msc divina yacht club tour

MSC Divina Yacht Club

The MSC Yacht Club on the MSC Divina is much like the one on the other MSC cruise ships in the Fantasia class like the MSC Splendida . It's an exclusive "ship within a ship" sanctuary, with suite accommodations, Concierge reception area, lounge, pool and bar area, plus a private restaurant and private access to the MSC Aurea Spa.

Those staying in the MSC Yacht Club can enjoy complimentary wines, spirits, and gourmet snacks in the Concierge lounge, along with Butler service in their staterooms or suites. The spectacular views of the sea from this Deck 15 Lounge also make the Yacht Club a guest favorite.

The MSC Cruises' ships with Yacht Clubs include MSC Divina, MSC Fantasia, MSC Meraviglia, MSC Preziosa, MSC Seaside, MSC Seaview, MSC Bellissima, and MSC Splendida.

Top Sail Lounge

TripSavvy / Linda Garrison

The Top Sail Lounge in the MSC Divina Yacht Club is a quiet place to have a drink, enjoy a snack, or just appreciated the exceptional views of the sea. It is an exclusive area for those staying in the Yacht Club staterooms and suites.

Snacks in the Top Sail Lounge

Those staying in the MSC Yacht Club can enjoy nightly canapes and other snacks along with a complimentary drink in the Top Sail Lounge.

Light Bites in the Top Sail Lounge

Guests staying in the MSC Yacht Club can enjoy light bites in the Top Sail Lounge, but they also have access to a dedicated restaurant for dinner. The menus in this special restaurant are exciting and sophisticated, and unlimited drinks are included with each meal. On the MSC Divina, the dedicated Yacht Club restaurant is named La Muse, and it is located aft on deck 15.

Sophia Loren Suite Sitting Room

The Sophia Loren Suite on the MSC Divina is one of two Royal Suites on the large ship . The suite was designed by Sophia Loren and has a separate sleeping area. The decor is mostly red, and the walls are covered with photos from her movie career. The suite has a separate bedroom and measures 390 square feet with a 172 square foot balcony.

Photos of Ms. Loren in some of her famous movie roles adorn the walls of the suite, and occupants can sit at a replica of her dressing table to apply makeup and style their hair. However, sitting at this dressing table probably won't make you look like Sophia Loren, but might give you an extra boost of confidence.

Sophia Loren Suite Bedroom

Doesn't this bed look like it was designed for a famous movie star like Sophia Loren? The red certainly looks like it is fit for a diva.

Deluxe Suite Category YC1

Those staying in one of the 62 MSC Yacht Club suites on the MSC Divina can enjoy all the yacht club amenities, including 24-hour butler service. These suites measure 234-283 square feet, plus a 61 square foot balcony. They aren't as spacious or distinctive as the Sophia Loren Suite but are very nice (and less expensive).

Wheelchair Accessible Deluxe Suite

The MSC Divina has two wheelchair accessible deluxe suites in the exclusive MSC Yacht Club area. They measure 356 square feet and have a 39 square foot balcony.

Le Muse Private Restaurant

Le Muse is the private restaurant for those staying in the MSC Divina Yacht Club. This restaurant is located aft on deck 15 and features fine food and panoramic views of the sea.

A summary of the special features in the MSC Yacht Club include:

• Unlimited drinks in all bars and restaurants of the ship
• MSC Yacht Club Le Muse restaurant with all-inclusive dining at flexible times
• Priority check-in and check-out in a dedicated area of the terminal
• Exclusive Top Sail Lounge offering finger foods, desserts, afternoon and midnight snacks
• Private MSC Yacht Club swimming pool and bar
• Suites with Egyptian cotton linens
• Dorelan pillow menu
• 24-hour butler and concierge service

MSC Divina - Cabins and Suites

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Inspired by Sophia Loren, MSC Divina brings you all the elegance and glamour of the golden age of cruise lines, enhanced by modern, technology. On board you’ll find every modern comfort, along with a variety of sports and leisure facilities as well as world-class entertainment, including kids’ and teens’ clubs to ensure everyone’s happy. Also, MSC Divina is one of the ships that sail to Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve , MSC’s exclusive Bahamian destination.

