Concierge Lounge Food Quality?

[PrincessTess]

Hi all! We continue to toy with the idea of pulling the trigger and going concierge on one of our cruises, but it is a constant debate on if it will be "worth" the extra money for our family. Many of the perks we love, but we have some questions about the food. What is the quality of the food? I have a hard time finding good photos of the lounge offerings, and even then, a picture does not define its quality. Is it in any comparable to Palos brunch buffet items (as this would make it worth it for us) or is it items found around the ship? I imagine the items offered to either be close to Palo quality, or the same quality of the coffee bar dessert offerings (which we do not care for). Also, if anyone has any pictures it would be well appreciated! Thanks

 

[bumbershoot]

Is it in any comparable to Palos brunch buffet items

No. It’s pretty much just snacks. I remember a few bite sized sandwiches. Most offerings involved meat or gelatin, too, so they weren’t generally appropriate for my family.

Maybe a tiny step up from the coffee bar’s treats.

And on Dream I felt the cappuccino machine was terrible.

 

[Marc D]

I have to disagree with PP. It may not be as good as Palo brunch food, but it’s certainly not ‘snacks’. Perfectly cooked scallops and tuna for cocktail hour, small sandwiches for tea time, smoked salmon rolls for breakfast are a few examples. The desserts are similar (if a bit more refined) to what is available in the Cove Cafe, better than what is available for lunch at Cabanas. This was on Wonder this month.

 

[tink1970]

I'd agree with @MarcD-the food is well prepared, just not excessive nor large in amount. Of course, nothing keeps me from having more than one dessert .
DH would spring for Concierge Level every cruise if I'd let him to take advantage of the coffee machine..he thinks it's that good

 

[smschex]

We just sailed on the Dream last week and I have to agree Marc D. We were greeted with Mimosas and fresh fruit and small sandwiches as we boarded and were not disappointed anytime after. There were pastries, smoked salmon and cheeses for breakfast. In the afternoon we enjoyed the macaroons as well as the tuna mentioned above. Desserts were not quite as varied as the Palo brunch, but just as tasty. Angeline also kept our 3 year old grandson supplied with his favorite blueberries at all times! We especially loved grabbing a bag of the Rico's popcorn for the movies.

My girls loved the coffee machine, visiting it at least twice a day!

 

[budwmn]

On my last cruise, the concierge told me the food was prepared in the Palo kitchen. I have multiple severe food allergies and they made special gourmet snacks just for me. We found the quality excellent.

 

[DCSWO]

Definitely above the coffee bar snacks. If they are prepared in the Palo kitchen, that would make perfect sense. Very similar in appearance/style/taste compared to the Palo brunch offerings.

 

[MUN]

Hi all! We continue to toy with the idea of pulling the trigger and going concierge on one of our cruises, but it is a constant debate on if it will be "worth" the extra money for our family.

It won't be.

 

[Billinaz]

It won't be.

It is for us on the next 2 booked cruises, and was on the last 14.

 

[quickcat]

I loved the cucumber sandwiches- those were my favorite.
We have done the tea with princesses and I believe those little sandwiches that were served there were also offered in the lounge too. I haven’t seen the same little sandwiches at the snack bar, but some of the desserts are the same.

 

[coloradocutie]

Small bites. Exceptional quality. We felt we could satisfy our tastebuds with The lounge food in a way we couldn’t at other dining venues.

 

[CrankyDad]

It is for us on the next 2 booked cruises, and was on the last 14.

Food alone was worth it? That was op question. Just asking if the food really made it worth it for you

 

[RebelHawk]

My wife and I certainly think the food is good but the coffee machine is fantastic.

 

[ladyofthetramp]

The coffee machine was very, very good. We found the food in the lounge to be excellent. And those little donuts filled with lemon... sublime...

 

[justme0729]

The food was very good and they had healthy options. Some things I remember are mini turkey and ham sandwiches (excellent for some reason- best turkey sandwich I’ve ever had), mini green salads, crackers with cheeses, tuna sample dish, pretzel rolls, and desserts. They weren’t snacks..they were appetizers. We never went to cabanas except for breakfast because the appetizers held us over.

 

[bbn1122]

My family sailed Concierge only once in 2014 (wish we could do it every cruise). I would have to agree with the comments. I thought the offerings were really nice. I can’t remember exactly what the choices were, but on our Palo dinner night, I ate way too many and spoiled my appetite! Now they may not be favorable to children’s palettes but adult definitely.

I loved everything about the complimentary cocktails, snacks, desserts and espresso machine.

 

[Billinaz]

Food alone was worth it? That was op question. Just asking if the food really made it worth it for you

Actually, his question was whether the food offered was Palo quality or something you could get around the ship. It is indeed Palo quality, and comes from the same kitchen.

 

[Billinaz]

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[CrankyDad]

Great pics. Thanks

 

[polyqueen]

We enjoy the concierge offerings--I have even made some of the sandwich combinations at home. The various panna cotta (the mango and raspberry) are delightful as are the breakfast croissants. Worth it? For us celebrating a special occasion, absolutely. Along with the sundeck!