MSC Yacht Club: Ship Within a Ship

Trip overview

The Yacht Club experience begins the moment you arrive at the port. Guests are greeted with a dedicated check-in area and separate luggage drop-off, setting the tone for the exclusivity to come. Here, you meet your personal butler, who welcomes you and escorts you to a private lounge while you await embarkation. Champagne is offered, along with other beverages, as you relax in comfort before boarding.

When it’s time to embark, your butler leads you onboard and into the Top Sail Lounge—the Yacht Club’s elegant, private retreat—where light snacks and drinks are served until your suite is ready. Experiencing the lounge for the first time, we were immediately struck by its décor and atmosphere. The space feels bright and inviting, with soaring two-story windows, modern lighting, and an abundance of plush seating arranged in cozy groupings. A true testament to the Yacht Club's commitment to opulent details is the signature Swarovski suitcase, a dazzling feature that gracefully ascends from the lounge up to the private dining room, adding an exquisite "icing on the cake" to an already impressive setting.

Top Sail Lounge

Accommodation

Our Deluxe Grand Suite lived up to its name. With a king-size bed and a dedicated sitting area complete with a couch and table, it felt spacious and welcoming—almost like home. The true standout, however, was the walk-in closet, which rivaled the one we have at home in both size and functionality. Beyond that, two additional closets and multiple drawers provided more than enough storage for all our clothing and belongings, a feature any cruiser can appreciate.

The bathroom, while adequate, was less impressive by comparison. Still, it did offer a walk-in shower with a soothing rainforest showerhead, which added a touch of spa-like relaxation.

As we were settling in, our butler stopped by to ask about any special requests for our minibar and complimentary wine. Since we are not soda drinkers, we asked to have the canned sodas replaced with extra bottles of water—along with a bottle of Prosecco for a celebratory touch. Finally (and perhaps most importantly), I requested a chaise lounge for the balcony. While not a standard furnishing, it’s one of my cruise essentials, and I was delighted they were able to accommodate the request.

Sunset at sea

Amenities

The Yacht Club private sundeck and pool area was impressively spacious, with no shortage of loungers and comfortable seating. The pool itself was an adequate size, complemented by a few hot tubs perfect for unwinding.

The sundeck also features pergola-style cabanas, available to upper-suite passengers, though a limited number are open on a first-come, first-served basis for all Yacht Club guests.

Yacht Club Sundeck

For even deeper relaxation, the thermal spa is included in the Yacht Club experience. This serene space offers heated stone loungers, a hot tub, steam room, sauna, sensory showers, a salt room, and even a snow room—for those daring enough to brave the chill! The thermal suite is located within the larger Aurea Spa, where guests can book a wide selection of paid treatments including massages, facials, and beauty services.

Dining

For dining and refreshments, MSC provides a poolside grill and buffet serving breakfast, lunch, and snacks throughout the day, as well as a seated bar area. Attentive staff frequently circulate to take drink orders—something that keeps them happily busy given that a beverage package is included for Yacht Club guests.

The Yacht Club Restaurant offers an elevated dining experience and is open for breakfast, most lunches, and dinner. One of the best features is the flexibility—reservations aren’t required, so guests can dine whenever they wish. Just below the restaurant, a piano player sets the perfect ambiance in the lounge, making it an inviting spot for a pre-dinner aperitif or a post-dinner cocktail.

Yacht Club Restaurant

The menu consistently impressed, but my personal standout was the rack of lamb—so good, in fact, that when I mentioned how much I enjoyed it, our server graciously brought me a second portion without hesitation. MSC also does a wonderful job accommodating food allergies and preferences, and will even prepare off-menu items when possible.

Dessert proved equally decadent, with rich, beautifully presented options that were impossible to resist. And for those who, like me, believe dessert can also be sipped, the Top Sail Lounge deserves special mention for its indulgent chocolate martinis—arguably the sweetest way to end an evening.

Ocean Cay

MSC extends its Yacht Club luxury to Ocean Cay, providing members with golf cart transport to a private island oasis. This exclusive area features a secluded beach and The Ocean House restaurant, offering air-conditioned lunch and bar service with waiter service, ensuring a comfortable, sand-free, and sun-protected experience away from the Bahamian heat.

Ocean Cay

Pirates Cove Aquapark

Sports court

While the Yacht Club is a “ship within a ship” concept, offering an exclusive and luxurious experience, there is also a vast array of amenities and activities available for all passengers to enjoy throughout the entire vessel.

Dining

When it comes to dining, guests are spoiled for choice with a variety of options. There are four complimentary sit-down restaurants, each offering diverse culinary experiences to satisfy different palates. For more casual dining, the expansive Marketplace buffet provides a wide selection of international dishes.

Additionally, for those seeking a more specialized culinary adventure, there are five distinct specialty dining restaurants. These include exquisite options such as a Japanese sushi and hibachi-style restaurant, a dedicated seafood restaurant, a vibrant Mexican eatery, and a classic steakhouse, ensuring that every craving can be met.

Entertainment

Entertainment options on board are abundant and cater to all ages and preferences, ensuring there’s never a dull moment. For younger cruisers, dedicated kids and teen clubs offer supervised activities and spaces designed for their enjoyment. High-tech rides, video games, and exhilarating simulators provide thrills for all ages.

The Pirates Aquacove Waterpark is a highlight, promising splash-filled fun for families. Throughout the day and evening, guests can enjoy live music performances in various venues, lively karaoke sessions, and engaging poolside games. A dedicated sports court allows for friendly competition, while world-class theatrical performances in the main theater showcase dazzling productions. A particular crowd-pleaser is the silent disco, where guests don wireless headphones and dance to their own beat.

Another highly anticipated event is White Night, where guests are strongly encouraged to dress in all white and participate in a fun-filled sing-a-long and dance-a-long party under the stars. For adults seeking a bit of excitement, the onboard casino is open whenever the ship is at sea, offering a wide array of table games and slot machines to try their luck.

For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Cruises page.