Itineraries

Caribbean & Southern Caribbean

MSC Grand Voyages

Get ready to dive into one of our pools, let your hair down at the themed parties, treat yourself to something delicious in one of our amazing restaurants, and much more!  

Main Features

Entertainment & leisure.

MSC Divina boasts a real stone piazza, a  Casino Veneziano  and  Broadway-size Pantheon Theatre . From the elegant  Swarovski crystal staircases  to the   Infinity Pool  extending seamlessly out to sea,stylish and luxurious leisure facilities are all around. 

Spa & Relaxation

A wealth of wellness treatments await in the tranquil atmosphere of the MSC Aurea Spa. You can also relax and be pampered in the open air, on the Top 18 sun-deck with its stunning sea views, a dedicated spa service and a bar menu with complimentary fruit skewers.

MSC Yacht Club

Discover the exclusive “ship within a ship” that is MSC Yacht Club  with its 24-hour butler service. The Sophia Loren Royal Suite on deck 16 was designed with the help of Mrs Loren herself, and even includes a replica of her dressing table.

cabinS & SUITES

• Surface approx. 14-19 sqm, balcony approx 3-12 sqm
• Sitting area with sofa
• Bathroom with shower or bathtub , vanity area with hairdryer
• Comfortable double or single beds (on request)
• Interactive TV, telephone, Wifi connection available (for a fee), safe and minibar

Choose the cabin type that best suits you:

• Balcony Aurea (best ship positions, surface approx 18 sqm, deck 9-13 )
• Premium Balcony (surface approx  18 sqm, deck 8-13 )
• Junior Balcony (surface approx 14 sqm, deck 9-13 )
• Deluxe Balcony with partial view (Surface approx 18-19 sqm, deck 8-13 )

*Some cabins have metal balustrade or half glass half metal balustrade

The image is representative only

Size, layout and furniture may vary (within the same cabin category)

• Surface approx. 12-20 sqm
• Window with sea view
• Relaxing armchair
• Bathroom with shower, vanity area with hairdryer
• Premium Ocean View (Surface approx. 20 sqm, deck 5 )
• Deluxe Ocean View Classic (Surface approx. 17 sqm, deck 8 and 13 )
• Junior Ocean View (Surface approx. 12 sqm, deck 8 )
• Surface approx 13-16 sqm, deck 5-13
• Bathroom with shower, vanity area and hairdryer
• TV, telephone, Wifi connection available (for a fee), safe and minibar
• Deluxe Interior (surface approx 16 sqm, deck 5-13 )
• Junior Interior (surface approx 13, deck 8-13 )

Pantheon Theatre

Virtual World

Galleria D'Arte

RestaurantS and BUFFET

Villa rossa, the black crab, calumet buffet, le muse restaurant, butcher's cut.

This American-style steak house serves select Linz heritage angus beef, gold standard in high-end angus beef thanks to the best genetics in breed. The highest quality product custom cut by master butchers and aged to perfection. The menu is inspired by the great plains and it is accompanied by bold New World wines and cocktails with swagger.

Manitou buffet restaurant

Galaxy kaito restaurant.

Ranked by the Berlitz guide as “the best sushi at sea”, this charming venue offers deliciously authentic Asian cuisine prepared on the spot with only the freshest, highest quality ingredients. The menu includes Japanese dishes composed of nigari, sashimi, maki, futomaki, tempura, teriyaki and much more.

Bars & LOUNGES

Black and white lounge, silver lounge bar, msc divina bar, caffé italia, sports bar bowling, golden jazz bar, the cigar lounge, le sirene bar, the one bar, top sail lounge, poseidon bar, tritone bar, aurea spa bar, la cantina di bacco, la luna piano bar, piazza del doge, casino veneziano bar, galaxy lounge, {{deckplaninfoheader}}.

{{deckPlanInfoText}}

• 8. Artemide
• 10. Giunone
• 14. Afrodite
• 15. Mercurio
• Junior Interior
• Deluxe Interior
• Junior Ocean View
• Deluxe Ocean View
• Premium Ocean View
• Deluxe Balcony with partial view
• Junior Balcony
• Premium Balcony
• Deluxe Balcony Aurea
• Deluxe Suite Aurea with sealed window
• Premium Suite Aurea
• Grand Suite Aurea
• MSC Yacht Club Deluxe Suite
• MSC Yacht Club Grand Suite
• MSC Yacht Club Executive & Family Suite
• MSC Yacht Club Royal Suite

B:  Cabin with bathtub

° Sealed panoramic window.

