Yacht Club Suite Advice for a Celebrity Refugee

[Whinenowine]

Hi, everyone!  So I'm new to MSC but not to cruising. I've read a number of good things about the YC experience on the X boards, and with the ever-increasing Retreat pricing (insane!) I'm thinking about a Feb '24 sailing on the Seashore.  I'm lucky enough that normally a Royal Suite would be our speed--but both are booked.  So I'm wondering if a family of 4 (including 2 teenagers) can realistically squeeze into a Deluxe/Grand Suite, or if I should stretch a bit and book the one remaining Owners Suite.  Given the much greater cost, do we get any extra perks for this suite (i.e. is it like an Upper Suite on X)?  Or do you just get more space for (much) more money? I looked on MSC's website and tried to search online but found nothing.

 

Sorry to bother, and thanks in advance! 

 

[amygutman]

Hello @Whinenowine! 

One of the frustrating YC things for our family is although the physical footprint of the larger suites is greater, with the exception of the Duplex suites, suites only have one bathroom. Not even a full + 1/2 bath. With more than 2 adults, that could be difficult. With one teen (we have a 14 yo), we prefer at least 1 + 0.5 baths if possible. Not a deal-breaker as the prices tend to be lower than the other "ship-within-a-ship" brands, but a big difference between NCL and RCCL, and from researching Celebrity, it looks like a feature of the larger Retreat suites as well. 

 

The Duplexes are lovely for the two separate areas, 2 full baths, but not in the actual YC area require a little logistical juggling to get into the YC area itself. Also, not ideal if differently abled as these suites have stairs. They do have a balcony hot tub though, so that is a big plus! We do not like the physical layout nor the physical location as we prefer to be IN the complex itself (not 2-4 flights below, an elevator / stair ride, and 2 hallway walks which is not fun when you are soaking wet).

 

The big YC plus is the separate area with a pool that all can use (some look to have no pool prior to "revitalization", and some are 16+ only). Not all of the Retreats have this feature and it's once we love. All of the benefits are listed online at https://www.msccruisesusa.com/cruise/msc-yacht-club but one nice one is included use of the thermal spa for all YC cruises, not just spa class as in the other brands. Great feature if you are cold-weather sailing. 

 

Hope that is helpful and I am sure others will add their advice as well. Warmest, Amy

 

 

[morpheusofthesea]

Welcome fellow refugee. We sailed in RS, Villa, and Penthouse on Celebrity in 2021. We recommend you book the OS on the Seashore. One gets much more cabin space and balcony. The RS on Celebrity is a nice cabin, but the 80 sq ft balcony is terrible. Now that the Retreat has changed the cushioned deck loungers for a heavy metal version the host/butlers will only supply one ordinary uncushioned deck lounger that can be made to fit. No way 4 people can use the balcony unless all are in the jacuzzi.

Photo below is balcony of OS Seashore February 2022. RS/OS get a reserved  complimentary pergola on the One Pool deck as well.  

1059 sq ft. cabin with 226 sq ft balcony

 

Here is our list for those that might have missed it, that Yacht Club has all of them.

Never sailed on a MSC ship in a cabin outside the Yacht Club. But we can list now all the things to look out for when booking any cruise ship.

#1 E muster drill is better

#2 Two cabin cleanings per day

#3 No % charge for gambling unless using cash

#4 No extra charge for can sodas vs fountain drinks

#5 Reserved seating in the theatre for all shows

#6 Complimentary bottled water

#7 Reserved or ability to reserve pergola/cabanas on pool deck

#8 'Cushioned' pool lounges

#9 Escorts on and off ship avoiding long lines

#10 First to use tenders off the ship at ports that tender

#11 Dedicated restaurant that is so good one need not book Specialty Restaurants

#12 Service that does not involve 2 hours to complete a meal

#13 An attentive butler not hard to find when needed

#14 Cabins ready upon embarkation/ key cards in hand at checkin

#15 Dedicated restaurant OPEN port days

#16 Dedicated buffet to only suite guests

#17 Dedicated pool and sun deck only for suite guests with ample lounges

# 18 All the advantages of a mega ship with the exclusivity of a gated community

#19 walk-in shower not low profile tub/shower combo

#20 No non-suite paying Pinnacle/Zenith/Diamond passengers taking up prime real estate in the Yacht Club

