MSC compared to Celebrity: An Analysis

[parallax]

My family and I just got back from our April 4 cruise on the MSC Divina out of Miami. Originally, we were scheduled to go on the Reflection but we decided to mix things up. All our cruises on Celebrity have been very enjoyable and any complaints that we have had are minor. On Celebrity, we have stayed in balcony cabins, concierge class and suites. With the later two categories, we have found the benefits minimal and not worth the extra cost. That said, I am aware that Celebrity is rolling out its new suite program. Finally, we are both Elite members on Celebrity.

 

We were a little concerned about MSC when reading the reviews. Their were complaints about the food, the service, the crew members to speak English etc. In speaking to fellow passengers who were first time cruisers, they had the same wariness. Well, after a week in the Yacht Club, we and other YC members were sold on MSC. It is safe to say that the Yacht Club was the most enjoyable cruising experience we have ever had. One couple we befriended had been on 145 cruises and they said hands down this was there favorite cruise.

 

So what is the Yacht Club? It is a ship within a ship concept. The Yacht Club comprises the top three floors at the top of the ship. There are 69 rooms (suites), a lounge, a concierge desk, and an expansive pool area that has a bar and a buffet. Each room is assigned a butler, who also has an assistant. In the Yacht Club, all drinks are included. There is a YC restaurant that is at the back of the ship. It is a little hard to find so the butler will escort you the first night. It is anytime sitting but they do seek to give them a time range. Yacht club members also get priority boarding, tendering and disembarkation.

 

It is hard to do an analysis because Celebrity does not have a truly ship within a ship concept. However, I will discuss some key areas of cruising.

 

Embarkation: I have never had many problems with Celebrity but it has been somewhat chaotic once or twice, even with Elite Status. With the YC, you go to the YC tent and they put the tags on your bag. You then go into the terminal and go to the YC lounge. You jump all the lines. You check-in, which took all of two minutes, and then you are served a drink while you wait for the butler to bring you onto the ship. We were on the ship within 10 minutes. The butler takes you to the concierge desk and they ask you two questions. What is the estimated time you are going to eat dinner? What newspaper do you want delivered to you every day? This is a great amenity. I received the Washington Post every day and read it at breakfast or the pool. The Sunday edition was the size of a phone book. Because we checked in at 11:30, we had to wait an hour for our rooms to be ready.

 

Service: We have had very good service on Celebrity. In the YC, it was the best service we have ever had. We are not demanding people but every request was responded to promptly and appropriately. The butlers and junior butlers were always present get you drinks, provide food or escort you off the ship. I was talking to a senior MSC executive who he had taken the cruise with his family and he intimated that they recruited best butlers from other cruise lines. There were 3 butlers who use to work for Celebrity. Outside the YC club, the service was good but different. It definitely had a european quality. It was slower and a little more erratic. This was very noticeable the one night we ate at the speciality restaurant and when trying to get drinks in the casino. The service in the YC club restaurant was outstanding. The maitre d was fabulous and ran an excellent restaurant. He was so outgoing and all the passengers loved him. He created such a warm atmosphere that passengers befriended other passengers sitting around them.

 

More to follow.

[suec12]

Well before we go further....was the price of the YC comparable to a regular verandah on an X ship?

[ECCruise]

Well before we go further....was the price of the YC comparable to a regular verandah on an X ship?

 

Reading the description and amenities (which sound wonderful) can't imagine that YC would be even close to the price of a plain veranda on Celebrity.

[parallax]

The price differential for the 3 of us was $1200. We were in highest verandah category on Celebrity and our Yacht Club room was more akin to a mini-suite.

 

Also, this is not intended to be an apples to apples comparison.

Edited April 12, 2015 by parallax

[hcat]

We shared a van from our Miami hotel with folks going on MSC, we went to Reflection.They were very positive about ut

 

Cant wait to hear more...esp about ship layout, decor, smoking, food, music, spa, shows ports, etc .Whatever you can share,

 

How do Yacht club prices and accomodations compare with suites on X.? seems like alot of perks for a small price difference. Was there a drinks plan?

 

if you were not Yacht Club, how do you think it would compare?

