So what cruise lines can rival the Retreat experience?

[Lastdance]

To those of you who really enjoy MSC Yacht Club, are you mostly cruising in the Caribbean?  For me, Europe is my destination, so how do those experiences compare with Celebrity?  I have been doing my research, but need more information about the experience, ships etc.  For me, on Celebrity, there is a huge difference between Europe and the Caribbean.

~Thanks in advance!

[jean87510]

9 hours ago, CruisinShips said:

I am really surprised to see the positive comments about MSC Yacht Club.  I haven't tried it yet, but I have watched tons of youtube reviews and have read many reviews/comparisons, and almost all said similar things...the YC experience is very good on some ships, food is below that of Celebrity, and if you leave the YC area, you feel like you're on a packed Carnival cruise ship.

 

If this is not what some of you have found, then I'd love to be wrong.  Are there certain MSC ships to focus on for the better experience?

Once in the YC, you have zero reason to leave the YC.  For the price, it's great.  

[jean87510]

We have actually booked with Emerald cruises for December 2025 out of St. Martin doing the BVIs.  Price wise it was cheaper than a Royal itinerary out of San Juan I was looking at.  We did have to pay in full but ended up getting 50% off because we did that.  

We are not fans of the bigger ships.  We now pick for itinerary and a big bonus if no Cozumel, CocoCay or Nassau.  

[Lastdance]

12 minutes ago, jean87510 said:

Once in the YC, you have zero reason to leave the YC.  For the price, it's great.  

Are you speaking about the Caribbean?  So, not leaving the ship at all(YC)would be a much better experience than on Celebrity due to clientele, facilities and price?  Average demographic equal to Celebrity?

Edited April 18 by Lastdance

[jean87510]

13 minutes ago, Lastdance said:

Are you speaking about the Caribbean?  So, not leaving the ship at all(YC)would be a much better experience than on Celebrity due to clientele, facilities and price?  Average demographic equal to Celebrity?

yes.  I actually was looking at the YC in Northern Europe as well.

 

We were on the Divina and really enjoyed it.  

[At Sea At Peace]

27 minutes ago, Lastdance said:

To those of you who really enjoy MSC Yacht Club, are you mostly cruising in the Caribbean?  For me, Europe is my destination, so how do those experiences compare with Celebrity?  I have been doing my research, but need more information about the experience, ships etc.  For me, on Celebrity, there is a huge difference between Europe and the Caribbean.

~Thanks in advance!

 

MSC is the largest cruise line in Europe.

 

I would imagine that there is a difference between Europe, again where they are the largest, and the Caribbean, where they are new since the mid-2000-teens, and adding new classes of ships rapidly.

 

I don't know the significance, but when we planned our 26N to the Med in late April, early May 2025, anything YC on MSC was way beyond what we were willing to spend (supply and demand) and we alternately selected Celebrity Ascent (non Retreat, simply absurd pricing beyond MSC by a wide spread).

 

We cruise MSC, Celebrity, Royal and NCL, for different reasons and different experiences, and, despite having a few bumps here and there, really enjoy them all.

[At Sea At Peace]

On 4/17/2024 at 2:06 PM, omahabob said:

That's true of NCL Haven too, as well as the presence of kids. The season and itinerary affects that as well.

 

 

Just completed a B2B on Seascape starting 3/30 with week 1 Easter week with almost 100 kids and week 2 with 1/3 less total capacity in Yacht Club and only 20 plus something kids.

 

The first week was the best.  🤔  The # of adults behaving like children the second week was above normal. 🙄

[Lastdance]

2 minutes ago, At Sea At Peace said:

 

Just completed a B2B on Seascape starting 3/30 with week 1 Easter week with almost 100 kids and week 2 with 1/3 less total capacity in Yacht Club and only 20 plus something kids.

 

The first week was the best.  🤔  The # of adults behaving like children the second week was above normal. 🙄

So, kids are allowed in YC; Spring Break = lots of kids in Caribbean.  I guess the “adults’ just felt the need to...

