Long Time Princess, First Time MSC - questions

[HornedFrogCruiser]

I just booked a category YC1 room (15029) on the Divina, departing December 19. From what I have read, I'm anticipating the Yacht Club will be sensational!

 

Questions:

 

1. We've gravitated toward booking aft Vista suites on Princess, but, except for the smaller size of the YC1, it seems that the Yacht Club experience will be a major step up in virtually every other regard over a full suite on Princess. Agree? Disagree?

 

2. I know there is all-inclusive alcohol in the confines of the Yacht Club area. Does that extend to Le Muse as well?

 

3. Our son will be 13, so he will be with the Y-Team kids group. I can't seem to find any information as to whether the four age groupings within MSC's children's programs each has its own separate physical space. I'm assuming the answer is yes, but I'm not sure.

 

4. As a first timer on MSC (without any status in their loyalty program), are there benefits we won't have, or does being in the Yacht Club get you most of the important ones?

 

Thanks in advance for any and all answers and advice!!

[DebJ14]

I just booked a category YC1 room (15029) on the Divina, departing December 19. From what I have read, I'm anticipating the Yacht Club will be sensational!

 

Questions:

 

1. We've gravitated toward booking aft Vista suites on Princess, but, except for the smaller size of the YC1, it seems that the Yacht Club experience will be a major step up in virtually every other regard over a full suite on Princess. Agree? Disagree?

 

Agree! We also have been booking aft Suites on Princess. Love the room and the larger balcony. The YC1 is the size of a regular balcony cabin. Extensive use of mirrors tries to make you think it is larger than it is. Finishes are very nice. The Yacht Club Experience is definitely a step up from the suite experience on Princess. You will love cocktails in the Top Sail lounge instead of that free appetizer $5.00 drink madness on Princess. Breakfast, lunch and dinner in Le Muse is better than breakfast at Sabatini's. Concierge is super helpful and Butler anticipates your needs.

 

2. I know there is all-inclusive alcohol in the confines of the Yacht Club area. Does that extend to Le Muse as well?

 

Yes - house wines poured at lunch and dinner in Le Muse and you can have whatever cocktails you wish.

 

3. Our son will be 13, so he will be with the Y-Team kids group. I can't seem to find any information as to whether the four age groupings within MSC's children's programs each has its own separate physical space. I'm assuming the answer is yes, but I'm not sure.

 

Didn't have a kid in there, but did see separate areas for the kids.

 

4. As a first timer on MSC (without any status in their loyalty program), are there benefits we won't have, or does being in the Yacht Club get you most of the important ones?

 

Being in the Yacht Club is all you need. They may have a cocktail party with the masses, but you won't miss anything. Captain throws a cocktail party in Top Sail Lounge and he comes to you!

 

Thanks in advance for any and all answers and advice!!

 

Going on an excursion was a breeze. One of the butlers met us at the Concierge lounge and escorted us to the gangway (cut the line) and then walked us all the way to the bus. Can't ask for better service. The waiters in Top Sail quickly learned your drink preferences. Also, check out all the food tastings in there from early morning continental breakfast to snacks, high tea, and evening offerings. You will also love the private sundeck, pool, hot tubs and Bar One up on Deck 18. Very accessible for you since the elevator is by the odd number cabins. It was never very busy and they kept coming around taking drink orders.

 

You will love it. We are looking forward to the new Seaside ship on MSC and will book a larger suite + have all the YC benefits. Going back to Princess will be difficult, even in the best of suites. After reading comparisons, we are booked into a 2 bedroom Haven Suite on NCL. Can't wait to compare the two. They will be similar only because NCL was offering the Ultimate Dining and Beverage Package when we booked + free gratuities + onboard credit.

Edited May 1, 2015 by DebJ14

[AVACTION]

I just booked a category YC1 room (15029) on the Divina, departing December 19. From what I have read, I'm anticipating the Yacht Club will be sensational!

 

Questions:

 

1. We've gravitated toward booking aft Vista suites on Princess, but, except for the smaller size of the YC1, it seems that the Yacht Club experience will be a major step up in virtually every other regard over a full suite on Princess. Agree? Disagree?

 

Personally have not cruised on Princess, so cannot say

 

2. I know there is all-inclusive alcohol in the confines of the Yacht Club area. Does that extend to Le Muse as well?

 

Wine by the glass (usually a choice of two reds and two whites), beer, etc. are included. We also purchased bottles of wine at reasonable prices for some variety. In the Med you also have a selection of dessert wines by the glass/bottle for purchase.

 

3. Our son will be 13, so he will be with the Y-Team kids group. I can't seem to find any information as to whether the four age groupings within MSC's children's programs each has its own separate physical space. I'm assuming the answer is yes, but I'm not sure.

 

Don't know.

 

4. As a first timer on MSC (without any status in their loyalty program), are there benefits we won't have, or does being in the Yacht Club get you most of the important ones?

 

Being in the Yacht Club it doesn't really matter what status MSC Club you are, except for discounts on cruise fare, laundry, spa treatments, shop discounts etc.. We palled up with two 'Black Card' members, they got a bottle of Moet on arrival and a couple of free dinners in speciality restaurants, within the YC itself there were no extra perks.

 

Thanks in advance for any and all answers and advice!!

 

Hope this helps.

[kathiean]

I just booked a category YC1 room (15029) on the Divina, departing December 19. From what I have read, I'm anticipating the Yacht Club will be sensational!

 

Questions:

 

1. We've gravitated toward booking aft Vista suites on Princess, but, except for the smaller size of the YC1, it seems that the Yacht Club experience will be a major step up in virtually every other regard over a full suite on Princess. Agree? Disagree?

