TALK TO ME ABOUT YACHT CLUB

[vadersprincess12]

Hello Everyone ~ DH and I have sailed many of the major cruise lines and are thinking about trying out MSC.  Can someone talk about the difference between the regular experiences and the Yacht Club experience?  Just wondering if it's worth the price.  Not sure how we would utilize "butler" service.  Any thoughts are appreciated.

 

Happy Thanksgiving!

[Essiesmom]

Tons of threads here about it.  Just read down the page.  EM

[alyssamma]

1 hour ago, vadersprincess12 said:

Hello Everyone ~ DH and I have sailed many of the major cruise lines and are thinking about trying out MSC.  Can someone talk about the difference between the regular experiences and the Yacht Club experience?  Just wondering if it's worth the price.  Not sure how we would utilize "butler" service.  Any thoughts are appreciated.

 

Happy Thanksgiving!

LMAO, did you even take a minute to try and search for this? As @Essiesmomsaid, a zillion threads on this.

 

It's hard to say generically because everyone is different. Personally, I never use my butler (other than to ensure I have a pizza waiting for me in my room every night), but others use them extensively.

 

There are a lot of other perks too beyond the butler...the MSC website mentions them...you can see if they appeal to you.

 

I will say you can go inside cabin for half the price...it may be more worth it to you that way.

[Bobbiegentry]

19 hours ago, vadersprincess12 said:

Hello Everyone ~ DH and I have sailed many of the major cruise lines and are thinking about trying out MSC.  Can someone talk about the difference between the regular experiences and the Yacht Club experience?  Just wondering if it's worth the price.  Not sure how we would utilize "butler" service.  Any thoughts are appreciated.

 

Happy Thanksgiving!

SEARCH IS YOUR FRIEND

[Georgia_Peaches]

YC is so much more than butler service!  It’s priority everything, private lounge, sun deck, restaurant (on the ships I’ve sailed), prime location on the ship, included drinks and wifi… excellent service, dedicated concierge… I’ve never done an experience outside the YC but the perks mentioned above make it a No brainer good value for us. 

[hamrag]

14 hours ago, vadersprincess12 said:

.....Can someone talk about the difference between the regular experiences and the Yacht Club experience?....

Much talking has been done, no need to take the lazy option, simply use the search function! 😉

[graphicguy]

3 hours ago, Georgia_Peaches said:

YC is so much more than butler service!  It’s priority everything, private lounge, sun deck, restaurant (on the ships I’ve sailed), prime location on the ship, included drinks and wifi… excellent service, dedicated concierge… I’ve never done an experience outside the YC but the perks mentioned above make it a No brainer good value for us. 

It's been a while since I was in the YC (5 years) but I don't think it's changed.  What to expect?  Much more than what you would expect for a Balcony Cabin.

 

As soon as you hit the port, there will be a YC tent where you'll drop off your luggage to a Butler who will escort you to the YC check in area where you'll have drinks and snacks.  Once checked in, you'll be escorted onto the ship by a Butler.

 

You'll have access to the Top Sail Lounge, which is exclusive to guests in the YC.  There, you'll find Butlers to serve you drinks, and they have lite snacks throughout the day.  There are comfortable couches and large windows over looking the water.

 

YC has it's own private restaurant with menus that change daily.

 

There's also a concierge who will help with Excursion bookings, internet issues, billing issues, etc.

 

IIRC, there was also a separate concierge who helps with Specialty Dining bookings.

 

I'm sure there's more.  But, that's off the top of my head.

[Georgia_Peaches]

Lots of folks suggesting the use of the search function in lieu of starting a thread and I am in complete agreement that the search function is really good.  But I would also like to point out that lots of content surfaces in a search that can, at times, be quite dated.  I'm speaking in general terms of course but I don't think it's a bad idea to have fresh perspectives on any topic that may have been discussed before.  Current info on anything, especially post covid is always good information.  Just my opinion.

Edited November 23, 2022 by Georgia_Peaches

[alyssamma]

4 hours ago, Georgia_Peaches said:

Lots of folks suggesting the use of the search function in lieu of starting a thread and I am in complete agreement that the search function is really good.  But I would also like to point out that lots of content surfaces in a search that can, at times, be quite dated.  I'm speaking in general terms of course but I don't think it's a bad idea to have fresh perspectives on any topic that may have been discussed before.  Current info on anything, especially post covid is always good information.  Just my opinion.

