CC Concierge class vs. Verandah, Opinions Wanted.

awsmpa · #1 (**permalink**) June 4th, 2009, 08:40 PM

Any feedback appreciated, I have booked CC class on Infinity, but reconsidering after reading a review that it wasn't worth the extra cost.
I am paying additional $600 for two of us on a 13 day cruise in Nov. 2009.
Only other balcony rm I have had was on Carnival Pride, and was plenty roomy for us.

joeyanddavid · #2 (**permalink**) June 5th, 2009, 09:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by awsmpa

Any feedback appreciated, I have booked CC class on Infinity, but reconsidering after reading a review that it wasn't worth the extra cost.
I am paying additional $600 for two of us on a 13 day cruise in Nov. 2009.
Only other balcony rm I have had was on Carnival Pride, and was plenty roomy for us.

Personally I feel the amenities in Concierge class is with the additional money.. the anything breakfast menu.. the upgrade on linens.. the perks outweigh the negatives..we are on this sailing as well (out of Miami?)and we booked CC as we have done on most of our Celebrity crusies..[/list]

CruisingChick · #3 (**permalink**) June 5th, 2009, 11:52 AM

I don't feel that it's worth $600 more. JMO though.

We've stayed in insides, CC class and oceanviews.

The only time we've had CC rooms is when we have booked guaranteed verandas and we've been assigned a CC class. Then it's worth it.

dkjretired · #4 (**permalink**) June 5th, 2009, 12:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CruisingChick

I don't feel that it's worth $600 more. JMO though.

We've stayed in insides, CC class and oceanviews.

The only time we've had CC rooms is when we have booked guaranteed verandas and we've been assigned a CC class. Then it's worth it.

I agree, they may be nice to have and a couple of the amenities are nice but are they $600 nicer. For some they probably are but not for me.

Don

joeyanddavid · #5 (**permalink**) June 5th, 2009, 12:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dkjretired

Quote:

Originally Posted by CruisingChick

I don't feel that it's worth $600 more. JMO though.

We've stayed in insides, CC class and oceanviews.

The only time we've had CC rooms is when we have booked guaranteed verandas and we've been assigned a CC class. Then it's worth it.

I agree, they may be nice to have and a couple of the amenities are nice but are they $600 nicer. For some they probably are but not for me.

Don

For us yes.. we tend to book afts and use the cabin quite a bit..in all fairness.. if it wasn't an aft cabin .. it would be a tougher sell..

Parrot Mom · #6 (**permalink**) June 5th, 2009, 10:45 PM

As much as I love the CC class I don't think it would be worth it unless it's a VERY SPECIAL OCCASION.. That's alot of $$. I would never, ever stay in an inside cabin anymore and the least I would book is a veranda

Manuel · #7 (**permalink**) June 7th, 2009, 05:04 AM

For me it's worth the extra cost, and I will book it again on my next Celebrity cruise.

TM

jacdenv24 · #8 (**permalink**) June 7th, 2009, 08:16 AM

We're going on the Mercury in Nov. We booked last Jan. when the itinerary was first announced (it's new and wasn't in the brochure) We decided on a balcony (our first!) and I was surprised to note that CC Class was only $100 P.P more than a balcony so booked one on the Penthouse deck. Then discovered that there are 4 CC cabins on the Sky deck so switched to that. A month later, the price went up-CCs are now only $100 LESS than a Sky Suite. It will be interesting to see just what the perks really are-I'm sure they will be worth the extra $200 we paid-not so sure about $600. I'll report back in Dec!

joeyanddavid · #9 (**permalink**) June 7th, 2009, 10:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jacdenv24

We're going on the Mercury in Nov. We booked last Jan. when the itinerary was first announced (it's new and wasn't in the brochure) We decided on a balcony (our first!) and I was surprised to note that CC Class was only $100 P.P more than a balcony so booked one on the Penthouse deck. Then discovered that there are 4 CC cabins on the Sky deck so switched to that. A month later, the price went up-CCs are now only $100 LESS than a Sky Suite. It will be interesting to see just what the perks really are-I'm sure they will be worth the extra $200 we paid-not so sure about $600. I'll report back in Dec!

