Is Concierge worth the additional $$$?

[Disney_Princess83]

The important thing for the OP, though, is to read it all and figure out the answer "for her".

Exactly. That is what is comes down to. Since we are coming from Australia to do the cruise, we splurge for concierge. We book early so the cost wasn't that great. (When we booked Concierge the difference between a Family Room and One Bedroom Suite was $9 extra We booked the 1 Bedroom Suite. Both were concierge rooms though)

For everyone it's different based on their needs, financial situation and alot more

 

[phillygirl0567]

We are sailing off season which offsets the cost. For two connected suites (1-bdrm and Family) we paid $6100 for 4 adults; 2 teens on the 4-night. Because if the concierge status, we were able to get a cabana, even though I waited to reserve it. We are looking forward to it. This is our first time on the DCL concierge; we usually stay in 2 of the larger family cabins.

 

[Uncleromulus]

Hey Dis'ers, quick question. So I'm going to book my very first Disney Cruise and wanted to know as I make my selection is Concierge worth the additional cost? I know whenever we go to Disney World we always stay Club level and you get additional snacks, etc. at the resorts. What does Concierge onboard the ships provide that you feel this additional expense is well worth it? Thanks all for any feedback you can provide to assist in my decision making

~~Gina

We did Concierge our very first ever cruise--Fantasy last Oct.

Doubt we'd EVER sail non-concierge.

 

[pouncingpluto]

For us, it's more about the space than the concierge services. I don't foresee ever booking a Cat V (if I have that right-- the non-suite concierge staterooms). The concierge services and perks aren't enough value to make up the price difference for us. I'd rather effectively custom-build our own "luxury package" of treats by spending the money exactly how we want it-- excursions, merchandise, spa, etc.

That said, I'm VERY excited about our first one-bedroom suite on the Wonder in October. We really like not having to tiptoe around our sleeping daughter when we travel, and I'm looking forward to being able to share the living room with our friends in the connecting cat 4. But since we are paying the concierge price, we certainly plan to enjoy the extra services, and we were also able to book a cabana, which will come in handy with three preschoolers and an octogenarian in our group.

 

[Raenstoirm]

I can't comment on DCL since we are taking our first cruise this fall (regular balcony room), but if you are looking at other lines, Royal Caribbean concierge is worth the price and then some. We were on the Freedom of the Seas in May and every day, multiple times a day in fact, we had a "concierge is really worth the price" moment. I honestly don't know if we can cruise with them without going concierge again. That said, we cruised with them many times before in regular rooms and we didn't know what we were missing. So in short, don't do it! You won't know what you are missing.

 

[AliceIn]

I think the answer about worth is going to vary wildly from person to person. We opted to go with a Cat-V for our cruise that's upcoming this weekend. It looks to be a very full cruise, and I'm sure this is probably one of the busiest times to book a cruise. This is our first Disney cruise, so being able to pre-book activities really helped us out. My husband really doesn't like crowds and trying to maintain a space for our family of 5 at the beach. We were able to book a cabana which will give us a stress-free day. We both like the idea that if the ship gets overwhelming, we can retreat to the concierge lounge and sundeck for a little quiet relaxation. Once you add in all the coffee drinks (minimum of 4-5 per day) and 2 happy hours for cocktails, the upcharge didn't seem quite as much. We got our Cat-V at opening day price, and I saw that a Cat 4A would have been the same cost had we booked say in January of this year.

 

[bbn1122]

We will be on the Dream in 3 weeks, first time Concierge Cat V. I booked it last April for my DH, me and 2 sons. The cost was only about $450 to go from Family Stateroom to Concierge.....cost $2750 for 3 nights.

I could not pass it up....plus I really wanted to get a Cabana, which we did.

About a month ago we found out my older son will be able to go with us. It cost $845 to add him. We may be a little tight in the room now, but that okay....hoping to upgrade at port to 1 bedroom, but I do not think it going to happen.

My boys are older, so they will appreciate the lounge and extra services.
And from what I have read it sounds like it will be well worth the cost.

Now a 7 night during prime time cruising may be way out of our budget, so I am happy to have the opportunity to give Concierge a try.

Just praying and hoping for good weather ...

 

[sambycat]

We've done 7 cruises. I consider myself the type of person who likes all thing concierge but I can't see any real reason to do that on DCL save for wanting to try out one of those beautiful suites! We've done a cabana once, I personally don't see the point. I'd like to spend that $500 elsewhere and have never "needed" what they offer? Also not sure we "got" all the cabana perks we were paying for in terms of some people say there is rum drinks or this or that. It sure a lovely though!

 

[DISNEY FANTASY]

I am on the Magic at this moment and in concierge and they do so many extras they pick up on things said and then set things up for you, I was having this conversation with concierge about an hour ago.

They have set things up for me on this cruise that I will not post here just to say. I am very very happy. May not be done for everyone it's was is special for you.

 

[savage1117]

I am on the Magic at this moment and in concierge and they do so many extras they pick up on things said and then set things up for you, I was having this conversation with concierge about an hour ago. They have set things up for me on this cruise that I will not post here just to say. I am very very happy. May not be done for everyone it's was is special for you.

Is it wrong of me to actually want to know what they are helping you with?
We will be on the Fantasy in Nov. & staying in concierge room. I'd like to hear any feedback you would offer about concierge.

 

[DISNEY FANTASY]

Is it wrong of me to actually want to know what they are helping you with?
We will be on the Fantasy in Nov. & staying in concierge room. I'd like to hear any feedback you would offer about concierge.

Things are " tailor made" so it's not all on a set menu like a reduction on the Internet cost, or gifts each nice.

