Why do you sail concierge?

[Shanti]

We have never sailed concierge but if we ever do the reason will be because we could afford it. As someone else said we'd also fly first class and stay at only the best hotels if we could afford it. Luckily we can afford verandah staterooms.

Yes, concierge is currently extremely expensive for the cruises we can take: during school vacation times only. It's twice the price or more than twice the price of non-concierge cabins, in many cases. I'm happy to just be able to cruise during school breaks. Concierge might be nice, but it's a non-necessity, unlike actually getting onboard the ship. We've had amazing cruises without it.

 

[ncurley]

We really enjoyed having a cabana and also using the hot tub on the concierge deck when we did our 4 night bahamas cruise on the Dream, but we only paid a few hundred dollars more than the verandah rate since it was a couple of years ago. Since then the concierge room prices seem to have increased astronomically, and while I enjoyed concierge I do not think it's worth anywhere near the price they are now charging, so we probably won't be booking concierge for our next cruise. I have a few placeholders booked, all for verandah rooms. For the premium they are charging we could buy our own hot tub and use for several years at home. (Seriously, the premium on concierge rooms is about $3k+ more than a verandah for most of the 7 day cruises, just not worth it in my opinion). We probably won't be able to get a cabana again, which was heavenly, but it was also more than $600. Next time we may just stay on the boat and ride the aquaduck and hopefully enjoy short lines. Again, there is a lot you can do with $600.... you could buy a nice padded chaise lounge to use at home year-round. I realize it's not the same as a tropical island, but I'd get weeks or months of use out of it, rather than a single day of enjoyment. It was a nice experience to do once, but I don't think I will be a repeat concierge customer unless they price them more reasonably.

 

[undertheradar]

Where do you draw the line? A two dollar deck of cards, a five dollar set of checkers. I think the concierge makes reservations and sees to it the services requested are granted. I don't think they should do your shopping as well. Just my opinion.

Oddly enough, the deck of cards was simply 'a request." The response was less than what should be expected from concierge. The response could have been worded so much better. Just my humble opinion!

 

[WiscMomof2]

I've sailed T's on the Magic twice before there was a concierge lounge), T's on Dream 3 times, and a V on Dream once.

Let me just share this: my husband "surprised" us for Christmas 2012 with a 1-bedroom upgrade on our January 2013. There was no lounge yet. My sons were 15 & 16 yrs old. We really loved our concierge host, Tawanda. Before there were lounges you were assigned a concierge & they brought the experience to you. We felt like Tawanda was family. Amazing fella. So, fast forward to this past May on Fantasy. My sons are now 19 & 21. Big fellas. I bet my youngest son is easily 3 feet taller than he was! The first night of our 3- night double dip on Fantasy we had dinner at Palo. Youngest son needed to step out to the men's room. He returned with a smile happily asking us, "Guess who I just bumped into when I walked out of the restaurant?" ???? "Tawanda! He saw me and called my name. I can't believe he recognized me AND remembered my name! He wants us to come up to the concierge lounge and see him. He wants to see everyone." WOW! That's impressive! But we weren't staying concierge and I couldn't really think of a way it'd be appropriate, ya know? Like I don't want to be where I shouldn't. I've been concierge. I respect that space & experience. I hoped we'd bump into him somehow. Such a short cruise, though, didn't seem so likely. ......... The story doesn't end here!

So the last morning (2nd Castaway stop) we were up early getting dressed to head out to the island for the day. It was like 7:30 in the morning. We heard a soft knock at our door. I looked out the peep-hole.....Tawanda! I flung the door open and hugs ensued! It was like long-lost family! He apologized (not necessary!) but said he was so afraid he'd miss us if he didn't get by to say hello. He actually stood outside the door contemplating knocking for several minutes before he heard us inside & went for the knock. LOL! Tawanda insisted we come up to the lounge that evening. I was very hesitant but he kept gushing and wouldn't hear "no". So, after I knew 2nd seating dinner had begun I called the concierge lounge to see if it was okay & let Tawanda know we were heading up. He was waiting to let us in. Pretty empty lounge. We sat together and had a lovely, lovely visit for the better part of 2 hours. If he needed to pause to take care of his guests that was fine. Shared pics of his children. Just an amazing visit. Truly a moment that we'll never forget.

Husband & I have been tossing around ideas for things to do in Sept 2018 for our 25th anniversary. We've looked at all sorts of out-there ideas. New things. Adventures. We were talking last week and both kind of arrived at the idea of sailing in a T on Fantasy. Have we been on that ship before? Yep. Have we sailed westerns before? Yep. Have we experienced Dream class concierge? Yep. It's not a new-exciting thing but it'd be an amazing, relaxing thing we'd both love. If Tawanda is still there (I'll find out, I have his email) it'll be all the better. Looks like this is what we'll do.

I can't put exactly to words why the upcharge to concierge is "worth it". It's everything yet nothing. It's a different experience. It's the awesome DCL experience but exponentially more. I've had other crew recognize us from past cruises but nothing ever like this. It speaks to the level of the experience for me.

And know this: this isn't the only time we've had this sort of experience with concierge hosts. They're just something entirely different.

That's such an amazing story! We were on that same cruise and Tawanda was a gem, as were Amanda and Kamesha. They truly treat you like family. To me, that level of service makes concierge worth it. Booking a category V for next May. Can't wait!

 

[wjs3]

HI:

9 pages in I think the OP has his/her question answered, but I can't stop myself...

I travel a ton (150-200 days per year ish). When I travel with my family, I want it to be worry free and elegant becasue it feels like I see them more on vacation than at home!

1) The best service
2) The best rooms
3) to be sure I can get the best experiences (early bookings, etc)
4) Someone to anticipate my needs
5) Receptions, lounges and other private areas/events (don't have to fight for deck chairs)

etc...And once you've gone concierge you can't go back, lol!


Wjs3

 

[Billinaz]

because when we travel we normally have 3-4 staterooms

Wow! 3 or 4 concierge rooms? Thats quite a bit. I hope you use Costco as your TA.... that has to be $3000 or $4000 in the incentive from them!