what does "concierge" actually get you?

[justmestace]

So I guess my answer to the OP's original question of "What does concierge get you"......
AN EMPTIER WALLET. Save your money, it really, honestly isn't worth it.

 

[pdwimmer]

Looks like you guys enjoyed the Roy as much as we did. The Roy on the Fantasy is tweaked even a little better (see my room report)

We told them in no uncertain terms that we we gonna be last off the ship and to be prepared to call security

Can you post a link to your report? We've only been on the Dream because we haven't been able to take a full week away. But with my new job I actually get paid vacation so we could probably swing it next year to go on the Fantasy.

 

[FJS961]

So I guess my answer to the OP's original question of "What does concierge get you"......
AN EMPTIER WALLET. Save your money, it really, honestly isn't worth it.

Worth it is totally subjective. I won't sail non concierge and I'll be doing so on other lines as well.

As Ferris Bueller said in reference to a Ferrari (my other guilty pleasure), "if you have the means, I highly suggest you pick one up"

 

[FJS961]

Can you post a link to your report? We've only been on the Dream because we haven't been able to take a full week away. But with my new job I actually get paid vacation so we could probably swing it next year to go on the Fantasy.

Just check the stateroom report tabs up top ,,, fantasy room 12502

 

[WinstonC]

Worth it is totally subjective. I won't sail non concierge and I'll be doing so on other lines as well.

As Ferris Bueller said in reference to a Ferrari (my other guilty pleasure), "if you have the means, I highly suggest you pick one up"

You and I are kindred spirits!

 

[mouseears1]

Worth it is totally subjective. I won't sail non concierge and I'll be doing so on other lines as well.

As Ferris Bueller said in reference to a Ferrari (my other guilty pleasure), "if you have the means, I highly suggest you pick one up"

My husband and I totally agree with you Happy sailing to you!

 

[justmestace]

Worth it is totally subjective. I won't sail non concierge and I'll be doing so on other lines as well.

As Ferris Bueller said in reference to a Ferrari (my other guilty pleasure), "if you have the means, I highly suggest you pick one up"

I guess what I should have said back there were a couple of things.

It WAS worth it when they had the two bedroom suites, and plenty of living space, when we traveled with our kids (the youngest of whom is now 19) and we wanted them in the same room with us, and didn't want to have to pay for two rooms to get the extra bathrooms and beds so that everyone could be comfortable, get ready for dinner, etc. We wouldn't have done it on the newer ships.....the layout, to me, stinks. The only nice plus is the hot tub on the verandah, but when the ship is moving and the wind is blowing, that's not much of a plus....we've had rooms on NCL with those. And seeing pictures of people letting their kids sit at the hot tub with food makes me . Now I wouldn't want to get in one, no matter how much someone swears they didn't spill or that housekeeping cleans them.

Also....and this is as honest as you'll see me in all the years I've been on this Board...... One of the biggest reasons (besides the kids) that I used to insist (like you) that I had the money, and might as well enjoy it....was far more truthfully that I liked the superiority being in concierge made me feel. I was spending that money on something that in hindsight, was really a waste, just so that I could say I WAS IN CONCIERGE. Whoop de doop de doo. And I have to admit, I'm so glad I'm not of that mindset any more.

I used to look down my nose at some of the other people in concierge, because they had to "share" the room with another family to make it affordable. Or because they acted like total snobs who thought they owned the ship. And one day, I realized that while I was pointing that one finger at those people, several other of my own fingers were pointed right back at ME.

Could I still afford it? Yes. Could I have just bought a brand new Ferrari, Jag, Mercedes, Beemer....you name it.....rather than the more reasonable small SUV that I just bought? Yes. But now, to me, a car is just a car. It would be just as easy to own a cheaper car and post my tax returns in the window to prove I have money. Except I don't feel the need to prove anything to anyone any more. I grew up and out of that.

So anyway....that was just me being totally honest.

