Great Yacht Club Experience

Cruises: 7+ cruises

Review: 1

Helpful Votes: 33

Review summary

I have never written a cruise reviewing my life but feel compelled due to all the negative reviews I've read about MSC. Experienced cruiser, having done a couple carnival, a couple MSC and numerous RCCL. Like many, I cruise in part for the value but understand you get what you pay for. I will acknowledge that we stayed in the Yacht Club so there were greater expectations and we were not "exposed" to what others may have been. With that said, we were thoroughly impressed. PROS: MSC Seashore is a stunning ship, absolutely pristine in every way. The ship was spotless, constant cleaning and upkeep going on. The food in the Yacht Club exceeded expectations and was significantly better than the 15+ prior cruises I've been on. Homemade pastas, virtually limitless seafood options and very good steaks. The service could not have been better. The rooms are spacious and the linens, towels etc. are significantly upgraded. The pool deck amenities are vastly different with plush chairs, loungers, towels, amazing service, plenty of room, available chairs etc. In summary, the Yacht Club experience buys you better food, ammentities, service, and maybe most importantly, space. The ability to not have to fight for a chair or cramming next to someone on a pool deck is priceless in my opinion. CONS: The layout of Seashore is slightly awkward while trying to get to your social and entertainment venues. It's hard to match the ease of ships designed with promenades. Elevators are unusual and can be frustrating due to modern design but we don't mind doing stairs so not a real issue. Drink service in main ship areas can be slower at the most popular venues but was never terrible and you can always walk to a quieter venue. Some staff are not fluent English speakers, thus less engaging, but staff effort or politeness was never an issue. THE REST: MSC has the best coffee's and pizza at sea...period...not even close in my opinion. The private MSC Island, Ocean Cay, is absolutely gorgeous, tranquil, perfect for adults and unlike other cruise ship islands. It does not have activities for kids other than the beach. If not if Yacht Club, MSC is not as efficient as other cruise lines with the operation of the ship, services, as a whole. MSC shows its Italian routes in decor and activities. Production shows are better than other cruise lines on average but there are less activities planned, especially during the day. You're likely not getting the steal drums, poolside reggae bands, dance clubs etc. CONCLUSION: Try MSC. It is worth a shot. If you try Yacht Club, you may not be able to go back to traditional cruising!

Embarkation

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

Onboard Activities

Entertainment

Service and Staff

Ship Quality

Cabin / Stateroom

Ports of call

Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, Bahamas

Nassau, Bahamas

Disembarkation

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