Aurea Experience vs Yacht Club

[texangal39]

Hi everyone, I need a little help from the MSC veterans. I’m looking at the Seascape and trying to decide between the Premium Aurea with Whirlpool or the Yacht Club Deluxe Suite. I am really torn because the cabin seems amazing but the Yacht Club is calling to me and the Royal Suite with the whirlpool is out of my budget so I’d have to go with the YC Deluxe Suite. I hate to give up the whirlpool because the YC Deluxe Suite doesn’t interest me as much, but I equally want to be in YC. So, my questions are:

 

• Does being in YC completely trump the Aurea Experience and Aurea Premium Cabin with whirlpool?
• Aside from the cabin, spa access, drinks package, WiFi, anytime dining, and priority boarding, what else is designated for Aurea Experience cruisers?
• Are there any reserved areas onboard for those with the Aurea experience? If so, what are they?

 

Thanks for your responses and happy cruising!!

Sincerely,

Stuck like Chuck 🙃😀

[Happygcruiser]

I once booked the Aurea with Whirlpool and got upgraded for FREE to the YC duplex suite... If you go to a "sunny" itinerary I would go with the Aurea to have a private jakuzzi.

YC amenities are really nice also of course and lovely.

Aurea guests have their own sundeck, reserved for them.

[peder]

We switch between Aurea and YC depending on the itinerary and cabin types available on a ship. Both are good. Sometimes YC will be only slightly more expensive than Aurea if you were planning on getting drinks+wifi anyway, and YC dining is on the same level as specialty dining every night, so you might save some money over Aurea if you were planning on booking specialty dining.

[wolft927]

I was actually researching the same thing! We have an inside YC on the Seascape for September of this year. We usually sail in the Haven on NCL but the price for the YC inside was so good we are giving them a try ($3200 all in). I am now looking at booking MSC on the Seashore in Feb 2025 and looked at several categories. Here are the prices

 

Standard Balcony Aurea level with my 10% discount is all in $2109 with the drink package and $100 OBC

Jr. Suite with my 10% discount all in was $2310 with drink package and $200 onboard credit. 

The Grand Suite Aurea (not YC) all in was $2919 with drink package and $200 on board credit

The MSC Deluxe YC suite ( no inside available) all in was $5334 with $200 OBC

 

Now, the question for you would be would you utilize the YC that often. Now my wife and I when sailing in the Haven love being there. We would trade off the Balcony for inside YC any day of the week. But since there is no Inside available am I willing to pay almost another $2500 to go from The Grand Suite Aurea to the YC? The answer would be no. We could basically book 2 Grand Suite Aurea for the price of 1 MSC deluxe YC suites. 

 

Again, Love the Haven and Sure we will love the YC as well in September, but one of the reasons we are trying the YC is because the inside YC suite is more then half the price cheaper than the cheapest Haven Suite. We are go with the flow people and have cruised all the major lines but our last 5 have been NCL Haven and 1 RCCL Symphony of the seas (standard balcony). Interesting to hear others thoughts. 

 

 

[Two Wheels Only]

52 minutes ago, texangal39 said:

Does being in YC completely trump the Aurea Experience and Aurea Premium Cabin with whirlpool?

 

Yes.

 

53 minutes ago, texangal39 said:

Are there any reserved areas onboard for those with the Aurea experience? If so, what are they?

 

Yes.

 

There is a sundeck and bar on deck 19 that is for Aurea guests. 

Yacht Club guests can also use that area but very few YC guests do. 

There is also a Main Dining Room (Manhattan) that is just for Aurea guests. 

[morpheusofthesea]

Here is a video 360 degree walk about of the Yacht Club OnePool Deck. It has two jacuzzi's (I think that was a square jacuzzi at the front of the ship ?). Looking over the side of railings at the Aurea Top 19 sundeck the port side has the pergolas and the starboard side lounges and two jacuzzis. So if one were to book an inside YC cabin one has the use of these 4 jacuzzis.