 

2. I know there is all-inclusive alcohol in the confines of the Yacht Club area. Does that extend to Le Muse as well?

 

3. Our son will be 13, so he will be with the Y-Team kids group. I can't seem to find any information as to whether the four age groupings within MSC's children's programs each has its own separate physical space. I'm assuming the answer is yes, but I'm not sure.

 

4. As a first timer on MSC (without any status in their loyalty program), are there benefits we won't have, or does being in the Yacht Club get you most of the important ones?

 

Thanks in advance for any and all answers and advice!!

 

 

Hi there, neighbor! We are in 15028 for the 4th time on the Dec. 19 sailing. I can answer your questions...

Alcohol is included in Le Muse...anything you want, just like the Top Sail lounge.

I've sailed Princess and Divina YC is hand's down 1000% better!!

Your cabin is one of the 8 larger square cabins in YC. We sail with two adults and a toddler and have plenty of room in ours!

You will get ALL the benefits in the YC as a first timer...early embarkation, early debarkation, priority tendering and getting off the ship at each port, escorts to dinner by your butler, and pretty much being spoiled to death for a week!

I'll be happy to show you around...I feel like the Divina is my home away from home! You're going to love her!

[Skier52]

I just booked a category YC1 room (15029) on the Divina, departing December 19. From what I have read, I'm anticipating the Yacht Club will be sensational!

 

Questions:

 

 

4. As a first timer on MSC (without any status in their loyalty program), are there benefits we won't have, or does being in the Yacht Club get you most of the important ones?

 

Thanks in advance for any and all answers and advice!!

You can judge for yourself if any, which are important to you, you wish you had.

I don't think there will be many as tehere is a lot of overlap betwen the YC perks and the MSC club eg prioity boarding/ disembarkation.

 

The major perk is the discount and then the free champagne (Black Only)

 

maybe the free/discounted specialist restaurant meal

 

Priority tendering (Black only)

 

 

hEre are the tables of benefits

 

 

You may need to press, Ctrl and + (plus), posibly more than once,to expand the bottom image ro read it

 

Ctrl and - (minus) to shrink the image agian

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited May 1, 2015 by Skier52

[Skier52]

Hi there, neighbor! We are in 15028 for the 4th time on the Dec. 19 sailing. I can answer your questions...

Alcohol is included in Le Muse...anything you want, just like the Top Sail lounge.

I've sailed Princess and Divina YC is hand's down 1000% better!!

Your cabin is one of the 8 larger square cabins in YC. We sail with two adults and a toddler and have plenty of room in ours!

You will get ALL the benefits in the YC as a first timer...early embarkation, early debarkation, priority tendering and getting off the ship at each port, escorts to dinner by your butler, and pretty much being spoiled to death for a week!

I'll be happy to show you around...I feel like the Divina is my home away from home! You're going to love her!

Priority tendering is not listed as a YC benefit, although it may happen depending on how many Black card holders are on board

 

There are YC connoisseurs drinks at extra price so it is not quite anthing you want

 

 

Pete

Edited May 1, 2015 by Skier52

[HornedFrogCruiser]

Thanks for all the wonderful advice, it is much appreciated.

 

One thing that has always seemed odd to me. I've read nearly every review in existence about the Yacht Club, and I have never heard anyone complain that the pool area was crowded, even during the busiest of weeks. For anyone who knows, has that been your experience as well?

 

P.S. to Katie - we look forward to meeting you and your family, should the occasion arise!

[Crzyfrk62]

The pool was NEVER crowded like the other pools on the ship - yes people were in the pool, more so the Jacuzzis and plenty sunning themselves but never "crowded". At times the pool bar area tables were busy, normally at breakfast but again never crowded and staff handled well. The breakfast by the pool was yummy. A small buffet and you could order your omelettes, waffles, pancakes and the waiters would bring to you. BEST COFFEE!! The espresso was fantastic! Plenty had mimosas & bloody Marys with breakfast!

We sailed the week after Easter, April 11 - 18th to give you an idea.

[Janet&Carl]

To answer your question about the teen club - the two younger groups have their own space the two older groups use the disco area (or other suitable) when its not being used by the night club people.

 

Mine love MSC teen club - never see them from cruise start to cruise finish unless I insist they have dinner with us.

[hencoll]

Thanks to the OP for posting this question and everyone for their responses. We are regular DCL Concierge and NCL Haven cruisers who just recently booked a Spring Break (3/19/2016)cruise in the Yacht Club on the Divina. I'll be traveling with my 14 and 11 year old daughters. Love our experience on DCL and NCL but looking forward to trying something new. Have heard great things about MSC Yacht Club service. Looking forward to learning more as the months go by. :)

[GOLDENBONNY]

You can judge for yourself if any, which are important to you, you wish you had.

I don't think there will be many as tehere is a lot of overlap betwen the YC perks and the MSC club eg prioity boarding/ disembarkation.

 

The major perk is the discount and then the free champagne (Black Only)

 

maybe the free/discounted specialist restaurant meal

 

Priority tendering (Black only)

 

 

hEre are the tables of benefits

 

 

You may need to press, Ctrl and + (plus), posibly more than once,to expand the bottom image ro read it

 

Ctrl and - (minus) to shrink the image agian

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

where is my brooch ????? LOL MSC I never got one:mad:

[Skier52]

where is my brooch ????? LOL MSC I never got one:mad:

shame:mad::mad:

 

i've got seven :D

3 silver / 3gold and 1 Special/rare gold one made from the MSC letters themselves (the one on the blue pouch, the pin is in the same style as the lettering on the pouch)

 

 

 

 

 

THe two styles of gold pin

Edited May 3, 2015 by Skier52