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I tried a ship-within-a-ship cruise experience and it was worth it for the endless perks—here’s why

The MSC Yacht Club affords travelers a totally different cruising experience, but you’ll have to splurge.

I heard tales of luxury from people about the ritzy MSC Yacht Club , the ship-within-a-ship concept where discerning passengers enjoy their own area of the cruise ship that includes a dedicated restaurant, private lounge, separate pool and sundeck as well as private butlers and concierges to take of any whim while cruising. The elevated Yacht Club boasts priority everything while sailing MSC.

I sailed on a four-night cruise on the new MSC Seashore, a glitzy ship with Italian flair intermingled with references to New York City at every turn. Although the ship was well-appointed and had amazing dining, drinking and entertainment venues, and a bountiful Top Sail main buffet, thousands of passengers made the ship feel crowded at times, elevators were slow, and as I strolled through the general pools, they were boisterous and crowded.

RECOMMENDED: 10 things about cruising on an adults-only ship that might surprise you

Switch gears to MSC Seashore’s Yacht Club, passkey-protected for lucky guests, and is a 180 from the ship’s general spaces. Once you scan your handy Yacht Club wrist badge, or your room key, you’re instantly given entrance to a breathtaking retreat of 131 staterooms and suites. All this luxury does come at a price. Cruise fares will vary based on destination, time of year, and cabin category, but generally speaking you can expect to pay double for the Yacht Club. And from my experience, it’s worth it. Read more about why you should splurge.

You’re fast-tracked through everything

The Yacht Club’s exclusivity and impeccable service standard started from the moment I got dropped off at the Port Canaveral cruise terminal. There were hundreds of people waiting to board at 1pm on embarkation day. I saw in the distance a canopy that said MSC Yacht Club. My husband and I wheeled our carry-on luggage to the representative under the canopy. I gave her my name and within two seconds, she gave me a sticker to wear and up we ascended on the escalator to check in. Just five minutes later, I was directed to the dedicated check-in area for Yacht Club guests. To my right, I saw about 1,000 people serpentine through ropes to do general check-in. I felt a sense of relief; who wants to wait in that line? Five minutes later, a butler from the Yacht Club insisted on wheeling my luggage to board the ship and I was in my room in a total on 12 minutes from the time I stepped foot out of the car to my stateroom in the Yacht Club.

Relaxing and streamlined

In addition, Yacht Club guests have the freedom to get off the ship first for excursions. Your butler will happily escort you off the ship with a smile. Guests also can disembark on the last morning first, which is a big convenience. Your butler walks you right to the place you disembark, bypassing crowds and hassles. Port Canaveral is about an hour away from Orlando International Airport, and we took a 10 am flight home. We didn’t have to linger around until the afternoon for our flight home.

Another perk is that there’s a special seating area in the theater for shows. All the shows were excellent during my voyage. All other ship passengers have to make reservations in advance for shows but that’s not the case for the privileged Yacht Club passengers. As long as you arrive about 10 minutes before any show you choose, a crew member from the Club will allow you entry into a special roped-off section. Again, no rushing through dinner—you have the flexibility to plan your evenings your way.

Your Yacht Club package is packed with remarkable value

The price tag may sound daunting, but there’s lots of value there. All Yacht Club cabins and suites include a premium drink package that covers beverages up to $15. You can use this perk both in the Yacht Club and throughout the ship. In addition, your package includes a two-device Wi-Fi package, which worked well during my sailing. Finally, you get access to the thermal spa suite, which is a place to indulge after a day in port or a sea day. Commonly, there’s a taboo regarding mini-bars, but not in the Yacht Club. It’s stocked each day with the beverages you want; just tell your butler and consider it done.

You get perks ashore too

If your sailing includes a call to Ocean Cay, MSC’s private island, Yacht Club guests get an elevated experience there too. Yacht Club guests enjoy a private area, and a dedicated restaurant called the Ocean House. While other ship guests were hosted to a buffet of predictable fare, I enjoyed a lobster roll, and my husband chose carne asada. In my opinion, one thing that could be improved was the tram service to the Yacht Club’s private area. We were told the last tram back was 3:30pm if we didn’t want to trek a 15-minute walk in the heat. Since we were docked in Ocean Cay for the evening and weren’t sailing, I was a bit dismayed by this logistical quirk. I felt like I was keeping an eye on my phone to make sure I didn’t miss the last tram.

You have private areas with curated food and drink and outdoor spaces

Within the Yacht Club complex, there’s the Yacht Club Restaurant, Top Sail Lounge and the One Pool Buffet, which are all exclusive to Yacht Club guests. Obviously, the food and service are steps above other dining venues of the ship, I can vouch for that. Although the food is delicious, if you don’t want to pay extra to dine at the specialty restaurants or fuss in the main buffet, eating three meals a day in the Yacht Club restaurant can get a bit monotonous. The breakfast is the same daily, and lunch and dinner offer a menu with daily specials plus a few standby selections like a hamburger or pasta each day. Although the Yacht Club Restaurant concept is desirable, I would strongly suggest dining in other venues on board, especially for dinner. I thoroughly enjoyed specialty dining in Ocean Cay Restaurant, Butcher’s Cut, and Kaito Teppanyaki. I also want to mention that late afternoon high tea is offered daily at the Yacht Club Restaurant. It was one of the nicest I have experienced at sea.

Also available exclusively to Yacht Club passengers is the Top Sail Lounge, which offers panoramic water views and has chef-curated selections from morning through late night. We enjoyed popping into the lounge at all hours to try finger foods and sweets. The One Pool Buffet offers a more casual option for breakfast and lunch by the pool. The buffet has grilled fish, sandwiches and lots of delicious options if you want to dine outside.

There’s also an exclusive area with a private pool and two whirlpools for Yacht Club guests only. The sun deck loungers are very comfortable and I never had to worry about finding a lounger, there are ample. One issue I had was that there was almost no shade on the sun deck; there were shaded day beds for Royal Suite and Owners Suite guests, but beyond those, I couldn’t find any shade, which was disappointing.

You can justify the price at the end of your cruise

Overall, the best way to explain my enthusiasm for my MSC Yacht Club experience is this: it’s better to book an interior stateroom in the Yacht Club than a luxe cabin outside the Yacht Club. It’s worth the splurge and you return home feeling truly pampered and it’s money well-spent. And I make this prediction: Once you try a ship-within-a-ship concept like the MSC Yacht Club, you won’t want cruise any other way. Bon Voyage!

Been there, done that? Think again, my friend.

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Seaside Yacht Club Buffet

By tunaman2011 , January 28, 2018 in MSC Cruises

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tunaman2011

The web site mentions a "premium buffet" in the Yacht Club. I have looked at deck plans from many sources and can't seem to locate any such area. Is this just the Yacht Club Grill or is there a separate buffet? Thanks for the help.

Good Sailing

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I believe you are referring to the Top Side Grill, which is an outdoor buffet style area on deck 19 (Seaside). They are open for breakfast and lunch as an alternative to the YC MDR.

NYHartChapp

Check out minute 5:05 of this video:

It is indeed a premium buffet. Deck 19 by the YC pool.

It is about 3 times the size of the one on Divina.

Salad bar, carving station & hot food area where they steam & grill things fresh.

Seems everyday there were fresh grilled steaks & french lamb chops.

Every other day they have all you can eat lobster tails. I have to say they were the best I have ever had. Large & very sweet. You do not even have to ask for drawn butter they are so good.

Also full bar up there....complementary of course !

I will never leave the YC [emoji926]

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BermudaBound2014

Omgosh!! The yacht club buffet area on seaside is infinitely nicer than the yc buffet on divina! The whole one pool area looks nicer than divina with nice padded loungers and I think I even saw shade. Very tempting indeed.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Thanks for the replies. Just trying to get the lay of the land before our cruise in March. We are excited about Yacht Club but have never been on MSC so trying to learn the ins and outs.

