TrinaLC

How is the YC Director compared to the wonderful Pepe? We are so sorry he won’t be on the TA. When we sailed earlier this year he had every plan to be on the TA (while Mehmet was up on the air on his return plans).

“Personal balcony furniture”! We often bring “personal balcony furniture” in the form of a camping chair, have never even had a second look at security.

For us, no. There are some lovely shady spots under the palms. You are already pampered to the max for “free” by the butlers/waiters on duty, circulating with drinks and taking requests. By contrast, when not in a YC environment, the pampering that is included with cabanas is a true value add. There is very little value add to a cabana in the YC area. Maybe pamper with a message, or as someone suggested a jet ski or other excursion.

Carnival Sunshine out of Charleston, many plantations open to the public.

We have had great service in the YC - 3 Divina cruises, two Seaclass. I’ve never written a “live from” review and didn’t even have a picture on CC until I changed that recently. A terrific butler makes a difference and those are harder to come by these days as the number of YC cabins expands with new ships coming on board. In the one instance where we didn’t have great butler service the roaming butlers and waitstaff more than made up for it. (We are happy finding he theater and Divina aft restaurant on our own, and just request an escort from the concierge desk to get off the ship if we need that service. And on that cruise we had a fabulous junior butler and the awesome Pepe YC Director …)

The Facebook posts are usually quite active. Search for Euribia specific groups. Also see if there is a roll call for the current cruise

Love Divina. Have sailed 3x YC on her and at least as many on the Seax ships. The YC Divina in February was seriously underwhelming. As though no chef in charge. Fillets that were so poorly cut as to be inedible (well, not really, but not YC quality), cold dishes, when asked for a “double” given two plates instead of being replaced as one …cold risotto The service is wonderful. Mehmet is amazing. But the chef is totally absent.

S.S. France, Cunard Princess, multiple NCL, multiple Carnival, multiple MSC, Oceania Riviera, Holland America Eurodam, RCCL Enchantment OTS, Caribbean Princess, booked on Explora.

Pool deck is also staffed by several butlers and waiters that you will recognize from the dining and lounge area. The YC Director if (s)he is a good one will pass through several times a day, checking on service and engaging with the guests. We find it to be a very convivial atmosphere and often meet and chat with other guests.

Great (and welcome) answers! And beautiful photos!

Well, I get that, except the Residences are treated differently. They get to experience the YC area on OC which we have always enjoyed. So why should we not feel as second class citizens? A venue that we have had as YC guests is now for another higher “first class”. So how is this egalitarian? everyone treated as the same?

Dr Cocktail, didn’t you find the OC experience devalued after having experienced the full “YC treatment”? and I guess we don’t know yet what the experience will be like with a normal docking …

We have sailed MSC’S Yacht Club quite a few times and really enjoyed the YC enclave on Ocean Cay. (True, the YC beach is rocky, but the overall experience with the dedicated dining is very nice.) When Explora docks at Ocean Cay, only the Residences get to use the YC enclave. Everyone else is relegated to the “steerage” area, including a buffet area designed to serve thousands at a mass cruise level. Frankly, going from YC to “steerage” at Explora prices seems a serious downgrade. Is anything done to make the OC day match up to Explora pricing and expected luxury for the cabins not entitled to the use of the YC enclave? Maybe a serious upgrade to the food and service on the island?

I agree with the above response. Get envelopes from the concierge and distribute the last day. Also take pictures of your favorite crew members’ name badges so you can mention them by full name in the review you are asked to give several days after you return. It isn’t awkward, they are more than pleased that you plan to mention them by name (I tell them why I am asking to take the photo). It makes a diffference to their career trajectory.