I need to ask about Concierge prices.

[Remysister28]

Was just looking at msc yacht club. Any thoughts on that?

Thank you, I will eventually check other lines’ offerings. I really appreciate reading these discussions to help me for future cruise experiences. DCL was attractive to me because I am a Disney fan who does not go to WDW or Disneyland because of crowds. We shall see how my Dream Concierge experience goes. I don’t think I’ll ever go on the Wish because it sounds like the Wish increased the number of Concierge rooms to meet demand. I fear that eventually there’ll be crowds even at the Concierge lounges on the new ships. It won’t feel as special if Concierge hosts have to handle even more guests.

 

[John VN]

Was just looking at msc yacht club. Any thoughts on that?

DW and I very much enjoy the "isolation factor" while in YC while all the time knowing that the *COMPLETE SHIP* is only a passage through the doors away. Having our own LOUNGE with Open Bar, Soda Specialty Water, made to order coffee, tea, hot chocolate, juices and bites available + RESTAURANT (breakfast, lunch and dinner)+ UPPER DECK with mini pool, hot tub(s), bar, outside grill + bites always available and loungers galore + cabanas makes for an extremely relaxed cruise. We've had outstanding service thanks to the staffs attention and desire to satisfy that we feel was a bit above that of our Dream Concierge cruises.

Our understanding that all things can change and what is great for one is not for another, we hope our continued loyalty to YC proves to be long lasting thus allowing us to continue to recommend the experience for others to try.

 

[Wosmama6]

DW and I very much enjoy the "isolation factor" while in YC while all the time knowing that the *COMPLETE SHIP* is only a passage through the doors away. Having our own LOUNGE with Open Bar, Soda Specialty Water, made to order coffee, tea, hot chocolate, juices and bites available + RESTAURANT (breakfast, lunch and dinner)+ UPPER DECK with mini pool, hot tub(s), bar, outside grill + bites always available and loungers galore + cabanas makes for an extremely relaxed cruise. We've had outstanding service thanks to the staffs attention and desire to satisfy that we feel was a bit above that of our Dream Concierge cruises.

Our understanding that all things can change and what is great for one is not for another, we hope our continued loyalty to YC proves to be long lasting thus allowing us to continue to recommend the experience for others to try.

Thanks so much. The Lego kids club and formula one simulator would definitely keep DS9 busy, DH would love YC, DD4 would miss her princesses tho. But YC is cheaper than an inside room on the wish for the same weekend. By a solid 25%

 

[MomOTwins]

Thanks so much. The Lego kids club and formula one simulator would definitely keep DS9 busy, DH would love YC, DD4 would miss her princesses tho. But YC is cheaper than an inside room on the wish for the same weekend. By a solid 25%

With a 4 and 9 year old I feel I have to put in a plug for Disney. We branched out to another cruise line—Princess in their mini-suite rooms—for Alaska last summer and it confirmed to me that we’d rather cruise in an inside stateroom on Disney than another cruise line while our kids are small. The clubs seemed to have things our 10 year old would like (videogames, fooseball etc.) but they would not let my kids play them and instead forced then into group activities they described as “torture.” Our younger one hated that he was separated from his brothers (one club was age 7 and below, one was for 8 and up), plus the kids clubs were closed half the day and closed at 9pm each night so no going out in the evenings for mom and dad. Movies on the funnel vision were so often inappropriate for kids (sex, swearing, violence) that we found ourselves avoiding the lido deck entirely. There was usually only one or two family friend game shows/trivia per day and only one family friendly evening show on a 7 night cruise. We spent a lot of the sea days our room watching TV. Now others may have better experiences, but or may not be bothered by the things I listed, but that experience definitely made me come to the conclusion that DCL is best while the kids are little—we’ll have plenty of time to try to branch out to other lines when they are teens and later adults.

Now do I think you need to pay double on DCL for concierge? Absolutely not. The regular rooms are excellent, the regular service is top notch, the free food and soda at the buffet and pool deck is readily available so I don’t need concierge lounge breakfast and snacks, I couldn’t possibly drink enough free booze to justify the concierge upcharge, and castaway cay is heavenly even without a cabana.

 

[Wosmama6]

With a 4 and 9 year old I feel I have to put in a plug for Disney. We branched out to another cruise line—Princess in their mini-suite rooms—for Alaska last summer and it confirmed to me that we’d rather cruise in an inside stateroom on Disney than another cruise line while our kids are small. The clubs seemed to have things our 10 year old would like (videogames, fooseball etc.) but they would not let my kids play them and instead forced then into group activities they described as “torture.” Our younger one hated that he was separated from his brothers (one club was age 7 and below, one was for 8 and up), plus the kids clubs were closed half the day and closed at 9pm each night so no going out in the evenings for mom and dad. Movies on the funnel vision were so often inappropriate for kids (sex, swearing, violence) that we found ourselves avoiding the lido deck entirely. There was usually only one or two family friend game shows/trivia per day and only one family friendly evening show on a 7 night cruise. We spent a lot of the sea days our room watching TV. Now others may have better experiences, but or may not be bothered by the things I listed, but that experience definitely made me come to the conclusion that DCL is best while the kids are little—we’ll have plenty of time to try to branch out to other lines when they are teens and later adults.

