MSC compared to Celebrity: An Analysis

[Beamafar]

I'll be in YC for the third time in 4 weeks time. It will be my 9th cruise with MSC. I'll be trying Celebrity next January in a Sky Suite on Millennium which is on a par with what I'm paying for YC per day.

 

I've visited Silhouette while she was in port and Luminae doesn't come close to the YC dedicated dining room. Also, Sky Suites don't have access to Michael's Club unlike YC which has it's own fantastic lounge with buffet and incredible vistas - think Observation lounge on Silhouette. Drinks are included only in all YC venues. Someone said that this would be a deal-breaker - Sky Suites don't have drinks included at all (unless you get an 'offer' such as 123Go or BBB).

 

The YC pool deck, with its bar and buffet area, is an oasis of serenity and, as someone who doesn't hang out at the pool either on land or at sea, I love the area!

 

However, I don't think YC would compare with other suites on X in terms of size of cabins, but you're not paying those exorbitant rates for the privilege, either!

 

Having said all that, Celebrity does offer in-suite dining and a far better room service menu (from what I've gleaned when looking for info about X). For instance, MSC only offers cold plates on theirs! Suitable for a snack or light lunch and the breakfast menu is Continental only - basically - cereals, toast, bread rolls and pastries! I'm hoping to discover other gems on X which will convince me that the experience is as good, if not better, value as MSC. I've yet to be convinced on the basis of what I've read (and seen on Silhouette), so far!

Edited August 5, 2015 by Beamafar

[Muushka]

Thank you OP. Looks interesting, I'll stay tuned...

[GOLDENBONNY]

Hey MSC, I hate your decor. It has that dated, kitschy feel that you can find in abundance at resorts and cruise ships around the world. Celebrity on the other hand — magnificent! The design of their ships really accentuates the modern in Modern Luxury.

 

As for the ship-within-a-ship concept, I think it's offensive. Don't get me wrong — I'd love to be able to find a spot at the pool more easily, but not if it comes at the expense of separating myself from the rest of the ship, which leads me to my final point....

 

I strongly believe that segregating passengers to give the illusion of luxury and exclusivity is an incredibly lazy business decision. I understand that guests in suites pay more and should therefore be entitled to more perks. But to separate people physically? That marginalizes passengers in an entirely new, and incredibly uncomfortable way, and I'll have no part in that.

 

If Celebrity ever moves towards this model, you can count me out.

 

Michael's Club on X is not separation for people ? Special corner in DR for VIP or whatever level they are on X it's not offensive? :rolleyes:

[parallax]

Hey MSC, I hate your decor. It has that dated, kitschy feel that you can find in abundance at resorts and cruise ships around the world. Celebrity on the other hand — magnificent! The design of their ships really accentuates the modern in Modern Luxury.

 

As for the ship-within-a-ship concept, I think it's offensive. Don't get me wrong — I'd love to be able to find a spot at the pool more easily, but not if it comes at the expense of separating myself from the rest of the ship, which leads me to my final point....

 

I strongly believe that segregating passengers to give the illusion of luxury and exclusivity is an incredibly lazy business decision. I understand that guests in suites pay more and should therefore be entitled to more perks. But to separate people physically? That marginalizes passengers in an entirely new, and incredibly uncomfortable way, and I'll have no part in that.

 

If Celebrity ever moves towards this model, you can count me out.

 

Cruising has never been egalitarian. On Celebrity, one can count several different ways they segregate passengers. If you are not an Elite member, you are prohibited from going to Elite events at different venues. If you are not sailing in a suite or in Aqua Class, you cannot take partake in their restaurants. Based on your position, it is my understanding that you would not take advantage of Captain's Club events or sail in a suite or Aqua Class because you would be aiding in the marginalization of other passengers.

[saltydoge]

Michael's Club on X is not separation for people ? Special corner in DR for VIP or whatever level they are on X it's not offensive? :rolleyes:

 

Cruising has never been egalitarian. On Celebrity, one can count several different ways they segregate passengers. If you are not an Elite member, you are prohibited from going to Elite events at different venues. If you are not sailing in a suite or in Aqua Class, you cannot take partake in their restaurants. Based on your position, it is my understanding that you would not take advantage of Captain's Club events or sail in a suite or Aqua Class because you would be aiding in the marginalization of other passengers.

 

Let me be clear: I'm all for perks (butlers, in-cabin meals, super-wide balconies) if you pay more. But do three whole decks of the ship need to be cordoned off? I don't think they do, and I'm sure there are more creative ways to enrich the experience of a suites guest that haven't been thought out yet.

[yorkyred]

Let me be clear: I'm all for perks (butlers, in-cabin meals, super-wide balconies) if you pay more. But do three whole decks of the ship need to be cordoned off? I don't think they do, and I'm sure there are more creative ways to enrich the experience of a suites guest that haven't been thought out yet.

 

Many hotels throughout the world do the same thing, it's nothing new. As others have mentioned in the past it's also no different to the different classes when you fly, I can't just walk into first class on BA as much as I would like to. You pay more money and that's the perks whether it's a restaurant, lounge, or sun deck, it's not a class thing which I would not accept.

