msc yacht club royal suite preis

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• Owner’s Suite n°16002 - Surface 78  sqm with large balcony ( 48 sqm ) and private whirlpool bath, deck 16
• Owner’s Suite n°18001 - Surface 104 sqm with large balcony ( 65   sqm ) and private whirlpool bath, deck 18
• Large balcony with private whirlpool bath and outdoor living area
• Panoramic floor-to-ceiling windows and glass doors
• Separate dining and living room area
• Bathroom with large shower and imperial tub
• Vanity Area with hairdryer
• Large walk-in wardrobe with shoe rack and luggage storage
• Comfortable double bed
• Interactive TV, Wi-Fi connection, telephone and safe
• Bar setup, refrigerator, and espresso coffee machine
• Air conditioning

Discover a world of privileges with MSC Yacht Club including:

• 24-Hour Butler service and dedicated concierge
• Premium Extra Drink and Internet packages included
• Complimentary Access to the Thermal Suite in the MSC Aurea SPA
• Balinese massage package and Specialty restaurants package, available up to 2 days prior to embarkation; 10% discount on all spa treatments purchased on board..
• 1 Free cruise change

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

• Surface 51-58 sqm with large balcony ( 42-51 sqm ) and private whirlpool bath, deck 16 and 18
• Large balcony with private whirlpool bath and outdoor dining area
• Walk-in wardrobe and luggage storage
• Bathroom with large shower and tub (some cabins feature large tub only)
• Accommodates up to 4 persons

Main feature:

• Open living/dining room with Double sofa bed
• Bathroom with shower and hairdryer

  Level 2:

• Master bedroom with comfortable double bed
• Bathroom with large tub and hairdryer
• Spacious wardrobe

Balcony area:

• Private Sundeck
• Private Whirlpool bath
• Dining table
• Other amenities:
• Mini bar and Air conditioning.

Main features

• Master bedroom
• Bathrooms with tub and hairdryer

Size, layout and furniture may vary from that shown (within the same cabin category).

The image is representative only.

• Surface 25 sqm with private balcony approx. 5 sqm, deck 15-21
• Bathroom with a and large shower hairdryer
• Comfortable double bed which can be converted in two single beds (on request)
• Surface 15 sqm, deck 15-16
• Accommodates up to 2 persons
• Surface 35 sqm with large balcony  ( 37-46 sqm ) and private whirlpool bath,  deck 15-16
• Setting Area with double sofa bed
• Interactive TV, Wi-Fi connection (for a fee), telephone and safe
• Mini bar and Air conditioning
• Surface 35 sqm  with private Premium Balcony  (25-35 sqm), deck 11-14
• Surface  35 sqm with private balcony (approx. 8-9 sqm), deck 9-10
• Sitting Area with double sofa bed
• Surface  25 sqm with balcony 4 sqm, deck 12-14
• Spacious wardrobes
• Bathroom with tub and hairdryer
• Interactive TV, telephone and safe. Wi-Fi connection available (for a fee)
• Can accommodate up to 6 people
• Surface 17 sqm with large private sundeck 13-17 sqm, deck 9
• Interactive TV, telephone and safe. Wi-Fi connection available (for a fee).
• Surface 27 sqm with private Balcony (9 sqm) overlooking the Promenade, deck 11
• Sitting Area with double sofa bed (for double occupancy) or separate living room with double sofa bed (for quadruple occupancy)
• Surface  20 sqm with private Balcony (7 sqm) overlooking the Promenade, deck 16

Important : this cabin will be available for cruises with departure dates starting from 13th April 2025 .

• Surface  17 sqm with balcony (3 sqm), deck 10-16

Some cabins feature partial view

• Surface  17 sqm with balcony 3 sqm, deck 9-10
• Surface 17 sqm with balcony 3 sqm, deck 15-16
• Surface  16 sqm with balcony (5 sqm) overlooking the Promenade, deck 9-15
• Surface approx. 16 sqm with balcony (5 sqm) overlooking the Promenade, deck 10-11
• Surface  20 sqm

Some cabins have panoramic sliding window that turns into a glass balustrade when open*

*Officers of bridge may need to keep the windows of Infinite Ocean View closed without allowing passengers to reopen them. This may be necessary for weather conditions, maintenance, safety and bunker operation. The guest will be notified directly by the on-board staff.

• Surface 20 sqm

*Officers of bridge may need to keep the windows of Infinite Ocean View closed without allowing passengers to reopen them. This may be necessary for weather conditions, maintenance, safety and bunker operation. The guest will be notified directly by the on-board staff

• Surface 16 sqm, deck 5-9

Some cabins have panoramic sliding window that turns into a glass balustrade when open

• Surface  12 sqm, deck 5-14
• Surface 15 sqm, deck 5-14
• Surface  10 sqm, deck 11-19

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MSC World Europa cabins and suites

Msc world europa staterooms review, floor plans, photos.

MSC World Europa cabins and suites review at CruiseMapper provides detailed information on cruise accommodations , including floor plans, photos, room types and categories, cabin sizes, furniture details and included by MSC Cruises en-suite amenities and services.

The MSC World Europa cruise ship cabins page is conveniently interlinked with its deck plans showing deck layouts combined with a legend and review of all onboard venues.

MSC Yacht Club Owner Suite with Balcony Jacuzzi

Layout (floor plan).

YC4 Suites feature a large balcony (with an outdoor Jacuzzi/whirlpool bath and alfresco dining area), floor-ceiling windows, separate dining room and living room, en suite bathroom (with large shower and spa tub), mirrored vanity (hairdryer), large walk-in closet (wardrobe with shoe rack, luggage storage, electronic safe box, lifejackets), smart HDTV (Interactive system), Wi-Fi, phone, mini-bar, refrigerator, espresso coffee machine.

MSC Yacht Club Royal Suite with Balcony Jacuzzi

MSC Yacht Club Duplex Suite with Balcony Jacuzzi

Category YJD (MSC Duplex Suites) are 2-floor accommodations. On Level 1 are the living/dining room (double sofabed), wardrobe, bathroom (shower), terrace (with an outdoor Jacuzzi, 4-seat dining table). On Level 2 are the Master Bedroom (double bed/non-convertible to twins), bathroom (shower, spa tub), wardrobe, Sundeck (loungers).

All passengers booked in Duplex Suites receive the following perks (bonus amenities and services):

• 2-deck-high (lower / upper level) stateroom - main level (living/dining room, double sofabed), upper level (master bedroom, queen bed convertible to 2 single beds / upon request)
• 2 HDTVs, 2 phones, electronic safe (in the closet), mini-bar
• 2 walk-in wardrobes
• 2 bathrooms with shower (1 with bathtub)
• private balcony with whirlpool hot tub
• Priority services (boarding, tendering, dinner seating / at onboard complimentary restaurants)
• 24-hour room service
• Unlimited drinks by MSC's "All-Inclusive Classic Drink Package"
• Complimentary Spa package - welcome cocktail, your-choice massage (spa menu), tanning shower, private wellness consultation, Thermal Area free access (throughout the cruise, adults only), private solarium access
• Complimentary room diffuser (100 ml)

MSC Yacht Club Duplex Suite

Category YCD (MSC Duplex Suite) is a 2-deck accommodation.

On Level 1 are the dining/living room (double sofabed), wardrobe (walk-in closet), bathroom (shower), terrace (sundeck with loungers).

On Level 2 are the Master Bedroom (double bed/non-convertible to twins), bathroom (shower, spa tub), wardrobe.

