Looking at the cruise industry's elevated “ship within a ship” concept, travel advisors know that a big cruise ship—often a mega-ship—also can offer a smaller, more exclusive complex of accommodations and private venues that are keycard-only-accessible. Guests pay more to stay within this complex and are promised a more intimate, pampering cruise experience.
Yet, guests also can venture beyond the complex for highly popular big-ship amenities. How about world-class entertainment, a range of dining options, a casino, full-service spa, razzle-dazzle rides, sports courts and more? Sounds perfect, right?
But does the premise deliver on the experience? Here are our "Top 10 Takeaways" after a one-week stay earlier this year within the MSC Yacht Club on the 5,877-passenger MSC Seascape. While sailing to the Bahamas and Caribbean isles, we stayed in a Deluxe Veranda Suite, No. 16032, on one of MSC Cruises' largest and most luxurious MSC Yacht Clubs.
That club comprises 32,291 square feet of space and offers sea views from high atop the forward decks.
1. Priority Boarding With Ease
As we arrived at MSC Cruises' PortMiami terminal, hundreds of guests were readying to check in. It was a peak period, plus a roadway accident had closed the port tunnel. So, travelers were showing up later than expected and more at the same time. We, too, were late arriving.
That said, we left the crowd behind and instead headed to a separate entrance for MSC Yacht Club guests. Upon arrival, we were warmly greeted at a small tent outside, our luggage was taken to be transported to our stateroom, our names were checked off and and we were quickly escorted inside to a room (separate from that main terminal area) for check-in.
Only two other Yacht Club guests were being assisted, and they soon moved on. Essentially, it was a “just for us” private check-in. That’s because the MSC Yacht Club on MSC Seascape comprises just 131 staterooms and suites, or only 262 or so guests.
We completed just a few perfunctory details, such as presenting our passport and getting our MSC for Me wristband. This waterproof band allows guests who are 12 and older to enjoy the ship without a cruise card; they can thus make purchases, book services and unlock their stateroom/suite door.
Soon, we were off—led by a butler—through the terminal. Within minutes we entered the ship, completed security checks and were boarding the elevator without any stops to the MSC Yacht Club, located forward on Decks 16 to 20. Incidentally, yacht club guests also receive priority check-out and priority departure and return on shore excursion days.
2. Exclusive, Uncrowded Feel
At Deck 16, we emerged from the elevator, rounded the corner and reached the locked glass-entry door to one of the MSC Yacht Club corridors. Our butler escort swiped his card and, presto, the door to the keycard-only-accessible complex opened. Entering and exiting the yacht club was easy, and soon we were within a world that was more private, quiet and exclusive.
We'd estimate the total transit time from our arrival outside the cruise terminal to our entry into No. 16032, our Deluxe Veranda Stateroom within the MSC Yacht Club, to be approximately 20 minutes.
Not far from our stateroom was a concierge desk exclusive for all MSC Yacht Club guests. Design-wise, it’s separated from the adjacent accommodations corridors by glass doors. That nicely provides a quiet space for those staying close to the concierge desk. Here, a friendly concierge answered questions and took our request for dinner reservations on several nights at the ship’s specialty restaurants. Later, we received confirmation notes about those reservations within our stateroom.
In addition, that concierge desk can also assist yacht club guests with arranging customized shore excursions, tailormade shopping outings or private car service at ports (with guests paying added fees for the outings).
3. Spacious Accommodations
Atop our living room table upon arrival was a bottle of chilled Prosecco in an ice bucket. Our cabin steward soon arrived and introduced herself. She explained the stateroom's features and offered assistance with packing/unpacking. Our butler (as with the separate butler who escorted us to our stateroom) was helping other guests from the check-in desk outside the terminal. But he arrived a bit later, introduced himself and also offered assistance.
The duo detailed the workings of the stateroom and our Yacht Club benefits, such as the daily newspaper of our choice delivered to the stateroom/suite. They also asked about any minifridge preferences as it was restocked daily with juice, water and soft drinks, as well as beer and wine, if desired.
Deluxe Veranda Suite
As for the “digs,” our 269-square-foot Deluxe Veranda Stateroom offered a living area had a small couch, coffee table and one chair. That living area was adjacent to the large, sliding glass doors leading to an exterior private balcony with two deck chairs and a small table. Directly across from the couch within the living area was a wall of storage with an elongated desk/storage surface. One tall cabinet opened to a set of drawers, hanging space, a personal safe, and "relaxation amenities" (aka robes and slippers).
We would have liked to have seen a bit more hanging space, just something to keep in mind if you're a "fashionista" bringing three suitcases. For us, it proved fine, but we travel light.
The wall also hosted a large, wall-mounted HDTV screen, viewable from both living and bedroom areas.
