Concierge or not?

We decided on a recent cruise to upgrade to Concierge at the port so we missed out on the early booking bonuses you get with it.

1. Spa Services: Navigating Relaxation

Cruise spas are an oasis of tranquility, but the key lies in unlocking their full potential. While booking through the lounge is an option, our recommendation is to head to the desk, especially after lunch when the early arrival window opens up. Pro tip: the Rainforest might not be a must if spa services are already booked, saving you both time and money.

2. Bookings: Mastering the Art

Booking can make or break your cruise experience, so let's break down the essentials. Prioritize the kids' club bookings to ensure your little ones have a blast. When it comes to rebooking and resolving issues, reaching out to the staff through the desk can be more effective. Additionally, while initial dining times are set at booking, using the concierge lounge offers you some flexibility. We were able to change to an earlier dining time, and snag Palo brunch on the ship. Something we have done on our non concierge trips but with a lot more trips to the booking desk at the restaurant.

3. Concierge Lounge: Your Haven of Tranquility

The concierge lounge often remains a hidden gem for many cruisers. In the midst of a crowded ship, this space becomes a haven of peace. Not only does it offer a welcome break, but it also provides an ideal setting to relax and unwind.

Grazing over Rotational Dining: Instead of adhering strictly to the ship's dining schedule, we discovered that the concierge lounge offered fantastic snack and light fare options. This allowed us to move at a more relaxed pace, synchronizing with character appearances, photo opportunities, and enjoying smaller, more manageable portion sizes.

Free Drinks: A Double-Edged Sword: While the allure of free drinks in the concierge lounge is undeniable, it comes with a caveat. Be mindful of overindulging, as the temptation can lead to unintended consequences. On our cruise, we found ourselves sipping more than usual, simply because it was available, delicious, and complimentary.

Navigating the Coffee Conundrum: The coffee machine in the concierge lounge can be a bit finicky. For coffee connoisseurs, it might be worth bypassing it and heading to the ship's coffee shop. Also, communicating your coffee preferences clearly to the staff ensures you get the brew you desire.

In conclusion, mastering the art of spa services, bookings, and leveraging the concierge lounge can elevate your cruise experience. By strategically navigating these onboard offerings, you'll unlock a world of relaxation, convenience, and indulgence, turning your cruise into an unforgettable journey. Bon voyage!

For us the best part of the concierge experience was the private deck area. It was frequently empty, well stocked with water, and the hot tub was my three year old's favorite 'pool' on any of the ships we have been on.