MSC Yacht Club Deluxe Suite

MSC Yacht Club Interior Suite

All passengers booked in MSC Yacht Club Interior Suites receive the following perks (bonus amenities and services):

• interactive large TV, phone, electronic safe (in the closet), Nespresso coffee machine
• Myform Memory mattresses
• Dorelan pillows menu
• Egyptian cotton bathrobes, slippers
• luxury bedding (by Mascioni)
• 1 queen bed (or 2 single beds/ upon request)
• private bathroom with shower
• fully stocked mini-bar
• goodnight gourmet chocolates (by Venchi)
• Nintendo Wii gaming console
• Priority services (check-in / check-out, embarkation / disembarkation, tendering)
• 24-hour personal concierge, butler service, room service (free delivery)
• Unlimited drinks in all MSC Yacht Club venues (including the cabin's mini-bar drinks)
• All-inclusive (complimentary) free-time dining (lunches and dinners) in the exclusive MSC Yacht Club restaurant
• Unlimited drinks in all onboard bars and restaurants
• Free Thermal Suite access
• Direct access (via private elevator) to MSC Aurea Spa
• Exclusive access to "The One Sun Deck" and "Top Sail Lounge"

Grand Suite with Wraparound Terrace

Grand Suite with Terrace Jacuzzi

Aft-Facing Grand Suite with Wraparound Balcony

Promenade View Suite

Promenade View Suites (categories SLP and SRP) are new for MSC cabin type that features a private step-out balcony overlooking the Promenade Deck below. Double suites are with double beds, quad suites have a separate bedroom (double bed) plus a double sofabed in the living room.

Premium Family Suite Aurea

Family Suites are fitted with a double bed (convertible to two single beds), sofabed, and a separate kids' bedroom (with upper-lower bunk beds).

Junior Suite with Private Sundeck

Deluxe Balcony Cabin

SuperFamily Balcony Cabin

Note: Super Family cabins combine 2 connecting balcony staterooms.

All passengers booked in MSC Super Family cabins (connecting staterooms for families) receive the following perks (bonus amenities and services):

• 2 interactive TVs, 2 phones, 2 electronic safes (in the closets), 2 mini-bars
• 2 wardrobes
• 2 private bathrooms (1 with showers, 1 with shower/bathtub)
• 2 private balconies
• bed configuration (max sleeping capacity 6 people) - a combination of lower beds plus double sofabeds
• Dedicated and supervised kids activities (educational and recreational), "Doremi Chef" cooking courses

Classic dining (assigned first or second sitting) or Flexi dining (your time). Switching dining styles is available after booking and also after boarding the ship.

Promenade View Balcony Cabin

Infinite OceanView|French Balcony Cabin

MSC's "Infinite Ocean View" cabin type features a sliding window that opens to a French Balcony (glass balustrade).

Deluxe Oceanview Cabin

Interior Cabin

Studio Single Cabin

OceanView Studios and Interior Studios are single cabins fitted with 1x single French bed, bathroom (WC-shower-washbasin), wardrobe (safe, hairdryer), mirrored vanity with chair, smart HDTV, phone, mini-bar.

MSC's Studios (categories IS-Interior, OS-OceanView, BS-Balcony) are available for booking with single-occupancy rates only.

Handicap|Wheelchair-Accessible Cabins

For passengers with disabilities, MSC World Europa has a total of 65 handicap-accessible cabins (33x Inside, 24x Balcony, 8x Junior Suite).

Next are listed the handicapped cabins (for disabled passengers) as types and categories.

• (IR1-IR2-Deluxe Interior) rooms: 9096, 9126, 10105, 10106, 10588, 11111, 11112, 11534, 11535, 11592, 11594, 12114, 12115, 12582, 12585, 14113, 14118, 14534, 14535, 14585, 14594, 15025, 15032, 15059, 15066, 15520, 15521, 15549, 15571, 16039, 16046, 16071, 16080
• (BA-Balcony Aurea, BR1-BR2-BR3-Deluxe Balcony, BP-Deluxe Balcony with Partial View) rooms: 10109, 10110, 10156, 10157, 11116, 11119, 11162, 11165, 12118, 12121, 12162, 12165, 14119, 14122, 14163, 14166, 15063, 15070, 15109, 15116, 16077, 16084, 16131, 16138
• (SM-Junior Suite Aurea/Suite with Sundeck) rooms: 9123, 9130, 9147, 9149, 9154, 9156, 9167, 9174

Each of the handicapped staterooms features: larger size (compared to the non-accessible counterpart), wider doors (width 35 inches / 0,9 m, sitting-level keycard slot), wider turning spaces (5 ft / 1,5 m), ramped thresholds, beds with open bed frames, lowered vanity in the sitting area, amplified phones, captioned TVs, wider bathrooms (door width 35 inches / 0,9 m, roll-in shower, fold-down shower bench, grab rails, lower sinks and closet rods, raised toilets, hand-held shower head, seat height from the floor 0,4 m).

All ADA cabins also feature a convenient location near the elevators.

The ship's gangways are all wide enough for most types of wheelchairs and disability scooters.

All decks provide elevator access.

All passenger lifts have visual, audio and Braille deck indicators.

During an emergency, dedicated crew personnel helps all disabled guests (also those with reduced mobility) to board the ship's lifeboats.

MSC World Europa cabins review

Of all MSC World Europa staterooms (2633 total), around 65% are outside. Most passenger cabins have a double bed (convertible to 2x single beds) plus a convertible couch (double sofabed) to accommodate 3rd/4th person. The number of all cabin categories is 19, including 7 new for MSC types of cabins. Guaranteed cabin categories include YCW-Yacht Club Suite, BW-Balcony, OW-Oceanview, IW-Inside.

• Double beds are not available in categories Interior Studio and Outside Studio.
• Bunk beds are not suitable for kids under 16 yo.
• 3rd and 4th beds are not available in categories Interior Studio, Interior Bella, Oceanview Studio, Promenade View Balcony, MSC Yacht Club Interior Suite.
• 5th and 6th beds are available only in the category Family Suite Aurea.
• Cabin balconies are two types - with a metal balustrade/guardrail, and with a half-glass/half-metal balustrade.

For accommodating more guests (up to 8), the ship offers 3 types of "family cabins", comprising of 2 or 3 modular connecting rooms (and their balconies). These are the categories FPB ("Super Family Plus"), FLA ("Super Family"), and FMB ("Family") balconied staterooms.

For passengers with disabilities, the liner has a total of 65 handicapped/wheelchair-accessible ADA cabins (33x Inside, 24x Balcony, 8x Junior Suite).

World Europa is the first MSC ship to have Promenade View cabins (aft located "interior balcony" cabins overlooking Promenade Deck), Duplex Suites (2-deck accommodations with large terraces, some with an outdoor Jacuzzi), AUREA Suites (with aft-facing wraparound balconies), AUREA Family Suites (larger-sized balcony cabins with a kids bedroom with bunk beds), Infinite Oceanview (French Balcony cabins with down-sliding windows/balustrades opening to a Juliet/false balcony).

Follows the review of MSC World Europa staterooms as amenities, furniture and included (complimentary) services.

All passenger cabins as standard/complimentary amenities offer twin beds (singles convertible to King-size double bed/upon request), leather headboard, bedside tables, wall-mounted reading lamps, pillow menu, large wardrobe, smart HDTV (with an interactive TV system allowing bookings from the cabin, also itinerary/ports and tours/excursions information, movies on demand, live webcam views), direct-dial phone (intercom/onboard connections only), electronic safe box and lifejackets (in the closet), hairdryer, mini-bar/fridge, sitting/lounge area (mirrored vanity table, chairs), en-suite bathroom (WC/wall-mounted toilet, single-sink vanity, shower), individual air-conditioning (thermostat controlled), Wi-Fi Internet access.

