Concierge Lounge 101

[jules815]

All of our cruises for 2015 will be in Grand Suites on Brilliance, Liberty and Freedom. While I'm mostly aware of the benefits that come with being a Gold Card holder, I still have some questions since this will be a first for us.

 

Tipping: I would assume you tip the concierge at the end of the week just like waitstaff and cabin attendants. If they did something special during the week (I can't think of anything off the top of my head since we've never been in the concierge lounge) would it be appropriate to tip at the time of service? Is the concierge the one tending bar in the lounge or is there an assistant?

 

MTD Reservations: We've selected MTD for all of our cruises. We typically do late seating, but thought we'd try something different. I've read that the concierge can assist with these reservations as well. I'm not sure if this is something we'll use them for, but if we do, when would I give them our dining time request? This is where the entire MTD concept confuses me a little...the whole reservations thing. If we were in the lounge at 6:30 having a drink, could we tell the concierge at that time "we'd like to dine at 7:30?" or is this something you need to schedule earlier in the day? Can you request a different time each day? If we like our waitstaff in the MDR, can the concierge request we sit in the same area again? I don't want to do the wrong thing.

 

Dress Code: My cruise on Liberty in March is a spring break cruise and I'll be bringing my daughter and nephew; both 21 year old college students. Are dark dress jeans, a collared dress shirt and jacket acceptable as "business casual" for a young man?

 

One more question...I see that complimentary "luggage valet" service is a suite perk. Is this the same service where they take your bag on disembarkation day, and we don't see it again until we retrieve from baggage claim once we're home?

[scooter90]

The concierge normally has a desk in the CL lounge and is usually at that desk during the evening when the cocktail hour(s) are open. The concierge does not staff the bar...there will be a person from bar staff in the CL taking and making the drink orders.

 

If you use the concierge and wish to tip him/her, it is done at the end of the cruise.

 

MTD reservations....we have done these on the Freedom and the Explorer. Personally, I find it easier to just go on Royal's website and make my own MTD reservations long before we get on the ship. You can choose the day(s) you want to eat in the main dining room, the time(s) that match your schedule and omit those days if you are dining at a specialty restaurant or elsewhere. You can wait until you get on board, but by making a reservation we are assured the time(s) we want on the day(s) we want. The concierge can help you with those reservations, but he can't make tables appear in the dining room at a particular time if they are already booked for that time.

 

Your guests will be admitted to the dining room as long as they look presentable. We saw many jeans worn by men on our recent cruises. We've also seen some "sights" too. If your family is neatly dressed, they will be fine.

 

I have not used the luggage valet, but I understand it is taken from the hallway as usual and you don't see it again until you reach your destination. However, I believe this will only work if you have flights scheduled AFTER noon at your departure port/airport.

 

Have great cruises and let us know how you do!

[cruisenfever]

One more question...I see that complimentary "luggage valet" service is a suite perk. Is this the same service where they take your bag on disembarkation day, and we don't see it again until we retrieve from baggage claim once we're home?

That's correct, however your airline has to participate and your flight must leave no earlier than 11:30AM and that departure can change depending on the port.

 

From the RCI website regarding Luggage Valet

[MichaelCMTX]

Tipping: I would assume you tip the concierge at the end of the week just like waitstaff and cabin attendants. If they did something special during the week (I can't think of anything off the top of my head since we've never been in the concierge lounge) would it be appropriate to tip at the time of service? Is the concierge the one tending bar in the lounge or is there an assistant?

 

There was always typically a Concierge and an assistant who tended bar. Because neither was included in Automatic Gratuities we made sure to give something to both. Our CL Bartender on Radiance also worked the Casino on an earlier day shift and kept DW's glass full of free Lemon Drops and Cosmos, so a little tip-as-you-go to your CL bartender CAN have added benefits elsewhere.;)

 

MTD Reservations: We've selected MTD for all of our cruises. We typically do late seating, but thought we'd try something different. I've read that the concierge can assist with these reservations as well. I'm not sure if this is something we'll use them for, but if we do, when would I give them our dining time request? This is where the entire MTD concept confuses me a little...the whole reservations thing. If we were in the lounge at 6:30 having a drink, could we tell the concierge at that time "we'd like to dine at 7:30?" or is this something you need to schedule earlier in the day? Can you request a different time each day? If we like our waitstaff in the MDR, can the concierge request we sit in the same area again? I don't want to do the wrong thing.

 

Never did MTD but I've noted that I don't think we've ever had more than 90 mins advance notice that we wanted to do Specialty Dining and never has a Concierge told us "Sorry, I just couldn't make it happen." I don't know the full extent of their powers, but I know they seem to work wonders.

 

Dress Code: My cruise on Liberty in March is a spring break cruise and I'll be bringing my daughter and nephew; both 21 year old college students. Are dark dress jeans, a collared dress shirt and jacket acceptable as "business casual" for a young man?

 

...as they are for a man in his 40s with a similar mental age. I'd even call the jacket optional. I always take it a step over polo-n-khakis and consider my CL "uniform" on non-formal nights "good" jeans and a dress shirt or a nice dark turtleneck, and ALWAYS dress shoes or boots. Personal rule of thumb is I'd rather be the overdressed guy than the slob.

 

One more question...I see that complimentary "luggage valet" service is a suite perk. Is this the same service where they take your bag on disembarkation day, and we don't see it again until we retrieve from baggage claim once we're home?

 

Never had a chance to try it, because we've driven to 3 of 4 RCL Cruises, and the 4th involved Canada and Customs and they said Luggage Valet doesn't do that. We plan to give it a shot in January on IOS.

