Yacht Club -- visitors (on the ship, and Ocean Cay) ?

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

So, we just pulled the trigger and switched from a balcony to a YC cabin.

 

We're taking this, our first MSC cruise, with another long time friend who will be in a balcony cabin (also his first MSC sailing). He's also a 100+ sailing cruiser like us, and is looking forward to the new experience.

 

Can I assume that it's permitted for him to enter the area if we wanted to show him around (tour the cabin, or have a drink in the lounge)? When we were in the Haven on NCL a couple of times (when he was not in the Haven), he entered the area with us, we showed him around, and had a couple of drinks in the lounge.

 

Prior to making the switch this evening, I had booked a (non-YC) cabana for Ocean Cay to split three ways with our friend. Now, since we're in the YC, I suppose I can keep that cabana, or go for one in the YC? Are they different (amenities/service) at all, aside from being in different locations? If we cancelled the current cabana and booked one in the YC, would he be able to utilize it as well?

 

I'm just curious as to how this all works - and don't want to cross any lines, so to speak!

 

THANKS,

 

Tom

[no1talks]

17 minutes ago, Tom-n-Cheryl said:

"Can I assume that it's permitted for him to enter the area if we wanted to show him around (tour the cabin, or have a drink in the lounge)?"

Your best shot at getting this done on the up and up (without crossing any lines, as you put it) is to quietly have a word with the concierge or even the Yacht Club director and ask if your friend may have a discrete tour of the Yacht club facilities.

There has been an increase in non-YC passengers gaining entry in some cases and it has gone over like a lead balloon.

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

4 minutes ago, no1talks said:

...
There has been an increase in non-YC passengers gaining entry in some cases and it has gone over like a lead balloon.

 

I could certainly see that. Before you know it, half the ship would be in there!

[kelleherdl]

2 minutes ago, no1talks said:

There has been an increase in non-YC passengers gaining entry in some cases and it has gone over like a lead balloon.

From the time you check in the terminal the butlers know guests who belong in the Yacht Club. It is incredible how quickly the whole YC staff will recognize you. I personally would not want to place any YC staff member in the position of noting the entry of non-YC guests. This question is asked often on this forum.

[phissy]

51 minutes ago, Tom-n-Cheryl said:

So, we just pulled the trigger and switched from a balcony to a YC cabin.

 

We're taking this, our first MSC cruise, with another long time friend who will be in a balcony cabin (also his first MSC sailing). He's also a 100+ sailing cruiser like us, and is looking forward to the new experience.

 

Can I assume that it's permitted for him to enter the area if we wanted to show him around (tour the cabin, or have a drink in the lounge)? 

Simple answer is , NO it is not permitted.

YC and it’s amenities are for YC guests. 

YC Director does give tours of YC , which they oversee. You may ask to have your friends included in this tour.

I wouldn’t see a problem with allowing them to see your cabin .

Beyond that, it needs to be approved by YC Director.

It would be very embarrassing to have friends asked to leave YC, if it was me 🙄

On Ocean Cay, the YC area is completely different area.

When we arrived there last November, they asked to see our cabin cards before we were allowed down to beach. Butlers reported many passengers were trying to enter YC area.
YC cabanas have YC drinks, food , beach gear. etc. - serviced by the butlers. 

Non YC guests would not be allowed.

 

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

Thanks all - I appreciate the feedback.

 

Tom

[L1211]

How could you not have guests to YOUR CABIN that you Paid FOR???   Wow…. 

[Bgwest]

1 hour ago, L1211 said:

How could you not have guests to YOUR CABIN that you Paid FOR???   Wow…. 

It begins...................

[emmas gran]

2 hours ago, L1211 said:

How could you not have guests to YOUR CABIN that you Paid FOR???   Wow…. 

Yes we pay a premium so why should someone be using the facilities for free, I believe Celebrity charge $99 per person per day. They do a ship tour which includes YC and charge for

For anyone not familiar with YC it is entirely separate from other areas.We saw a lady follow someone in through the key access door and into the lounge, a butler walked over and politely told her no sorry you have to leave. The concierge cannot give authority .

 

[xcell]

Maybe convince your friend to follow your lead and book a YC cabin --- if he's been on that many cruises, he will enjoy the YC and its perks.  If not, tell him to bid to see if he can be upgrade for a lower cost.

 

I love the YC area at Ocean Cay (just not the rocky beach -- water shoes), so I am looking forward to that again on my next cruise...don't miss out on that.

Edited February 3, 2023 by xcell

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

1 hour ago, xcell said:

Maybe convince your friend to follow your lead and book a YC cabin --- if he's been on that many cruises, he will enjoy the YC and its perks.  If not, tell him to bid to see if he can be upgrade for a lower cost.

