WHAT IS IT ABOUT A CRUISE that is so magical? Perhaps it is the romance of the epic journeys of the past, or the spirit of adventure when it comes to sailing the high seas.
And, what if, on your own epic journey, you could set sail in a ship within a ship? A floating boutique hotel, complete with concierge services and private dining is what MSC Yacht Club is all about. On 15 of its fleet of 23 ships, MSC Cruises, the world’s third largest cruise line, offers all its guests the option to upgrade to the MSC Yacht Club. And, when the MSC World America launches in April 2025, it will have the largest, most luxurious MSC Yacht Club in the fleet, yet still feel intimate with just 152 suites.
After you’ve taken a moment to breathe in the exclusive lounge at the port terminal, your butler will escort you to the gangway – you’re VIP before you step foot on board. Spacious balcony suites are fully stocked with all the amenities, from plush towels and beach towels to self-care organic toiletries and a fully loaded mini bar. A chic slip of a watch-like bracelet allows you key-card style access to all the MSC Yacht Club’s exclusive public spaces, and indicates to the staff that you’re someone who appreciates that added level of service. Need something more? The butler service is available 24/7.
Photo: Courtesy of MSC Cruises
This “ship-within-a-ship” concept is perfect for those who are seeking a retreat, but still want the excitement and energy of big-ship cruising. All the bars and restaurants are easily reserved by MSC Yacht Club’s dedicated concierge; have a dinner reservation and your butler will come to your door just in time to escort you to whatever restaurant you choose on the ship and make sure all is perfect.
Relaxation is full speed ahead here; from a blissful hour at the spa with its thermal suite and water circuit to the MSC Yacht Club-only pool, complete with cabanas, lunch buffet and bartenders mixing the best cocktails, overlooking the ocean.
Photo: Courtesy of MSC Cruises
Being a guest of the MSC Yacht Club means you have priority disembarkation and embarkation, reserved seating in the ship’s theatre so you can always enjoy nightly entertainment without rushing to get the best seats, and bespoke, smaller-group shore excursions (more than 90 to choose from!) – and the best part? It’s an all-inclusive experience, including a premium drinks package, for a stress-free, seamless vacation.
“The new shore excursion offering has come following customer feedback and a desire for a more exclusive experience for MSC Yacht Club guests,” says MSC Cruises Head of Shore Excursions, Marialuisa Iaccarino. “Guests will benefit from a seamless experience between the butlers’ service onboard and the excursion experts ashore as well as having the opportunity to relax and fully immerse themselves into each destination’s culture, cuisine and traditions.” Learn how to make perfume in France? Oui, oui. Have an authentic Greek dining experience on a private catamaran in Santorini? Opa! Or simply chill in your private cabana in the lush surrounds of Jamaica; these are just a few of the excursion experiences available to MSC Yacht Club guests.
Once per sailing, indulge in a specially crafted afternoon tea, served in the MSC Yacht Club’s Top Sail Lounge, complete with butler service and champagne; before-dinner cocktails are mixed to the sounds of live music. And there’s always a light bite available if you’re feeling peckish; have a snack while taking in the lounge’s panoramic ocean view.
Photo: Courtesy of MSC Cruises
Photo: Courtesy of MSC Cruises
If you love a good glass of wine, you’re in luck. While dining at the MSC Yacht Club Restaurant, you’ll experience excellent service and be able to tap into the knowledge of some of the top sommeliers at sea. The wine menu includes choices from all over the world, and special selections are paired with each night’s menu. In keeping with MSC Cruises’ Italian roots, the ship’s chefs focus on Mediterranean cuisine, with a hint of international flair using as much of the local produce as possible to order; vegetarian options and dietary restrictions are always taken into account.
Families are also welcome at the MSC Yacht Club; top notch extras allow parents to enjoy their vacations as much as the children. There’s an on-board Kid’s Club with a full roster of activities; when the fun’s over at the club, there’s no need for parents to interrupt their vacation day, as their butlers will pick up the kids and reunite them with their parents.