Greetings   The web site mentions a "premium buffet" in the Yacht Club. I have looked at deck plans from many sources and can't seem to locate any such area. Is this just the Yacht Club Grill or is there a separate buffet? Thanks for the help.   Good Sailing Tom

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MSC Splendida Review: MSC Yacht Club Experience

We just got back from a seven-day cruise to Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Jordan on board the MSC Splendida, and today we will tell you all you need to know about MSC Yacht Club Experience! Is it really worth it? Watch us until the end, and you will find out! 

Today we will tell you all about our experience on board the MSC Splendida Yacht Club. But first, if you like travel-related blogs like this one, now is a great time to hit the subscribe button so you will never miss any future blogs.

Let’s begin: 

What is the MSC Yacht Club?

The MSC Yacht Club is an exclusive section of some of MSC’s cruise ships that offers passengers a unique, all-inclusive cruising experience. Some people refer to it as a ship within a ship or a luxury cruise to other luxury cruises.

The MSC Yacht Club section is typically located at the top of the ship, and it’s reserved for guests who are looking for a little extra luxury and a private club. It can only be accessed with the cruise card.

When you book a trip with the MSC Yacht Club, you’ll have access to a range of exclusive amenities and services. For example, you’ll have a dedicated concierge who will be available to help you with any requests you might have.

They’ll even walk you to wherever you need to go! You’ll also have access to a private lounge, which serves complimentary drinks and snacks throughout the day.

But that’s just the beginning. The MSC Yacht Club also offers passengers exclusive access to a range of private spaces, including a private pool area, an MSC Yacht Club restaurant, and a bar. This means that you’ll be able to relax and unwind in your own private sanctuary, away from the hustle and bustle of the main ship.

But perhaps the best thing about the MSC Yacht Club is the level of service you’ll receive. The staff in this section of the ship are highly trained and attentive, ensuring that your every need is taken care of. Whether you need help with your luggage, want to book an excursion, or simply need a drink, the staff at the MSC Yacht Club will be on hand to assist you.

Our next topic for the Yacht Club Experience is:

Boarding MSC Yacht

One of the great perks that we noticed right away was priority boarding. In fact, when we arrived at the luxury cruise terminal, a butler was waiting for us and took us straight through immigration, check, and on the ship skipping the extra long line that other passengers had to do. Also, the butler explained to us how to use the dedicated elevator reserved for Yacht Club passengers. With this elevator, activated by our cruise card, we could go right to deck 15 or 16 without stopping on any deck in between.

Once we arrived at the dedicated MSC Yacht Club Lounge on deck 15, we were greeted with a glass of champagne while a very nice concierge lady explained to us all our Yacht Club benefits. We have to admit that the priority boarding process was incredibly smooth and efficient, with a very nice personalized touch.

Let’s move to our next topic of the MSC Yacht Club experience, and we will talk about:

We booked a Yacht Club Deluxe suite on deck 16. The cabin was quite nice, wide, and well laid out. The room had a nice couch and a little desk beside the private balcony.

The bed was very comfortable. We had a very nice walk-in closet with a lot of space for clothes and shoes, which we really liked.

The bathroom was wide and quite nice, with a bathtub. In our opinion, a nice big shower is better than a tub, but we know that a lot of people like to take baths. 

The private balcony was nice, not the widest but big enough.  We noticed a couple of things that could be improved in the cabin. First, there were no electrical plugs by the bedside tables to charge the phones.

In fact, the only plugs available were by the desk, and there were two European and two American plugs there. Second, the wood paneling in the room made the room feel a little dark. Other than those minor details, we really enjoyed our cabin.

The next topic in our Review of MSC Yacht Club is

The Yacht Club Lounge 

On MSC Splendida, the Yacht Club lounge is on deck 15 all the way to the front. The area is really nice and well-designed. There is a concierge desk that takes care of all the yacht club passengers’ needs; more about that later.

Next to the concierge, there is a great big lounge with couches and tables. In the lounge, there are snacks available all the time. In the morning, they serve a light breakfast with cereals, sandwiches, and toast, and jam.

The lounge also has a nice big bar with complimentary drinks. We really enjoyed this area, especially on sea days we used it to work because it was really quiet and comfortable. It was also the best place for a pre-dinner aperitif.

Moving on to our next topic of the MSC Yacht Club experience:

The Yacht Club Pool

The MSC Yacht Club Pool is called “one pool” and is located on deck 18, right above the lounge. It is a very nice space with a pool, two jacuzzis, a lot of sunbeds, a bar, and a small buffet area where they serve food for breakfast, lunch, and afternoon tea. On our cruise, during sea days in the buffet area, the head waiter of the Yacht Club restaurant was cooking fresh pasta and other lunch items in a buffet they set up by the pool. 

We really enjoyed this area sunbathing, especially during the sea days. It is never super busy and always has sun beds available for us away from the huge crowds of the main pools on the ship.

The MSC Yacht Club Pool area is also incredibly private. In fact, we asked the concierge if it was possible to invite guests, and the answer was no. The area is for Yacht Club members only.

Next, we will talk about:

The Yacht Club Restaurant 

On the MSC Splendida, the Yacht Club’s dedicated restaurant is called Olivo, and it is located on deck 15 all the way aft above the main buffet. We heard that on newer ships the MSC Yacht Club restaurant is located above or below the yacht club lounge, but on this particular ship it was outside the exclusive yacht club area. That’s probably because the MSC Splendida was the first ship to get retrofitted with the yacht club.

The restaurant is open seating, and Yacht Club passengers can go anytime during opening hours. It serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. 

The specialty restaurant’s ambiance is excellent, very intimate and wide, with a lot of natural light. The service is absolutely impeccable. Every waiter is perfectly trained, knowledgeable and really friendly. 

In this restaurant’s menu, there are always one or two items that are not available on the menu in the main dining room; for example, on the second formal night, they served lobster that was not on the menu in the main dining room.

Moving on to our next topic of the MSC Yacht Club experience, we will talk about:

The Service for MSC Yacht Club Guests

The service at MSC Splendida Yacht Club is impeccable. The MSC Yacht Club perk is that a 24-hour butler service is available, which is really nice.

We did not ask our butler to unpack and pack for us, but that is one of the butler services that they provide. We can totally tell that the butler service takes great pride in providing stunning service and that they genuinely care about their MSC Yacht Club guests.

Our butler Augustine was incredibly friendly and attentive, always available but never intrusive. Very well done! 

The concierge desk was there to take care of passengers’ needs. They were there to help with almost every aspect of the MSC cruise, from excursions to billing. 

This came particularly helpful the day before arriving at the port of Sokhna when the Egyptian border agent came on board to stamp everyone’s passports. We did not have to go to see the agent, but the concierge took care of this step for us to avoid the long lines. 

Also, the future cruise consultant was available at the concierge lounge by appointment for MSC Yacht Club passengers. Really stunning service. 

Our next item to review about the MSC Yacht Club review is:

What is Included in MSC Yacht Club?

One of the best benefits of MSC Yacht Club perks, aside from the amazing service, is the fact that it is a truly all-inclusive experience. In fact, when you book a yacht club cabin, you have the Premium Extra Drink Package included. The MSC Yacht Club offers a package that includes drinks up to €13 euros.

Now one thing to consider is that if you order a drink that costs €14, for example, you will be charged the whole amount, not the €1.00 difference as other cruise lines do. It also included is the premium internet package, with unlimited use for two devices per passenger.

Another thing that is included is unlimited access to Thermal Suite in the MSC Aurea Spa, even though on this voyage, people at the spa told us that we had to make a reservation before going. Now we brought this up to the concierge, and they said that it wasn’t true. We did not have to make a reservation. 

