msc yacht club south africa

• Airlink Flights
• FlySafair Flights
• British Airways
• Lift Flights
• Qatar Flights
• Emirates Flights
• FlySafair specials
• Qatar specials
• Emirates specials
• SAA specials
• BA specials
• Cheap Flights
• Flights to Cape Town
• Flights from Cape Town
• Flights to Johannesburg
• Flights from Johannesburg
• Flights to Durban
• Flights from Durban
• Flights to Bloemfontein
• Flights to East London
• Flights to George
• Flights to Kruger
• Cape Town to London
• Johannesburg to London
• Cruises from Durban
• Cruises from Cape Town
• Cruises to Pomene
• Cruises to Portuguese Island
• MSC Sinfonia Cruises
• MSC Musica Cruises
• MSC Splendida Cruises
• New MSC Opera Cruises
• Grand Voyage Cruises
• MSC Cruises
• Royal Caribbean
• International Cruises
• Mediterranean Cruises
• First Car Rental Rates
• Bloemfontein car hire
• Cape Town car hire
• Durban car hire
• East London car hire
• George car hire
• Johannesburg car hire
• Lanseria Airport car hire
• Nelspruit car hire
• PE car hire
• Minibus Hire

MSC Yacht Club | Creme de la Creme

South Africans aren't accustomed to the sumptuous luxuries of the MSC Yacht Club, as the ships which have sailed South Africa's shores haven't offered this 'ship within a ship' experience. Suffice to say that this self-indulgent dream comes at a price - especially when measured in our weak Rands!

To make a booking on the MSC Yacht Club email [email protected]

Expect more pampering, more privacy and less red tape; free drinks (with a few provisos), a club-exclusive pool with jacuzzis, an exclusive sun lounge, a dedicated area for Yacht Club members to check in, butler service for your cabin, a dedicated lounge area, and a dedicated restaurant. The exclusive areas ensure that you don't have to get contaminated by mingling with the hoi polloi! Which is a huge plus for celebrities, who want to avoid getting swamped by fans.

The butler service takes some getting used to - if you ask your butler how to get somewhere on the ship it's likely that he'll walk you all the way there. On the days in port they may escort you down to the disembarkation area. As you get out of you taxi at the embarkation port, your butler may meet you and get you swiftly through check-in, and onwards to the reception area of the Yacht Club; reducing a process which usually takes an hour plus to less than 20 minutes. And don't worry that you'll wake up in the middle of the night without a butler to help - they offer a round the clock service. Each butler serves about 4 rooms.

The exclusive restaurants are well positioned, usually at the front of the ship; with tables not being as close to one another as in the main dining halls of the ship.

Should they choose, Yacht Club members are of course allowed on the rest of the ship, and rules have been recently changed so that they can get free drinks there to. Note that whilst you are allowed to order free drinks for yourselfa, if you order for non-Yacht Club members, you'll have to pay for them.

Ships on which there is an MSC Yacht Club

(with the name of the Yacht Club restaurant in brackets)

The Fantasia Class ships:

MSC Divina (Le Muse)

MSC Fantasia (L'Etoile)

MSC Preziosa (Le Palmeraie)

MSC Splendida (L'Olivo)

MSC Bellissima

MSC Meraviglia (Top Sail Restaurant)

MSC Seaside

MSC Seaview

If you enjoy shopping you can book a trip to the on-board stores when they are closed to other passengers, of course with your butler showing you around.

Back to Top

Unpack your bags...

This holiday package has expired, msc yacht club cruise.

