Concierge / Pre-Booking Help???

[DisneyDadJax]

We're booked in a category 3 stateroom for the September 3, 7 day, Eastern sailing. I've pre-booked Palo for brunch & dinner and registered the kids for the kids clubs. I'm trying to book some spa sessions, but the on-line selections are pretty limited. I called the 800 number on the Disney Cruise Line site and the rep was no help at all (she was actually pretty snotty). I've contacted Steiner and they sent me the entire spa list (I'll be happy to forward if anyone's interested). Does a concierge contact us before we sail, or does anyone know how to contact a concierge before sailing? I know that we're supposed to meet with one as soon as we get on the ship, but I'd like to make my arrangements as soon as possible. Especially with on-line booking now open for all passengers.

And speaking of the concierge, what other services do they provide?

Any help is greatly appreciated!

Frank

 

[sweetsue]

I've heard that only Cat 1 and 2's get a call from concierge.

Last night I must have talked to the same snotty person that you did. I wanted to add 2 people to my Palo ressie and the person said NO WAY, you can only book on the internet. She told me I had to CANCEL my existing ressie ONLINE for 2 and then rebook ONLINE for 4. Even though I have a Cat 3 room and am supposed to have "concierge" service. Apparently it doesn't amount to a hill of beans until you board. I was livid enough to want to cancel, but then my better judgement (aka my DD4) reminded me why we were going on the Disney cruise - for HER, not for my Palo ressies...

Good luck getting what you need. I think shore excursions are the only thing you can book over the phone - and those only because so many people have had problems!

Sweet Sue

 

[pewing]

Hmmmm...maybe I'm glad that I didn't splurge for category 3 We are in category 4...and I REALLY wanted that extra space AND the concierge. Perhaps I made the right choice

 

[MousseauMob]

We were in a Cat 3 and were told that concierge would be calling a few weeks before the cruise, but they never did. It didn't matter to me because I booked everything online. I didn't want to wait. Hopefully you just talked to someone that was having a bad night. Whenever I called they were always so nice, even if they couldn't help me. I would continue trying to book online and maybe call again at a different time so that you get a different person.

 

[flexsmom]

I don't have her phone number, but I would call Debbie at DCL - (perhaps someone else has her number?) Before on-line booking she used to take the concierge bookings for Palo before boarding the ship. I would be willing to bet that she could alter the ressie for 2 and make it 4. I realize they have incorporated the on-line booking, but from a customer-service perspective and based on the rudeness factor, I would like to think Debbie could help you out.

Concierge was wonderful - and it is still worth it to go to the on-board meet to make arrangements for all of the other "extras" like wine tasting, the bridge tour, galley tour, you-name-it.

Enjoy!

 

[Honu]

We're in a Cat 1 sailing this weekend and no call. I don't really care, but I do think a call to all suite guests prior to sailing is appropriate. Whatever, we'll go with the flow.

 

[Eeyorefan12]

We're in a cat 3 room right now on the Magic to Mexico. We didn't hear from anyone before the cruise and I had pre-booked a few things but was hoping to change times once I got onboard. Concierge level guests were checked in at their own window and were boarded first. Our concierge met with us immediately (at our convenience, after the welcome buffet) to ask us about everything we wanted to do. She didn't bat an eye at changing our Palo time to the one we wanted, had the kids' club person come to US and give us the beeper, and arranged tickets for bridge tours, tea with Wendy, and wine tastings (which were delivered to our room that night in individual envelopes). We're traveling with friends in a Cat 5 room and she included them per our request in these activities. We felt very pampered (and somewhat embarrassed at the fuss.)

We didn't book this room for Concierge--only for the extra space. The additional level of service was a surprise to discover (a few months before the cruise when I happened to read about Concierge service.) We probably aren't taking full advantage of it but we've been pleased so far with the special touches. These have included a daily phone call to see if we need anything, daily treats delivered to our room as a surprise, and today, gifts for the kids. I wouldn't pay for this room for just concierge but if you feel strongly about splurging for the extra space, it works great.

CB

 

[Billinaz]

If anyone needs Debbies number, send me an email.

I have it somewhere, Ill be calling her before our Feb 06 Eastern in a Cat 3....

