Concierge Perks?

[Maisie78]

I'll add that you're guaranteed to get a private table if sailing concierge. They'll also try to meet your requests for one of the restaurants (such as "near the talking Nemo in Animator's Palate" or "teacup table at Enchanted Garden"). They can't necessarily meet all the requests because it's a rotation & your table will have a certain number, but they'll at least try to meet one request.

Thanks. Good to know. On the first part, this will actually be our first time traveling only as an immediate family and without extended family and friends so that isn't even something I was actually thinking about.

 

[ChrisM]

I'll add that you're guaranteed to get a private table if sailing concierge. They'll also try to meet your requests for one of the restaurants (such as "near the talking Nemo in Animator's Palate" or "teacup table at Enchanted Garden"). They can't necessarily meet all the requests because it's a rotation & your table will have a certain number, but they'll at least try to meet one request.

If you're in a one bedroom you won't even need to ask about seating placement. They'll put you in the prime tables (talking Crush, teacups, etc) by default.

 

[John VN]

Quote to my wife after our first cruise in a Royal Suite on DCL: "Meh, I cannot imagine sailing concierge on Disney again unless I really want the cabin". After many sailings since, my opinion has mostly remained the same. The rationale is that the other cruise companies offer so much more than Disney for their "concierge" guests................................................

.............................I am sure there are many, many more that escape me at this moment.

Mostly, the concierge experience on DCL gets you access to a lounge with food that could otherwise be found at Cabanas and a complimentary happy hour. Oh, and some priority scheduling for a few things. Not much else. That is why I put a major premium on the cabin. I will only pay for concierge on DCL if I am in the cabin that I want to be in.

DWF

We've Concierge'd a Dream 1 Bedroom twice and now accept a smaller cabin on another line because for Thousand$ Le$$ >>> free drinks throughout the ship >>> WHENEVER, drinks replenished in our cabin daily, snacks replenished in our cabin daily, our own PRIVATE restaurant with piano or quartet, High Tea, a PORT TO STARBOARD inside area for the lounge with bar, a PRIVATE PORT TO STARBOARD outside section of deck for lounging plus a small pool and hot tubs and bar/grill, a "BUTLER ASSIGNED" in addition to Concierge, PRIVATE section of Cruise Line's Island with PRIVATE RESTAURANT and of course all drinks, BUTLER ESCORT to DINNER and tenders and shows (if we wanted), a designated area when returning to ship when at a Port , BUTLER ESCORT off ship for debarkation, wifi

 

[Cheburashka]

If you're in a one bedroom you won't even need to ask about seating placement. They'll put you in the prime tables (talking Crush, teacups, etc) by default.

I don't think there are enough teacup tables for everyone in a 1-bedroom or higher to automatically be placed in one. That's why asking is helpful.

 

[Cheburashka]

We've Concierge'd a Dream 1 Bedroom twice and now accept a smaller cabin on another line because for Thousand$ Le$$ >>> free drinks throughout the ship >>> WHENEVER, drinks replenished in our cabin daily, snacks replenished in our cabin daily, our own PRIVATE restaurant with piano or quartet, High Tea, a PORT TO STARBOARD inside area for the lounge with bar, a PRIVATE PORT TO STARBOARD outside section of deck for lounging plus a small pool and hot tubs and bar/grill, a "BUTLER ASSIGNED" in addition to Concierge, PRIVATE section of Cruise Line's Island with PRIVATE RESTAURANT and of course all drinks, BUTLER ESCORT to DINNER and tenders and shows (if we wanted), a designated area when returning to ship when at a Port , BUTLER ESCORT off ship for embarkation, wifi

How nice for you. Most posters on this Disney Cruise Line discussion thread want to talk about sailing with Disney, however.

 

[ofcabbagesandkings]

As new cruisers, sailing concierge got us dining and other reservations we could never get otherwise, being behind Platinum and Gold. But for me, the larger room was the main motivation. I don't know that I could justify one of the concierge rooms that is the same size as a regular family deluxe stateroom. My DH also really liked the lounge as a place to grab a coffee away from crowds.

