How to get the most out of your Yacht Club experience

[MonsterJoe]

We're only a couple days out now (WOOO!)

 

I've gone down the rabbit hole here and all over the Interwebz, thirsty for information and tips in order to make the most out of this cruise.

What I've not seen a lot of - is specific tips on how to get the most out of the Yacht Club experience.  Yes, I've seen all the menus - I know which Champagne is included, I know you can 'just ask...' etc...

I'm curious about the specific things you have learned or figured out that might not be obvious and have added to your enjoyment in the YC.

Separately - I see in a lot of pictures that people have Macarons in their room.  They're my wife's favorite and it's our anniversary, so I'd like to make sure those happen - how do I do that?

Cheers!

[LeCommandant]

20 minutes ago, MonsterJoe said:

We're only a couple days out now (WOOO!)

 

I've gone down the rabbit hole here and all over the Interwebz, thirsty for information and tips in order to make the most out of this cruise.

What I've not seen a lot of - is specific tips on how to get the most out of the Yacht Club experience.  Yes, I've seen all the menus - I know which Champagne is included, I know you can 'just ask...' etc...

I'm curious about the specific things you have learned or figured out that might not be obvious and have added to your enjoyment in the YC.

Separately - I see in a lot of pictures that people have Macarons in their room.  They're my wife's favorite and it's our anniversary, so I'd like to make sure those happen - how do I do that?

Cheers!

Hello! 
 

Without requesting anything, you will receive macaron once a week. Of course you can ask for more. 
 

A few tips:

i) you can ask the butler to guide you to the theatre even if it is fully booked on the MSC App

ii) in YC you get a complimentary access to the Thermal suite (because of COVID only saunas are open unfortunately), just ask the butler to book a slot. 

iii) you can ask the butler to provide you everyday ice in your room + your preference for soft drinks in the mini bar. 
iv) if your ship is equipped with cabanas, you can book one for one day

v) the room service can bring you all the drinks that are available in the YC bar + meals (check the room service list)

 

Many other possibilities…

QR_DD_YC-ROOM-SERVICE_OTHER_DAYX_EN_1631275747.pdf

Edited September 22, 2021 by LeCommandant

[EMc&DrS]

In the past, the macrons were delivered to each YC room one night during the cruise as part of the turn down service.  You just need to let your butler know that you'd like some in your room on the evening of your anniversary.   We celebrated our anniversary on the Meraviglia back in 2019.  We only mentioned our anniversary in conversation with our butler at the beginning of the cruise, but he didn't forget.  When we got back to the room after dinner on our anniversary, a surprise bottle of chilled champagne awaited and the entire room was decorated, including a mini laser light show that had the room illuminated with thousands of rotating sparkling lights. Although it was a little over the top, it surely was a very thoughtful gesture. Our butler and his assistant couldn't wait to see us the next morning to hear how their efforts were discovered.  

 

[styles27]

I’m excited for you guys you won’t want to go back to regular cruising after being in the YC. 
The macaroons were in our room along with fruit and bubbly. We didn’t ask for any of it they just appeared. 
 

For us we were surprised with a free YC upgrade the night before our Mediterranean cruise. 
 

It was our first MSC cruise so I didn’t even know what the YC was lol

I quickly learned. 😉
 

I’m sort of that “even though I’m on vacation I make my bed and tidy my room” type of person.
So every time I tried to do something our butlers, Lova and Putra, would rush over and tell me to let them do it.
Whether it was going to topsail for a snack or going up to the bar for our drinks they couldn’t do enough for us. 
By day 2 they knew (I have no idea how because I didn’t think they saw me on morning 1) that we enjoyed coffee and a pastry on our balcony so on cue it was there for us each morning. 
 

I’ve stayed at 5 start resorts in the states and Caribbean that can’t compete with the service these two gentlemen provided to us that week. Our last day they personally carried our luggage off the ship and walked us to our waiting ride. I’ll never forget them. 
 

I’m not the person to ask about getting everything out of the YC that you can because as I said I didn’t book it and had never heard of it before that cruise but I can tell you that it was one of the best if not the best cruise experience we ever had. 
 