 

Enjoy your trips.

Edited October 19, 2014 by MichaelCMTX

[jules815]

Perfect. Thank you.

[SSVacation]

That's correct, however your airline has to participate and your flight must leave no earlier than 11:30AM and that departure can change depending on the port.

 

From the RCI website regarding Luggage Valet

 

Thank you for the info. We loved that service from San Juan but they stopped it years ago there.

Our next up ends in Port Canaveral so I will be sure to use it!

[MichaelCMTX]

I'll also add based on past experience a Concierge who was attentive and was able to help out a time or two got a better tip than one who spent the week in thrall of the P and D+ guests. I appreciate that they've been on a lot of RC trips, but appreciate that we had to open the wallet kinda wide for this one.

[cruisenfever]

Thank you for the info. We loved that service from San Juan but they stopped it years ago there.

Our next up ends in Port Canaveral so I will be sure to use it!

I believe that your flight must depart MCO no earlier than noon to take advantage of luggage valet.

[1ParticularHbr]

I'll also add based on past experience a Concierge who was attentive and was able to help out a time or two got a better tip than one who spent the week in thrall of the P and D+ guests. I appreciate that they've been on a lot of RC trips, but appreciate that we had to open the wallet kinda wide for this one.

 

I love how you worded that!

[spookwife]

 

Tipping: I would assume you tip the concierge at the end of the week just like waitstaff and cabin attendants. If they did something special during the week (I can't think of anything off the top of my head since we've never been in the concierge lounge) would it be appropriate to tip at the time of service? Is the concierge the one tending bar in the lounge or is there an assistant? very subjective. if you require the Concierge to jump through hoops or s/he saves the day in some spectacular fashion, by all means give them something at the end if you never use their services at all, then don't feel obligated. the drinks are served by bartenders assigned to the lounge. THEY will earn every single cent you choose to give them

 

MTD Reservations: We've selected MTD for all of our cruises. We typically do late seating, but thought we'd try something different. I've read that the concierge can assist with these reservations as well. I'm not sure if this is something we'll use them for, but if we do, when would I give them our dining time request? This is where the entire MTD concept confuses me a little...the whole reservations thing. If we were in the lounge at 6:30 having a drink, could we tell the concierge at that time "we'd like to dine at 7:30?" or is this something you need to schedule earlier in the day? Can you request a different time each day? If we like our waitstaff in the MDR, can the concierge request we sit in the same area again? I don't want to do the wrong thing. they can certainly make reservations for you, but be aware that they are not in the lounge all day.. only til about 11 am and during the cocktail hour. plus they can be very busy. we have used the Concierge to change our reservation time on the fly, or add people to our table. the maitre D' will be happy to seat you in the same section.

 

Dress Code: My cruise on Liberty in March is a spring break cruise and I'll be bringing my daughter and nephew; both 21 year old college students. Are dark dress jeans, a collared dress shirt and jacket acceptable as "business casual" for a young man? yes although Jeans will be too damn hot in my personal opinion

 

One more question...I see that complimentary "luggage valet" service is a suite perk. Is this the same service where they take your bag on disembarkation day, and we don't see it again until we retrieve from baggage claim once we're home? never had a ship that offered this so can't help

 

do take full advantage of the CL even during the day when it is not manned. the 24 hour coffee is nice plus the out of the way quiet is great for reading.

[gigglets]

do take full advantage of the CL even during the day when it is not manned. the 24 hour coffee is nice plus the out of the way quiet is great for reading.

 

Yes, yes, yes!!! I think this is one of my favorite things! You can view the menu for the evening while enjoying a cappuccino :).

 

Oh and they will give you priority departure when leaving the ship for some ports and usually for the disembarkation so you don't have to wait in as long lines.

[Folk Singer]

:) :)

Edited October 19, 2014 by Folk Singer

[PSCruiser]

I'll also add based on past experience a Concierge who was attentive and was able to help out a time or two got a better tip than one who spent the week in thrall of the P and D+ guests. I appreciate that they've been on a lot of RC trips, but appreciate that we had to open the wallet kinda wide for this one.

 

Really??? You want to steer this thread to that endless dispute??

[jules815]

Silly question, but is it possible to get a cup of tea in the concierge lounge. Everyone talks about the specialty coffee, but is tea also available?

[alfaeric]

Silly question, but is it possible to get a cup of tea in the concierge lounge. Everyone talks about the specialty coffee, but is tea also available?

 

IIRC, yes. I'm pretty sure I saw a box of tea selections in both the DL and CL that we've visited. And the coffee machine has an option for hot water.

 

Hopefully, a tea drinker will be able to confirm that observation, but I can't be 100% sure.

[Jiffymom]

If you are going to Caribbean a nice sundress for young ladies and guys mostly wear a Hawaiian shirt and jeans. Dress night the black jeans and shirt and tie are perfect.

We really enjoy the concierge lounge for evening cocktails. Nice group of people to meet and fun sharing stories of the shore excursions.

We usually make our own dinner reservation. Depends on the afternoon activities . We look and see what is going on before we call for our reservations the day prior.

 

Enjoy your GS its really so nice and the concierge lounge is a great perk. We usually give a small tip at the end.

[cruisegirl1]

IIRC, yes. I'm pretty sure I saw a box of tea selections in both the DL and CL that we've visited. And the coffee machine has an option for hot water.

 

Hopefully, a tea drinker will be able to confirm that observation, but I can't be 100% sure.

 

I can confirm that tea bags are available .

 

enjoy

M

[jules815]

I can confirm that tea bags are available .

 

enjoy

M

 

Great, thank you.