• 4 Night cruise experience
• 4 nights onboard the MSC Splendida in a Yacht Club deluxe suite
• All meals and entertainment onboard
• Mandatory cruise insurance
• Port charges and taxes
• MSC Yacht Club Privileges
• Dedicated priority check-in and check-out as well as priority departure and return on excursion days
• 24-hour butler service and dedicated concierge
• Room Service available 24 hours
• Premium Extra Drink Package (includes all drinks up to 14€ in all ship areas)
• Browse Internet package (Browse - 2 devices Unlimited Internet Package)
• Complimentary access to the Thermal Suite in the MSC Aurea Spa
• Relaxation amenities in each suite (including bathrobe, and slippers)
• Other personal touches: luggage packing/unpacking service, newspaper directly delivered in cabin on request
• MSC Yacht Club Exclusivity
• Dedicated, private area of the ship accessible only to MSC Yacht Club guests
• Lavishly fitted suites offering outstanding comfort located in the foredecks of the ship
• Panoramic Top Sail Lounge with bar, afternoon tea service, light bites available day and night and live entertainment in the evening
• A private and spacious pool deck with whirlpool baths and sunbathing area, an outdoor bar with the very best views
• Gourmet restaurant with a la carte dining for breakfast, lunch and dinner with free choice of dining time
• Tailormade experiences from shopping to excursions
• MSC Yacht Club World of Choice
• Access to the wide range of facilities and onboard activities that the whole ship can offer:
• Bars and lounges, speciality restaurants, pools, etc.
• Premium buffet
• Varied programme of Broadway and Las Vegas-style theatre shows
• Entertainment activities for adults, infants and children
• Recreational activities for children
• Arrival/ departure transfers
• Spending money and items of a personal nature
• 4 nights onboard the MSC Splendida

Day 1 : Durban, South Africa

Day 2 : indian ocean, day 3 : pomene, mozambique, day 4 : indian ocean, day 5 : durban, south africa, terms & conditions, make an enquiry, don’t miss the boat on another holiday package..

Sign-up for our newsletter for the latest on travel news, trends and early bird notifications on promotions and special deals.

Thank you for being part of our journey... and choosing us to be part of yours.

Our partners in holiday experiences

Sign-up to our newsletter to not miss another deal.

Check out our ebrochure for all the latest and greatest deals.

South Africa Cruises

A journey of a thousand souls.

The beaches of the Indian Ocean on one side, deserts stretching towards the Atlantic on the other. A land of contrasts, the southernmost part of Africa offers a travel experience which is one of a kind, where nature reigns with breath-taking landscapes , from volcanoes to giant reefs of smooth, dark granite rock and soft skies and lagoons suspended in time. This is the background to life in this great and multifaceted continent.

A journey on an MSC cruise will take you on a discovery of locations deep in wild and luxuriant natural settings. And on board, savor authentic South African cuisine (Boerewors rolls, chakalaka salad,  bobotie, trifle dessert, malva pudding and custard) and immerse yourself in local music (Amapiano, Afro Jazz, Soul, local Afrikaans music) for a truly South African adventure! Visitors to the African Continent, will be overcome, on their return home, by a subtle nostalgia and a desire to return to those lands. This feeling is known as mal d'Afrique, and there is good reason for it. So don't  hesitate to be seduced by fascinating tours to  places such as Cape Town  in South Africa , Pomene  in Mozambique , Port Louis in Mauritiu s  and Lüderitz  in Namibia . Africa has never been so close.

south africa Ports

View all south africa ports.

• Antsiranana, Madagascar
• Cape Town, South Africa
• Durban, South Africa
• La Possession, Reunion
• Luderitz, Namibia
• Nosy Be, Madagascar
• Pomene, Mozambique
• Port Elizabeth, South Africa
• Port Louis, Mauritius
• Portuguese Island (Inhaca Archipelago), Mozambique
• Walvis Bay, Namibia

Thank you for visiting MSC Cruises

Your browser may be out of date or not compatible with our new site and may not be secure.

For a better experience and to continue your booking with MSC, please update your browser by downloading the latest version below.

Thank you for visiting our site and we look forward to seeing you on board soon!

MSC Cruises

MSC Splendida Review: MSC Yacht Club Experience

We just got back from a seven-day cruise to Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Jordan on board the MSC Splendida, and today we will tell you all you need to know about MSC Yacht Club Experience! Is it really worth it? Watch us until the end, and you will find out! 

Today we will tell you all about our experience on board the MSC Splendida Yacht Club. But first, if you like travel-related blogs like this one, now is a great time to hit the subscribe button so you will never miss any future blogs.

Let’s begin: 

What is the MSC Yacht Club?

The MSC Yacht Club is an exclusive section of some of MSC’s cruise ships that offers passengers a unique, all-inclusive cruising experience. Some people refer to it as a ship within a ship or a luxury cruise to other luxury cruises.

