Questions about yacht club

[Guest jbme203]

In the pictures online nobody is on the ship so the pool area is empty.  I think it has to be less crowded than the main areas, but in reality, does the pool and hot tub area get crowded?  Are there times when the whirlpool is crowded?  Also, I am a very casual person, I don't know if butler service is up my alley.  Do they invade space at times?  Is the dress code too formal?  I just edited this down to the more important questions. 

Edited February 20 by Guest
Just the basics

[PTC DAWG]

Sailed twice I YC....it's hard to beat.  I never noticed too much crowding on the pool deck.  Never had a butler invade space..they will get you whatever you desire, we had a great experience with out Jr Butler, ie the room attendant....pizza at midnight hits the spot.  There was always someone at the Concierge desk at all times if you needed to ask for something, they would find someone to handle things...

 

Dress code is more of resort casual.  Not formal at all unless you want to be.  

 

Just noticed there is a "live from the Meraviglia YC" going now.  I would check that out, although he is in one of the larger suites, the experience is a little different in those rooms.  

 

 

Edited February 20 by PTC DAWG

[Guest jbme203]

Thanks, I'm wondering if I should put in a bid for the cheapest interior yc but I'd give up a balcony so I'm not sure if it is worth it and the quieter pool area is a main draw.  

[capriccio]

21 minutes ago, jbme203 said:

Thanks, I'm wondering if I should put in a bid for the cheapest interior yc but I'd give up a balcony so I'm not sure if it is worth it and the quieter pool area is a main draw.  

On our 2 YC cruises (Meraviglia in 2020 and Seascape this past December) the pool areas were quiet even on sea days when they were more crowded.  We've never had a problem getting loungers and the guests were never rowdy.

 

Do the other YC amenities - included drinks, the Top Sail Lounge, the dedicated restaurant and poolside grill, etc. - have no appeal? 

[Guest jbme203]

I don't drink, and the buffet is good with me, so the main perk is the more secluded atmosphere if it exists.  I am a vegan so my food choices are limited anywhere I go and the buffet always has salad.  I do like the idea of the thermal spa included but I can do that on my own. I really don't know!  

[capriccio]

You didn't say which ship your are considering but the Seascape - and I presume her sister "sea-" ships have a lovely terrace at the bow of the ship accessible through the Top Sail Lounge which is also great for a secluded atmosphere. 

[mushroom]

Although I would never ever consider anything else but yacht club, it sounds like you might really enjoy a balcony cabin anywhere on the ship.  You have your seclusion.  Must say, however, the secluded atmosphere of the Topsail Lounge might even top that!  Really, it's all about how much convenience you want...and yacht club will surely give you that. 

[Morgsmom]

Just to note that YC Insides are few and far between and booked out months in advance.  Bids for them have not been terribly successful.  As far as the pool areas, they can be crowded or not, depends on ship and sailing. School breaks will be full of kids running around, even in YC

[Two Wheels Only]

2 hours ago, Guest jbme203 said:

Thanks, I'm wondering if I should put in a bid for the cheapest interior yc but I'd give up a balcony so I'm not sure if it is worth it and the quieter pool area is a main draw.  

 

I've never, ever sailed without a balcony but if the choice is "balcony non-Yacht Club" or "interior Yacht Club", I'd take interior Yacht Club every time. 

[Jeep Driver]

6 time yacht club cruiser. I also would not be too optimistic about winning a bid in YC interior. There are few of them and they are the first to sell. Lately, the winning bids seem close to the actual booking cost. That being said, I would choose the YIN over the standard balcony every time. I haven't noticed any YC pool crowding on any of my cruises. Outside the YC you will be crowded in the pool areas. I hope this helps. 

Edited February 21 by Jeep Driver

[TrinaLC]

11 hours ago, Two Wheels Only said:

 

I've never, ever sailed without a balcony but if the choice is "balcony non-Yacht Club" or "interior Yacht Club", I'd take interior Yacht Club every time. 

I would too. And the YC is the only way I would even consider that trade off 

[CruisingFox27]

Only once have I encountered busy and noisy hot tub guests. The pool area has always had space and tranquility. If you're not concerned by many of the other YC benefits and are keen on a balcony,  would an Aurea balcony not suffice? You'd have your own sundeck for a relaxed tranquil day. 

[dexddd]

It can vary with being busy.

[Fogfog]

On 2/20/2024 at 6:45 AM, Guest jbme203 said:

In the pictures online nobody is on the ship so the pool area is empty.  I think it has to be less crowded than the main areas, but in reality, does the pool and hot tub area get crowded?  Are there times when the whirlpool is crowded?  Also, I am a very casual person, I don't know if butler service is up my alley.  Do they invade space at times?  Is the dress code too formal?  I just edited this down to the more important questions. 