All MSC YACHT CLUB suites are also fitted with Nespresso machines. All Suite categories feature larger bathrooms with bathtubs.

• YC4-Royal Suites feature a large balcony (with an outdoor Jacuzzi/whirlpool bath and alfresco dining area with a 6-seat table), separate dining room, living room, bathroom (with spa tub), walk-in closet (wardrobe with shoe rack, luggage storage), 2x HDTVs.
• YJD-Duplex Suites are 2-deck accommodations. Level 1 houses the living/dining room (double sofabed), bathroom (shower), terrace (with Jacuzzi, 4-seat dining table). Level 2 houses the Master Bedroom (double bed/non-convertible), bathroom (shower, spa tub), Sundeck (sun loungers).
• YCD-Duplex Suites are 2-deck accommodations. Level 1 houses the dining/living room (double sofabed), walk-in closet, bathroom (shower), terrace (sundeck with loungers). Level 2 houses the Master Bedroom (double bed), bathroom (shower, spa tub).
• Other "yacht club" suite categories include YC1-Deluxe and YIN-Interior.
• Two new Owner Suites (YC4) feature a double bedroom (walk-in closet) and bathroom (with a full-size bathtub), a separate living-dining area (with floor-ceiling windows), two sundecks (terraces with alfresco dining areas and Jacuzzies).

The new AUREA cabin categories are S3 (Family Suite), SC3 (Promenade View Suite), SE3 (Grand Suite), SJ3 (Suite with Balcony Jacuzzi), and ST3 (Grand Suite with Wraparound Balcony).

All "Promenade View" staterooms are actually interior-facing cabins with balconies that overlook the Promenade (partially covered by a LED screen interior space lined up with dining and entertainment venues).

Interconnecting “cluster cabins” are specifically designed for large families and family group travel. This new concept allows up to 3 cruise staterooms to be linked together and opened up. Family cabins are in 2 main categories – FAMILY (max occupancy 6 passengers, 2 connecting rooms, 2 baths, 1 balcony) and SUPERFAMILY (max occupancy 6 passengers, 2 connecting rooms, 2 baths /1 with bathtub, 2 balconies).

MSC “BELLA cabins” are in categories I1-Inside, O1-Oceanview, B1-Balcony. Booking Bella-class staterooms additionally offer as extra perks: 20-hour gourmet buffet, organized daily scheduled activities, access to a dedicated swimming pool, modern gym, open-air sports facilities, plus earning MSC Club points for more perks on the next cruise.

MSC “FANTASTICA cabins” are in categories I2-Inside, O2-Oceanview, B2-Balcony, FLA-SuperFamily. Booking Fantastica-class staterooms additionally offer as extra perks: 24-hour room service, 50% discount on fitness classes, specially dedicated to kids activities, free in-room dining (breakfast), free delivery, priority dinner sitting, cooking sessions with the ship’s Master Chef. These higher-grade cabins are with upper deck location and offer easy access to elevators and popular lounges.

MSC “AUREA cabins” are in categories B3-Balcony, S3-Family Suite, SC3-Promenade View Suite, SE3-Grand Suite, SJ3-Suite with Balcony Jacuzzi, ST3-Grand Suite with Premium Balcony. Booking Aurea-class staterooms additionally offers: a complimentary Aurea Spa package, Thermal Area unlimited access, 60-min massage PP (max 2 per cabin), 20-min Solarium usage, welcome cocktail party, plus priority services (check-in, embarkation, tendering), bathrobes, slippers, luxury spa products, 24-hour unlimited drinks (specialty coffee, wine and beer, cocktails, soft beverages, gelato ice cream).

MSC YACHT CLUB passengers enjoy an exclusive butler service (available 24-hours), dedicated concierge service (24-hour Concierge Reception), all-inclusive dining (a la carte menu, your-time dining in an exclusive gourmet restaurant (TBN), unlimited drinks (from cabin’s mini-bar and in all Yacht Club complex areas), exclusive “The One Sun Deck” (suites-only sundeck area) access, exclusive Top Sail Lounge access. The YACHT CLUB’s exclusive lounge areas are “Top Sail Lounge” (with its own restaurant) and “The One Pool Deck” (swimming pool, whirlpools, sundeck served by its own bar).

Passengers booked in MSC Wellness cabins (IW-Inside, OW-Oceanview, BW-Balcony, and YCW-Yacht Club) receive access to dedicated sports facilities, training equipment, and amenities, along with the personal trainer, personalized fitness program, exclusive fitness-themed excursions, healthy food/drinks, charge-free laundry service (gym wear only).

Note: On decks 13 and 14, balcony cabins colored in pink are the line’s new “wellness” class. In the same class are also the interior staterooms on deck 13, plus 4 outside staterooms on deck 8.

ZOE is MSC's (and cruise industry's first) new in-cabin digital assistant. The technology was developed by Harman International (US-based company, a fully-owned subsidiary of Samsung Electronics).

• ZOE is an artificial intelligence device (voice-enabled, with advanced voice recognition software) available in all passenger staterooms.
• ZOE speaks 7 languages, answer cruise-related questions, provides info on shipboard services-activities-facilities, makes reservations and bookings.
• The digital device features far-field microphones, top-quality speaker, quad-core processor (for fast response times), direct phone connection (through Bluetooth). The system can also upgrade its own database to answer previously unanswerable questions.
• Passenger data (including itinerary/tour and shipboard preferences) is stored in the Cloud Storage system and used on the next scheduled voyage.
• The device (sized ~15 cm) can be activated whenever passengers choose. A waiver must be signed to agree for their personal data to be stored.

Starting with Bellissima (2019), ZOE is available on all newbuild MSC liners and to be introduced fleetwide by the year 2024.

MSC World Europa cabin and suite plans are property of MSC Cruises . All floor plans are for informational purposes only and CruiseMapper is not responsible for their accuracy.

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I tried a ship-within-a-ship cruise experience and it was worth it for the endless perks—here’s why

The MSC Yacht Club affords travelers a totally different cruising experience, but you’ll have to splurge.

I heard tales of luxury from people about the ritzy MSC Yacht Club , the ship-within-a-ship concept where discerning passengers enjoy their own area of the cruise ship that includes a dedicated restaurant, private lounge, separate pool and sundeck as well as private butlers and concierges to take of any whim while cruising. The elevated Yacht Club boasts priority everything while sailing MSC.

I sailed on a four-night cruise on the new MSC Seashore, a glitzy ship with Italian flair intermingled with references to New York City at every turn. Although the ship was well-appointed and had amazing dining, drinking and entertainment venues, and a bountiful Top Sail main buffet, thousands of passengers made the ship feel crowded at times, elevators were slow, and as I strolled through the general pools, they were boisterous and crowded.

RECOMMENDED: 10 things about cruising on an adults-only ship that might surprise you

Switch gears to MSC Seashore’s Yacht Club, passkey-protected for lucky guests, and is a 180 from the ship’s general spaces. Once you scan your handy Yacht Club wrist badge, or your room key, you’re instantly given entrance to a breathtaking retreat of 131 staterooms and suites. All this luxury does come at a price. Cruise fares will vary based on destination, time of year, and cabin category, but generally speaking you can expect to pay double for the Yacht Club. And from my experience, it’s worth it. Read more about why you should splurge.