[Fogfog]

If

-you love the use of a hot tub, certainly having a private one over a public one is great--

..and a "pool guy" will come clean-fill it for you each day 

-and if you will be able to make use of the $ difference between YC and Aurea in spa add ons, or save $ you'd not spend otherwise (or would spend it in specialty dining) then Aurea is likely the better fit.

 

 

 

[PTC DAWG]

YC all day every day for me in this comparison..

[TrinaLC]

I’d do YC for the pampering from the incredible staff. But I don’t value a private jacuzzi at all …

[deliver42]

YC completely. Premium drinks, amazing service, and access to the thermal suite, even though you get the thermal suite in Auria. The private Jacuzzi is a non issue to me. Don't need it, and probably wouldn't use it.

[texangal39]

6 hours ago, Happygcruiser said:

I once booked the Aurea with Whirlpool and got upgraded for FREE to the YC duplex suite... If you go to a "sunny" itinerary I would go with the Aurea to have a private jakuzzi.

YC amenities are really nice also of course and lovely.

Aurea guests have their own sundeck, reserved for them.

Thanks for replying. That’s why I am so torn right now. I generally soak these old bones in the hot tub almost every night when I cruise, so this cabin is just what I need at the price I need. I just wish I could get the Royal Suite as that would be everything I want, but … Cadillac taste with Chevy budget! 🤣

[texangal39]

7 hours ago, wolft927 said:

I was actually researching the same thing! We have an inside YC on the Seascape for September of this year. We usually sail in the Haven on NCL but the price for the YC inside was so good we are giving them a try ($3200 all in). I am now looking at booking MSC on the Seashore in Feb 2025 and looked at several categories. Here are the prices

 

Standard Balcony Aurea level with my 10% discount is all in $2109 with the drink package and $100 OBC

Jr. Suite with my 10% discount all in was $2310 with drink package and $200 onboard credit. 

The Grand Suite Aurea (not YC) all in was $2919 with drink package and $200 on board credit

The MSC Deluxe YC suite ( no inside available) all in was $5334 with $200 OBC

 

Now, the question for you would be would you utilize the YC that often. Now my wife and I when sailing in the Haven love being there. We would trade off the Balcony for inside YC any day of the week. But since there is no Inside available am I willing to pay almost another $2500 to go from The Grand Suite Aurea to the YC? The answer would be no. We could basically book 2 Grand Suite Aurea for the price of 1 MSC deluxe YC suites. 

 

Again, Love the Haven and Sure we will love the YC as well in September, but one of the reasons we are trying the YC is because the inside YC suite is more then half the price cheaper than the cheapest Haven Suite. We are go with the flow people and have cruised all the major lines but our last 5 have been NCL Haven and 1 RCCL Symphony of the seas (standard balcony). Interesting to hear others thoughts. 

 

 

Yes, the Haven was really good pre-COVID. These days, it’s just ok and at times not so good because the service has dropped due to the staffing issues.

This will be my 2nd MSC sailing. Yacht Club and Aurea were sold out on my first sailing, so I’m trying again.
I agree that the difference from suite to suite can be either a deal & steal or a bank breaker, so good luck on your decision and booking!

[texangal39]

7 hours ago, Two Wheels Only said:

 

Yes.

 

 

Yes.

 

There is a sundeck and bar on deck 19 that is for Aurea guests. 

Yacht Club guests can also use that area but very few YC guests do. 

There is also a Main Dining Room (Manhattan) that is just for Aurea guests. 

Thank you for the info. It’s nice that Aurea gets some things different from Fantástica onboard. It almost sounds like the Jr. Suite access on Royal. You have access to some special things but not everything the higher level suites get.

Edited February 23 by texangal39

[texangal39]

6 hours ago, morpheusofthesea said:

Here is a video 360 degree walk about of the Yacht Club OnePool Deck. It has two jacuzzi's (I think that was a square jacuzzi at the front of the ship ?). Looking over the side of railings at the Aurea Top 19 sundeck the port side has the pergolas and the starboard side lounges and two jacuzzis. So if one were to book an inside YC cabin one has the use of these 4 jacuzzis.

