Generally speaking, MSC Cruises would not be considered Six Star. And although known for its innovative and diverse fleet, MSC Cruises would be 3-4 star. However, MSC Cruises has entered the luxury market with the MSC Yacht Club, a “ship within a ship” concept that promises an elevated cruising experience. But the question remains: Is MSC Yacht Club six star? And should you switch from your Regent Seven Seas Cruises to an MSC cruise?
Well, let’s dive into the specifics of the MSC Yacht Club experience to determine whether it meets the criteria of a six star cruise experience.
1. Accommodation: A Step Above (Well, sort of)
Suites:
MSC Yacht Club offers a range of suites that rival those found on many six star vessels. The suites, which include options like the Royal Suite, offer spacious layouts, elegant décor, marble bathrooms, and expansive balconies with stunning ocean views. The interiors are tastefully designed with high-end materials, from plush bedding to luxurious bath amenities.
However, it’s worth noting that the MSC Yacht Club still offers Inside staterooms… Whilst some six star cruise lines are exclusively all-suite.
Verdict:
While the suites in the MSC Yacht Club are undoubtedly luxurious and well-appointed, they may not reach the sprawling, ultra-opulent levels of suites found on dedicated six star ships like those of Regent Seven Seas or Silversea. However, they could be certainly a cut above standard cruise accommodations and cater well to discerning travellers.
2. Dining: A Gourmet Journey
Exclusive Restaurants:
Yacht Club guests enjoy access to private restaurants, such as the Yacht Club Restaurant, where the cuisine is of a higher standard than the main dining options. These restaurants offer à la carte menus with a focus on gourmet dishes, often inspired by the ship’s itinerary, and feature a refined, intimate atmosphere. The MSC Yacht Club also provides 24-hour room service and a dedicated lounge with a selection of fine wines, spirits, and gourmet snacks.
Specialty Dining:
Beyond the Yacht Club, MSC Cruises has partnered with renowned chefs like Jean-Philippe Maury to offer specialty dining experiences. However, access to these venues often comes with an additional fee, unlike the all-inclusive nature of dining on many six star cruises.
Verdict:
The dining in the MSC Yacht Club is certainly elevated and offers a gourmet experience. However, the need to pay extra for specialty dining outside the Yacht Club contrasts with the fully inclusive gourmet offerings typically found on six star cruises.
3. Service: Personalised and Attentive
Butler Service:
Each suite in the MSC Yacht Club comes with 24/7 butler service. These butlers are trained to provide personalised attention, from unpacking luggage to arranging private excursions, ensuring that guests’ needs are met with discretion and efficiency. The staff-to-guest ratio in the Yacht Club is also higher than in the rest of the ship, allowing for more attentive service.
Concierge and Priority Access:
Yacht Club guests benefit from a dedicated concierge service and priority access to all onboard and shore-side experiences. This includes priority embarkation and disembarkation, reserved seating in theaters, and private shore excursions, all of which contribute to a more seamless and luxurious experience.
Verdict:
The service in MSC Yacht Club is a strong contender for six star status, with personalised butler service and exclusive privileges. However, the overall service experience can vary depending on the ship and region, which might not always match the consistently flawless service seen on recognised six star lines.
4. Amenities: Luxurious but Limited
Private Spaces:
The MSC Yacht Club includes access to exclusive areas such as a private pool deck, a sunbathing area, and the Top Sail Lounge, which offers panoramic views and a serene environment away from the bustling main ship areas. These spaces are designed to create a more intimate, club-like atmosphere for Yacht Club guests.
Spa and Wellness:
While Yacht Club guests have access to the Aurea Spa, which offers a range of luxurious treatments, this area is not exclusive to Yacht Club members. Other six star cruise lines often provide spa facilities that are either more exclusive or included in the fare, further enhancing the luxury experience.
Entertainment and Activities:
MSC Cruises is known for its wide range of entertainment options, from Broadway-style shows to innovative activities. However, these are generally accessible to all guests, and the Yacht Club doesn’t offer a significant upgrade in entertainment or activities beyond access to reserved seating.
Verdict:
The private spaces and amenities offered by the MSC Yacht Club are certainly luxurious and provide a retreat from the main ship. However, you may feel that the luxury ends once you leave the MSC Yacht Club, and may not quite reach the level of exclusivity and inclusivity seen on dedicated six star cruises.
5. Price Point: A Different Approach to Luxury
Value Proposition:
One of the defining features of a six star cruise is the all-inclusive nature of the experience, covering everything from dining and drinks to shore excursions and gratuities. The MSC Yacht Club, while more inclusive than the standard MSC experience, does not offer the same level of all-inclusive luxury. Many extras, such as specialty dining, premium drinks, and shore excursions, come with additional costs.
Affordability:
That said, the MSC Yacht Club is generally more affordable than traditional six star cruises, making it an attractive option for travellers seeking a luxury experience without the top-tier price tag.
Verdict:
MSC Yacht Club offers excellent value for a high-end cruising experience, but it does not fully embody the all-inclusive, no-expense-spared philosophy of six star cruising.
Conclusion: Is MSC Yacht Club Six Star?
The Verdict:
While the MSC Yacht Club offers a luxurious, elevated cruising experience, it falls just short of the six star mark. The Yacht Club’s suites, dining, service, and amenities are certainly luxurious, offering a “ship within a ship” experience that caters to the upscale traveler. However, when compared to the ultra-luxury, all-inclusive offerings of true six star cruise lines, it lacks the comprehensive exclusivity and personalised detail that define the six star standard.
Who is the MSC Yacht Club for?
The MSC Yacht Club is ideal for travellers who want a taste of luxury without the full six star price tag. It’s perfect for those who appreciate exclusivity and personalised service but are also looking for a cruise experience that offers a range of activities, dining options, and entertainment across a larger ship. If you’re looking for the pinnacle of cruising luxury, you might consider a dedicated six star line. However, if you’re seeking a high-end experience that offers excellent value, the MSC Yacht Club could be the perfect fit for your next voyage.