 

[TammiMcMan]

Prior to the on-line system, about the only thing you could pre-book with concierge was Palo. Debbie took these reservations, along with the REAS spa appointments. Everything else was taken care of on board at the concierge meet & greet. I think with this new system, they still have a number of glitches to work out. I understand the frustration many are feeling with the lack of spa treatments that can be booked ahead of time, but everyone is in the same boat so to speak. You'll still have the advantage of booking them with the concierge staff and not having to wait in line at the spa. I would call DCL again though and ask to speak to someone who specifically handles the suites. If the on board assistance is no longer going to be as big a benefit, then they should at least offer a contact prior to your cruise.

Concierge can assist you with many things. They can arrange for a birthday or other special celebration, photography session in your suite, additional nights at Palo, bridge tours, you'll receive waters and sodas in your suite upon arrival, daily snacks and some gifts for the kids, basically anything that you would have to stand in line for at guest services, they will take care of for you. We had a call from them each day, personalized stationery in the suite and expanded room service menus including hot breakfast. Your suite will have a CD player as well as a VCR and they have a music and video library for you to choose from. I think once you get past this computer booking glitch, you'll find the additional space and the higher level of service to be well worth it.

Tammi

 

[CACruisin']

We just finished our first cruise last week in a Cat 3. We did not recieve a phone call prior to boarding, however, my TA (DU) was able to book my Palo ressies ahead of time and I booked my spa treatments and registered the kids online.

Once we were onboard the concierge was available at Sessions -- GO TO THIS! We were able to change our high tea ressies, add spa treatments, hair braiding appts for our 2 older DD's, reserve bridge tours, galley tours, and margarita & tequila tastings, and reserve as much Flounders time as we wanted! Pretty much anything we wanted, they could take care of. Throughout the week, the concierge team met with us daily with treats, information about the ship, weather, etc. They had a birthday button and certificate for DD2. They arranged for an early room service hot breakfast for us in Mazatlan even when I was really just looking for the cold breakfast info. They took care of getting us on immediately on to the tender at Cabo when we made a last minute decision to go ashore. They also kindly took care of cancelling our spa and Flounders ressies with no penalties on Friday when our youngest starting running a fever.

I originally booked Cat 3 for the coordination of Flounders with other ressies and for the additional space. I was skeptical about the need for the other concierge services. However, it was definitely worth it. Caroline and Karina took fantastic care of us and really made our trip more special.

 

[NejTheLion]

Be glad that online spa booking is available. The last time we stayed concierge, I decided that we would have done better just going to the spa first thing and booking ourselves. We've never had a problem with that. The concierge had to keep calling upstairs to find times for us, and they were busy up there with other guests. I'm not really sure how the system was supposed to work, but it didn't work very well.

And the majority of the treatments should be available online. When we booked, I remember things like reflexology and the lime and ginger salt glow were missing, but I think most of them were there.

 

[sweetsue]

Thanks everyone for the votes of confidence with concierge. I'm sure things will be much nicer once we're actually on board. If someone could find Debbie's number for me I would be really appreciative. You can PM it to me if you'd like. Seems absolutely STUPID that on my own birthday I can't change my party size to 4. You'd think they would have a "modify" button or something for those of us that change our minds!

I AM looking forward to booking wine tasting and bridge tours. We'll also be hosting a Sweet Sue Suite Celebration party on my birthday, so I'm hoping concierge can help out with that.

Is there anything else you can think of that concierge helped with?

Sweet Sue

 

[realdznyfan]

I recently returned from 4 day WONDER cruise - suite 8078.

I made Palo and spa reservations via the internet. Altho' I knew from the boards that concierce would make reservations - I was unsure of the process, so I made my usual "rounds" and added a spa treatment and changed my Palo reservation from 2 people to 4 (interenet would only allow 2). I was done in record time and met family who had just started lunch.

concierge staff was very nice - goodies were an everyday suprise and we receive a poster or lithograph on the last day. I did not notice any personalized stationary. The extra space in the room was GREAT!

Oh the best part --it was an UPGRADE!!!! I LOVE DISNEY!!!!

 

[DisneyDadJax]

Thanks for all the info!

I'd love Debbie's number if someone wants to PM me with it.

We actually booked for the space. With the kids being 9 & 4, it's hard to settle down in a single room with 2 beds anymore. If a suite's available, that's just what we prefer as a family. Besides, I usually go all out on vacations!

As far as changing your Palo reservations, call your TA or DCL and make sure your reservations are linked with the groups your traveling with. That should allow you to book for the number of adults linked.

Frank

 

[DisneyDadJax]

bump