Concierge vs. non. Is it worth it?

If it is standard, she should not have to ask.


If there is a tender, and you dont tell them you are concierge, you wont get taken to the front. If you are not there when they board concierge, there is no need to use the side door anymore, if you dont let them know you are participating in the priority walk off and meet in the lounge the last morning, you wont be there when they leave......nobody is going to beg you. The perks are there, if you dont make it known you want to take advantage of them then you wont get to partake.
 
If there is a tender, and you dont tell them you are concierge, you wont get taken to the front. If you are not there when they board concierge, there is no need to use the side door anymore, if you dont let them know you are participating in the priority walk off and meet in the lounge the last morning, you wont be there when they leave......nobody is going to beg you. The perks are there, if you dont make it known you want to take advantage of them then you wont get to partake.

The way you described it before, they automatically escort you to the various things. If it is truly "standard" they would notify everyone that this was available. You don't have to ask for things that are "standard practice".

There is a vast difference between perks that you have to ask for and "standard practice".
 
But that suggests DCL is at fault and is not perfect! Blasphemy. Blame the customer at all costs.

Not at all. I'm not blaming the guest. I'm saying that if something is "standard" it should be made known to all who are eligible that it is available. If people who should be eligible were not notified that it is available, that indicates that it is not truly "standard practice" but something others expect and assume is standard.
 
Not at all. I'm not blaming the guest. I'm saying that if something is "standard" it should be made known to all who are eligible that it is available. If people who should be eligible were not notified that it is available, that indicates that it is not truly "standard practice" but something others expect and assume is standard.
Not you...
 


The way you described it before, they automatically escort you to the various things. If it is truly "standard" they would notify everyone that this was available. You don't have to ask for things that are "standard practice".

There is a vast difference between perks that you have to ask for and "standard practice".


The concierge hosts will tell you everything available to you when they meet with you on embarkation.
 
The concierge hosts will tell you everything available to you when they meet with you on embarkation.

Kind of... they did have a folder with everything we had booked written down and some general info about lounge hours and offerings. They asked if there was anything more we would like them to try and book or any changes we needed. They didn't mention any of the perks you are about boarding/special lines and didn't offer it to us - we were sailing out of San Juan so maybe they don't do that there? We had no tender ports. Express walk off is available to all - though not guided to the head of the line - again they made no mention about a special way to get off the ship. We certainly didn't ask for one. When we DID ask for things, they were very accomodating. I requested bottled green tea prior to sailing and they had a case waiting for me (another trick you have to know ahead of time - they don't offer and may not accommodate it). When we wanted to check in for our flight home one of the hosts was happy to help us with it and even helped us take advantage of a last minute first class upgrade the airline offered for cheap which was great. Had we needed to wait until the next day at the airport it probably wouldn't have been offered. When the detergent machine in the laundry room broke down they gave us some dryer sheets for free to use. There are a lot of unspoken perks to concierge, probably because it does vary. Since it does vary, its really hard for people to justify the cost when they are looking for things written in black and white and they mostly get back anecdotes... my own included!
 
Last edited:


Kind of... they did have a folder with everything we had booked written down and some general info about lounge hours and offerings. They asked if there was anything more we would like them to try and book or any changes we needed. They didn't mention any of the perks you are about boarding/special lines and didn't offer it to us - we were sailing out of San Juan so maybe they don't do that there? We had no tender ports. Express walk off is available to all - though not guided to the head of the line - again they made no mention about a special way to get off the ship. We certainly didn't ask for one. When we DID ask for things, they were very accomodating. I requested bottled green tea prior to sailing and they had a case waiting for me (another trick you have to know ahead of time - they don't offer and may not accommodate it). When we wanted to check in for our flight home one of the hosts was happy to help us with it and even helped us take advantage of a last minute first class upgrade the airline offered for cheap which was great. Had we needed to wait until the next day at the airport it probably wouldn't have been offered. When the detergent machine in the laundry room broke down they gave us some dryer sheets for free to use. There are a lot of unspoken perks to concierge, probably because it does vary. Since it does vary, its really hard for people to justify the cost when they are looking for things written in black and white and they mostly get back anecdotes... my own included!


San Juan does not have the boarding set up the way it is in Port Canaveral so thats probably the reason that was different. The express walk off is available to all, but they had us meet in the lounge and they locked out the elevator so it would not stop on any floors. When we got to the lobby they had us follow them right to the doors, while there was a line waiting to exit.
 
San Juan does not have the boarding set up the way it is in Port Canaveral so thats probably the reason that was different. The express walk off is available to all, but they had us meet in the lounge and they locked out the elevator so it would not stop on any floors. When we got to the lobby they had us follow them right to the doors, while there was a line waiting to exit.

