charterman

Thanks to you all for posting replies. You've been very helpful!

I'm glad that no one mentioned "not booking Concierge". We might have scrapped the whole idea if that were the case.

You can't book their reservations, unless their booking window is also open. Concierge guests book at 120 days (well, really you let the shoreside Concierge hosts know what you want at 125 days and they book for you at 120 days out). First-time DCL cruisers (in non-concierge) cannot book anything until 75 days out from the cruise.

I totally get why I would not be able to book their onshore excursions. For Remy and Palo, if I can make our reservation ahead of our travel companions, am I booking for two and then increasing to four once they are paid and their window opens? Or does this fall into the "cross your fingers and hope they look the other way" category?

One thing to consider is whether this other family is enough of a "perfect match" that you'd consider sharing a royal suite with them. That would both reduce their cruise fare and put all the issues of "but what can I do that wouldn't alienate them" to bed.

It's interesting you mention the Royal Suite. We did think about this. But when we first researched, this room alone won't accommodate two families of five - ten total. We would need to book a connecting Concierge Room which would be more money than other options. But thanks for bringing it up.

In fact, my wife and I initially discussed paying the difference between non-concierge and concierge on their behalf. I think in an offpeak period (we are traveling peak season), the price difference is about $2,000. And we might have indeed paid that difference. But within the three week window that we are looking, the price difference is nearly $5,000. Much more than we would be willing to pay.

Would you both be staying at a Ritz-Carlton, just them in a basic room and you in a club level suite? Or would you be staying at a Ritz-Carlton while they'd be in a nearby JW Marriott (or more drastically, a Fairfield Inn)? And would both of you be comfortable with the different accommodations and treatment?

We have traveled together and I normally book their room with mine (in cash or points) and since they're both under my name, they get the same Platinum benefits. As a first time DCL, I have no such status.

Plus if you get a cabana they'll love that you chose concierge! haha.

This one perk is in the top three reasons for us to go Concierge! And it looks like the max occupancy for a cabana is ten, so this one perk they will most certainly be enjoying with us. This is written in full realization that I need to pay for four additional spots/wristbands.

...no matter how close you are' date=' some "apart time" is always a good thing. [/quote']

 

I think this idea is what will ultimately motivate us to move forward with concierge and non-concierge rooms. When we're not together, we'll simply remove ourselves to the lounge or sundeck. We may not get the "full benefit" of Concierge on our entire cruise, but I think that's okay.

 

Thanks again for everyone's input! :)

I hoping to hear a few more insights from other posters. We'll probably book our room within the next two weeks.

We are considering booking a cruise in the Concierge category. We are first time DCL cruisers but we are veterans using this mode of vacation.

We are asking another family to join us but we know they can’t afford the Concierge category. They are a family that is very similar to ours, in terms of numbers, ages, and boys/girls. Other than $$ - a perfect match. I’ve read so many boards and forums on the advantages of Concierge so we are definitely sold on the idea.

A couple of questions to those of you who have been on these cruises:

• Would we be jerks if we booked this and they couldn’t join us in the lounge or board early? In other words, is the difference noticeable once you’re all onboard?
  
• There seems to be some things we can book for them (character meets, Palo/Remy restaurant reservations, cabanas at the Castaway Cay) so long as we are all together. Is there a limit to how much “crossover” is allowed between non-concierge guests?
  
• Are there other options we haven’t thought of yet?
  

Thanks for the insights.

Charterman – first-time poster