Divina Yacht Club

[mushroom]

We just got off the Divina and can honestly say it exceeded our expectations. I'd never been on MSC and knew very little about it - only that the ships were Italian and were big. We signed up with a polka group who had several hundred cabins. Unfortunately, all the cabins we wanted were gone, so we "settled" for Yacht Club. This had to be the best stroke of luck we've ever had. This "ship within a ship" concept is quite unique and represents one of the best bargains in cruising we've ever experienced. Our usual cruise line of choice is Regent Seven Seas - an all-inclusive product. Yacht Club is not all-inclusive, but it comes close. In addition, we were able to enjoy all the "big ship" features in entertainment, etc., that you don't get on the smaller ships. We definitely had to re-think our attitudes about the big-ship experience after our week in MSC's Yacht Club. From embarkation - a breeze, to disembarkation - even more of a breeze, the entire experience left us wanting to return, soon!

[FireEater]

Glad to hear you enjoyed it.

 

Only 14 more months for me to try it out for the 1st time.... :cool:

[I&J Cruisers]

We just got off the Divina and can honestly say it exceeded our expectations. I'd never been on MSC and knew very little about it - only that the ships were Italian and were big. We signed up with a polka group who had several hundred cabins. Unfortunately, all the cabins we wanted were gone, so we "settled" for Yacht Club. This had to be the best stroke of luck we've ever had. This "ship within a ship" concept is quite unique and represents one of the best bargains in cruising we've ever experienced. Our usual cruise line of choice is Regent Seven Seas - an all-inclusive product. Yacht Club is not all-inclusive, but it comes close. In addition, we were able to enjoy all the "big ship" features in entertainment, etc., that you don't get on the smaller ships. We definitely had to re-think our attitudes about the big-ship experience after our week in MSC's Yacht Club. From embarkation - a breeze, to disembarkation - even more of a breeze, the entire experience left us wanting to return, soon!

 

 

So glad to read your opinions on the Yacht Club. We will be on Divina March 7. It's our first time on MSC. We have cruised Regent and Oceania and loved both. The Yacht club sounded so intriguing we wanted to give it a try.

[ThePriceO'Mince]

Ive been in the Yacht Club and whilst its nice its nothing special. Quiet and peaceful yes. Anything more than that - no.

[Shippy]

Ive been in the Yacht Club and whilst its nice its nothing special. Quiet and peaceful yes. Anything more than that - no.

 

 

We have been on almost 50 cruises on almost every cruise line there is including Cunard & SilverSea & Regent.

The Yacht Club by far offers the most unique,pampering service there is out there.

Hope you availed yourself of all the different areas & experiences that it included.

[ThePriceO'Mince]

The experience it offered was a nice a nice room, a private lounge and swimming pool area, a restaurant, and staff to wait on you.

 

Day to day stuff really if you are very fortune in life, and certainly no more than what you'd get in any good hotel. It really was very normal, but maybe the fact it was available at sea is what makes it seem very special when its not.

[parallax]

This review was recently posted on the Divina cruise review page and is as follow:

 

"Let me start by saying had a great time with my family. Without them I would have flown home on the first port of call. Stayed in yacht club which was beautiful and clean. Service was great. Hard to find something very good to eat. All the food except for the filet seemed to be overly dressed. Food at midnight feast is not there. Just small sandwiches. This ship is for Europeans who are visiting America and want to go on a cruise that is their style. Meaning quiet no loud entertainment, no steel band, no carribean feel This ship is full of tea time and boring ass music around the bar areas. I've been on royal and ncl. Both have great food and entertainment. The workers here are afraid to have fun on this ship. On other ships they will stop talk and laugh. Americans I give you this warning do not use this ship if you want to let loose and have fun. One thing I'm glad about is that my kids weren't there They would have cried in boredom. Msc stay in the Mediterranean"

 

 

Did this person do an research? My interest is MSC in large part is because I want to experience a different perspective in cruising.