We particularly liked the open-style room divider with shelves between the living room seating area and the bedroom area. It gave both areas their own footprint and sense of separation. Yet, guests could still see the entire stateroom. That created a more airy look and open feel. We felt the stateroom seemed a bit larger than its square footage.
Bedroom Area and Bath
In the bedroom area, we slept well throughout the cruise, thanks to the king bed’s Myform Memory mattress, dressed with soft Egyptian cotton sheets and a soft duvet. Another yacht club perk is the Dorelan pillow menu so we chose what worked best for us. The king bed is convertible to two twins.
Across from the bed, the "wall of storage" that started in the living area continued into the bedroom space via an extensive desk surface. Guests can sit at a desk chair to work or put on make-up. Beneath the desk-like surface are a mini-fridge and additional storage drawers. We also found bottled water on the desktop surface.
This stateroom's marble bathroom is situated between the bedroom and the entry door. Guests will find a single sink, an elongated marble surface for storing items, large mirror and wall-mounted make-up mirror. In particular, we liked the large, walk-in shower. Other similar category staterooms may have a tub/shower instead.
4. Pampering, Luxury-Level Service
Our cabin steward from South Africa and butler from the Philippines ranked with the best we’ve had anywhere on our 300-plus cruises over the past 23 years of covering cruises. Butler service is available 24 hours a day for MSC Yacht Club guests. Good to know: We also spoke to many other MSC Yacht Club guests who felt exactly the same about the high-quality service they were receiving within the yacht club.
Here's a good example of something we experienced. On our second day aboard, we asked our butler to check on whether the ship had a small table, something akin to a card table (“Nothing fancy needed,” we explained). Since we were working sizable hours on the computer during this cruise, we needed a comfortable desk area. Height-wise, we found the stateroom’s elongated desk surface a tad too high. We've had similar issues on other ships, but typically our back-up plan is to just use any adjustable living-room coffee table. But in our yacht club stateroom, that table was low and nonadjustable (one could-be-improved item as it would make in-suite dining more comfortable, too).
But back to our story... Within a short time, two crew members arrived at our stateroom with a round, marble-topped table they'd secured from the Yacht Club’s lounge. It was a tight squeeze through the door. But, presto, they maneuvered it in and it proved perfect for use as our “desk” throughout the voyage.
That's precisely the type of “can do” attitude among a service team that we found pampering.
5. Extra Yacht Club Guests Perks
Beyond the in-suite service and perks mentioned above, those staying in the yacht club on MSC Seascape receive many other benefits: If guests are spa fans, they'll be happy to know that they'll receive complimentary access to the MSC Aurea Spa’s thermal suite; a 40 percent discount on a prepaid dedicated spa package (if guests desire to book that); and a 10 percent discount on all spa treatments.
To satisfy a hunger pang at 2 a.m. while watching a movie, yacht club guests can simply order what they'd like with the perk of 24-hour-a-day room service. In addition, MSC Yacht Club guests receive a Premium Extra package, which includes:
- A wide selection of premium and international cocktails
- Nonalcoholic cocktails and all nonalcoholic drinks
- Fresh fruit and protein cocktails
- Premium brand spirits, liqueurs and cordials
- A selection of fine wines by the glass
- Champagne by the glass
- A wide variety of draft and bottled beers
- Bottled mineral water
- Classic and specialty hot drinks
- A 25 percent discount on purchases of bottled wine and champagne
- Beverage gratuities included
MSC Yacht Club guests also receive a premium Internet package for two devices. Connectivity-wise, we used our phone and laptop simultaneously and often. Overall, the ship's Wi-Fi performed well on most days.
Another nice perk is one free “cruise change,” which must be requested through the line’s contact center. Guests may change either their departure date or the itinerary up to one month before departure and for a new cruise to sail within three months from the original departure date.
6. Top Sail Lounge: Ocean Views and Relaxation
Forward on Deck 16 is the MSC Yacht Club’s exclusive Top Sail Lounge, which offers spectacular, two-deck-high windows for superb ocean views. Frankly, this was our favorite spot on the ship.
Yacht club guests can sit inside within comfortable seating areas (comprising couches, chairs and cocktail tables). Or they can pop outside to instead relax on the forward-facing, cushioned loungers or admire ocean views on the lounge’s private open-deck area. Servers circulated through both areas taking drink orders.
The lounge also offers a full bar, afternoon tea service, and light bites throughout the day and evening. The lounge proved a spot to kick back and relax, socialize with other guests if desired, or read a book or enjoy pre-dinner drinks. Entertainment-wise, during late afternoon or early evening, a pianist entertained amid the lounge. At times, we were treated to vocals by a singer who was accompanied by the pianist.
Easy access to dining is another lounge perk. When it’s dinnertime, guests in the lounge can simply walk up a lovely, sparkling curved staircase to the space's second-level MSC Yacht Club Restaurant, located atop the lounge's back section. An elevator is also available just a short distance away, along an interior corridor.