Edited April 12, 2015 by hcat

[Iamthesea]

Sounds wonderful, but I am not sure that I would want to be confined to 3 decks to get the good service. :rolleyes: Were you able to get free drinks in the rest of the ship, swim in the other pools, or eat in the Main Dining Room and buffet in the other areas?

 

 

We did see the MSC ship while on the Reflection last week. I commented on what a beautiful ship it was...and large! I thought I had heard that the crew was an all Italian crew. Is this true?

 

$400 pp is not too bad to receive excellent service, but what size were the Suites? Photos?

 

Did the YC have a separate sunning deck?

Edited April 12, 2015 by Iamthesea

[parallax]

We shared a van from our Miami hotel with folks going on MSC, we went to Reflection.They were very positive about ut

 

Cant wait to hear more...esp about ship layout, decor, smoking, food, music, spa, shows ports, etc .Whatever you can share,

 

How do Yacht club prices and accomodations compare with suites on X.? seems like alot of perks for a small price difference. Was there a drinks plan?

 

if you were not Yacht Club, how do you think it would compare?

 

Actually, the sky suites priced out higher on the Reflection than in the Yacht Club. That being said the rooms are smaller but the amenities are much better. Except for certain premium scotches, drinks are free within the YC club and the restaurant. The one complaint is that outside the YC you had to buy your own drinks. In our comment card, we recommended that change. We also got to go drinks at the Yacht Club bar when we to other places on the ship.

Edited April 12, 2015 by parallax

[parallax]

Pool: On Celebrity, like every other cruise line we have been on, we do not spend much time at the pool. The constant tussle for chairs and the overcrowding of the pool areas limits our desire to go to the pool. At the YC, you do not have these issues. The YC club has its own private pool area and comprises the 18th floor of the ship. There are more loungers than YC passengers and so you never have an issue getting a spot. There is a pool that is partly covered with 2 hot tubs. The pool area also has a bar and a buffet that you can get breakfast or lunch or snacks at other times of the day. The bar also always has freshly made gelato. It also has the best view on the ship as the pool area is at the front of the ship overlooking the bridge. I will say that it can get a little windy because of the location of the pool but it was only really noticeable during one day. It is safe to say that we spent the most time ever on this cruise. There were 3 other pools, one of which was indoor) throughout the ship but we did not visit them. They were packed and looked okay. There was also a water slide but one of the kids told me it was pathetic.

[macaroni]

Can you get a table for 2 in the dining room?

[Fredric22]

Having experienced the YC and many celebrity cruises, I can say the YC is definitely a better quality experience. Unfortunately, the options from the US are a bit limited, which is why we cruise Celebrity. I am trying the new suite class next month, and will be very interested to compare the experience with our YC experience.

[parallax]

Food: Food is very subjective. Being an Italian cruise line, the food has an Italian slant to it. I thought the food was fabulous. True to their European heritage, the food portions are smaller and the menu has an Italian focus. They bring over Italian ingredients and it is noticeable. At the YC restaurant, you could always find a steak dish but we only had it one night (make sure to ask for it medium rare if you want medium). They do seafood and pasta very well and always have a risotto of the day, which is fabulous. The chef was clearly having fun this cruise. He would send out dishes to the table for people to try. The last night he sent out fettucini al fredo our last night and it was to die for.

 

The little buffets they had at the lounge and the pool deck were also fabulous. They were the perfect place to go to if you wanted to have a light meal or snack. At 10:00 in the lounge, they always put a great dessert display.

 

The pizza was the best we ever had on any ship. We had it from the ship buffet and the piazza. The pizza in the piazza cost extra but it is made by a professional pizza-maker brought over from Italy. It was fabulous. If you order pizza from room service, YC members get the pizza from the piazza free of charge.

 

The speciality restaurants are ok but nothing special. The ones on Celebrity are much better. The restaurants are al a carte.

 

I can't speak to the buffet or main dining. I heard some mixed reviews. I think if you are a meat and potatoes kind of person that this might not be the best cruise line for you.

Edited April 12, 2015 by parallax

[parallax]

Can you get a table for 2 in the dining room?

 

In the YC restaurant, yes. The main dining room I do not know the answer.

Edited April 12, 2015 by parallax

[parallax]

Having experienced the YC and many celebrity cruises, I can say the YC is definitely a better quality experience. Unfortunately, the options from the US are a bit limited, which is why we cruise Celebrity. I am trying the new suite class next month, and will be very interested to compare the experience with our YC experience.

