Yacht Club Compared To Celebrity Suites

I have not cruised yet but am leaning some day to trying MSC Yacht Club. The two factors of MSC that concern me is that Yacht Club booking sounds really great but the limitation of inclusiveness stops at the Yacht Club facilities. As well as a special restaurant on the other end of the ship that will take a long walk just to get to which might be difficult for those of us on the Senior side of things.

I have also noticed that Celebrity Suites even the lowest ones appear to have a special club Michael's as well as butlers etc. The Celebrity Suites seems to allow inclusive service throughout the ship for what seems to be about the same amount of money.

I guess what I am asking is if there are some that have done both and if the MSC Yacht Club is still their preferred option?

I have been reading the MSC thread since I have been on CruiseCritic. I have read Gambee's review of Divina which was great but it did not include the Yacht Club. I truly enjoyed the video reviews by Singapore Guitar of his family's Yacht Club experience. It was hours of time well spent enjoying the cruise that he took and the special handing that they received as Yacht Club members. Watching Singapore Guitar's videos made me want to have that kind of experience especially for my wife's and I's first cruise.

I looked at the traditional Lux cruises but they were really so expensive that I would be a little more concerned about the money than the joy of the cruise itself.

MSC Yacht Club seems like a happy medium that is affordable to me and my wife and the thread here always appears to give a good perspective on the Yacht Club experience. I am just concerned that If I only had this one cruise late in life to enjoy if it would be better to spend it here or on a Celebrity Suite. But you can tell that my heart points to MSC Yacht Club but just want a little reassurance :-)

Thank you in advance for your valued advice and guidance.

For starters, the YC is bout half of what Celebrity charges. The cabins are definitely smaller, but ok. The service in the YC and Lemuse is fantastic. You are right about the drinks only in the YC area, but that includes the mini bar in the cabin, the Top Sail Lounge and the 1 Pool. I, personally purchased and 18 drink pkg for $84.00 to drink on the rest of the ship. That also includes specialty coffees. Try MSC, and I think you'll like it.

You can usually get a YC1 for about $1800. each

We are paying a little over $2000. each for a YC3 next March. These are the big, 2 room suites.

We are in our late 60's & can make the walk to the restaurant just fine.

I do have to admit we went to the YC3 instead of my favorite YC2 because the YC2 are located on the 12th deck.

Most Yacht Club things are on the 15th &16th deck.

There is NO comparison between Michael's Club and the TopSail Lounge. TopSail is giant, with fantastic views. Always snacks available & you can take drinks out of there. Not sure if you can do that in Michael's Club.

The private pool area is the best. Never crowded. Your pool, hot tub & upgraded lounge chairs. There is also a small buffet area there & full bar.

They restock your mini bar every day.

I do not think Celebrity has half as much dedicated area on the ship as the Yacht Club does.

Youtube the Divina Yacht Club....that should make up your mind.

For starters, the YC is bout half of what Celebrity charges. The cabins are definitely smaller, but ok. The service in the YC and Lemuse is fantastic. You are right about the drinks only in the YC area, but that includes the mini bar in the cabin, the Top Sail Lounge and the 1 Pool. I, personally purchased and 18 drink pkg for $84.00 to drink on the rest of the ship. That also includes specialty coffees. Try MSC, and I think you'll like it.

Deliver42,

Thank you for replying!

I must have been looking at the Celebrity web page incorrectly about suite pricing. I just went back and tried to replicate what I thought I saw before and the Celebrity suite was way way higher as you mention.

Getting the extra 18 drink package sounds like the way to go as far as drinks while exploring the rest of the ship.

You can usually get a YC1 for about $1800. each

We are paying a little over $2000. each for a YC3 next March. These are the big, 2 room suites.

We are in our late 60's & can make the walk to the restaurant just fine.

I do have to admit we went to the YC3 instead of my favorite YC2 because the YC2 are located on the 12th deck.

Most Yacht Club things are on the 15th &16th deck.

There is NO comparison between Michael's Club and the TopSail Lounge. TopSail is giant, with fantastic views. Always snacks available & you can take drinks out of there. Not sure if you can do that in Michael's Club.

The private pool area is the best. Never crowded. Your pool, hot tub & upgraded lounge chairs. There is also a small buffet area there & full bar.

They restock your mini bar every day.

I do not think Celebrity has half as much dedicated area on the ship as the Yacht Club does.

Youtube the Divina Yacht Club....that should make up your mind.

Shippy,

Thank you for replying!

As I told Deliver42, I apparently misread the price on the Celebrity suite prices somehow. But after reading your comments I now realize even if the Celebrity Suite was the same price the Yacht Club would still be the better deal and provide the better experience.

I have seen many videos on the Yacht Club and read reviews and wish that I would have rechecked the prices on Celebrity before writing my original post. Your input has been very helpful and is a reassurance that the Yacht Club is the way to go.

