Concierge

[*Flower*]

Has anyone booked a cabin level that includes concierge?

If you have, please tell me what the advantages are or aren't. I can't seem to find any information on the DCL site about what the benefits are.

As this will GREATLY affect the cost of our potential cruise, I'd like to know if it's worth it for the 7 day cruise.

TIA!!

 

[dizneykids]

this is a recently discussed topic....go to this thread: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=346495&highlight=concierge

 

[*Flower*]

I'm actually looking for the actual concierge perks.

The thread link that you posted was really interesting and gave me a lot more information on cabin categories, but it seemed that concierge was only mentioned in passing.

I know what the concierge perks are at AKL, the PS bookings, the munchies, the special dietary arrangements made- I'm looking for something similar for the DCL.

TIA!!

 

[thedisneymom]

Treats at 4ish everyday(cookies chocolate cheese/ crackers).,, they book all resevations-spa, brunch, kids clubs etc. , a cocktail party one evening, main dining room menus and meals can be served in your stateroom, and a larger room. All I can remember! Hope it helps.

 

[*Flower*]

That's a great start TheDisneyMom- thanks!!

Maybe I can get more information from DU or DCL themselves...

If anyone has more input though, I'd love to hear more!!

 

[thedisneymom]

Although I must add its a GREAT deal more money for treats that you can order from room service, resevations that you can do in under an hour when you board, and meals we never ate in our room because the dining rooms are Beautiful and fun. you could probably do 3 cruises for the difference!

 

[Mumph39]

In addition to mentioned items...

If you are on the western itinerary they will get you your tender tickets for Grand Cayman (no need to go to the theatre for these). Little treats for the kids game room cards for older, coloring books for younger. Personal itinerary printed for your entire cruise. Little reminders each day about your appointments and excursions. I know you can order everything they give you from room service, but it was just nice having it there when you arrived back from the islands. Pre-cruise booking of Palo reservations was nice. One stop shoppig for all your Spa, excursion, Palo, Onboard extracurricular activities in one spot upon arrival (wine tasting, etc.). Concierge cocktail hour. (free drinks!).

I hope this helps you in your decision.

 

[howardk613]

*Flower*
We have been on 3 cruises and all three were in a concierge suite
(categories 1 thru 3). The concierge service is a nice plus as described above and on many other threads but in my opinion it is definately not the reason to book a suite. The real reason to book one of these suites is the suite itself. These suites are beyond description and will make an otherwise terrific vacation even more special. We always book a suite (we would book the suite even if it did not come with the concierge service) because being in one of these rooms make the cruise a real treat and if you can swing the extra cost then I say "go for it".

 

[ptea]

We leave in just 4 1/2 weeks, and I've read that sometimes, if you're in Cat 1-3, you'll get a call in advance of the cruise to book things such as Palo. Do you know when we can expect this call, and if it doesn't come, should we take the initiative and call? Does anyone know where I can find the number?

 

[dizneykids]

i don't know the number, but they should be calling you any day now. if you don't hear from them, then i imagine you could call the 800 DCL number and ask to speak to the concierge.

you can book palo and any excursions through them. you can book any equipment you might want on castaway cay. you can request anything, really. they'll tell you whether or not they can handle your request. for instance, we requested a particular dining rotation. they were able to note it, but promised nothing. we also asked them to check whether our then 3yo could go on particular excursions...which they did.

they cannot book the spa. that is run by a separate company and can only be booked onboard.

another perk is that you get to board early before everyone else.

i agree that the perks are fine, but they are not the reason to spend the extra couple thousand. we book the suites for the extra room (we are a family of 5) and the ability to spread out. i know that you don't spend a lot of time in the suite, but the time we do spend in it is not spent on top of each other.

 

[DrDO]

We just returned from a 3 day Wonder trip in a Category 3 and had a "Wonder"ful time. The concierge "perks" included a letter prior to sailing with a number to call for Palo reservations and we were able to specify a dining rotation. Also, there is a separate check in line in the terminal and you may preboard the ship when embarkation begins without waiting on line. You can meet with the concierge team between 1:00 and 3:00 after boarding to finalize reservations, spa appointments, etc. There were little treats every day from the team in the cabin. They will also assist with anything that might otherwise require a trip to guest services. All in all, a very high level of service. For us, the most important feature was the spaciousness and beauty of the cabin.

 

[*Flower*]

Thanks so much for the added information about the Concierge services!

This will be a goal of ours when we get brave enough to take the plunge and book one!!

DH is currently taking college courses all year, and really feels it when he misses class, so I'll be waiting for a good time for him- schedule wise.

Thanks again....