Here’s a sample of the notes they left us every day. (I save everything lol)

 

[Gatordad1967]

Saturday will be my first foray into the YC.  I toured it a few years back on Seaside.  I've done the Haven on Norwegian, and like the above poster said, once you get a taste, you don't ever want to sail outside that world.  I cannot wait for Saturday.

 

[MonsterJoe]

Thanks for the replies so far, everybody. 🙂

Not just our first YC - our first cruise, too.  I may have done a bad thing by starting YC. 😮

[shipgeeks]

Re macarons:  We sailed Bella, not YC.  We frequently went to the buffet at lunchtime.  There were piles and piles of macarons, many different colors, every day.  I think they were there in the evening, too.

[alyssamma]

I just want to say...you guys are killing me. I'm sailing on 10/2 and can't wait.

 

I try to explain the YC to others, but it's hard...it's like the Matrix...you have to experience it.

 

It isn't like the Haven or the Retreat (or Havana or Excel on Carnival...lol).

 

And the price point...wow. It's really just the way to sail.

[Gatordad1967]

16 minutes ago, MonsterJoe said:

Thanks for the replies so far, everybody. 🙂

Not just our first YC - our first cruise, too.  I may have done a bad thing by starting YC. 😮

Yes, you set the bar way high.  My first cruise was on Celebrity Horizon.  We thought that was the bomb... 46000 tons, no balcony cabins.... boy did cruising evolve.

 

[Gatordad1967]

10 minutes ago, alyssamma said:

I just want to say...you guys are killing me. I'm sailing on 10/2 and can't wait.

 

I try to explain the YC to others, but it's hard...it's like the Matrix...you have to experience it.

 

It isn't like the Haven or the Retreat (or Havana or Excel on Carnival...lol).

 

And the price point...wow. It's really just the way to sail.

If it isn't like the Haven, then I really cannot wait.  We had Retreat booked for this week, but didn't like the fact that the cabins were all over the ship.  We may book in there again with our FCC, but like the ship within a ship concept.  Haven was awesome, but the service on MSC seems to be much better.

 

[alyssamma]

2 minutes ago, Gatordad1967 said:

If it isn't like the Haven, then I really cannot wait.  We had Retreat booked for this week, but didn't like the fact that the cabins were all over the ship.  We may book in there again with our FCC, but like the ship within a ship concept.  Haven was awesome, but the service on MSC seems to be much better.

 

LOL, like your name...I'm a Gator Dad too...but I suspect you are FL Gators...I'm youth football Gators (just a bit north of you in Cleveland suburbs).

 

Anyway, yeah...I think you'll find YC to be superior to Haven *except* in the rooms. The cabins in the Haven are really nice. YC cabins are nice too, just not as nice.

 

But I think everything else you'll find better in YC.

[capriccio]

Use the Concierge too.  They are great handling ship-wide issues. 

 

We took an MSC excursion (LAMANAI & THE NEW RIVER SAFARI in Belize) in January 2020 that was totally misrepresented in the write-up (the 40 minute drive to the location was actually 1 1/2 hours in both directions plus the description of the excursion wasn't accurate) and approached the Concierge just to ask how to tell MSC that they needed to provide accurate excursion descriptions.  We weren't asking for anything else since we had taken the excursion.  The next time we passed the Concierge desk, he called us over and said that the full amount of the excursion would be refunded.  Unexpected but appreciated.  I just checked to see if the excursion description has changed in the meantime.  It hasn't!

[JAGR]

Two things that come to mind are pillows and One Deck seating.  Oftentimes, we have not been offered a pillow choice on embarkation, but since DW and I have set preferences, we will ask the butler about the pillow menu and make our choices (the menu options vary at times, but usually has a very good variety).

 

On pool deck seating, when we first go up on deck, we are usually greeted by one of the pool attendants/life guards, and they offer to set up chaises with towels.  DW or I will then tell the attendant that we like the location (or perhaps would want a different one), tell them what time we will usually be on deck, and any days we will be off the ship.  Without fail on the last two cruises, our seating has been set up when we come on deck.  Honestly, it is never too crowded on the deck, so you wouldn't have to establish this preference, but we like to have our "home" space!