The MSC Yacht Club offers gratuities and 24-hour room service. Basically, the only items not included were the excursions, spa treatments, onboard shopping, drinks over 13 euros, and the Casino.

Moving on to the next topic of our MSC Yacht Club experience, we will talk about:

Yacht Club passengers have priority access to shore when going on an excursion. Basically, we had to meet our own personal butler at the sail lounge at the time specified on the excursion ticket, and he then took us to the gangway skipping all the lines for security, passport controls, etc.

Same thing on the way back from excursions. A butler was always by the gangway escorting us to the front of the line and back to our lounge. Now, this service is excellent because it allows Yacht Club Passengers to skip all the long lines, but there is a downside.

Since we were always the first passengers on the bus, we then had to wait on the bus for all the other passengers to arrive. Sometimes the wait was up to an hour. Now considering that some excursions on this itinerary required two and half hours bus ride, an extra hour before departure was quite long.

In our opinion, it would be better if MSC reserved the seats on the bus for Yacht Club passengers (they already know who they are) and let them off the ship when the bus was almost ready to go. 

MSC Cruises Ships

MSC Cruises is getting bigger and better. There are a lot of special things to discover on each MSC cruise ship when you go sailing with them as a member of the MSC Yacht Club.

Their huge fleets include:

MSC Seashore

MSC Seashore is like her sister ships, MSC Seaside and MSC Seaview. Most of the places people go on the ship are different than before.

MSC Seashore has new places to play, eat and hang out outside. There are also more rooms for people to stay in and more space for everyone.

You can sit back, relax, and enjoy all that MSC Seashore offers. MSC Seashore is the first of two special ships. It has technology that helps it use energy more efficiently.

The MSC Cruise has been fitted with the fleet’s largest and most luxurious MSC Yacht Club, with almost 3,000 sqm of space, including a bigger solarium and a panoramic whirlpool.

MSC Seashore’s 13,000 sqm of outdoor spaces, from pools and lounge areas to Speciality Restaurant seating areas, bring guests closer to the sea than ever before, making them truly.

MSC Meraviglia

You can experience the ultimate sea adventure on MSC Meraviglia. This magnificent ship boasts incredible features such as gourmet dining, amazing entertainment options, panoramic areas, an ocean-view lounge, a two-deck “inside promenade” complete with an LED dome, and an amusement area attached to an outdoor water park.

Best of all, MSC Meraviglia features late-night and overnight stays on MSC Cruise’s exclusive private island.

MSC Virtuosa

The name MSC Virtuosa is from the word virtuoso which means someone who is very good at something. MSC Cruises gave it this name to honor the people who designed and built the ship. They are very talented and skilled.

This new cruise ship is one of the biggest in the MSC Cruises fleet. It has lots of special features that work together to give you the best vacation ever! Moreover, it’s the MSC Grandiosa’s sister ship.

Conclusions

In conclusion, the Yacht Club on board MSC is really excellent product. It not only allows passengers to enjoy a ship within a ship but also provides a great service that is much more personalized and attentive than what you’d expect with a standard MSC product.

The MSC Yacht Club allows passengers to avoid long lines for embarkation, excursions, or even restaurants. The downside is the price.

The cruise costs almost twice as much as a regular balcony cabin. Everything is indeed included, but the price difference is quite steep. In fact, when you’re looking at this price point, luxury cruise lines now become comparables.

We really enjoyed our week on board the MSC Splendida Yacht Club and will do it again for sure, maybe next time on a different itinerary.  

We hope you enjoyed our blog, and as usual, if you have any questions, please leave a comment below.

In March 2017, Rick and Andrea started Travel Addicts Life as a way to share their travel photos and videos with the world. And boy did it ever grow!  Today, we are proud to offer content here on Travel Addicts Life, on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Youtube.

Thanks for reading!

Rick & Andrea

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Everything you Need to Know about the MSC Yacht Club

We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. Read my full disclosure  here .

MSC is the largest cruise company in Europe, and other parts of the world, and in the last 5 years, this cruise line has been trying to break into the North American market. MSC offers gorgeous ships, exotic itineraries at a fantastic price for all guests, but they also have perfected the ship within a ship experience with their yacht club. This is mass market cruising at its absolute best, and I’m excited to introduce you to MSC’s yacht club.

MSC offers a variety of rooms that include the yacht club experience- from interior cabins to royal suites, these rooms come with incredible perks that will elevate your cruise vacation.

I recently sailed on the MSC Grandiosa, in a duplex whirlpool yacht club suite. We sailed in the Mediterranean out of Barcelona, which was just incredible! I loved the yacht club and am excited to share more with you.

Where are the MSC Yacht Club rooms located?

The MSC yacht club does require key card access- although not all yacht club rooms are behind the yacht club doors.

On the MSC Grandiosa, our duplex suite was located on deck 12, among the regular rooms. But most of the yacht club rooms are located within the private yacht club area, which on our ship was on decks 15 – 19.

One of the nice things about the MSC yacht club, is that interior cabins are offered- this is a great way to experience the MSC yacht club, at a lower price point.

For families, I love the larger yacht club suites that can accommodate 4 guests. The duplex suite we had was amazing. Over 600 square feet, which is larger than two balcony rooms and for what it’s worth, I paid less for this yacht club experience than two Central Park view cabins on the Icon of the Seas .

We also had two full bathrooms, a living room, dining room, and balcony whirlpool tub.

What does MSC Yacht Club Include?

Besides having the amazing suites, what else is included with your MSC yacht club stay?

MSC Yacht club guests have a dedicated butler to assist with everything you need. When it’s time to get on or off the ship, they escort you, and you skip all lines.

Room service and pizza delivery are included, and your butler brings everything to your room.

There is also nightly turn down service, and robes/slippers provided in your cabin.

When you book into the MSC yacht club, the drink package is included for all guests, as well as browse WIFI for two devices per guest. That’s an amazing value!

Yacht club guests (age 18+) have unlimited access to the hydrotherapy circuit at the Aurea spa. Hubby and I loved indulging in this!

On the ship, MSC Yacht club guests have a dedicated pool and sun deck, with a small buffet open for breakfast, lunch, and afternoon snacks. At the Yacht Club pool, there is a bar and pool side drink service as well.

For dining, no stress – MSC Yacht club guests have a dedicated ala carte restaurant for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The food here was great, as was the service.

Lastly, the MSC Topsail lounge is a great spot to grab a snack, drink, and listen to music each evening. They always have a small buffet of treats, continental breakfast, or appetizers available.

Not having to deal with crowds, and top service is what the MSC yacht club experience is all about! And I have to say, compared to the price of similar experiences like the Haven on Norwegian Cruise Line , suites on Royal Caribbean , or the Retreat on Celebrity Cruise Line you CANNOT beat the price point of the MSC Yacht Club.

Planning a cruise is tough! I know all the cruise lines and can help you plan to perfect sailing. 

MSC Yacht Club Tips

You will want for nothing as an MSC yacht club guest, but here are some tips to maximize your time on board.

Visit the Topsail lounge on deck 16, for snacks, a great bar, and piano player/singer in the evening.

On Deck 16 you will find the concierge. They are amazing and can help with anything. I used them to exchange my large bills into smaller ones, to call for the butler, confirm excursions, and they assisted with an issue my kids’ had with their shipboard account. No waiting in lines at customer service!

The MSC Yacht Club restaurant offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner. I did find the operating hours are a little limited and do vary by day, so be sure to check the app or the newsletter they put in your room each evening.

BUY MY SHIRT , SUNGLASSES

You meet in the yacht club for excursions and shows. The butlers then escort you and you skip all lines.