 

[janpluto]

Does a cat V give you access to the concierge deck/lounge?

Yes it does.

 

[FJS961]

I guess what I should have said back there were a couple of things.

It WAS worth it when they had the two bedroom suites, and plenty of living space, when we traveled with our kids (the youngest of whom is now 19) and we wanted them in the same room with us, and didn't want to have to pay for two rooms to get the extra bathrooms and beds so that everyone could be comfortable, get ready for dinner, etc. We wouldn't have done it on the newer ships.....the layout, to me, stinks. The only nice plus is the hot tub on the verandah, but when the ship is moving and the wind is blowing, that's not much of a plus....we've had rooms on NCL with those. And seeing pictures of people letting their kids sit at the hot tub with food makes me . Now I wouldn't want to get in one, no matter how much someone swears they didn't spill or that housekeeping cleans them.

Also....and this is as honest as you'll see me in all the years I've been on this Board...... One of the biggest reasons (besides the kids) that I used to insist (like you) that I had the money, and might as well enjoy it....was far more truthfully that I liked the superiority being in concierge made me feel. I was spending that money on something that in hindsight, was really a waste, just so that I could say I WAS IN CONCIERGE. Whoop de doop de doo. And I have to admit, I'm so glad I'm not of that mindset any more.

I used to look down my nose at some of the other people in concierge, because they had to "share" the room with another family to make it affordable. Or because they acted like total snobs who thought they owned the ship. And one day, I realized that while I was pointing that one finger at those people, several other of my own fingers were pointed right back at ME.

Could I still afford it? Yes. Could I have just bought a brand new Ferrari, Jag, Mercedes, Beemer....you name it.....rather than the more reasonable small SUV that I just bought? Yes. But now, to me, a car is just a car. It would be just as easy to own a cheaper car and post my tax returns in the window to prove I have money. Except I don't feel the need to prove anything to anyone any more. I grew up and out of that.

So anyway....that was just me being totally honest.

I see your point(s).

From a practical standpoint, I dislike very much that they have done away with the 2 bedroom concept on the new ships. I also don't like where the pricing has gone as it is at the point where I can't justify peak prices either for repeating the same itinerary too many times. I am looking forward to paying less and getting more with concierge on other lines as well.

Shame on me if I am just fueling a superiority complex but I feel I am more so enjoying the fruits of my labor. I have developed a taste for a luxury lifestyle. I work hard and when I go on vacation I want it to be as stress free as possible, I want to relax and be catered to, pampered.

Motor sports is a hobby of mine. I take cars on the track. My daily driver is an Audi S4 which serves me well, practical yet sporty. The Ferrari is my dream car. It is not just a car to me. It is not 'transportation.' It is a hobby car, like a boat with 4 wheels. I drive it for pleasure only and use it at charity events to help generate money for worthy causes.

My kids are still relatively young and relatively cheap. Down the road I may or may not have the disposable income I have now to do certain things I want. I will adjust accordingly. Although the way I feel about cars, can't see scaling back too much

 

[disneyholic family]

Only for some people. My first 7 or 8 Disney cruises were all in concierge...a couple of times in the Walt, once in the Roy, twice in the Cat 2....all when they were still TWO BEDROOM SUITES.....and also in the aft H/C suites.
The rest of my 11 or 12 Disney cruises weren't concierge, and I had just as good a time.

Concierge doesn't MAKE the cruise. YOU make the cruise.

We've done concierge on other lines, and THOSE are the ones that will spoil you. Disney has a long way to go yet, to get up to par with the other cruise lines where concierge is concerned. And the others are less expensive.
But I've also cruised the other lines in less expensive, non-concierge rooms and also had a blast.
I could take it or leave it. Especially if it means more money to either cruise more often, or take trips to other places.

yes, other cruise lines have superior concierge perks and for much less money than DCL...

 

[justmestace]

I see your point(s).

