As cruising has become an increasingly popular way to travel — with an anticipated 21.7 million Americans expected to embark on ocean cruises in 2026 — it’s harder to avoid sold-out ships packed with passengers and more difficult to find spaces for peace and quiet.
For those looking to get away from the masses, MSC Yacht Club offers a welcome reprieve for guests staying in the cruise line’s “ship within a ship” concept, which can be found on 19 ships across the fleet. While paying for the upgrade is certainly a splurge, the benefits include a drink package, an exclusive restaurant and pool deck, thermal spa access, a butler, dedicated theater seating, skip-the-line access for boarding and a dedicated area at MSC Cruises’ private destination, Ocean Cay.
As the Europe-based company works on luring passengers from other, more established American cruise lines, many curious cruisers who haven’t tried MSC Cruises wonder what the value proposition is, especially when upgrading to Yacht Club, which has only “suite” accommodations.
During a sailing on the MSC Grandiosa in January, media members (myself included) were invited on a hosted cruise to stay in the Yacht Club’s Deluxe Suite, which has 312 square feet of indoor space and a 54-square-foot balcony. But more than the room itself, the Yacht Club experience provided serenity, service and hassle-free cruising.
Here’s what the experience was like, along with a cost comparison for travelers considering a Yacht Club upgrade.
Getting on the ship
The perks of sailing with MSC Yacht Club begin at the cruise terminal with an expedited check-in and boarding process. Sure, Yacht Club passengers still have to go through security like everyone else, but they get to skip the massive line outside to get there. Once inside, they have a dedicated seating area with butler-served drinks and light bites.
When it’s time to board, a butler escorts guests to their room, where a bottle of bubbly is typically waiting. Yacht Club also includes a fully-stocked minibar that is replenished daily and a complimentary bottle of wine or spirits delivered to the room.
Each suite has a dedicated butler who is available 24 hours a day throughout the cruise. A Yacht Club concierge desk provides personalized guidance, restaurant reservations and help with shore excursions.
Included-in-fare amenities also include the “premium extra” drink package, Wi-Fi and thermal spa access.
Throughout the journey
During the sailing, the value of MSC Yacht Club comes from enjoying as many premium drinks as desired, lounging at the quiet solarium and pool deck or eating at the exclusive Yacht Club restaurant with upscale menu options.
The Top Sail Lounge also offers some of the best views from the bow of the ship, refreshments at almost any hour and live music in the evening. It’s these areas that are most comforting when retreating from the ship’s crowded public areas in search of peace of mind.
The butler service and concierge also make the cruising experience easier. Need anything? Help is just a quick call away, or a short walk to the Yacht Club desk. High-quality service is one of the Yacht Club’s best tenets.
It’s also handy when going to a main stage show and finding a dedicated Yacht Club seating area, no more worrying about finding a spot in the crowd.
When arriving at Ocean Cay, MSC Cruises’ private destination in the Bahamas, Yacht Club has a dedicated restaurant and beach for another quiet, exclusive retreat.
In addition to the exclusive top deck pool and solarium, MSC Yacht Club guests have access to a whirlpool at the Top 19 Solarium that is shared with MSC Aurea suite guests. As it overlooks the main pool deck, it’s a great place to people-watch and take in the sunset while leaving a cruise port.
When it comes time to leave, Yacht Club guests are given priority access to skip past the masses of people waiting to disembark. A personal butler escort to the gangway means the experience has value from arrival at the cruise terminal for embarkation through disembarkation.
Ivan Sarfatti/MSC Cruises
The MSC Yacht Club on board MSC Seascape is among the largest in the fleet with 32,000 square feet of suites, a private pool, a lounge and a restaurant. (Courtesy Ivan Sarfatti/MSC Cruises)
What’s the value?
While exact results will vary by itinerary and options, a 7-night cruise leaving in November 2026 makes for a cost-comparison breakdown, comparing multiple MSC Cruises fares against a similar Royal Caribbean itinerary.
A weeklong Caribbean and Bahamas cruise on the MSC Grandiosa, leaving on Nov. 28, starts at $459 per person or $649 per person with a balcony at the time of writing.
An article on Cruise Blog about the value of Yacht Club notes that adding a premium drink package on a weeklong cruise costs $497 per adult, adding a two-device internet package was $134 per person, and the thermal spa pass was $130 per day. That cost breakdown meant the included Yacht Club perks would amount to an additional $760 in add-ons for a lower-tier cruise fare.
The same sailing shows Yacht Club interior suites starting at $2,931 per person, or $3,411 for a balcony suite.
MSC Cruises
The MSC Yacht Club on board MSC Seascape is among the largest in the fleet with 32,000 square feet of suites, a private pool, a lounge and a restaurant. (Courtesy MSC Cruises)
Essentially, that means Yacht Club guests could pay almost double but gain access to exclusive areas, a dedicated butler and concierge, the Yacht Club restaurant and all of the other perks mentioned above. It’s hard to put a dollar amount on all those benefits, but travelers looking to ensure a peaceful and easy cruise experience might find the upgrade worth it.
It’s also possible to find less expensive Yacht Club fares or deals during seasonal sales and non-peak sailing times.
A Royal Caribbean Cruise on the same dates aboard Harmony of the Seas starts at $900 per person for an interior room or $1,083 per person for a balcony room, at the time of writing. Royal Caribbean — and many other companies — use dynamic pricing, meaning guests often won’t pay the same price for the same amenities or package.
However, anecdotal evidence online suggests that the deluxe alcohol package can cost $55-$120 per person per day. Wi-Fi packages on such a cruise might cost between $130 and $180, while a 7-day pass to the thermal spa costs between $100 and $160 per person.
When you look at spending around $1,900 per person for an average weeklong Royal Caribbean cruise in a balcony room or spending around $3,400 for a premium experience aboard an MSC Cruises, the value proposition becomes a little more enticing. It’s still not a clear-cut decision, but travelers looking for a dose of luxury while cruising might find it’s more affordable than they think.
Upgrading to a suite on the same Royal Caribbean cruise with access to exclusive Sky Class amenities, similar to Yacht Club perks and areas, starts at just under $4,000 for that weeklong itinerary on Harmony of the Seas.
MSC Cruises has received mixed reviews about service, food, and crowded spaces on board its ships, prompting some travelers online to insist that Yacht Club is the only way they will sail with the cruise line. Travelers trying MSC Cruises for the first time might not splurge on the Yacht Club experience, but cruisers with a budget to play with should find the upgrades well worth the price.
Find me @PConnPie on Instagram or send me an email: pconnolly@orlandosentinel.com. Stay up to date with our latest travel, arts and events coverage by subscribing to our newsletters at orlandosentinel.com/newsletters.
