Becoming the Cruise Concierge Connoisseur!

​This particular blog topic is brought to you by my very own teen – Mackenzie Clark!!  As we are in the process of deciding what our next cruise option would be – a 5 OR 7 night Alaskan Cruise - my daughter came up with this little morsel.  “Mom, wouldn’t it be better for us to go on a 5 night cruise at the Concierge Level vs. a 7 night cruise – Non Concierge?”  Against my better judgement – I asked her to explain why she thought that.  Of course – she made perfect sense (now I have to go tell her that she might have a point).  In a nutshell – here are her top 5 reasons why everyone should become a “Cruise Concierge Connoisseur”!

#1:  Early booking window! 
​

​When you cruise concierge level, you get the advantage of requesting your on-board activities and excursions 125 days before your sail date.  These are submitted even before the Castaway Club members (those who have sailed on Disney Cruise Line multiple times).   If you are a first time (non-concierge) cruiser, the earliest you are able to sign up for activities would be 75 days before your departure date. 

As a result, many excursions, cabanas on Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay, or character activities could have booked by the time your booking window opens.  By cruising as a Concierge guest, your are much more likely to score the high demand excursions - like swimming with the dolphins, or a day at the Atlantis resort to
enjoy the water slides!!!

#2:  Exclusive Port Arrival / Check in 
​

​This is what is tipping the scale for me – the ease of check in the day that you arrive.  Concierge cruisers do NOT have to choose a Port Arrival time.  Instead, your group can arrive at any time and have access to a private check in area AND a private waiting area.  As soon as the ship is ready to board, a Cruise line representative will escort you through a roped off area to the front of the boarding line.  You will have your family picture taken and will be allowed to embark ahead of everyone in the general boarding lines.  No muss – no fuss - and most of all – no crowds!!!!

#3: Dedicated Concierge Team 
​

​Once you are on board – the service doesn’t stop!  You will have a Concierge team dedicated to making your stay even more enjoyable!!!  And if you are travelling with the very young, or elderly – travelling Concierge level is priceless.  Your team will make / change dining reservations for you, sign you up for on – board classes, take care of Photo Pass options, even help with clothing suggestions for brunch at Remy and Palo!
 

​While we were on board the Dream – one of our Concierge team overheard my grandmother make a comment about wishing she had a Caffeine Free Diet Coke.  Without being asked, he called every location on the ship and acquired Caffeine Free Diet Cokes for her and had them delivered to her stateroom.   I couldn’t believe the level of service that we were given – this was truly the “Disney Difference” that makes these trips
​so special!

#4:  Concierge lounge 
​

​Another one of my favorite parts about Concierge cruising is the Concierge Lounge.  On each ship, there is a private lounge accessible only to Concierge guests.  You use your Gold Key to the World card to gain entry and once you are inside – amazing things await!  Instead of navigating the morning crowds and paying large amounts for specialty coffee each morning – stroll to the lounge and take advantage of the free deluxe coffee machine.  Snacks and beverages are laid out all day for you to enjoy and one of your Concierge Team will be the host – if you don’t see something, let them know!  Enjoy complimentary cocktail hours before each evening dining and be sure to grab your complimentary popcorn at the lounge before you go the movies, instead of paying for it at the concession stand!

#5:  Express Debarkation
​

​Now it’s time to say, “See ya real soon” to Mickey – and your Concierge Team is there to make your Debarkation Day as smooth as possible.  You can take care of your on board account right there in the Concierge Lounge – no need to go to Guest Services for last minute items!  Once you have all your carry on luggage and are ready to leave – a member of your concierge will whisk you down an express elevator and lead you to the front of the line.  No waiting and no crowds again – heaven!! 

​I’m not sure I can say “No” to these arguments – this is definitely going to be a tough choice.  OK everyone -- time to weigh in - what direction you think the Clarks should take!