From a practical standpoint, I dislike very much that they have done away with the 2 bedroom concept on the new ships. I also don't like where the pricing has gone as it is at the point where I can't justify peak prices either for repeating the same itinerary too many times. I am looking forward to paying less and getting more with concierge on other lines as well.

Shame on me if I am just fueling a superiority complex but I feel I am more so enjoying the fruits of my labor. I have developed a taste for a luxury lifestyle. I work hard and when I go on vacation I want it to be as stress free as possible, I want to relax and be catered to, pampered.

Motor sports is a hobby of mine. I take cars on the track. My daily driver is an Audi S4 which serves me well, practical yet sporty. The Ferrari is my dream car. It is not just a car to me. It is not 'transportation.' It is a hobby car, like a boat with 4 wheels. I drive it for pleasure only and use it at charity events to help generate money for worthy causes.

My kids are still relatively young and relatively cheap. Down the road I may or may not have the disposable income I have now to do certain things I want. I will adjust accordingly. Although the way I feel about cars, can't see scaling back too much

Yep...the kids getting older definitely factors in. Paying for weddings (one of them on DCL, another a "destination" wedding), college, higher car insurance, etc......makes a BIG difference in how I look at things.
I love cars. My favorite scent is "new car"....not perfume...just give me "new car scent"......but in my life, anyway, certain events have made a big change in how I see things. For me, it was a good change in the long run.

 

[ashleyt]

We were in concierge this past March in the Roy suite. We enjoyed the cruise, but what we enjoyed was everything outside the room and off the concierge floor.

We also drink very little, don't snack, and prefer privacy from ship staff to doting. Despite that, we thought we'd try it out as we have the means, but the value really wasn't there.

After a series of well timed business ventures with a healthy dose of luck, money is literally no object for our family and never will be.

However, wasting money is not how we like to roll. There are many other far worthier causes on our horizon than disney shareholders.

It was worth trying, but not worth repeating.

To each their own.

 

[Bonniec]

yes, other cruise lines have superior concierge perks and for much less money than DCL...

I'd love to hear some example! We plan our first trip to be Disney concierge. But after 1 or 2 cruises I want to move on and try other things. DH is only interested in concierge (and we do have children). What other concierge lines are worth looking at? (You can PM me if you want to keep the thread on topic)

 

[TrustMeMom]

I guess what I should have said back there were a couple of things.

It WAS worth it when they had the two bedroom suites, and plenty of living space, when we traveled with our kids (the youngest of whom is now 19) and we wanted them in the same room with us, and didn't want to have to pay for two rooms to get the extra bathrooms and beds so that everyone could be comfortable, get ready for dinner, etc. We wouldn't have done it on the newer ships.....the layout, to me, stinks. The only nice plus is the hot tub on the verandah, but when the ship is moving and the wind is blowing, that's not much of a plus....we've had rooms on NCL with those. And seeing pictures of people letting their kids sit at the hot tub with food makes me . Now I wouldn't want to get in one, no matter how much someone swears they didn't spill or that housekeeping cleans them.

Also....and this is as honest as you'll see me in all the years I've been on this Board...... One of the biggest reasons (besides the kids) that I used to insist (like you) that I had the money, and might as well enjoy it....was far more truthfully that I liked the superiority being in concierge made me feel. I was spending that money on something that in hindsight, was really a waste, just so that I could say I WAS IN CONCIERGE. Whoop de doop de doo. And I have to admit, I'm so glad I'm not of that mindset any more.

I used to look down my nose at some of the other people in concierge, because they had to "share" the room with another family to make it affordable. Or because they acted like total snobs who thought they owned the ship. And one day, I realized that while I was pointing that one finger at those people, several other of my own fingers were pointed right back at ME.

