Though I had personally sailed on three MSC Cruises ships — MSC Divina, MSC Seaside and MSC Seashore — I had only toured the MSC Yacht Club, the brand’s exclusive ship-within-a-ship area.
However, on a recent family vacation onboard MSC Meraviglia, I was able to fully experience the Yacht Club’s big features and small surprises, from the rooms and public spaces to the extra amenities and special service touches.
Our MSC Yacht Club Suite was just perfect — not too big, and not too small. Measuring in at a range of approximately 280 to 312 square feet, the category’s living area features a king-size bed, a sofa and a vanity desk with plenty of breathing room in between. The bathroom’s residential-size, walk-in shower and spacious toilet and sink area were welcome, particularly after experiencing the very small entry-level equivalents on the new Seashore. But our favorite element was the forward-facing balcony, which overlooks the bow.
Servicing the Yacht Club is a dedicated reception and concierge desk, where we conveniently made spa reservations, but what pleasantly surprised us was how such services came directly to the guests. Crew representing the ship’s specialty dining, shore excursions and internet access impressively made the rounds asking if anyone had questions or needed any assistance.
A few language barriers with the restaurant waitstaff notwithstanding, service levels were tops, and our personal butler, Rakesh, was the best in his position I’ve ever witnessed on a cruise ship. Not only was he super attentive and always available, but he also swiftly picked up on all our preferences. One night after discovering our affinity for the potato chips served in the Top Sail Lounge, he delivered a whole bag to our suite.
Top Sail is an observation lounge located at the very front of the ship that is another exclusive to Yacht Club guests (and where staff memorize your drink orders). Normally I lament observation lounges being available privately but not publicly to the rest of the ship, but Meraviglia also offers the midship Sky Lounge to all passengers.
One deck above the lounge is the Top Sail Restaurant. Besides needing blinds to cut down the glare at sunset, the views here were stunning, as was the food. Want two lobster tails? You got it. And the frequently served variations of risotto? Perfection. The same was true of our alfresco meals at The One Grill above, from delectable egg dishes to juicy hamburgers.
Overall, the larger One Pool deck was an excellent place to escape, complete with plush loungers and a whirlpool. My only complaint was that a nearby smoking area occasionally spoiled the atmosphere.
Free of fumes, though, was our included access to the MSC Aurea Spa’s excellent thermal suite. The vast array of saunas, steam and cold rooms, experience showers and therapy pools was impressive.
In fact, our Yacht Club perks followed us throughout the ship to further encompass dedicated show seating, Wi-Fi access and mostly unlimited drinks (save for top-shelf spirits over a certain cost). While enjoying the ship’s outstanding house band at the Carousel Lounge (again, the best I’ve ever heard at sea), and after completing my complimentary “BBC” (Baileys banana colada), the bar staff replenished my libation without having to order a second. That’s the MSC Yacht Club difference to a T.
Last but not least, we thoroughly enjoyed the exclusive Yacht Club-only area on Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, the line’s private island in the Bahamas. Rakesh was on hand even here to pamper us at our family’s private beachfront cabana. In between swims in the pristine-albeit-rocky cove, our marvelous butler delivered beverages and signature food such as lobster rolls.
Suffice it to say, my wife and I loved MSC Yacht Club, and we can’t wait to return on another MSC Cruises ship.
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