I am a happy bunny at the moment and my concierge host is very good. If I said what it would be unfair as everyone hear would say well he got it I want it.

I have cruised a number of times with DCL now Platinum each time you think you know it, they jump a step ahead of you,

Look all I would say isn't " angle" or " fish" for anything but if there is something that will genuinely improve your cruise, they might give you some pixie dust.

It's not about a " copy and paste" of the concierge offerings.

 

[huffjoann]

ok so what is the benefits? besides extra space.

on new ships, private deck?

not having to go to GS to do anything
private dinner table?
private character greet?
able to book cabana?
complimentary drinks? alchol or coffee?
some kinda private lounge area w buffet or something?
able to order Palo as room svc?
is there any reserved seating at the shows?

 

[jlemieu1]

ok so what is the benefits? besides extra space.

on new ships, private deck? YES, right above the lounge.

not having to go to GS to do anything I do like this one
private dinner table? No, but they usually seat you alone
private character greet? Yes, one time but random character.
able to book cabana? Yes???? first if put request in @ 125 days. They save one adult only one.
complimentary drinks? alchol or coffee? Yes, Yes and soda. Best machine on ship for coffee from what I hear.
some kinda private lounge area w buffet or something? They have a maybe 8ft. section with small plate snacks thru the day.
able to order Palo as room svc? Palo only in Cat. R, Cat. T MDR, Cat. V none.
is there any reserved seating at the shows? Nope

See above

 

[Disney_Princess83]

ok so what is the benefits? besides extra space.

on new ships, private deck? Yes there is a private deck upstairs. I wish there was more shade and a spa up there would be great. We didn't use this space that much.
not having to go to GS to do anything Yes
private dinner table? Yes
private character greet? Yes, we had Mickey but it can be Mickey, Donald, Goofy or Stitch. You won't know until they arrive.
able to book cabana? Yes
complimentary drinks? alchol or coffee? Yes. Coffee, bottled water, soft drink/soda and happy hour twice daily (before both dinner seatings)
some kinda private lounge area w buffet or something? Yes, the lounge is a great perk. On our At Sea day the ship was packed. It was nice to have the lounge to grab a drink, snack and relax for awhile.
able to order Palo as room svc? Only certain rooms can order this.
is there any reserved seating at the shows? No. I put this on our comment card

For me personally, the coffee machine is a huge perk. I need my morning coffee and not the drip coffee but a proper espresso coffee. If we hadn't had the lounge, I would have been buying 2-3 coffees daily from the Cove Cafe which adds up.

 

[bumbershoot]

Also not sure we "got" all the cabana perks we were paying for in terms of some people say there is rum drinks or this or that. It sure a lovely though!

I don't think there are alcoholic beverages included. The hosts will get them for you, but you pay.

Did you get the floats and snorkel equipment (and bike rental? I think? could be wrong)? That's included.

 

[DISNEY FANTASY]

I am on the Magic now in concierge and I was discussing this at lunchtime today.


The DCL concierge service has gone up a number of steps now, and they are really really impressive, they are listening to your needs and issues and then suddenly they surprise you again.

It's not about " fishing" for something but having the conversation with concierge and they then surprise you.

I am not sure if it's a new level of concierge or the fact we have the CEO Karl Holz in concierge this cruise but it's wonderful.

I can't post more as then any one reading here will expect it, and no surprise, but they are very accommodating.

My Travel Agent has been fantastic as well, again I can't tell you how as maybe all of his clients will want the same and that's not possible.

Sometimes here non concierge cruisers cut and paste the benefits from the DCL website, it's not about those basic services, people who have had extras will not post them as it's then the norm and everyone wants it and is disappointed if they do not get it, and non concierge may say hey how come they got that.

Hopes, dreams and needs, they will try to give you some magic. Ours do!

 

[kaseyC]

I am on the Magic now in concierge and I was discussing this at lunchtime today.


The DCL concierge service has gone up a number of steps now, and they are really really impressive, they are listening to your needs and issues and then suddenly they surprise you again.

It's not about " fishing" for something but having the conversation with concierge and they then surprise you.

I am not sure if it's a new level of concierge or the fact we have the CEO Karl Holz in concierge this cruise but it's wonderful.

I can't post more as then any one reading here will expect it, and no surprise, but they are very accommodating.

No, I don't think it's just because Mr. Holz is onboard. I've mentioned it in a number of posts since our EBTA in May. They have stepped up their game in terms of Concierge service on the classics. On the Magic at least it is no longer,one size fits all. Our experience this year was so much better than last year. The service is much more personal, intuitive and just overall outstanding.

Like you, I don't post all that was done for my family on the boards because it does cause others to expect exactly the same. The little surprises and cool extras were unique to my family based on our conversations and interactions with our concierge. The experiences of others may differ based on the needs of their family.

 

[1Winston]

I don't think there are alcoholic beverages included. The hosts will get them for you, but you pay.

Did you get the floats and snorkel equipment (and bike rental? I think? could be wrong)? That's included.

No you get free drinks twice a night That's one of the best parts

 

[Disney_Princess83]

No you get free drinks twice a night That's one of the best parts

I'm fairly sure the original response was specifically about the cabanas on Castaway, not in the Lounge.

 

[lymaniii]

We've done one cruise before. We got concierge and we're getting it again for our planned cruise. We like the lounge with its sodas and food right outside our door, and we liked the extra private deck which made my 3 little kids feel like VIPs. Our kids tend to get a little tired and mopey at times and we especially liked actually being on deck 11 and not needing to battle for elevators or take several flights of steps during big deck parties. That's a little thing I haven't seen mentioned much, but we really appreciated the location. Add to that less line-waiting to get on the boat and it's a nice addition for us.