You’re fast-tracked through everything

The Yacht Club’s exclusivity and impeccable service standard started from the moment I got dropped off at the Port Canaveral cruise terminal. There were hundreds of people waiting to board at 1pm on embarkation day. I saw in the distance a canopy that said MSC Yacht Club. My husband and I wheeled our carry-on luggage to the representative under the canopy. I gave her my name and within two seconds, she gave me a sticker to wear and up we ascended on the escalator to check in. Just five minutes later, I was directed to the dedicated check-in area for Yacht Club guests. To my right, I saw about 1,000 people serpentine through ropes to do general check-in. I felt a sense of relief; who wants to wait in that line? Five minutes later, a butler from the Yacht Club insisted on wheeling my luggage to board the ship and I was in my room in a total on 12 minutes from the time I stepped foot out of the car to my stateroom in the Yacht Club.

Relaxing and streamlined

In addition, Yacht Club guests have the freedom to get off the ship first for excursions. Your butler will happily escort you off the ship with a smile. Guests also can disembark on the last morning first, which is a big convenience. Your butler walks you right to the place you disembark, bypassing crowds and hassles. Port Canaveral is about an hour away from Orlando International Airport, and we took a 10 am flight home. We didn’t have to linger around until the afternoon for our flight home.

Another perk is that there’s a special seating area in the theater for shows. All the shows were excellent during my voyage. All other ship passengers have to make reservations in advance for shows but that’s not the case for the privileged Yacht Club passengers. As long as you arrive about 10 minutes before any show you choose, a crew member from the Club will allow you entry into a special roped-off section. Again, no rushing through dinner—you have the flexibility to plan your evenings your way.

Your Yacht Club package is packed with remarkable value

The price tag may sound daunting, but there’s lots of value there. All Yacht Club cabins and suites include a premium drink package that covers beverages up to $15. You can use this perk both in the Yacht Club and throughout the ship. In addition, your package includes a two-device Wi-Fi package, which worked well during my sailing. Finally, you get access to the thermal spa suite, which is a place to indulge after a day in port or a sea day. Commonly, there’s a taboo regarding mini-bars, but not in the Yacht Club. It’s stocked each day with the beverages you want; just tell your butler and consider it done.

You get perks ashore too

If your sailing includes a call to Ocean Cay, MSC’s private island, Yacht Club guests get an elevated experience there too. Yacht Club guests enjoy a private area, and a dedicated restaurant called the Ocean House. While other ship guests were hosted to a buffet of predictable fare, I enjoyed a lobster roll, and my husband chose carne asada. In my opinion, one thing that could be improved was the tram service to the Yacht Club’s private area. We were told the last tram back was 3:30pm if we didn’t want to trek a 15-minute walk in the heat. Since we were docked in Ocean Cay for the evening and weren’t sailing, I was a bit dismayed by this logistical quirk. I felt like I was keeping an eye on my phone to make sure I didn’t miss the last tram.

You have private areas with curated food and drink and outdoor spaces

Within the Yacht Club complex, there’s the Yacht Club Restaurant, Top Sail Lounge and the One Pool Buffet, which are all exclusive to Yacht Club guests. Obviously, the food and service are steps above other dining venues of the ship, I can vouch for that. Although the food is delicious, if you don’t want to pay extra to dine at the specialty restaurants or fuss in the main buffet, eating three meals a day in the Yacht Club restaurant can get a bit monotonous. The breakfast is the same daily, and lunch and dinner offer a menu with daily specials plus a few standby selections like a hamburger or pasta each day. Although the Yacht Club Restaurant concept is desirable, I would strongly suggest dining in other venues on board, especially for dinner. I thoroughly enjoyed specialty dining in Ocean Cay Restaurant, Butcher’s Cut, and Kaito Teppanyaki. I also want to mention that late afternoon high tea is offered daily at the Yacht Club Restaurant. It was one of the nicest I have experienced at sea.

Also available exclusively to Yacht Club passengers is the Top Sail Lounge, which offers panoramic water views and has chef-curated selections from morning through late night. We enjoyed popping into the lounge at all hours to try finger foods and sweets. The One Pool Buffet offers a more casual option for breakfast and lunch by the pool. The buffet has grilled fish, sandwiches and lots of delicious options if you want to dine outside.

There’s also an exclusive area with a private pool and two whirlpools for Yacht Club guests only. The sun deck loungers are very comfortable and I never had to worry about finding a lounger, there are ample. One issue I had was that there was almost no shade on the sun deck; there were shaded day beds for Royal Suite and Owners Suite guests, but beyond those, I couldn’t find any shade, which was disappointing.

You can justify the price at the end of your cruise

Overall, the best way to explain my enthusiasm for my MSC Yacht Club experience is this: it’s better to book an interior stateroom in the Yacht Club than a luxe cabin outside the Yacht Club. It’s worth the splurge and you return home feeling truly pampered and it’s money well-spent. And I make this prediction: Once you try a ship-within-a-ship concept like the MSC Yacht Club, you won’t want cruise any other way. Bon Voyage!

Been there, done that? Think again, my friend.

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The World’s Best River Cruise Lines, According To Globe Travel Awards

From private butlers to swim-up bars and wine cellars, here are the world’s best river cruise lines shortlisted in the 2024 Globe Travel Awards.

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1. Riverside Luxury Cruises

Owner's Suite on Riverside Mozart

Launched in spring 2023, Riverside Luxury Cruises is Europe’s newest ultra-luxury river cruise line with 24-hour personal butlers, regional fine dining and VIP excursions from driving in a Citroën 2CV through the vineyards of Beaujolais to a traditional breakfast with farmers in Serbia and a private guided tour through Empress Sisi’s Royal Palace of Gödöllő . Its inaugural ship, Riverside Mozart , carries just 162 guests with four restaurants, a private dining room, The Vintage Room ( serving seven-course tasting menus); a classic cigar lounge, Connoisseur’s Club ; a Fitness Center with Technogym machines, steam rooms, saunas, a full-length swimming pool, and a sumptuous Owner’s Suite set across 883 square feet with two bedrooms, a sweeping French balcony, a marble flame-effect fireplace, walk-in closets, rain showers, and complimentary laundry, ironing and limousine transfers.

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2. amawaterways.

AmaWaterways is a family-owned luxury river cruise line boasting 29 modern, elegant ships sailing across the rivers of Europe, Asia , and Africa . It is famed for its well-appointed ships boasting whirlpools, swim-up bars, indulgent spas, and 360-degree panoramic sundecks, as well as its gourmet dining as the world’s first river cruise line inducted into La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs , the oldest culinary society in the world. In 2025, it will make history as the first major river cruise line to take guests along the Magdalena River in Colombia with the launch of its luxurious 60-passenger AmaMagdalena before adding two new ships in 2026, AmaSofia , sailing along the Danube and AmaMaya , gliding across the Mekong .

3. Viking River Cruises

Viking Tonle

Founded in 1997, Viking River Cruises was designed for curious travelers with interests in science, history, culture, and cuisine, sailing Europe’s rivers from the Rhine to the Moselle with an award-winning fleet of Scandinavian -chic Viking Longships as well as Mississippi runners like the 386-guest Viking Mississippi sailing between New Orleans , Louisiana and St. Paul , Minnesota . It has announced five new European Viking Longships and a Mekong river ship, Viking Tonle , for 2025 with a new 10-day Treasures of the Danube voyage sailing between Budapest and Passau .