 

I love the YC area at Ocean Cay (just not the rocky beach -- water shoes), so I am looking forward to that again on my next cruise...don't miss out on that.

 

Are there any physical differences with regard to the two types of Cabanas (YC and non-YC)? In essence, what does paying the $200 premium for the YC version get you?
 

Tom

[hamrag]

12 hours ago, Tom-n-Cheryl said:

So, we just pulled the trigger and switched from a balcony to a YC cabin. Good move.

 

We're taking this, our first MSC cruise, with another long time friend who will be in a balcony cabin (also his first MSC sailing). He's also a 100+ sailing cruiser like us, and is looking forward to the new experience. You do know about status match? MSC will match your best cruiseline or hotel status but you must apply and be granted such prior to cruise.

 

Can I assume that it's permitted for him to enter the area if we wanted to show him around (tour the cabin, or have a drink in the lounge)? When we were in the Haven on NCL a couple of times (when he was not in the Haven), he entered the area with us, we showed him around, and had a couple of drinks in the lounge. MSC does not operate the way you say NCL does. 🙄

 

Prior to making the switch this evening, I had booked a (non-YC) cabana for Ocean Cay to split three ways with our friend. Now, since we're in the YC, I suppose I can keep that cabana, or go for one in the YC? Are they different (amenities/service) at all, aside from being in different locations? If we cancelled the current cabana and booked one in the YC, would he be able to utilize it as well? You should keep the cabana booked, YC amenities are for paying guests!

 

12 hours ago, Tom-n-Cheryl said:

I'm just curious as to how this all works - and don't want to cross any lines, so to speak!

Good to know, that's easy to do....all you have to do is ensure non-YC guests do not enter the YC enclave! 😉

 

[DCGuy64]

12 hours ago, Tom-n-Cheryl said:

Thanks all - I appreciate the feedback.

 

Tom

I appreciate your understanding about this. Too many times, I've read someone say "what's the big deal" (or words to that effect) when it comes to inviting a non-YC guest to hang out, tour, get a drink, have dinner, etc. It defeats the whole purpose, because virtually everyone could say "what's the big deal" and pretty soon, as you rightly point out, the whole ship would be there. I applaud you for being considerate, asking questions, and following the protocols. Have a wonderful cruise. And I couldn't help noticing Canaan Valley in your profile. Assuming we're talking about WV, I am heading there in two weeks for a ski weekend. 😄⛷️❄️

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

2 minutes ago, DCGuy64 said:

I appreciate your understanding about this. Too many times, I've read someone say "what's the big deal" (or words to that effect) when it comes to inviting a non-YC guest to hang out, tour, get a drink, have dinner, etc. It defeats the whole purpose, because virtually everyone could say "what's the big deal" and pretty soon, as you rightly point out, the whole ship would be there. I applaud you for being considerate, asking questions, and following the protocols. Have a wonderful cruise. And I couldn't help noticing Canaan Valley in your profile. Assuming we're talking about WV, I am heading there in two weeks for a ski weekend. 😄⛷️❄️

 

Thanks for making that observation. 🙂

 

Yep, Canaan Valley, WV --- watching the big flakes fall on a few of my Nest cameras as I type this 🙂

 

Tom

[DCGuy64]

9 minutes ago, Tom-n-Cheryl said:

 

Thanks for making that observation. 🙂

 

Yep, Canaan Valley, WV --- watching the big flakes fall on a few of my Nest cameras as I type this 🙂

 

Tom

Try not to let it get too cold there, please? I was there same time last year and it was the coldest on record- 35 below zero, and no, that's not Celsius! It was 18 below on the ski slopes, insane!

[DCGuy64]

I'd love to see how Ocean Cay looks now. Our first time there (Meraviglia, December 2019) was shortly after it opened and everything was brand-new/not even finished. We're there next January overnight, and I'm curious how late they let you stay. We had to be back at 5 pm on the ship but didn't leave until midnight, which I thought was very odd.

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

1 minute ago, DCGuy64 said:

Try not to let it get too cold there, please? I was there same time last year and it was the coldest on record- 35 below zero, and no, that's not Celsius! It was 18 below on the ski slopes, insane!

 

I see readings from the monitoring stations in the northern part of the valley (wildlife refuge) that are occasionally the coldest in the lower 48... crazy indeed!