#21 Elevator over-ride key cards for suite guests

#22 Pristine out island with NO bugs crawling all over cabanas

#23 short distance between cabin and restaurant decks

#24 At least a 100 sq ft balcony accommodating a cushioned lounge chair

Edited July 6, 2023 by morpheusofthesea

[peder]

If it's in your budget, I'd also recommend the Owners Suite. I don't think the deluxe/grand YC suites are great for 3+ folks. I'd actually recommend booking the Aurea suites (the "grand" ones, not the "premium" ones) before a regular YC cabin for your situation.

[peder]

Also, check CruisePlum to see when the RS and OS are available.

[Whinenowine]

2 hours ago, morpheusofthesea said:

Welcome fellow refugee. We sailed in RS, Villa, and Penthouse on Celebrity in 2021. We recommend you book the OS on the Seashore. One gets much more cabin space and balcony. The RS on Celebrity is a nice cabin, but the 80 sq ft balcony is terrible. Now that the Retreat has changed the cushioned deck loungers for a heavy metal version the host/butlers will only supply one ordinary uncushioned deck lounger that can be made to fit. No way 4 people can use the balcony unless all are in the jacuzzi.

Photo below is balcony of OS Seashore February 2022. RS/OS get a reserved  complimentary pergola on the One Pool deck as well.  

1059 sq ft. cabin with 226 sq ft balcony

 

Here is our list for those that might have missed it, that Yacht Club has all of them.

Never sailed on a MSC ship in a cabin outside the Yacht Club. But we can list now all the things to look out for when booking any cruise ship.

#1 E muster drill is better

#2 Two cabin cleanings per day

#3 No % charge for gambling unless using cash

#4 No extra charge for can sodas vs fountain drinks

#5 Reserved seating in the theatre for all shows

#6 Complimentary bottled water

#7 Reserved or ability to reserve pergola/cabanas on pool deck

#8 'Cushioned' pool lounges

#9 Escorts on and off ship avoiding long lines

#10 First to use tenders off the ship at ports that tender

#11 Dedicated restaurant that is so good one need not book Specialty Restaurants

#12 Service that does not involve 2 hours to complete a meal

#13 An attentive butler not hard to find when needed

#14 Cabins ready upon embarkation/ key cards in hand at checkin

#15 Dedicated restaurant OPEN port days

#16 Dedicated buffet to only suite guests

#17 Dedicated pool and sun deck only for suite guests with ample lounges

# 18 All the advantages of a mega ship with the exclusivity of a gated community

#19 walk-in shower not low profile tub/shower combo

#20 No non-suite paying Pinnacle/Zenith/Diamond passengers taking up prime real estate in the Yacht Club

#21 Elevator over-ride key cards for suite guests

#22 Pristine out island with NO bugs crawling all over cabanas

#23 short distance between cabin and restaurant decks

#24 At least a 100 sq ft balcony accommodating a cushioned lounge chair

 

 

Thanks, this is excellent!  The one big drawback with the OS is the lack of a second bathroom (or even half bath), as Amy points out above.  Loved the PH on X for that feature (was on the Edge and Millennium last year).  So I was toying with just booking 2 Grand Suites as a half measure (threading the needle, so to speak)--but that's just about as expensive as getting the OS.  A high class problem to be sure!  Did you find the butler service in the YC on par or better than in an X RS/PH?

[Whinenowine]

1 hour ago, peder said:

Also, check CruisePlum to see when the RS and OS are available.

Thanks, Peder--I'm not familiar with this site but will take a look.  I'm really limited on my timing because of high school schedules. So this week in Feb is my only choice, and as of now both RSs are booked.  In your experiences do they often free up as we get closer to final payment?

[peder]

7 minutes ago, Whinenowine said:

Thanks, Peder--I'm not familiar with this site but will take a look.  I'm really limited on my timing because of high school schedules. So this week in Feb is my only choice, and as of now both RSs are booked.  In your experiences do they often free up as we get closer to final payment?

Nope, they sure don't! 😂 I've watched these pretty closely and on the dates that my schedule is free, it seems everyone else is also looking for these handful of suites on the handful of ships I'm interested in.

