MSC Yacht Club vs. Celebrity Retreat

[prh1976]

Hi,

It's been quite a while since I've cruised (15 years), and have always have always enjoyed Celebrity.  Clearly ships and lines have changed.  Currently I'm trying to decide between the MSC Yacht Club on Seascape or the Celebrity Retreat on Apex.  I'll also be traveling with two teens as well, but really like the idea of a ship within a ship.  I'm certainly welcome to any other suggestions that I might be missing.  Thanks in advance for your insights.

Kind regards.

[Two Wheels Only]

Although I haven't sailed in The Retreat, the "ship within a ship" concept works great for my family of 4. In addition to the 2 mentioned, I can also recommend NCL Haven. My 2 children are younger than teens but we've all had fantastic cruises in the Yacht Club including on Seascape's sister ship, Seashore. We're also booked on Seascape but we'll probably be on later than other forum members who are booked.

 

Choosing the right ship is important and you seem to have 2 great ships in contention. You might see me and other forum members making fun of the "Tragic Carpet" that's on the starboard side of the newest Celebrity ships but on the Celebrity forum, members probably make fun of the "apartments" on the aft section of MSC's Sea**** ships.

 

3 hours ago, prh1976 said:

It's been quite a while since I've cruised (15 years),...

 

Some of the modern ships will overwhelm you with features. Take your time and learn what the ships have to offer and see what might interest your group. There is usually something for everyone.

[kwokpot]

Although I have not sailed in Yacht Club I have sailed Retreat Class on Apex and it's wonderful. Having said that in your situation I would hands down recommend the MSC Seascape over the Apex solely because you have teens. There's so much more on a MSC ship for your teens it will make a world of difference for them. Celebrity ships, TBH, aren't really designed for teens.There's really not that many activities or ship amenities for them. No water slides, water parks, ropes courses, not even a basketball court. Celebrity is a 'make your own kind of fun without the bells and whistles' kind of cruiseline. I also don't think you'll be giving anything up since most people that sail on Celebrity in a Suite have very, very good things to say about MSC's Suite product. IMO, the choice is clear.  

Edited August 11, 2022 by kwokpot

[deliver42]

I fully agree with kwokpot.

[MmmmJason]

6 hours ago, kwokpot said:

Although I have not sailed in Yacht Club I have sailed Retreat Class on Apex and it's wonderful. Having said that in your situation I would hands down recommend the MSC Seascape over the Apex solely because you have teens. There's so much more on a MSC ship for your teens it will make a world of difference for them. Celebrity ships, TBH, aren't really designed for teens.There's really not that many activities or ship amenities for them. No water slides, water parks, ropes courses, not even a basketball court. Celebrity is a 'make your own kind of fun without the bells and whistles' kind of cruiseline. I also don't think you'll be giving anything up since most people that sail on Celebrity in a Suite have very, very good things to say about MSC's Suite product. IMO, the choice is clear.  

Considering you are traveling with two teens, I also agree with Kwokpot (cute name btw).

 

I recently sailed on MSC Seashore, July 23-30, 2022.  While I personally had a very miserable time on MSC, I interacted with other guests including a couple with a 15 y/o teen.  The teenager had the time of his life on the ship (it was also his first cruise).  He spent most of his time on the basketball court, arcade, and waterpark.  There were endless activities that we barely saw him, and he quickly made friends with others on the ship his own age.  I asked him if he liked it and if he felt like he had the privacy and the fun he needed to enjoy himself and he said hands down it was a fantastic experience.  His dad remarked that when he would come to check on him and bring him back to the cabin, the usual response was "already??"

 

My own experience in MSC Yacht Club was not great.  The rules and process is quite regimented when it comes to dining times and selections.  The room service menu is extremely limited in YC.  If you are fine spending your time in common areas like the sundeck, dining in the dining room (not your balcony or room), theatre, night clubs, etc, then you will be fine on MSC.  If you like having personal service, and premium food, mostly in your own spaces, then I'd go with Celebrity.