The MSC Yacht Club section is typically located at the top of the ship, and it’s reserved for guests who are looking for a little extra luxury and a private club. It can only be accessed with the cruise card.

When you book a trip with the MSC Yacht Club, you’ll have access to a range of exclusive amenities and services. For example, you’ll have a dedicated concierge who will be available to help you with any requests you might have.

They’ll even walk you to wherever you need to go! You’ll also have access to a private lounge, which serves complimentary drinks and snacks throughout the day.

But that’s just the beginning. The MSC Yacht Club also offers passengers exclusive access to a range of private spaces, including a private pool area, an MSC Yacht Club restaurant, and a bar. This means that you’ll be able to relax and unwind in your own private sanctuary, away from the hustle and bustle of the main ship.

But perhaps the best thing about the MSC Yacht Club is the level of service you’ll receive. The staff in this section of the ship are highly trained and attentive, ensuring that your every need is taken care of. Whether you need help with your luggage, want to book an excursion, or simply need a drink, the staff at the MSC Yacht Club will be on hand to assist you.

Our next topic for the Yacht Club Experience is:

Boarding MSC Yacht

One of the great perks that we noticed right away was priority boarding. In fact, when we arrived at the luxury cruise terminal, a butler was waiting for us and took us straight through immigration, check, and on the ship skipping the extra long line that other passengers had to do. Also, the butler explained to us how to use the dedicated elevator reserved for Yacht Club passengers. With this elevator, activated by our cruise card, we could go right to deck 15 or 16 without stopping on any deck in between.

Once we arrived at the dedicated MSC Yacht Club Lounge on deck 15, we were greeted with a glass of champagne while a very nice concierge lady explained to us all our Yacht Club benefits. We have to admit that the priority boarding process was incredibly smooth and efficient, with a very nice personalized touch.

Let’s move to our next topic of the MSC Yacht Club experience, and we will talk about:

We booked a Yacht Club Deluxe suite on deck 16. The cabin was quite nice, wide, and well laid out. The room had a nice couch and a little desk beside the private balcony.

The bed was very comfortable. We had a very nice walk-in closet with a lot of space for clothes and shoes, which we really liked.

The bathroom was wide and quite nice, with a bathtub. In our opinion, a nice big shower is better than a tub, but we know that a lot of people like to take baths. 

The private balcony was nice, not the widest but big enough.  We noticed a couple of things that could be improved in the cabin. First, there were no electrical plugs by the bedside tables to charge the phones.

In fact, the only plugs available were by the desk, and there were two European and two American plugs there. Second, the wood paneling in the room made the room feel a little dark. Other than those minor details, we really enjoyed our cabin.

The next topic in our Review of MSC Yacht Club is

The Yacht Club Lounge 

On MSC Splendida, the Yacht Club lounge is on deck 15 all the way to the front. The area is really nice and well-designed. There is a concierge desk that takes care of all the yacht club passengers’ needs; more about that later.

Next to the concierge, there is a great big lounge with couches and tables. In the lounge, there are snacks available all the time. In the morning, they serve a light breakfast with cereals, sandwiches, and toast, and jam.

The lounge also has a nice big bar with complimentary drinks. We really enjoyed this area, especially on sea days we used it to work because it was really quiet and comfortable. It was also the best place for a pre-dinner aperitif.

Moving on to our next topic of the MSC Yacht Club experience:

The Yacht Club Pool

The MSC Yacht Club Pool is called “one pool” and is located on deck 18, right above the lounge. It is a very nice space with a pool, two jacuzzis, a lot of sunbeds, a bar, and a small buffet area where they serve food for breakfast, lunch, and afternoon tea. On our cruise, during sea days in the buffet area, the head waiter of the Yacht Club restaurant was cooking fresh pasta and other lunch items in a buffet they set up by the pool. 

We really enjoyed this area sunbathing, especially during the sea days. It is never super busy and always has sun beds available for us away from the huge crowds of the main pools on the ship.

The MSC Yacht Club Pool area is also incredibly private. In fact, we asked the concierge if it was possible to invite guests, and the answer was no. The area is for Yacht Club members only.

