My Yacht club observation, is it worth it? I say yes.

[sverigecruiser]

 

Of course, YC is not available across the fleet so there isn't always a choice - certainly, Aurea Suite bookings on the smaller ships don't come anywhere near the YC experience and are usually in and around similar prices.

 

The choic is always thre but the choice can be to pick another ship!

 

We don't cruise on the older NCL-ships because they have no Havenrestaurant. It will be the same if we decide to continue with MSC, we will only choose ships with YC.

[sverigecruiser]

I tried to edit to correct choic, to choice and thre, to there but for some reason it wasn't possible to edit!!!

[frank808]

Where is everyone finding yc with these prices? Have booked seaside for june 30 2018 in a dlx yc suite and it is $4818 for a 7 day cruise for 2 passengers. Have oct 2018 and it is still over $4000 for 2 on a 7 day cruise in yc balcony. This is booking 15 and 19 months in advance. Where is everyone finding these deals? Thanks

 

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[TrinaLC]

 

Now, if I could just figure out what to do with a butler. My only worry might be that I'd bore them to death because I don't know what to do with them.

 

 

The butler really isn't a butler. He (rarely she) is in charge of your cabin, making sure mini bar stocked, will show you to Le Muse for dinner first night, escort you off the ship for priority disembark. If you have special request, e.g. A Wii console they will get.

 

Ours frankly was not very good or attentive but all other service members in the YC made up for it.

 

 

 

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[CTBob]

Where is everyone finding yc with these prices? Have booked seaside for june 30 2018 in a dlx yc suite and it is $4818 for a 7 day cruise for 2 passengers. Have oct 2018 and it is still over $4000 for 2 on a 7 day cruise in yc balcony. This is booking 15 and 19 months in advance. Where is everyone finding these deals? Thanks

 

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Those prices are for an inside cabin in the Yacht Club. The price you paid is about right.

[mafig]

Where is everyone finding yc with these prices? Have booked seaside for june 30 2018 in a dlx yc suite and it is $4818 for a 7 day cruise for 2 passengers. Have oct 2018 and it is still over $4000 for 2 on a 7 day cruise in yc balcony. This is booking 15 and 19 months in advance. Where is everyone finding these deals? Thanks

 

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I just did a mock booking for Seaside in April 2018 in a YC1 and it was under $4000 for two, including taxes, etc. That's not counting the 5% off and whatever my TA takes off or $300 obc.

[frank808]

I have also booked direct with msc as the warehouse club i use for rccl does not book msc. What is a good TA that gives that kind of obc for yc bookings? I am interested as i have june for and oct for b2b in yc. Thanks

 

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[frank808]

I just did a mock booking for Seaside in April 2018 in a YC1 and it was under $4000 for two, including taxes, etc. That's not counting the 5% off and whatever my TA takes off or $300 obc.

I saw that for april. Unfortunately we cruise feb, june, july and october months. This coincides with my sons school achedule. Seems even oct is more expensive than april, but not by much.

 

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[BermudaBound2014]

Once again, I am going to be the voice of dissension on the MSC boards. I'm not attempting to discredit anyone who loves the YC, I'm just sharing my experiences.

 

1) The OP asked if YC was 'worth it'. I can't answer that because I don't know the quantifiable amount assigned to "worth". Last June we sailed in YC for less than $1,000 per person. In that case, I'd say YC was worth every penny and then some. At a price point of less than $1,000 pp for 7 days on the Divina, I'd be more than happy to sail YC exclusively.

 

2) However; I check YC pricing pretty regularly and this year a 7 Day divina YC is running around $1,800-$2000 pp (give or take). At that price point I'd have to seriously consider whether or not YC is 'worth it' to me when compared to what MSC is charging for an aft balcony. An aft balcon comes with a significantly larger balcony and a room identical in size with the exception of the bath/closet. Right now, I can get an aft balcony on MSC for around $800.00 pp give or take and I do not believe that YC is worth double the price of a standard balcony.