 

I've come to accept that for the few room categories that fit my family, I need to be booking pretty far out.

Edited July 7, 2023 by peder

[momofmab]

What about an inside YC cabin for your teens and the grand deluxe for you?

 

I totally empathize with being limited to school schedules!

[xcell]

I've cruised in the deluxe (Seaside -- side note, I think it is larger than the deluxe on the Seashore) and seen the grand deluxe on the Seashore (it was much bigger than the deluxe on both ships, had a walk in closet with a door -- friends sailed on it, so my Dec we booked that).

 

I am a family of 4 with two teenage daughters and we were able to survive having a single bathroom (I do not know how).  With that being said, in order to have more space but not cost me more money, my August cruise on the Seaside is two YC inside cabins.  So, if your budget affords it, you could book a deluxe balcony and then an inside for the kids (of course, one adult per room and then switch).

 

 

Edited July 7, 2023 by xcell

[Nunagoras]

1 hour ago, momofmab said:

What about an inside YC cabin for your teens and the grand deluxe for you?

 

I totally empathize with being limited to school schedules!

That's it. A Deluxe or a Grand Deluxe for parents and an inside for the teens will do the trick. 2 bathrooms and perhaps less than booking an OS/RS or one of the duplexes. Unique loss would be the "free" cabana on the pool deck which is exclusive for top suites, but again; you wouldn't use it that much, or at least the teens not so much...

 

Oh; and don't forget: Send MSC your highest rank on another cruise line of your choice and they'll status match you to the corresponding MSC's level. MSC's loyalty perks aren't that great lately, but a 5% off your booking fare would certainly to be appreciated!...

 

Have a wonderful day!...

[morpheusofthesea]

8 hours ago, Whinenowine said:

 Did you find the butler service in the YC on par or better than in an X RS/PH?

Better in the Yacht Club. The personal butler CAN be like a "genie" on RCCL, escorting one everywhere, to the front of every line and to get seats at any venue, though it depends. My DW and I no longer fly so we drive to the South Florida ports, this allows DW to bring her 12 suitcases. We generally tip our butlers/hosts $250 -$400 depending on service for one weeks cruise. Never will forget the Villa on Edge, loved the cruise, loved the ship, but the luggage is delivered to the lower level and all the drawers and closets are upstairs with the master bedroom. The host/butler saw the 12 bags and disappeared for the remainder of the cruise, rather than help carry the luggage up the stairs. (Only tipped him $20 for the week). Also there is no shade on the balcony of the villa. (Once and done). The penthouse we found the piano was a waste of space. The robes were a gift no longer given, substituted by monogramed pajamas.

[morpheusofthesea]

9 hours ago, Whinenowine said:

In your experiences do they often free up as we get closer to final payment?

They can free up one week before final payment, but by that time every other cruise line is booked for same time slot. So if one doesn't mind losing ones deposits, book multiple ships.

[morpheusofthesea]

10 hours ago, Whinenowine said:

 Did you find the butler service in the YC on par or better than in an X RS/PH?

And as a second thought. one is more likely to get the best butler in the YC booking the RS/OS. On our last cruise we asked our butler which RS will he have next month. His reply was he attends to both RS suites.

   Another second thought. Celebrity did offer a higher refundable deposit to hold a cabin, should the MSC RS become available on final payment day.

Edited July 7, 2023 by morpheusofthesea

[mnpurple]

I would have suggested booking an interior, but see there are none available (at least I think that to be the case). If money is not an issue, go for the larger space. It you would like to save, I would just book one room, but try to find one that might be near the concierge area where there is a public bathroom if someone needs one quick while yours is occupied. I'd also utilize the thermal spa for your kids (or you) if they wanted to shower or have more space to get ready depending on their routines. I was on the Seaview, so I assume the rooms on Seashore might be similar size and I felt they were quite spacious. we also loved the spa! You are also able to go to the lounge or pool deck in a matter of minutes, so use that space to spread out more.

 

If you were looking at a ship like Divina, I definitely would not recommend sharing because that room was far smaller and the bathroom was quite small too.

[peder]

For some folks it's a dealbreaker to have their kids in another cabin that does not connect. I really wish there was a 2-bedroom YC category.