[At Sea At Peace]

3 minutes ago, Lastdance said:

So, kids are allowed in YC; Spring Break = lots of kids in Caribbean.  I guess the “adults’ just felt the need to...

 

The particular subjects were (1) a 50-YO couple from FL (heard of supervised room suspension, 'here-say' from crew), (2) a 50+-YO 'exec' who decided to do an end of week FT call with his business in the dining room with full 'speaker mode' plus his massive vocals for 37 minutes and (3) a 65 YO H with W and 2 IL's who FT'd loudly to a toddler at home about his deserving spanking he'll get when they get home every day.

 

No spring breaker issues at all.  No issue with kids at all.  

[Lastdance]

23 minutes ago, At Sea At Peace said:

 

The particular subjects were (1) a 50-YO couple from FL (heard of supervised room suspension, 'here-say' from crew), (2) a 50+-YO 'exec' who decided to do an end of week FT call with his business in the dining room with full 'speaker mode' plus his massive vocals for 37 minutes and (3) a 65 YO H with W and 2 IL's who FT'd loudly to a toddler at home about his deserving spanking he'll get when they get home every day.

 

No spring breaker issues at all.  No issue with kids at all.  

Surprising that the crew didn’t do anything about what was happening in the dining room...sad!  It certainly isn’t difficult to find adults acting out and oblivious to others...don’t need kids to have issues...so thanks for clarifying. 

[voyager1964]

On 4/17/2024 at 12:52 PM, CruisinShips said:

Others may say NCL's Haven

Suggest asking this question on NCL board - you will be surprised how they assess the Retreat

[CruisinShips]

9 minutes ago, voyager1964 said:

Suggest asking this question on NCL board - you will be surprised how they assess the Retreat

Can’t you save me the trouble please….how would they assess the Retreat?

[Dolebludger]

NCL can compete with the Retreat only on their newest, larger ships..back in 2015 we were on a music cruise in their Haven on the NCL Pearl. There was no separate dining room, no,Haven included lounges, and no included drinks on the main ship. I posted on the NCL board here to see if this were still true. I found that it is still the case. To me, the NCL haven on some of their ships is no competition for the MSC Yacht club or the X Retreat

[SusieAV8R]

On 4/17/2024 at 2:06 PM, omahabob said:

That's true of NCL Haven too, as well as the presence of kids. The season and itinerary affects that as well.

 

I don't speak from extensive personal experience, but based on posts here, it seems all lines are experiencing a reduction in service and the 'luxury experience'. I would imagine that would make a comparison at least somewhat more difficult unless you've sailed all of them very recently. Obviously price would be an exception to that.

I totally agree, Omahabob!  Part of the problem, I think, is Covid:  cruise lines had to pay crew contracts etc. during Covid (such costs are being recouped now) and hiring post-covid experienced staff/new staff  is an ongoing issue which results in reduced service/luxury experience. Personally we have not experienced such a reduction in service or 'luxury experience' on Celebrity, but DH and & I have only cruised upper benefits suite since covid restart. 

[billc23]

7 hours ago, Merc85 said:

Are the dress codes the same?  The brochure photos I've seen seem to indicate that the smaller/higher end ships have a dressier dress code than X.  Is that so or is that just advertisements?  Thanks.

Silversea has the most dressy dress code of the typical luxury lines but every night there are great dress down options. The newer ships have a more relaxed dress code that probably will go fleet wide. I would recommend reviewing the dress code on each lines website to see if it would be acceptable. When on Silversea I do bring a sport coat every sailing but only sometime on Celebrity.

[billc23]

1 hour ago, SusieAV8R said:

I totally agree, Omahabob!  Part of the problem, I think, is Covid:  cruise lines had to pay crew contracts etc. during Covid (such costs are being recouped now) and hiring post-covid experienced staff/new staff  is an ongoing issue which results in reduced service/luxury experience. Personally we have not experienced such a reduction in service or 'luxury experience' on Celebrity, but DH and & I have only cruised upper benefits suite since covid restart. 