 

Tom

[L1211]

8 hours ago, emmas gran said:

Yes we pay a premium so why should someone be using the facilities for free, I believe Celebrity charge $99 per person per day. They do a ship tour which includes YC and charge for

For anyone not familiar with YC it is entirely separate from other areas.We saw a lady follow someone in through the key access door and into the lounge, a butler walked over and politely told her no sorry you have to leave. The concierge cannot give authority .

 

I totally agree that someone who did not pay for the YC experience should not be allowed the perks.  My only concern is my cabin- would expect that I can have guests in my cabin and could serve my alcohol or not. I will have my DD and her friend in an Aurea suite with large balcony and hot tub.  I expect we will visit with them there, but would also expect our cabin to be available for a visit if we chose… 

[Two Wheels Only]

25 minutes ago, L1211 said:

 My only concern is my cabin- would expect that I can have guests in my cabin and could serve my alcohol or not. I will have my DD and her friend in an Aurea suite with large balcony and hot tub.  I expect we will visit with them there, but would also expect our cabin to be available for a visit if we chose… 

 

The "in room guests" would probably still have to get approved. Depending on ship, nearly all of the Yacht Club Suites are within the Yacht Club enclave.

 

If your Suite is outside of the enclave (Meraviglia/Meraviglia Plus Duplex, for ex.), you could invite whomever you want.

[phissy]

1 hour ago, Two Wheels Only said:

 

The "in room guests" would probably still have to get approved. Depending on ship, nearly all of the Yacht Club Suites are within the Yacht Club enclave.

 

If your Suite is outside of the enclave (Meraviglia/Meraviglia Plus Duplex, for ex.), you could invite whomever you want.

Our last cruise, we had Executive Suite on deck 12 ( Divina) 

There are 3 and not in YC proper. 
There was a person on our RollCall who made Divina Christmas ornaments for our cruise. She delivered ours to our cabin and received quick tour .

She asked if I could let her into the YC deck as she had two to deliver to those cabins.

I took her in, informed butler at desk that I was escorting to deliver these to deck 15. He watched as they were left at cabin doors and then we left.

I would say MSC is very protective of YC and it’s guests.

[jules815]

5 hours ago, xcell said:

Maybe convince your friend to follow your lead and book a YC cabin --- if he's been on that many cruises, he will enjoy the YC and its perks.  If not, tell him to bid to see if he can be upgrade for a lower cost.

 

I love the YC area at Ocean Cay (just not the rocky beach -- water shoes), so I am looking forward to that again on my next cruise...don't miss out on that.

From what I remember, the YC staff knows everyone staying in the YC by name. When the cart pulled up to the front of Ocean Cay YC area, everyone was greeted by name as we entered. 

[L1211]

34 minutes ago, jules815 said:

From what I remember, the YC staff knows everyone staying in the YC by name. When the cart pulled up to the front of Ocean Cay YC area, everyone was greeted by name as we entered. 

That’s impressive - and a lovely touch!

[Two Wheels Only]

35 minutes ago, jules815 said:

From what I remember, the YC staff knows everyone staying in the YC by name. When the cart pulled up to the front of Ocean Cay YC area, everyone was greeted by name as we entered. 

 

Even at Ocean House, there can be interlopers. Our most recent cruise had Ocean Cay as the last stop before Miami. By then, most YC guest could recognize other YC guests (seen near the pool, restaurant, lounge, etc.). A family of about 5 or 6 managed to wander into the YC beach area. Their brown MSC towels were an obvious clue that they weren't YC guests. 

 

Usually, the "guard" after the bridge will direct people to North Beach if non-YC guests try to head the wrong way but this family wasn't stopped. I viewed the entire thing from the water as the family walked between my cabana and the cabana next to mine. YC guests were looking around for someone to "say something" but I'm not sure if anyone did. I didn't see any staff approach them but I think that the family got the hint after so many YC guests were staring at them. 😳

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

5 hours ago, Tom-n-Cheryl said:

 

Are there any physical differences with regard to the two types of Cabanas (YC and non-YC)? In essence, what does paying the $200 premium for the YC version get you?
 

Tom

 

Anyone aware of the differences, if any? (Cabana itself, amenities, service)

 

🙂

 

Tom

[Morgsmom]

3 hours ago, L1211 said:

I totally agree that someone who did not pay for the YC experience should not be allowed the perks.  My only concern is my cabin- would expect that I can have guests in my cabin and could serve my alcohol or not. I will have my DD and her friend in an Aurea suite with large balcony and hot tub.  I expect we will visit with them there, but would also expect our cabin to be available for a visit if we chose… 

Unless there is some magic way to enter your cabin without crossing the YC doors/enclave the answer is definitively no.  You can, however, join them in their Aurea cabin.