Meraviglia Aurea suite versus Yacht Club Deluxe suite

[cruzingambler]

Hi MSC fans,

We are sailing on the Meraviglia in March 2020.  Currently booked in cabin 11011, Aurea Suite with Hot Tub on balcony in the front of the ship.  I am so excited with this cabin.  With the upgraded drink package there is a difference of less than $500 dollars between our current suite and a YC Deluxe suite.  My husband says keep what we have but I keep thinking about the YC.  We have never booked the YC before so I am hoping for some insight from those of you who have cruised in the YC what your thoughts are?  What would be the biggest benefit in the YC?  Would we still have the benefit of the Premium drink package throughout the ship (silly question)?  Currently, we have an Aurea suite, the premium drink package, a huge wrap around balcony with a private hot tub, spa access, top 19 sundeck, priority dining.....so just wondering what will be the difference?  Should I upgrade to YC? 

We have been on 2 other MSC ships, Davina & Seaside. We had an aft balcony on the Davina and an Aurea Balcony on the Seaside so the upgrade to an Aurea Suite on the Meraviglia is Awesome.  We've normally booked regular balcony cabins on our other cruises.  Just thought we would try something different this time.  Your thoughts are appreciated and hopefully I can put my mind to rest.  Thanks in advance for your expertise and advise for the YC.

[Fogfog]

There are lots of posts about YC and what it offers/doesn't 

One thought... that huge wrap around balcony and private hot tub is not an option in YC, correct?

That sounds pretty great as well as all of the other perks you have now.

Are you prepared to give up that balcony and private hot tub?

[Russ_MT]

Absolutely do YC

 

service level is outstanding. Restaurant and lounge fantastic.  Pool quiet and not crowded

 

we will always sail YC if possible.  You will too. 

[Russ_MT]

The hot tub is nice but may that nice.   

[sidari]

Hi CG ... We like yourself have a Deck 12 balcony forward on Meraviglia at Xmas with the hot tub and have also has an Aft suite on Seaside. We have also considered moving to the YC from the Forward balcony suite.

Remember that Aurea also comes with a massage each which is not included in the YC, a private hot tub that you don't have to share plus a larger two room cabin.

At the end of the day it all comes down to how you feel and if the move to YC is worth the extra.

We will be staying with 12007.

[Até]

I booked one of the forward Aurea suites w/large balcony for the exact reasons the OP did.  In my case it was more than $1500 less than a YC Deluxe suite so the choice was easier.  Very tough call if $500 total difference.

[Russ_MT]

You are trading a hot tub....hot bathtub for Yacht Club service.    A massage..(which you have full spa perks in YC sans massage) for 

 

Butler bringing you ANYTHING you want.

Quiet pool and pool deck

Pool bar where they don't let you be thristy

Pool bar food that is tasty

YC restaurant that is quiet and as good as any specialty restaurant

YC perks like reserved seating

YC perks like express elevator

YC perks like lounge that is forward facing and all your needs attended to

YC perks like express embarkation, tenders and port access.

YC perks like anything you want.

 

Sorry....I'm spoiled by YC.  I probably shouldn't even post this as it MSC will figure out the deal.

 

 

 

[modes]

YC is a winner.

[sidari]

10 hours ago, Russ_MT said:

You are trading a hot tub....hot bathtub for Yacht Club service.    A massage..(which you have full spa perks in YC sans massage) for 

 

Butler bringing you ANYTHING you want.

Quiet pool and pool deck

Pool bar where they don't let you be thristy

Pool bar food that is tasty

YC restaurant that is quiet and as good as any specialty restaurant

YC perks like reserved seating

YC perks like express elevator

YC perks like lounge that is forward facing and all your needs attended to

YC perks like express embarkation, tenders and port access.

YC perks like anything you want.

 

Sorry....I'm spoiled by YC.  I probably shouldn't even post this as it MSC will figure out the deal.

 

 

 

We do not need a butler because we are capable of doing things for ourselves, we do not need someone to fetch and carry for us because we are capable of doing it for ourselves.

Being Black card holders we get priority embarkation and disembarkation, a seperate sun deck for Aurea, do not care for much of the food served during the day in YC, massages are not included in YC.

So you have an express lift, woohoo, we have a view facing forward that no one else can block and sunbeds which no one else will use.

And the cost difference saved goes towards or pays for another cruise.

 

[cruzingambler]

20 hours ago, Fogfog said:

There are lots of posts about YC and what it offers/doesn't 

One thought... that huge wrap around balcony and private hot tub is not an option in YC, correct?

