While MSC Cruises may be best known for its mega-ships, many of these vessels also have a dedicated area that is only accessible to a few hundred passengers, appealing to those who want a more intimate cruise experience.
The MSC Yacht Club is MSC’s exclusive ship-within-a-ship concept that is home to upscale amenities, private areas, and a dedicated staff.
We just spent 7 nights in the Yacht Club on MSC Seashore to see if it is really worth it. Find out if you should pay to upgrade to this more all-inclusive experience for your next MSC cruise.
How Does the MSC Yacht Club Work?
Heidi and I have sailed on the largest cruise ships in the world that easily can accommodate over 5,000 guests. In fact, MSC Seashore’s max capacity approaches 5,800. Although, we have also sailed on much smaller cruise ships with only two or three hundred passengers. Of course, both of these experiences are vastly different.
Mega-ships tend to offer a variety of themed restaurants and bars, signature entertainment, and onboard events and activities. In contrast, smaller ships offer fewer onboard amenities but boast more personalized service and greater attention to detail.
So, this is what makes the MSC Yacht Club unique. It offers the luxury of a small ship experience, while still giving its members access to the amenities and activities found on larger cruise ships. And you don’t need any special memberships or loyalty status to be “part of the club” either. All you need to do is book a cabin in the MSC Yacht Club to take advantage of all it has to offer.
Like everyone else on MSC Seashore, we had access to all of the public areas on Decks 5 through 19. These include the Jungle Pool, Long Island Pool, and adults-only Infinity Pool, all the bars and lounges, specialty restaurants, and attractions like the Pirate’s Cove Aquapark and Hall of Games.
Just like everyone else, we joined in the trivia sessions and game shows. We watched the nightly productions in the theater. We enjoyed the live music in various venues around the ship and attended the signature parties.
But, we also had access to the spaces on Decks 16 through 20 forward with our Yacht Club key card. By scanning in, we could enjoy the amenities and spaces reserved just for the 250 Yacht Club guests on our sailing.
Thus, we mega-ship enthusiasts could take advantage of all the ship offered, then slip away to our secluded space in the Yacht Club. But, given everything available in the Yacht Club, you never really have to leave if you don’t want to.
Inside the Yacht Club on MSC Seashore
Guests staying in the MSC Yacht Club can access the reserved section of the ship by utilizing the forward staircase and public elevators.
PRO TIP: You can even use your MSC for Me band or keycard for priority access at these elevators.
Once you’ve scanned into this keycard-access-only space, a private elevator and stairwell usher you through the four decks of the Yacht Club (Decks 16-20).
Fun Fact: There is no Deck 17 on any MSC ship, as it is an unlucky number in the Italian culture.
The MSC Yacht Club’s layout was easy to navigate. The main entrance is on Deck 16 forward, just a few steps away from the forward elevators. Upon entering, guests are greeted by the friendly and helpful concierge team. Whether it was Aline helping us with shore excursions or Denise answering one of our many questions, this team was available 24/7 to assist with various requests.
Along with cabins, Deck 16 of the MSC Seashore Yacht Club is home to the Top Sail Lounge. This bar and lounge is open from 6 AM to 1 AM and offers handcrafted cocktails, small bites, and light evening music. There is also an outdoor sitting area at the front of the lounge above the ship’s bridge with oversized chairs and couches. This was the ideal place to enjoy the sunrise and sunset with the open-air breeze.
Deck 18 consists of more cabins and the MSC Yacht Club Restaurant. The restaurant was open every morning for a sit-down breakfast from around 7-7:30 to 9-9:30 AM. On most days of the cruise, the restaurant also served lunch, typically from 12 to 2 PM, except when docked at the cruise line’s private island of Ocean Cay. The restaurant offered dinner from 5:30 to 9 PM every night.
There were more cabins on Deck 19 along with The One Pool and Sundeck. This expansive outdoor space offered comfortable loungers, an outdoor grill, and a buffet open most of the day. There’s also a bar, two whirlpools, a central pool, and plenty of deck space to soak up the sun.
What’s Included When Booking the MSC Yacht Club?
Beyond access to the private venues and sundeck, numerous additional perks come with booking an MSC Yacht Club suite.
All guests in the stateroom receive the Premium Extra drink package. This package covers all drinks up to $16. It works at all the ship’s bars, lounges, and restaurants. From our experience around the ship, finding a drink not covered in the package was tough.