Great point, esp about YC which has undergone lots of changes post covid.

[vadersprincess12]

6 hours ago, graphicguy said:

It's been a while since I was in the YC (5 years) but I don't think it's changed.  What to expect?  Much more than what you would expect for a Balcony Cabin.

 

As soon as you hit the port, there will be a YC tent where you'll drop off your luggage to a Butler who will escort you to the YC check in area where you'll have drinks and snacks.  Once checked in, you'll be escorted onto the ship by a Butler.

 

You'll have access to the Top Sail Lounge, which is exclusive to guests in the YC.  There, you'll find Butlers to serve you drinks, and they have lite snacks throughout the day.  There are comfortable couches and large windows over looking the water.

 

YC has it's own private restaurant with menus that change daily.

 

There's also a concierge who will help with Excursion bookings, internet issues, billing issues, etc.

 

IIRC, there was also a separate concierge who helps with Specialty Dining bookings.

 

I'm sure there's more.  But, that's off the top of my head.

Thank you for the information.  This is what I was looking for.  Some really harsh comments about the "search" function!!!!  As another person who responded said, many items can be dated and I wanted some information from people who were in YC more recently.

 

Happy Thanksgiving.

[vadersprincess12]

4 hours ago, Georgia_Peaches said:

Lots of folks suggesting the use of the search function in lieu of starting a thread and I am in complete agreement that the search function is really good.  But I would also like to point out that lots of content surfaces in a search that can, at times, be quite dated.  I'm speaking in general terms of course but I don't think it's a bad idea to have fresh perspectives on any topic that may have been discussed before.  Current info on anything, especially post covid is always good information.  Just my opinion.

Thank you so much for that support.  I know how to use the search function but as you noted, I was looking for fresh perspectives.

 

Have a great Thanksgiving.

[alyssamma]

15 minutes ago, vadersprincess12 said:

Thank you for the information.  This is what I was looking for.  Some really harsh comments about the "search" function!!!!  As another person who responded said, many items can be dated and I wanted some information from people who were in YC more recently.

 

Happy Thanksgiving.

Lol, I was one of those people 😀

 

Please accept my apologies.

[mnpurple]

I can share a little about my families experience on the Seaview. We were in the Med and I think things are slightly different in ways than cruises leaving the US. I'll be able to compare more in Feb after our next cruise.  I also can't really give any comparison to non-YC areas. Our cruise was very port-heavy and by the time we were back on board, my DH and I didn't leave the YC area much. Our kids did though and enjoyed the club areas, etc. (they are 18-26).

 

We have also been in NCL Haven twice, so I had that for comparison.  We really enjoyed the YC more and the perks of wi-fi, drink package (and no swiping cards with every drink), and use of the thermal spa.  I knew YC spaces would be larger, but there is really not much of a comparison, especially in the bar/lounge area. There is so much space! They have nice snacks at most times that range from savory to sweet (and chocolates from Venchi). I think we did confuse the bartender at times with drink requests, so we tried to stick to more common things.

 

There are two restaurant options because they have the more formal restaurant and the pool buffet set up for breakfast and lunch. I think there is dinner, but we didn't ever go.  There is plenty of outdoor seating and there are two hot tubs (never made it into those either!)  The menus were different each day in the main restaurant.

 

I loved having cappuccino and pastries delivered to the room in the morning.  I also indulged in having drinks and wine delivered, which isn't something they will do in the Haven.  If we wanted to bring things back from the lounge, they usually insisted on carrying them for you (yes, a bit over the top, but why not enjoy it when you can!)

 

I think if you can splurge every once in awhile, the pampering is worth it and really does make a trip more relaxing.  I try to find deals on some things to balance it out.  If you don't think some of things being mentioned matter much to you, maybe try a lower priced experience. I've seen plenty of review and videos on YouTube with more and more people loving it. Just make sure you know what you get for the experience and go in open-minded with a plan to enjoy the cruise no matter what.

 

Feel free to let me know if you have any other questions.

 

[Griff4AU]

I did use the Search function and there is loads of good information you won't find on this thread. Google / YouTube is also your friend and worth the effort. Make the effort... you will learn more. 