 

[Trera]

I k

We've Concierge'd a Dream 1 Bedroom twice and now accept a smaller cabin on another line because for Thousand$ Le$$ >>> free drinks throughout the ship >>> WHENEVER, drinks replenished in our cabin daily, snacks replenished in our cabin daily, our own PRIVATE restaurant with piano or quartet, High Tea, a PORT TO STARBOARD inside area for the lounge with bar, a PRIVATE PORT TO STARBOARD outside section of deck for lounging plus a small pool and hot tubs and bar/grill, a "BUTLER ASSIGNED" in addition to Concierge, PRIVATE section of Cruise Line's Island with PRIVATE RESTAURANT and of course all drinks, BUTLER ESCORT to DINNER and tenders and shows (if we wanted), a designated area when returning to ship when at a Port , BUTLER ESCORT off ship for embarkation, wifi

I keep hearing how great concierge is on other lines but DCL's concierge service stays in demand. I think on all the Wish sailings, the concierge rooms are booked out.

They may not have butlers included with their service but we still like the service we get, room, lounge and other perks.

 

[Sanchez]

How nice for you. Most posters on this Disney Cruise Line discussion thread want to talk about sailing with Disney, however.

I think the comparison has significant value. People who have experience with and appreciate exceptional service and options may be disappointed with DCL's version of concierge. In my opinion, Disney hotels and DCL do not offer true concierge options and service when compared to others. This is a discussion forum and people should know that they are paying for five star service but not receiving the same.

This is not to disparage anyone's choices. If you enjoy DCL concierge then that is all that matters. But let's not be dishonest. "Free" mid-shelf liquor and the opportunity to pay $600-$1,000 for a cabana aren't really perks.

 

[MomOTwins]

We've Concierge'd a Dream 1 Bedroom twice and now accept a smaller cabin on another line because for Thousand$ Le$$ >>> free drinks throughout the ship >>> WHENEVER, drinks replenished in our cabin daily, snacks replenished in our cabin daily, our own PRIVATE restaurant with piano or quartet, High Tea, a PORT TO STARBOARD inside area for the lounge with bar, a PRIVATE PORT TO STARBOARD outside section of deck for lounging plus a small pool and hot tubs and bar/grill, a "BUTLER ASSIGNED" in addition to Concierge, PRIVATE section of Cruise Line's Island with PRIVATE RESTAURANT and of course all drinks, BUTLER ESCORT to DINNER and tenders and shows (if we wanted), a designated area when returning to ship when at a Port , BUTLER ESCORT off ship for embarkation, wifi

How nice for you. Most posters on this Disney Cruise Line discussion thread want to talk about sailing with Disney, however.

Though back to the subject of Disney, the Wish now has a port-to-starboard concierge lounge and sun deck, with a small pool and hot tubs.

We booked concierge for a 3-night on the Wish. My reasoning was that (1) the Wish is going to draw a higher percentage of Gold/Platinum cruises, and together with the increased concierge rooms, I was worried many activities/specialty dining would be sold out before I had a chance to book since I am just a Silver, and (2) we had booked our first concierge cruise in 2020 but of course it was cancelled, and I was feeling a bit sad when we had to give it up because the upcharge for concierge on our 2022 spring break recovery cruise was too much; (3) the Wish prices for concierge are much more reasonable than the other ships; and (4) FOMO. Number four by its own is probably sufficient. It's just a bucket list thing I want to do at some point.

In terms of the perks, when I was booking this last year, someone mentioned that at happy hour in the lounge, you are allowed/encourage, to take a glass of wine "to go" with you to dinner in the MDRs. It's a little thing but nice to know.

I am pretty excited to see the "Tangled" theme rooms on the Wish too. It is one of our family's favorite movies. They look so pretty!

 

[ChrisM]

I don't think there are enough teacup tables for everyone in a 1-bedroom or higher to automatically be placed in one. That's why asking is helpful.

Ah, you're right. There are what, 10-12 teacup tables? Times two seatings = 20-24 total. And 21(?) 1 bedroom or higher suites on the Dream class ships?

So it's close but depends on seating. We've never asked and have always been seated in one but won't be guaranteed.

I think they are cute but also really uncomfortable so there are pros and cons either way.

 

[disneywonderfun]

I think the comparison has significant value. People who have experience with and appreciate exceptional service and options may be disappointed with DCL's version of concierge. In my opinion, Disney hotels and DCL do not offer true concierge options and service when compared to others. This is a discussion forum and people should know that they are paying for five star service but not receiving the same.

This is not to disparage anyone's choices. If you enjoy DCL concierge then that is all that matters. But let's not be dishonest. "Free" mid-shelf liquor and the opportunity to pay $600-$1,000 for a cabana aren't really perks.