All cruisers also receive Browse Internet for two devices. This package suits tasks such as checking email or using social media apps. For those looking for higher speeds, guests can upgrade to a Surf Internet package for about $140 a week.
Along with the drink package and internet, all MSC Yacht Club guests have access to the Aurea Spa’s Thermal Suite. This thermal suite has several experiences, like a hydro-pool, saunas, steam rooms, heated loungers, a salt room, and a snow room. There’s also a dedicated outdoor space with loungers and a whirlpool.
During our sailing, guests did not need to make reservations for the thermal suite on port days. To access the thermal suite on a sea day, guests do need a reservation. Though, the concierge team had no issues securing us a 10 AM spot for the final day of our voyage.
Now, these onboard inclusions are just the beginning of the personalized attention all guests in the MSC Yacht Club receive.
MSC Yacht Club Experience
Priority Access
From the moment we stepped into the terminal, we knew our experience on MSC Seashore would be different. A member of the terminal staff escorted us to a Yacht Club representative, who whisked us away to a separate check-in area for MSC Yacht Club guests only.
From here, the concierge team walked us through the Yacht Club’s benefits and provided us with our key cards. It wasn’t long after when one of the butlers gathered a small group and swiftly led us to the gangway, ensuring we did not need to wait in any lines to board the ship.
We later found out that this butler, Francis, was one half of our butler team, along with his junior butler, Richard.
Once on the ship, we were taken to our muster station. We then received priority elevator access to the Top Sail Lounge for a welcome aboard drink.
Priority embarkation and disembarkation are not just on the first and last day of the cruise though. At each port of call, butlers guide guests to the gangway. This was an excellent feature for our visit to the cruise line’s private island of Ocean Cay, as we were among the first off the ship.
Similarly, we didn’t have to worry about waking up early or lugging our bags around on disembarkation day. With MSC Yacht Club priority access, we could enjoy a sit-down breakfast before leaving the ship. With Francis leading the way, we left the Top Sail lounge, got in an elevator, and scanned off the ship in less than 10 minutes.
MSC Yacht Club guests also have a reserved section in the Madison Theater for all production shows and headliner acts. While other guests on the ship have to make reservations, Yacht Club guests can enter the theater for either showtime knowing they will always have a seat.
All we had to do was flash our wristband, and we bypassed the line straight into the theater to enjoy all the nightly productions.
Personalized Service
Our butler was an invaluable resource all week. It was like having our private travel advisor alongside us during the trip. He ensured we took advantage of all the benefits and was there to help make reservations or attempt to accommodate our requests.
We had a dining package, and he ensured we got our desired restaurants and dining times. He alerted us to upcoming signature events like the exclusive Yacht Club Island Party on night 5 and the very popular high tea service on the last day of the cruise.
Not to mention, he always found time to chat with us. He genuinely enjoyed his job and took the butler role very seriously. He was committed to ensuring we had a fantastic time and did not miss a thing during the cruise.
The team at the Concierge desk was equally helpful throughout the week as well.
As the week progressed, we felt like all of the crew members in the Yacht Club knew us, even if we couldn’t recall meeting them.
The Yacht Club Restaurant
Guests can enjoy a three-course dinner in the upscale Yacht Club Restaurant on Deck 18 every night during the cruise. As mentioned earlier, breakfast is served daily as well, including disembarkation morning. Lunch is available most days of the cruise too.
While we never made it to the Restaurant for lunch, we did dine at the Yacht Club Restaurant for dinner five of the seven nights.
The Restaurant has open seating every night from 5:30 to 9 PM. This means that guests do not need to make a reservation nor do they have an assigned dining time like most of the other main dining rooms on the ship. Instead, guests can dine whenever they’d like. Arriving between 6 and 6:30 PM most nights, we never had to wait for a table either. Although, the one downside was that we had four different waitstaff teams during the cruise.
Like the rest of the ship, the Restaurant’s dinner menu features daily specials and classic favorites. These menus often offered a few of the same dishes as the main dining rooms on the rest of the ship, in addition to unique upscale offerings.
For instance, on night 2 of the cruise, I carved into a delicate crab cake and succulent short ribs. The meal was topped off with a sweet, warm apple strudel.
On night 3, we dined at a specialty restaurant, The Butcher’s Cut. This is one of the best steakhouses at sea. The restaurant features perfectly seared filet mignon, equally impressive side dishes like mac and cheese, and decadent desserts.
But, I was pleasantly surprised the next night when the Yacht Club Restaurant served a seemingly identical filet as part of its Classics section of the menu.