Next, we will talk about:

The Yacht Club Restaurant 

On the MSC Splendida, the Yacht Club’s dedicated restaurant is called Olivo, and it is located on deck 15 all the way aft above the main buffet. We heard that on newer ships the MSC Yacht Club restaurant is located above or below the yacht club lounge, but on this particular ship it was outside the exclusive yacht club area. That’s probably because the MSC Splendida was the first ship to get retrofitted with the yacht club.

The restaurant is open seating, and Yacht Club passengers can go anytime during opening hours. It serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. 

The specialty restaurant’s ambiance is excellent, very intimate and wide, with a lot of natural light. The service is absolutely impeccable. Every waiter is perfectly trained, knowledgeable and really friendly. 

In this restaurant’s menu, there are always one or two items that are not available on the menu in the main dining room; for example, on the second formal night, they served lobster that was not on the menu in the main dining room.

Moving on to our next topic of the MSC Yacht Club experience, we will talk about:

The Service for MSC Yacht Club Guests

The service at MSC Splendida Yacht Club is impeccable. The MSC Yacht Club perk is that a 24-hour butler service is available, which is really nice.

We did not ask our butler to unpack and pack for us, but that is one of the butler services that they provide. We can totally tell that the butler service takes great pride in providing stunning service and that they genuinely care about their MSC Yacht Club guests.

Our butler Augustine was incredibly friendly and attentive, always available but never intrusive. Very well done! 

The concierge desk was there to take care of passengers’ needs. They were there to help with almost every aspect of the MSC cruise, from excursions to billing. 

This came particularly helpful the day before arriving at the port of Sokhna when the Egyptian border agent came on board to stamp everyone’s passports. We did not have to go to see the agent, but the concierge took care of this step for us to avoid the long lines. 

Also, the future cruise consultant was available at the concierge lounge by appointment for MSC Yacht Club passengers. Really stunning service. 

Our next item to review about the MSC Yacht Club review is:

What is Included in MSC Yacht Club?

One of the best benefits of MSC Yacht Club perks, aside from the amazing service, is the fact that it is a truly all-inclusive experience. In fact, when you book a yacht club cabin, you have the Premium Extra Drink Package included. The MSC Yacht Club offers a package that includes drinks up to €13 euros.

Now one thing to consider is that if you order a drink that costs €14, for example, you will be charged the whole amount, not the €1.00 difference as other cruise lines do. It also included is the premium internet package, with unlimited use for two devices per passenger.

Another thing that is included is unlimited access to Thermal Suite in the MSC Aurea Spa, even though on this voyage, people at the spa told us that we had to make a reservation before going. Now we brought this up to the concierge, and they said that it wasn’t true. We did not have to make a reservation. 

The MSC Yacht Club offers gratuities and 24-hour room service. Basically, the only items not included were the excursions, spa treatments, onboard shopping, drinks over 13 euros, and the Casino.

Moving on to the next topic of our MSC Yacht Club experience, we will talk about:

Yacht Club passengers have priority access to shore when going on an excursion. Basically, we had to meet our own personal butler at the sail lounge at the time specified on the excursion ticket, and he then took us to the gangway skipping all the lines for security, passport controls, etc.

Same thing on the way back from excursions. A butler was always by the gangway escorting us to the front of the line and back to our lounge. Now, this service is excellent because it allows Yacht Club Passengers to skip all the long lines, but there is a downside.

Since we were always the first passengers on the bus, we then had to wait on the bus for all the other passengers to arrive. Sometimes the wait was up to an hour. Now considering that some excursions on this itinerary required two and half hours bus ride, an extra hour before departure was quite long.

In our opinion, it would be better if MSC reserved the seats on the bus for Yacht Club passengers (they already know who they are) and let them off the ship when the bus was almost ready to go. 

MSC Cruises Ships

MSC Cruises is getting bigger and better. There are a lot of special things to discover on each MSC cruise ship when you go sailing with them as a member of the MSC Yacht Club.

Their huge fleets include:

MSC Seashore

MSC Seashore is like her sister ships, MSC Seaside and MSC Seaview. Most of the places people go on the ship are different than before.

MSC Seashore has new places to play, eat and hang out outside. There are also more rooms for people to stay in and more space for everyone.