Perfect points! I am impressed with people who basically mention that they only have sailed DCL and that they are amazed at how great the concierge experience is. Although 75% of our cruises have been DCL, their concierge experience is weak. Exclusive restaurant for concierge guests was the main thing I was hoping for on the Wish. Not to be. Agree that the "perk" of being able to spend even more money through easier to schedule reservations (i.e. Remy, a cabana, etc) is not really a perk!

DWF

 

[Trera]

I think the comparison has significant value. People who have experience with and appreciate exceptional service and options may be disappointed with DCL's version of concierge. In my opinion, Disney hotels and DCL do not offer true concierge options and service when compared to others. This is a discussion forum and people should know that they are paying for five star service but not receiving the same.

This is not to disparage anyone's choices. If you enjoy DCL concierge then that is all that matters. But let's not be dishonest. "Free" mid-shelf liquor and the opportunity to pay $600-$1,000 for a cabana aren't really perks.

My experience with the liquor is that it is better than mid shelf. I have had Patron tequila and Woodford Bourbon. Have also had Moet Ice which is a nice champagne served over ice.

 

[Sanchez]

My experience with the liquor is that it is better than mid shelf. I have had Patron tequila and Woodford Bourbon. Have also had Moet Ice which is a nice champagne served over ice.

At less than $40 per bottle and commonly available I would say that those are the very definition of mid-shelf. But liquor brands are hardly the issue (though it does go toward proving the point that you are paying five star prices for three star service.) As @disneywonderfun pointed out, the primary benefit (other than a larger room - which does add value) is the opportunity to be first in line to pay for more services. Some may see those as perks.

I guess there are two ways to look at it. Are you receiving service above and beyond that of fellow DCL passengers? Certainly, though you can debate whether the "perks" are worth it. There will always be a market for those who want the best the ship/hotel/resort will offer relative to other guests.

The other way to look at it is whether DCL in general has a good concierge product in comparison to other cruise lines. I believe that the answer is a definitive no which means that they can do much better even though they are at a much higher price point. Some people just are not willing to pay a premium for what they consider to be a substandard product.

 

[John VN]

How nice for you. Most posters on this Disney Cruise Line discussion thread want to talk about sailing with Disney, however.

I simply expanded on the reply by disneywonderful mentioning our actual experience. IF DCL was to reduce pricing to something more inline with what its Concierge actually provides, we might return.

I think the comparison has significant value. People who have experience with and appreciate exceptional service and options may be disappointed with DCL's version of concierge. In my opinion, Disney hotels and DCL do not offer true concierge options and service when compared to others. This is a discussion forum and people should know that they are paying for five star service but not receiving the same.

This is not to disparage anyone's choices. If you enjoy DCL concierge then that is all that matters. But let's not be dishonest. "Free" mid-shelf liquor and the opportunity to pay $600-$1,000 for a cabana aren't really perks.

.........................................

The other way to look at it is whether DCL in general has a good concierge product in comparison to other cruise lines. I believe that the answer is a definitive no which means that they can do much better even though they are at a much higher price point. Some people just are not willing to pay a premium for what they consider to be a substandard product.

r.e. bold -- exactly why I posted our experience with another line's Concierge.

 

[JWG]

I never found concierge to be worth it for the exponential cost increase on the Dream class ships. If I can get two rooms for the price of one, I think you've outpriced me. Now, the premium on the Wish (at least in the first release) is not nearly as notable. I would have considered it if I could have gotten it but unfortunately it wasn't available for us when we booked.

I'm hopeful that things settle down and the high demand was not just the price point but the fact a lot of people have 125% FCC's ready to expire next year. With free food anywhere on the ship (including free room service) and our lack of care of getting a cabana at Castaway I don't think I can drink enough at the bars to offset the cost (and I try, trust me I try) of concierge.

What's helpful is, if we ever choose to try a different cruise line we're already paying concierge prices in a regular DCL room - so we'll get that experience there. I'm game to try RCL, but haven't been able to convince the wife to break away from Disney (which is ironic as I'm the Disney fan, not her).

 

[Sykes]

The other way to look at it is whether DCL in general has a good concierge product in comparison to other cruise lines. I believe that the answer is a definitive no which means that they can do much better even though they are at a much higher price point. Some people just are not willing to pay a premium for what they consider to be a substandard product.