 

I have sailed with both Celebrity in the Penthouse (Retreat), and NCL in the Owner's Suite (Haven), and both had better service levels, food, and flexibility.  MSC will still nickel and dime you on premium wines / champagnes and specialty restaurants, and the internet is next to non-existent even with the premium "browse and stream" package (which is also not included in YC).  On NCL, your experience and service levels get better as you get into The Haven, but you will have to still pay for extras like drink packages, dining, internet, gratuities.  On Celebrity, in the Reflection, Icon, Penthouse, or Royal suites, everything is included and unlimited, so you won't pay a penny more after booking (gratuities and service charges are included).  In the other Retreat level suites, you will still enjoy most everything unlimited / included, and the staff will do everything they can to make your cruise pleasant.  But, your teens may be bored on a Celebrity cruise as there are less interactive things and more "make your own fun" as Kwokpot mentioned.  If your teens are the moody introspective type, or they hang out on the internet all the time, they might be okay with this on Celebrity and the butler that does whatever you want.  If they like waterslides, arcades, night clubs / discos, etc, then MSC is the better pick for them.

 

Also, Celebrity's Retreat rooms are distributed throughout the ship in the best spots (aft, mid, fore corners), with the the actual Retreat common areas at the top of the ship behind keycard access.  On MSC, all Yacht Club rooms are in a single area behind keycard access, at the very top and front of the ship so you will always have to schlep across the ship to your cabin / restaurant / lounge.  Again, if your teens like isolation and hanging out with adults, the Yacht Club will be attractive, else it will be boring.  Personally, I did not find the Yacht Club area any more special than the rest of the MSC ship; it reminded me of an American Airlines or Marriott concierge lounge:  a bit stuffy, regimented, usually quiet, and boring.  Guests were not as interactive with each other in YC as they are in the common deck areas.  Children and teens were uncommon in YC but when present, were well behaved (if not bored).

 

Hope this helps!

[kidless]

This was from this past April

 

We just got off Celebrity Silhouette where we spent a glorious 11 nights in a Sky Suite in Celebrity’s Retreat which is like MSC’s Yacht Club. Thought I’d share a few thoughts on retreat vs’s yacht club. 

 

Let me clarify we have done Yacht club 6 times. Once on Divina and 5 times on Meraviglia all in a deluxe balcony stateroom. We have only done Retreat once on Silhouette which is an older ship where the Retreat area was just recently added. It is my understanding that on new ships the layout is different. On MSC we cruised out of only Port Canaveral on Celebrity; it was out of Ft Lauderdale. Sometimes these little nuances can make a difference.

 

MSC~ Boarding, drop bags off at tent escort though security then to Yacht club area to check in. Snacks and drinks plus butlers around introducing themselves. Always smooth and easy. Sometimes we have had to wait for a big enough group for Butler to escort on….we can be impatient and rather just go but we wait. You are taken to the Topsail Lounge and offered a drink. Often the Concierge Manager comes around explaining the perks of YC and duties of Butlers/Concierge to enhance your stay. I remember Eric telling guests you want a nightcap at midnight then call your Butler…..you can’t sleep because your pillow is no good call your Butler….24 hours. Luggage is delivered quickly to cabins.

 

Celebrity ~ Boarding, drop bags off with regular porters our tags did say suite on them. We did not receive our bags as quickly as we do in YC and I noticed regular balcony cabins had their bags on Celebrity long before ours arrived. We then were directed to the left where a young lady checked all our paperwork and pointed to a gentleman at the other end so we walked down to him…..he again checked our paperwork and put us in the elevator. The lounge you wait in for Celebrity is quite lovely, much nicer than Port Canaveral. There were nice snacks and drinks. Once seated a lady came with a tablet and finished our check in was very easy and efficient. No Butlers around I believe either a concierge guy or maybe concierge manager was in there. He never spoke to us but we did see him around Retreat areas on board. Boarding began and they came to each group and said you can board. We must have been invisible that day. They never approached us so we just cue’d and got on board. Once through gangplank they direct you to a door to the right  which leads directly into the Retreat Lounge by what feels like a back door off deck 5 where you are seated and offered a drink. I did not like this at all….there is nothing like boarding a ship for the first time and that moment of awe as you stand in the atrium. We sat there until they said rooms were ready and we could go. It was a little odd to us. 

 

MSC~Stateroom I’ll go by the Meraviglia stateroom where we find an adequate nice big shower but not enough storage in the bath. Balcony we wish they had a table and chairs so you can properly have a meal. It’s a nice stateroom with no complaints at all. Lovely bottle of Champagne awaits and of course a stocked fridge, snacks and bottle of our choice. 