[mushroom]

I would have to respecfully disagree with the above mentioned review. Perhaps it was just our good luck to have Putra as our butler and Guiseppe, Salvatore and Noel in the dining room, all of whom seemed to be having a great time doing their "jobs". We left the ship feeling like we'd made new friends among the staff we encountered. Yacht Club gave us the opportunity to enjoy the mega-ship experiences when we felt like it. For example, the Ameritalian Duo in LeLuna lounge was a highlight every evening. The production shows were excellent...probably the best of any cruise line we've been on. However, the opportunity to retreat to the Yacht Club whenever needed was worth the price we paid. The ability to call for a glass of wine in our cabin...and, have it delivered within minutes...again, worth the price we paid. Having our room made up promptly each morning....BEFORE we finished breakfast...try and find this on any other ship.There was a good and balanced mix of nationalities. This made for very interesting conversations. (Sadly, we discovered that the European children aboard were far better behaved than the US kids.) Yes, we think Yacht Club is very special. If you're on the fence, you really should at least give it a try.

[skyking]

This review was recently posted on the Divina cruise review page and is as follow:

 

"Let me start by saying had a great time with my family. Without them I would have flown home on the first port of call. Stayed in yacht club which was beautiful and clean. Service was great. Hard to find something very good to eat. All the food except for the filet seemed to be overly dressed. Food at midnight feast is not there. Just small sandwiches. This ship is for Europeans who are visiting America and want to go on a cruise that is their style. Meaning quiet no loud entertainment, no steel band, no carribean feel This ship is full of tea time and boring ass music around the bar areas. I've been on royal and ncl. Both have great food and entertainment. The workers here are afraid to have fun on this ship. On other ships they will stop talk and laugh. Americans I give you this warning do not use this ship if you want to let loose and have fun. One thing I'm glad about is that my kids weren't there They would have cried in boredom. Msc stay in the Mediterranean"

 

 

Did this person do an research? My interest is MSC in large part is because I want to experience a different perspective in cruising.

 

YAAAAAA what cruise was this person on????? Im sorry, but I find every comment in this review completely insane.....The Divina was beautiful, with great food, and a great crew.

[marcoigna]

YAAAAAA what cruise was this person on????? Im sorry, but I find every comment in this review completely insane.....The Divina was beautiful, with great food, and a great crew.

 

 

 

 

I read it and was astonished. Crazy people. Looks like he just wants to sabotage the ship and cruise line. Can't wait till our next yacht club cruise.

 

 

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[kathiean]

I would have to respecfully disagree with the above mentioned review. Perhaps it was just our good luck to have Putra as our butler and Guiseppe, Salvatore and Noel in the dining room, all of whom seemed to be having a great time doing their "jobs". We left the ship feeling like we'd made new friends among the staff we encountered. Yacht Club gave us the opportunity to enjoy the mega-ship experiences when we felt like it. For example, the Ameritalian Duo in LeLuna lounge was a highlight every evening. The production shows were excellent...probably the best of any cruise line we've been on. However, the opportunity to retreat to the Yacht Club whenever needed was worth the price we paid. The ability to call for a glass of wine in our cabin...and, have it delivered within minutes...again, worth the price we paid. Having our room made up promptly each morning....BEFORE we finished breakfast...try and find this on any other ship.There was a good and balanced mix of nationalities. This made for very interesting conversations. (Sadly, we discovered that the European children aboard were far better behaved than the US kids.) Yes, we think Yacht Club is very special. If you're on the fence, you really should at least give it a try.

 

We completely and 100% agree with you, mushroom. We have cruised in YC three times now, the most recent with Putra as our butler, and it was nothing short of AMAZING! My 22 month old grandson was Putra's favorite...he ALWAYS had time for a hug and a chat with him. He even let my grandson wear his nametag! The staff, food, service, surroundings, pool area, hot tubs...all exceptional. NO COMPARISON to ANY other cruiseline...and I've been on most all of them. 30+ cruises so I've lots to compare to! MSC...keep up the good work with the Yacht Club...you indeed have a winner! :)

[Shippy]

The experience it offered was a nice a nice room' date=' a private lounge and swimming pool area, a restaurant, and staff to wait on you.