I would not worry about the walk to Le Muse. Just leave early and take your time. You can walk on deck 14 to get to the back of the ship, less crowded then going to the lower level and then back up as long as you do not mind walking outside. We stay in the YC pool area so no real need to take a drink anywhere and if you have to just leave the YC with one in hand and carry it with you. I have cruised on many lines and while they are all different I do enjoy the special treatment on MSC. The priority boarding and anytime dining are a few things that set MSC apart. I agree that the rooms are not the largest but we do not spend much time in there anyway. If you are worried about walking your butler will escort you anywhere you want to go on the ship!

I have not cruised yet but am leaning some day to trying MSC Yacht Club. The two factors of MSC that concern me is that Yacht Club booking sounds really great but the limitation of inclusiveness stops at the Yacht Club facilities. As well as a special restaurant on the other end of the ship that will take a long walk just to get to which might be difficult for those of us on the Senior side of things.

 

I have also noticed that Celebrity Suites even the lowest ones appear to have a special club Michael's as well as butlers etc. The Celebrity Suites seems to allow inclusive service throughout the ship for what seems to be about the same amount of money.

 

I guess what I am asking is if there are some that have done both and if the MSC Yacht Club is still their preferred option?

 

I have been reading the MSC thread since I have been on CruiseCritic. I have read Gambee's review of Divina which was great but it did not include the Yacht Club. I truly enjoyed the video reviews by Singapore Guitar of his family's Yacht Club experience. It was hours of time well spent enjoying the cruise that he took and the special handing that they received as Yacht Club members. Watching Singapore Guitar's videos made me want to have that kind of experience especially for my wife's and I's first cruise.

 

I looked at the traditional Lux cruises but they were really so expensive that I would be a little more concerned about the money than the joy of the cruise itself.

 

MSC Yacht Club seems like a happy medium that is affordable to me and my wife and the thread here always appears to give a good perspective on the Yacht Club experience. I am just concerned that If I only had this one cruise late in life to enjoy if it would be better to spend it here or on a Celebrity Suite. But you can tell that my heart points to MSC Yacht Club but just want a little reassurance :-)

 

Thank you in advance for your valued advice and guidance.

If you think the long walk to LeMuse will be a problem, your butler will be happy to escort you The butlers love spoiling you by doing whatever you need. Mine would not even let me carry my coffee back to cabin😀 The Topsail Lounge is great for relaxing and watching the sea. Enjoy your cruise.

I was looking at Sky Suites a while ago and they were a little higher than the YC1 suites. I don't think they offered a real suite experience compared to MSC.

Also, after my last Celebrity cruise, I'm going to wait to book them.

I started out not liking them (in 2003).

Then loving them.

Now, I see all the downgrades in the total cruise experience, plus I was totally BORED on our last cruise, so I will wait to book them again (Sky Suite or not).

I would not worry about the walk to Le Muse. Just leave early and take your time. You can walk on deck 14 to get to the back of the ship, less crowded then going to the lower level and then back up as long as you do not mind walking outside. We stay in the YC pool area so no real need to take a drink anywhere and if you have to just leave the YC with one in hand and carry it with you. I have cruised on many lines and while they are all different I do enjoy the special treatment on MSC. The priority boarding and anytime dining are a few things that set MSC apart. I agree that the rooms are not the largest but we do not spend much time in there anyway. If you are worried about walking your butler will escort you anywhere you want to go on the ship!

djvand,

Thank you for replying!

Each response makes the Yacht Club seem like a no brainer! Looking forward to trying it myself some day.

If you think the long walk to LeMuse will be a problem, your butler will be happy to escort you The butlers love spoiling you by doing whatever you need. Mine would not even let me carry my coffee back to cabin😀 The Topsail Lounge is great for relaxing and watching the sea. Enjoy your cruise.

Cruisergal1208,

Thank you for replying!

Now I am looking forward to being spoiled and having a relaxing cruise.

I was looking at Sky Suites a while ago and they were a little higher than the YC1 suites. I don't think they offered a real suite experience compared to MSC.

 

Also, after my last Celebrity cruise, I'm going to wait to book them.

I started out not liking them (in 2003).

Then loving them.

Now, I see all the downgrades in the total cruise experience, plus I was totally BORED on our last cruise, so I will wait to book them again (Sky Suite or not).

mafig,

Thank you for replying!

I appreciate your perspective especially since you have sailed both lines. The consensus so far is that MSC Yacht Club is the better value and cruising experience.

mafig,

 

Thank you for replying!

 

I appreciate your perspective especially since you have sailed both lines. The consensus so far is that MSC Yacht Club is the better value and cruising experience.

I haven't sailed both lines. My first cruise on MSC will be in less than two weeks. If they disappoint me, you can be sure I'll let you know. However, I have to say I'm looking forward to this cruise more than I recall looking forward to a cruise in a very long time.:)

Deliver42,

 

Thank you for replying!

 

I must have been looking at the Celebrity web page incorrectly about suite pricing. I just went back and tried to replicate what I thought I saw before and the Celebrity suite was way way higher as you mention.

