Is MSC Yacht Club Worth It?  What to Expect

ByCarry On Travel Solo

MSC Yacht Club is a ship-within-a-ship option for those who value luxury travel, but also want the amenities of a large, mainline cruise ship.  Most of the main U.S. based lines have these options, and MSC may be one of the best if this is your style.  

In order to have access to the Yacht Club areas and amenities, you have to book a Yacht Club cabin, which you can generally expect to be larger than your average cruise ship room up to suites.  MSC also has some Interior rooms in the Yacht Club for those who have a tighter budget or for those who just like to sleep in complete darkness.

I recently spent time onboard to see if the luxury perks really justify the higher price tag, which you can read about in my MSC Seashore 3-day trip report.

While room types and amenities can differ by ship, the smaller crowds and luxury feel make the MSC Yacht Club absolutely worth the extra cost.

What’s Included in the Yacht Club?

In addition to the room, the MSC Yacht Club also includes access to a number of facilities available only to Yacht Club Guests.  This includes the Top Sail Lounge with a bar, lots of seating, and generally some musical entertainment in the evening. The Yacht Club pool offers a private sundeck, swimming pool, and hot tubs.

The MSC Yacht Club Restaurant is open for all three meals, with the exception of lunch time when the ship is at Ocean Cay.  While at MSC’s private island, lunch is available for Yacht Club guests in the gorgeous Ocean House Restaurant.  As an MSC Yacht Club guest, you also have access to included Room Service, mini-bar, and the poolside One Pool Buffet at the MSC Yacht Club Grill & Bar.

While other passengers have to pay extra for drinks and internet access, the MSC Yacht Club includes:

  • the Premium Extra Beverage package
  • high-speed Wi-Fi for two devices 
  • access to the Thermal Spa which includes a number of rooms and features to help you relax and rewind

The other main benefits of the MSC Yacht Club are the Butler and Concierge Services.  Need something?  They will do their best to help and ensure you have the vacation of your dreams. You will be assigned a Butler and a Junior Butler according to your room.  A butler will escort you on and off the ship, and will do their best to ensure your trip runs smoothly.  The Concierge can help with questions or needs around excursions, spa treatments, or any other needs you might have.    

Keeping track of daily event times and lounge hours in the Yacht Club is very easy. While everything is listed on the app, I asked the Concierge desk for a paper schedule on day one, and they made sure a physical copy was left in my room every day after. You can see what those schedules look like in my post sharing the MSC Yacht Club daily programs.

Cruising MSC Yacht Club as a Solo Traveler

Whether traveling as a couple or a family or with friends, or even solo, MSC Yacht Club is great for all types of travelers. As a solo traveler who enjoys quiet and solitude, not to mention a bit of luxury, the MSC Yacht Club is a great way to travel.  As with any solo travel, it can be a bit awkward at times, but no one should skip this opportunity just because they are traveling alone.  Yes, the room will feel way too big and you will have more closet space than you can possibly use.  Dining alone is always a little lonely, but a book is also great company.

Cruising solo in the MSC Yacht Club is a great experience if you are able.  

While the Yacht Club offers an elevated, quiet escape, you can also read about what to expect when sailing alone on MSC in the main areas of the ship.

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