 

Day to day stuff really if you are very fortune in life, and certainly no more than what you'd get in any good hotel. It really was very normal, but maybe the fact it was available at sea is what makes it seem very special when its not.[/quote']

 

Price out the "same" experience for a week at 'any good hotel(?)' Think it would have to be a bit better than 'good'.

Some of us paupers would not be able to afford such luxuries on land as apparently you must be used to.

Shame actually. It is wonderful to be able to look forward to such a trip & truly appreciate how special it is.

Cannot think of any cruiseline that could meet your expectations.....

[resstation]

Carnival is ready and willing to entertain and provide plenty of food for the reviewer who didn't enjoy the Divina. Not everyone will like any product. So what? Doesn't make them wrong. We LOVED our YC experience despite several challenges and have booked again when Divina is in the Med. I've cruised many, many times over the years and this is the first time I'm sailing the same ship a second time. The value can't be beat.

 

 

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[ThePriceO'Mince]

Price out the "same" experience for a week at 'any good hotel(?)' Think it would have to be a bit better than 'good'.

Some of us paupers would not be able to afford such luxuries on land as apparently you must be used to.

Shame actually. It is wonderful to be able to look forward to such a trip & truly appreciate how special it is.

Cannot think of any cruiseline that could meet your expectations.....

 

 

I came into apologise for the way I worded my previous post. It hasn't sat easy with me all night. It was offensive and that certainly wasn't my intention.

 

You obviously think very highly of your YC experience and whilst I thoroughly enjoyed my 2 weeks in the YC I will still say it was nothing out of the ordinary if you are used to a high level of service in general.

 

I'll be going back on the Divina in a few months though not to the YC because I want to experience the rest of the ship which looked like good fun. But I will go back to the YC next year when I'm away with a friend for 3 weeks even though the selling point for me is most definitely not the Butler who's services I didn't use beyond the very basic stuff once he realised I did actually prefer looking after myself.

 

And nor did I go for the 'pampering' either. I would never consider another adult carrying my beach bag off a ship to a coach anything other than me being ridiculous, as well as degrading for the other person concerned. Im able bodied enough to do it myself. I didn't book the YC because of the novelty factor MSC uses to sell it, I booked the YC because I wanted the peace and quiet of it, and because I will only ever try and stay somewhere that is comparable to what I have at home. My backpacking days were over many many years ago and its all about comfort now.

 

Im really looking forward to my cruising this year, as well as the two I have booked for next, and I think in 2017/18 when MSC launches their new ships I'll be on board with family, so it really is very silly of you to say nothing would please me because a lot very clearly does.

 

And thats just the point about how you have totally got your understanding of my expectations so wrong because I didn't have any. I loved the Cruise, loved the YC, as all of my previous posts would make clear, but it really was nothing out of the ordinary. By all means be offended as to how someone expresses themselve the way I did earlier, but to be offended and rather shirty because someone has their own reasons for having a different view to you regarding something you found fabulous is rather daft.

Edited February 4, 2015 by ThePriceO'Mince

[resstation]

I came into apologise for the way I worded my previous post. It hasn't sat easy with me all night. It was offensive and that certainly wasn't my intention.

 

You obviously think very highly of your YC experience and whilst I thoroughly enjoyed my 2 weeks in the YC I will still say it was nothing out of the ordinary if you are used to a high level of service in general.

 

I'll be going back on the Divina in a few months though not to the YC because I want to experience the rest of the ship which looked like good fun. But I will go back to the YC next year when I'm away with a friend for 3 weeks even though the selling point for me is most definitely not the Butler who's services I didn't use beyond the very basic stuff once he realised I did actually prefer looking after myself.

