Your Guide to Concierge Class on the Disney Destiny
Contributed by Jenn Marrazzo
Sailing in concierge onboard a Disney Cruise Line ship, a new Disney ship at that, was definitely not on my bingo card. But, I was beyond lucky to be able to experience concierge services on the all-new Disney Destiny. While Disney is known for their service, amazing food and customer service, concierge took things to the next level. I’m here to break down what you need to know about concierge level on the Disney Destiny and if it’s actually worth that extra investment. Plus, I’ll highlight all the perks of this experience.
The Embarkation Day Difference
On any cruise, embarkation day is usually labeled as an exciting yet overwhelming experience. You have to rush to the port, you are whisked around the terminal and then you just have to wait for your boarding number to be called.
Well, sailing concierge changes that. During check-in, concierge guests are not given a port arrival time since they are allowed to arrive whenever they want. PERK #1!
Once you arrive at the port, in my case it was Port Everglades, there is a special line and check-in area for guests staying concierge. You are given a special golden sticker so that employees know you are concierge and then after a few photos, you are taken to the concierge lounge. PERK #2!
Concierge guests board after the Family of the Day and once whisked onboard, are treated to lunch in a different restaurant than everyone else. On the Disney Destiny, our concierge lunch was held in the Walt Disney side of 1923. While the lunch menu is the same as everyone else’s sit down menu in other restaurants for the welcome aboard lunch, concierge guests are treated to an alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverage of their choice with lunch. PERK #3!
As a concierge guest, you are given access to your cabin at 12:30 pm instead of the usual 1:30 pm, allowing you to enjoy your stateroom and not have to lug around your luggage as you explore. PERK #4!
As you can see, you’ve only been with Disney about an hour or two at this point and you’ve already experienced 4 major concierge perks.
The Concierge Cabins
On the Disney Destiny, I selected a Concierge Family Oceanview cabin that was located on Deck 11. This cabin was considered one of the 7 special staterooms onboard that are themed to The Incredibles. It is located directly below the concierge lounge and is situated at the very front of the ship, with a few other concierge cabins surrounding it. PERK #5!
This room was unique for a few reasons. It featured amazing floor-to-ceiling windows, offering us the same view as the captain and was a whopping 357 square feet. Configuration wise, this room featured a king bed, a single sofa bed, a single ceiling pull down bed and a lower wall pull-down bed. If you’ve been to Disney World, you know those famous murphy beds that they feature in many renovated rooms. That’s the same idea. The room also featured the classic Disney split bathroom design.
As a concierge guest, not only were we treated to amazing perks but also our very own amazing concierge stateroom host, Sachin, who was exclusively taking care of concierge cabins. He ensured all of the concierge amenities available to us were available and amazing. These amenities included:
A down duvet cover on the main bed
A selection of pillows from the Dream Pillow Menu
A personal robe and slippers for the duration of cruise
Complimentary 24 hour access to basic surf wi-fi per guest
Those little touches though made the difference. At night, a small mat saying good morning and good night was placed next to the bed with our slippers, our fridge was stocked with water and everything was always in order in the room. PERK #6!
The Concierge Lounge & Staff
As a concierge guest, you are able to enjoy exclusive access to the Concierge Lounge. The lounge features a full kitchen, fridges with drink options, snacks, seating, a wading pool and hot tubs and more. It’s truly a treat to visit the concierge lounge and enjoy the perks. PERK #7!
Guests in concierge also have access to your concierge team, who welcome you before stepping onboard and are available for all of your needs during the voyage. They can help with things such as reservations, special requests and even dining changes. The team onboard the Disney Destiny when I was there was fantastic and was led by Coryse was excellent and always ensured that you had anything that you needed. PERK #8!
Dinner & Drinks in the Concierge Lounge
Every evening between 5:00 pm and 10:00 pm, guests are encouraged to visit the Concierge Lounge for their Happy Hours. During this time, guests can get any type of drink they’d like including wine, beer and mixed drinks. These are all included in the cost of your cruise fare and are a great option before you go to dinner. PERK #9!
In addition, guests are welcome to enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner in the concierge lounge during the day, specifically on Wish Class ships. Onboard Wish Class ships, the lounge has a kitchen so you can have an assortment of hot dishes during each service, plus a variety of cold items and snacks. Keep in mind, non-Wish class ships do not have the hot kitchen options.
Personally, I enjoyed breakfast here each morning and it was so nice to not have to fight the crowds. Plus, guests have access to a fully stocked fridge with unlimited waters and soda as well as a coffee machine that makes all types of special coffees. Note that concierge doesn’t include coffees such as those at Cove Cafe. PERK #10!
Exclusive Merchandise
Concierge guests get access to a selection of merchandise with the concierge logo. Guests onboard the Destiny can find this merchandise in Treasures Untold behind the register. You are able to view all of the merchandise in the lounge itself, but keep in mind that this merchandise typically goes quickly so if there is something you want, make sure you visit the store early in your cruise. PERK #11!
Broadway-Show Exclusive Seating
Concierge guests get early access to the Broadway style shows. A ½ hour before showtime guests meet at the designated location and have first pick at seats. Plus, guests in concierge receive water and popcorn upon entry. On nights where there are shows like Hercules or Frozen, it is especially nice that you don’t have to fight the crowds for a seat. This perk is only available on Broadway style show nights- not other acts that might be onboard. PERK #12!
Priority Seating for Dinner
On ships with show dinners, such as Frozen or the Lion King, you’ll receive priority seating meaning your table will be right in front of the stage, in the action. This was actually something I wasn’t aware of prior to sailing in concierge. But, since we had concierge, we were placed in prime seating for these dining experiences. While she’s not exclusive to concierge, I do need to shout out Talya, our server who we’ve had on two separate cruises with Disney. She’s amazing so if you have a chance and she’s onboard, always ask for her. PERK #13!
Other Perks & Info
Concierge offers guests perks with the small details too. From character interactions in the lounge with free milkshakes to including sunscreen by the pool deck and a mat for your slippers, there are so many perks. In addition, concierge guests do get early access to booking experiences and cabanas too. PERK #14!
Gratuities are more in Concierge rooms. They are set at a recommended $27.25/night per guest. Included in this amount is for your stateroom host, dining staff and concierge staff. We tipped our teams more because of great service but it’s not required.
The Debarkation Day Difference
Debarkation is the worst part of the cruise… because it means it’s time to leave. As a concierge guest on the Disney Destiny, you are able to receive priority disembarkation until 8:30 am. You’ll meet in the lounge, and a member of staff will escort you to a special elevator where you’re taken to a dedicated line for disembarking the ship. While it stinks that you have to leave, they make it so easy to do so. PERK #15!
Who is Concierge Level Good For?
If you are someone looking for an elevated experience that makes you feel like you are on your own vacation, not a cruise ship with thousands of other people, then concierge is the splurge that you need to make for your vacation. While yes, it is absolutely an investment, you are getting so much for the price. If these perks mentioned above don’t excite you or interest you, then I would maybe skip concierge and put the money elsewhere for other experiences.
AMAAB Travel Advisor
Still not sure if concierge onboard Disney Cruise Line is right for you? Contact one of our A Mouse and A Beach Travel Agents who can help you decide if it’s the right choice.
Ready to start planning? Connect with an A Mouse and A Beach Travel Advisor.
Comments