[MrJoeBlack]

Let me be clear: I'm all for perks (butlers, in-cabin meals, super-wide balconies) if you pay more. But do three whole decks of the ship need to be cordoned off? I don't think they do, and I'm sure there are more creative ways to enrich the experience of a suites guest that haven't been thought out yet.

 

 

Yacht Club isn't three whole decks, just the very front portion of three decks and a restaurant in the aft of one, I don't understand your dislike for this

[ISABELLA]

Just looked it up

7 days Caribbean on Reflection 12/5/15 - Go BIG -2099pp, GO BEST- 2499pp

Yacht Club 12/5/15 - same 7 days - 2099pp

[Beamafar]

Just looked it up

7 days Caribbean on Reflection 12/5/15 - Go BIG -2099pp, GO BEST- 2499pp

Yacht Club 12/5/15 - same 7 days - 2099pp

 

What type of cabin on Reflection?

[Iamthesea]

And what type of cabin in YC does one book? Anyone have a photo of a cabin similar to the Sky Suite??

[KW Cruisers]

I have also wondered about trying the YC on MSC or the Haven on NCL, but since we are used to RS & CS suites on X, I wonder if I would be disappointed. I would hate to book onto one of these and not enjoy myself. We ALWAYS enjoy our suites on X and absolutely love Michael's. Trying Luminae for the first time in a few days! I've only heard good things.

Edited August 6, 2015 by KW Cruisers

[Zoey1]

We are going to try the Yacht Club on MSC in the Spring, the price is great and figured how bad can it be? 😳

[blueboro]

We are going to try the Yacht Club on MSC in the Spring, the price is great and figured how bad can it be?

 

From some of the reviews I have seen it can be pretty bad. Although the YC seems to mask many of the complaints.

[Janet987]

A week or two ago, another member posted an article MSC's new Loyalty Match Program, which apparently "guarantees" a 5% discount. Info and application here: http://www.msccruisesusa.com/us_en/Msc/Loyalty-Match-Program.aspx

[parallax]

I have done suites on both cruise lines. The YC, with the exception of one or two rooms, are about the size of mini suites. As a result, the YC rooms do not compare at all to the suites on Celebrity. If having a big suite is one of your requirements, then MSC would not be for you at this time. However, the service within the YC and its restaurant is second to none. I found the food to be exceptional. The food is fresh and they use high quality ingredients.

 

We took a gamble on the YC and it paid off. It was probably our favorite cruise.

[ISABELLA]

What type of cabin on Reflection?

 

Reflection - least expensive Suite

[4774Papa]

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.

Sorry, but I don't want or need a butler.

[CruisingChick]

Must be nice to have money to burn. I can't see paying $2,099 for a 7 night cruise on any ship in any category.

 

Most of our 7 night cruises (on Celebrity) range in the $499 - $799 range.

[Solon]

We are going to try the Yacht Club on MSC in the Spring, the price is great and figured how bad can it be? 😳

 

Your statement of how bad can it be made me laugh. :D

 

It is cheap for a reason.

[Beamafar]

Your statement of how bad can it be made me laugh. :D

 

It is cheap for a reason.

 

Are you speaking from experience? YC is comparable in price to a Sky Suite on X

- is that "cheap for a reason" too?

Edited August 6, 2015 by Beamafar

[Bo1953]

From some of the reviews I have seen it can be pretty bad. Although the YC seems to mask many of the complaints.

 

LOL, then again from some of the reviews one can read on CC X appears to be pretty bad, too... ;-)

 

It is all in the eyes of the beholder, for sure...

[camarodrivenrs]

Must be nice to have money to burn. I can't see paying $2,099 for a 7 night cruise on any ship in any category.

 

Most of our 7 night cruises (on Celebrity) range in the $499 - $799 range.

 

I wouldn't say its burning money. Some people just enjoy being in their cabin or balcony more than others. For example, I really enjoy being able to sit on my balcony and read or have coffee in the mornings out there. I value this so it is something I'm willing to pay for. Having paid that price for a normal balcony on Reflection over New Year's and paid that price for mini suites on Princess for 7 night cruises--I believe MSC's YC is a great deal and it looks fantastic. I will be trying it in the future.

 

I've not been on MSC, but I've noticed and experienced on these boards that many people quickly discredit any good review a of cruise line outside the American mainstream. I saw it when I posted my thoughts on Costa Atlantica a few years ago. Some people just wouldn't accept that it was a good cruise (one of my favorites, actually).

[Solon]

LOL, then again from some of the reviews one can read on CC X appears to be pretty bad, too... ;-)

 

It is all in the eyes of the beholder, for sure...

 

For sure.... We measure our experience not by the size of the cabin, but the quality of the food. And from our experience, MSC is by far the worst.

 

By all means try them, but do look at all the complaints on CC concerning food in the YC. We can't all be wrong?

 

Of course there is better food on other cruise lines (Oceania is one of our favourites), but we feel the bang for buck on Celebrity is much better than MSC.

[The_Big_M]

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.

 

The thing is, the heading is misleading as this review isn't really "MSC compared to Celebrity." It's actually "MSC US Yacht Club compared to Celebrity." Which is quite a different thing.

[Zoey1]

Your statement of how bad can it be made me laugh. :D

 

It is cheap for a reason.

 

I wouldn't call it "cheap" but it is less expensive than Celebrity, I have read some positive reviews and figured if we don't like it, we won't sail with them again. I will report back.