To be fair, I'm not sure what incentive they have to improve the product if they're fairly successful at selling it as-is. While there are definitely exceptions (including the less expensive concierge rooms on Wish itineraries), they usually command a pretty hefty price premium even if the service isn't on-par with similar offerings from other cruise lines. And people really like it too. (I'm willing to pay it when I want a bigger room or if it's one of those situations where the price premium isn't that high.)

 

[JWG]

To be fair, I'm not sure what incentive they have to improve the product if they're fairly successful at selling it as-is. While there are definitely exceptions (including the less expensive concierge rooms on Wish itineraries), they usually command a pretty hefty price premium even if the service isn't on-par with similar offerings from other cruise lines. And people really like it too. (I'm willing to pay it when I want a bigger room or if it's one of those situations where the price premium isn't that high.)

This is a system wide issue for Disney. They can't provide 5-star hotel service, yet people book the Grand Floridian and concierge rooms at the various hotels. A lot of the food (especially breakfast) is marginal to standard across property at the restaurants yet people pay $60+ at Beauty and Beast and such. They don't have to improve the product because there is no incentive to do so. This seems true of the premium product on the cruise line as well.

 

[MomOTwins]

Have also had Moet Ice which is a nice champagne served over ice.

Ooooh! I get that every cruise and it is pricey. That is quite a perk in my book.

The Wish having such reasonable upcharge (about $300 a day for our family of 5, or $60 per person), my husband and I joked we might just be able to drink up the difference (our kids would just eat up their share in popcorn, only partly kidding there!)

 

[DisneyMusicMan]

Though back to the subject of Disney, the Wish now has a port-to-starboard concierge lounge and sun deck, with a small pool and hot tubs.

We booked concierge for a 3-night on the Wish. My reasoning was that (1) the Wish is going to draw a higher percentage of Gold/Platinum cruises, and together with the increased concierge rooms, I was worried many activities/specialty dining would be sold out before I had a chance to book since I am just a Silver, and (2) we had booked our first concierge cruise in 2020 but of course it was cancelled, and I was feeling a bit sad when we had to give it up because the upcharge for concierge on our 2022 spring break recovery cruise was too much; (3) the Wish prices for concierge are much more reasonable than the other ships; and (4) FOMO. Number four by its own is probably sufficient. It's just a bucket list thing I want to do at some point.

In terms of the perks, when I was booking this last year, someone mentioned that at happy hour in the lounge, you are allowed/encourage, to take a glass of wine "to go" with you to dinner in the MDRs. It's a little thing but nice to know.

I am pretty excited to see the "Tangled" theme rooms on the Wish too. It is one of our family's favorite

Ooooh! I get that every cruise and it is pricey. That is quite a perk in my book.

The Wish having such reasonable upcharge (about $300 a day for our family of 5, or $60 per person), my husband and I joked we might just be able to drink up the difference (our kids would just eat up their share in popcorn, only partly kidding there!)

we felt the same way. The premium was very reasonable for the concierge staterooms.

 

[Trera]

To be fair, I'm not sure what incentive they have to improve the product if they're fairly successful at selling it as-is. While there are definitely exceptions (including the less expensive concierge rooms on Wish itineraries), they usually command a pretty hefty price premium even if the service isn't on-par with similar offerings from other cruise lines. And people really like it too. (I'm willing to pay it when I want a bigger room or if it's one of those situations where the price premium isn't that high.)

We haven't been in concierge on other cruise lines so I wont compare the differences in service. What I do know is that DCL concierge makes our cruising experience more relaxed and enjoyable for our entire family. Some of the things we look forward to is the early boarding, early activity bookings, room ready right when we get on board, dedicated lounge to enjoy some family time outside the room, dinner time cocktails, concierge hosts making last minute changes to our itinerary/activities, and the "can do" attitude that they have when we come up with some crazy request. Our DD was 6 on our last cruise and she just turned 8 but still talks about some of the concierge hosts from time to time. They always remember her and make her feel special when they see her...............and having your kids feel happy and safe is another big plus for us. We love Glenn, G, Michelle, Julia, Ashley, Danny, Tracey, Andy and all the others. Some have moved on but hopefully most of them will find there way back once the ships start sailing again.

Overall I think DCL could make some small improvements here and there but we are happy with how things are or we wouldn't cruise with them. The overall service and cleanliness of the boats are appreciated and it is what keeps bringing us back.