One of the most important steps when planning a cruise vacation is choosing your stateroom. For first-time cruisers, I always recommend something low and mid-ship if they’re not sure how the motion of the ocean will affect them. I personally try to score an aft-facing balcony stateroom. Some of my friends would rather save money on their accommodations and book an inside cabin so they have more to spend on excursions, incidentals and of course, the bar bill!
Inside staterooms can be small and don’t have windows. If you’re not concerned about that and plan on spending most of your time out of your stateroom, they’re an affordable choice. They’re also great for those traveling solo!
Outside staterooms are ones that have either a porthole or window that looks out on the water or inside the atrium of the ship.
Balcony staterooms are the most common stateroom category and afford the cruiser the luxury of stepping out onto a private balcony where they can relax and watch the world pass by.
Then there are the suites. Some of these are huge and almost all have private balconies, some even have outdoor dining tables and hot tubs.
- Take a tour of the Aqua Theatre Suite on Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas
- Take a tour of the Crown Loft Suite on Royal Caribbean’s Allure of the Seas
For those looking for the ultimate in luxury cruising, more and more cruise lines are rolling out the “ship-within-a-ship” concept giving passengers the option of booking a more exclusive experience with upgraded accommodations and amenities available only to those staying within this class.
One example of this is the MSC Yacht Club. Think concierge-level suites in a hotel, but on a cruise ship. The MSC Yacht Club is available on MSC Divina, MSC Fantasia, MSC Meravigla, MSC Preziosa, MSC Seaside, MSC Seaview and MSC Splendida.
For those who choose to book in the MSC Yacht Club, they can expect:
- 24-hour butler service. This is the person who will know you better than your own mother by the time your cruise is over! Your butler will manage all aspects of your cruise vacation. From making dinner reservations and spa appointments to arranging a private after-hours shopping excursion in the ship’s shops. Your butler will also work with you to create a custom shore excursion should you want to take your time ashore to the next level.
- Access to the Top Sail Lounge. Those staying in the MSC Yacht Club have access to their own private lounge where you can start the day off with continental breakfast and end the day with a nightcap. Entertainment is usually available in the lounge during the evening hours.
- A Private Restaurant. While today’s cruise ships have several options for breakfast, lunch or dinner, those staying in the Yacht Club have one additional – their own private restaurant. No fixed dining times, no reservations, no stress!
- Private “One Pool” Pool and Sun Deck. You won’t have to worry about getting up early and scoring a lounger on the pool deck if you’re staying in the Yacht Club! You have your own private pool, whirlpool, sun deck and bar and grill that serves breakfast, a light lunch and light dinner.
- Free Beverages. Well, sort of. Drinks, alcoholic and non, are included at no cost from the Top Sail Lounge, the private restaurant, the One Pool bar and the mini bar in your stateroom. You will need a beverage package or pay-as-you-go for drinks outside these venues… for now! Beginning in May 2017, MSC will be rolling out free beverages throughout the entire ship for those staying in the Yacht Club.
- Upgraded Staterooms. The staterooms on MSC cruise ships are tastefully appointed already, but the Yacht Club staterooms get an upgrade. A different décor is the first thing one will notice as well as an upgraded bathroom, larger TV, a pillow menu, and more.
I recently had the opportunity to tour the Yacht Club on the MSC Divina. Unfortunately, it was a rainy day and I didn’t get the best photos of the outdoor areas, but a quick look at the photos shows how this is a more intimate and luxurious experience.
Staying in the Yacht Club is set to get even better when MSC opens their new private island in the Bahamas, Ocean Cay. Yacht Club guest will have their own corner of the island set aside for an exclusive spa and wellness sanctuary, with private bungalows and massage huts. Ocean Cay is set to open in December 2017.
Have you stayed in the Yacht Club on an MSC cruise ship? If so, let me know what you thought about the experience in the comments!