Will vary by time/ship/sailing/weather

Yes the hot tub and pool can be crowded-- you will get some hot tub hogs who will stay in it or a loooong time

 

As far as what to wear--this is from the website

https://www.msccruisesusa.com/manage-booking/before-you-go/what-to-wear

 

"

Dress Restrictions

 

Specific restrictions may be enforced by onboard staff members including restaurant hostesses and management. At no point is swimwear allowed in any formal dining venue for any meal, including breakfast and lunch. Shorts, flip flops, and tank tops are not allowed for Evening Wear or Gala Night in the Main Dining Rooms, Specialty Restaurants, or MSC Yacht Club. 

 

Edited February 23 by Fogfog

[MsTabbyKats]

On 2/20/2024 at 6:45 AM, Guest jbme203 said:

In the pictures online nobody is on the ship so the pool area is empty.  I think it has to be less crowded than the main areas, but in reality, does the pool and hot tub area get crowded?  Are there times when the whirlpool is crowded?  Also, I am a very casual person, I don't know if butler service is up my alley.  Do they invade space at times?  Is the dress code too formal?  I just edited this down to the more important questions. 

DH was completely against butler service....always, but age caught up with him (and I don't like being THE butler) so we tried YC.  He loved it.  Ours never invaded our space.    You can opt to not use the butler for certain things (accompany you to the theatre, carry your own food to the table in the buffet etc.) but they really come in handy!

 

As far as "formal dress",,,not at all.  Some people may....not us.  I wear "whateve" I have on....most likely capris and a t-shirt.

 

There was always plenty of seating everywhere....even in the whirlpool.

 

I wouldn't sail on MSC out of the YC!

[MsTabbyKats]

On 2/20/2024 at 8:09 AM, Guest jbme203 said:

Thanks, I'm wondering if I should put in a bid for the cheapest interior yc but I'd give up a balcony so I'm not sure if it is worth it and the quieter pool area is a main draw.  

You don't need a balcony....(unless you want privacy)

 

There is a dedicated small elevator that takes you right up to the pool deck.  From cabin to pool deck it was about 1 minute!

[George C]

I haven’t sailed in anything but a suite in ten years , have not cruised in a inside cabin in about 25 years , but would take MSc yacht club inside over any regular balcony.

[bac513]

On 2/20/2024 at 8:45 AM, capriccio said:

You didn't say which ship your are considering but the Seascape - and I presume her sister "sea-" ships have a lovely terrace at the bow of the ship accessible through the Top Sail Lounge which is also great for a secluded atmosphere. 

However, it is a smoking area.

[capriccio]

33 minutes ago, bac513 said:

However, it is a smoking area.

I never noticed anyone smoking there.  Is the entire area designated as smoking?

[Two Wheels Only]

3 minutes ago, capriccio said:

I never noticed anyone smoking there.  Is the entire area designated as smoking?

 

One side of the ship (starboard) allows smoking out there. Ashtrays will be on some tables but not on others.

[bac513]

I have seen ashtrays and the occasional smoker, so I assume it is permitted in this area. Otherwise, I agree it is a great area.

[Best Cat Mom]

5 hours ago, Two Wheels Only said:

One side of the ship (starboard) allows smoking out there.

This is exactly why we choose a cabin at least 6 or so from the front when booking on the starboard side on a Sea class ship -- to avoid the possibility of smelling the smoke on our balcony. If smoke matters to you, keep this in mind.

[psmarkle]

On 2/20/2024 at 8:09 AM, Guest jbme203 said:

Thanks, I'm wondering if I should put in a bid for the cheapest interior yc but I'd give up a balcony so I'm not sure if it is worth it and the quieter pool area is a main draw.  

IT'S WORTH IT!! (all Caps intended)

 

Butler escort pass all the lines, premium drink package, your private pool deck area with no chair hogs, the YC poolside buffet, the Topsail Lounge with nightly entertainment, the YC only restaurant with higher-end meals (IMO) like the everyday steak is a filet mignon vs NY Strip in MDRs, the YC embarkation tent waiting for you curbside, the YC wrist bands so no need for your room card, the included mini-bar in your room...or just have the cocktails delivered to your room daily as you get ready for dinner, reserved seating for all the shows so no need to be in a rush.

 

If you can swing the YC Interior, it's the best "luxury" value at sea!

Edited February 26 by psmarkle

[mahasamatman]

On 2/20/2024 at 7:37 AM, Two Wheels Only said:

 

if the choice is "balcony non-Yacht Club" or "interior Yacht Club", I'd take interior Yacht Club every time. 

 

I would pick the third choice - a different sailing.