 

And nor did I go for the 'pampering' either. I would never consider another adult carrying my beach bag off a ship to a coach anything other than me being ridiculous' date=' as well as degrading for the other person concerned. Im able bodied enough to do it myself. I didn't book the YC because of the novelty factor MSC uses to sell it, I booked the YC because I wanted the peace and quiet of it, and because I will only ever try and stay somewhere that is comparable to what I have at home. My backpacking days were over many many years ago and its all about comfort now.

 

Im really looking forward to my cruising this year, as well as the two I have booked for next, and I think in 2017/18 when MSC launches their new ships I'll be on board with family, so it really is very silly of you to say nothing would please me because a lot very clearly does.

 

And thats just the point about how you have totally got your understanding of my expectations so wrong because I didn't have any. I loved the Cruise, loved the YC, as all of my previous posts would make clear, but it really was nothing out of the ordinary. By all means be offended as to how someone expresses themselve the way I did earlier, but to be offended and rather shirty because someone has their own reasons for having a different view to you regarding something you found fabulous is rather daft.[/quote']

 

 

That's an apology?

 

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[mushroom]

Your experiences in Yacht Club indicate a lack of understanding of what it is all about. Your desire to "experience the rest of the ship" could have been fulfilled while in Yacht Club. You are permitted to enjoy everything offered onboard and are certainly not restricted to YC alone. I'm guessing your next experience will begin to sour when you find yourself standing in the embarkation line with a couple of thousand other cruisers. That just didn't look like fun to me! I sincerely hope you enjoy seeing the ship from the other side...it truly does have a lot to offer! I hope you will enjoy the energy of the crowds. There is much to be said for being in the thick of things. However, from reading your post, I'm guessing you are a bit like me in wanting things simple, wanting to be comfortable and well cared for. Let me know how it goes for you.

[GOLDENBONNY]

This review was recently posted on the Divina cruise review page and is as follow:

 

"Let me start by saying had a great time with my family. Without them I would have flown home on the first port of call. Stayed in yacht club which was beautiful and clean. Service was great. Hard to find something very good to eat. All the food except for the filet seemed to be overly dressed. Food at midnight feast is not there. Just small sandwiches. This ship is for Europeans who are visiting America and want to go on a cruise that is their style. Meaning quiet no loud entertainment, no steel band, no carribean feel This ship is full of tea time and boring ass music around the bar areas. I've been on royal and ncl. Both have great food and entertainment. The workers here are afraid to have fun on this ship. On other ships they will stop talk and laugh. Americans I give you this warning do not use this ship if you want to let loose and have fun. One thing I'm glad about is that my kids weren't there They would have cried in boredom. Msc stay in the Mediterranean"

 

 

Did this person do an research? My interest is MSC in large part is because I want to experience a different perspective in cruising.

 

 

Great food on NCL ? LOL Boring on Divina? really people should try harder with bashing:rolleyes:

[ThePriceO'Mince]

Mushroom, thank you.

 

I did experience the rest of the ship All of it until the early hours of the morning every day. I was part of a family group of 9 travelling together and by day 3 I was off on my own because of how restrictive being part of the group was. They stuck to the YC like glue and experienced very little of what was going on whereas I never stopped from the time I got up to about 2am every night. I would even have dinner at half six on my own so I could be off out and about. Im a solo traveller but it doesn't hold me back at all, not even on shore excursions. My first port of call after dinner each evening was sitting at one of the bars perched between 2 giant vodka bottles listening to the live music, then it was away to the show, then the casino, then another bar, then the black and white lounge for a dance before going back to the YC for a natter with any one there. By 2am I would be back in the room. I used to laugh when my brother would say to me - and what time was that you came in at last night madam!