•  All cabins have one double bed convertible to two single beds.

•  3rd bed available in all categories except for Junior Interior, Junior Ocean View, Junior Balcony, Premium Suite Aurea.

• 4th bed available in all categories except for Junior Interior, Junior Ocean View, Junior Balcony, Premium Suite Aurea and MSC Yacht Club Deluxe Suite.

• Our ships offer the possibility of combining 2 or 3 connecting cabins based on the ship class. Call our Contact Center to choose the best accommodation for you. Ship configuration may be subject to change depending on the season and on the destination and must be verified at the time of booking.

• Gross Tonnage: 139.072 tons
• Number passengers: 4.345 passengers
• Crew Members: About 1.388
• Number of Cabins: 1.751, incl. 45 for guests with disabilities or reduced mobility
• Length/Beam/Height : 333,30 m / 37,92 m post panamax / 67,69 m
• Maximum Speed: 23.75 knots

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MSC Cruises

What is the MSC Yacht Club? Take a look at MSC Cruises’ luxury suite area

MSC Cruises sails nearly two dozen beautiful ships from home ports around the world, but their inviting sun decks can be crowded, and you're likely to encounter queues for dinner, shows and guest services.

The trick to creating a more luxurious experience on this big-ship cruise line is to book a stay in the line's Yacht Club. This upscale enclave within MSC Cruises ' larger ships offers guests more spacious accommodations, butler service and dedicated restaurants and lounges — even coffee delivered to your room each morning, just the way you like it.

Because of the Yacht Club , MSC can offer an inviting experience for cruisers who like big-ship cruising but crave more elevated accommodations, dining and amenities. MSC Cruises was one of the first lines to introduce this ship-within-a-ship concept, along with Norwegian Cruise Line . Now other popular cruise lines, such as Royal Caribbean , also have adopted it.

The Yacht Club section on several of MSC Cruises' ships offers gated access to semi-private dining, butler service and more, but it comes at a price. Find out how much you can expect to pay and what you'll get for your money.

For more cruise news, guides and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

What are the MSC Yacht Club perks?

All stays in the Yacht Club include priority check-in and checkout; priority disembarkation and boarding on shore excursions days; free premium alcohol and Wi-Fi packages; a bathrobe and slippers; complimentary access to the Aurea Spa thermal suite; 24-hour concierge and butler services (dining and spa reservations, unpacking and repacking, morning coffee delivery, etc.); a free daily in-cabin newspaper of your choice, delivered; and the ability to change your cruise one time without penalty.

Yacht Club cruisers are also entitled to discounts of 10% on spa treatments, 20% on specialty dining packages and 40% on spa packages.

In addition, passengers booked in the Yacht Club have access to their own dedicated bar, lounge and restaurant, as well as a semi-private outdoor bar, pool and hot tubs, all on an exclusive sun deck. When ships dock at the line's private island, Ocean Cay Marine Reserve , Yacht Club passengers have private beach and restaurant access .

In their cabins, Yacht Club cruisers will find a pillow menu, memory foam mattresses, high-quality linens, bathrooms with marble floors, a specialty coffee maker, complimentary open minibar access, one gratis bottle of spirits (choose from a list of available options), free one-time snacks, 24-hour room service and nightly turn-down chocolates from Venchi, an Italian chocolatier that partners with the cruise line.

Which MSC cruise ships have the Yacht Club?

Thirteen ships in the MSC Cruises fleet have the Yacht Club on board:

• MSC Bellissima
• MSC Euribia
• MSC Fantasia
• MSC Grandiosa
• MSC Meraviglia
• MSC Preziosa
• MSC Seascape.
• MSC Seashore.
• MSC Seaside
• MSC Seaview
• MSC Splendida
• MSC Virtuosa
• MSC World Europa

Upcoming vessel MSC World America (2025) also will have the Yacht Club.

The largest Yacht Club in the fleet is on MSC World Europa, offering 152 suites. The second-largest is found on the line's two Seaside EVO Class ships, MSC Seashore and MSC Seascape, which each have 131 suites.

