first world answer . The champagnes that they serve for the tasting are the same ones available in the Concierge Lounge…or at least, they were the same when we did the tasting on the Dream. I did not find it a valuable expense for that reason alone. With regards to timing, I agree that having something booked just a few hours after embarkation, especially when the lounge starts serving as soon as you embark (including at the lunch offering), sounds like it would detract from being able to explore, unpack, do the muster, etc.

 

[JMommyof3]

I was considering the same on our upcoming cruise. We've done it before on a 7nt but since this is a quick 3nt and we are in concierge, I think we will skip it.

 

[Trisaratops]

I’ll take your first world question and give you a first world answer . The champagnes that they serve for the tasting are the same ones available in the Concierge Lounge…or at least, they were the same when we did the tasting on the Dream. I did not find it a valuable expense for that reason alone. With regards to timing, I agree that having something booked just a few hours after embarkation, especially when the lounge starts serving as soon as you embark (including at the lunch offering), sounds like it would detract from being able to explore, unpack, do the muster, etc.

Oh good to know! I was bummed I was too late to book (upgraded to concierge recently, after the booking window)

 

[Lillebelle]

I have not done the champagne tasting, but we did do a Mixology on embarkation day of our most recent cruise (while sailing concierge). I enjoyed the class as we ended up really liking the woman who taught it, and went back to get drinks from her later in the cruise. That said, I think having something scheduled on the day you get on the ship is unideal, and I probably wouldn't do it again. First day, especially on a ship you haven't sailed before, I think being able to just wander and explore and do what speaks to you is best.

Drinks-wise, sounds like the champagne tasting wouldn't get you anything you couldn't get in the lounge. The only reason to go would be for the educational aspect, I guess. Personally, with the double strike of it being drinks you could get elsewhere and being a committed time on embarkation day, I'd skip it.

 

[Edna Cloud]

Thank you for all your very sound advice, all. You have confirmed my worries that it is an unnecessary tie on our time on the first day and not really going to add much to our experience. I'm sure I will be giddy enough with just the relief and thrill of actually getting on board after several years of cancelled cruises.

This got me excited, though...

I’ll take your first world question and give you a first world answer . The champagnes that they serve for the tasting are the same ones available in the Concierge Lounge…or at least, they were the same when we did the tasting on the Dream.

I didn't realise they would serve champagne in the lounge and certainly not that there would be a choice of champagnes. If that's the case, I think I'll do my own "tasting experience"!

 

[pangyal]

Thank you for all your very sound advice, all. You have confirmed my worries that it is an unnecessary tie on our time on the first day and not really going to add much to our experience. I'm sure I will be giddy enough with just the relief and thrill of actually getting on board after several years of cancelled cruises.

This got me excited, though...

I didn't realise they would serve champagne in the lounge and certainly not that there would be a choice of champagnes. If that's the case, I think I'll do my own "tasting experience"!

Yes, and if you have one you prefer (though they do tend to carry mostly from Moet Chandon) you can put in a request with Shoreside and they will pass it on to make sure the lounge is stocked with it for your cruise .