 

Celebrity~Stateroom Wow! It blew us away. It was just lovely. I love that they still have throw pillows on the sofa and bed with the bed runner. Gave the room a homey feel. I know MSC removed theirs because of Covid but it looks plain. The room seemed huge at 300 sq foot. Bathroom had a tub/shower combo which I love a bath at night so I enjoyed it but made showering awkward because the tub seems narrow. Lots of storage in the bathroom which we loved. And the mirror had a night light built in it!! This was a big bonus for us because we didn't have to bring my battery night light for those late night trips to the can! Also a very large flatscreen with a big selection of live channels had all major channels and news channels if you are a TV watcher lots of free movies also. The balcony seemed large and had a comfortable reclining chair with footrest and two regular chairs and table great for dining! Celebrity definitely wins here! Also had welcome Champagne but no stocked mini fridge…at least not included had to pay and no snacks. We did get free water and our host did throw in a few cans of ginger ale.

 

MSC~Butler what can I say we literally had a butler serve Dave his coffee in bed, decorate our cabin for our Anniversary. Pravin once made our room lovely with roses and candles because he is just a sweetheart! We saw our butler everyday either in the hall outside our room, in the Topsail or pool deck. They foresaw our every need and always asked what they could do. Cookies and hot cocoa for night cap no problem! And don’t ever go to Topsail to order a drink to take back to your room. Those wonderful butlers are on it! 

 

Celebrity~Personal Retreat Host aka Butler. Ours was lovely. She came down on the first day and introduced herself. The mini bar in the cabin IS NOT INCLUDED in our suite only in the top two suites. There is a difference in Retreat depending on the suite. Didn’t care for this. But she empty beer and liquor and put water and a few ginger ales in for us at no charge. She also came and set breakfast for us in the morning which was really nice. We saw her first couple days but that was it. She was never in the hallway or at the Retreat Lounge. If we wanted something we’d have to call and it was hit or miss if she answered. Few times it just rang and rang other times someone else answered. We had read on a website that evening appetizers would be delivered. We never got so we asked so she said she’d bring cheese, crackers, nuts and fruits each evening at 5. First night it arrived, the second night didn’t come till after 6 we were gone then nothing for a few nights, she asked if we still wanted we said No thank you. All in all MSC wins hands down on the Butlers.

 

MSC~ The Topsail Lounge is a beautiful area to sit and relax, have cocktails, play cards, and enjoy a light snack. We love going in here in the evening before dinner and at the end of the night for a nightcap….or a cookie. They often have entertainment in the evening. It’s also conveniently located near the staterooms making it easy to pop in and out or to run into the same people. The Butlers are in there as well as bartenders and wait staff. Plus always snacks and they change depending on time of day. 

 

Celebrity ~Retreat Lounge is a pretty room but with no pretty view as it was on deck 5 and no windows. There was only entertainment one evening when they had a little get together for Retreat guests only lasted like an hour and was very crowded. Usually only one person working in the lounge is a bartender. They have snacks but only in the morning and before dinner. I could be wrong, we didn't use this area much as our cabin was on deck 12. And honestly it was kind of a boring area to go to no one was hardly ever in there. Concierge was also located in the lounge. They were not always there if you needed something. And again you’d have to go a long way from the cabin to the lounge. I know I could probably call but honestly sometimes with language differences and face masks it is easier face to face. I really missed the convenience of the concierge desk being right there. 

 

MSC~Yacht Club restaurant food is good, same menu all the time and sometimes the menu doesn’t appeal to me but they always have a salmon or filet mignon available. They have also let us know if there is something special you want they will do their best to accommodate you. 

 

Celebrity ~ Luminae restaurant food is good, probably a notch above MSC but same menu all the time and I did not see an option for just salmon or steak. I was not told that they’d fix us something else. We did have the option to eat in Blu restaurant which is for guests in Aqua Class cabins which we did one night. Food was excellent and the dining room was beautiful. You can also order off the mailing dining room menu in Luminae if you request in advance but didn’t find this out till end of the cruise. 

 

MSC- Pool deck. Love the pool deck with a hot tub and a pool. We like going up for breakfast or lunch and chatting with other guests. This is an area we use a lot of. The only thing it lacked was shade. 