MSC Yacht Club cabins

All accommodations in the Yacht Club are labeled as suites, even though they comprise some standard cabin types. The specific stateroom types offered will vary by ship, but in general, they range from windowless interior cabins and deluxe balcony rooms to Executive and Royal Suites with more space, walk-in closets and bathrooms with both showers and bathtubs.

New to the fleet with the line's World Class are 1,600-square-foot Owner Suites, which include multi-room layouts, walk-in closets, bathtubs and balconies, each with a whirlpool and alfresco dining area.

Also new are Duplex Suites, offering two decks of space, with the bedroom and bathroom upstairs and a dining area, living room and guest bath downstairs. These also include two private sun decks with loungers, one of which boasts a whirlpool.

How much does it cost to stay in the MSC Yacht Club?

As you might expect, the cost to stay in the Yacht Club depends on several factors, including cabin type, the length of the sailing and where you're going and when. However, in line with the rest of the brand's pricing, a stay in the Yacht Club is an excellent value when you compare it to stays in other lines' dedicated suite areas or to luxury cruise prices.

I priced out several sailings departing over the next two years on some of the line's newest and largest ships. This is what was available at press time. (Note: MSC Cruises' website will only allow me to choose a general Yacht Club designation when booking. That means a guaranteed suite within the Yacht Club, but you won't know what type it is until closer to sailing.)

• 7-night Caribbean and Bahamas cruise on MSC Seascape: $6,538 (including taxes) for two adults, round trip from Miami, March 16-23, 2024
• 11-night Bermuda, Canada and New England cruise on MSC Meraviglia: $9,958 (including taxes) for two adults, round trip from Brooklyn, New York, Sept. 25-Oct. 6, 2024
• 7-night Mediterranean cruise on MSC World Europa: $5,118 (including taxes) for two adults, round trip from Barcelona, May 2-9, 2025
• 7-night Mediterranean on MSC Divina: $5,858 (including taxes) for two adults, round trip from Kusadasi, Turkey, June 5-12, 2025

Check out the MSC Cruises website to learn more about the MSC Yacht Club .

Have more cruise questions? TPG has answers:

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• What's the difference between a cruise concierge and a butler?

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Cabins & Suites

On MSC Divina there’s accommodation to suit every need, from interior and ocean-view options to balcony cabins, spacious suites, and connecting cabins for families.

• Comfortable king bed that can be converted into two single beds on request
• Balcony within dining table
• Separate living area and dining room
• Walk-in closet
• Bathroom with bathtub and shower, vanity area and hairdryer
• Interactive TV, telephone, safe and minibar
• Complimentary Wi-Fi
• Approx. 388 ft 2 with balcony approx. 17 ft 2
• Located on deck 16 Discover a world of privileges with MSC Yacht Club The image is representative only; the size, layout and furniture may vary (within the same stateroom category).
• Panoramic sealed window
• Sitting area with sofa
• Spacious closet
• Bathroom with shower or bathtub, vanity area and hairdryer
• Approx. 431 – 549 ft 2
• Located on deck 12 Discover a world of privileges with MSC Yacht Club The image is representative only; the size, layout and furniture may vary (within the same stateroom category).
• Bathroom with bathtub, vanity area and hairdryer
• Approx. 280 ft 2 with a balcony that is 65 ft 2
• Located on decks 15 - 16 Discover a world of privileges with MSC Yacht Club. Size, layout and furniture may vary from that shown (within the same stateroom category).
• Bathroom with shower or bathtub, vanity area and hairdyer
• Approx. 237 ft 2 with a balcony that is 65 ft 2
• Located on decks 15 - 16 Discover a world of privileges with MSC Yacht Club. The image is representative only; the size, layout and furniture may vary (within the same stateroom category).
• Wi-Fi access available ($)
• Approx. 409 - 452 ft 2  with a balcony that is approx. 32 ft 2
• Located on decks 9 - 11

The image is representative only; the size, layout and furniture may vary (within the same stateroom category).