 

3) At pricing over $2,000 pp (standard 7 day cruise) I'd pass on YC. It's a nice experience, but for me it wasn't "all that' for the following reasons (YMMV):

 

- One of the things that is important to me is shade and service at the pool and YC one pool has ZERO shade unless you are sitting at tables (not lying in a chair). Service in the loungers around one pool was also greatly lacking... even non-existent at times.

 

- I do not care for the food served on MSC. It's fine and all, I didn't starve, but I did not think that LeMuse in YC was significantly better than food in the MDR. Simple things like eggs over easy were impossible. This isn't to say that there wasn't a few great dishes, but overall, I believe that the area MSC cuts in order to offer such attractive pricing is quality food.

 

- Our 'butler' was nothing more than a glorified room steward. We went days without seeing him. Butlers on MSC are much different than butlers on a land vacation. Just a much less level of service.

 

- Top sail was a beautiful venue, but we spent zero time there in the evening because the entertainment was a violin on day, a pianist another. We were looking for entertainment with some energy and top sail is very quiet and relaxing. Again, great for some, just doesn't add value to me.

 

"Worth it" has a price tag. I didn't find YC services worth double an aft balcony on MSC. Just like some don't find a balcony worth double what an interior costs. Just sharing my opinion. I mean no disrespect. :).

[mafig]

Hi, BB,

Just wanted to say we found shade.:D It was St Martin day and we stayed on board. We were the only people in the YC, and, it must have been just the right angle of the sun, but below the pool and against that wall there was shade for hours. As I said, DH and I were the only people there, we did have drink servers, it was glorious.

[Beamafar]

I totally agree with most of the points you make, BB. I've noticed a significant increase in prices for MSC this year, especially for YC. The introduction of all-inclusive drinks across the whole ship, I believe, has now been factored into the price. (It drives me nuts when it's referred to as "free"!)

 

I booked YC on Meraviglia almost 2 years ago. I was searching for flight prices recently and began to consider dropping the booking and forfeiting the €200 deposit (and €400 OBC). But then I looked at YC prices for later on in the year, when they really should be cheaper as the weather will be colder. They were much more expensive than what I've booked a June cruise for, so I decided to keep the booking.

[BermudaBound2014]

Hi, BB,

Just wanted to say we found shade.:D It was St Martin day and we stayed on board. We were the only people in the YC, and, it must have been just the right angle of the sun, but below the pool and against that wall there was shade for hours. As I said, DH and I were the only people there, we did have drink servers, it was glorious.

 

Hi Mafig... where to next? I'm off on the Anthem next week.

Anyway, if I was to be 100% honest, I did find shade on the day in Nassau. We actually dragged our lounge chairs into the outside shower (embarrassing, but there was really no one up in one pool that day and it was the only place on the deck with shade). :)

 

Beam: congrats on landing an excellent price for YC. As I stated, for the right price it is 'worth it' to me :).

[mafig]

Hi Mafig... where to next? I'm off on the Anthem next week.

.

 

 

Three weeks then Silhouette.:D

[Culaccino]

The butler really isn't a butler. He (rarely she) is in charge of your cabin, making sure mini bar stocked, will show you to Le Muse for dinner first night, escort you off the ship for priority disembark. If you have special request, e.g. A Wii console they will get.

 

Ours frankly was not very good or attentive but all other service members in the YC made up for it.

 

 

 

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Did you hear of anyone else with a good butler experience or did you find the criticism universal? I've read that if you tip $100 or so on Day 1 that the service and unexpected extras increase.

 

 

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[KLB10]

Did you hear of anyone else with a good butler experience or did you find the criticism universal? I've read that if you tip $100 or so on Day 1 that the service and unexpected extras increase.

 

 

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Would be interested on hearing experiences with this as well. Assume you would plan on tipping at the end also?