I have also only sailed upper suites on Celebrity since Covid (mostly PH) and I have experienced  reductions in service. Even without any reduction in service, the luxury experience does not measure up to a luxury cruise line IMO.

[At Sea At Peace]

13 hours ago, Lastdance said:

Surprising that the crew didn’t do anything about what was happening in the dining room...sad!  It certainly isn’t difficult to find adults acting out and oblivious to others...don’t need kids to have issues...so thanks for clarifying. 

 

The YC Director, Mustafa, was awesome.  The best, most visible, most responsive that we've seen alone in on B2B compared to the many B2B YC's we've done pre-pandemic 'combined.'  But, he can't be everywhere.  The MD in the dining room was, compared to the same other other B2B YC, useless, as well as the host, the entire B2B. The servers, a quite exceptional group, were all 'waiting' for someone to do something as they said they were not allowed to.  So I approached the MD and host.  They, although totally aware of the boisterous bloat even from 50' away, unbelievably, said they couldn't interrupt the man during his call - - but I could.  Not happening. We, as well as others, all moved!  Didn't bother the oaf or his wife at all, as one would expect of such classless characters.

 

If Mustafa had been nearby this would not have been handled this way.  He handled every single issue with tact, immediacy and resolution for the entire B2B.  

 

I guess we can't post signs for everything, but extended cell phone calls and FT in the dining room should be a 'known no-no.'  But, this is 2024; we don't want to offend 'one' offender despite the impact on hundreds of others.  The MD should have a small pre-printed card that states such and politely asks the rude passenger to end the conversation or take it to the lounge or stateroom.

[Dolebludger]

 I guess I should contact Regent and tell the folks there that their ads showing dressed up guests are DRIVING AWAY potential customers! It would drive me away too if I didn’t know better — which I do.

[Hearthosesteeldrumsplayin]

18 hours ago, Lastdance said:

To those of you who really enjoy MSC Yacht Club, are you mostly cruising in the Caribbean?  For me, Europe is my destination, so how do those experiences compare with Celebrity?  I have been doing my research, but need more information about the experience, ships etc.  For me, on Celebrity, there is a huge difference between Europe and the Caribbean.

~Thanks in advance!

Our first MSC cruise was on the Belissima (new at that time), Med cruise.  We enjoyed our experience with the staff, ship and stateroom (mind you, we were in the largest--private hot tub on our deck).  Announcements in several languages, not so much.  Casino without craps table, I had no use for.  We are not pool people, so can't comment on that.  Quartet playing in the YC lounge was very nice.  The shows were different than we were used to on X or NCL or Royal; different, not bad.  I will say, that had I not been in YC, I don't think I would sail MSC.  I'm not wild about the constant embarkation/disembarkation going on.  However, for the price point, especially with the increase in Retreat prices, I wouldn't exclude YC from consideration.  But, for my next cruise (AUS/NZ), I am looking at Regent's, O, and X.  While Regent's is higher (but not that much higher!), for a once-in-a-lifetime cruise, I think it would be worth it.

[billc23]

On 4/17/2024 at 11:35 PM, ggo85 said:

We have done the highest level suites on RCCL, Retreat on X, Crystal, and Silversea.

 

We are done with RCCL for a couple of reasons.  First, too many kids, which is their demo.  This isn't to start a kid-bashing thread, just that we like fewer and RCCL has many on most sailing.  Second, once you leave your suite, the experience is mass market. The ONLY thing we enjoy is reserved pool deck seating on many ships.  To be fair, we haven't done the new mega-ships.  We also like smaller ships so not even going there.