That sounds pretty great as well as all of the other perks you have now.

Are you prepared to give up that balcony and private hot tub?

You are so right.  What we have now is PERFECT!!  Why change Perfect?  Thanks for the "pep talk"!  I needed it:)

 

[hamrag]

20 hours ago, Até said:

I booked one of the forward Aurea suites w/large balcony for the exact reasons the OP did.  In my case it was more than $1500 less than a YC Deluxe suite so the choice was easier.  Very tough call if $500 total difference.

 

I would agree with your rationale....i.e. because the Aurea suite is awesome it is probably best to remain for a $1500 'saving'. However, for only $500 it is a no brainer for me, and we would def forego the superior cabin for the much superior YC experience. Butler service isn't a biggie for us, and we would never 'rub noses in it' by using the elevator override. The concierge service in YC, however, is excellent and never busy.....outwith YC, it is the Guest Relations desk you need to use and that is never a good experience!

 

A couple of other thoughts....the YC restaurant food is not at a specialty restaurant standard, rather it sits mid-point between MDR and specialty but the ambience is very good. The top sail lounge is a fab oasis from the normal ship areas, as is the pool deck area.

 

The YC drinks package is slightly better than premium, inasmuch as it includes the standard Nicolas F champagne and also some spirits at the lower end of the Connoisseur package. The YC in cabin minibar is free, and is replenished twice daily including very nice snacks.

 

To the OP.....

My wife recommends that you convince DH to make this change to YC.....I entirely agree, and encourage you to go for it at the price margin, it is a unique experience!

Edited June 25, 2019 by hamrag

[cruzingambler]

21 hours ago, Russ_MT said:

Absolutely do YC

 

service level is outstanding. Restaurant and lounge fantastic.  Pool quiet and not crowded

 

we will always sail YC if possible.  You will too. 

That's what I am afraid of, always wanting to sail YC once I have a taste of it...LOL  Thank you for your input, I really appreciate it.

[cruzingambler]

20 hours ago, sidari said:

Hi CG ... We like yourself have a Deck 12 balcony forward on Meraviglia at Xmas with the hot tub and have also has an Aft suite on Seaside. We have also considered moving to the YC from the Forward balcony suite.

Remember that Aurea also comes with a massage each which is not included in the YC, a private hot tub that you don't have to share plus a larger two room cabin.

At the end of the day it all comes down to how you feel and if the move to YC is worth the extra.

We will be staying with 12007.

Thank you sidari....it makes so much sense to stay where we are!  I am leaning in that direction:)  Happy Cruising

[cruzingambler]

19 hours ago, Russ_MT said:

You are trading a hot tub....hot bathtub for Yacht Club service.    A massage..(which you have full spa perks in YC sans massage) for 

 

Butler bringing you ANYTHING you want.

Quiet pool and pool deck

Pool bar where they don't let you be thristy

Pool bar food that is tasty

YC restaurant that is quiet and as good as any specialty restaurant

YC perks like reserved seating

YC perks like express elevator

YC perks like lounge that is forward facing and all your needs attended to

YC perks like express embarkation, tenders and port access.

YC perks like anything you want.

 

Sorry....I'm spoiled by YC.  I probably shouldn't even post this as it MSC will figure out the deal.

 

 

 

Thank you Russ_MT.   I can tell you LOVE the YC.  Thank you for bullet pointing the perks...I see YC in our future but may keep what we have this time, as it will be ideal.  I would love to tour the YC area when on board, I'll see if it's possible & may see you on deck in the future!!  Happy Cruising

[cruzingambler]

15 minutes ago, hamrag said:

 

I would agree with your rationale....i.e. because the Aurea suite is awesome it is probably best to remain for a $1500 'saving'. However, for only $500 it is a no brainer for me, and we would def forego the superior cabin for the much superior YC experience. Butler service isn't a biggie for us, and we would never 'rub noses in it' by using the elevator override. The concierge service in YC, however, is excellent and never busy.....outwith YC, it is the Guest Relations desk you need to us and that is never a good experience!

 

A couple of other thoughts....the YC restaurant food is not at a specialty restaurant standard, rather it sits mid-point between MDR and specialty but the ambience is very good. The top sail lounge is a fab oasis from the normal ship areas, as is the pool deck area.

 

The YC drinks package is slightly better than premium, inasmuch as it includes the standard Nicolas F champagne and also some spirits at the lower end of the Connoisseur package. The YC in cabin minibar is free, and is replenished twice daily including very nice snacks.