• Approx. 355 ft 2 with a balcony that is approx. 32 ft 2
• Located on deck 10
• Approx. 269 - 312 ft 2
• Located on decks 9 - 12
• Approx. 226 - 258 ft 2
• Approx. 194 ft 2  with a balcony that is approx. 43 ft 2
• Located on decks 9 - 13

The image is representative only; the size, layout and furniture may vary (within the same stateroom category)

• Approx. 194 ft 2  with a balcony that is approx. 43 – 129 ft 2
• Located on decks 8 - 9
• Approx. 151 ft 2  with a balcony that is approx. 32 ft 2
• Approx. 194 - 205 ft 2  with a balcony that is approx. 43 – 129 ft 2
• Located on decks 8 - 13
• Window with sea view
• Relaxing armchair
• Bathroom with shower, vanity area and hairdryer
• Approx. 215 ft 2
• Located on deck 5
• Select staterooms can accommodate up to 6 guests
• Approx. 183 ft 2
• Located on decks 8 and 13
• Approx. 129 ft 2
• Located on deck 8
• Approx. 172 ft 2
• Located on decks 5 - 10
• Approx. 140 ft 2
• Located on decks 8 - 11

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MSC Divina Yacht Club 2/11 - 2/22 Live Review

By DaKahuna , February 7 in MSC Cruises

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DaKahuna was awarded the badge 'Great Review'

This review will be covering our first ever MSC cruise.  As the title indicates we will be sailing on MSC Divina out of Miami on an 11-day adventure. 

My wife and I are somewhat experienced cruises but have previously only sailed, with the exception of a single Carnival cruise in 2006, on Royal Caribbean and Celebrity.  

We have been disappointed by all of the changes and the pricing on Celebrity recently and after reading @generation-x  and other reviews of sailing in the YC aboard MSC we decided to give it a try and see if it was more to our liking.  You can see links to reviews of some of our previous cruises in my signature below.

We have been to all of the ports that we will be visiting on this cruise at least once and do not have any scheduled shore excursions.  My post will be more about our shipboard experiences than about the various ports and activities.  @JamieLogical  is also doing a live review of this cruise and between the two of us and with contributions from our fellow cruisers should give a pretty thorough review of life aboard Divina during our time onboard.  Jamie's review can be found here:

Thanks for following along. 

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33 minutes ago, DaKahuna said: We have been disappointed by all of the changes and the pricing on Celebrity recently and after reading @generation-x  and other reviews of sailing in the YC aboard MSC we decided to give it a try and see if it was more to our liking.  You can see links to reviews of some of our previous cruises in my signature below.

FYI, you mentioned the wrong @GenerationX . This is the correct one.

Best Cat Mom

Looking forward to reading your thoughts about MSC YC and the Divina. Buon viaggio!

Sounds like a great cruise, will be following.

NYHartChapp

Looking forward to following.  We were on Divina YC in January and will enjoy reading updates on the crew.  

1 hour ago, DaKahuna said: We have been disappointed by all of the changes and the pricing on Celebrity recently and after reading @GenerationX and other reviews of sailing in the YC aboard MSC we decided to give it a try and see if it was more to our liking

That's exactly how we ended up in YC on Divina last June, and then booked this cruise while we were onboard.

First few people we met in the YC were also recent converts from Celebrity, so there is something of a trend there...

Been looking forward to this cruise since then, so we'll see you onboard in a few days...

2 hours ago, DaKahuna said: This review will be covering our first ever MSC cruise.  As the title indicates we will be sailing on MSC Divina out of Miami on an 11-day adventure.  My wife and I are somewhat experienced cruises but have previously only sailed, with the exception of a single Carnival cruise in 2006, on Royal Caribbean and Celebrity.     We have been disappointed by all of the changes and the pricing on Celebrity recently and after reading @generation-x  and other reviews of sailing in the YC aboard MSC we decided to give it a try and see if it was more to our liking.  You can see links to reviews of some of our previous cruises in my signature below.   We have been to all of the ports that we will be visiting on this cruise at least once and do not have any scheduled shore excursions.  My post will be more about our shipboard experiences than about the various ports and activities.  @JamieLogical  is also doing a live review of this cruise and between the two of us and with contributions from our fellow cruisers should give a pretty thorough review of life aboard Divina during our time onboard.  Jamie's review can be found here:     Thanks for following along.   