No, I don't believe boarding or disembarking at an alternate port caused the difference. We've boarded in Galveston and have boarded and disembarked in Barcelona and our Concierge hosts each time informed us of the boarding/special lines as well as the escorting us off at the different ports of call. I think in @AquaDame's case the concierge host just dropped the ball in informing her of all available perks.
 
There are over 40 concierge cabins on the Fantasy and 3 or 4 Concierge hosts. They can't camp outside your cabin waiting for you to request something. If you request something from them they will bend over backwards to accommodate you. If you tell them that you're going to use the tender, they will escort you. If you tell them what time you are disembarking they will escort you to the gangway. Do your home work before you travel, we take all year to plan and know what we are buying. I posted before but I'll mention it again. I travel with my wife, two grown daughters and one grandchild. We cruised in a one bedroom concierge cabin one year all 5 of us in the one cabin. By doing my homework, the next year we had a one bedroom concierge cabin, and the concierge family cabin next door for about $700 more than the price we paid for the one bedroom concierge cabin the year before. Plan and do the research get the best bang for your buck.
 
There are over 40 concierge cabins on the Fantasy and 3 or 4 Concierge hosts. They can't camp outside your cabin waiting for you to request something. If you request something from them they will bend over backwards to accommodate you. If you tell them that you're going to use the tender, they will escort you. If you tell them what time you are disembarking they will escort you to the gangway. Do your home work before you travel, we take all year to plan and know what we are buying. I posted before but I'll mention it again. I travel with my wife, two grown daughters and one grandchild. We cruised in a one bedroom concierge cabin one year all 5 of us in the one cabin. By doing my homework, the next year we had a one bedroom concierge cabin, and the concierge family cabin next door for about $700 more than the price we paid for the one bedroom concierge cabin the year before. Plan and do the research get the best bang for your buck.

I guess I see Concierge perks and service a bit differently. If you want or choose to do a lot of planning or "homework", that's fine. But, IMO, one of the reasons we pay a premium for concierge is for the perks and services to alleviate some of the planning and homework. There is nothing wrong with expecting your concierge team to inform you of all included perks without having to chase them down for them. It's part of the service we pay dearly for.
 
There are over 40 concierge cabins on the Fantasy and 3 or 4 Concierge hosts. They can't camp outside your cabin waiting for you to request something. If you request something from them they will bend over backwards to accommodate you. If you tell them that you're going to use the tender, they will escort you. If you tell them what time you are disembarking they will escort you to the gangway. Do your home work before you travel, we take all year to plan and know what we are buying. I posted before but I'll mention it again. I travel with my wife, two grown daughters and one grandchild. We cruised in a one bedroom concierge cabin one year all 5 of us in the one cabin. By doing my homework, the next year we had a one bedroom concierge cabin, and the concierge family cabin next door for about $700 more than the price we paid for the one bedroom concierge cabin the year before. Plan and do the research get the best bang for your buck.


Definitely have to do your homework. Concierge cabins are expensive. I missed on my first several cruises, but now I get at least $1000 back on each booking. I get $1265 this year and next years cruise as well. Those who dont look around just throw that away.
 
I just finished my first concierge cruise yesterday (7 day Fantasy Eastern Caribbean). It was my 18th Disney cruise, and my wife and I enjoyed it immensely.

Following are some of my observations:

1. Concierge hosts - they were extremely well-chosen, and knew how to customize the experience to the needs of each customer. Their service level was second to none. They would succeed in virtually any environment. They were conversant, but never impertinent. They were able to diffuse situations very deftly.

They played cards with travelers, at length - including both children and adults; they played with peoples' toddlers. They went to get shoes for me so I could go to Palo (I forgot to pack mine) - they went and brought me a pair from Palo and picked them up again. They keep the concierge lounge spotless. They served as Cabana hosts at Castaway Cay.

2. Guest services - you never have to go there when you sail concierge.

3. Future cruise bookings - the concierge hosts will do them for you in the concierge lounge.

4. Concierge bartender - pours good drinks. Quality of drinks at other onboard bars is iffy - sometimes alcohol content seems short or non-existent.

5. In room refrigerator - we asked for, and received, Dasani water (instead of Evian). They supply you with Cokes, Fanta Orange, Sprite, and diet drinks as well.

6. Castaway Cay cabana - the best part of the trip, far and away.

7. Soirees - there were two, one with a character appearance.

8. Cabin location - we were staying in category V (12528). It was right next to the exit, out onto deck 12. We could go get food on deck 11 (wraps, etc.) with very little trouble. Elevator in forward delivered us straight to the shows.

9. Elevators - the concierge hosts could wave a magic wand on elevators, and they would not stop at any other floors on your way down. That was really cool!