Before the cruise, you will receive an email to pre-order one bottle of alcohol, make your pillow, and newspaper selection.

Check out high tea offered each day at 4pm.

You will have a Coffee maker in the room, and a mini bar with water, soda, juice and beer. This will be restocked daily. But note, the food in mini bar does come with a small charge.

MSC Yacht Club guests do have the browse WIFI package for two devices included. If you upgrade to the stream package, have to do it for both devices, otherwise a device drops off your package. Also with MSC, you CANNOT toggle between devices (unlike on Holland America or Norwegian Cruise Line ). Once you sign into one device, that’s it.

You do tip your butler at the end of your cruise. Some guests will tip the MSC yacht club bartenders and concierges.

Get the fun pass for your kids. This is an MSC general tip, but it’s a great value. You get about $140.00 of value for $70.00 ( Exact a mounts may vary ).

MSC Yacht Club guests can order breakfast the night before. Fill out the order sheet and put the card on your door before 2AM.

They give you lots of water, which I so appreciated.

If you book an excursion through the ship, they don’t tell you excursion times until the night before. The butler will leave your tickets in your stateroom.

One night, we didn’t have reservations to the show (it was sold out) but they told us to meet in lounge 15 minutes before the start and they take you. There is a dedicated part of the theater for yacht club guests and we had no problem getting seats. This was for the complimentary theater shows.

If you are leaving the ship for a non-yacht club excursion, the butler will still assist with walking you off the ship. Our butler even took us all the way out to help get us in a taxi.

SWIMSUIT LINK (Similar), SUNGLASSES

Is an MSC Yacht Club Upgrade Worth It?

Now that we’ve had a chance to experience the MSC Yacht Club, I don’t think I can go back to regular cruising! Upgrading to yacht club is 100% worth it. It’s really a great experience and you will not be disappointed in anything. Of course its always best to book your cruise with a travel agent . There are so many great ships and cruise lines and I can assist you with finding your perfect cruise. Your next sailing is a just a click away .

Have you sailed on MSC? Have you experienced the yacht club?

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• MSC Cruises

Yacht Club Drink Package and Specialty Restaurants

By PDXer2 , January 24, 2022 in MSC Cruises

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I can't seem to find a clear answer to this question. I am on the 3/5/22 Meraviglia sailing in Yacht Club and want to know if the drinks at Holas are included in the package or are they extra cost. Different listings of the packages give different answers.

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We were on the Meraviglia last October in the Yacht club and drinks at Holas were not included and we paid for them. It sounded like no drink packages were accepted at Holas

Thank you. Of course, not what I wanted to hear.

13 hours ago, PDXer2 said: I can't seem to find a clear answer to this question. I am on the 3/5/22 Meraviglia sailing in Yacht Club and want to know if the drinks at Holas are included in the package or are they extra cost. Different listings of the packages give different answers. Thanks

YC drink package used to go with you--all over the ship-with a caveat...

Your drinks are included up to the YC package limit and availability. Meaning if you drink Johnny Walker Blue and want that--but the bar you are sitting in doesn't have it... pick something else.

IF that has changed--that the YC drink package isn't ship-wide-- it would be helpful if someone posted the language from the MSC website sourcing... 

As we understand that policy is till in effect

The premium drink package is accepted in the specialty restaurants.  We had NO problem using them on our Dec 27th sailing, HOWEVER HOLA doesn't accept any packages because it is not owned by MSC. 

It is a third party company that leases the space. 

We were able to use our premium package in Hola on Virtuosa last June, we are going again in May, if we can no longer use the package I assume we can just carry a drink from elsewhere in with us?

28 minutes ago, skyking said: The premium drink package is accepted in the specialty restaurants.  We had NO problem using them on our Dec 27th sailing, HOWEVER HOLA doesn't accept any packages because it is not owned by MSC.    It is a third party company that leases the space.     

Your posting highlights MSC and the art of miscommunication.  Your experience (getting drinks in the specialty restaurants)  probably did happen, but it is against MSC stated policy, which is attached.  We all know that MSC is a left hand fooling the right hand operation.  While you may enjoy an exception or exceptions to the rules, nonetheless the rules are there.  I suspect servers have been  bending the rules in specialty restaurants because of low load factors.  I am of the opinion that the rules will become more sacrosanct as load factors begin to climb in the coming months.

Interesting point about Hola being a third party.  While that is definitely the case for Venchi an Jean Phillipe, I was under the understanding that Hola was a limited partnership between MSC and Ramon Freixa, formed in 2019.  He also partnered earlier with them on the Ocean Cay restaurants.  If Hola is  a third party, is that also the case for Ocean Cay? Shouldn't they both be the same?

1 hour ago, Fogfog said: YC drink package used to go with you--all over the ship-with a caveat... Your drinks are included up to the YC package limit and availability. Meaning if you drink Johnny Walker Blue and want that--but the bar you are sitting in doesn't have it... pick something else.   IF that has changed--that the YC drink package isn't ship-wide-- it would be helpful if someone posted the language from the MSC website sourcing...  As we understand that policy is till in effect

Oh, the good old days of being able to buy the Premium Plus upgrade and get JW Blue!  Blue was never a free drink in the YC package, only if you upgraded.  With regard to language, it is in fact posted on the site.  As YC, you get the highest-end package: Premium Extra.  The two caveats are that the price cap is $15 per drink, and they clearly state it can't be used in specialty restaurants or the chocolate or crepes venues.

That's not to say they won't bend the rules, especially with low passenger count numbers.  If you are sitting in BC, and they say the drink package doesn't work, I suspect that if you excuse yourself to get "free" drinks at the cocktail and wine bar the waiters will offer to get them for you.  However, I also suspect as load factors increase, MSC "leadership" will alter the rule interpretation to say all drinks in the restaurant must be purchased, not part of the package.

11 minutes ago, JAGR said: Oh, the good old days of being able to buy the Premium Plus upgrade and get JW Blue!  Blue was never a free drink in the YC package, only if you upgraded.  With regard to language, it is in fact posted on the site.  As YC, you get the highest-end package: Premium Extra.  The two caveats are that the price cap is $15 per drink, and they clearly state it can't be used in specialty restaurants or the chocolate or crepes venues. That's not to say they won't bend the rules, especially with low passenger count numbers.  If you are sitting in BC, and they say the drink package doesn't work, I suspect that if you excuse yourself to get "free" drinks at the cocktail and wine bar the waiters will offer to get them for you.  However, I also suspect as load factors increase, MSC "leadership" will alter the rule interpretation to say all drinks in the restaurant must be purchased, not part of the package.

THIS is a bummer.. TY for the clarification...It IS a real bummer

I had forgotten that we weren't on the YC package-- we paid for thee Prem Plus

We use our Diamond perk in the specialty restaurants and appreciated that the Prem Plus package followed us.  It sounds like MSC capped things. I did read here where CCers bragged about abusing the package. 😞

Will have to ask. I am not in the habit of carrying a glass of wine to dine in the specialty restaurants... and re saki etc and things you want food paired..  😞

We enjoyed the Prem Plus package- while pricey- we found it worthwhile for vacay

26 minutes ago, JAGR said: Oh, the good old days of being able to buy the Premium Plus upgrade and get JW Blue!  Blue was never a free drink in the YC package, only if you upgraded.  With regard to language, it is in fact posted on the site.  As YC, you get the highest-end package: Premium Extra.  The two caveats are that the price cap is $15 per drink, and they clearly state it can't be used in specialty restaurants or the chocolate or crepes venues. That's not to say they won't bend the rules, especially with low passenger count numbers.  If you are sitting in BC, and they say the drink package doesn't work, I suspect that if you excuse yourself to get "free" drinks at the cocktail and wine bar the waiters will offer to get them for you.  However, I also suspect as load factors increase, MSC "leadership" will alter the rule interpretation to say all drinks in the restaurant must be purchased, not part of the package.