7. Gourmet Cuisine: MSC Yacht Club Restaurant
From many tables within this fine restaurant, the guest feels a sense of open space, given the two-deck expanse of glass extending upward from the Top Sail Lounge. We'd suggest asking the host/hostess for seating along the curved railing, if a table is available there. Those tables, in particular, have great views and can hear (and, at times, see) the musician/singer performing below.
Serving three meals a day, the MSC Yacht Club Restaurant is a gourmet experience. Robust, à la carte menus changed daily on our cruise. Dining here is a top reason for paying a higher yacht club fare. It's an easy walk from all yacht club accommodations, guests won't find lines, service is very good, and the food is fabulous.
Lunchtime
For example, at lunch one day, starters included Salmon Tartare with Salmon Caviar, Burrata Cheese, Green Asparagus Salad or Mussel Potato Soup. We ordered the latter and it proved very tasty.
For our lunchtime entree that day, we chose the Grilled Jumbo Shrimp with arugula nut salad, capers and tarragon lemon vinaigrette. Other entrees on that day's lunch menu included Pork Filet in Dijon Mustard Crust, Seafood Spaghetti and, for the vegetarian selection, Steamed Jasmine Rice with red beans, crispy tortillas and sweet potato puree. Always-available lunchtime entrees included Caesar Salad, Panette Pasta and an Angus Beef Burger. Another nice touch? Guests can choose from a different selection of freshly baked breads daily. On this day's menu, that included Whole Wheat Bread Rolls with Crispy Seeds, Grissini and Country White Rolls.
Our lunch dessert choices ranged from an International Cheese Selection to Peach Cobbler, New York Cheesecake, a fresh fruit plate, as tasty sorbets and ice creams. Again, the menus change daily, keeping the experience fresh.
Dinner Menus
Dinner menus were equally diverse. One nifty dinner menu feature is a "Deliciously Healthy" option. For example, it asks, "Did you know that a common scene in the Greek Islands is optopuses hanging in the sunlight from a rope, just like laundry from a clothesline? They are often caught by spearfishing close to the shore." Then the menu went on to explain how this seafood could be served, before offering up the night's "Deliciously Healthy" options of Steamed Octopus Carpaccio, Monkfish Medallion Au Gratin or Mint-Flavored Pineapple Salad.
On a "Gala Night" dinner in the MSC Yacht Club Restaurant, appetizers ranged from Twice-Baked Blue Cheese Souffle to a salad, shellfish bisque or Burgundy Claims. Entrees included Champagne Risotto, Grilled Lobster Tail or Beef Tenderloin Rossini. The vegetarian entree was Iman Bayildi, composed of baked eggplant with onion, tomatoes and confit bell peppers.
Despite the plethora of restaurants outside the club, frankly, we could have been very happy dining at this restaurant all the time. The cuisine was superb, as was the service with good staffing.
Restaurant managers and servers attentively checked on all the diners asking about the cuisine and if they could assist with anything else—night after night. As well, servers and managers quickly learned where guests preferred to sit, and proactivity tried to accommodate that the next time they arrived for a meal. We liked sitting along the railing so we could look down to the lounge below and outside to see ships in port or scenic views.
8. Exclusive Pool Deck
If guests enjoy pool play, the MSC Seascape’s top-deck pool is designed exclusively for yacht club guests. Guests will also find plenty of padded loungers, a whirlpool, solarium, deck space for sunbathing, an outdoor bar and stellar scenic views.
In addition, a poolside buffet is a casual option for breakfast, lunch and dinner. We found it a cut above typical poolside dining on many cruise lines. Early in the morning, we noticed that many yacht club guests enjoyed popping up to the open-air deck, soaking in the fresh air and destination views, and having a quick, casual breakfast before heading ashore on an excursion.
After a full morning of exploring a destination, this buffet also proved a casual, go-to dining spot for many returning to the ship. During the evening, the buffet attracted some guests who simply wanted a night off from a sit-down dinner. Night-time choices included fresh salad items, fresh fruits, many hot-and-cold dishes, shrimp, a meat carving station and more. Servers circulated taking drink orders.
9. Access to Big Ship Draws
One enticement for any “ship-within-a-ship” complex is that while guests expect pampering service and a more intimate ambience in the keycard-only space, they can also head to big ship's public venues and participate in activities. It’s akin to “going out on the town” to enjoy bars, lounges, the ship’s theater, specialty and main restaurants, pools, open-air sports facilities and more.
For example, MSC Seascape offers a variety of Broadway and Las Vegas-style theater shows, as well as other entertainment activities for adults and kids alike. Plus, there are children’s clubs, located not far from the Deck 16 exit from the MSC Yacht Club. While the yacht club is not adults-only, we spotted only a few kids within the club during our cruise.