 

We've probably done 10 cruises on X, all in upper level suites.  Retreat (or just suites b4 they called it Retreat) used to be OK, not so much today.  We are doing our last X cruise in June.  Just did one on Reflection a couple of months ago.  Cabin size is great.  Amenities (free speciality dining, included beverages, internet etc.) are great.  Butler was above average (we've had great to terrible).  However, once you leave your suite, it's chaos.  We really noticed it this cruise on Reflection -- seemed that there were crowds everywhere.  Not a luxury experience and not pleasant for us.  And the cost was very, very high even when compared to luxury lines.  Retreat used to be a "deal" b/c you got a huge cabin and decent amenities for less than luxury lines.  No more.

 

Biggest benefits of the luxury lines (our view -- others may disagree).  First, you pay up front -- there is little to no effort to separate you from your money once on board.  Even in the spa, they aren't supposed to push products.  No (monetary) BINGO, gold by the inch, $20 watch specials, art auctions, etc. etc.  Also, you never sign for anything.  You want a drink -- go get one.  You want to eat someplace.  Show up (or make a reservation).  There are no crowds, no lines.  And nearly 100% of passengers are seasoned travelers.  Doesn't make them better or worse, just seasoned.  Much more space per passenger (nothing ever crowded) and MUCH more personalized service. Finally, most sailings have very few kids.

 

Downsides (for some):  limited entertainment. No big production shows.  No rock climbing walls (yeah!), slides, putt-putt, ice rinks, etc.  No "Central Park."  Costs are in line with (can even be cheaper than) upper level suites on mainstream line.  

 

We did Crystal pre-bankruptcy and are doing it again later this year.  The ships are older (but just recently fully refurbished) and cabins smaller than you'll get on X or RCCL for same price.  However, the service is SO personal, in a very good way.  After the second day, the pool deck guys recognize you, know where you like to sit, and when you show up.  They have your chairs already set up.  They know what you like to drink and ask you if you'd like a "Diet Coke like yesterday."  They typically give you the same wait staff in the dining room, so they too know your preferences (i.e., ketchup with hash browns).  Butlers are amazing.  After a couple of days, the crew calls you by name.  

 

Have done several SS cruises.  Lovely, new ships.  Butlers IMO not as good as Crystal across the board but still better than X.  6-7 dining options for lunch and dinner -- wide variety and all very good  Included excursions that are actually quite good.  Other nice things, when you leave ship for an excursion, they have umbrellas (as needed), water, towels, etc. available for the taking.  Pool deck chairs have plush cushions and they are always plentiful, even on sea days.  

 

IMO, it's almost impossible to replicate the luxury ship experience on a huge ship.  Mainstream lines are trying, with varying degrees of success.  IMO, X is not succeeding, which is why we're moving on.  But others may have a very different view, and we respect that.

Great summery! 

[chisoxfan]

We are pretty much done with X, although we like the Retreat experience the pricing is insane.

Only on two Retreat cruises (Ascent, Apex) but we were struck with how inconsistent overall service was which is not a positive for spending big money for a suite.

We were once pretty satisfied AQ cruises but refuse to give up the balconies and prefer newer ships.

So X not leaving much for us. We have looked at the semi luxury lines but frankly like a larger ship with many things to do. For those that enjoy smaller ships the value does generally seem to eclipse X Retreat.

To the point, we definitely would recommend MSC YC and feel it equivalent to Retreat at 1/2 price. We only book suites on Caribbean itineraries as we feel time spent on ship for Med/ Europe cruises is so limited that we don't need a suite. We are interested also in Princess' new Sphere class ship which has dedicated suite area (lounge, pool, restaraunt) and have booked this at about 60-65% less than comparable Retreat on X. We are also doing a HAL Club Orange  balcony which is a great value and on Pinnacle class ships has dedicated suite restaurant. A great advantage (for us) on CCL ships is fully refundable deposits. Our value prop on a Caribbean cruise or all inclusive is that we should be able to enjoy a week for under 6k. Back to back on HAL Nieuw Amsterdam with and Princess Sun suite (drinks, internet, tips, etc.) will be less than a Sky Suite week on Ascent this next winter.