Now do I think you need to pay double on DCL for concierge? Absolutely not. The regular rooms are excellent, the regular service is top notch, the free food and soda at the buffet and pool deck is readily available so I don’t need concierge lounge breakfast and snacks, I couldn’t possibly drink enough free booze to justify the concierge upcharge, and castaway cay is heavenly even without a cabana.

my kids have only ever sailed DCL... 11a, 5c and a 1 BR suite. This has been my justification all along. But big bro was a tiny bit bored on this last one. Hence the lego thing.

 

[ngl]

With a 4 and 9 year old I feel I have to put in a plug for Disney. We branched out to another cruise line—Princess in their mini-suite rooms—for Alaska last summer and it confirmed to me that we’d rather cruise in an inside stateroom on Disney than another cruise line while our kids are small. The clubs seemed to have things our 10 year old would like (videogames, fooseball etc.) but they would not let my kids play them and instead forced then into group activities they described as “torture.” Our younger one hated that he was separated from his brothers (one club was age 7 and below, one was for 8 and up), plus the kids clubs were closed half the day and closed at 9pm each night so no going out in the evenings for mom and dad. Movies on the funnel vision were so often inappropriate for kids (sex, swearing, violence) that we found ourselves avoiding the lido deck entirely. There was usually only one or two family friend game shows/trivia per day and only one family friendly evening show on a 7 night cruise. We spent a lot of the sea days our room watching TV. Now others may have better experiences, but or may not be bothered by the things I listed, but that experience definitely made me come to the conclusion that DCL is best while the kids are little—we’ll have plenty of time to try to branch out to other lines when they are teens and later adults.

Now do I think you need to pay double on DCL for concierge? Absolutely not. The regular rooms are excellent, the regular service is top notch, the free food and soda at the buffet and pool deck is readily available so I don’t need concierge lounge breakfast and snacks, I couldn’t possibly drink enough free booze to justify the concierge upcharge, and castaway cay is heavenly even without a cabana.

I was going to mention this same point to the OP and ask the question whether you are going with kids or not. If just adult and no kids, your options are really endless (even if you are a big Disney fan) if you are trying to compare Concierge on Disney v. similar options on other lines. If you have kids, what Disney offers is hard to compete with. But I am not a fan of buffets and do enjoy a bit of reprieve from crowds you get in Concierge so for us, that is what we choose. What is important on your vacation is personal and you just have to weigh what you are willing to pay more for.

 

[julierocks]

I think this was a really accurate description. We just did our first concierge on the Magic last week and this was our 25th cruise. I can say that it is definitely not worth the price from a value for goods received perspective. But the service is top notch. We met the hosts at lunch and they knew all of our names by dinner.

If you aren't going to use the hosts, then save your money. We didn't use them a lot but we booked the cruise 3 days before departure so it was nice to be able to get a last minute Palo reservation and to be in boarding group 1 instead of 22. Personally, my favorite part was the pre-show escort. I am always in the front of the line to get the seats I want and to have them take us in early was really value-added for me. We would get our drink from the lounge or beverage cart, meet up for our escort into the theater, receive our popcorn and get our seats. I loved everything about that because the shows are one of the main reasons I sail Disney and having good seats is important to me, even if it's the 19th time I've seen Dreams!

I am not sure I'll sail concierge again because I would rather book 2 cruises for the same price. But I can definitely see why people like it. While DCL makes you feel like a VIP even in the cheap seats, the concierge team really does take it to the next level.

I'm wondering if concierge also gets you closer to the show for sail away/pirate night shows as well?

 

[allashore]

I'm wondering if concierge also gets you closer to the show for sail away/pirate night shows as well?

not as of the last time we sailed Sept '21,
if you want a good spot you need to be outside early, just the same as everyone
once you leave conciegre, no one knows or cares that you are in concierge

 

[ngl]

not as of the last time we sailed Sept '21,
if you want a good spot you need to be outside early, just the same as everyone
once you leave conciegre, no one knows or cares that you are in concierge

Not for the Sail Away but Concierge does get you in early to the theater shows. You are able to get in 45 min before the shows start and then they let everyone else in at 30 min.