 

A good friend of mine who sails 6 times a year (minimum) on nearly every line told me this just yesterday, "I would rather be in an inside cabin on MSC / YC than a balcony or Mini Suite on any other mainstream line". That's extreme praise from a guy who is "heavy elite" (my term for the highest tiers) on every mainstream line. I was "sold" and paid for my YC cabin on Preziosa.  All of the extra space and lack of crowding and reserved areas make it worth it. Heck, not having to "stake out and lay claim" to pool chairs at 6:00am is worth something to me. 

 

My "biggest concern" now is that my better half, who I have only been with since right before pandemic time, has never been on a cruise... She's going to be spoiled. Am I going to change my favorite from Princess  (for me, best balance of polish and fun-factor and itineraries) to MSC?  Probably not, but the more I read.. the more I am impressed with the YC experience. Ask me on 3 January! 

 

 

[Stockjock]

I think that if we pointed each person with a question to the search feature, there would be nearly no new content at all.

[Gatordad1967]

On 11/22/2022 at 7:58 PM, vadersprincess12 said:

Hello Everyone ~ DH and I have sailed many of the major cruise lines and are thinking about trying out MSC.  Can someone talk about the difference between the regular experiences and the Yacht Club experience?  Just wondering if it's worth the price.  Not sure how we would utilize "butler" service.  Any thoughts are appreciated.

 

Happy Thanksgiving!

Only you can determine worth. 

[Stockjock]

I'm going to weigh in, just because you've been referred to the search function so many times, which respectfully, I don't feel is particularly helpful.

I've not done YC.  I've read many reviews and watched many videos from passengers sailing YC and I recommend that you visit YouTube and watch some of the videos.

I find that YC is usually about double to triple the price of an unobstructed balcony.

Advantages:

Better food.

Private restaurant.

Private pool area.

Private lounge.

Less crowded.

Usually a bit larger.

Butler.

More personalized level of service.
 

Discounts on premium restaurants, spa services, and similar.

First on/first off embarkation/disembarkation and tours.

Concierge.

Premium drink package.

Premium internet package.

Daily newspaper. (Does anyone still read them?)

Custom pillows and other niceties.

Room service 24 hours.

Luggage packing service available (many won't use this).

I'm not covering everything, but that's a good start.

Disadvantages:

Mostly the cost.  A good value relative to other cruise lines, but the much higher cost is certainly a factor.

Deposits are non-refundable.  Others categories fully refundable in the USA up until the final payment date.

Location in the front of the ship on higher floors may subject passenger to more motion.

Some have felt the experience, while still solid, has declined somewhat in recent years.

Bathroom, slippers and thermal spa access.

Some love the butler service, while some have found it a bit intrusive.

Others can feel free to weigh in on these advantages and disadvantages, or otherwise simply point the OP to the search engine, lol.

On my upcoming sailing, my 7 day, partially obstructed balcony with Easy Plus drink package and basic wi-fi runs about $2,200 for the 2 of us.  At the time of booking, YC would have been north of $6,000 for the 2 of us.  I have a bid in for an upgrade, which I may or may not cancel, at about $4,500 for the 2 of us, so roughly double what I paid.

The difference between what I paid and my bid (if accepted) is about $350 per day.  That's a good chunk of money, in my view.  So are the advantages worth that?  I'm not so sure.

And had I booked YC outright, the price difference would be about $543 per night.  That's not a good value in my view.

And yes, I can "afford" either of these.  Do I want to?  I'm not so sure.  Again, the bid is in place, although it may not matter, as YC is currently showing as sold out on my sailing.

 

Edited November 24, 2022 by Stockjock

[Griff4AU]

For those of you who book with independent TA's, MSC is an extra great deal now (through the end of 2023). Your TA's are possibly pushing MSC for a reason.. use it to your advantage and try YC. Get extra "spiffs" from the TA, whether it be OBC or whatever.