 

Thanks so much for sharing the video. That really helped and definitely changed my mind! Just the thought of not having to share the pool area with the entire ship has me sold now, so I think I’m booking the YC Deluxe Suite and will cross my fingers for an upgrade offer to the Royal Suite. 

[morpheusofthesea]

9 minutes ago, texangal39 said:

so I think I’m booking the YC Deluxe Suite and will cross my fingers for an upgrade offer to the Royal Suite. 

Since you are going to try taking one step forward....

Don't know exactly but here is a post from another social media poster. "They accepted our offer and put us in the YC Deluxe balcony! So for the price of ONE YC person my wife and I are getting in (total cost $2600, the "rack rate" for that room is $5300)! Happy birthday to me!" Under title "Bidding upgrade to Yacht Club." This was 2 weeks before the sailing. During our disembarkation, we were escorted to the gangway by our butler. In the elevator he told us that the Yacht Club was almost sold out on the next cruise. There were 2 cabins available and one was the Royal Suite. So it appears everyone that bid got upgraded to the YC with only 2 left on embarkation day. So perhaps it is not too wise to nibble too early on those upgrade emails until 2 weeks before the sailing date ?

" Will be cruising on the World Europa from Barcelona on 27th of this month. First time in YC. Won a bid from a Bella interior cabin to a YC interior but have ended up with a deluxe cabin suite! Paying around $1300 per person in total, such great value." (another poster)

   On another sailing, chit chatting with the head concierge and head butler we were privy to find out that on a previous sailing a couple were able to bid on the Royal Suite and got it for a total $5000 ( less than a YC deluxe). Now that is hitting the lottery ! 

[psmarkle]

The Butler service, the YC Top Sail Lounge, the YC private restaurant with it's own menu, butler escort on/off the ship, skipping the lines, YC poolside buffet, the YC hot tubs are rarely crowded (esp the one at the front of the ship)...Aurea does have perks, but YC has da' pampering!! Oh, and it starts with the wonderful white YC curbside check-in tent at the port and separate security line, and YC check-in lounge area with Prosecco!

 

If you can afford the YC, you won't regret it! And you'll never want to go back.

 

From a Former NCL Haven'er ourselves.

[texangal39]

51 minutes ago, morpheusofthesea said:

Since you are going to try taking one step forward....

Don't know exactly but here is a post from another social media poster. "They accepted our offer and put us in the YC Deluxe balcony! So for the price of ONE YC person my wife and I are getting in (total cost $2600, the "rack rate" for that room is $5300)! Happy birthday to me!" Under title "Bidding upgrade to Yacht Club." This was 2 weeks before the sailing. During our disembarkation, we were escorted to the gangway by our butler. In the elevator he told us that the Yacht Club was almost sold out on the next cruise. There were 2 cabins available and one was the Royal Suite. So it appears everyone that bid got upgraded to the YC with only 2 left on embarkation day. So perhaps it is not too wise to nibble too early on those upgrade emails until 2 weeks before the sailing date ?

" Will be cruising on the World Europa from Barcelona on 27th of this month. First time in YC. Won a bid from a Bella interior cabin to a YC interior but have ended up with a deluxe cabin suite! Paying around $1300 per person in total, such great value." (another poster)

   On another sailing, chit chatting with the head concierge and head butler we were privy to find out that on a previous sailing a couple were able to bid on the Royal Suite and got it for a total $5000 ( less than a YC deluxe). Now that is hitting the lottery ! 

Great advice! I’ve never been tapped by the upgrade fairy but I can only hope I do get an offer acceptance and this strategy may prove successful. Thanks a million!

[texangal39]

For those who are curious, I booked ….

3 cruises because I couldn’t decide 🤩

1. Seascape - Caribbean Cruise - Aurea Premium Suite with Whirlpool. This allows me to try the Aurea experience and the cabin I coveted and get it out of my system. We will be onboard in a few weeks!!