Of course, no sailing on an MSC Cruises’ ship would be complete without Italian classics like ossobuco which was served on the final night. Guests can also enjoy the light and sweet tiramisu every night as part of the dessert menu. Don’t overlook the New York cheesecake either; it comes the closest to replicating this dense, rich dessert that we’ve found at sea.
Room Service
If that isn’t enough, guests in the MSC Yacht Club can access complimentary 24-hour room service as well. Along with breakfast and an all-day menu of sandwiches and snacks, pizza delivery is available from noon to 1 AM.
On a couple of occasions, we couldn’t resist ordering a freshly made pizza that came right to our stateroom in only about 20 minutes. And while we’ve always given the nod to Princess or Virgin, this pizza might just steal the award for best pizza at sea!
The Yacht Club Sundeck
Guests looking for the ideal slice of Caribbean paradise don’t have to go far. The One Pool and Sundeck offer ample space with padded lounge chairs and plenty of other seating options to soak up the sun and ocean breezes.
It is also home to two whirlpools, the One Pool Buffet, and a full-service bar, serving drinks from 7 AM to 8 PM. Guests in one of the Owner’s Suites have reserved cabanas on the sundeck, while the other daybeds are available on a first come, first served basis.
For those looking for a quicker breakfast or lunch than the Yacht Club Restaurant, the One Pool Buffet serves al fresco dining every day of the cruise. Breakfast typically runs from about 7:30 to 10:30 AM. Featured selections include fresh fruit, continental pastries, and other typical breakfast items. Fresh from the grill, guests can select made-to-order omelets and other favorites like waffles and pancakes.
For lunch, the grill offers a custom-made burger, along with daily specials like grilled shrimp, grilled fish, steamed mussels, and more. The buffet lunch featured upscale offerings like a carving station and freshly grilled or fried seafood. Lunch was served most days from about 12 to 3 PM.
There’s even afternoon snacks by the pool. These usually consisted of sweet treats and mini bites, like decadent bread pudding or small scones and cookies.
Top Sail Lounge
The Top Sail Lounge was also a go-to spot day or night on our MSC Seashore cruise. Guests could grab a morning coffee at the bar or light breakfast items from about 7 to 11 AM. During the day, guests could relax with some panoramic views and also enjoy snacks like mini sandwiches, nuts, potato chips, and more.
In the evenings, this lounge was a popular place for a pre-dinner cocktail or for enjoying some live music and sweet treats. In fact, there’s snacks available here 18 hours out of the day, and the bar here was open most days from 6 AM to 1 AM.
On the last sea day of our cruise, high tea was served from 3:30 to 4:30 PM. Make sure to arrive early though, as this is a popular event. With a wide selection of premium teas and a tower of savory and sweet snacks, this traditional white-gloved service is a throwback to the golden age of ocean liners.
The Staterooms
The MSC Yacht Club on MSC Seashore boasts five different room categories. Regardless of the stateroom category, all rooms offer a chic décor with a muted color palette and modern styling.
Interior Suite
What’s unique to the MSC Yacht Club is that it offers an entry-level interior suite, unlike other cruise lines that provide similar ship-within-a-ship concepts. At about 229 square feet, these accommodations are 50% larger than a deluxe interior cabin on MSC Seashore.
While there are only a few, these spacious interior rooms still provide all the same perks and benefits of being in the MSC Yacht Club. Thus, these suites are a more budget-friendly entry point for couples wanting to test out the MSC Yacht Club for their next cruise.
Deluxe Suite
We stayed in cabin 18001, a Deluxe Suite on Deck 18. Our portside suite was all the way forward.
This suite measured about 269 square feet, with a large balcony that was 86 square feet. This is about 40% larger than the deluxe balcony cabins found throughout the rest of the ship. We stayed in one on MSC Seascape a couple years ago, so we can attest that our Deluxe Suite in the Yacht Club was substantially roomier.
Our Deluxe Suite resembled the layout of a mini-suite on most cruise lines. It had a separate seating area with a pull-out sofa, coffee table, and a chair. Though, one of the nicest upgrades was the oversized bathroom and shower. The marble shower included a rainfall shower head and premium eco-friendly bath products.
As over-packers, we appreciated the multiple closets and storage space too. With three separate clothes bars, shelves, and plenty of additional storage throughout the cabin, we could certainly settle in.
Our balcony was also longer and deeper than other balconies we are accustomed to on most mega-ships. This was an ideal place to relax outside and admire the ocean views or the upcoming port of call.