Could I still afford it? Yes. Could I have just bought a brand new Ferrari, Jag, Mercedes, Beemer....you name it.....rather than the more reasonable small SUV that I just bought? Yes. But now, to me, a car is just a car. It would be just as easy to own a cheaper car and post my tax returns in the window to prove I have money. Except I don't feel the need to prove anything to anyone any more. I grew up and out of that.

So anyway....that was just me being totally honest.

I appreciate your honesty. I have only been on one cruise, non-concierge, so can't opine on the differences. For me, it is not a question of means, but rather value - and all of the posts on here have helped me define that to my satisfaction. So, thanks very much for your input. I could see a scenario where it would make sense for us, but not normally.

I think it depends a lot on the "why" one sails concierge - what is important about that experience to a particular traveler. Choosing concierge for the exlusiveness is as valid a reason as any other, regardless of how readers may feel about that choice. For me personally, it is not a reason I would choose, but I respect others rights to make that choice. I also could see how those cruisers would be more upset if they are paying full price and others get in at a significantly reduced upgrade at port situation.

I didn't mean to digress. Really just wanted to say thanks for being so honest, it is refreshing!

 

[justmestace]

I'd love to hear some example! We plan our first trip to be Disney concierge. But after 1 or 2 cruises I want to move on and try other things. DH is only interested in concierge (and we do have children). What other concierge lines are worth looking at? (You can PM me if you want to keep the thread on topic)

All of the Norwegian and Princess ships have concierge, and depending on the itinerary and the type of room, they'll be less $$$ than Disney.

A lot of the Norwegian ships have the Courtyard area....swimming pool, hot tub, sauna, exercise equipment, lounge area, private outdoor viewing deck and then also the food and drinks set up....these are on the Jewel Class ships and on the Epic and Breakaway. Most of the rest of their ships at least have suites with concierge. The suites on NCL's Jewel Class also have butlers, Keurig coffee/latte machines (huge plus over DCL to me, since they don't have any kind of coffee makers in their rooms) and mini-fridge.
Anyway, without going into more detail, you can check them out on NCL's website.

 

[pdwimmer]

I guess what I should have said back there were a couple of things.

It WAS worth it when they had the two bedroom suites, and plenty of living space, when we traveled with our kids (the youngest of whom is now 19) and we wanted them in the same room with us, and didn't want to have to pay for two rooms to get the extra bathrooms and beds so that everyone could be comfortable, get ready for dinner, etc. We wouldn't have done it on the newer ships.....the layout, to me, stinks. The only nice plus is the hot tub on the verandah, but when the ship is moving and the wind is blowing, that's not much of a plus....we've had rooms on NCL with those. And seeing pictures of people letting their kids sit at the hot tub with food makes me . Now I wouldn't want to get in one, no matter how much someone swears they didn't spill or that housekeeping cleans them.

Also....and this is as honest as you'll see me in all the years I've been on this Board...... One of the biggest reasons (besides the kids) that I used to insist (like you) that I had the money, and might as well enjoy it....was far more truthfully that I liked the superiority being in concierge made me feel. I was spending that money on something that in hindsight, was really a waste, just so that I could say I WAS IN CONCIERGE. Whoop de doop de doo. And I have to admit, I'm so glad I'm not of that mindset any more.

I used to look down my nose at some of the other people in concierge, because they had to "share" the room with another family to make it affordable. Or because they acted like total snobs who thought they owned the ship. And one day, I realized that while I was pointing that one finger at those people, several other of my own fingers were pointed right back at ME.

Could I still afford it? Yes. Could I have just bought a brand new Ferrari, Jag, Mercedes, Beemer....you name it.....rather than the more reasonable small SUV that I just bought? Yes. But now, to me, a car is just a car. It would be just as easy to own a cheaper car and post my tax returns in the window to prove I have money. Except I don't feel the need to prove anything to anyone any more. I grew up and out of that.

So anyway....that was just me being totally honest.