10. Macarons - they had 6 flavors every day. I would eat one of each flavor, and take several to go.

11. Concierge sun deck - very nice, with private hot tub, and access to adult deck on 13.

12. Coffee machine - it was great!

We plan to travel next time in non-concierge (July 7, 2019 five day double dip Bahamas), as up-charge for concierge is pretty steep. But, we really did like concierge.
 
I just finished my first concierge cruise yesterday (7 day Fantasy Eastern Caribbean). It was my 18th Disney cruise, and my wife and I enjoyed it immensely.

Following are some of my observations:

1. Concierge hosts - they were extremely well-chosen, and knew how to customize the experience to the needs of each customer. Their service level was second to none. They would succeed in virtually any environment. They were conversant, but never impertinent. They were able to diffuse situations very deftly.

They played cards with travelers, at length - including both children and adults; they played with peoples' toddlers. They went to get shoes for me so I could go to Palo (I forgot to pack mine) - they went and brought me a pair from Palo and picked them up again. They keep the concierge lounge spotless. They served as Cabana hosts at Castaway Cay.

2. Guest services - you never have to go there when you sail concierge.

3. Future cruise bookings - the concierge hosts will do them for you in the concierge lounge.

4. Concierge bartender - pours good drinks. Quality of drinks at other onboard bars is iffy - sometimes alcohol content seems short or non-existent.

5. In room refrigerator - we asked for, and received, Dasani water (instead of Evian). They supply you with Cokes, Fanta Orange, Sprite, and diet drinks as well.

6. Castaway Cay cabana - the best part of the trip, far and away.

7. Soirees - there were two, one with a character appearance.

8. Cabin location - we were staying in category V (12528). It was right next to the exit, out onto deck 12. We could go get food on deck 11 (wraps, etc.) with very little trouble. Elevator in forward delivered us straight to the shows.

9. Elevators - the concierge hosts could wave a magic wand on elevators, and they would not stop at any other floors on your way down. That was really cool!

10. Macarons - they had 6 flavors every day. I would eat one of each flavor, and take several to go.

11. Concierge sun deck - very nice, with private hot tub, and access to adult deck on 13.

12. Coffee machine - it was great!

We plan to travel next time in non-concierge (July 7, 2019 five day double dip Bahamas), as up-charge for concierge is pretty steep. But, we really did like concierge.

Wow...Thanks so much for all of the info!! We will be sailing on our 10th cruise in Concierge for the first time. A little 16 yr Wedding Anniversary gift. There was so much info you posted that I didn't know like Booking for another cruise. I've never had an issue booking while onboard anyway meaning no lines, no waits because I always go there the very first day.
How easy was it to grab a Cabana? knowing this will probably be our only time to get our hands on one, did you select a particular cabana or did they do it for you? Can you request any drink you like during the hours of 5PM and 10PM? Thanks again for posting.
 
How easy was it to grab a Cabana? knowing this will probably be our only time to get our hands on one, did you select a particular cabana or did they do it for you? Can you request any drink you like during the hours of 5PM and 10PM? Thanks again for posting.
If you send your request email at midnight on day 125, you should be able to secure a cabana. If you wait too long and are sailing on Dream and Fantasy, you might be out of luck. We always request a low number cabana (between 3 and 8), with the possibility to get any one on the family beach, and we’ve always had our request honored.

During happy hour, the bartender will do any drink that does not require a blender and that uses ingredients he has. If it’s available onboard, he should be able to get some by day 2 (a little tipping on the first night will go a long way...). We’ve had mojitos, whiskey sours and mimosas/bellinis, plus the wines they offer, especially the moscato. They usually pour heavy, so no need to ask for a double.
 
Wow...Thanks so much for all of the info!! We will be sailing on our 10th cruise in Concierge for the first time. A little 16 yr Wedding Anniversary gift. There was so much info you posted that I didn't know like Booking for another cruise. I've never had an issue booking while onboard anyway meaning no lines, no waits because I always go there the very first day.
How easy was it to grab a Cabana? knowing this will probably be our only time to get our hands on one, did you select a particular cabana or did they do it for you? Can you request any drink you like during the hours of 5PM and 10PM? Thanks again for posting.

We had no trouble getting a Cabana. We had actually requested on at Serenity Bay, but none were available. So, we got Cabana number 5 at the family beach. It was great. And, having read reviews, the customer experience for cabanas at Serenity Bay does not seem to be as good as the customer experience at the family beach.

Regarding drinks, my wife only got mojitos, and I only had champagne and beer.
 
I just finished my first concierge cruise yesterday (7 day Fantasy Eastern Caribbean). It was my 18th Disney cruise, and my wife and I enjoyed it immensely.

