Is Celebrity Cruise Lines' Concierge Class Worth It? A Comprehensive Evaluation

If you're considering a cruise with Celebrity Cruise Lines and debating whether to upgrade to Concierge Class, you're in the right place. In this blog post, we'll explore the value proposition of Celebrity Cruise Lines' Concierge Class and evaluate whether the added cost is worth it. We'll consider both the financial aspects and the overall enjoyment Concierge Class might provide. We'll break down the benefits, assign values to them, and share our personal insights to help you make an informed decision. So, let's dive in!

We love cruising and think we have some valuable insights to share with you. In a recent video (if you’re, more of a watcher than a reader, check it out here) we explore whether upgrading to Concierge Class on Celebrity Cruise Lines is worth it, breaking down various benefits and assigning values to them.

Today, we want to dive deep intoCelebrity Cruise Lines' Concierge Class. It's a topic that sparks heated debates among cruisers. Everyone seems to have an opinion on whether the added cost is worth it. So, we thought, why not take a closer look and offer our two cents? We'll consider both the financial aspects and the overall holiday enjoyment to give you a balanced perspective.

Let's break it down, shall we? We'll discuss the various perks, from free sparkling wine to a dedicated concierge and special events, and assign some values to them. Along the way, we'll also share our personal insights on whether we found them worth the extra splurge.

Free Sparkling Wine - Is it Worth It?

First up, the complimentary sparkling wine. If you were to purchase a bottle at the bar, it would set you back around $25 to $30, plus an additional $9.95 for delivery to your room. However, in Concierge Class, this little luxury is included. So, not only is there a tangible value here, but there's also that special feeling when you have it delivered to your room. It's like a comforting touch, a treat waiting for you, which can be quite delightful.

Sure, if you have a drinks package, you can get other beverages as part of it, but there's something about having that bottle of bubbly in your room that adds to the overall experience. We'll give this one a thumbs up for value.

Delectable Delights - A Nice Surprise

Next up, the daily delectables – those little treats left in your cabin each day. Now, these may not be everyone's cup of tea, but we found them to be a cute enhancement to the overall cabin experience. It's almost like getting the Retreat's leftovers from the day before – granted, perhaps the least popular leftovers, but still a nice touch.

The good thing is, you can actually request different treats like cookies or fruits if you're not a fan of the default selection. Pro tip: You can even hit up the buffet and bring down some snacks to your room if you're feeling adventurous. We'd give this a nod of approval for the smiles it brings us, especially on longer cruises.

Miscellaneous Perks - A Mixed Bag

Let's talk about the miscellaneous perks. These include plush bathrobes, upgraded toiletries, binoculars, a fancy shower head, and even an embossed card holder. The bathrobes are comfy and great for lounging around, especially when your luggage has already been taken on the last morning of your cruise.

As for the upgraded toiletries, they're high-end Apothecary products from New York – nice to have, even if we tend to bring our own preferred products. The binoculars can come in handy on certain cruises, like those in Alaska, where there's so much to see. However, the embossed card holder? Not quite sure what to do with it outside of your Celebrity Cruise – maybe a fancy gift for someone you like but not that much?

So, while these perks are nice, we're not exactly doing cartwheels over them, especially since they did away with the tote bag. But hey, plush bathrobes are a win for us!

Pillow Menu - The Unsung Hero

Now, let's talk about something that might seem like a throwaway but can make a big difference – the pillow menu. Yes, you heard that right – a menu for pillows. Having the option to choose the perfect pillow for a good night's sleep is fantastic.

We personally appreciate this as a convenience and a "fear of missing out" thing. It's reassuring to know that if you're not a fan of the standard feather pillow, you can opt for a Swedish pillow, a Swedish isotonic pillow, a hypoallergenic pillow, or even a body pillow. Plus, the surprise of coming back to your cabin with an array of pillows arranged artistically on your bed – it's a nice touch.

Considering the importance of a good night's sleep while on a cruise, we'd happily assign a value to this – it's like having good insurance for quality rest.

Dedicated Concierge - A Handy Helper

Now, let's chat about the dedicated concierge that comes with Concierge Class. This is indeed a helpful addition. It's great to have a separate office or a dedicated phone line to reach out to a concierge who can assist with various cruise-related matters.

These concierges can help you with Wi-Fi issues, cabin concerns, reservations, app problems, and even snagging last-minute bookings for restaurants or special events. They can act as a middleman to save you precious vacation time and resolve issues efficiently.

While it's not a personal concierge on par with a five-star hotel, it's a valuable service that can enhance your cruise experience, especially if you appreciate convenience and time-saving solutions. We'd value this at around $50.

Loyalty Points - For the Frequent Sailors

For those of you who cruise often, like us, the loyalty points can be a significant benefit. In Concierge Class, you earn five Captain's Club points per night, compared to three points in a standard Veranda stateroom. These points can fast-track your journey to higher tier status, unlocking discounts on Wi-Fi, laundry, and category upgrades.

It takes 150 points to reach the Select level, which is the second tier in the Captain's Club program. With Concierge Class, you'll get there faster, which can lead to more significant discounts and perks down the line. We'd assign a value of about $50 to this benefit.

Special Events - The Cherry on Top

Lastly, let's talk about the special events that come with Concierge Class. These can include a welcome aboard lunch, destination talks, and sometimes even exclusive tours or champagne toasts.

The welcome aboard lunch is a lovely touch, offering a prefixed menu on embarkation day. While it may not be a grand feast, it's a delightful way to start your cruise. Other events can provide unique experiences and insights into your cruise destination.

For the convenience and the chance to make your voyage even more memorable, we'd give this a value of around $75. After all, some of these events can be quite pricey if booked separately.

Priority Enhancements - Saving Precious Time

One more thing to consider is the priority enhancements that come with Concierge Class. These can include priority embarkation, disembarkation, and tendering. These perks can be invaluable when you want to maximize your time on the ship or in port.

Priority embarkation means less time waiting in lines, and priority disembarkation can make the dreaded last day of your cruise a bit more manageable. And let's not forget about tendering – it can be a game-changer for getting off the ship quickly when you're anchored at a port.

For the time saved alone, we'd value this benefit at approximately $100.

The Bottom Line - Is it Worth It?

Now, let's sum it all up. When you add up the values assigned to each benefit, Concierge Class on Celebrity Cruise Lines can provide an estimated total value of around $400. So, the big question is: is it worth it?

It really depends on your budget, preferences, and priorities. If you're a seasoned cruiser who values convenience, enjoys a few extra perks, and wants to fast-track your way to loyalty status, then Concierge Class might be a worthwhile splurge.

However, if you're cruising on a tighter budget, are uninterested in some of these perks, or simply prefer to spend your money on other cruise activities, then a standard cabin might suit you just fine.

In the end, Celebrity Cruise Lines offers fantastic experiences regardless of your stateroom choice. It's all about what enhances your cruise adventure and makes it unforgettable for you. So, weigh the options, consider your cruising style, and set sail with a smile – because no matter where you stay, cruising is always an amazing experience.

Happy cruising, fellow travelers, and we'll see you out there on the high seas! ⚓🚢🌊