I am sailing onboard MSC Cruises’ MSC Divina from Miami –and the best part is that we are enjoying the fantastic Yacht Club, the privileged feel of a ship-within-a-ship concept on all MSC vessels. Ensconced in the lap of luxury, guests in the Yacht Club enjoy a private restaurant, Le Muse, the spacious Top Sail Lounge, direct access to the Aurea Spa and on Deck 18, the One Pool and private deck with a small bar and buffet area for casual dining.
From the minute we arrived in Port Miami, we felt very special (and who doesn’t want to feel special) with our priority Yacht Club check-in, greeted by a bevy of Butlers as we were given our key cards. Guests are personally escorted on the ship, eventually arriving on Deck 15 (key card access only) to meet our concierges and lounge staff, as well as Andrew Brown, who hails from Portsmouth, UK, and is our Yacht Club Manager. We meet our lovely Butler, Gusti, who will become our go-to person for five days.
There are 71 Suites in the Yacht Club on the Divina, and the newer ships, such as the Seaview and Seashore, have 86 Suites.
The rooms are spacious, with a walk-in closet, a mini-fridge with included beverages, a welcome bottle of Asti-Spumante, fresh fruit, a small balcony, lovely crisp Egyptian cotton linens, and a pillow menu. And Wi-Fi for two devices is also included in the fare. The bathroom has only one sink but does have a bathtub, which this British woman much enjoys! I would recommend offering real hangers that can be removed and a hairdryer that is not attached to a drawer – that would complete the luxurious feel. And our ever-ready Butler, Gusti is mere steps away.
The Yacht Club accommodations are on Decks 15 and 16, with a gorgeous Swarovski crystal-encrusted staircase connecting the two. It is a haven of calm and peace, with service always at hand, even to one’s Butler escorting you to dinner or the theatre, where the Yacht Club guests have a dedicated seating section. There’s even priority elevator access.
The Divina is a very busy ship and it’s bustling all the time, whether by the large main pool area, in the various bars and lounges, the restaurants or the casino. So, if guests want a big ship for some of these aspects but also prefer a peaceful sanctuary, then the Yacht Club is the place to book. It’s an all-inclusive, heavenly cocoon with excellent inclusions. One receives unlimited drinks in all bars and restaurants on the ship, not just in the Yacht Club space. The private restaurant (which on Divina is a long walk away at the aft – but is within Yacht Club on newer ships) is open for all-inclusive dining at flexible times - so dine where and with whom you please in Le Muse.
The delightful Top Sail Lounge is the gathering spot and offers musical entertainment in the early evening to accompany delicious snacks and treats. Throughout the day, there are numerous tasty offerings on hand – for those who like to graze like me – this is perfect but perhaps too tempting!
The privileges of the MSC Yacht Club extend beyond each ship where, for example, on our cruise, we can enjoy the reserved Yacht Club area on the brand’s Ocean Cay Marine Reserve – their private island in the Bahamas. After arriving at Ocean Cay, you are escorted from the ship to a special jeep pick-up area. One is driven to the Yacht Club beach, which offers chaise longues and umbrellas, the deep blue Yacht Club crested towels on the beach and casual outdoor and covered dining and a bar. Butlers are everywhere, busily ensuring guests are happy and well catered to.
They work their magic, and it feels delightful.
Speaking to many fellow Yacht Club guests, it was clear they were enjoying their short getaway, and many had either rebooked on board for a future cruise (travel advisor protected) or were planning to sail again – in the Yacht Club.
I am a frequent cruiser on luxury brands and small ships, and I must say that the Yacht Club holds up well in this category. It seems the guests are very happy with access to large ship facilities while being pampered and cocooned in this calm and comfortable space, which feels like a members-only club.
Travel advisors should recommend guests sailing with MSC Cruises to book the Yacht Club as they will love it and appreciate such great advice!