 

To the OP.....

My wife recommends that you convince DH to make this change to YC.....I entirely agree, and encourage you to go for it at the price margin, it is a unique experience!

Hamrag, great input.  My husband does like his champagne & upper end wines!  You raise good points!  Leaning towards keeping what we have this time and go for it (YC) next time.  I appreciate your insight/experience with YC.  Thank your wife for me...Happy Cruising!

[hamrag]

1 hour ago, cruzingambler said:

....I would love to tour the YC area when on board, I'll see if it's possible & may see you on deck in the future!!  Happy Cruising

 

That is definitely possible. The best way may be to speak to your restaurant Maitre D'....with a little luck, he might arrange for you to have lunch in the YC restaurant on say a port day when it is less busy....and that opens up the way to a full YC tour!

Edited June 25, 2019 by hamrag

[hamrag]

59 minutes ago, cruzingambler said:

Hamrag, great input.  My husband does like his champagne & upper end wines!  You raise good points!  Leaning towards keeping what we have this time and go for it (YC) next time.  I appreciate your insight/experience with YC.  Thank your wife for me...Happy Cruising!

 

If your future travel dates are flexible, you might look at the Voyages Selection Departures with additional discounts....doing so keeps the YC price more manageable, but it sells out quickly particularly the 5+15% offerings!

[sidari]

CG ... Had you been on our Xmas cruise the chance of a look around the YC may well have been possible.

[Russ_MT]

We did 2 weeks in YC on Seaside last December.     First time MSC.

 

Our observations are the ship is understaffed.   I hear many complaints about waiting for service (bars drinks etc.)   The crew/passenger ratio isn't good on MSC.   See  https://www.cruisewatch.com/top-10/ships-passenger-crew-ratio/

We also found the ship to be crowded. 

 

We didn't need a butler.   However, they are pooled.  So they wander around everywhere.  

Seating for shows...they escort you to reserved seating.  Escort you on/off ship.  We hate waiting and paying to not wait is worth every penny.

 

Our butler did bring us a bottle of wine and glasses (opened and poured) to our cabin.  Mini bar is stocked and free.   We said "there is no Baileys" and he said it doesn't come in small bottles and filled a glass with Baileys, covered it and put it in the fridge.

Stocked us with a dozen bottles of water each day.   

 

As black match, we were given a specialty restaurant meal each week.   Honestly the YC restaurant was better, quieter, nice views and excellent service.  Our YC waiter even brought us a desert from the specialty restaurant.  Filet Mignon was always on the menu and as good as the steakhouse with MUCH better service.

 

Honestly, I hope people avoid YC so MSC doesn't raise prices.  

 

 

[cruzingambler]

22 hours ago, hamrag said:

 

That is definitely possible. The best way may be to speak to your restaurant Maitre D'....with a little luck, he might arrange for you to have lunch in the YC restaurant on say a port day when it is less busy....and that opens up the way to a full YC tour!

Interesting idea, we will give that a shot!  Thank you and also thank you for the Voyages Select idea.  I checked that out previously but the dates didn't correspond to my work schedule.....BUT, that is changing and I will retire very soon.  My husband retired in April so I am not far behind:)  YAY!!!

[cruzingambler]

18 hours ago, Russ_MT said:

We did 2 weeks in YC on Seaside last December.     First time MSC.

 

Our observations are the ship is understaffed.   I hear many complaints about waiting for service (bars drinks etc.)   The crew/passenger ratio isn't good on MSC.   See  https://www.cruisewatch.com/top-10/ships-passenger-crew-ratio/

We also found the ship to be crowded. 

 

We didn't need a butler.   However, they are pooled.  So they wander around everywhere.  

Seating for shows...they escort you to reserved seating.  Escort you on/off ship.  We hate waiting and paying to not wait is worth every penny.

 

Our butler did bring us a bottle of wine and glasses (opened and poured) to our cabin.  Mini bar is stocked and free.   We said "there is no Baileys" and he said it doesn't come in small bottles and filled a glass with Baileys, covered it and put it in the fridge.

Stocked us with a dozen bottles of water each day.   

 

As black match, we were given a specialty restaurant meal each week.   Honestly the YC restaurant was better, quieter, nice views and excellent service.  Our YC waiter even brought us a desert from the specialty restaurant.  Filet Mignon was always on the menu and as good as the steakhouse with MUCH better service.

 

Honestly, I hope people avoid YC so MSC doesn't raise prices.  