On the UK website it says this about the Premium Extra package - 

*Package can be enjoyed in our   bars ,   buffet ,   restaurants, speciality restaurants,   Ocean Cay Island  and other exclusive destinations. Cannot be consumed signature venues ( Venchi 1878 establishments, Lavazza Coffee Shop, Jean Philippe Chocolate, Coffee, Crepes & Gelato, Starship Club, Hola! Tacos & Cantina). On board currency applies.

2 minutes ago, kernow said: On the UK website it says this about the Premium Extra package -    *Package can be enjoyed in our   bars ,   buffet ,   restaurants, speciality restaurants,   Ocean Cay Island  and other exclusive destinations. Cannot be consumed signature venues ( Venchi 1878 establishments, Lavazza Coffee Shop, Jean Philippe Chocolate, Coffee, Crepes & Gelato, Starship Club, Hola! Tacos & Cantina). On board currency applies.

I'd say good on you!  I may carry that one with me on board when eating in the restaurants!  It is amazing how consistently inconsistent MSC is! Lol!  Thanks for posting this!

4 minutes ago, kernow said: On the UK website it says this about the Premium Extra package -    *Package can be enjoyed in our   bars ,   buffet ,   restaurants, speciality restaurants,   Ocean Cay Island  and other exclusive destinations. Cannot be consumed signature venues ( Venchi 1878 establishments, Lavazza Coffee Shop, Jean Philippe Chocolate, Coffee, Crepes & Gelato, Starship Club, Hola! Tacos & Cantina). On board currency applies.

WOW-- is that for a Med sailing vs Carib?

I'm going to look for our e ticket to check there

From our E ticket (Carib sailing)

Unlimited beverage selection in MSC Yacht Club areas and in all bars and restaurants of the ship according to the drink selections available in the different venues

We do know that OC is included. 

I suspect we are OK then. Crisis averted! 😄

2 minutes ago, Fogfog said: WOW-- is that for a Med sailing vs Carib? I'm going to look for our e ticket to check there

No, it's just on the website for all cruises. My actual booking for a Fjords cruise says 'an extensive premium beverage selection in MSC Yacht Club areas and in all bars and restaurants of the ship'. So it doesn't even mention the excluded places!

He had mentioned the Virtuoso in June.  I think that was just UK sailing.

3 minutes ago, Fogfog said: From our E ticket (Carib sailing)   Unlimited beverage selection in MSC Yacht Club areas and in all bars and restaurants of the ship according to the drink selections available in the different venues   We do know that OC is included.  I suspect we are OK then. Crisis averted! 😄

I hope, but with MSC, a crisis averted creates another crisis somewhere else.  Whack-a-Mole!

1 minute ago, kernow said: No, it's just on the website for all cruises. My actual booking for a Fjords cruise says 'an extensive premium beverage selection in MSC Yacht Club areas and in all bars and restaurants of the ship'. So it doesn't even mention the excluded places!

This is from my E ticket for YC.

I'd argue it says ALL restaurants and it doesn't list any exclusions. I'll ask the YC Director when we board

Just now, JAGR said: I hope, but with MSC, a crisis averted creates another crisis somewhere else.  Whack-a-Mole!  

53 minutes ago, Fogfog said: This is from my E ticket for YC. I'd argue it says ALL restaurants and it doesn't list any exclusions. I'll ask the YC Director when we board

Thanks!  I'm curious.  We are not on board until end of February for a B2B.

1 minute ago, JAGR said: Thanks!  I'm curious.  We are not on board until end of February for a B2B.

We will just miss you..B2B(s) and off mid month

Am hoping the YC package travels the ship as before.

The Prem Plus was wonderful-- unfortunate it is gone. I wonder if they have changed up whats in the bars...there were some pretty nice niche items in Top Sail and we had an outstanding sommelier who wine paired our dinners for 2 weeks. Outstanding

2 hours ago, JAGR said: He had mentioned the Virtuoso in June.  I think that was just UK sailing.  

We are on Virtuosa in May but the wording is on the main UK site under drink packages and covers all cruises anywhere in the world hence the mention of onboard currency.

I am still confused and hope someone who has been on the Meraviglia in Yacht Club this month can answer the questions. I, also, saw the different descriptions which is what lead to the original post.

Thanks everyone for your input.

6 hours ago, PDXer2 said: I am still confused and hope someone who has been on the Meraviglia in Yacht Club this month can answer the questions. I, also, saw the different descriptions which is what lead to the original post. Thanks everyone for your input.

What is on your ticket? Booking docs? Does it exclude ? I posted what is our E ticket

Is this Med? Carib? 

Here is what I found:

PRIVILEGES − Dedicated priority check−in and check−out − Butler service available 24 hours − Dedicated concierge available 24 hours − Room service available 24 hours − Unlimited beverage selection in MSC Yacht Club areas and in all bars and restaurants of the ship according to the drink selections available in the different venues −Premium Internet Package, up to 4 GB (depending on the length of the cruise). − Complimentary access to the Thermal Suite in the MSC Aurea SPA − Relaxation amenities in each suite (including bathrobe and slippers) − Most rewarding experience for MSC Voyagers Club point.

This is a Carib cruise.

Thanks I will see what happens.

Really excited this is my first experience with MSC and the Yacht Club.

10 hours ago, PDXer2 said: Here is what I found: PRIVILEGES − Dedicated priority check−in and check−out − Butler service available 24 hours − Dedicated concierge available 24 hours − Room service available 24 hours − Unlimited beverage selection in MSC Yacht Club areas and in all bars and restaurants of the ship according to the drink selections available in the different venues −Premium Internet Package, up to 4 GB (depending on the length of the cruise). − Complimentary access to the Thermal Suite in the MSC Aurea SPA − Relaxation amenities in each suite (including bathrobe and slippers) − Most rewarding experience for MSC Voyagers Club point. This is a Carib cruise. Thanks I will see what happens. Really excited this is my first experience with MSC and the Yacht Club.

Not sure how you interpret that.  Unlimited in YC would seem to mean just that, but we all know there are upcharge items.

Last part, up to legal mumbo jumbo of whatever a given venue has available and their terms.

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cruise Buffet & Restaurants

Our onboard  main   restaurants  will always give you a wide choice of high quality cuisine with a different menu selection every day, from International to the best Mediterranean food. At our extensive Buffet you can explore an astonishing variety of our cuisine, with the freedom to walk in and treat yourself at any time. The Buffet is open for breakfast , lunch , dinner and late night snacks .

Depending on your Ship and Experience, you can choose from Early or Late Dining when booking and we’ll reserve a table for you for the entire duration of your cruise. To enjoy even more flexibility , Aurea Guests will experience My Choice dining style allowing them to dine anytime within the main restaurant’s opening hours.

As one of the healthiest diets on the planet, Mediterranean food takes centre stage at our main restaurants, tempting you with French, Italian and Spanish cuisine.

Available on: all MSC Ships

Location: Main Restaurants

Type of service: Included

Our main restaurants invite you on a journey around the world’s cuisines, offering exceptional international dishes every day of your cruise. 

Come to the Carvery for deliciously tender, juicy and flavourful roast meat specialities that will please your palate any day of the week. Enjoy the theatre of watching your personal favourites being carved right in front of your eyes especially for you. Available on: all MSC Ships

Location: Buffet

The Take-away Station is just the place to be when you’re feeling peckish for a snack on the go. A wide range of the most popular fast foods awaits you, the perfect casual dining fix for those moments when hunger suddenly strikes. Available on: all MSC Ships

Check out the Pasta Station for authentic Italian pasta just like mama used to make. Discover a new selection of delicious flavour combinations every single day to satisfy even the most discerning palate.                                                      

Created with the little ones in mind, Kids’ Corner offers a selection of tasty, healthy and fun meals to tickle your children’s taste buds throughout your cruise. Dishes change on a daily basis so there’s always something new and exciting to discover. Available on: all MSC Ships

Get set to be wowed by the creativity of our talented chefs at the Daily Special Corner. Wrap your taste buds around a different speciality every day of your cruise for an unforgettable culinary surprise.