APT Ostara / APT Solara

APT ( Australian Pacific Touring ) has been running award-winning river, yacht, and small ship cruises since 1927, exploring Europe , Asia , North America , Australia, and New Zealand with exclusive Signature Experiences from recitals in the ballroom of the 14th-century Namedy Castle in Andernach (home of Princess Heide Hohenzollern) to classical concerts at the Lichenstein’s City Palace in Vienna . Set for spring 2025, APT is launching two new European vessels, the APT Solara and APT Ostara , carrying just 154 guests with its wine cellar and rooftop restaurant, sailing along the Rhine, Main, and Danube –plus its 88-passenger Mekong Serenity sailing along the Mekong River from Vietnam to Cambodia with a Serenity Spa and a Vietnamese restaurant serving gourmet five-course dinners, as you sail from Ho Chi Minh City to Siem Reap .

A-Rosa Sena

For over 20 years, A-ROSA has been on a mission to shake off the formal image of river cruising–pioneering family-friendly river cruises across its fleet and in 2022, launched it s multi-generational flagship vessel A-ROSA SENA, complete with a kids club, family cabins, and children’s pool. In 2025, it will see two new 9-night itineraries–its Danube City Panorama voyage sailing through the Wachau Valley calling at Tulln, Bratislava, Budapest, Esztergom, Vienna, and Linz, as well as a Rhone Route Panorama cruise sailing from Lyon to Chalon-sur-Saone and Macon , calling at Viviers , Arles , Port St. Louis , Avignon and Tournon .

6. Avalon Waterways

Panorama Suite on Avalon Artistry II

Famous for its Avalon Panorama Suites boasting river cruising’s only Open-Air Balcony and beds facing its floor-to-ceiling windows for panoramic views all day and night as you pass rolling hillsides and the Netherlands’ blooming tulips, Avalon Waterways is a boutique river cruise line known for its smaller ships (most around 164 guests) with a brand new Douro river ship for 2024, Avalon Algeria . You can choose from 12 new cruises for 2025, from a 13-day Christmastime from Frankfurt to Budapest sailing to a 22-day European Masterpiece voyage across the Rhine , Seine , and Rhone .

7. Scenic Luxury Cruises

Scenic Sapphire in Lyon, France.

With a focus on exclusive experiences from private concerts to gourmet feasts and after-hours access to historical sites, Scenic offers luxury 5-star river cruises from the winding waterways of Europe to Southeast Asia with an immersive Scenic Freechoice excursions program onboard its space-ships, accommodating up to 163 guests. Journey on its Rhine Highlights cruise starting in the Swiss city of Basel , before sailing towards Amsterdam , Strasbourg and the natural springs of Baden-Baden with a private classical concert at the lavish Baroque Palace of Rastatt.

8. Emerald Cruises

Emerald Luna

From tasting the flavors of France along the Rhône to gawping at towering emerald hillsides spilling along the Douro , Emerald Cruises offers luxury river cruises onboard its award-winning Star-Ships , stylish and modern, with innovative features like an indoor pool that transforms into a cozy cinema at night. Join its 11-day Sevilla & Secrets of the Douro sailing, starting with a three-night hotel stay in the Andalusia capital , Sevilla , hopping across the city’s many tablaos as you feast on tapas and catch authentic flamenco shows before taking to the water in Pinhão and immersing into onboard Portuguese cooking demonstrations and Port wine cocktail lessons.

9. Riviera Travel

Riviera Travel

Celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2024, Riviera Travel is one of Britain ’s best-loved river cruise operators, with complimentary regional flights and rail travel (where possible) and two new river ships set for 2025–the 178-guest Riviera Radiance sailing along the Danube and the 114-guest Riviera Rose sailing along the Douro , bringing its fleet up to 11 ships. Riviera’s core program also includes themed river cruises, focussed on gastronomy, gardens, history, art, and music–as well as some sailings dedicated to solo travelers.

10. TUI River Cruises

TUI Al Horeya

Boasting more than 100 cultural shore excursions to choose from across the Rhine , the Main , the Moselle , the Danube , and the Dutch and Belgian waterways, TUI River Cruises offers intimate adults-only river cruises with three ships in its fleet–TUI Isla, TUI Skyla, and TUI Maya – and a fourth set to launch in November 2024, Al Horeya , sailing along Egypt ’s Nile with 74 cabins, a top deck swimming pool, two whirlpools, a wellness studio, a boutique ship and Egyptologists on hand as you discover the Temples of Karnak and Luxor and ancient Egyptian antiquities galore.

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MSC Yacht Club

Welcome to a world of ultimate luxury at the MSC Yacht Club. Accessible only by key card, guests will enjoy lavishly appointed accommodations and refined service, private dining, lounge and pool areas, free drink package, access to the Thermal Suite, and more exclusive benefits. Discover a ship within a ship, a place where you can savor exclusivity and privacy in a world of choice. Indulge in the luxury of a private club while enjoying access to a myriad of recreation and entertainment possibilities that the ship has to offer. Lavishly appointed suites, exclusive 24-hour butler service and a dedicated concierge are just the beginning of these exclusive cruise experiences. The MSC Yacht Club also boasts a range of superb private areas, from the elegant Top Sail Lounge, stylish restaurant, and the One Pool Deck complete with private swimming pool, whirlpool baths, sun deck and bar.

Platinum Card® Members, share a few details about your dream trip and we’ll contact you to plan the rest.

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Venture to landmark cities and hidden gems alike aboard Seabourn’s fleet of sophisticated and intimate resorts at sea.

*Terms and Conditions

Cruise Privileges Program Cruise Privileges Program (“CPP”) benefits are valid only for new CPP bookings made with participating cruise lines through American Express Travel. CPP benefits are valid only for eligible U.S. Consumer and Business Platinum and Centurion ® Card Members (Delta SkyMiles ® Platinum Card Members are not eligible). CPP bookings must be made using the eligible Card. CPP benefits are non-transferable. Participating cruise lines and program benefits are subject to change. The benefits of an onboard credit and amenity are valid for new CPP bookings of at least five nights and require double occupancy; the eligible Card Member must be traveling on the itinerary booked; the total cost of the CPP booking must be paid using an American Express ® Card in the eligible Card Member's name. Onboard credits and amenities cannot be combined with other offers unless indicated; blackout dates, category and fare restrictions may apply. Onboard credits and amenities may not be available to residents outside of the 50 United States. Onboard credits and amenities apply per stateroom, with a three-stateroom limit per eligible Card Member, per cruise. For new CPP bookings with Celebrity Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, and Royal Caribbean International, eligible Card Members receive an onboard credit (in USD) of: $100 for inside and outside staterooms, $200 for balcony, verandah, and mini-suite staterooms, and/or $300 for suites. For new CPP bookings with Cunard, eligible Card Members receive an onboard credit (in USD) of: $300 for all Queen Mary ocean-view staterooms category EF or higher, and/or Queen Victoria or Queen Elizabeth ocean-view staterooms category FA or higher. For new CPP bookings with Ama Waterways, Oceania, Regent, Azamara, Seabourn, Silversea, Uniworld, Windstar and Explora Journeys, eligible Card Members receive an onboard credit of US$300 for all stateroom categories. For new CPP bookings, Centurion Members receive an additional US$200 onboard credit on Explora Journeys, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Seabourn, and Silversea. Onboard credits will be applied at checkout upon completion of the cruise; credit amounts in local currency may vary due to foreign exchange rates; credits are subject to cruise line terms and policies; credits cannot be used for casino charges, gratuities, or other similar charges. Any unused portion of a credit is non-refundable and is not redeemable for cash. Other restrictions may apply. Onboard amenities vary by participating cruise line and are not available on Silver Explorer, Silver Galapagos, and Silver Discoverer. Onboard credits and amenities are not available on Celebrity Cruises Galapagos sailings.