You can sit back, relax, and enjoy all that MSC Seashore offers. MSC Seashore is the first of two special ships. It has technology that helps it use energy more efficiently.

The MSC Cruise has been fitted with the fleet’s largest and most luxurious MSC Yacht Club, with almost 3,000 sqm of space, including a bigger solarium and a panoramic whirlpool.

MSC Seashore’s 13,000 sqm of outdoor spaces, from pools and lounge areas to Speciality Restaurant seating areas, bring guests closer to the sea than ever before, making them truly.

MSC Meraviglia

You can experience the ultimate sea adventure on MSC Meraviglia. This magnificent ship boasts incredible features such as gourmet dining, amazing entertainment options, panoramic areas, an ocean-view lounge, a two-deck “inside promenade” complete with an LED dome, and an amusement area attached to an outdoor water park.

Best of all, MSC Meraviglia features late-night and overnight stays on MSC Cruise’s exclusive private island.

MSC Virtuosa

The name MSC Virtuosa is from the word virtuoso which means someone who is very good at something. MSC Cruises gave it this name to honor the people who designed and built the ship. They are very talented and skilled.

This new cruise ship is one of the biggest in the MSC Cruises fleet. It has lots of special features that work together to give you the best vacation ever! Moreover, it’s the MSC Grandiosa’s sister ship.

Conclusions

In conclusion, the Yacht Club on board MSC is really excellent product. It not only allows passengers to enjoy a ship within a ship but also provides a great service that is much more personalized and attentive than what you’d expect with a standard MSC product.

The MSC Yacht Club allows passengers to avoid long lines for embarkation, excursions, or even restaurants. The downside is the price.

The cruise costs almost twice as much as a regular balcony cabin. Everything is indeed included, but the price difference is quite steep. In fact, when you’re looking at this price point, luxury cruise lines now become comparables.

We really enjoyed our week on board the MSC Splendida Yacht Club and will do it again for sure, maybe next time on a different itinerary.  

We hope you enjoyed our blog, and as usual, if you have any questions, please leave a comment below.

In March 2017, Rick and Andrea started Travel Addicts Life as a way to share their travel photos and videos with the world. And boy did it ever grow!  Today, we are proud to offer content here on Travel Addicts Life, on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Youtube.

Thanks for reading!

Rick & Andrea

Similar Posts

Cruising the Panama Canal

Are you thinking of cruising the Panama Canal? In this article, we will tell you all you need to know before going on your cruise. Facts About the Panama Canal So what is the Panama Canal? It is a man-made canal that connects the Atlantic with the Pacific Ocean. It is 82km long, located in…

How Much Does a Cruise Cost? Not as much as you think!

Have you been thinking, “How much does a cruise cost”? Before answering that question let’s analyse what it is included in the cruise fare Your cruise fare includes the following: Your accommodation Your meals at the main dining room, at the buffet, at the cafeteria and some other food venues (pizza place, burger and hot…

Cruising the During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Is cruising possible during the second year of the COVID-19 pandemic? Is it safe? What are the protocols in place to ensure passengers’ safety? Our answer is yes! It’s possible to cruise during COVID-19 pandemic. On April 18th, 2021, we returned from a seven-day Mediterranean cruise onboard the MSC Grandiosa. This article will explain to you all the…

How I Get The Best Cruise Deals!

Here are some of the tricks we learned to get the best cruise deals available. Book early: I’ve found that booking as soon as the itinerary comes out usually gets me both the best deals and best cabin choice. In fact once the cabin is secured, if the price goes down or some specials became…

MSC Ship Tour and Review of the MSCGrandiosa

Introduction We sailed on MSC Grandiosa in April 2021, during the covid-19 pandemic. We want to give you a complete MSC ship tour of the MSC Grandiosa and our review and thought. The ship is absolutely beautiful! It can accommodate 4842 passengers at double occupancy, and over 6300 passengers at full capacity. The ship has…

Costa Fascinosa Mediterranean Cruise Review

We just got back from a 14 days Mediterranean cruise on board the Costa Fascinosa, and today we will tell you all the good, the bad and the not so good of our cruise! Also at the end of this review, we’ll give you a special bonus – something you need to know if you…

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Join the 250,000+ Travel Addicts Readers

🙌 Awesome, you're subscribed!

