Background -
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DCL - Platinum status, sailed in Concierge on Magic and Fantasy (x2)
- Royal - Diamond status, sailed in Star Class (x2), Sky class (x2) and non "Royal Suites Class" suites (x2)
- Holland - only one sailing in Neptune suite
- MSC - Diamond status (matching program), sailed in Yacht Club (x2)
If you look at the perks that DCL gives on paper they are probably near the bottom of the list. We heard post re-start they are finally doing some sort of show seating for concierge which is a plus but was something that they are late to the game with. The concierge lounge space and the service they provide might bump them up a bit at times but that can depend on which concierge staff you are dealing with and the exact situation and request. Once you factor price in that is where DCL starts to expose itself to the weakness in the concierge product.
The range of "perks" that are offered on the different cruise lines across the suites categories is only something that an individual or a family can determine if there is value for their travel party. If you are looking for square footage and impressive cabins the Sky and Star class are probably the best options and include probably the most perks. We have been in the Walt Suite and 1 Br's on DCL and they are nice but probably rank below all the Star class suites and the Crown Loft in Sky class. Typically the cost advantage goes to Royal with those. The Yacht Club rooms can vary a little more and even have inside cabins, but the average cabin is probably closer to the Concierge Family w/Veranda. Yacht Club really takes the lead against DCL concierge with the ship within a ship concept. The restaurant, lounge, sundeck (and bar/dining) and pool/hot tubs set them above in a head to head. HAL was probably the most similar to the DCL concierge experience in terms of cabin, lounge and service. Between these two it would have to come down the itinerary, final price and which exact perks are most beneficial.
The best way I can evaluate the programs is by if we will sail with them again. We haven't sailed DCL since the re-start, will we sail DCL again? Very likely at some point, but it probably will not be in concierge unless we find the right situation, mainly the price. Will we sail Holland again - probably only for the right itinerary or deal. MSC in the Yacht Club is probably going to happen in the future but not sure when. We almost had a NCL sailing booked but that fell through, we likely will try them and maybe The Haven at some point. We have a sailing on Royal at the end of the month (for a specific itinerary) and got a Royal Up this week to Sky class. We have two Star Class sailings (more due to specific itineraries) booked for 2024, so Royal seems to be where we feel we get the most concierge/suites bang for our buck.
Hope that helps folks that are trying to honestly evaluate. If Disney is your thing, you probably should stick with them..