Extra Membership Rewards ® points: CPP-eligible Card Members that are Membership Rewards program-enrolled will receive one (1) extra Membership Reward ® point per eligible dollar spent on new CPP bookings made with participating cruise lines through American Express Travel; separate airfare and other charges associated with such bookings are not eligible. CPP bookings must be made using the eligible Card (described above). The extra points will be credited to the Card Member’s Membership Rewards account 8-12 weeks after completion of the CPP cruise. For more information visit membershiprewards.com/terms .

Platinum Destinations ® Vacations Platinum Destinations ® Vacations (“PDV”) benefits are valid only for new bookings made with participating suppliers through American Express Travel. Participating suppliers and PDV benefits are subject to change. Benefits cannot be combined with other offers unless indicated. Benefits are valid only for eligible U.S. Consumer and Business Platinum and Centurion ® Card Members (Delta SkyMiles ® Platinum Card Members are not eligible). PDV bookings must be made using the eligible Card and eligible Card Member must be traveling on the itinerary booked. PDV-eligible Card Members that are Membership Rewards program-enrolled will receive one (1) extra Membership Reward ® point per eligible dollar spent on PDV bookings; separate airfare and other charges associated with PDV bookings are not eligible. Extra points will be credited to the Card Member’s Membership Rewards account within 8-12 weeks after completion of the PDV travel. For more information visit membershiprewards.com/terms.

Membership Rewards Program Terms and Conditions for the Membership Rewards ® program apply. Visit membershiprewards.com/terms for more information. Participating partners and available rewards are subject to change without notice.

The value of Membership Rewards points varies according to how you choose to use them. To learn more, go to www.membershiprewards.com/pointsinfo .

American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc. is acting solely as a sales agent for travel suppliers and is not responsible for the actions or inactions of such suppliers. Certain suppliers pay us commission and other incentives for reaching sales targets or other goals and may provide incentives to our Travel Consultants. For more information visit www.americanexpress.com/travelterms .

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MSC Cruises’ MSC Voyagers Club loyalty program: Everything you need to know

Compared to some of its closest rivals, MSC Cruises has a relatively modest loyalty program.

Unlike the frequent cruiser programs at Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line , the MSC Voyagers Club loyalty program doesn't offer its members a free cruise after reaching the top tier. It does not offer a massive discount on the single supplement charge for solo travelers, as Royal Caribbean offers its top-tier members, nor does it grant priority access to onboard shows.

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

Still, the MSC Cruises loyalty program offers several valuable perks at higher levels, including a complimentary meal in an extra-charge specialty restaurant once per cruise and priority access to tenders in ports.

The MSC Voyagers Club program also allows you to status match your way into one of its top tiers — something that no other major cruise line loyalty program offers.

Ways to earn points

The points-earning system for MSC Voyagers Club is a bit convoluted, as the number of points you earn on any given cruise depends on various factors.

For starters, you earn points based on the length of the cruise you take and which MSC Cruises "experience" you book. As regular MSC Cruises customers know, the line offers four onboard experiences, each with different inclusions and price points. Bella is the most basic — and least expensive — experience available. MSC Yacht Club is the top experience available. Experiences called Fantastica and Aurea are in between.

For sailings of four nights or fewer, each passenger in the cabin will earn the following number of points depending on experience type:

• Fantastica: 400
• MSC Yacht Club: 800

For sailings of five to nine nights, every guest will earn the following number of points depending on experience type:

• Fantastica: 700
• Aurea: 1,000
• MSC Yacht Club: 1,500

For sailings of nine or more nights, they'll earn the following number of points depending on experience type:

• Fantastica: 1,000
• Aurea: 1,500
• MSC Yacht Club: 2,000

In addition to the above, you can also earn points for extras when spending money on MSC Cruises ships or when booking in advance of sailing. You'll earn 100 points for every $150 you spend on prepaid and onboard expenses.

One caveat: Only the MSC Voyagers Club member who makes the final payment for onboard expenses will receive those points. For expenses for prepaid services that apply to all cabin occupants (and not single occupants), points will be equally distributed among the cabin occupants.

For example, say the total amount of prepaid onboard services that apply to all cabin occupants before the cruise is $600. If there are four cabin occupants, the spending for the points calculation of each member will be $150, which is equal to 100 points.

Related: The ultimate guide to MSC Cruises ships and itineraries

The final way to earn points is by updating your contact details up to 72 hours before departure on your next cruise. This will earn you 100 points.

All points, including for the cruise, onboard spending and updating your profile, will pop up in your account about 10 days after the cruise is completed.

MSC Voyagers Club tiers and benefits

There are four tiers to the MSC Voyagers Club program:

• Classic : 1 to 2,199 points
• Silver : 2,200 to 4,299 points
• Gold : 4,300 to 9,999 points
• Diamond : 10,000 or more points

As is typical for cruise line loyalty programs, the entry-level tier (Classic) doesn't provide many truly valuable rewards. By far, the most alluring benefit at this level is the 5% discount members receive when booking future sailings. (This discount is not valid for MSC Grand Tours and when booking Tandem cabins, which are specially discounted cabins that parents can book for kids.) That's real savings every time you book a cruise.

Additionally, Classic members receive:

• An extra 5% discount on Voyagers Exclusives sailings made six to nine months before departure
• An MSC Voyagers Club e-newsletter
• MSC Voyagers Club personalized luggage tags for embarkation in the e-ticket
• An MSC Voyagers Club card
• An invitation to a "welcome back" cocktail party
• A dedicated number to call on board
• Discounts on many packages and amenities, including onboard pictures, digital accessories, Wi-Fi and spa and fitness offerings
• An MSC Shops discount (for each $50 spent in any onboard shops, you will receive a $10 discount)

Note that the MSC Shops discount has a lot of fine print. The discount is not combinable with promotions available on board and is not available for spending on tobacco products and electronics. It's also only valid on the first day of a cruise. That final point prompts us to downgrade the value of this perk considerably.

Upon reaching the second tier of the program, Silver, you get a couple of additional perks. The most notable to us is a $50 onboard credit per person, plus double MSC Voyagers Club points, for all bookings made more than 12 months before departure. (If you book nine to 12 months in advance, you get the $50 credit but not the double points.)

The Silver level also brings an unspecified milestone reward and all the perks of the lower-tier Classic level.

Related: Everything you need to know about MSC Cruises cabins and suites

You will be a member of the Classic level as soon as you take a single cruise, as it takes only 1 point to reach the Classic level. You also might be able to reach the Silver level in just one cruise if you take a long voyage of nine nights or more, pay for the top MSC Yacht Club experience and do a modest amount of onboard spending.

Still, a more typical cruiser sailing seven-night trips at a mid-tier Fantastica or Aurea experience level would need two or three cruises to reach the Silver level.

The elite level that makes a difference

Being loyal to MSC Cruises starts paying off in a more meaningful way once you reach the Gold level of the MSC Voyagers Club program. Even here, though, the rewards are still relatively modest.

The Gold level comes with one solid perk: priority disembarkation in ports where a tender boat is required. This can make a real difference in your cruising experience, as it means you can get off the ship much faster in some cases than the majority of other passengers. That will allow you to maximize your time in tender ports.

Additionally, Gold status brings all the perks of the tiers below it plus:

• A complimentary one-hour thermal area session once per cruise
• A complimentary gift
• A complimentary photo taken during the "welcome back" cocktail party
• A complimentary birthday cake when it's your birthday

It could take you as few as two cruises to reach the Gold level if you sign up for longer sailings and pay for the top MSC Yacht Club experience. Someone sailing seven-night trips at a mid-tier Fantastica or Aurea experience level would need four or five cruises to reach the Gold level.