You will love the sky deck those verandas are HUGE!

jacdenv24 · #10 (**permalink**) June 7th, 2009, 11:38 AM

Quote:

You will love the sky deck those verandas are HUGE!

Really? That's a bonus! I knew the Sky Suite balconies where larger but didn't realize the CCs were. I can hardly wait 8)

joeyanddavid · #11 (**permalink**) June 14th, 2009, 11:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jacdenv24

Quote:

You will love the sky deck those verandas are HUGE!

Really? That's a bonus! I knew the Sky Suite balconies where larger but didn't realize the CCs were. I can hardly wait 8)

Yes other than Aft cabins which are primarily Concierge.. the balconies on sky are lets say "well sized" and are IMHO considered a premium...especally if you are one that does spend time and enjoys dining on the verandah ..

Trackypup · #12 (**permalink**) June 15th, 2009, 06:45 PM

I'd pay $600 extra for an Aft CC but or one of the sides beside the suites on 6 but certainly not any of the others.

Triton · #13 (**permalink**) June 17th, 2009, 05:20 PM

Concierge Class is worth every penny, IMO. I was shocked to read that it's $600 more?!? We've only paid between $200-$400 more for CC. It's a good chance that you are also upgrading your cabin as well. There are two categories for Concierge Class. Additionally, you may not have been at the top rung in your standard veranda cabin, which is why it's costing $300 each.

Some, not all of the verandas are larger. If you enjoy extra large verandas, PM me. I'm happy to share what I know and the CC cabins I've stayed in.

The extra touches you get with Concierge Class are just wonderful. We have only stayed in a non-CC cabin one time. Last year my partner's parent's celebrated their 50th and took 21 of us on a cruise. Although the cabin itself was fairly similar, we missed out BIG TIME on the following ammenities:

• Welcome champagne !!
•Extended Room Service Menu (the best we've seen on any cruiseline)
• Daily fruit selection
• Fresh-cut flowers
• Daily hors d'oeuvres
• Menu of pillows - Conformance, Body, Goose, and Isotonic®
• Duvets and pillow-top mattresses
• Leather key holder, personalized stationery and a tote bag
• Double-thick Frette bathrobes
• Hansgrohe® showerhead
• Mini high-powered binoculars (we use on every cruise!)
• VIP invitations to events
• Early embarkation and debarkation
• Dining and seating preference
• Preference on shore excursions
• Express luggage delivery

joeyanddavid · #14 (**permalink**) June 17th, 2009, 08:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jacdenv24

We're going on the Mercury in Nov.

Quote:

Originally Posted by joeyanddavid

You will love the sky deck those verandas are HUGE!

Triton · #15 (**permalink**) June 18th, 2009, 12:01 AM

I want to go! lol

Joey, we were on the Mercury, and in a Sky Suite but our veranda was not that deep. Is this picture Aft? Those verandas are much different, but soooo nice.

joeyanddavid · #16 (**permalink**) June 18th, 2009, 08:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Triton

I want to go! lol

Joey, we were on the Mercury, and in a Sky Suite but our veranda was not that deep. Is this picture Aft? Those verandas are much different, but soooo nice.

I should have verified ..my apologies ...yes it is an AFT veranda on the Millennium to be exact or the Summit we had 9162 on both cruises.. our next on the Connie we moved down one deck to 8170...I guess what i wanted the OP to notice was although the sky verandas may not be as deep they are considerable larger than the "normal Veranda"

jacdenv24 · #17 (**permalink**) June 18th, 2009, 09:05 AM

Holy Cow! That veranda is bigger than any cabin I've ever had.

We have booked 1201 on the Sky Deck (Mercury). I din't think the veranda will be THAT big but it does look deeper than the CCs on the Penthouse deck. Whatever, it's our first balcony and we can't wait!

joeyanddavid · #18 (**permalink**) June 18th, 2009, 09:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jacdenv24

Holy Cow! That veranda is bigger than any cabin I've ever had.

We have booked 1201 on the Sky Deck (Mercury). I din't think the veranda will be THAT big but it does look deeper than the CCs on the Penthouse deck. Whatever, it's our first balcony and we can't wait!