 

I will be interest to hear your thoughts as well. When their new ship comes over in 2017, there will be a little more choice.

[Iamthesea]

Pool: On Celebrity, like every other cruise line we have been on, we do not spend much time at the pool. The constant tussle for chairs and the overcrowding of the pool areas limits our desire to go to the pool. At the YC, you do not have these issues. The YC club has its own private pool area and comprises the 18th floor of the ship. There are more loungers than YC passengers and so you never have an issue getting a spot. There is a pool that is partly covered with 2 hot tubs. The pool area also has a bar and a buffet that you can get breakfast or lunch or snacks at other times of the day. The bar also always has freshly made gelato. It also has the best view on the ship as the pool area is at the front of the ship overlooking the bridge. I will say that it can get a little windy because of the location of the pool but it was only really noticeable during one day. It is safe to say that we spent the most time ever on this cruise. There were 3 other pools, one of which was indoor) throughout the ship but we did not visit them. They were packed and looked okay. There was also a water slide but one of the kids told me it was pathetic.

 

 

The ship certainly sounds intriguing. Now if I could fit some time in to try it.

 

I don't believe that you answered my question about the make up of the crew, but I have another related question. What is the majority of the make up of passengers? So sorry for all the questions! :eek:

Edited April 12, 2015 by Iamthesea

[cruisead]

Personally, the fact that beverages are not included outside the YC would be a deal breaker. There's no way we want to be confined to such a small area of such a large ship to use the perks. When we book a CS or higher, the benefits are available throughout the ship.

[parallax]

The captain, his staff and the concierges were from Italy. The waitstaff in the YC restaurant was also Italian as well of the chefs. Our butler was from Brazil and the make-up of the rest of the staff is what you would find on any Celebrity cruise. I would do a description of fellow passengers but the make-up split 50/50 of US citizens and Europeans.

[Shippy]

For $1900-$2000. pp you can get a yacht club room on MSC.

What does that get you on Celebrity ?

It is not just that it is very economical but the most luxurious experience you have ever had on any ship.

It is like being in a pay restaurant every meal. All drinks included.

Their private lounge is huge & the best view at sea. Not only are the drinks free but there are always fancy snacks in there. I am not sure but it must be open 24hrs a day because we have been in there early & very late.

The private pool area is also huge with pool & hot tub & lots of lounge chairs.Also has a buffet & bar there.

There are 2 many perks to list.

Granted they just have routine itineraries in the Caribbean but you will soon not care about that anymore.

We really splurge & get a YC2 cabin. Although no balcony, it has floor to ceiling windows and 2 totally separate rooms with their own thermostat and big screen tv's.

A totally separate dressing area and a giant bathroom with 2 sinks, large shower with jets and a separate tub. It is like being in a small apartment.

This cost us $2100 minus 5% because we are past cruisers & $400.00 OBC.

We just got back last month and have already booked next March.

But we also love Celebrity. On the Infinity to Alaska next month.

Youtube Msc Yacht Club....you will be amazed....

[Iamthesea]

The captain, his staff and the concierges were from Italy. The waitstaff in the YC restaurant was also Italian as well of the chefs. Our butler was from Brazil and the make-up of the rest of the staff is what you would find on any Celebrity cruise. I would do a description of fellow passengers but the make-up split 50/50 of US citizens and Europeans.

 

Thank you! ;)

 

Now I am confused because I looked at the pricing on a cruise for next Fall and found that there were two other categories that also offer the same services, (minus dining room and lounge) as the YC.

 

This stateroom looks more spacious than the YC stateroom and it was much less. :confused:

 

Aurea Suites

 

 

Decks: Deck 10, Deck 11, Deck 9

Occupancy: Sleeps 4 guests Description:

Aurea Suites have two single beds that convert to a double bed, spacious wardrobe, and a bathroom with tub/shower combination. The sitting area has a double sofa bed, armchair, and desk. Floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors lead to your private balcony. Each stateroom also has a television, thermostat controlled air-conditioning, mini bar, individual safe, available internet connection, and direct-dial telephone.

 

Some suites have panoramic windows instead of a balcony.

 

Please note: Some staterooms have views that are obstructed by life boats or other ship structures.

