First-time Concierge: Looking for advice on the Wish

[bigAWL]

My friends are about to book their first Disney cruise in concierge on the Wish. I'm a platinum cruiser, but never sailed concierge nor on the Wish at all. The sailing will be 4-nights and will already be within the 120 days booking window. What advice should I give them as far as how to get the most out of the perks and experiences?

 

[ladyofthetramp]

We are platinum and did our first cruise on the Wish in concierge last October. My best advice-use the lounge. We had breakfast there in the morning as they have a "hot" offering menu. Have a cocktail there in the evening before you go to dinner. You can even bring a glass of wine from there to dinner with you. Use the sundecks there- they are large, wonderful and quiet. Take advantage of the early arriving for the shows. You can sit anywhere you like in the theater and they provide popcorn. You are inside the 120 day mark, but contact shoreside and see if you secure a reservation for Palo dinner or brunch. Sometimes they can do that for you. Cabanas are hard to come by on the Wish- way more cabins than cabanas, but you can ask and see if you can be placed on a waiting list in case of a cancellation. We do afternoon tea-the offering in the lounge is fantastic. For us when we sail that class it is all about the lounge. A quieter space to land-to read, nap (on the sundeck) and relax. Enjoy your cruise!

 

[westie55]

I'm booked for concierge on the Wish for my first cruise! I don't have any real experience yet, but my advice would be for your friend to research the Wish and concierge on the Wish (exactly what is and isn't offered) prior to making the decision. Concierge is a huge upcharge and I could see how for many travelers, it wouldn't be worth the premium depending on how you choose to spend your time on vacation. Booking late, for example, will likely mean they don't get a cabana. If getting a cabana is important to them, they may want to consider not sailing concierge or booking a different cruise.

It seems like a lot of people who end up dissatisfied are those who didn't do their homework and therefore had unrealistic expectations. What is "worth it" to one person may be very different than another person. I think it's really important for your friends to understand exactly what the perks are and if those are worth the price of concierge for them.

That's my advice for what it's worth

 

[RedHead0186]

I agree with everything that's been said. I'll add: use the concierge staff. Don't abuse them, obviously, lol, but they are there to help you. For example: I had a question about a charge on my stateroom account. I went to the desk in the lounge to ask if they could help me with it or if I should go to guest services. They laughed (in a friendly way) and told me I wasn't allowed to even say "guest services" in the concierge lounge because they could help me with any of that. So, don't be afraid to ask them for help with anything. Worse case is they might not be able to (and if so, there's a darn good reason for it like DCL policy, etc.), but more than likely they will be happily able to assist you with whatever you need. I'm usually in the "I don't want to be a bother to them" camp so I like to share that with others who may feel similarly.

 

[John VN]

I'm booked for concierge on the Wish for my first cruise! I don't have any real experience yet, but my advice would be for your friend to research the Wish and concierge on the Wish (exactly what is and isn't offered) prior to making the decision. Concierge is a huge upcharge and I could see how for many travelers, it wouldn't be worth the premium depending on how you choose to spend your time on vacation. Booking late, for example, will likely mean they don't get a cabana. If getting a cabana is important to them, they may want to consider not sailing concierge or booking a different cruise.

It seems like a lot of people who end up dissatisfied are those who didn't do their homework and therefore had unrealistic expectations. What is "worth it" to one person may be very different than another person. I think it's really important for your friends to understand exactly what the perks are and if those are worth the price of concierge for them.

That's my advice for what it's worth

IMO, this reply is spot on regarding the upcharge for Concierge vs the ADDED Benefits. DW and I have in the past gone DCL Concierge but no longer do so since the Value Received for $$$$ spent is far less than we deem appropriate.

Do the homework and enjoy the cruise

 

[RedHead0186]

IMO, this reply is spot on regarding the upcharge for Concierge vs the ADDED Benefits. DW and I have in the past gone DCL Concierge but no longer do so since the Value Received for $$$$ spent is far less than we deem appropriate.

Do the homework and enjoy the cruise

If one were to try to calculate out "getting their money's worth," as in actually trying to calculate if the perks they get add up to the extra cost of concierge, I don't think they'd ever get there. If you're looking at it from a strictly monetary point of view, the concierge is never worth the upcharge. However, the intangibles (service, lounge hosts, priority embarkation/disembarkation) can factor in, and for some, those are invaluable.

Not disagreeing with you, @John VN , as everyone needs to decide if concierge is "worth" it to them or not, monetarily and/or otherwise. Just pointing out that if anyone is trying see if the cost of perks will add up to the extra price, that math probably isn't going to ever add up, lol.

(For perspective we did concierge for the first time on the Fantasy last November. We enjoyed it so much that we decided to upgrade our already-booked sailing on the Magic for September 2024 before we'd even gotten off the Fantasy. For some, it's greatly worth it and for others, not. I say it's hard to tell without experiencing it once.)

 

[auntlynne]

They should be contacted by Shoreside Concierge (email).

Things they may be able to get booked through Concierge could include Alcohol Tastings, brunch or dinner at Palo or Enchante.

Concierge does book before Pearl; they may still have time to be on that priority list.