[Two Wheels Only]

20 minutes ago, alyssamma said:

Anyway, yeah...I think you'll find YC to be superior to Haven *except* in the rooms. The cabins in the Haven are really nice. YC cabins are nice too, just not as nice.

 

NCL Haven also has more stateroom choices.

 

I agree that there are some things better with Yacht Club just as there are some things better with Haven. Neither is perfect but I greatly enjoy both.

 

I've been looking at The Retreat ever since it was first announced for EDGE. Maybe when my kids are older...(I've never sailed Celebrity).

[ocdb8r]

I think your first post days the main key: "Just ask." We're on our first MSC sailing now and I'm the YC.  Service in this area on board has been top notch. The one thing I think MSC doesn't do well is communicate what's available and what you get.  I am not the type to really want to "ask" people to go above an beyond so I'm struggling a bit, but quickly learning to just ask about anything politely and you'll be amazed and what can be done for you.

[Gatordad1967]

42 minutes ago, alyssamma said:

LOL, like your name...I'm a Gator Dad too...but I suspect you are FL Gators...I'm youth football Gators (just a bit north of you in Cleveland suburbs).

 

Anyway, yeah...I think you'll find YC to be superior to Haven *except* in the rooms. The cabins in the Haven are really nice. YC cabins are nice too, just not as nice.

 

But I think everything else you'll find better in YC.

I cannot wait.  The room in the Haven, with the shower looking out over the ocean was awesome.  We sailed MSC, fell in love, so I am sure we will love it.

 

Yes, Florida Gators.  Myself and my oldest are alumni, my middle guy is trying to transfer in.  I am being held in Ohio against my will.  I miss Tampa

[alyssamma]

1 minute ago, Gatordad1967 said:

I cannot wait.  The room in the Haven, with the shower looking out over the ocean was awesome.  We sailed MSC, fell in love, so I am sure we will love it.

 

Yes, Florida Gators.  Myself and my oldest are alumni, my middle guy is trying to transfer in.  I am being held in Ohio against my will.  I miss Tampa

LOL, against your will...love it.

 

[Gatordad1967]

20 minutes ago, Two Wheels Only said:

 

NCL Haven also has more stateroom choices.

 

I agree that there are some things better with Yacht Club just as there are some things better with Haven. Neither is perfect but I greatly enjoy both.

 

I've been looking at The Retreat ever since it was first announced for EDGE. Maybe when my kids are older...(I've never sailed Celebrity).

Celebrity has come a long way.  The food is outstanding.  But no water slides or stuff for teens/kids etc.  The retreat looks good, but I want to go through the door to bliss, not walk halfway around the ship to get there.  That's what I didn't like.

 

[kidless]

7 hours ago, EMc&DrS said:

.  When we got back to the room after dinner on our anniversary, a surprise bottle of chilled champagne awaited and the entire room was decorated, including a mini laser light show that had the room illuminated with thousands of rotating sparkling lights. Al

 

Oh I love this!!! We are taking our first yacht club cruise October 17 to celebrate our 25th wedding Anniversary. We really wanted to make it special especially after the last couple years. Looks like it’s going to be! Like sponges we have been reading and watching videos about the yacht club and have already decided only way we will cruise. We have a 3 other cruises booked with MSC which we have already called and upgraded to yacht club! Can’t wait! 

[cdel71]

10 hours ago, LeCommandant said:

Hello! 
 

Without requesting anything, you will receive macaron once a week. Of course you can ask for more. 
 

A few tips:

i) you can ask the butler to guide you to the theatre even if it is fully booked on the MSC App

ii) in YC you get a complimentary access to the Thermal suite (because of COVID only saunas are open unfortunately), just ask the butler to book a slot. 

iii) you can ask the butler to provide you everyday ice in your room + your preference for soft drinks in the mini bar. 
iv) if your ship is equipped with cabanas, you can book one for one day

v) the room service can bring you all the drinks that are available in the YC bar + meals (check the room service list)

 

Many other possibilities…

QR_DD_YC-ROOM-SERVICE_OTHER_DAYX_EN_1631275747.pdf 844.51 kB · 29 downloads

 

Never sailed in the YC before so these are great tips - Thanks!  Sailing in 3 weeks, so i'm reading / watching everything I can on the YC.