The best elite perk with MSC Voyagers Club

Alas, there isn't a "wow" perk in the entire MSC Voyagers Club menu. As noted above, unlike some lines, MSC Cruises doesn't award top-tier members with truly high-value perks such as a free cruise. Still, MSC Voyagers Club's top Diamond status tier does come with a few enticing benefits.

Our favorite perk in the entire MSC Voyagers Club program is the complimentary dinner at a specialty restaurant that comes with Diamond-level status. That said, be warned that the complimentary dinner comes with a lot of fine print (so much fine print, in fact, that to use it verges on the ridiculous).

The complimentary dinner, in theory, is for you and a cabinmate. However, among the fine-print caveats is that two Diamond members staying in the same cabin don't get two free dinners.

If you and your spouse are both Diamond members, and you dine together using the perk, MSC Cruises counts that as you both using your perk for that one meal. That said, if you had two other people staying with you in the same cabin, you and your spouse could each use your perk to take one of them out for the free dinner, resulting in two free dinners for your cabin.

Additionally, the complimentary dinner privilege at specialty restaurants might not be available on all ship classes. Members under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult at dinner. Also, drinks are not included with the complimentary dinner, nor are you allowed to bring outside drinks into the restaurant.

Related: The 6 types of MSC Cruises ships, explained

Should all that prove too confusing, MSC Voyagers Club Diamond status thankfully also offers two other solid perks:

• A priority line for boarding on embarkation day
• Priority disembarkation at the end of the cruise

Diamond level also provides all the perks of the tiers below it plus:

• Courtesy bathrobe and slippers available during the cruise
• A complimentary dance class
• An invitation to an exclusive Diamond Party
• Late cabin checkout on disembarkation day
• A chocolate gift

Someone sailing seven-night cruises at a mid-tier Fantastica or Aurea experience level would need to take about eight to 10 trips to reach the Diamond level, depending on onboard spending.

In contrast to every other major cruise line loyalty program, MSC Cruises customers do not get "forever status" once they reach a certain tier of the MSC Voyagers Club. Once achieved, your status is only good as long as you take a cruise at least once every 36 months.

If you don't take a cruise once every 36 months, you will see your points in the MSC Voyagers Club disappear and your entire account erased. You'll have to reenroll and start all over again.

This is a notable difference from other cruise line loyalty programs, as "forever status" is one of the great allures of such programs. Many airline frequent flyer programs, by contrast, require loyalty members to requalify for status each year.

MSC Voyagers Club status match

As noted above, the MSC Voyagers Club program allows you to status match your way to its top tiers — something other major cruise line loyalty programs don't offer.

If you show proof of a high loyalty program status level with a competing cruise line, a hotel company or even a booking site such as Expedia, you can catapult your way from no status to a top-tier status with MSC Cruises in a jiffy. A high status level at an airline, alas, won't get you a status match at MSC Cruises, with a handful of exceptions such as a high status level at Air China.

This MSC Cruises status match, to us, is a big deal. It's one thing that sets MSC Voyagers Club apart from other cruise line loyalty programs.

The status match process at MSC Cruises is simple. Go to the dedicated enrollment page for MSC Voyagers Club status matching at the MSC Cruises website. You'll find a short online form where you enter some personal details (including name, birth date and address) and details about your status level with another loyalty program. You'll then have to upload a picture of your membership card for that program (or, if you don't have a membership card, a screenshot of your online account page showing your name and status).

That's it. Within a few days, you'll get an email or text welcoming you into the MSC Voyagers Club program at a status tier that matches your status with the other brand.

The dedicated enrollment page lists more than 60 loyalty programs from which you can status match into the MSC Cruises loyalty program. They include such cruise line loyalty programs as Royal Caribbean's Crown & Anchor Society and Carnival Cruise Line's VIFP Club program . Your status in the loyalty programs run by such major hotel chains as Hilton , Hyatt and Marriott also can be submitted for a match.

MSC Cruises doesn't offer a chart showing which tier of its loyalty program you will receive based on your tier at each of the other brands. Our staff members at TPG have had luck matching into the top Gold or Diamond tiers of the MSC Voyagers Club program from high levels of competing programs. One TPG editor received top Diamond tier status in the MSC Cruises program as a match to World of Hyatt Globalist status, for instance. Another staffer received Gold status in the MSC Cruises program as a match to the Diamond level in Royal Caribbean's program.

You can enter your status in only one program when seeking a match, so pick the program in which you have the highest status level.

Bottom line

MSC Cruises offers some decent perks in its four-tier loyalty program, including discounts and onboard credits when you book additional cruises. It also allows cruisers to status match their way to the top tiers of the program.

Still, the MSC Voyagers Club program is not nearly as robust a frequent cruiser program as those offered by such rivals as Royal Caribbean and Norwegian.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A beginners guide to picking a cruise line
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• Top ways cruisers waste money
• The ultimate guide to choosing a cruise ship cabin

Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

• Royal Caribbean International

Comparing RC Sky Class to MSC Yacht Club

By Southern latitudes , January 11, 2022 in Royal Caribbean International

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Southern latitudes

I have sailed on RC 5 times, 3 in Sky Class.   I just got off of my first MSC Yacht Club sailing and thought others might be interested in the comparison.   One of my Sky Class sailings was post Covid; the others were before the pandemic changed things.   To be fair, most of my comments will compare the post Covid sailings.

Boarding:   Pre-Covid Sky Class boarding was very easy.   We had a private lounge to wait until boarding time.   Post-Covid, Sky Class passengers waited in the general line with everyone else, and got no special boarding privileges.   When we made our way to the suite lounge, there was no one there.   We went to Coastal Kitchen, the suite restaurant for lunch and waited there until our room was ready. Yacht Club passengers were met at the luggage drop off and escorted by various employees through security, health screening and check in.   The entire process took less than 20 minutes. After check in, a butler escorted us onto the ship and to the suite lounge, where we were provided a cocktail.   The concierge gave us an overview of the YC inclusions, then our butler escorted us to our room.  

Shows: The shows on RC were far superior, but we had to make reservations and had no reserved seating.   One of my favorite pre-Covid Sky class benefits was that we did not have to make reservations for shows and had reserved seats.   Post-Covid, reservations were required and we were told that we could enter the theatre 45 minutes early to get seats.   To me, that was not a benefit, especially since I never saw anyone with a reservation refused early entrance.   YC asks that you meet in the lounge 10 minutes prior to show time, and a butler escorts you to a reserved section in the theatre.   If RC goes back to pre-Covid procedures, it is clearly preferable since the shows are significantly better.  

Suite lounge : The suite lounge on RC ships that include Sky Class are varied.   On Oasis class ships, which I only sailed pre-Covid, there was a bar with a limited beverage selection available at no additional cost from 11 am to 11 pm.     This bar was very crowded almost all of the time, and during the early evening hours, it was difficult to find a seat.   I am sure this was partially due to the fact that Pinnacle members have access to the suite lounge, which makes it crowded at times.   I am not sure if this policy has continued post-Covid.   On the Quantum class ships, the suite lounge is in a totally separate area of the ship.   It was virtually empty every time we went in there.   There were snacks there in the morning (continental breakfast) and in the early evening, but none the rest of the time.   There may have been limited drink service there in the evening, but we did not use it.   The YC lounge is for YC guests only.   It is open, with a fully stocked bar from 6 am until late night/early morning.   There are always light snacks available.   It was not at all crowded when we were there, but to be fair, the YC was way below capacity.   It did seem much more spacious than the suite lounges on RC.  