 

From the MSC customer page:  https://www.msccruisesusa.com/cruise/msc-yacht-club

 

 

From the Travel Agent Page (can't / won't link this as you need an agent PW):
 

Discover MSC Yacht Club, a Ship within a Ship

Available on board MSC Seashore, MSC Virtuosa, MSC Grandiosa, MSC Bellissima, MSC Seaview, MSC Seaside, MSC Meraviglia, MSC Preziosa, MSC Divina, MSC Splendida and MSC Fantasia 
 
A Unique Cruise Concept
Wow your clients with the ultimate luxury and privacy at sea. Introduce them the MSC Yacht Club, our exclusive ship-within-a-ship concept, offering the benefits of a private club with exclusivity and privacy, while providing the wealth of leisure and entertainment possibilities:
• Private Entrance
• 24-hour Butler Service offering the highest standards of personal care
•  Dedicated Concierge 
• Private venues and elegant amenities
• An exclusive fine-dining restaurant
• Unlimited drinks
• Superior suite accommodation 
• A complete all-inclusive experience 
• Privileged access to the industry-leading amenities, entertainment and services of the ship
 
TARGET:
• Guests looking for private atmosphere, exclusivity and/or tailor-made experience
• Guests who wants to celebrate a special occasion such as a honeymoon, a special anniversary, a birthday, a graduation, a job promotion, a retirement and so on

That's a copy / paste from their Agent site...

With YC, MSC isn't targeting most cruisers. They are targeting the special occasion folks and the people who usually go full-suite (NCL Haven, X Retreat, RCL or Princess full Suite) on the other lines.  I haven't "hung around" the MSC page here on CC long, but I do spend time with my normal (primarily Princess, NCL and RCL) cruise lines.. and the folks on the other pages rave about YC and say the X Retreat is the closest thing to YC - and that's huge praise.

 

[SirWolf]

5 hours ago, Griff4AU said:

For those of you who book with independent TA's, MSC is an extra great deal now (through the end of 2023). Your TA's are possibly pushing MSC for a reason.. use it to your advantage and try YC. Get extra "spiffs" from the TA, whether it be OBC or whatever.

 

What’s the “extra great deal” ?

 

It looks like an old advertisement..

new ships Seascape and World Europe are not mentioned in the list of ships with Yacht Club.

[Griff4AU]

10 hours ago, SirWolf said:

 

What’s the “extra great deal” ?

I was intentionally vague, and necessarily so. 

This is a thread about YC, period. And it seems like this thread is getting much attention from folks who have never been on YC. 

I posted a link from the MSC public site and did a copy/paste from the site that only TA's can access relating to YC.

 

15 hours ago, Griff4AU said:

For those of you who book with independent TA's, MSC is an extra great deal now (through the end of 2023).

Quoting myself...  what I said was literal - you should take it as such. I can not go deeper as this forum does not care for TA talk. For those who use independent TA's, speak with them and they can enlighten you (or not, I really don't care). 

 

Independent TA's can always offer you a better deal than you can get on your own or with an in-house TA. That doesn't mean they will...but they can. That is not an opinion... that is a fact. 

So, trying to get back on this back on the OP's subject, the right independent TA can help make YC (and the costs associated with it) more appealing (or less painful). 

 

Edited November 25, 2022 by Griff4AU

[deliver42]

All MSC ships starting with the Fantastica Class have the YC. On the newer ships, they are vastly improved  with everything in one place, larger cabins (suites), better Thermal suites. They also have interior cabins which are larger than regular interior cabins, and are a huge savings from an outside suite.

[Georgia_Peaches]

On 11/25/2022 at 1:58 AM, Griff4AU said:

those of you who book with independent TA's, MSC is an extra great deal now (through the end of 2023

I only use a TA. Have been looking at 2 cruises for 2023 in YC but I don’t see anything special or above and beyond from their usual offering of refundable obc. Is this something you’d be willing to share via private email?

[scamper]

I look forward to the day when I can look through all the threads I'm interested in and not find a rude or snarky comment anywhere.  Guess I'll be holding my breath on that one.  As someone has pointed out upthread, there is plenty of "old" and pre-Covid information out there that no longer applies.  

 

Personally, I enjoy talking about my Yacht Club experiences, and I can't really add anything to what has already be outlined.  I will say that I am flummoxed when people say they have no idea what the butler is for or how to use same.  We find plenty for them to do, including setting up for small cocktail parties that we have on some nights as well as bringing requested snacks, beverages, and meals to our suites.  We've had a butler take clothing for last minute pressing (on his offer), repair a shoe, etc.  We tip over and above when we have utilized "extra" services and are happy to oblige.

