Concierge vs. an extra cruise

[ncurley]

I would most certainly NOT pay that much of a premium to upgrade to concierge (not even for a Royal Concierge Suite). I'd definitely book another vacation instead. That said, we are cruising in a concierge cabin on the Dream for the first time during my kids' school vacation in a few months. I booked the cruise pretty much the day they were available for booking online (i.e. a year plus several months in advance) to get the best deal possible. We paid only about $500 more than the current online price for inside cabins, but we got a concierge family room with verandah. If I were you, I'd try to arrive as early as possible for check-in at the port and hope for a cheaper upgrade to concierge then. If you don't get it, you will have booked your other vacation by then so if you have any twinges of feeling left out you will get over it quickly!

Based on what I've read, I think I could justify a higher cost for concierge if cruising on the larger ships (Dream & Fantasy) since it seems those may seem very crowded due to the number of people on board. Since the Magic and Wonder do not have concierge lounges, I'm not sure that they are ever worth the extra cost. I'm hoping that we won't feel so overwhelmed by crowds on the Dream if we can hang out in the concierge lounge/deck. But I agree the sun deck does seem a bit lame. I keep wondering why there is no hot tub up there. If there was I think THAT could justify a higher concierge premium.

Another option that I'd consider for more space is booking 2 connecting inside cabins. I can't imagine we'll be spending that much time in the room though, so for now while our kids are young, I can make do with the smaller room for our family.

Happy cruising!

 

[lanejudy]

Make sure your TA is quoting you the correct upgrade cost. If I recall, those Star Wars cruises skyrocketed in price once the "Star Wars" Day was announced. If you booked prior to that announcement, you should be locked into lower fares. Whether, or how much, that impacted Concierge fares I don't know but worth confirming.

Enjoy your cruise!

 

[saraheli]

For some people its not about being able to get 2 regular cruises for the price of 1 concierge cruise. Its about enjoying the cruise to the maximum extent possible while you are on the ship. I work and have limited time that I can take vacation especially when also taking into account the kids school calendar. While we love DCL and WDW, we also enjoy totally different types of vacations so sailing twice in one year would never interest us. For us, having sailed both concierge and non concierge, its about getting that cabana on CC, getting adult dinners and spa appts at the times I want and the days I want, not having to wait in so many lines(shutters, kids club, guest services), having any issues or requests taken care of, and most importantly having that lounge which is such an oasis on a crowded ship.

 

[Trera]

For us, having sailed both concierge and non concierge, its about getting that cabana on CC, getting adult dinners and spa appts at the times I want and the days I want, not having to wait in so many lines(shutters, kids club, guest services), having any issues or requests taken care of, and most importantly having that lounge which is such an oasis on a crowded ship.

^^^^ This.

We dont sail concierge every time but we do it sometimes and always enjoy the items described above.

 

[TestingH2O]

For some people its not about being able to get 2 regular cruises for the price of 1 concierge cruise. Its about enjoying the cruise to the maximum extent possible while you are on the ship. I work and have limited time that I can take vacation especially when also taking into account the kids school calendar. While we love DCL and WDW, we also enjoy totally different types of vacations so sailing twice in one year would never interest us. For us, having sailed both concierge and non concierge, its about getting that cabana on CC, getting adult dinners and spa appts at the times I want and the days I want, not having to wait in so many lines(shutters, kids club, guest services), having any issues or requests taken care of, and most importantly having that lounge which is such an oasis on a crowded ship.

Nicely said. Can I ask how they helped with Shutters? That was the only line we stood in and, while it wasn't bad, we joked that we didn't know how to do it any more.

 

[1Winston]

It's personal preference. For our family the extra space and service is well worth it. The lounge we made a lot of use of and the sun deck. The staff made our trip as well. We only take one trip a year because of our busy schedules so when we go it is worth the extra for the perks.

 

[Tami0220]

Normally, I would say take the two cruises. However, this year is our 25th anniversary and because it was off season, I booked the Royal Suite for a 3 day. Now, I am a BIG Disney fan and the Royal Suite is a bucket list item. I know I would never be able to book it unless I won the lottery which as we all know is pert near impossible. So it's only 3 nights. But, that said, since I have been on 2 Disney cruises one concierge one not, I feel comfortable enough that I have enjoyed what the ships have to offer. For this cruise I dont plan to leave the room. I will eat meals in room and we are quite comfortable watching the shows on TV. Of course I will leave it at times, but to get my money's worth I will be in that room or on that verandah in the hot tub EVERY POSSIBLE MOMENT.

We do love concierge for the reduced crowds (hubby has severe claustrophobia) and we are not one who has many requests for concierge. As above posters have stated, it is totally personal preference. You will enjoy yourself no mater what. Just relax and let go

 

[saraheli]

Nicely said. Can I ask how they helped with Shutters? That was the only line we stood in and, while it wasn't bad, we joked that we didn't know how to do it any more.

We prepurchased the CD on both cruises. When I sailed non-concierge the morning of departure I had to go wait on a long line to pick up the CD. In concierge they just brought it to our room for us. Its just one perk of several perks that I think really add up and change the feel of the cruise.

 

[The Sasquatch]

Thanks much. I did take a look. Seems like the savings over the rack rate are indeed substantial. I guess there is not much for me to do now besides cross my fingers and hope that the Concierge rooms don't book up before we sail.

Not only that, you will have to beat everyone else at the port who runs over to get an upgrade. Upgrades are far easier to get for lower categories than hoping to go concierge.

For us, its really about shopping for the lower prices when they are available. Our 1 Bedroom Concierge in April on the Dream is $3600 and to us that makes it worth it. I paid roughly the same for our 4A this past April

 

[ahain]

kiford stated our sentiments exactly....... "While there are a few nice things in Concierge, we simply wouldn't take advantage of about 90% of what there is. For a lot more money, it's simply not worth it for us. Some people love it and swear by it but it's not for us; sounds to me like you've concluded that for yourself as well"

 

[squirk]

Not only that, you will have to beat everyone else at the port who runs over to get an upgrade. Upgrades are far easier to get for lower categories than hoping to go concierge.

For us, its really about shopping for the lower prices when they are available. Our 1 Bedroom Concierge in April on the Dream is $3600 and to us that makes it worth it. I paid roughly the same for our 4A this past April

That brings up an interesting thought. Is there any way to get the port upgrade without my entire sailing party present? Is checking everyone in on the existing reservation first a requirement before an upgrade is even allowed?

Rather than schlep everyone to the terminal super-duper early for the possibility of maybe getting an upgrade, can I run out ahead of time by myself, try for the upgrade, and then go back and pick them up?

I assume the answer is "no", but no harm in asking, I guess.