Looking forward to following along, we're on the  Divinia in YC about a year out - happy sailings to you

You will love the Divina YC crew!  You will quickly meet “Pepe”, the YC Director who is the most hands on manager ever. Also Mehmet is the Maitre D’, equally wonderful.  Have a great time!

Thanks everyone.  We’re really looking forward to this cruise as we have not been at sea since last May.

5 hours ago, Mark_T said:   Been looking forward to this cruise since then, so we'll see you onboard in a few days

 Looking forward to meeting you over an adult beverage or two in the Top Sail Lounge.   

With The Retreat prices going the way they are, there’s going to be a lot more converts.  Personally I think that the YC, on the whole, is a far superior experience - except for food offerings.  Luminae beats the YC restaurant with its better menus. 

4 minutes ago, Beamafar said: With The Retreat prices going the way they are, there’s going to be a lot more converts.  Personally I think that the YC, on the whole, is a far superior experience - except for food offerings.  Luminae beats the YC restaurant with its better menus. 

It will be interesting to see what difference there are between the European and US versions of the YC menus.

In Europe at least, we had food that easily matched if not exceeded Luminae, especially the steak.

... but as ever these things can be variable from ship to ship and cruise to cruise...

3 minutes ago, Mark_T said: It will be interesting to see what difference there are between the European and US versions of the YC menus.   In Europe at least, we had food that easily matched if not exceeded Luminae, especially the steak.   ... but as ever these things can be variable from ship to ship and cruise to cruise...

Interesting.  I’ve never rated YC food very highly (and I’ve sailed in YC in several regions).

Cathy in Boston

We are also following as we will be in Yacht Club on Divina in April.  We are trying MSC for the same exact reasons.

I'll definitely be following along. MSC YC is on our radar. 

We will be on the Celebrity Beyond on 2/19 for an 11 night voyage. So our "LIVE'S" may overlap a few days ..... but I'll keep checking in. 

25 minutes ago, mac_tlc said: I'll definitely be following along. MSC YC is on our radar.    We will be on the Celebrity Beyond on 2/19 for an 11 night voyage. So our "LIVE'S" may overlap a few days ..... but I'll keep checking in. 

Here’s hoping you have a great cruise.   

We’ve only done one E-class cruise, Edge February 2020, so most of my comments and comparisons will be based on our experiences in the Retreat on M & S class ships.   

We will be leaving Saturday afternoon on a direct flight from Washington Dulles to Ft. Lauderdale International.  As with our previous cruise out of Miami a few years back it was less expensive to fly to FLL, spend the night in a hotel in FLL, and use Lyft/Uber from FLL to the cruise port in Miami than it was for us to fly to Miami, stay in a hotel over night there, and Lyft/Uber to the ship the next morning.  

In FLL normally we stay at the Renaissance on 17th street but we are doing things a little different this time and are staying at the FLL Airport Marriott. It works out to be pretty much the same logistically but saves us a few dollars due to the difference in hotel prices. 

My DW says that she needs a new pair of shoes so we will be going shopping for those later this morning.  As well, I need to make a trip to the bank and pick up some small bills to use for tips.  I normally bring a lot of $1.00 and $5.00 bills in case I am unsuccessful in the casino.  

Ironing has been done.  A lot of clothing items have been set aside for packing, and this afternoon I will start collection and putting my electronics into my backpack.  I'll provide a short list of those items once I finalize what I will be taking with me. 

Really looking forward to getting away from the 40 and 50 degree weather we are having. 

We’ll stay in Fort Lauderdale before our Seascape cruise (hate Miami!). We’re staying in the Las Olas area.  Never been before so have no idea where it is in relation to anything.  Still, I’ll be interested in reading about your Lyft/Uber arrangement to POM as that’s what we’re hoping to do, too. 

50 minutes ago, Beamafar said: We’ll stay in Fort Lauderdale before our Seascape cruise (hate Miami!). We’re staying in the Las Olas area.  Never been before so have no idea where it is in relation to anything.  Still, I’ll be interested in reading about your Lyft/Uber arrangement to POM as that’s what we’re hoping to do, too. 

 Will update it but it looks to be about $85.00 right now for Lyft XL.   I am torn between scheduling it now and waiting until we are ready to leave Sunday morning to arrange the ride. 

Just checked to make sure what terminal we will be using..  In case anyone else is interested, MSC Divina will be using Terminal C. 

welcome to MSC YC! 

