Image via WikipediaIs all the extra hype really worth the extra money for a concierge cabin on your favorite cruise ship? I guess it depends on who you ask and your own travel expectations. Most cruise lines offer the basic perks for concierge class passengers: Early embarkation and debarkation, priority check in and lounge area, welcome bottle of wine, and preferred seating in the main and specialty restaurants. Priority check in alone can be worth its weight in gold especially after a long uncomfortable flight through multiple time zones or if you are cruising during the holidays when thousands of screaming children are waiting in long lines with their parents. Checking in quickly and moving away from the masses is a great way to start! Preferred seating in the specialty restaurants is another nice perk. It is easy to forget to make those reservations before you even get to the cruise.
Of course each cruise line has its own concierge perks that may include pillow menus, tote bags, complimentary shoe shine and laundry service, complimentary use of ship umbrellas, blankets and binoculars, and evening cocktails in the exclusive concierge lounge.