 

 

One night I had a nice late night natter with the catering manager, A Goan, and he very kindly offered a curry evening for the family based on our shared loved of Indian Food and me making Dhal the way he does. He was all excited to be having a Foodie talk, our mouths were watering and he said - I'm going to do a curry night for your family and Im going to be the one who cooks it. In the end I was unwell on the day and couldn't go but he put on a really nice meal for the family, it was both our ideas of what we thought a really nice Indian meal was and very kind of him to have offered it.

 

During the day if we were at Sea I'd be at the dance classes by the big pool.

 

And I actually made a very nice new friend on the Cruise, a Swiss mum traveling with her son who were both supposed to be here in my home port on board Lirica a few days ago. Unfortunately my friend is unwell and had to cancel her cruise till next year but I will be going to see her for a few days very soon.

 

You mentioned the energy of the crowds and thats exactly why Im not doing the YC in May - I would be off on my travels through the ship and it looked smashing and I thought to myself - next time Im doing this. And it may be that I go get find up of waiting in line with crowds of people but its always another chance to have a natter with someone and pass the time of day.

 

I had a really nice time on the Cruise, it was my first and I've caught the Cruise bug because no sooner was I back than I had booked 2 for this year also.

 

And yes, I think we may be similar in what we need/want. :)

Edited February 4, 2015 by ThePriceO'Mince

[parallax]

My wife and I have been on about 10 cruises. It would have been strange to have the YC experience as part of my first cruise. The YC creates a world of seclusion and does not give you the same introduction to the cruising experience if you were staying in one of the regular cabins and eating in the main dinning room. However, since we have participated in numerous cruises, we have sort of exhausted the regular cruising experience. Most elements of cruising we like but there are some we are not so fond of. The YC, we hope, offers us the opportunity for seclusion but also sill affords us the ability to take advantage of the activities on a big ship.

[ThePriceO'Mince]

Yes, Parallax, thats one of the things I loved about the YC - the peace and quiet when I wanted it, which was often. But I also really enjoyed venturing out into other parts of the ship and experiencing it all. It was a a very good mix.

 

Not that I ever said I didn't enjoy the YC because I did, thoroughly. I just put something very badly, much to my shame.

 

And Im not sure about the YC perhaps being a strange introduction to cruising (for me) but i do understand the point you are making. I can only think that if I was going on a land holiday I would pick a good hotel to stay in from the outset and not think well this time I'll stay in a not so good one down the road in case I want to come back again one day.

 

I may well regret the two Im doing this year as part of the general hustle and bustle but If its not such a great experience its only a few weeks out of my life and in amongst the not so great things there will be other things to thoroughly enjoy. My holiday will be what I make of it and as an example Im just as excited today about flying on an A380 in a few months as I am about any other part of my trip in May. Things like food - well does it really matter if its not so great because there will always be something to eat somewhere and I'm not going to starve.

 

I think holidays are what you make of them and for me being on the ship is part of the holiday, and not the holiday, so to speak.

 

regards

Tattie

Edited February 4, 2015 by ThePriceO'Mince

[miataman19]

Looking at Divina for our next sailing, never been on MCS. We had an outstanding cruise on NCL Getaway in The Haven. Has anyone sailed both and could you give me the skinny on YC. Thanks for the help

[parallax]

Sailing on the MSC Divina in less than 3 weeks and will report back on the YC. The general consensus from what I read is that this is the best suite experience at sea.

[Cruisergal1208]

Sailing on the MSC Divina in less than 3 weeks and will report back on the YC. The general consensus from what I read is that this is the best suite experience at sea.

 

Would you please tell Vasant/"V" Mary Ann and Tom from Georgia say hello? Also give our regards to the staff in Le Muse. Hope you like the staff inYC as much as we did. They really know how to take care of you and make you feel pampered and special. Will be sailing Divina again in January 2016. Enjoy your cruise!!

[Mikesa1721]

Would you please tell Vasant/"V" Mary Ann and Tom from Georgia say hello? Also give our regards to the staff in Le Muse. Hope you like the staff inYC as much as we did. They really know how to take care of you and make you feel pampered and special. Will be sailing Divina again in January 2016. Enjoy your cruise!!