 

Do you know if you can order from the MDR UpCharge Menu in the YC, and if they charge you?

For Instance, I believe they have a Filet (assuming 5oz) is always available, but can you order a lobster tail with that for surf and turf (normally $25 up-charge in MDR), and if you can order it, do they charge you being in the YC?   If they do allow that, and don't charge you, that's a pretty nice perk right there!

Edited September 22, 2021 by cdel71

[alyssamma]

12 minutes ago, cdel71 said:

 

Never sailed in the YC before so these are great tips - Thanks!

 

Do you know if you can order from the MDR UpCharge Menu in the YC, and if they charge you?

For Instance, I believe they have a Filet (assuming 5oz) is always available, but can you order a lobster tail with that for surf and turf (normally $25 up-charge in MDR), and if you can order it, do they charge you being in the YC?   If they do allow that, and don't charge you, that's a pretty nice perk right there!

Honestly, not sure why you would want anything from the MDR. The food in YC is far superior and there's plenty of it...

[kelleherdl]

8 hours ago, Gatordad1967 said:

I cannot wait.  The room in the Haven, with the shower looking out over the ocean was awesome.  We sailed MSC, fell in love, so I am sure we will love it.

 

Yes, Florida Gators.  Myself and my oldest are alumni, my middle guy is trying to transfer in.  I am being held in Ohio against my will.  I miss Tampa

Heh gatordad1967.  
The Space Coast Gator Club has a 4-night cruise on Divina sailing on Sept 25, 2022 from Port Canaveral.  All YC cabins, no premium pricing, just a tax-deductible donation to our scholarship fund.  Good excuse to get out of Ohio. 😀

Edited September 22, 2021 by kelleherdl

[cdel71]

4 minutes ago, alyssamma said:

Honestly, not sure why you would want anything from the MDR. The food in YC is far superior and there's plenty of it...

 

I guess I could have asked it differently.   

My question was - if I want Surf and Turf (Lobster Tail and Filet), which is not on the YC Dinner menu (always available), can you order it, and if so, what is the up-charge, if anything?

 

I know Filet is - but lobster tail is NOT, unless I missed it.

Edited September 22, 2021 by cdel71

[rkacruiser]

Request Butler escort to wherever on the ship to want to go if you have not explored the ship.  Once, one knows the way, such is not needed unless desired.  Requesting Butler escort to the YC seating area on the Main Theater--through the mass of other guests waiting to get seats--is always a good idea.  

 

8 hours ago, ocdb8r said:

The one thing I think MSC doesn't do well is communicate what's available and what you get.  I am not the type to really want to "ask" people to go above an beyond so I'm struggling a bit, but quickly learning to just ask about anything politely and you'll be amazed and what can be done for you.

 

This was my experience as well.  I am not used to having a Butler and such service available.  I sailed thinking that I had learned much from my posts about such questions on CC and the answers that were graciously posted.  There was still much for me to learn.  

 

I do think that the key person in the YC experience is the Concierge.  I asked little of him, but, whatever I did--it was done.  

 

What really surprised me was the recognition of being a YC guest when I left the YC area.  Bartenders made more generous drinks at other bars than I am sure that they did for non-YC guests.  

 

I made no special dining requests in the YC Restaurant.  I did not feel the need.  I enjoyed the menu offered (oh, the pastas!), the service, the ambiance, and the occasional surprise conversations with guests at table next to mine.  That was a very different experience for me.  Could have had a "free" specialty restaurant dinner and chose not to do so.  I was pleased with what i was experiencing.  

[kelleherdl]

3 minutes ago, cdel71 said:

 

I guess I could have asked it differently.   

My question was - if I want Surf and Turf (Lobster Tail and Filet), which is not on the YC Dinner menu (always available), can you order it, and if so, what is the up-charge, if anything?

 

I know Filet is - but lobster tail is NOT, unless I missed it.

I was very pleased with the quality of the beef served in both Butcher’s Cut and the YC on the Meraviglia last week.  I am hoping the Divina is being provisioned by the same company.  It was so good I did not miss having a surf and turf evening.