A selection of light and tasty dishes awaits you at our Wellness Corner. Made with your health in mind, these dishes will boost your wellbeing without putting a strain on your waistline. Stock up on your five-a-day with dishes that are delicious, nutritious and packed with flavour. Available on: all MSC Ships

Enticing aromas and mouth-watering flavours are served up at our Ethnic Corner. Choose your personal favourite from a range of delectable dishes, hand-selected from every corner of the world, from Asian to Indian – and everything in between. Available on: all MSC Ships

We strive every day to ensure our guests have a perfectly paired experience, which is why our chefs have worked hard to create the following specialties for you and yours:

• Vegetarian Menus of delicious specialties, freshly prepared to the gourmet standards for which MSC is renowned.
• Vegan-friendly  dishes are incorporated into our main restaurant menus and buffet restaurant culinary offer.
• Kosher meals (pre-packaged breakfast, lunch and dinner) may be available on board for an additional charge of €25/$30 pp/day. Kosher meals can be consumed in the main restaurants and must be booked at least 30 days before ship’s departure.
• Halal products (beef, lamb and poultry) may be available on board following former request of the guest at least two months before departure; 
• MSC Cruises holds a certification for its food safety management system in accordance with ISO 22000 standard requirements.
• MSC Cruises offers gluten-free menus (breakfast, lunch and dinner) in the main restaurants on most of its ships. On MSC Armonia, MSC Sinfonia, MSC Opera and MSC Lirica where guests will find a limited selection of pre-packaged gluten-free snacks such as biscuits, croissants, sponge cakes and muffins).
• Please check the availability of gluten-free menus when booking.
• Location: Main Restaurants only.
• Allergies or intolerances: Information about the presence of substances or products causing allergies or intolerances is available by contacting our staff. Guests with food intolerances and/or allergies must inform MSC Cruises of their needs via the Special Needs Form and, once on board, confirm their requirements at Reception-Guest Service and/or with the Maître d’hôtel.

We can accommodate most special dietary requirements in our main restaurants where there is a greater degree of control over the production and service of special meals. We cannot guarantee no cross-contamination at the buffet.

Indulge your sweet tooth at the Dessert Corner, a cornucopia of deliciously sweet treats that will have your mouth watering. Enter the magical world of fine patisserie, crafted with love by our team of talented bakers and pastry chefs with meticulous attention to detail.

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Buffet & Restaurants

Our onboard  main   restaurants  will always give you a wide choice of high quality cuisine with a different menu selection every day, from International to the best Mediterranean food. At our extensive Buffet you can explore an astonishing variety of our cuisine, with the freedom to walk in and treat yourself at any time. The Buffet is open for breakfast , lunch , dinner and late night snacks .

Depending on your Ship and Experience, you can choose from Early or Late Dining when booking and we’ll reserve a table for you for the entire duration of your cruise. To enjoy even more flexibility , Aurea Guests will experience My Choice dining style allowing them to dine anytime within the main restaurant’s opening hours.

As one of the healthiest diets on the planet, Mediterranean food takes centre stage at our main restaurants, tempting you with French, Italian and Spanish cuisine.

Available on: all MSC Ships

Location: Main Restaurants

Type of service: Included

Our main restaurants invite you on a journey around the world’s cuisines, offering exceptional international dishes every day of your cruise. 

Come to the Carvery for deliciously tender, juicy and flavourful roast meat specialities that will please your palate any day of the week. Enjoy the theatre of watching your personal favourites being carved right in front of your eyes especially for you. Available on: all MSC Ships

Location: Buffet

Created with the little ones in mind, Kids’ Corner offers a selection of tasty, healthy and fun meals to tickle your children’s taste buds throughout your cruise. Dishes change on a daily basis so there’s always something new and exciting to discover. Available on: all MSC Ships

The Take-away Station is just the place to be when you’re feeling peckish for a snack on the go. A wide range of the most popular fast foods awaits you, the perfect casual dining fix for those moments when hunger suddenly strikes. Available on: all MSC Ships

Indulge your sweet tooth at the Dessert Corner, a cornucopia of deliciously sweet treats that will have your mouth watering. Enter the magical world of fine patisserie, crafted with love by our team of talented bakers and pastry chefs with meticulous attention to detail.

Check out the Pasta Station for authentic Italian pasta just like mama used to make. Discover a new selection of delicious flavour combinations every single day to satisfy even the most discerning palate.                                                      

Get set to be wowed by the creativity of our talented chefs at the Daily Special Corner. Wrap your taste buds around a different speciality every day of your cruise for an unforgettable culinary surprise.

A selection of light and tasty dishes awaits you at our Wellness Corner. Made with your health in mind, these dishes will boost your wellbeing without putting a strain on your waistline. Stock up on your five-a-day with dishes that are delicious, nutritious and packed with flavour. Available on: all MSC Ships

We believe everyone’s special on an MSC cruise ship which is why we provide tailored menus and solutions to meet everyone’s dining requirements:  

• Vegetarian Menus of delicious specialities, freshly prepared to the gourmet standards for which MSC is renowned;
• Kosher meals (pre-packaged breakfast, lunch and dinner) may be available on board for an additional charge starting from €25 pp/day. Kosher meals can be consumed in the main restaurants and must be booked at least 3 weeks before ship’s departure
• Halal products (beef, lamb and poultry) may be available on board following former request of the guest at least two months before departure; 
• Gluten-Free Menus * are prepared by skilled personnel in dedicated kitchens on board.

MSC Cruises has obtained a certification from Bureau Veritas to provide gluten-free menus worldwide (food code: 20 ppm). Available on: all MSC Ships . Please check the availability of gluten-free menus when booking.

*On MSC Armonia, MSC Sinfonia, MSC Opera and MSC Lirica guests can find only a limited selection of pre-packaged gluten-free snacks such as, biscuits, croissants, sponge cakes and muffins.  

Enticing aromas and mouth-watering flavours are served up at our Ethnic Corner. Choose your personal favourite from a range of delectable dishes, hand-selected from every corner of the world, from Asian to Indian – and everything in between. Available on: all MSC Ships

Important notice For cruises departing from a U.S. homeport: Meals at the main restaurants are complimentary per each guest. For guests who wish to order a second dish or more on specific dinner menu sections, an additional surcharge of $5 will be applied.

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The classic design of beautifully crafted MSC Preziosa includes spectacular features such as a real stone piazza, sweeping Swarovski crystal staircases and a magical ‘infinity’ pool. There’s all this and more to discover at your own pace on board, enjoying every moment to the full as you voyage to some of the world’s most beautiful destinations.

ITINERARIES

NORTHERN EUROPE

Get ready to dive into one of our pools, let your hair down at the themed parties, treat yourself to something delicious in one of our amazing restaurants, and much more!  

MAin Features

Family & kids.

From the splash-filled fun and games of the Doremi Castle kids’ aqua park and the high-speed thrill of Vertigo, one of the longest water slides on the seas, to the teens-only disco and video arcade, there’s a world of enjoyment for children of all ages.

MSC Yacht Club

The most discerning guests may opt for the secluded luxury of the MSC Yacht Club , a “ship within a ship” consisting of exclusive suites, butler service, and dedicated facilities like a panoramic bar, à la carte restaurant and private pool and sun deck.