Since Palo brunch is typically one of the hardest reservations to get, this may be the cruise to utilize priority.

I believe they also have an opportunity for better seating in the MDRs. I know we requested the round booths in Enchanted Garden before they were removed.

They will have a check-in line exclusive to Concierge (well, also Platinum if no one’s in line ). And a separate waiting area. One of the first groups of people allowed on the ship. Escort to the Concierge area. Sit-down lunch, I believe, in 1923. A Concierge will talk with them about any requests (ours was in a lounge after lunch; it’s been a while).

I really enjoyed the Lounge and its light meals.

I have seen Concierge guests lined up to access box seating for evening shows in WDT.

I would point them to Disneycruiselineblog for menus to Palo and Enchante. And MDRs if interested.

 

[ShaneDJ]

To be clear, the Concierge costs on DCL are never worth it dollar-wise. But what you are paying for is an elevated experience (most especially to access the Concierge lounge and to work with the Concierge hosts).

We've cruised on DCL with both Concierge and non-Concierge and we have completely enjoyed BOTH experiences. They are just different.

With Concierge, the main benefits are:
- Concierge lounge
- Concierge hosts/staff
- Sundecks off the Concierge lounge
- Priority embarkation and disembarkation
- Early arrival for shows (pick the best seats) and the free popcorn!


A couple of service examples from the Concierge hosts:

(1) My first time cruising DCL on Concierge-level, we boarded late and didn't make it to the Concierge lounge until just after the Sail Away party. I was surprised that as soon as I opened the door to the lounge, the hostess at the Concierge desk said "Hi Shane! We've been looking around the ship for you. We've met all of the other Concierge guests, but we haven't introduced ourselves to you yet." I was so impressed.

(2) One time I was up in the Concierge lounge and my wife was downstairs at Guest Services. In the lounge, one of the Concierge hosts came up to me and asked me where my wife was. I said that she was downstairs at Guest Services trying to resolve an issue. The Concierge host said, smiling: "No way...she shouldn't be down at Guest Services. We can take care of anything that they can do, and we can do it better and customized to our Concierge guests. We'll go get her."

Again, we've had equally fabulous cruises on DCL when NOT doing Concierge...and we'll continue to switch them up (depending on our pocketbook!). But both are great.

 

[bigAWL]

Thanks for all the input. It's very helpful. Other than cabana reservation (or waitlist) and dining reservations, what should they consider when communicating with Shoreside Concierge? Do they send a sort of list of things they can help with? Or are there "secret" requests that only experienced concierge guests know to ask?

 

[llachance]

Worth it - not in my opinion although I have only done it once - and it wasn't really an upcharge because we were scheduled to be on the cancelled inaugural wish cruise and just used the money we got for that to pay for it. Shoreside did email me. There really was nothing I needed/wanted so that wasn't helpful. Getting on the ship was wonderful. Lunch was wonderful but beyond that ====our cruise was full of BtoB folks and they got the undivided attention of the lounge staff. Pretty certain they didn't have a clue who we were or even checked on us ever. There was no "breakfast" and there were slim pickings the rest of the time the food was out. One of the coffee machines never worked. Went to the sun deck once but it was so full of loud kids that I didn't find it relaxing (yes I know there are kids on a disney cruise I am Platinum working on Pearl ) It just wasn't my thing. Seating for the shows was nice, as was the popcorn but in my previous cruises I had never had a problem getting a seat for the shows so I guess the bonus was the free popcorn. Everyone has different experiences to be sure. If I had paid "full" price I would have been disappointed.

 

[scoobysgirl]

My friends are about to book their first Disney cruise in concierge on the Wish. I'm a platinum cruiser, but never sailed concierge nor on the Wish at all. The sailing will be 4-nights and will already be within the 120 days booking window. What advice should I give them as far as how to get the most out of the perks and experiences?

We sailed on the Wish in November of 22 and it was wonderful. We did a 3 then 4 day cruise, B2B. It couldn't have been better. The lounge is amazing, the staff is super friendly and helpful. The Concierge staff in the lounge will help you with bookings, also. The sundeck is really nice and spacious, and they have dole whip smoothies!! That was awesome! The food in the lounge was really good, quite a selection, and many drinks in the fridge to choose from. Once you sail concierge, it's impossible to sail NOT concierge. It's just so nice. We upgraded to the one bedroom and it was really amazing. You can actually order full dinners in your room for every meal, if you want to. definitely take advantage of all things concierge. There are quite a few perks. Very enjoyable! Have a great time...beautiful ship!! But our next cruise will be on the Treasure..can't wait!

 

[Kit Jackson]

The Concierge staff in the lounge will help you with bookings, also. The sundeck is really nice and spacious, and they have dole whip smoothies!!

Are the dole whip smoothies included with a Concierge room or are they an extra charge? Is this something they have on a regular basis or only at specific/random times? Also, are the dole whip smoothies available on the Fantasy? (that's the ship I'm going to be on later this year.)

 

[scoobysgirl]

Are the dole whip smoothies included with a Concierge room or are they an extra charge? Is this something they have on a regular basis or only at specific/random times? Also, are the dole whip smoothies available on the Fantasy? (that's the ship I'm going to be on later this year.)