Sustainability is core to the MSC Cruises brand. The ocean is MSC Cruises’ home and the company and its founders do everything they can to make sure it is healthy and safe for generations to come.
In the Caribbean, MSC’s Marine Reserve on the cruise line’s private island, Ocean Cay, is dedicated to the preservation of the sea and its coral reefs. Here, MSC Yacht Club guests will lounge on a private beach by the crystal blue waters of the Bahamas, and satiate their appetites at the dedicated restaurant – you’ll even find your butler making sure you stay hydrated and you have everything you need for a fabulous day at the beach.
“There are even more advantages of the MSC Yacht Club just waiting to be discovered by guests,” says MSC Yacht Club Executive Director, Marion Baland. “The beauty of the MSC Yacht Club lies in its ability to offer the best of both worlds. Whether guests are seeking a vibrant and varied entertainment experience for the whole family or a more serene and leisurely pace, it caters to all preferences. It is exclusivity and privacy in a world of choice.”
Highlights from the MSC Yacht Club’s Exceptional Excursions
Photo: Courtesy of MSC Cruises
Genoa, Italy: A visit to Genoa offers the chance to wander through its captivating old town, a maze of medieval alleyways lined with grand palazzi built in the 16th and 17th centuries by the city’s wealthy mercantile families. Many of these historic buildings have now been transformed into museums and art galleries. Don’t miss iconic landmarks like the Cattedrale di San Lorenzo, the Palazzo Ducale, and the Renaissance palaces of Via Garibaldi, which house Genoa’s finest art collections, along with period furniture and décor from the city’s golden age when its ships sailed across the Mediterranean. For a true taste of local culture, join an authentic pesto cooking class in nearby Santa Margherita Ligure.
Photo: Courtesy of MSC Cruises
Cannes, France: A holiday in Cannes with MSC Cruises offers the perfect opportunity to experience the glitz and glamour of the French Riviera. With its pristine seafront hotels, exclusive beaches, luxury yachts, and designer boutiques, Cannes is the epitome of sophistication—especially during the renowned film festival in May. While you’re there, indulge in a sensory experience at an exclusive perfume-making workshop, where you’ll create your own signature fragrance in this iconic French destination.
Photo: Courtesy of MSC Cruises
Akureyri, Iceland: A stop in Akureyri presents an unforgettable adventure. Take an excursion to Lake Myvatn, passing through Eyjafjördur for stunning views of the port city. Visit Godafoss, a striking waterfall with a rich history—legend has it that Iceland’s first Christian ruler threw idols of Nordic gods into the falls in the year 1000. Recharge at the Fontana geothermal baths, where you can relax in naturally heated waters while enjoying Iceland’s incredible landscapes.
Photo: Courtesy of MSC Cruises
Scotland: Known for its vibrant atmosphere, Invergordon offers a mix of lively bars, restaurants, and cultural attractions. Explore some of the best museums and galleries in Britain, or simply stroll through the city’s stunning architecture, which reflects its 18th- and 19th-century prosperity. For whisky lovers, a visit to the famous Glenmorangie Distillery is a must, where you can sample some of Scotland’s finest spirits.
Photo: Courtesy of MSC Cruises
Cozumel, Mexico: A visit to Cozumel is a feast for the senses. Stroll through downtown San Miguel’s malecón, lined with restaurants, shops, and jewelry stores. If you’re a history enthusiast, stop by the Museo de la Isla de Cozumel to learn about the island’s flora, fauna, and marine life, as well as its rich Mayan heritage. For a truly luxurious experience, enjoy a catamaran and snorkeling excursion in the crystal-clear waters surrounding Cozumel.
Photo: Courtesy of MSC Cruises
Falmouth, Jamaica: Falmouth, Jamaica, is a paradise of reggae, rum, beautiful beaches, and rich history. As one of the Caribbean’s best-preserved Georgian towns, Falmouth boasts impressive landmarks like the clock tower, Victorian market, courthouse, and Vermont House, which date back to the 18th and 19th centuries. These historic buildings stand in striking contrast to the modern port developments. For a truly relaxing experience, unwind in a plush cabana set in the lush, forested grounds near the Martha Brae River.