MSC Aurea Spa

The award-winning MSC Aurea Spa is a haven of peace and pampering onboard, offering beauty and wellness treatments to melt the tension away. The solarium provides an open-air alternative, for complete relaxation while you soak up the sun.

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From interior and balcony staterooms to staterooms for families and luxurious suites, MSC Preziosa offers a superb choice of elegant accommodations.

• Comfortable king bed that can be converted into two single beds on request
• Sitting area with sofa
• Spacious closet
• Bathroom with shower or bathtub, vanity area and hairdryer
• Interactive TV, telephone, safe and minibar
• Wi-Fi access available ($)
• Approx. 151 - 205 ft 2  with a balcony that is approx. 32 - 129 ft 2   Choose the stateroom type that best suits you: Balcony Aurea (best location, approx. 194 ft 2 , deck 11) Premium Balcony (approx. 194 ft 2 , decks 8 - 13)*  Junior Balcony (approx. 151 ft 2 , decks 9 - 13)  Deluxe Balcony with Partial View (approx. 194 – 205 ft 2 , decks 8 - 13)  * Some staterooms have metal balustrade or half glass half metal balustrade. The image is representative only; the size, layout and furniture may vary (within the same stateroom category).
• Window with sea view
• Relaxing armchair
• Bathroom with shower, vanity area and hairdryer
• Approx. 129 - 215 ft 2   Choose the stateroom type that best suits you: Premium Ocean View (approx. 215 ft 2 , deck 5)  Deluxe Ocean View (approx. 183 ft 2 , decks 8 - 13) Junior Ocean View (approx. 129 ft 2 , deck 8)  The image is representative only; the size, layout and furniture may vary (within the same stateroom category).

ENTERTAINMENT

From the splash-packed fun and games of the Doremi Castle kids aqua park, to Vertigo, the longest single-rider water slide on the seas, there’s something for everyone from babies to teens.

Bars & Lounges

Dotted around MSC Preziosa you’ll find a variety of chic themed bars and lounges. Serving a mix of classic and original cocktails, international wines and beers, soft drinks and live music, there’s a venue to satisfy every taste and match every mood.

Safari Lounge

Preziosa bar, diamond bar and library, il cappuccino, the green sax jazz bar, el dorado piano bar, galaxy lounge, top sail lounge, turquoise bar, aurea spa bar, phoenician plaza, millennium star casino, la playa preciosa, the one bar, restaurants & buffet.

There’s a gourmet voyage of discovery to enjoy onboard MSC Preziosa, from the ever-changing menus of the main restaurants, creative all-day dining in the Galaxy Lounge and much more.

Butcher's Cut

This American-style steak house serves select Linz Heritage Angus beef, the gold standard in high-end Angus beef thanks to the best genetics in breed. The highest quality product custom cut by master butchers and aged to perfection. The menu is inspired by the great plains and it is accompanied by bold New World wines and cocktails with swagger.

Le Palmeraie

L'arabesque panoramic restaurant, the golden lobster, galaxy kaito.

Ranked by the Berlitz guide as “the best sushi at sea”, this charming venue offers deliciously authentic Asian cuisine prepared on the spot with only the freshest, highest quality ingredients. The menu includes Japanese dishes composed of nigari, sashimi, maki, futomaki, tempura, teriyaki and much more.

Use the deck plans to select your ideal stateroom. The plan allows you to pinpoint the locations, while the colors distinguish the stateroom category.

{{deckPlanInfoHeader}}

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• 6. Diamante
• 10. Tormalina
• 13. Ametista
• 14. Smeraldo
• 15. Cristallo
• 16. Acquamarina
• 18. Topazio
• Deluxe Interior
• Junior Ocean View
• Deluxe Ocean View
• Premium Ocean View
• Deluxe Balcony with Partial View
• Junior Balcony
• Premium Balcony
• Deluxe Balcony Aurea
• Deluxe Suite Aurea with Sealed Window
• Premium Suite Aurea
• Grand Suite Aurea
• MSC Yacht Club Deluxe Suite
• MSC Yacht Club Grand Suite
• MSC Yacht Club Executive & Family Suite
• MSC Yacht Club Royal Suite

° Sealed panoramic window.

• Our ships offer the possibility of combining 2 or 3 connecting cabins based on the ship class. Call our Contact Center to choose the best accommodation for you.

• All cabins have one double bed convertible to two single beds.

• 3rd bed available in all categories except for Junior Interior, Junior Ocean View, Junior Balcony, Deluxe Suite Aurea with sealed window .

• 4th bed available in all categories except for Junior Interior, Junior Ocean View, Junior Balcony, Deluxe Suite Aurea with sealed window and MSC Yacht Club Deluxe Suite.

Ship configuration, data and descriptions may be subject to change depending on the season and on the destination and must be verified at the time of booking.

• Gross tonnage: 139,072 tons
• Number of passengers: 4,345
• Crew members: 1,388
• Number of staterooms: 1,751, incl. 45 accessible staterooms
• Length/Beam/Height: 1,094 ft. / 124 ft. post panamax / 222 ft.
• Maximum speed: 24.21 knots

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MSC Cruises

I Went on My First MSC Cruise, Here is My Honest Review

W hen I booked my first MSC cruise, I’ll admit that I had serious doubts. I had read so many negative reviews about MSC cruises, criticizing the subpar service, basic food options, overcrowding, and chaotic embarkation process. However, my experience on the MSC Meraviglia, departing from New York to the Bahamas, was surprisingly positive. In this review, I’ll share all the details of my first MSC cruise. Having been on over 25 cruises, I’ll be comparing my MSC experience with that of many mainstream cruise lines.  

Since I didn’t book a stateroom in their exclusive Yacht Club, this review focuses on the regular non-Yacht Club cruise experience on MSC. It’s important to note that this is an unsponsored review, and all opinions in this article are based on my personal experience.

I was a bit hesitant about going on an MSC cruise because I thought I’d be stuck with basic food like pizza and pasta. I had come across reviews praising the Italian fare but hadn’t heard much else. 

Frankly, I didn’t want to go on a cruise just to eat pizza and pasta. To my surprise, the food exceeded my expectations. Despite being a budget cruise, they served sophisticated dishes such as shrimp cocktail, escargot, osso bucco, steak tartare, braised short ribs, steak, and lamb shank. They even had a gala night with lobster and steak and baked Alaska for dessert! The best part was that the food tasted amazing. 

Kudos to the chef on MSC Meraviglia. The food was some of the best cruise food I’ve had. Every dish was delicious and well-seasoned.

I have to mention that they served the best Caesar salad I’ve ever had on a cruise. In fact, my son, who typically avoids vegetables, is now a huge fan of Caesar salad thanks to our experience on this cruise. I’m forever grateful to MSC Meraviglia for transforming my son into a vegetable eater!

I also want to give credit to the pastry chef for the amazing cakes on board. The carrot cake is incredible, and I had the Grandma’s Chocolate cake almost every night!

The only thing that reminded me of a budget cruise line was the rule allowing only one entrée per person. If you wanted an additional entrée, there was a $5 charge, and certain premium entrees like the NY Strip steak also had a $5 surcharge. However, in my opinion, the $5 charge was negligible considering the quality of the food, so it was definitely worth ordering that second entrée!

The Wait Staff

I was honestly worried that my experience would be disappointing due to poor service. One of the main reasons I go on cruises is to be pampered by the cruise staff. 

I heard that MSC might have a bad staff-to-passenger ratio, resulting in subpar service. However, my experience was fantastic and comparable to major cruise lines like Royal Caribbean, Princess Cruise, and Holland America. 

Our waiter, Panarta, was attentive and friendly. The assistant waiter did a great job with our drinks, and the head waiter took good care of my son and niece, who have food allergies.