I know on the Wish they were available on the concierge sundeck. No charge and self serve. They are permanently affixed at the bar, so always available. Not sure if the flavors change?? But when we were there it was raspberry and, I believe, a pineapple flavor.

 

[Mouse511]

Following for advice, as we will be first time DCL/Concierge in November on the Wish.

 

[auntlynne]

Following for advice, as we will be first time DCL/Concierge in November on the Wish.

Never cruised Disney?

Those who have, know that certain dining or excursions are more popular and have a wish list.

The Concierge team has the ability to book these for you before the highest loyalty tier gets to book.

Brunch and dinner reservations at Palo, Enchante, and Remy (whichever is on your ship). These are extra cost, adult-only restaurants. Price is routinely $50 and up.

Alcohol tasting sessions (mixed drinks, whiskey, paired chocolate, maragaritas). Maybe $45 or $70 (Ballpark here, I don’t partake).

Cabanas at Castaway Cay (and soon, Lookout Cay) are cabin/ deluxe huts that have been difficult to book for years. The increase in number of Concierge cabins has now made it a challenge even for Concierge. The demand is greater than the supply - and the price reflects this. But, if interested, that is something the Concierge can work on handling for you.

I had a one bedroom in a cruise (Before it had a Concierge Lounge). We had a refrigerator stocked with soda and water. We were able to get it switched out to only our preferred drinks.

Once onboard, the Concierge Team is your point of contact for requests or problem solving. You still interact with your room steward for things in his wheelhouse (they are typically very attentive, no matter your cabin level).

Some guests have had less than stellar experiences which seem to come from the guest: staff ratio. Or maybe just expectations.

I mention the above items they can help you with as a heads‘ up and won’t have to scramble when they contact you.

There’s not a lot to it; that’s the idea. Take away some lines/ queues, get some extra attention. You still are going to be doing most of your dining, watching shows, and going on excursions with the rest of us. Most of what you read and see regarding a Disney cruise is designed for most guests to get the Disney cruise experience.

 

[ladyofthetramp]

Are the dole whip smoothies included with a Concierge room or are they an extra charge? Is this something they have on a regular basis or only at specific/random times? Also, are the dole whip smoothies available on the Fantasy? (that's the ship I'm going to be on later this year.)

I have not seen these on the Fantasy-I had a concierge level trip with them last May. The Wish did have them in October. Pineapple and a fruit variety. I don't remember which specific one. They were on the sundeck on the end of the bar.

 

[Lillebelle]

1) If there's anything they want to request in terms of tastings, dining reservations, etc, it doesn't hurt to ask even if it's within the 120 window. We've booked cruises after that point and still managed to get most of what we wanted. And if you don't get it through shoreside, ask again when you get onboard. Shoreside concierge staff is fine but the onboard staff are much more of the 'magic-working' types.

2) Huge +1 to use the lounge! The Wish offers both hot food (not available on the other ships) and also a special concierge-only room service menu (also not on the other ships) so I definitely recommend taking advantage of both.

3) Try to get to know the concierge staff, but recognize that this will probably take a bit more work than it would on a smaller ship. The Wish has like twice as many people working the lounge as the small ships so the level of personalized service is not necessarily going to be the same, but it's still worth taking the time to chat them up if they're not super busy, hear their stories, etc.

4) Shoreside can provide a list of the potential dining rotations, and takes requests for the one they want (if this matters to them)

5) Don't bother bringing wine/beer onboard unless they are super particular and have some favorite from home that is essential to their existence. Concierge has a happy hour from 5-10 every night with plenty of options to keep most people happy, including a special cocktail menu.

 

[loril13]

This post is so helpful! We have our first DCL Concierge on the Fantasy in February 2025. We've done Mega Rock Star on Virgin Voyages. Obviously, VV & DCL are as different as night and day! lol
I know I have plenty of time to do my research, but I am an OCD planner. We have a family ocean view with verandah. I know I'll have a mini fridge. I thought they only come stocked for 1br and above? I've read I can request certain items for the lounge to carry. Would they stock Veuve for me? I realize that is a big ask.
I'm sure I'll be going through historical posts and have lots more questions! Thanks!!

 

[scoobysgirl]

I don’t think they would stock Veuve, but I believe you can bring an unopened bottle or 2 of wine or champagne. They have to be in your carryon, not checked bags. Disney cruises are such a unique experience, no other cruise like it. We were in a one bedroom suite and it was magical. We’re going on the Treasure in 2025 and we are so looking forward to it!

 

[loril13]

I don’t think they would stock Veuve, but I believe you can bring an unopened bottle or 2 of wine or champagne. They have to be in your carryon, not checked bags. Disney cruises are such a unique experience, no other cruise like it. We were in a one bedroom suite and it was magical. We’re going on the Treasure in 2025 and we are so looking forward to it!

Thank you. I always bring two bottles of bubbles in our carryon. This will be our first concierge, but not first DCL. Rockstar status spoiled us forever on VV. I am sure he same will happen with concierge on DCL