The YC is a lovely experience. The private pool deck, lounge and dining are a great way to escape from the hustle/bustle and to really relax.

We used to sail X often and decided to try MSC YC in early 2020. Never looked back. The last 6 cruises have all been MSC YC

The ships vary (as you know being experienced in cruising) and are fun to explore.

What makes YC is the staff, crew, privacy and how they work to make your vacation special. 

On OC they will take you over the YCs beach/dining. Your wifi and YC bev package goes with you.

On Embarkation Day-- you will see right away how YC is wonderful

- and the YC off/on at each port is such a nice amenity...

1 hour ago, DaKahuna said: Just checked to make sure what terminal we will be using..  In case anyone else is interested, MSC Divina will be using Terminal C

If you want a preview, take look at this video, it shows the whole process of boarding in YC at Terminal C...

Don't let anyone take your luggage before you get to the white YC tents as they will get special tags applied there to ensure rapid delivery.

I'll be interested in your perspective of MSC YC.  I, a former Celebrity loyalist, sailed MSC YC on Meraviglia in September and was blown away......so much so, in fact, that I am again sailing on February 11th on Meraviglia in YC again.  Enjoy your cruise.  I'm sure it will be great.

Packing almost complete, flying Virgin Atlantic to Miami in the morning, looking forward to a change in the weather 🙂

3 hours ago, Mark_T said: If you want a preview, take look at this video, it shows the whole process of boarding in YC at Terminal C...

  Thanks.  I had not seen that one out of the many that I have looked at in preparation.  

3 hours ago, Mark_T said:   Don't let anyone take your luggage before you get to the white YC tents as they will get special tags applied there to ensure rapid delivery.

 We are hoping that our Lyft/uber driver will be able to drop us off at the Yacht Club tent but if not, then we will definitely keep this in mind.  

1 hour ago, jcpc said: I'll be interested in your perspective of MSC YC.  I, a former Celebrity loyalist, sailed MSC YC on Meraviglia in September and was blown away......so much so, in fact, that I am again sailing on February 11th on Meraviglia in YC again.  Enjoy your cruise.  I'm sure it will be great.

 Thank you.  We are really looking forward to it.  We still have one Celebrity cruise scheduled, Millennium in May in the Retreat so we'll see what happens after that. 

4 hours ago, Fogfog said: welcome to MSC YC! 

 Thank you very much. 

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6 Cruise Splurges Our Experts Say Are Worth Every Penny

E veryone wants to save money when they travel. We look for the best deals, times of year to travel, and low-cost experiences. But then there are times when we don’t mind spending a little extra to have a one-of-a-kind experience or make our trip extra special. 

Meet The Experts

• John Roberts has experienced more than 110 cruises and counting. He loves to share his adventures so cruisers can travel better and have more fun.
• Nancy Schretter is an award-winning journalist and editor who has sailed on more than 60 cruises on a wide range of ships in locations around the world.

1. MSC Yacht Club

Roberts’s first pick is the MSC Yacht Club . It comes with a host of amenities and perks that take your vacation to the next level. 

This ship-within-a-ship concept is available on many MSC Cruise ships . The Yacht Club is an exclusive area of the ship that has a large lounge, specialty restaurant, private pool deck with an alfresco restaurant, concierge service, and included drinks and WiFfi. You also get 24-hour butler and room service, as well as access to the thermal suite at the ship’s MSC Aurea Spa.

 “I have stayed in the MSC Yacht Club a couple of times, and this experience changes the game for cruisers. You might even be tempted to spend your whole cruise in the pampered embrace of the Yacht Club area of the ship. Of course, there is always some great entertainment and activities going on elsewhere on the ships, too! 

“Your butler greets you at the cruise terminal and escorts you to your cabin. Butlers also make specialty dining reservations and escort you to the restaurants and to your seat in the theater for shows. You also have access to Ocean House Beach (with a bar, restaurant, and cabanas) at the line’s private island in the Bahamas, Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve,” Roberts remarks.

Roberts says it’s a splurge, for sure. For example, a 3-night cruise on MSC Divina from Miami starts at $239 per person for an inside cabin with drinks and WiFi included. MSC Yacht Club for the same cruise starts at $999 per person. 