The Cabin Steward

I was also worried that the quality of service I would get from my cabin steward would be subpar. I thought my cabin steward, Komang, might be overworked and not be able to clean my room properly. 

However, I was pleasantly surprised. Komang did an outstanding job, even better than my experiences on more high-end cruise lines. The bathroom was clean when I arrived, with no lingering odors, which is a widespread issue on many other cruise ships. I usually have to ask for a re-clean on the first day due to bad odor, but not on this MSC cruise! 

Also, Komang was very attentive and promptly fulfilled all my requests. I always had fresh towels and even received evening turndown service. I wasn’t expecting it since other cruise lines, like Norwegian Cruise, have eliminated turndown.

I want to point out that my own experience with the cabin steward isn’t a one-off experience. My mom and sister’s cabin steward, Agus, was also exceptional. He put in a lot of effort to ensure their staterooms were promptly cleaned, with fresh towels, and the best part was that their cabins didn’t have any lingering bad odors. Agus was also always friendly and went the extra mile.

Guest Services

I was pleasantly surprised by the guest services desk. Unlike the long lines I’ve encountered on other cruise ships, the guest services line on my recent MSC cruise was always short. It seemed like there were only 1 or 2 people in line whenever I walked by. 

I’d like to think the short line is due to the happy passengers who don’t have many complaints! But I honestly think it’s because of the efficient guest services staff. The MSC Meraviglia is one of the most efficient cruise ships I’ve been on. They have assigned a dedicated guest services staff to assist passengers while they wait in line, which speeds up the process. 

For example, when I needed to link my credit card to my cabin, a staff member pulled me out of the line and guided me through the kiosk, reducing my wait time. When my nephew lost his key card, a staff member quickly reprinted it, minimizing our wait time again. Their efficiency and organization was truly impressive. 

On one occasion, I had to speak to a guest service staff member at the desk, she was pleasant and helped me solve my issue. 

Free Onboard Texting

One thing that I liked about the MSC cruise is the free onboard texting. You can text other passengers via the MSC cruise app chat feature even if you’re not subscribed to their WiFi plan. 

This made it so convenient to stay in touch with family members and locate them on the cruise ship. It was especially helpful for keeping track of my teenage daughter’s whereabouts!

I was really impressed by the buffet experience. On the first day of the cruise, the only option for lunch was the buffet, and I was worried it would be chaotic and overcrowded. 

To my surprise, the buffet was manageable, and we easily found a table for 8 people. We got on the cruise ship at around 12:30 pm, so it was peak lunchtime!

Even on sea days, the buffet was comfortable. There were always plenty of tables available and the lines were not too long. 

I think it’s because they have a lot of buffet staff whose main job is to clear the tables. In fact, their staff was almost too efficient – if you got up for seconds, you might come back to find your table cleared! 

Public Space

I’ve been on cruises where the public areas of the ship get overcrowded, causing bottlenecks. However, I was pleasantly surprised by the layout of the MSC Meraviglia. The ship is designed in a way that the public spaces are well-distributed, so you never feel like you’re in a bottleneck or caught in a big crowd. The only time it feels busy is when you exit the theater after a show, but that’s normal for any cruise ship.

Pool Lounge Chair

One of the things that I always find on cruise ships is that it is hard to get pool lounge chairs. But not at MSC. I’ve had no trouble finding an empty lounge chair by the pool, even by the indoor pool. I think it’s because they have a policy of clearing lounge chairs if they’re left unattended. I really appreciate how organized the cruise staff is on this ship.

Embarkation

I was pretty worried about the embarkation process. My mom had watched a YouTube video of the embarkation of MSC Meraviglia at the Brooklyn Cruise terminal, and she described it as a complete nightmare with endless lines. 

I was mentally preparing myself for the same experience! However, I was pleasantly surprised. When we arrived at the Brooklyn Cruise terminal, there was a line, but it wasn’t too long, and it kept moving. The staff was well-organized, and getting through security and the check-in process was easy. 

Once we boarded the cruise ship, they informed us that our room wouldn’t be ready until 1 pm. However, we could leave our carry-on bags in the cabin and pick up our cruise keycards, which were hanging on our cabin door. The embarkation process turned out to be smooth and effortless.

The Theater

I liked the theater on the MSC Meraviglia. Unlike other cruise ships, the theater wasn’t too big, so there were no bad seats, even if you sat at the back. They also had a reservation system, and the staff scanned your cruise card to let you in. Even if we were late, finding seats for 8 people wasn’t a problem because they had 3 shows every night, unlike other cruise lines with only 2 shows per night.

The shows were quite enjoyable. While they weren’t exactly Broadway shows, there was a good variety of performances, including singing and dancing to popular songs from different eras, some mild acrobatics, magic shows, and stand-up comedy.

One of my favorite experiences during my Bahamas cruise is the MSC private island, Ocean Cay. It’s probably one of the best cruise line private islands. 

Ocean Cay is stunning- soft, white sand and turquoise water. What’s great is that the cruise ship docks right at the island, so there’s no need for tender boats. 

Families with kids will love the calm, shallow, clean, seaweed-free lagoon—perfect for a relaxing day at the beach. Finding lounge chairs was easy. Overall, we had an amazing beach day, which is a big reason why I will go back on a Bahamas cruise on MSC.

So far, I have been giving you all the reasons why my MSC cruise was such a positive experience. Now, let’s discuss the negatives. To be fair, there aren’t many, but they are significant enough to turn some people off.

The main dining room was the biggest letdown for me. The tables were set up too close together, leaving little room to move around. They also crammed extra chairs at the tables, making it feel overcrowded. 

We were squished into a table meant for six people despite being eight people. Thankfully, we had four kids on our table, which made it less cramped, but I can imagine that it would have been extremely uncomfortable for eight adults. 

Also, because of the table set-up, the main dining room ambiance is that of a noisy restaurant rather than a refined dining experience. It doesn’t feel fancy like what I’m typically accustomed to on other cruise lines. 

Another downside is the size of the staterooms and bathrooms, which are smaller compared to other cruise lines. The cabins felt narrow, and there was hardly any closet space. Even with just myself and my two kids, we couldn’t fit all our clothes in the closet. My son had to keep his clothes in his luggage! 

One more thing that didn’t sit well with me was the electronic daily planner and menu. They don’t leave a printed daily planner in your cabin. As a result, I missed many onboard activities on the first day at sea because I didn’t realize I had to scan a QR code to access the daily planner. 

At the restaurant, there was a lack of printed menus, since they expected passengers to scan a QR code to view the menu. As a result, we were forced to share menus at my table, which was inconvenient and took away from the dining experience. 

Finally, the service in the main dining room always felt rushed towards the end. We barely had time to enjoy our coffee with dessert! I later learned that the restaurant I was assigned to had three seatings, causing the rush. Other restaurants on the cruise ship had two seatings.

Will I Cruise on MSC Again?

The answer is a definite yes. In fact, we’ve even booked another Bahamas cruise through their future cruise program on the MSC Meraviglia for the same week in June but in 2025!

We decided to sail on MSC again mainly because it’s a great value – you get good food, great service, and an amazing private island at an affordable price. I’m willing to overlook the small cabins and crowded main dining room for these benefits! (If they were to raise the price, then I don’t think I would sail on MSC.)

If you have been on the fence like me about sailing on an MSC cruise, don’t be. Don’t let the fact that it’s a budget cruise line scare you off. To be honest, I believe labeling MSC as a budget cruise line is a misconception. Apart from the small cabin size and crowded main dining room, the food and service are comparable to other cruise lines like Princess Cruise and Royal Caribbean, but at a more reasonable price! Check out: 12 Disembarkation Day Mistakes People Make When They Get Off the Cruise Ship

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