MAKING A GRAND ENTRANCE is always a good thing. And, while descending a swirling staircase encrusted with sparkling Swarovski crystals, how can it not make one feel glamorous? This is only one of the many stellar ways I felt a bit grand while a guest on MSC Meraviglia, sailing from New York City to the Bahamas and back, with a suite in MSC Yacht Club. This is the company’s ship within a ship – a floating boutique hotel, complete with concierge services and private dining. On 15 of its fleet of 23 ships, MSC, the world’s third largest cruise line, there’s the option to book or upgrade to its Yacht Club.
MSC Meraviglia, MSC Yacht Club – Concierge Area
Before boarding, I’m met by my dedicated butler, Ana Lisa Gerardo, who helps me with my bag and takes me straight to the club reception. No standing in line or figuring out how to check in here. It’s seamless, and I’m presented with a watch-like bracelet, which identifies me as a Yacht Club guest, allows me key-card style access to all the club’s exclusive public spaces, and an added level of service. Ana Lisa escorts me to my suite; shows me all the bits and bobs, the stocked mini-bar, beach/pool towels and more and then lets me know she’ll be back to walk me to dinner. (Upon check-in, the receptionist assisted with VIP seating for the nightly entertainment on offer and dinner reservations; although MSC Yacht Club is all-inclusive, there are many other dining options – from Steak to Mexican to Japanese – on board MSC’s fleet of ships.) And, the butler service is available 24/7.
Dining Room
I’m glad I chose to dress for dinner; Ana Lisa arrives at my door at 6:50 sharp, dressed in formal butler attire, complete with white gloves and tails. As we wind down the sparkling stairs, I’m greeted by YC Head Concierge Raj Bhugwath, just as one would if they were staying at a well-appointed hotel. “Ms. Vassos, so lovely to see you, your table for dinner is ready,” he says, as he directs me to the club’s exclusive dining room. “I’m an official Clefs d’Or, which I was awarded when I was working on land, for French hoteliers,” Bhugwath tells me.
Les Clefs d’Or is French for The Golden Keys, and Bhugwath, is a member of this professional association of some of the best hotel concierges across the globe, on land or at sea. He holds the “keys” for everything – and the key to opening many experiences while on board, including bespoke excursions created specifically for MSC’s Yacht Club guests. “We get to know all our guests, build close personal relationships; and care for everybody, whether it’s 10 guests or 100 or 200 guests,” he tells me. “I’m always around to ensure everyone’s needs are met.”
Once at the table, I’m regaled with a glass of Champagne, top-notch attentive service – extra-nice as I am travelling solo – and a Mediterranean-inspired menu, as well as having the opinion of the club’s sommelier, who skilfully pairs wines to accompany my meal. I leave satisfied and spoiled, but not until after Ana Lisa pops by my table to ask if I’d like a cup of tea or anything before I bed down for the night. And there it is, a piping hot cup of mint tea, waiting for me in my suite. She’s also taken the time to neatly wrap all my unwieldy charging cords with MSC-branded velcro ties; I still use them when I travel.
Tea Service
The next afternoon, after a leisurely breakfast and a super-relaxing turn in the ship’s thermal suite in the Aurea Spa (also complimentary for Club guests), it’s time for a bit of sunbathing and a dip in the pool on the Club’s private sundeck. I’ve been offered a snug cabana, and it’s stocked with plenty of cold water and soft drinks. The number of staff to guests ratio is plentiful without being cloying; there’s a bartender and a chef on duty, as well.
When I return to my suite, there’s a personalized invitation to come to “Elegant Afternoon Tea” the next afternoon at an appointed time – a special event that happens once per sailing in the Club’s Top Sail Lounge. The butlers are dressed to the nines; they’re pouring Champagne and wheeling a selection of loose-leaf and bagged teas, steeping my selection to my taste.
Aurea Spa
But it’s the ocean that motivates MSC to do more; the company’s sustainability efforts can be witnessed in the Caribbean at MSC’s Marine Reserve on the cruise line’s private island, Ocean Cay, in the Bahamas. Sure, it has stretches of sandy beaches and energetic beach bars; places to experience water sports and play the day away – as each Caribbean sailing includes a stop at the island. Yet, it is also an environmental lab of sorts, a station where scientists and eco-warriors dedicate their time and efforts to the preservation of the sea and its coral reefs. Here, club guests also have their own private beach by the turquoise surf; butlers man the area, make reservations at the dedicated super-casual restaurant and ensure I’m hydrated and content.
And I am, making my farewell descent down the sparkling staircase bittersweet. It seems I’ve joined the club.
The cruise line’s latest, MSC World America, will launch in April 2025 with the company’s largest MSC Yacht Club and spend its inaugural season sailing the Caribbean, with all visits including a stop at Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, the cruise line’s private island in The Bahamas. msccruises.ca