2. World Europa - Med. Cruise - Yacht Club Deluxe Suite. This coming fall.

3. Seashore - Caribbean Cruise - Winter 2025 - Yacht Club Deluxe Grande Suite 

 

We will be on Royal on the Icon of the Seas in a Jr. Suite for Thanksgiving this year. So, I still need to book Thanksgiving 2025; looking at NCL right now. It’s been a while since I was on them. I had something booked for February, but I canceled due to a family emergency.

 

THANKS SO MUCH for the pics and advice everyone!!

[perakcruiser]

In my opinion it is pretty simple, you book Aurea because of the cabin (as Aurea is the only option to get one of the best cabins on the ship) and you book YC because of the experience. And you book the best cabins in YC to combine the two things 🙂

 

@texangal39 Congratulations, especially for the World Europa cruise. I hope you start in Naples, but anyway, do yourself a favor and some detailed research about the destinations to make this a really great experience. 

 

[Stockjock]

I have not done YC.  Did a Aurea Grand Suite over this past NYE and really liked it a lot.  It was much cheaper than YC.  The promo I booked included drinks and wi-fi, and we booked 3 specialty restaurants for $100 each ($200 total).  We also got a 4th (out of 7 nights) specialty restaurant for being diamond members. 

In our case, our cabin was a lot bigger and nicer than many YC cabins, and because we ate in the specialty restaurants 4 out of 7 nights, we ate very well.  We timed it so that 2 of the 3 remaining dinners in Les Dunes (Aurea restaurant) were on Gala Nights, with somewhat better menus.

This worked out great for us and we saved thousands over booking YC.  Plus, I don't want a butler escorting us around, but that's just me.

That said, I know that many rave over YC, so in my mind, it boils down to personal preference.

Edited February 27 by Stockjock

[texangal39]

On 2/26/2024 at 1:46 AM, perakcruiser said:

In my opinion it is pretty simple, you book Aurea because of the cabin (as Aurea is the only option to get one of the best cabins on the ship) and you book YC because of the experience. And you book the best cabins in YC to combine the two things 🙂

 

@texangal39 Congratulations, especially for the World Europa cruise. I hope you start in Naples, but anyway, do yourself a favor and some detailed research about the destinations to make this a really great experience. 

 

Thank you and I think you’ve summed up Aurea and YC perfectly!

Thanks so much for the tip/reminder to research! I plan to start my research on our stops soon. Some stops I’ve already spent considerable time in because I try to split my fly&stays and cruises for balance, but it’s a new adventure for me every single time to find the things I missed and also add new things to see to the list.

Happy cruising!

[texangal39]

1 hour ago, Stockjock said:

I have not done YC.  Did a Aurea Grand Suite over this past NYE and really liked it a lot.  It was much cheaper than YC.  The promo I booked included drinks and wi-fi, and we booked 3 specialty restaurants for $100 each ($200 total).  We also got a 4th (out of 7 nights) specialty restaurant for being diamond members. 

In our case, our cabin was a lot bigger and nicer than many YC cabins, and because we ate in the specialty restaurants 4 out of 7 nights, we ate very well.  We timed it so that 2 of the 3 remaining dinners in Les Dunes (Aurea restaurant) were on Gala Nights, with somewhat better menus.

This worked out great for us and we saved thousands over booking YC.  Plus, I don't want a butler escorting us around, but that's just me.

That said, I know that many rave over YC, so in my mind, it boils down to personal preference.

Sounds like you had a great time and your choice was worth it and you captured an awesome deal. I agree with you about Aurea being an excellent value for what you pay. The cabins appear to be very nice with an elevated experience and it’s not much more to add a dining package. I just did that today for my upcoming sailing and it was only $110 each; indeed a steal.

I am excited about the Aurea experience and the YC as well and know that what you said is exactly why I booked them both; Aurea for the cabin I wanted and YC for the pampering experience. I considered trying a 4-night cruise to try out YC but decided to just dive right in and go for a full experience on a longer sailing for this fall.