Drink packages : RC has limited beverages available for all passengers.   You can purchase other drinks a la carte or purchase a drink package.   The deluxe beverage package is only included for Star Class passengers, not Sky Class.   (I have never sailed Star Class, so I am not including it in the comparison)   For YC passengers, all beverages up to $15 are included.   The RC deluxe beverage package includes all drinks up to $13 (which is most of the popular, but not truly top shelf drinks-the $15 limit on YC is about the same).   The cost of the beverage package varies greatly but I usually pay between $50 and $58 per person per day.   All guest over 21 in the cabin must purchase the package.   The premium extra beverage package described above is included in the cruise fare for YC passengers.   The primary difference in the packages, besides the cost, is that if you order a drink above the included minimum on RC, you only pay the difference.   For example, an $18 glass of champagne would cost $5 plus gratuity.   For YC, you would pay the entire $18.   Drink packages can be used at any bar or restaurant on RC and on all but 2 for YC.  

Suite restaurant : Coastal Kitchen was always crowded, even post-Covid.   We were required to have reservations for dinner each night.   They were not difficult to get for Sky Class, but they were not very flexible about changing times.   The suite restaurant in YC was always available at any time.   The maitre’d did say that when there are more YC passengers, dining is a little less flexible, perhaps a longer wait for a table, but they do accommodate all YC passengers.   We were told that CK would not accommodate us without a reservation at dinner.  

Pool deck : RC has a sun deck available for Sky class and above guests.   On some ships, it has a hot tub, but not on all ships.   Some ships have a bar there, but others do not.   Even pre-Covid, I found that the bar on the suite sun deck was not regularly staffed.   The YC sun deck is very large and has a full bar that is open from about 7 am to 7 pm.   It also serves breakfast and lunch.   There is a pool and a hot tub on this deck.  

Cabin: The one bedroom grand suite, the entry level Sky Class cabin is larger than the deluxe balcony suite in YC.   YC also has some interior cabins, which gives you the YC experience at a significantly lower price.   We were in a balcony room which was totally adequate for 2 people and could accommodate 3.   It is approximately the size of a spacious balcony cabin on RC.  

Disembarkation: Bothe pre and post Covid, breakfast for Sky Class passengers was available in the CK, but it was chaotic.   Pre-Covid, Sky class passengers could meet in the suite lounge and the concierge would escort the group off at set times.     Post-Covid, that procedure was discontinued and all passengers waited in their cabins (or at breakfast) until it was their time to disembark and they left with all other passengers.   Post Covid, YC passengers go the suite lounge and a butler escorts them off when they are ready to leave.   They must be out of the cabin by 8 am, but breakfast is served in the suite restaurant from 6:30 until 8:30, and the suite lounge is open.   We left about 8:45.   We were off the ship and on our way to the airport by 9:10.   The process was incredibly easy.   The butlers can override the elevators and we had a special line to leave.   (Butlers will also escort you off the shore at the various ports.   We used this sometimes and did not others.   On a more crowded ship, this would be a real benefit but there were not really crowds anywhere.   There is also a YC tent at each port.   If there had been long lines, I feel sure they would escort guests back on the ship as well.)

Private Island experience : In Labadee, RC has a beach and buffet reserved for Sky class and above guests.   It was very nice, and the food was slightly better than the buffet on other parts of the island.   On Coco Cay, RC has a special area with a restaurant that is open to anyone who makes a reservation at an extra cost.   Suite guests get no special access or area on Coco Cay.   On Ocean Cay, MSC’s island, there is a beach reserved for YC guests, which includes a lovely, sit down restaurant.  

Food:   Food is always subjective.   We love the food in CK and have generally found it to be very good.   We found the food in the YC restaurant to be a cut above the food in CK.   The portions are much smaller, which we liked, and the menu offerings were a little outside of the normal, which pushed us to try some new things.   The pasta was always outstanding, and we got risotto every night.   They had a different risotto each night, and most were very good.   The menu was heavy on seafood and veal; very little chicken.   But we always found something that we enjoyed.   The pizza, available from noon to midnight, was absolutely delicious.   We tried the buffet for a light snack one afternoon.   It was typical and fine.   I am not a fan of buffets, but I appreciate the fact that both RC and MSC now have staff serving the food.   From what I could tell, the buffet on MSC is open more hours than on RC.  

Overall : We were nervous about trying MSC and YC, but had a wonderful experience.   I also thoroughly enjoy RC.     I hope this helps other people trying to decide if they want to try something different.  

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We've been in the YC twice, pre-covid.  We really liked it and would love to book it again.

However, I'm leery of taking a chance of perhaps cancelling last minute with MSC.  We just cancelled a cruise right before final with Royal and received our non refundable deposit back.  Not so sure we'd have the same luck with MSC.

Thanks for the input.  We did have some differences from your experience during Covid, and I've shared them below.  We were Sky Class on Oasis in December.  Maybe the more personal experience was because we were in Miami?

Boarding:  We were escorted to an elevator to the suite lounge, met as we exited the elevator, and checked in personally, led to a seat.  We were sent onboard as a group, before anyone but the B2Bers.

Suite Lounge:  limited beverages 11 to 11, with an open bar from about 5 - 8.  Just about anything but frozen drinks.

Coastal Kitchen:  was never crowded.  Spaced out well, and changes were readily available.

Suite pool deck:  Nina was tending the bar there every time we went by.  We stopped in for bottled water as early as 11 am, and left there as late as 5:30 pm.  Always someone working the bar.

My post covid sky class sailing was in August.   Sounds like they improved things. Glad to know that.  Thanks

How is YC on pricing relative to sky class?

5 hours ago, barbeyg said: Thanks for the input.  We did have some differences from your experience during Covid, and I've shared them below.  We were Sky Class on Oasis in December.  Maybe the more personal experience was because we were in Miami?   Boarding:  We were escorted to an elevator to the suite lounge, met as we exited the elevator, and checked in personally, led to a seat.  We were sent onboard as a group, before anyone but the B2Bers.   Suite Lounge:  limited beverages 11 to 11, with an open bar from about 5 - 8.  Just about anything but frozen drinks.   Coastal Kitchen:  was never crowded.  Spaced out well, and changes were readily available.   Suite pool deck:  Nina was tending the bar there every time we went by.  We stopped in for bottled water as early as 11 am, and left there as late as 5:30 pm.  Always someone working the bar.    

Miami has a much better system for boarding Suites than Port Everglades. 

Twice in YC on Seaside & far surpasses anything RCL offers. Also much better then NCL Haven. 

I haven't done extensive research and I am sure that it varies according to season, ship and itinerary, but I have generally found YC to be slightly less than Sky Class, especially when you factor in included drinks package.

• 5 months later...

Just came back a month ago on MSC Seashore in their YC Grand suite. It beats Royal Suite, Haven, Retreat and Sanctuary hands down and cost a bit less; in my case, partly because of being an matched Diamond and partly due to a cancelled booking in late 2020 and MSC offered an 25% incentive to keep the FCC instead of demanding cash refund, 

Except for the shows, which are decent, but not in the class of royal's, the YC has it all over anything else, meaning Sky Class or the Haven on NCL. It comes with more perks, and better service at a lower cost. For example, we ar booked on the Divina next May for $5000.00, and just got off the Seashore with a bidding at the lowest level for $4800.00 total. That came with all the YC perks within the YC, but outside the YC it reverted back to our Aurea package. Either way, it's a fantastic experience. You are really treated like royalty to the point that they remember what you drink, and remember your name.They give you an MSC wrist band, and to my surprise, they actually delivered my newspaper of choice to the pool deck with out my asking. They just new where we were. Loved it. What service.

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