 

Celebrity~Pool deck. Lovely deck but no pool did have a hot tub. Lots of seating and awnings providing many shady areas. However, they did not place windows properly to block wind so the deck was unusable many days we were at sea because wind was so bad. They do not offer a breakfast grill. They bring around fresh fruit on a napkin and have a limited lunch menu of chicken wraps or burgers. Looked good but I never tried it because it is not usable most days. 

 

MSC Yacht Club experience is just phenomenal. From being escorted on ship to the detail to attention. I love the little surprises in our cabin every night from a bottle of wine to a plate of chocolate strawberries. Maybe a few cookies or another set of MSC caps…..it was still a treat to see what sat on the table or bed when we returned back to the cabin each night. The service and attention from the butlers and concierge staff made it easy to ask and receive things I’d never thought to ask for. Like being escort off ship on disembarkation day, no waiting in line! Reserved seating at all the shows, reservations for dining and spa. Or walking into Topsail and Grace would have my favorite cookies and hot chocolate ready. 

 

Celebrity Retreat experience is really nice. We loved the cabin and the nice set up on the balcony. But it seems silly to call the Butler or go down so many decks to ask the concierge to make a reservation for us instead we just booked it on the app or called the restaurant directly. Except for one night we got a tote bag. We never had anything waiting in the cabin at night except the next day's flyer. Our cabin was on Deck 12 aft, the retreat pool deck was on deck 15 forward, Retreat lounge was deck 5 aft and restaurant was deck 3 aft. Seems so disjointed. Only had reserved seating at shows on “Chic” night and they do not escort you off ship or on at least not that we were made aware of. 

 

We had an awesome cruise and booked another cruise on Celebrity’s new ship Beyond again in a Sky Suite. Retreat is a great experience. Celebrity definitely does a lot right and we loved the cabin. Since this cruise ended up with 5 sea days we used the cabin a lot, especially the balcony. But hands down MSC wins on service and the 5 star treatment that Yacht Club guests receive. 

[kelleherdl]

5 hours ago, MmmmJason said:

 

 

Also, Celebrity's Retreat rooms are distributed throughout the ship in the best spots (aft, mid, fore corners), with the the actual Retreat common areas at the top of the ship behind keycard access.  On MSC, all Yacht Club rooms are in a single area behind keycard access, at the very top and front of the ship so you will always have to schlep across the ship to your cabin / restaurant / lounge.  

 

Hope this helps!

On MSC One does not ‘schlep’ around the ship from cabin to lounge, restaurant, etc. With the exception of the YC restaurant on the Fantasia class ships YC amenities  are collocated with your stateroom in the YC area, similar to the NCL Haven area.

[perakcruiser]

17 hours ago, prh1976 said:

It's been quite a while since I've cruised (15 years), and have always have always enjoyed Celebrity.  Clearly ships and lines have changed.  Currently I'm trying to decide between the MSC Yacht Club on Seascape or the Celebrity Retreat on Apex.  I'll also be traveling with two teens as well, but really like the idea of a ship within a ship.  I'm certainly welcome to any other suggestions that I might be missing.  Thanks in advance for your insights.

 

While I totally enjoyed the two pre marriage cruises with Celebrity "quite a while" before, now with kids our choice is certainly MSC. Your teens will have a lot of fun with others in their age from around the world, that is much more important than some slight differences between YC and Retreat. 

 

In the future, when we cruise alone again, I want to revisit Celebrity for sure but this will still take "quite a while" 😄

[Seadweller001]

Experienced both.  Bang for the buck goes to the YC experience.  In the bigger ships you literally do not have to leave the YC area.  X commingles most of the suites on floors with non suites and venues are scattered all over the ship.

 

We prefer the YC and will continue to book as long as the rates do not go crazy.

 

 

Edited August 11, 2022 by Seadweller001

[prh1976]

Thank you for all of the helpful comments!

[mafig]

kidless, you posted about MSC  restaurant "same menu all of the time."  We were in YC twice a few years ago and the menu in the MSC restaurant was different at dinner.  Has this changed?  

 

We were in the Haven on NCL and that  restaurant's menu was the same each night.  Didn't bother DH since he enjoyed having lobster every night, although I would have preferred a little more variety.

 

 

[blordos]

In Yacht Club the lunch and dinner menus are changed daily.