[Whinenowine]

6 hours ago, momofmab said:

What about an inside YC cabin for your teens and the grand deluxe for you?

 

I totally empathize with being limited to school schedules!

momofmab--Yes that was my first choice...inside cabin gets me the extra bathroom and another 225sqft of space (good enough for the teenagers to sleep).  Unfortunately, as you can imagine...they're all booked.  But great minds think alike!   😇

[Whinenowine]

5 hours ago, Nunagoras said:

That's it. A Deluxe or a Grand Deluxe for parents and an inside for the teens will do the trick. 2 bathrooms and perhaps less than booking an OS/RS or one of the duplexes. Unique loss would be the "free" cabana on the pool deck which is exclusive for top suites, but again; you wouldn't use it that much, or at least the teens not so much...

 

Oh; and don't forget: Send MSC your highest rank on another cruise line of your choice and they'll status match you to the corresponding MSC's level. MSC's loyalty perks aren't that great lately, but a 5% off your booking fare would certainly to be appreciated!...

 

Have a wonderful day!...

Obrigado, Nunagoras.  Already tried the inside cabin path.  And thanks for the loyalty advice--I'll have to see if my Marriott or Celebrity status will equal better MSC status.

[Whinenowine]

4 hours ago, morpheusofthesea said:

Never will forget the Villa on Edge, loved the cruise, loved the ship, but the luggage is delivered to the lower level and all the drawers and closets are upstairs with the master bedroom. The host/butler saw the 12 bags and disappeared for the remainder of the cruise, rather than help carry the luggage up the stairs. (Only tipped him $20 for the week). Also there is no shade on the balcony of the villa. (Once and done). The penthouse we found the piano was a waste of space. The robes were a gift no longer given, substituted by monogramed pajamas.

 

Haha...haven't done an Edge Villa yet, but heard about the lack of shade.  They got rid of the PH piano in the revolutionized X ships, which was practical.  The M-class PH terrace remains the best I've ever had at sea; 1100sqft of luxury (though the shallow hot tub was a bit of a joke).  I travel with 3 women, so I'm used to lugging the luggage (approprately named). 

[Whinenowine]

2 hours ago, peder said:

For some folks it's a dealbreaker to have their kids in another cabin that does not connect. I really wish there was a 2-bedroom YC category.

Agree generally, but luckily in a venue like the YC my kids are now old enough to be nearby but not next to us. 

[peder]

5 minutes ago, Whinenowine said:

Agree generally, but luckily in a venue like the YC my kids are now old enough to be nearby but not next to us. 

oh cool, so then you probably have a lot of options if there are no YC inside cabins remaining. 2 Deluxe, 2 Grand Deluxe, 1 Owners Suite + 1 Deluxe, etc.

[Whinenowine]

1 hour ago, peder said:

oh cool, so then you probably have a lot of options if there are no YC inside cabins remaining. 2 Deluxe, 2 Grand Deluxe, 1 Owners Suite + 1 Deluxe, etc.

Peder--now you're getting carried away with that last one!   Hahaha...but I'm sure my kids would love that (best of both worlds for them).  If they want college paid for, that is....

[nlclhc]

We (2 adults+2 teens) finished a cruise on the Seascape in cabin 19028 (YCP). We managed with a single bathroom with no problem.

 

We are going to repeat during New Year's this time on the Seashore.

[Whinenowine]

48 minutes ago, nlclhc said:

We (2 adults+2 teens) finished a cruise on the Seascape in cabin 19028 (YCP). We managed with a single bathroom with no problem.

 

We are going to repeat during New Year's this time on the Seashore.

Good to know, thanks!  That looks like one of the wider grand suites, is that right?  I'm still very new to MSC but it seems there are 2 of these cabins on each YC deck.  looks to be like 3-5ft wider than other grand suites.  Is that correct?

[nlclhc]

1 minute ago, Whinenowine said:

Good to know, thanks!  That looks like one of the wider grand suites, is that right?  I'm still very new to MSC but it seems there are 2 of these cabins on each YC deck.  looks to be like 3-5ft wider than other grand suites.  Is that correct?

 

Yes, that is one of the bigger ones but to be honest we felt we didn't need as much. For our next trip we will be on one of the 'normal' YCP.