 

How can I tell if the above apply and do those staterooms cost less than those with unobstructed balconies?

 

Aurea Experience

 

• Includes Fantastica Experience: You get all the same amenities as the Fantastica Experience PLUS more.
  
• Free UNLIMTED Drinks: Unlimited drinks including specialty coffee, wine, beer, cocktails, soft drinks, and gelato 24 hours a day. Valid for non-premium alcohol.
  
• Free "My Choice Dining": Have dinner in a dedicated area of the restaurant any time during dining room hours. No set time, no reservations needed.
  
• Free Spa Service: Relax with a free 60 minute massage per person, up to 2 per stateroom, access to the sauna & steam room for the duration of your cruise, consultation with spa doctor, and welcome cocktail.
  
• Private sundeck access: Access the private and exclusive Top 18 sundeck where you can sunbathe and lounge in a kid-free environment & enjoy a private bar.
  
• Free priority boarding: Save time with priority boarding on the day of embarkation. Priority boarding helps you get on board quicker so you can start your vacation sooner.
  

 

*Please note: In the event of a complimentary upgrade to this category, the guest will benefit from the stateroom upgrade only, excluding the content of the Experience. Upgrades are "stateroom only", and the Experience services will remain the same as category and Experience originally booked.

 

Square Footage: 220 - 447 sq ft

Balcony Square Footage: 33 sq ft

[parallax]

Those suites are not part of the YC. Many of these suites are bigger but you do not get the same benefits of the YC. The private dinning room is part of the main dinning room like on Celebrity with the suite perks. You do not get to use the YC restaurant that is at the back of the ship on deck 15. The private deck is midship and not part of the YC. I believe there is a hot tub. The YC's pool is at the front of the ship. You don't get the butler and you do not good the same priority boarding as YC members. I guess what I am saying is that there is a big difference. I'm not saying it is bad is not part of a ship within a ship experience.

Edited April 13, 2015 by parallax

[Iamthesea]

Thank you for the clarification. ;)

[JFontaine]

Thanks for your report. Looking forward to our YC cruise next year. There are 8 larger Y3 cabins near the elevator - 4 on each floor.

[parallax]

Passengers: As I mentioned earlier, there appears to be a 50/50 mix of Europeans and North Americans on the ship. In the YC, we met people from Germany, Sweden, France and Italy. The mix is not surprising as MSC is a major player in the European market. It was pretty amazing to witness the staff's ability to speak multiple languages. However, it appears that the majority of European's spoke English very well. Since it was spring break and Easter, there were a lot of kids on the ship. The most I have seen on any cruise but I think timing had a large part to do with it. In addition, they had a promo that kids sail free. However, this promo did not apply to the Yacht Club. There were kids in the YC but it amounted to no more than 10% of YC passengers.

 

Smoking: MSC has limited venues for smoking. The only place in the YC is on the pool deck tucked away in the corner. On the rest of the ship, I noticed smoking was allowed at the pool at the back of the deck and at the cigar bar. Smoking was not permitted in the casino.

 

Kids Club: My daughter enjoyed the Kids Club but Celebrity is better. The one feature I like is that the Club takes the kids to the second show each night. My daughter really enjoyed the shows, especially the Michael Jackson tribute.

 

Shows: We are not big into shows but we found the two we went to very enjoyable. There shows have certain themes like Alice in Wonderland, Pirates and Michael Jackson. Some of the shows have a Cirque Du Soleil feel to them. I know for some people that is not their cup of tea but it does distinguish theme from standard fair found on many cruise lines. For music lovers, music of all types could be found throughout the ship. The piano bar was always popular.

[TRAVELINGMAN2]

Would we have the use of the sauna and steam room for the duration of the cruise if we book a cabin in the Yacht Club for free? Is there an extra fee?

[parallax]

I believe you get some free use but I don't know if it is for free.

[parallax]

Personally, the fact that beverages are not included outside the YC would be a deal breaker. There's no way we want to be confined to such a small area of such a large ship to use the perks. When we book a CS or higher, the benefits are available throughout the ship.

 

While I'm not a fan of this policy and hope it will change, it was not really a problem for us. YC members received a $200 credit. Therefore, we bought 18 drink tickets for $84. We used them when we were outside the YC.