 

Getting the extra 18 drink package sounds like the way to go as far as drinks while exploring the rest of the ship.

I'm not sure where you are planning to sail, but if it in Europe, I don't thing they offer the 18 drink package.

It is not available on my cruise in the Splendida. I think they one have 12 drinks.

18 seems to be exclusive to the divina.

Lois

I'm not sure where you are planning to sail, but if it in Europe, I don't thing they offer the 18 drink package.

It is not available on my cruise in the Splendida. I think they one have 12 drinks.

18 seems to be exclusive to the divina.

Lois

electro,

Thank you for the input!

I would be planning for the US so I should be good to go. Nice to know about the differences of America versus Europe.

You do not enter the building with the 'regular folk' :O)

There is a tent out front where a butler takes your luggage. You do not give it to a regular porter.

You are then escorted to a special check in room where you are given champagne & cookies while you wait to board. Of course, you are escorted to your cabin.

One of the things I like best is the way you get off the ship at the end. No matter what cruiseline we are on, we do the 'carry your own luggage' off, because we try to make as early a flight as possible. This has become a very popular option & is a total zoo & very hard to get an elevator with your luggage.

In the Yacht Club, your butler helps you with your luggage, escorts you and holds an elevator just for you.

You do not enter the building with the 'regular folk' :O)

There is a tent out front where a butler takes your luggage. You do not give it to a regular porter.

You are then escorted to a special check in room where you are given champagne & cookies while you wait to board. Of course, you are escorted to your cabin.

One of the things I like best is the way you get off the ship at the end. No matter what cruiseline we are on, we do the 'carry your own luggage' off, because we try to make as early a flight as possible. This has become a very popular option & is a total zoo & very hard to get an elevator with your luggage.

In the Yacht Club, your butler helps you with your luggage, escorts you and holds an elevator just for you.

Shippy,

Sounds great!

I actually saw the MSC video on the Yacht Club that showed arriving at the ship etc. But was also even more impressive was Singapore Guitar's video of his arrival at the Yacht Club tent. His personal authentic video verified the MSC's company's video.

Can you post link to Singapores video? Thanks

MSC beats X in every possible way and at much better $$$.

Can you post link to Singapores video? Thanks

Cruisergal1208,

Here is the first video from Singapore Guitar as he starts his MSC Yacht Club experience. Be warned he has several more hours worth of video of his Yacht Club experience that are extremely addicting!

MSC beats X in every possible way and at much better $$$.

riclop,

There have been so many positive responses that I have quickly shared them with my wife so that we can this cruise trip booked sooner rather than later!

I am Elite Plus on Celebrity and have sailed Divina twice...the last time in the Yacht Club. Celebrity has nothing to compare to the Top Sail Lounge in terms of location, size, views or food. Celebrity does not have a pool and private sun deck for suites. And Celebrity costs a whole lot more.

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I am Elite Plus on Celebrity and have sailed Divina twice...the last time in the Yacht Club. Celebrity has nothing to compare to the Top Sail Lounge in terms of location, size, views or food. Celebrity does not have a pool and private sun deck for suites. And Celebrity costs a whole lot more.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums mobile app

helen haywood,

Thank you so much for your response!

Yours is the first response of someone that had done both Celebrity Suite and MSC Yacht Club! So many positive things it makes me want to book the Yacht Club tonight!!!!!

I have been a loyal NCL Haven customer over the past number of years...but looking over the MSC threads for the last several months and researching the Yacht Club I finally booked the YC on the Divina for next year....somehow got the Sophia Loren Suite. I do have a question for those who have been there...I understand that drinks are supplied in the YC area and La Muse but not outside those areas so some folks have indicated they purchase the '18' drink package...exactly how does that package work... are they coupons?? Can my wife and I both 'share' the package ???

Yes, it is a packet of coupons. If you were not in the Yacht Club you would go pick up your coupon booklet at the Casino upon embarkation. (My husband was convinced I didn't know what I was doing as he pointed out the Casino was closed as we were still in port...yes, it was, but there were employees there with the booklets...) But if you are in the YC the booklet will be waiting for you there. Mine was at the Concierge Desk.

Yes, you can share them with your wife....or anyone you want. They are pre-paid vouchers for drinks so you could give one to a total stranger. So as such keep an eye on them! One poster just barely stopped his child from using one as a gum wrapper...

We bought the booklet on our last cruise, our first in YC. It was a booklet of 18 vouchers and I came home with nine unused. And I had to really try to use the ones we did. I "forced" my husband to get gelato twice. We got drinks once from a bar outside the YC. But since YC is happy to give you drinks to go....and the elevators on Divina are many and quick...it is always easy to nip back up to get a "freebie." Your experience may vary but I wouldn't buy the booklet again.

Hi,

Have a look at my photothread from the Yacht Club on board the MSC Preziosa, the sistership of MSC Divina. We have sailed the YC many times and it's simply a great experience at sea and fantastic value for money. Highly recommended :)

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1973929