 

[tecdavidt]

We loved our Cat. 3 and felt the concierge was worth it. Yes they do book the spa appointments! We went to Sessions after boarding. We were greated, taken to a small table, the services explained. We signed our daughter into the children's program with a counselor who was there to sign up suite passengers. The spa was also there and I reserved my spa treatment. We could of made Palo reservations. They also booked any excursions we wanted. There was no wait and no crowd. It was wonderful. We also had a sail into Key West concierge party the morning we docked at Key West. We had little snacks delivered to our room each day, the chocolate dipped strawberries were wonderful. There was 4 pops(sodas) on embarkation day. Our daughter received an arcade card from our concierge team. They did what ever we asked. Also the suites are where you can order off the menus of the restaurants and have it delivered via room service. We never ate breakfast at Topsiders, we had a nice hot breakfast every morning without the crowd. Also, the suites have a real refrigerator not just a cooling box and it is located in the wet bar area. The two bathrooms are also a plus. I liked the personal cruise itinerary and daily reminders of appointments. Can you tell we loved it? Kathy

 

[rundogrun]

I'm in the minority on this one.

I did not find the Concierge service excellent and thought that they were really more of a central booking service. They take everyone's information, and THEN go make the reservations. As a result, things we could have easily booked directly ourselves (we were onboard early) ended up not getting booked as we wished. If you want Palo or the Spa for a certain day and time better to book it yourself. The afternoon treats were nothing special (3 cookies for 6 people???).

As others have said, book these suites because you want the space. If you want space and a higher class of service (for less money as well) and are willing to forgo the Characters and Castaway Cay, there are better options on other cruiselines.

 

[cotomom]

I agree a bit with rundogrun. We arrived early, went directly to the sessions to make all of our ressies. They only had certain time slots available for concierge and not the ones I desired. They had to call the spa to see if there was space available when I wanted it. Of course, there was not as the spa was open and taking ressies directly with all of the other cruisers.

Concierge staff was never available when i called to make a request. I always had to leave a message and wait for them to call back. The delivering of goodies was never when we were in the room (7 day Western cruise, 6 of us in the room ~ someone was generally in the room). Almost like they 'avoided' us and slipped in during key events where they could get away unseen!

The cocktail party was good. For the drinks. My concierge staff (2 people total) schmooozed with 1 cabin the entire time and did not circulate.

Concierge is NOT the reason to get a suite. The suite is THE reason to get one. Cat. 1 is FANTASTIC! We definately made use of it and spent quite a bit of time in it. We had Palo deliver our meal one night. The dining room table was as large as ours at home. Nice hot meals in your cabin BEFORE excursions. 3 bathrooms. Can't get better than that. Now, if I could figure out how to live on board. Good luck in your quest!

 

[TootyJane]

We had the Cat. 2 for our 5/18 7-day Eastern last year. As far as amenities, you do get priority boarding, your concierge team will make any reservations you desire: Palo, spa, etc. We found out from our prior cruise that Concierge only receives a select number of reservations. They may not have the date and/or time you desire. We found it easier to book our own reservations. There is a "meet and greet" with your concierge team during the first afternoon. We did not attend because, as I mentioned, we made our own reservations. When Christina called us later in the afternoon she actually sounded disappointed that we didn't have them do it. You are invited to a "concierge only" Sail-away party when you leave St. Thomas with complimentary drinks and appetizers. If you are in Cat. 1 or 2 you receive complimentary sodas and bottled water -- no need to purchase those refillable mugs. You receive a different treat each day: the famous cheese and crackers, chocolate chip cookies, strawberries dipped in chocolate and petit fours, fruit tray, etc. You are able to order room service from any of the four restaurants and are able to order full breakfast with the exception of the last day. Regular staterooms may only order Continental Breakfasts. We also got a couple of sheets of personalized stationery. Our 3 boys each received arcade cards ($10 each) two times during the cruise. Our oldest ds had access to many in Common Ground so he gave a couple to his cousin. There is a video player and you are given a list of CDs and videos that are available to watch if you choose. Concierge team will stop by daily to inquire whether you need or want anything. You get daily phone messages as well. We received a booked entitled "DISNEY MAGIC - The Launching of a Dream." Great book!! I can't think of anything else at the moment. The Cat. 2 suite itself is reason enough to book. Concierge is just an added treat. HTH

 

[ducklite]

I loved the concierge service! Everything was taken care of for us. you can read all about it on my website--link below.

Anne

 

[*Flower*]

Anne-

I loved your daily journal, and the photos were great!

Days 6 and 7 are missing from your website though, and I'm eager to finish the cruise!!

Which category stateroom were you in? The pictures looked lovely, and this is the first that I've heard about a king bed on the DCL ships. DH will be so pleased......

 

[BethA]

For anyone that has traveled recently- who are the concierge staff? Just like anything else the crew members make a big difference. We sailed in a cat 1, then cat4, and this time were able to get a cat 1 again. We missed the full breakfast room service and free sodas, but mostly just the exquisite suite. the service on the cruise was excellent for everyone so I wouldn't do it just for the concierge. The concierge party will be new for us this time. When we sailed Martin and Ratesh were the concierge staff and we only saw martin.. he was wonderful to us, but has not been there for a while. Beth

 

[ducklite]

Originally posted by *Flower*
Anne-

I loved your daily journal, and the photos were great!

Days 6 and 7 are missing from your website though, and I'm eager to finish the cruise!!

Which category stateroom were you in? The pictures looked lovely, and this is the first that I've heard about a king bed on the DCL ships. DH will be so pleased......

We were in a Cat 3--Room 8032. We have it booked for back to back Eastern/Western cruises in 2004.

I've got to finish the last two days...

Anne