 

 

 

[Dolebludger]

Five years ago, the Retreat was real competition for the lux lines. Almost the same degree of service and inclusions but for a lower fare. Been there — enjoyed that. Now, post-pandemic it looks as if some of the former inclusions aren’t there any more, and the fares are not lower (if at all and  even higher) than the lux lines. So, while the Retreat may still be enjoyable, it is no longer a “good deal” given the price. For some reason, some like a larger ship than the lux lines offer. I can’t see why. We returned from a cruise on the Regent Splendor two weeks ago. We found the service, food, and entertainment to be great. Can’t imagine what would have been better if that ship held 3000 guests instead of 750. More guests onboard would seem to be a negative factor — not positive.

[Liao]

8 hours ago, Dolebludger said:

Five years ago, the Retreat was real competition for the lux lines. Almost the same degree of service and inclusions but for a lower fare. Been there — enjoyed that. Now, post-pandemic it looks as if some of the former inclusions aren’t there any more, and the fares are not lower (if at all and  even higher) than the lux lines. So, while the Retreat may still be enjoyable, it is no longer a “good deal” given the price. For some reason, some like a larger ship than the lux lines offer. I can’t see why. We returned from a cruise on the Regent Splendor two weeks ago. We found the service, food, and entertainment to be great. Can’t imagine what would have been better if that ship held 3000 guests instead of 750. More guests onboard would seem to be a negative factor — not positive.

For me, who primarily only sails TA’s with generally 8+ sea days, the ship is the main destination.  The smaller ships would not provide the same ability for days on end of wandering around.

[chisoxfan]

8 hours ago, Dolebludger said:

Five years ago, the Retreat was real competition for the lux lines. Almost the same degree of service and inclusions but for a lower fare. Been there — enjoyed that. Now, post-pandemic it looks as if some of the former inclusions aren’t there any more, and the fares are not lower (if at all and  even higher) than the lux lines. So, while the Retreat may still be enjoyable, it is no longer a “good deal” given the price. For some reason, some like a larger ship than the lux lines offer. I can’t see why. We returned from a cruise on the Regent Splendor two weeks ago. We found the service, food, and entertainment to be great. Can’t imagine what would have been better if that ship held 3000 guests instead of 750. More guests onboard would seem to be a negative factor — not positive.

To each their own of course. We like the variety of entertainment, dining, and bars on the 'larger' ships. I looked at the Splendor that you cited and it certainly is a beautiful ship. Compared to Retreat it also would seem a bargain as a one week Jan. cruise in Carib for a 'discounted' balcony was around 11k (had to set up an account with phone number to get actual price and refund policy which I believe is fairly restrictive?).  Overall we just like many options for nightime entertainment on larger ships even though I would agree that quality varies. My wife enjoys slots and the casino on Splendor just has a few table games. We really enjoy BB Kings on HAL ships. We also enjoy some of the private islands. For us the cruise is a just a fun getaway and we just ask decent food and service.... we don't need Mastro's quality steaks every night or a butler.  A clean modern room with a balcony suffices for us. Our primary reason (maybe only) for doing a suite is a dedicated pool area and restaurant.  

So I can see where you are enamored with Regent but doesn't really ring our bell despite the value.

[CruisinShips]

So, since starting this thread, we have booked a cruise on MSC YC.  I will say we have absolutely LOVED our two prior Retreat experiences...first was the Eclipse last October, and then that experience was eclipsed by an absolutely wonderful cruise in a CS on the Apex in February.  We enjoyed that one so much that we booked the same cabin on the same ship for February of next year.  So while we now have two Retreat cruises booked, the pricing and the reviews I have read right here in this thread have motivated me to try MSC.

 

I agree with many others...we live in South Florida and really love the convenience of Caribbean cruises, so the ship is more important to us than the ports...that's why the smaller ships just aren't appealing for those itineraries.

 

Anyway...this has been a VERY enlightening discussion, and I sincerely appreciate all of the great feedback so many have provided.