Is Concierge Level worth it on an Alaska cruise?

[tcufrog]

Last September we took a 4 day cruise on the Disney Dream. We booked a Concierge Suite room even though we didn't care about the concierge services because the layout of the suite we chose was the best choice for our family. Well, to our surprise we loved the Concierge services. We didn't use the room service but we loved being able to board more quickly and we used the lounge a lot. My older son sometimes finds loud, crowded places overwhelming so it was nice for him to have a place to decompress besides our room.

I mentioned to my dh that I really wanted for us to save for a Disney Alaska cruise next summer so he decided to check on the prices for them without talking to me. He was disappointed to discover how much more a Concierge Suite would be than a regular suite. I was wondering whether those who have experienced both thought Concierge on an Alaska cruise is worth it. I will have a 9 year old and 5 year old boy at that time if it matters.

 

[Ofinn]

Worth is subjective. We have stayed concierge level at WDW many times and I loved it, but I really didn't miss it when we stayed in a regular room. I flat out can't afford concierge on DCL, but if I could I would do it. I always say plan the best vacation that you can afford. If it's something you can afford without being it being a financial burden I would do it.

 

[dcassetta]

It sounds like there were two things that you enjoyed about sailing on the Dream. One was the layout of your cabin itself, and the other was the concierge lounge. One thing to keep in mind when sailing to Alaska, is that the Wonder, at this time, does not have the concierge lounge and sun deck that the Dream does. There has been some discussion at the Wonder might be getting a concierge lounge, but it doesn't have one right now and might not have one when you take your trip to Alaska.They do have concierge suite cabins, with more space, and some of the other amenities you enjoyed like boarding first.

 

[DISNEY FANTASY]

Yes yes yes, there are hidden extra benefits that unless you have been concierge in Alaska you may not know.

On Tracy Arm day concierge were invited to a private forward officers deck, on 7 and we could go freely port and star it'd, had characters and tea and coffee, worth It just for that.

We were looked after all of the time, Google Alaska Walt and whales blog to see.

 

[poison ivy]

After sailing the Dream concierge we looked into it for Alaska and couldn't justify the upcharge for a private Tracy Arm viewing spot and what appeared to be only a couple of designated receptions and some small plated daily food items delivered to our room. I'm sure there is that "level of service" benefit but Alaska is such a great cruise in and of itself this wasn't something we needed or missed.

 

[DISNEY FANTASY]

After sailing the Dream concierge we looked into it for Alaska and couldn't justify the upcharge for a private Tracy Arm viewing spot and what appeared to be only a couple of designated receptions and some small plated daily food items delivered to our room. I'm sure there is that "level of service" benefit but Alaska is such a great cruise in and of itself this wasn't something we needed or missed.

It is a lot more than that, pre dinner drinks, gifts, coffee at cove cafe, we had a big crate of bottled water given. There is planning support, we got two palo brunches, we had palo dinner in our room. There is hot breakfast in room, dinner in room, and help and advice.

 

[poison ivy]

yes, but Disney Fantasy weren't you in a Royal Suite? I would expect nothing less and I'm not sure that applies to all concierge staterooms on the Wonder.

 

[phinz]

I can't justify a $5000 (minimum) upcharge for private viewing, characters, free drinks on occasion, some water in my room, 300 more square feet (since we're rarely in the room anyway) a possible extra Palo dinner, room service, etc. I've sailed Concierge twice on the big boats, and both times were wonderful, but the value was there given the relatively small difference in upcharge (relative to the Alaska upcharge), the lounge, the easy access to cabana reservations, etc., but a classic ship in Alaska? Nope. Not worth it for me. I get why some like it, but I can think of more things to do with $5k, like stay in Vancouver for another week and a half after getting off the ship.

 

[poison ivy]

FWIW - our cruise hosted a FREE private reception for gold and platinum CC members held on the first at Sea day which included food, drinks and photos with the characters in their Alaskan outfits.

 

[tcufrog]

A concierge room will cost at least $6,000.00 more. It will definitely be larger and more comfortable but that money could be used for a week of shore excursions before we ever even cruised if we wished. Who knows when we'll get another chance to go to Alaska?