 

 

I hear you!  We've been pretty lucky on past cruises and seem to choose "off times" for dinner and we are selective with the shows we attend and haven't minded the 15 minute delay in line.  Of course, this is probably the largest ship we have been on and the crowds may be different.  We were on the Seaside recently and LOVED it...that was the 1st time with the Aurea experience and it did make a difference.  I have been curious about the YC experience for awhile now.  My husband not so much, but I will share everyone's thoughts with him and see if it changes his mind on this cruise or future cruises.  I enjoyed reading about your experience and wish you many more in the future!  Thank you & Happy Cruising!

[Russ_MT]

I just looked up your cabin and it has a massive balcony.  The hot tube is huge!  Not the smaller ones on Seaside.

 

It's definitely a great cabin.   My only hesitation would be that it's FORWARD facing.  They do have a "windshield".  The steel structure below seems a bit boxy and blocks the views.   See

https://www.holidaycheck.de/kreuzfahrten/bild-msc-meraviglia-aurea-suite-11011-whirlpool/caf112de-0c59-35cf-9565-7eb7ad35f3a9/98161d28-a4c3-34d6-b4b9-0c7116be3823

 

These balconies are unique in that they have steel instead of glass on the bottom of the balcony.  

 

 

We had an forward facing Owners suite on NCL Escape.   Fantastic cabin except while at sea.  The wind noise was horrendous.  

 

It's a toss up.   If you want to spend time in that cabin and have guests, it's got LOTS of room.   

We have a hot tub at home so that wouldn't be a draw for us.  In fact, we are weird about hot tubs that other people have been in.   People are gross.  

 

--Russ

 

[sidari]

21 hours ago, Russ_MT said:

We did 2 weeks in YC on Seaside last December.     First time MSC.

 

Our observations are the ship is understaffed.   I hear many complaints about waiting for service (bars drinks etc.)   The crew/passenger ratio isn't good on MSC.   See  https://www.cruisewatch.com/top-10/ships-passenger-crew-ratio/

We also found the ship to be crowded. 

 

We didn't need a butler.   However, they are pooled.  So they wander around everywhere.  

Seating for shows...they escort you to reserved seating.  Escort you on/off ship.  We hate waiting and paying to not wait is worth every penny.

 

Our butler did bring us a bottle of wine and glasses (opened and poured) to our cabin.  Mini bar is stocked and free.   We said "there is no Baileys" and he said it doesn't come in small bottles and filled a glass with Baileys, covered it and put it in the fridge.

Stocked us with a dozen bottles of water each day.   

 

As black match, we were given a specialty restaurant meal each week.   Honestly the YC restaurant was better, quieter, nice views and excellent service.  Our YC waiter even brought us a desert from the specialty restaurant.  Filet Mignon was always on the menu and as good as the steakhouse with MUCH better service.

 

Honestly, I hope people avoid YC so MSC doesn't raise prices.  

 

 

MSC has already increased prices for YC since status match came in and are climbing higher with every new ship and will continue to do so.

[sidari]

1 hour ago, Russ_MT said:

I just looked up your cabin and it has a massive balcony.  The hot tube is huge!  Not the smaller ones on Seaside.

 

It's definitely a great cabin.   My only hesitation would be that it's FORWARD facing.  They do have a "windshield".  The steel structure below seems a bit boxy and blocks the views.   See

https://www.holidaycheck.de/kreuzfahrten/bild-msc-meraviglia-aurea-suite-11011-whirlpool/caf112de-0c59-35cf-9565-7eb7ad35f3a9/98161d28-a4c3-34d6-b4b9-0c7116be3823

 

These balconies are unique in that they have steel instead of glass on the bottom of the balcony.  

 

 

We had an forward facing Owners suite on NCL Escape.   Fantastic cabin except while at sea.  The wind noise was horrendous.  

 

It's a toss up.   If you want to spend time in that cabin and have guests, it's got LOTS of room.   

We have a hot tub at home so that wouldn't be a draw for us.  In fact, we are weird about hot tubs that other people have been in.   People are gross.  

 

--Russ

 

Russ ... Deck 11 is below the one you have shown in the photo, the one in the photo is 12007 which is the one we have.

[Até]

1 hour ago, Russ_MT said:

 

That picture looks like a Fastasia class ship.  Meraviglia Aurea suites w/large balcony do have a steel lower balcony, but glass above that in the forward areas.  They are also much deeper than the Aurea suites are in this picture.

Edited June 26, 2019 by Até