[parallax]

I have been on the YC twice. The first cruise the butler seemed to be always around and was always trying to help. The second time the Butler was a little more passive. With the former, it could be a little overwhelming but she was fantastic and helped fill he information gaps because we never cruised MSC before. The hand holding was appreciated. On the second cruise, we could be more independent because we had sailed in the YC. We missed some of the individual attention but he made up for it the Top Sail Lounge. Our butler was fantastic when it came to providing drinks when he was working the Lounge. All butlers work an hour or two at the pool or at the Lounge each day.

 

We did not tip in advance our butler or room attendant. We always tip at the end. We have tipped some of the bartenders in advance.

[Culaccino]

Would be interested on hearing experiences with this as well. Assume you would plan on tipping at the end also?

 

 

Definitely. Another hundred dollars at the end. It seems easier than always having cash on you to tip. I wouldn't want to shortchange anyone.

 

 

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[TrinaLC]

I think our experience was one off (ie, poor butler). My observation was that other butlers seemed to be much more proactive. I got the sense ours was lazy.

 

I would never tip $100 or any amount in advance to a butler; I expect good service without that inducement. But on this our first YC trip we just ended up with someone less than stellar. But our room was made up promptly and well twice a day by his attendants, so he gets credit for that most important task!

 

Probably should have spoken with the head butler but honestly on vacation would rather not deal with personnel issues ...

[plucasana]

wow. $ 200 tip on top of the auto grats??? I hope you are kidding.

 

 

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[mjonis]

Once again, I am going to be the voice of dissension on the MSC boards. I'm not attempting to discredit anyone who loves the YC, I'm just sharing my experiences.

 

1) The OP asked if YC was 'worth it'. I can't answer that because I don't know the quantifiable amount assigned to "worth". Last June we sailed in YC for less than $1,000 per person. In that case, I'd say YC was worth every penny and then some. At a price point of less than $1,000 pp for 7 days on the Divina, I'd be more than happy to sail YC exclusively.

 

2) However; I check YC pricing pretty regularly and this year a 7 Day divina YC is running around $1,800-$2000 pp (give or take). At that price point I'd have to seriously consider whether or not YC is 'worth it' to me when compared to what MSC is charging for an aft balcony. An aft balcon comes with a significantly larger balcony and a room identical in size with the exception of the bath/closet. Right now, I can get an aft balcony on MSC for around $800.00 pp give or take and I do not believe that YC is worth double the price of a standard balcony.

 

3) At pricing over $2,000 pp (standard 7 day cruise) I'd pass on YC. It's a nice experience, but for me it wasn't "all that' for the following reasons (YMMV):

 

- One of the things that is important to me is shade and service at the pool and YC one pool has ZERO shade unless you are sitting at tables (not lying in a chair). Service in the loungers around one pool was also greatly lacking... even non-existent at times.

 

- I do not care for the food served on MSC. It's fine and all, I didn't starve, but I did not think that LeMuse in YC was significantly better than food in the MDR. Simple things like eggs over easy were impossible. This isn't to say that there wasn't a few great dishes, but overall, I believe that the area MSC cuts in order to offer such attractive pricing is quality food.

 

- Our 'butler' was nothing more than a glorified room steward. We went days without seeing him. Butlers on MSC are much different than butlers on a land vacation. Just a much less level of service.

 

- Top sail was a beautiful venue, but we spent zero time there in the evening because the entertainment was a violin on day, a pianist another. We were looking for entertainment with some energy and top sail is very quiet and relaxing. Again, great for some, just doesn't add value to me.

 

"Worth it" has a price tag. I didn't find YC services worth double an aft balcony on MSC. Just like some don't find a balcony worth double what an interior costs. Just sharing my opinion. I mean no disrespect. :).

 

totally agree. Our first (and last for a while) MSC Cruise was in a B2 balcony. $1050/person plus the taxes/port charges (this was before the included drink package). At the time, the YC Suite was $2849/person (I believe) plus taxes and port charges.