DH and I must have seen you there then! :cutie: We just got off the Fantasy day before yesterday and it was our first concierge experience as well. We found the service outstanding. One certainly pays dearly for it, but we were impressed. Our Cat "T" suite was amazing.

During happy hour, the bartender will do any drink that does not require a blender and that uses ingredients he has. If it’s available onboard, he should be able to get some by day 2 (a little tipping on the first night will go a long way...). We’ve had mojitos, whiskey sours and mimosas/bellinis, plus the wines they offer, especially the moscato. They usually pour heavy, so no need to ask for a double.

I agree with Marc D. Our bartender Ricardo was awesome. He got my DH his preferred bourbon after night 1 and when he made me a margarita, :drinking1 whoa! He did not spare the booze! Truthfully a bit strong for me but then again, I didn't need to get another drink that evening. ::yes::
 
How many Concierge Host 3 or 4? what are their names? we sailed in June, and will be going again in Dec.
Carolina was our bartender, she was awesome, I know the bartenders rotate more often.
 
We have been going concierge for a while now, but only on the Dream and the Fantasy. The 2 ships are very different as to the service. In our opinion the Dream wins by a long shot. Danny and his team always treat every guest with first class service. The Fantasy team seems like a training team. They really don't work well together and a lot of things which come naturally on the Dream are left out on the Fantasy. The advantages on both ships start with the shore side team. They will help with anything, trust me, I call the several times a week after booking starts. The next part is not having to wait in long lines. When boarding starts you can board the ship at any time. (you are escorted on). Once on the ship, your state room is ready (it is ready at 11:30). You can drop your bags in your room before headed out to meet the concierge team. When you meet them, they go over your itinerary and make sure everything is right. At any time you can add or change anything and they usually find a way to make it happen. In the main dinning room, it is said that concierge guest get priority service but I have never pid attention to this because either we are having a great time or exhausted from having a great time. The first time we tried room service we could not find the number, my DW call the concierge desk to get the number and was told the request goes through them, 10mins later there was a knock on the door. If the boat is making a stop where there is tendering, you get priority on that. Also one of the team joins you on castaway cay for anything you might need while at the cabanas. There is one night that you get a private character meeting on the sundeck. All the soft drinks, water, coffee, hot chocolate and sun screen are free. As well as the popcorn and mickey bars. You are given a limited addition print (I have spent a fortune on getting them framed) before you leave. At the end of your cruise you are escorted off the ship, around everybody else and your luggage is always ways to find in the donald duck area. This has been our normal routine. As it stands right now we are booked non-concierge for our next cruise in 2019 but that my change. So is it worth it, on the Dream, Yes on the Fantasy, maybe.
 
We have been going concierge for a while now, but only on the Dream and the Fantasy. The 2 ships are very different as to the service. In our opinion the Dream wins by a long shot. Danny and his team always treat every guest with first class service. The Fantasy team seems like a training team. They really don't work well together and a lot of things which come naturally on the Dream are left out on the Fantasy. The advantages on both ships start with the shore side team. They will help with anything, trust me, I call the several times a week after booking starts. The next part is not having to wait in long lines. When boarding starts you can board the ship at any time. (you are escorted on). Once on the ship, your state room is ready (it is ready at 11:30). You can drop your bags in your room before headed out to meet the concierge team. When you meet them, they go over your itinerary and make sure everything is right. At any time you can add or change anything and they usually find a way to make it happen. In the main dinning room, it is said that concierge guest get priority service but I have never pid attention to this because either we are having a great time or exhausted from having a great time. The first time we tried room service we could not find the number, my DW call the concierge desk to get the number and was told the request goes through them, 10mins later there was a knock on the door. If the boat is making a stop where there is tendering, you get priority on that. Also one of the team joins you on castaway cay for anything you might need while at the cabanas. There is one night that you get a private character meeting on the sundeck. All the soft drinks, water, coffee, hot chocolate and sun screen are free. As well as the popcorn and mickey bars. You are given a limited addition print (I have spent a fortune on getting them framed) before you leave. At the end of your cruise you are escorted off the ship, around everybody else and your luggage is always ways to find in the donald duck area. This has been our normal routine. As it stands right now we are booked non-concierge for our next cruise in 2019 but that my change. So is it worth it, on the Dream, Yes on the Fantasy, maybe.
Do they have aloe Vera gel on the sundeck too? I found a squeeze bottle of blue gel with a picture of Donald Duck on the tube and Disney Cruise Line but I don’t remember where we got it from.
 

GET A DISNEY VACATION QUOTE

Dreams Unlimited Travel is committed to providing you with the very best vacation planning experience possible. Our Vacation Planners are experts and will share their honest advice to help you have a magical vacation.

Let us help you with your next Disney Vacation!








Top