In addition, all guests receive complimentary champagne on embarkation day regardless of their suite category. There’s a complimentary mini-bar and an in-room coffee maker as well.
Owner’s Suite
And for those looking for the ultimate upgrade, there are two Owner’s Suites. Measuring a whopping 1,055 square feet, these comfortable suites can sleep up to four adults. The suite features separate living and dining quarters. The oversized L-shaped sofa faces forward, offering some of the best views on the ship. Likewise, the master bedroom features a panoramic wall of windows overlooking uninhibited ocean vistas.
Owner’s Suite guests get reserved cabanas on the One Pool sundeck as well. But with a 269 square foot balcony that boasts a private whirlpool, why would anyone want to leave?
Ocean House at MSC Ocean Cay Marine Reserve
Our 7-night cruise included two days at the cruise line’s private island, Ocean Cay Marine Reserve. This Bahamian destination is home to several pristine beaches. The island also has a centralized buffet, a few bars, and food trucks. So, it is easy to find a slice of paradise on the island to call your own.
Or, if you are staying in the MSC Yacht Club, you can take private transport from the Welcome Pavilion to Ocean House. This reserved section of the island is just for guests of the Yacht Club.
Ocean House boasts a secluded beach and offers guests the same personalized service found on the ship while on the island. Ocean House has a bar, sit-down restaurant, and towel service. While on Ocean Cay, those staying in the Yacht Club can indulge in gourmet items like a lobster roll or blackened mahi-mahi while sipping cocktails from the nearby bar.
PRO TIP: The inside of the Ocean House bar is air-conditioned. So, you can take a break from the sun and enjoy a refreshing cocktail in a relaxing lounge.
Once guests are ready to leave, transports will usher you back to the Welcome Pavilion for a short walk to the ship.
Is the Yacht Club Really Worth It?
As one of the cheapest cruise lines, MSC Seashore offers a variety of stateroom categories at competitive prices.
As an example, guests looking to take a similar Western Caribbean cruise next year can get an interior stateroom starting at just $1,454 for a guaranteed cabin at current pricing. For those two adults to upgrade from a deluxe interior cabin to an MSC Yacht Club interior suite would be an additional $1,200 a person, for a total of $3,854.
For the same itinerary, a deluxe balcony cabin would cost $1,954 for the Bella experience at current pricing, and a Deluxe Suite on the same cruise is currently priced at $6,154. This is an upgrade price of $2,100 a person to go from a deluxe balcony stateroom to the MSC Yacht Club Deluxe Suite.
The added benefits of the drink package, Wi-Fi package, and unlimited access to the thermal suite alone have a retail value of somewhere around $1,000 per person. So, those looking to test out the MSC Yacht Club are paying marginally more to get superb service, private reserved dining with upgraded menus, exclusive amenities, and priority access throughout the ship.
Thus, the MSC Yacht Club is an excellent option for couples or families looking for a more refined and tailored cruise experience that mimics those found on luxury cruise lines at a fraction of the cost. Combining the best of mega-ship cruising and small-ship cruising, MSC’s ship-within-a-ship definitely delivers an unforgettable, mostly all-inclusive cruise experience.
Comparing the Competition
Of course, there are other cruise lines that also offer similar ship-within-a-ship experiences. Most notably, Norwegian Cruise Line features The Haven. Celebrity Cruises also has The Retreat, and Royal Caribbean has the Suite Neighborhood on select ships. So, how do these compare to the MSC Yacht Club?
While each does differ, they generally include many of the same perks and benefits, along with more personalized service. They all have exclusive sundecks, restaurants, and lounges as well.
The bigger differences come with the accommodations. When comparing similar NCL cruise ships, the entry level suites are at least 50 square feet bigger than our deluxe balcony suite or at least 100 square feet bigger than the MSC interior suite. A suite in Celebrity’s Retreat is over 100 square feet bigger than our deluxe balcony suite on MSC.
Prices also differ, with an entry level balcony suite on NCL costing at least $1000 extra (usually even more). An entry level balcony suite on Celebrity will run you at least $2000 more. And the cheapest suite on Icon of the Seas with access to the suite neighborhood is $10K, or around $4,000 more. (These prices are subject to change and are based on calculations from current pricing.)
Of course, each cruise line’s style does differ as well. So, it’s really a personal preference as to which one is “better” for you. But strictly looking at prices, MSC’s Yacht Club certainly offers the most affordable entry point to this ship-within-a-ship experience.
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