Looking for more Yacht Club input

Hi everyone,

I have been fortunate to have cruised many times in the past, but have never cruised MSC before. I have a deposit down on the Divina June 3rd from Miami in the YC. While I'm definitely NOT the type of vacationer expecting a butler to unpack for me, bring me food at any given moment, grant my every wish, etc...I decided to book a YC suite in hopes of having a somewhat private retreat to escape the crowds if or when needed. That said, I have a couple questions and hope for some input:

1) CC review says the YC decks are really windy. Are they too windy to enjoy during a sea day, given moderate weather?

2) Does YC have priority seating at the shows, or do we need to arrive early?

3) When dining the private restaurant, is there a set time? (early, late, or "My-time?)

4) This is for anyone reading this, with kids: Did your kid(s) have a good time? I have only one 9-year-old who will not want to go the kids club. I'm totally cool with hanging with him, going to the arcades, down the slide, etc...whatever makes him happy...but it would be nice if we were able to chat with other families in a more intimate enviroment.

Thanks for any advice. I want so much to find a nice balance in a vacation for me and my son. We have so much fun cruising, but sometimes we both get overwhelmed with either too much kid stuff (for me) or too much boring, "relaxing" stuff for the little guy!!

I would be interested in knowing the answers to these questions as well!

Oh, and how often they come around and take drink orders on the YC sun deck!

Hi everyone,

I have been fortunate to have cruised many times in the past, but have never cruised MSC before. I have a deposit down on the Divina June 3rd from Miami in the YC. While I'm definitely NOT the type of vacationer expecting a butler to unpack for me, bring me food at any given moment, grant my every wish, etc...I decided to book a YC suite in hopes of having a somewhat private retreat to escape the crowds if or when needed. That said, I have a couple questions and hope for some input:

1) CC review says the YC decks are really windy. Are they too windy to enjoy during a sea day, given moderate weather?

On our cruise, it did kind of depend on the weather as well as how fast the ship was moving. There are a number of wind breaks all around the deck, but I never found it too windy personally to enjoy the pool and loungers. Eating, on the other hand, could be a challenge to say the least with the wind. We had napkins and empty glasses take off on us more than once, and there were a couple times we just gave up on lunch by the pool and went elsewhere. Not too often, but happened to us once or twice.

2) Does YC have priority seating at the shows, or do we need to arrive early?

I've seen some people on the forums comment that they had roped off areas, or had their butler escort them to the theater, but on our cruise we never saw either. Typically we just tried to arrive a little early.

3) When dining the private restaurant, is there a set time? (early, late, or "My-time?)

Assuming this hasn't changed, when we went to the Yacht Club concierge on embarkation day they directed us to the Topsail Lounge, where there was a gentleman there that asked what time we wished to have dinner. In addition, we were asked if we had any food allergies, or any special requirements. Having said that, there were a couple nights we did arrive at a different time and there were no problems seating us (although you may be at a different table with a different server).

Hope that helps, and enjoy your cruise!

My husband I spent quite a bit of time in the loungers and I don't remember the wind being a problem. Our cruise was this January.

As far as drinks by the pool, the service is decent and if you need just go to the bar and ask. You will be directed to go back to your lounger and they will bring the drink to you so you won't have to stand around waiting for it.

Also there is a reserved spot for the shows in the theater. I have a feeling this is new as when we asked our butler he said they did not. But we discovered it on our own. It is in the balcony on your left as you face the stage.

During our cruise there were only two very young children in yacht club. I'm not so sure you would find very many families to socialize with there. Maybe in June your odds would be better.

Thanks for all the replies so far. I really appreciate it. So yes, my hope is that since it's June, I might see just a few more kids. MSC is the only cruise line that has a page on their website dedicated to parents traveling alone with their kids. I was really intrigued by that because that's often the case with me.

I have a couple other questions:

1) Will the YC lounge be able to make frozen non-alcoholic daiquiris for kids? Is there a charge for them?

2) Can anyone remember brands of wines in the club? Are they American, Italian, etc..??

3) If we choose to dine at a specialty restaurant, do YC guests still pay a fee? Are there tables for 2?

Thanks again, everyone. I hope I'm not being a pain. I'm currently researching every thread in my spare time trying to figure things out!!

Yes, they will be able to make non-alcoholic frozen drinks. No charge for any drinks (except some premium alcohol brands) in YC. Don't remember the wines but I was a happy camper with the whites! If you dine at a specialty restaurant you will pay the fee. Yes, there would be tables for two, both at the specialty ones and in Le Muse, the YC restaurant.