 

Finally, MSC YC is, dollar for dollar, the best product I have experienced on a mainstream line.  Comparatively, NCL's The Haven is overpriced and many of their rooms are tiny in comparison.  I'll "do" The Haven again when MSC has nothing to interest me.

Edited November 26, 2022 by scamper

[graphicguy]

Have sailed YC, Haven and Celebrity’s Retreat.  All are good.  All are unique in their own sometimes subtle, ways.

 

Have tried several times to sail in Royal’s Star Suites, which is their equivalent to the YC.  They have ALWAYS been the priciest (and not by a little) of all the full Suite categories on any of the cruise lines, even on their older ships.  As such, I’ve never booked them.

 

For a while, MSC had the least expensive suites (YC) on any of the major lines.  As they became more established in North America, their suites were priced on par with the likes of NCL Haven.  They’ve dropped in price again since the restart.  But have noticed they’re creeeping up again price wise.

 

Celebrity’s Retreat was a great bargain upon the start up….even on their new ships.  That’s when I booked them.  Now, they’re back to “normal” (meaning priced higher than the rest).

 

Haven is the granddaddy of them all for this category.  I’ve been able to find great deals and I’ve been shocked by how expensive they are some times.

 

Do I like one over the other?  Again, they’re all unique in their own way.  All offer some form of Butler and Concierge service.  

 

Personally, I like the way Celebrity handles the Retreat guests.  Each cabin has a Personal Retreat Concierge, who doubles as a Butler, and comes to your cabin.  There are other Concierges in the Retreat Lounge, but there is one who is assigned to your cabin who I interfaced with the most.  She did everything for me.  Billing issues?  She took care of it.  REservations?  Laundry?  Stocking the mini-fridge?  She handled all of it.  When I was in the Retreat Lounge, I utilized the concierges who happened to be there at the time, also.  Kind of double/triple coverage for Concierge/Butler service.

 

I like the Haven Bar area best in NCL’s Haven.  Met many cruise friends there and seemed to be the central gathering place for like minded cruisers to meet and mingle.  Plus, their bartenders there re 2nd to none.  Their Butlers are OK. It’s been hit and miss on whether they were useful.  Some ignored my requests until the last day of the cruise when they hovered around my cabin (seeking a tip?).  The Haven concierges have all been excellent, though.  Anoop, Adrian, and Virginia stand out.  I know that Annop and Adrian have moved on, which is a shame, as they were at the pinnacle of Concierges with NCL.  Need a reservation at a restaurant that’s sold out?  No worries.  They would get me in.  Found an excursion that was full?  No problem in making room via the concierge.  Billing snafus?  No issues…they even interfaced with my 3rd party TA to get them resolved.

 

YC….Butlers are best it’s MSC.  They carry your luggage to check in and on board as soon as you are dropped off curb side.  I had one track down a lost piece of luggage (that almost didn’t make it to my cabin as the baggage people lost it).  The YC Lounges were gorgeous on the two ships I was sailing in the YC.  The wait staff tended to be the Butlers, doing double duty.  They were always attentive, but less so than the bartenders either in the Retreat or Haven.  They were just more laid back.  Same with the Concierges.  Attentive, but not “over the top” like with Celebrity and/or NCL.  Not a negative, just a difference.

 

Private spaces?  Celebrity’s Retreat felt much more like a lux resort than the other two….although I liked them just as much.  NCL’s dinner under the stars with the Captain in the Haven courtyard was particularly nice.

 

Private Restaurants?  Haven, Luminae, YC….all quite good.  I wished the Haven Restaurant would change their menu daily, but they were always quite willing to get me anything I wanted if I asked. YC Restaurant was pretty rigid with not allowing substitutions (although the food on the menus was quite good).  Celebrity’s Luminae Restaurant was also good.  Menus changed, but had the smallest amount of choices and appealed more to an adventurous palate (which was fine by me…others, not so much).  Although, they too would do their best to get whatever you wanted.

 

So, it’s kind of like ice cream.  Some like different flavors.  Some like Chocolate, some like Vanilla, some like Strawberry.  But, everyone likes ice cream.

 

 

[FireEater]

For current and somewhat current views of YC, go to YouTube AND type in MSC Yacht Club.  Many videos have been done.  Current ones and older ones.  I tend to view the 1 year or less vids due to all the changes.

 

Enjoy!