2. A More Spacious Cabin 

Schretter says you may consider splurging for additional space on your cruise, particularly when traveling with kids. Cruise ships offer a wide variety of staterooms that will accommodate families, but Schretter suggests choosing your vacation home-away-from-home wisely. 

“Packing everyone into one of the smallest cabins with bunks and a single bathroom may not be the best vacation experience for families. Opting for more spacious family cabins, family suites, or connecting staterooms is a better bet. The additional space and privacy are worth the splurge,” Schretter says.

For a special treat, Schretter says to consider splurging for a suite if your budget allows. Cruise ship suites offer the luxury of space and come in all shapes and sizes. Upgrading to suites can also have additional perks, like exclusive access to certain specialty restaurants, lounges, private pools, and sun deck areas on some ships. Other extras, such as complimentary Wi-Fi, concierge services, upgraded amenities, complimentary drinks and snacks during special lounge happy hours, and priority embarkation and disembarkation may also be included.

3. Thermal Suite Access

The newer cruise ships feature increasingly elaborate and luxurious spas that offer a range of treatments. Roberts says the best part of these facilities are the spectacular thermal suites. These large spaces offer a range of amenities to enjoy, including

• thalassotherapy pools
• cold plunge tubs
• steam rooms

and other tantalizing experiences like salt rooms, salt pools, charcoal saunas, infrared saunas, and even snow grottoes on some ships. 

“Cruisers can purchase day passes or pay for access to the thermal suite for the length of the voyage. I love to slip on my robe and slippers and spend a couple hours trying the treatments and settling into a comfy lounger while sipping an herbal tea and basking in the vistas of the ocean as the ship sails. Most feature large floor-to-ceiling windows and exclusive outer deck areas.” 

Thermal suite passes can range from around $50 to $70 a day to about $200 for an entire 7-day cruise, depending on the cruise line.

4. Your Ideal Stateroom Location

Schretter says another thing to consider is choosing your own cabin instead of opting for the cruise line’s less expensive “guarantee” stateroom. 

“This splurge is worth it if you care about controlling your room type and location. Staterooms with unobstructed balconies provide beautiful views and a more private place to relax. That’s important to me, but others might not care as much. It’s particularly worthwhile to splurge for a great balcony stateroom when sailing in places like Alaska or Norway, where the views are spectacular,” Schretter explains. 

Choosing your own cruise cabin can also allow you to avoid certain locations that can be less desirable, such as staterooms above or below nightclubs and theaters or close to elevators. Study your ship’s deck plans in detail before you book.

Pro Tip: A good cruise travel agent can also provide valuable assistance. 

5. Specialty Dining 

If you’ve ever wondered whether the specialty dining is worth the extra cost, Schretter says do it! 

“Today’s finest shipboard specialty restaurants can match those on land, and I’ve had a few of the best meals of my life on cruise ships. Guests can choose from a diverse array of eateries, including award-winning steakhouses, superb seafood restaurants, and top-notch dining venues featuring Italian, Asian, and French cuisines. Some cruise lines have partnered with renowned chefs from Michelin-starred restaurants and celebrity culinary geniuses to create world-class restaurants at sea. A number of ships offer intimate multi-course Chef’s Table dining experiences as well,” Schretter says.

Pro Tip: Schretter recommends making specialty dining reservations as far in advance as possible for the best restaurant availability and reservation times, as the most sought-after venues and dining times can fill up quickly. In addition, notify your cruise line in advance if you have food allergies or special dietary restrictions. 

6. Shore Excursions

Shore excursions offer cruisers once-in-a-lifetime moments. Schretter says these experiences have been some of the best parts of her cruises.

“They’ve given me unforgettable memories that I’ll treasure forever. Some of these include dogsledding on a glacier and watching bears catching salmon in Alaska, mind-blowingly scenic helicopter flights in Hawaii, customized private tours in Rome and along Italy’s Amalfi Coast, and an exceptional post-cruise tour of Angkor Wat in Cambodia,“ Schretter shares. 

Consider what’s important to you and research the full range of options available. Extraordinary experiences like these are well worth the splurge, and they can easily be the highlight of your vacation. Book your shore excursions as early as possible , as popular options can sell out rapidly.

This article originally appeared on TravelAwaits