 

IF we ever sail MSC again it would be in YC (only if we could afford it) due to the chairs/restaurant issues. However, we don't have a huge budget and it's one thing to fork out $2400 total for a 10-night cruise vs. about $5800. for that price difference, we could easily have another cruise and a half or several weeks at a lovely resort somewhere. (Or if MSC ever gets their act together and fixes the horrible disorganization, but we'll see how Seaside reviews are after 6 months or so of its initial sailing. Divina still has issues so I'm not holding out any hope).

 

 

From what I can see, compared to say, Haven, it looks a better value.

 

I would never do YC in an inside cabin though, but that's just me.

 

Apparently some people had gotten an upgrade call from MSC and their upgrade to YC Suite was only $400 each. THAT would've been worth it for a 10-night cruise, for me. But still that's almost a 40% price uplift. But better than the over 200% uplift on the MSC website.

 

I did look at another Divina itinerary that we would've liked (unfortunately doesn't look like the 10-nighters are on Seaside any time soon and the 14-nighters are actually two trips back and forth from Miami).

B2 - $1630/person

YC Deluxe Suite (is that YC1?) $3700/person

 

Not worth it, IMO.

But if you have a larger budget than we do, and can afford it, IMO, it's the only way to cruise with MSC (at least out of the US).

 

 

Everyone has their own price point. Is the Lexus RX-350 nicer than my Hyundai? Sure. But is it worth almost $25k more? not for me.

(nothing against Lexus, BTW).

[KLB10]

wow. $ 200 tip on top of the auto grats??? I hope you are kidding.

 

 

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If your already paying over $5k for your cruise + airfare and misc expenses, then $200 tip, if it makes any impact on service and enjoyment of cruise is a pretty good ROI.

[Culaccino]

wow. $ 200 tip on top of the auto grats??? I hope you are kidding.

 

 

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Didn't mean to offend. Not kidding at all. We will have 2 adults and 2 kids in a RD YC suite on an 11 day cruise. I just thought it would be easier than always carrying cash and tipping after every request. We've been on a handful of cruises without the kids but we've always tipped at every request, and it's been years since our last cruise. These people make nothing. $200 is less than 2 dinners out for a family of 4. I like to think of it in other terms- like picking up a tab for drinks with friends. $20 to the bartender always makes a difference in terms of service. I was just wondering about experiences with pre-tipping. We are sailing on NCL in the Haven in a few weeks. I wish the YC had a two bedroom. I'm impressed with the cost of MSC vs the Haven. Cruises are cheaper than an all-inclusive resort, which we've enjoyed with the kids.

 

 

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[mistertoaster]

We have sailed the YC twice and the Haven about a half dozen times. I like the YC better. Top Sail lounge is nicer than the Haven lounge and the YC is typically a better deal. Our next trip is on the Meraviglia. Like stealthy, we booked a YC interior. We have been in a YC1 and a YC2. We noticed on Med. cruises with only one sea day, we were rarely in our room on the Splendida due to excursions, dinners, shows, etc.

 

The room price for two is $1,739 U.S. this October. At that price, and based on our experience on the Splendida, it was too good a deal, to pass up. Besides, we book the YC more for the amenities than the room. Also, The YC1 rooms are the same size as a standard balcony so you are not losing much space wise. If you want to experience YC on a budget, the YC interior is the way to go.

 

 

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[sverigecruiser]

We are NCLfans but decided to try MSC Yacht Club for our cruise this summer.

 

One week in the Haven on the Epic cost almost 8000 USD, for two, and one week in the Yacht Club on Meraviglia cost a little more than 5000 USD.

 

If the YC isn't superbad, it must be good value!

[George C]

Thanks for info, would love to try YC, have been doing Grand suites on RCCL , suite on RCCL is much larger but really like the perks listed for YC