Thank you all very much for your help!!! I really appreciate everyone taking time out of their day to help me!!!!!:):):)

We never had a problem with eating in the One Bar area while under sail. Don't really understand the mention of empty glasses in the wind. Rarely had them. :)

Did have a problem most days trying to read the complimentary Washington Post.

Yes, there was a roped off area in the theatre for Yacht Club, Butler escort optional. We preferred other seats, as there was a reflection from the glass barrier in front of our seats.

The Maitre de asked for a preferred seating time for dinner, but we were from 15 minutes early to 15 minutes late and never had a delay getting a table.

The wine served is very international, including several from California, and rotates.

gary

My daughter made very good friends in the YC. We ended up going on another cruise with them a year later. There will be kids in YC but not as many in the rest of the ship. We have found people to be very social in the YC. There are a few who want peace and quiet but I found fellow passengers to be a fun group. If your son likes gelato, he can always ask for it the bar next to the pool.

My daughter made very good friends in the YC. We ended up going on another cruise with them a year later. There will be kids in YC but not as many in the rest of the ship. We have found people to be very social in the YC. There are a few who want peace and quiet but I found fellow passengers to be a fun group. If your son likes gelato, he can always ask for it the bar next to the pool.

Is the gelato already there or do they have to go retrieve it somewhere? I'm sure our kids will like this. Also, I heard there is an ice cream machine by the bar?

Is the gelato already there or do they have to go retrieve it somewhere? I'm sure our kids will like this. Also, I heard there is an ice cream machine by the bar?

Yes, there is a self serve ice cream machine right next to the One Bar. My wife especially enjoyed have the bartender pour a little Grand Marnier over it.

I am writing this from the YC one pool area! It is definitely not too windy. We have found that most often you need to go to the bar and place an order but they bring it to you. We are loving the YC experience.

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

From last year, but may be helpful.....

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2416041

They did have roped off areas in entertainment venues for YC patrons. Other difference, if you're sailing after Memorial Day (or maybe, after Easter) drinks throughout the ship are complimentary vs just in the Top Sail Lounge, Le Muse Restaurant or in your cabin mini-fridge.

Just booking YC MSC for 1st. Have sailed NCL 16x Haven, Suite or balcony. Interested in info too.

Sent from my iPad using Forums

What did you want to know?

Sent from my iPhone using Forums mobile app

Yes, there is a self serve ice cream machine right next to the One Bar. My wife especially enjoyed have the bartender pour a little Grand Marnier over it.

We were just onboard, and the TopSail/One Pool ice cream machine was missing on the Divina.

gary

Once you sail in the YC, you'll be spoiled forever.

How are the in-room entertainment options?

I read that you can get a Wii delivered- is that still the case, or did they upgrade to newer machines?

On our last cruise we were on an NCL Haven and enjoyed the free pay-per-views; I understand that MSC does not offer something like it, but are there enough movie and show options to keep little ones busy?

Once you sail in the YC, you'll be spoiled forever.

Sooooo true!

We've cruised many times but never in a suite. We were offered an upgrade to Yacht Club on the Divina at a very good price and took it. Cabins weren't much larger than a mini suite on other lines. But we LOVED the private dining room, private pool, deck and bar, the Top Sail Lounge and all that it had to offer and the attentive service by the butlers. I don't think I could ever cruise on MSC again without being in the Yacht Club.

Sooooo true!

 

We've cruised many times but never in a suite. We were offered an upgrade to Yacht Club on the Divina at a very good price and took it. Cabins weren't much larger than a mini suite on other lines. But we LOVED the private dining room, private pool, deck and bar, the Top Sail Lounge and all that it had to offer and the attentive service by the butlers. I don't think I could ever cruise on MSC again without being in the Yacht Club.

We've concluded we can't ever cruise again period except in the YC!

Sent from my iPad using Forums

Is the gelato served by the one pool bar the same as the gellateria? I take it if you want to order desserts and such from gellateria it is charged to your account? Just wondering the differences compared to rccl star class. Tia

Sent from my SM-N910P using Tapatalk

All gelato is made onboard the ship. It's the same everywhere. And it's damn good [emoji4]

Is the gelato served by the one pool bar the same as the gellateria? I take it if you want to order desserts and such from gellateria it is charged to your account? Just wondering the differences compared to rccl star class. Tia

 

Sent from my SM-N910P using Tapatalk

We were told no ice cream available the week we were in YC (we wanted a mud slide and were told no because no ice cream), and we did not see a soft serve ice cream machine next to One Pool bar.