Yes, everyone travels for different reasons. Our reason was to hopefully celebrate two grandpas (my dad and my father in-law) remission from cancer. My dad didn't make it, my father in law did. We don't ever splurge on anything. We keep a tight budget. But for us this was a way to give everyone a goal to reach for. It wasn't a status symbol, a way to make us better than everyone else, but a way to give an emotional boost to the family in an extremely difficult time.

Never presume to know other people's objectives.

 

[justmestace]

Yes, everyone travels for different reasons. Our reason was to hopefully celebrate two grandpas (my dad and my father in-law) remission from cancer. My dad didn't make it, my father in law did. We don't ever splurge on anything. We keep a tight budget. But for us this was a way to give everyone a goal to reach for. It wasn't a status symbol, a way to make us better than everyone else, but a way to give an emotional boost to the family in an extremely difficult time.

Never presume to know other people's objectives.

I wasn't. I was speaking of myself only. If we'd only ever cruised concierge once...or even twice...to celebrate something special, that would be a whole different story. But that wasn't the way it was for me, and it probably isn't the way it is for some people.
I'm pretty sure that people who've been on the DIS for a long time have, at one time or another, seen someone who is doing nothing more than "bragging" about being in concierge or snagging a cabana now that they have those. Some do, some don't. That's all.

In fact, I don't see that I said anything about anyone else.

A step further....
I've been flown to Vegas, picked up by limo's, put up in THE nicest suites in the larger hotels. I ate it up.
Then, my priorities changed. For one thing, my daughter now has two sons, and they live in another state. I chose to start going to see them, rather than going to Vegas every couple of weekends. You know what happened? The offers quit coming. People who used to fawn over me up there, hosts who even invited me to their homes, quit calling. They didn't like ME. They didn't respect ME. They were doing a job. Just like concierge. And as soon as I was gone, someone else foolish enough to toss their money away replaced me. All I can say is that I'm honestly happier now than I was back then. I like ME. I respect MYSELF.

 

[pdwimmer]

I wasn't. I was speaking of myself only. If we'd only ever cruised concierge once...or even twice...to celebrate something special, that would be a whole different story. But that wasn't the way it was for me, and it probably isn't the way it is for some people.
I'm pretty sure that people who've been on the DIS for a long time have, at one time or another, seen someone who is doing nothing more than "bragging" about being in concierge or snagging a cabana now that they have those. Some do, some don't. That's all.

Sorry, that wasn't directed at you. I was just trying to put my comment in the proper context. Everyone does things for different reasons and no one else can even imagine why. Life throws us all curve balls and we do the best we can.

In any event, to everyone out there, enjoy your life, be good to others and be thankful for what you have as it may be gone at any moment.

Happy Sailing!

 

[disneyholic family]

I'd love to hear some example! We plan our first trip to be Disney concierge. But after 1 or 2 cruises I want to move on and try other things. DH is only interested in concierge (and we do have children). What other concierge lines are worth looking at? (You can PM me if you want to keep the thread on topic)

RCCL has a nice concierge product - on the oasis class ships, they hold special areas reserved in the theaters for concierge guests (DCL doesn't, something that i very much miss)...
and RCCL concierge is cheaper than DCL.....

and there are cruise lines where the concierge guests have lounges and deck areas with a view (not inside as on DCL)...

a number of months ago, there was a nice comparison article on cruise.com.
I'll see if i can find the link.

 

[justmestace]

RCCL has a nice concierge product - on the oasis class ships, they hold special areas reserved in the theaters for concierge guests (DCL doesn't, something that i very much miss)...
and RCCL concierge is cheaper than DCL.....

and there are cruise lines where the concierge guests have lounges and deck areas with a view (not inside as on DCL)...

a number of months ago, there was a nice comparison article on cruise.com.
I'll see if i can find the link.

NCL has these. With lots of chairs and hammocks.

I've never cruised on RCCL...I'd like to, but most likely I won't get that chance. I'd be happy with a nice balcony room. But I think I've used up my cruise allotment for the next few years anyway.