 

[freshmanjs]

not as of the last time we sailed Sept '21,
if you want a good spot you need to be outside early, just the same as everyone
once you leave conciegre, no one knows or cares that you are in concierge

Concierge has a private area for viewing fireworks and has for years

 

[coloradocutie]

With a 4 and 9 year old I feel I have to put in a plug for Disney. We branched out to another cruise line—Princess in their mini-suite rooms—for Alaska last summer and it confirmed to me that we’d rather cruise in an inside stateroom on Disney than another cruise line while our kids are small. The clubs seemed to have things our 10 year old would like (videogames, fooseball etc.) but they would not let my kids play them and instead forced then into group activities they described as “torture.” Our younger one hated that he was separated from his brothers (one club was age 7 and below, one was for 8 and up), plus the kids clubs were closed half the day and closed at 9pm each night so no going out in the evenings for mom and dad. Movies on the funnel vision were so often inappropriate for kids (sex, swearing, violence) that we found ourselves avoiding the lido deck entirely. There was usually only one or two family friend game shows/trivia per day and only one family friendly evening show on a 7 night cruise. We spent a lot of the sea days our room watching TV. Now others may have better experiences, but or may not be bothered by the things I listed, but that experience definitely made me come to the conclusion that DCL is best while the kids are little—we’ll have plenty of time to try to branch out to other lines when they are teens and later adults.

Now do I think you need to pay double on DCL for concierge? Absolutely not. The regular rooms are excellent, the regular service is top notch, the free food and soda at the buffet and pool deck is readily available so I don’t need concierge lounge breakfast and snacks, I couldn’t possibly drink enough free booze to justify the concierge upcharge, and castaway cay is heavenly even without a cabana.

Thank you for your insights- this confirms what DH and I were just talking about with other cruise lines.

 

[Mouse511]

Thanks for all the comments, opinions and help. We appreciate the feedback. We still have not decided if we are going to bite the bullet and do Concierge on the Wish yet, but we are getting close.
We would be traveling with just the two of us, we have no kids, but the main purpose of the trip would be relaxation and then we would spend Mon -Thurs at WDW.

Pricing out an Owners Suite on Royal on the Allure is 3k which offers 2 times the room space as DCL concierge room, which is still 1.6k cheaper than the Wish............so confusing on what to do.

My wallet says Allure - but we really want to try DCL, just not at that price.

 

[chaddow]

We are about to do our 3rd Concierge cruise on Disney Dream next week. We have done the Magic and Wonder. I think that doing concierge really just depends on what you want out of your vacation and what that means to you. It will be different for everyone. We really like being the first ones on the ship. Even after the lunch, which is where you meet your hosts, it is still pretty empty, so by 2pm we have already had lunch, done multiple water slides, been to our room, and explored the ship.

While on the ship, the lounge is a real plus for us. We love having a space to go that is more private, the happy hours each night are great, they had a drink cart on the Wonder that brought it to you each night around 5 before dinner, you get extended room service, first in the theater, better seating for sure at dinner, and getting on and off the ship for excursions or the final morning is a breeze.

One of the main reasons I like to do it as well is Castaway Cay and the Cabana. I really hate crowds and get a lot of anxiety about getting a good spot, etc. I know sounds dumb, but with two younger kids and a more laid back husband, I get this anxiety and it won't change. Having the Cabana is an absolute non-negotiable for me on our cruise and booking Concierge, at least on a non-Wish ship, all but ensures you will get one.

As our kids get older these preferences might change, but for now Concierge is well worth it to us. Everyone will have different preferences though of what what they want out of a vacation and I would say just make sure your vacation works for you and your family. I would also never consider doing it if you thought it would financially stretch you. It is a very nice splurge, but I only give this warning because I met someone on my last cruise that was oversharing how stressed she was about what she spent on the cruise for concierge.......to me that worry is not worth any "plus" you might get from it.

 

[Dug720]

Was just looking at msc yacht club. Any thoughts on that?

Make sure you know what the decor is you’re getting. Someone mainly on the Celebrity forums on Cruise Critic just did a Yacht Club sailing on one of their older ships and it was an assault to the eyes with the mid of patterns and such. Her room had zebra striped curtains, etc and a full-wall mirror at the foot of the bed.

Supposedly newer ships toned it down, but yikes what her pictures looked like.

 

[ofcabbagesandkings]

I haven't sailed other lines and have only sailed on DCL once, on the Wonder to Alaska in concierge. It was worth it for the 1 bedroom, we got double the space and double the width for our verandah, which was great because we had a still-napping 3 year old and spent a lot of time in our room just watching the Alaskan scenery go by. It was also great because we were guaranteed a private table at dinner, and we got first pick of the Palo times, the Glacier Explorer excursion (which got sold out), onboard Spa treatment times, and nursery bookings. We also were first to board, and enjoyed the Concierge lounge for the Nespresso, afternoon tea, cocktail hour, and private character meets.

All that said, I wouldn't book concierge again, post-Covid. The non-refundable policy doesn't make sense in today's world. If you don't need the space of a 1-bedroom suite, I don't think the uncharge is worth it for a room that is the same size of a non-concierge room. I'm Silver now and was able to get every special dinner, spa appointment, BBB booking etc all on my own for my cruise next week. I could maybe see myself paying at the port for an upgrade if it was available and reasonable, but I doubt that will be the case on the Wish since those rooms seem to be selling even at double the price.