by Michelle Ryan, Senior Travel Planner Let me start off this blog with a word of caution – once you choose to sail concierge on a Disney Cruise Line cruise – it is going to be very…..VERY…..difficult to go back to a regular stateroom. So……consider yourself warned, if you choose to upgrade your next sailing to include this INCREDIBLE experience. My family has now sailed concierge twice with Disney Cruise Line. It is a simply spectacular experience! It can also be expensive. Prices to sail concierge will vary quite a bit based on your destination, cruise length and number of people in your stateroom – as well as which concierge stateroom you select. As much as my family LOVES to sail concierge, the reality is that our family budget just won’t allow for it every time we travel – however, there are many families to can, and do, sail concierge every time they travel! Here are the reasons why we (and they) do it – EVERY chance we get!
Early Booking of Activities and Experiences: Shoreside Concierge Services accepts reservation requests from concierge guests 5 days prior to Platinum Castaway guests (guests who have sailed 10 times or more on Disney Cruise Line), giving those guests first option to book some of the most popular activities on board. Looking to secure that cabana on Castaway Cay or that character meet & greet? What about that appointment at the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique? Shoreside Concierge Services accepts, and books, those requests ahead of other guests – in the order they are received, beginning at midnight, 130 prior to sailing. Early Boarding Time: Concierge guests are the very first guests to board the ship. If you are anything like me, when I am on vacation, the last thing I want to do is wait any longer than necessary for my vacation to begin! As a concierge guest, you will be the first to board the ship – AND at most cruise terminals, there is a VIP reserved waiting area, prior to embarkation! In addition, you will have your own special line for check in – whisking you away to your magical vacation ahead of all other guests! (I mean, what’s not to love about that?) Concierge Embarkation Lunch: Now that you have boarded your magical Disney Cruise Line ship, ahead of all the other guests, you will have the option to attend a special concierge lunch. Concierge guests are seated and served with a similar sit down menu as the other restaurants, with your concierge team on hand to introduce themselves & make sure you have everything booked and ready for your vacation. At this lunch there are dedicated servers and bartenders & alcohol is included. The Concierge Lounge: All 5 Disney Cruise Line ships have concierge lounges. They are lovely spaces that are dedicated only to concierge guests. Lounges are open daily from 7am – 10pm and include “happy hour” (free alcohol) daily from 5pm to 10pm. In addition, throughout the day, there are food options (think tapas style) as well as desserts. You will always find at least one concierge host in the lounge. Concierge Hosts: Speaking of those Concierge Hosts – they are there ONLY for you – and the other concierge guests! They are there to help you with EVERY aspect of your vacation – NO NEED to EVER wait in line down in Guest Services! Do you want to add another excursion or on board activity to your itinerary? Simply head to the lounge and one of the hosts will assist you. Looking at apply a Disney Gift Card to your folio account? Yup! They can do that too! Want to schedule a spa service? Make a reservation at Palo or Remy? Yes & Yes! These spectacular hosts are there to make your cruise experience as seamless & magical as they can! Simply make your requests and, if they can do it for your family, they will! I honestly can not say enough about this amazing team – that has made our two concierge sailings the phenomenal experiences that they were! Private Sun Deck: All five Disney Cruise Line ships offer a private sun deck. They all vary in size and what they offer (check out the gorgeous new Disney Wish concierge sun deck) – but this dedicated space is always quieter than the main deck and offers plenty of seating. You will also find them set up with sunscreen & towels. Stateroom Amenities: Concierge staterooms vary by ship, but they all feature upgraded amenities. Enjoy upgraded linens and a pillow menu. That’s right – a pillow menu! Simply make your selection and your stateroom host delivers your preferred pillows! Sofas & chairs are upgraded in your stateroom as well as your bathroom décor. Also, look forward to your cabin fridge being stocked with Evian water, sodas and more! Extra Internet: Do you have heavy usage teenagers like me? Disney offers all guests in concierge a little free internet. Concierge Staterooms will get 100mg free – and those Royal Suites? They get unlimited internet throughout the sailing. Seriously – unlimited! Special Dining Opportunities: Guests staying concierge that feature a dining room in their stateroom (typically all but the Deluxe Family) can get breakfast, lunch or dinner, delivered. Staying in the Royal Suite? You can get a Palo dinner service in your dining room! We took advantage of this on our last sailing! My group was all adults except for my 17 year old daughter (who happens to be a decent foodie) so we jumped at the pre fixe dinner from Palo in our room. It was simply wonderful! Are you looking to sail on Disney Cruise Line? Contact us today and we can help you find the perfect itinerary & ship for your family! |
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