One word of advice.... it may be hard .... try not and get spoiled!

Triton · #19 (**permalink**) June 18th, 2009, 09:38 PM

Joey is right...you WILL become spoiled with the Veranda. Good for you two!!!

There is nothing more wonderful than....
1) Watching the "sail-away" from your own veranda.
2) Enjoying a cocktail and watching the sun set, with the sea drifting by.
3) Enjoying breakfast outside on your veranda in the morning.
4) Feeling the peace and quiet during the day if you want to relax and just sun or read a book...or watch the rain fall.

dkjretired · #20 (**permalink**) June 19th, 2009, 08:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jacdenv24

Holy Cow! That veranda is bigger than any cabin I've ever had.

We have booked 1201 on the Sky Deck (Mercury). I din't think the veranda will be THAT big but it does look deeper than the CCs on the Penthouse deck. Whatever, it's our first balcony and we can't wait!

The Veranda for 1201 on Mercury may well be as big as the one shown in the picture but the configuration is a little different. Great cabin, great location, you will love it.

Don

jacdenv24 · #21 (**permalink**) June 19th, 2009, 08:56 AM

Quote:

Great cabin, great location, you will love it

Besides the veranda, what I'm really looking forward to is being up so high. Having previously been in outside cabins, we've always been situated on the lowest 2 passenger decks-watching the waves go by!
I'm looking forward to that great view from above-and taking advantage of those binoculars!

jacdenv24 · #22 (**permalink**) June 19th, 2009, 08:58 AM

OOPS! I have SUCH a hard time with this "quote" tihingy!

Rev22:17 · #23 (**permalink**) July 2nd, 2009, 05:29 PM

awsmpa,

Quote:

Originally Posted by You

Any feedback appreciated, I have booked CC class on Infinity, but reconsidering after reading a review that it wasn't worth the extra cost.
I am paying additional $600 for two of us on a 13 day cruise in Nov. 2009.
Only other balcony rm I have had was on Carnival Pride, and was plenty roomy for us.

I'm reminded of a story about a newspaper ad that promised to send the secret of success to anybody who sent in ten dollars. Those who sent in the specified amount received a card with a fish hook attached, imprinted with the words "Fish for suckers."

And yes, the major cruise lines do it very well!

What does "conceirge class" provide? A different wrapper on your soap (it seems to be the same soap when you take the wrappers off) and other toiletries, robes made of terry material instead of quilted material, an extra "cruise credit" for Captain's Club standing, and access to a reserved lounge while waiting for disembarkation. Is it worth $600? Not if it's coming out of my bank account!

To be blunt, I don't think that a balcony -- or even a standard outside cabin -- is worth the extra cost, unless you are planning a honeymoon cruise or some other romantic getaway (for which a suite would be a more suitable choice). I have yet to find a cruise ship that did not have plenty of chairs on the promenades, where people tend not to be bothered, for those who want to sit out and enjoy the day and not be disturbed, and the promenades are better than balconies for viewing marine life because they are closer to the water. If you prefer to remain inside, there are plenty of lounges with plenty of large windows when you can get an outside view. And I can take two or three cruises in an inside cabin for the price of that fancy balcony.

Of course, YMMV.

Norm.

luv2bcruisin · #24 (**permalink**) July 5th, 2009, 04:01 PM

Give me an aft CC on a m-class ship anytime! Those are more than worth it! We had 8170 on the Millie last year in Alaska and it totally made the cruise that much better. We spent the entire time at Hubbard Glacier on our balcony and I was only wearing shorts and a tank top we were so protected. I am now considered an

!

awsmpa · #25 (**permalink**) July 6th, 2009, 02:26 AM

Glenda
Thanks a million. Since I posted this thread, I was able to change to an aft CC cabin, #8172, on Infinity. You have made me even happier with my choice. Happy sailing!

luv2bcruisin · #26 (**permalink**) July 7th, 2009, 10:27 PM

You are very welcome and you are going to love 8172. I had that same one booked on the Infinity this next April for Panama Canal but had to give it up a couple of months back since we won't be able to go now. Hopefully in another couple of years we'll try for it again! Have a great cruise!!!