Also just outside that same yacht club exit, we discovered the aptly named, two-level Jungle Pool Lounge. It's essentially a bar and pool with hot tubs and a retractable roof for all-weather use. That's nice as if it's rainy outside and guests can't use the yacht club's pool, this one is close by. It's one of 10 pools outside the yacht club.
As with many big ships, MSC Seascape has the latest high-tech amusement features. Most notable is this ship's ROBOTRON, which combines rollercoaster thrills at sea with a personalized DJ music experience. It's essentially a robotic arm with an attached, three-seat gondola. ROBOTRON will take riders far above the sea with a 360-degree view of the horizon, while flipping them upside down and in different directions.
You get the picture. Some guests loved it on our cruise. Others preferred the casino, offering 200-plus signature casino games. For a calmer experience, others headed for the MSC Aurea Spa.
Shipboard Dining
As for shipwide dining, MSC Seascape has a total of 11 dining venues. That includes three main restaurants; a dedicated Aurea restaurant; the Yacht Club restaurant; a 1,169-seat buffet; and multiple specialty restaurants. Those include the Butcher’s Cut, Ocean Cay fish restaurant, HOLA! Tacos & Cantina and Kaito Teppanyaki and Sushi Bar.
For any shipboard dining, definitely explain any dietary restrictions and inform the maître d’, as well. That said, it’s good to know that MSC Seascape prepares vegan and gluten-free cuisine in separate, dedicated galleys.
Another MSC Yacht Club perk? Yacht club guests receive a 20 percent discount on a prepaid dedicated specialty restaurant package. During our time aboard, we dined at the Butcher’s Cut, the aptly named steakhouse restaurant, and ordered a tasty appetizer of Oysters Rockefeller and a succulent steak.
On another night we enjoyed watching raw fish and seafood grilled up—in an entertaining performance—before our eyes at the Asian specialty eatery’s teppanyaki table. The chef was adept at twirling big knives, cracking jokes and providing an experience that engaged even the toddler seated in an infant seat at our table (much to the delight of his parents, who seemed relieved to enjoy their meal).
That's Entertainment
Evening entertainment “out in the ship” on our MSC Seascape voyage entailed a robust 98 hours of entertainment during the week. No, we didn't do it all. But that did include new shows and themed nights, such as the "White Party," "Sunshine Party" and "Gala Night."
One new entertainment spot aboard that we enjoyed immensely was the aft Le Cabaret Rouge Lounge. Inspired by 1920s-era French cabaret lounges, it’s essentially a two-story, chic nightclub. Guests can expect full drink service, comfortable seating areas, a stage and large dance floor. It also has a cool look and vibe.
We particularly enjoyed the live band sets in Le Cabaret Rouge, as we were visiting earlier in the evening. The venue also has an original production with singers, aerialists, dancers and musicians, as well as an all-out dance party.
10. Private Island Experience
For its Bahamas and Caribbean voyages, MSC Seascape calls at Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, the line’s private Bahamian isle. It's a former sand production island that's been reclaimed, restored and is considered a model of eco-responsiveness. MSC Cruises continues to do more to protect the coral reefs offshore too.
Unlike some private isles with many high-intensity features, Ocean Cay is a quieter, more relaxed, natural space from our perspective. Two miles of beachfront extends across eight different beaches.
One beach area across the island from the dock is reserved for MSC Yacht Club guests. If guests need assistance to get there (and don't want to walk), a golf cart can transport them from the pier to that beach area.
One recent announcement to keep in mind if clients are thinking of booking an MSC cruise to the private island? Next spring, Ocean Cay will be temporarily closed to MSC Cruises guests from April 7, 2024, through May 22, 2024, for guest experience and island enhancements.
Top Perk: A Luxurious, Cocooning Feel
Each year, Travel Agent sails on many ships—often upper premium and luxury ships of top brands. While MSC Cruises is a mass-market product, the exclusive-access MSC Yacht Club that we discovered on MSC Seascape is an elevated experience. We'd characterize the yacht club as an upper premium to luxury experience, depending on the guest’s definition.
Simply put, most ships are tough to leave at the end of a week-long cruise, but the "cocooning" MSC Yacht Club experience for us on this ship was even more so. From our perspective for a full-week sailing, the yacht club—even with higher price points for the vacation stay—delivered the goods.
Currently, MSC Seascape sails year-round from PortMiami to the Bahamas and Caribbean. For more information on MSC Cruises and the MSC Yacht Club, visit www.msccruisesusa.com.
Related Stories
First Look: MSC Seascape Christened in New York City
Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve Declared Mission Blue “Hope Spot”
MSC Group Furthers Progress Toward Net Zero Goals
Sales Open for MSC Cruises’ First Ever Winter Season in Japan