 

 

Hopefully some of them are still there Cruiser!!!! I'll be sailing Divina in April,,unfortunately not in the YC,,,damn "couples cruise" went ahead and booked the whole YC!!! We're hoping to see Guiseppe and Gabrielle in LeMuse,,,as well as Thomas,,Putra,,Adi and Johnny in the YC. Hopefully I'll be able to stop in and say hello to some of them,,,,

[Mikesa1721]

Looking at Divina for our next sailing, never been on MCS. We had an outstanding cruise on NCL Getaway in The Haven. Has anyone sailed both and could you give me the skinny on YC. Thanks for the help

 

Priority Check-In

 

Isn't a cruise all about relaxation? Well, standing in long lines waiting to embark isn't relaxing at all. That's why the MSC Yacht Club is different. Each MSC Yacht Club guest receives priority check-in when they step on board. Sit in the private lounge, have a glass of champagne and a canapé before your Butler takes your luggage and escorts you to your suite.

 

 

24-Hour Concierge

 

Inside the beautiful reception area with the stunning Swarovski Staircase is a knowledgeable staff committed to providing you with up-to-date information and making special arrangements for you. Services include: Priority reservations for onboard services such as a massage at the MSC Aurea Spa and detailed information on local attractions and reservations for shore excursions.

 

 

Round-the-Clock Butler Service

 

The MSC Yacht Club Butlers are trained to the highest standards at the prestigious Butler Academy. Your Butler's utmost priority is making sure you have everything you need and will unpack and pack your clothes for you, make dinner reservations at the private restaurant, serve you high tea in the afternoon, shop for you at one of our high-end boutiques and deliver room service and newspapers to your suite. Basically no matter what you need, your Butler is there to help you.

 

 

All-Inclusive Beverages

 

In the MSC Yacht Club lounge, pool, bar and restaurant beverages are complimentary from Acqua Panna water to cocktails*, wine and beer. Drinks are unlimited and you can even enjoy your en suite mini bar all free of charge.

 

*Some premium drinks excluded

 

 

Private Pool, Bar and Lounge

 

Sometimes it's hard to find a place at the bar, lounge or pool when your competing for space with other cruisers. That's why the MSC Yacht Club has a dedicated bar, lounge and pool just for members only. So whether you are enjoying a cocktail, lounging around or taking in some rays, you can rest assured it won't be over crowded so you can actually enjoy your vacation. Plus, in every venue you can find complimentary snacks and hot and cold hors d'oeuvres throughout the day.

 

 

Private Restaurant & Gourmet Cuisine

 

With an open seating plan, you don't have to choose between early or late dinner seatings. You can dine whenever you want during restaurant hours. Enjoy the best panoramic views of the sea for breakfast, lunch and dinner and nosh on some of the most decadent cuisine such as gravlax, Caribbean salad, risotto, swordfish, lamb chops and fresh-baked breads — all served with complimentary wines and beverages.

 

 

Exquisite Suites Located at the Front of the Ship

 

There's nothing better than relaxing after a long day on shore or at sea. Luckily, the MSC Yacht Club has some of the best suites at sea. Located at the top of the ship with the best views, each suite has fine wood finishes, marble bathroom fixtures, European King bed, Egyptian cotton sheets, complimentary mini bar and a walk in closet. Plus, you can choose from a variety of pillows to ensure the perfect night's sleep.

 

 

One & Only Sophia Loren Suite

 

Not only are the MSC Yacht Club's suites some of the best, but MSC Divina also offers the one-of-a-kind Sophia Loren Suite. A plush and lavish suite that was designed by the Diva herself. Beautiful black and white photos of Ms. Loren's most memorable roles are splashed throughout the suite, while rich reds immerse you in luxury. The suite also includes a replica of her dressing table, which allows you to get ready just like the Hollywood Legend.

Edited March 19, 2015 by Mikesa1721