Thanks for subscribing! Look out for your first newsletter in your inbox soon!

Get us in your inbox

Sign up to our newsletter for the latest and greatest from your city and beyond

By entering your email address you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and consent to receive emails from Time Out about news, events, offers and partner promotions.

Awesome, you're subscribed!

The best things in life are free.

Sign up for our email to enjoy your city without spending a thing (as well as some options when you’re feeling flush).

Déjà vu! We already have this email. Try another?

• Things to Do
• Food & Drink
• Time Out Market
• Coca-Cola Foodmarks
• Los Angeles

I tried a ship-within-a-ship cruise experience and it was worth it for the endless perks—here’s why

The MSC Yacht Club affords travelers a totally different cruising experience, but you’ll have to splurge.

I heard tales of luxury from people about the ritzy MSC Yacht Club , the ship-within-a-ship concept where discerning passengers enjoy their own area of the cruise ship that includes a dedicated restaurant, private lounge, separate pool and sundeck as well as private butlers and concierges to take of any whim while cruising. The elevated Yacht Club boasts priority everything while sailing MSC.

I sailed on a four-night cruise on the new MSC Seashore, a glitzy ship with Italian flair intermingled with references to New York City at every turn. Although the ship was well-appointed and had amazing dining, drinking and entertainment venues, and a bountiful Top Sail main buffet, thousands of passengers made the ship feel crowded at times, elevators were slow, and as I strolled through the general pools, they were boisterous and crowded.

RECOMMENDED: 10 things about cruising on an adults-only ship that might surprise you

Switch gears to MSC Seashore’s Yacht Club, passkey-protected for lucky guests, and is a 180 from the ship’s general spaces. Once you scan your handy Yacht Club wrist badge, or your room key, you’re instantly given entrance to a breathtaking retreat of 131 staterooms and suites. All this luxury does come at a price. Cruise fares will vary based on destination, time of year, and cabin category, but generally speaking you can expect to pay double for the Yacht Club. And from my experience, it’s worth it. Read more about why you should splurge.

You’re fast-tracked through everything

The Yacht Club’s exclusivity and impeccable service standard started from the moment I got dropped off at the Port Canaveral cruise terminal. There were hundreds of people waiting to board at 1pm on embarkation day. I saw in the distance a canopy that said MSC Yacht Club. My husband and I wheeled our carry-on luggage to the representative under the canopy. I gave her my name and within two seconds, she gave me a sticker to wear and up we ascended on the escalator to check in. Just five minutes later, I was directed to the dedicated check-in area for Yacht Club guests. To my right, I saw about 1,000 people serpentine through ropes to do general check-in. I felt a sense of relief; who wants to wait in that line? Five minutes later, a butler from the Yacht Club insisted on wheeling my luggage to board the ship and I was in my room in a total on 12 minutes from the time I stepped foot out of the car to my stateroom in the Yacht Club.

Relaxing and streamlined

In addition, Yacht Club guests have the freedom to get off the ship first for excursions. Your butler will happily escort you off the ship with a smile. Guests also can disembark on the last morning first, which is a big convenience. Your butler walks you right to the place you disembark, bypassing crowds and hassles. Port Canaveral is about an hour away from Orlando International Airport, and we took a 10 am flight home. We didn’t have to linger around until the afternoon for our flight home.

Another perk is that there’s a special seating area in the theater for shows. All the shows were excellent during my voyage. All other ship passengers have to make reservations in advance for shows but that’s not the case for the privileged Yacht Club passengers. As long as you arrive about 10 minutes before any show you choose, a crew member from the Club will allow you entry into a special roped-off section. Again, no rushing through dinner—you have the flexibility to plan your evenings your way.

Your Yacht Club package is packed with remarkable value

The price tag may sound daunting, but there’s lots of value there. All Yacht Club cabins and suites include a premium drink package that covers beverages up to $15. You can use this perk both in the Yacht Club and throughout the ship. In addition, your package includes a two-device Wi-Fi package, which worked well during my sailing. Finally, you get access to the thermal spa suite, which is a place to indulge after a day in port or a sea day. Commonly, there’s a taboo regarding mini-bars, but not in the Yacht Club. It’s stocked each day with the beverages you want; just tell your butler and consider it done.

You get perks ashore too

If your sailing includes a call to Ocean Cay, MSC’s private island, Yacht Club guests get an elevated experience there too. Yacht Club guests enjoy a private area, and a dedicated restaurant called the Ocean House. While other ship guests were hosted to a buffet of predictable fare, I enjoyed a lobster roll, and my husband chose carne asada. In my opinion, one thing that could be improved was the tram service to the Yacht Club’s private area. We were told the last tram back was 3:30pm if we didn’t want to trek a 15-minute walk in the heat. Since we were docked in Ocean Cay for the evening and weren’t sailing, I was a bit dismayed by this logistical quirk. I felt like I was keeping an eye on my phone to make sure I didn’t miss the last tram.

You have private areas with curated food and drink and outdoor spaces

Within the Yacht Club complex, there’s the Yacht Club Restaurant, Top Sail Lounge and the One Pool Buffet, which are all exclusive to Yacht Club guests. Obviously, the food and service are steps above other dining venues of the ship, I can vouch for that. Although the food is delicious, if you don’t want to pay extra to dine at the specialty restaurants or fuss in the main buffet, eating three meals a day in the Yacht Club restaurant can get a bit monotonous. The breakfast is the same daily, and lunch and dinner offer a menu with daily specials plus a few standby selections like a hamburger or pasta each day. Although the Yacht Club Restaurant concept is desirable, I would strongly suggest dining in other venues on board, especially for dinner. I thoroughly enjoyed specialty dining in Ocean Cay Restaurant, Butcher’s Cut, and Kaito Teppanyaki. I also want to mention that late afternoon high tea is offered daily at the Yacht Club Restaurant. It was one of the nicest I have experienced at sea.

Also available exclusively to Yacht Club passengers is the Top Sail Lounge, which offers panoramic water views and has chef-curated selections from morning through late night. We enjoyed popping into the lounge at all hours to try finger foods and sweets. The One Pool Buffet offers a more casual option for breakfast and lunch by the pool. The buffet has grilled fish, sandwiches and lots of delicious options if you want to dine outside.

There’s also an exclusive area with a private pool and two whirlpools for Yacht Club guests only. The sun deck loungers are very comfortable and I never had to worry about finding a lounger, there are ample. One issue I had was that there was almost no shade on the sun deck; there were shaded day beds for Royal Suite and Owners Suite guests, but beyond those, I couldn’t find any shade, which was disappointing.

You can justify the price at the end of your cruise

Overall, the best way to explain my enthusiasm for my MSC Yacht Club experience is this: it’s better to book an interior stateroom in the Yacht Club than a luxe cabin outside the Yacht Club. It’s worth the splurge and you return home feeling truly pampered and it’s money well-spent. And I make this prediction: Once you try a ship-within-a-ship concept like the MSC Yacht Club, you won’t want cruise any other way. Bon Voyage!

Been there, done that? Think again, my friend.

Discover Time Out original video

• Press office
• Investor relations
• Work for Time Out
• Editorial guidelines
• Privacy notice
• Do not sell my information
• Cookie policy
• Accessibility statement
• Terms of use
• Copyright agent
• Modern slavery statement
• Manage cookies
• Advertising

Time Out products

• Time Out Worldwide

Mon-Fri 9am - 7pm EST Sat-Sun 9am - 6pm EST

TRANSATLANTIC CRUISES AND REPOSITIONING CRUISES 2024 - 2025

Venturing through the seas, overcome distances, and building bridges between cultures. The wealth of different perspectives is truly embraced with MSC Grand Voyages. Unlock a world of astonishing discovery with an accurate selection of Transatlantic cruises and repositioning cruises. Delight in the beauty of the open seas sailing from the Mediterranean to the Caribbean or crossing the Atlantic from Europe to Brazil and Argentina. Revel oceans' majesty from South Africa, heading towards the Mediterranean via Seychelles.   For your transatlantic and repositioning cruises in 2024 and 2025, choose from a selection of 37 cruises across 17 different ships, and discover over 35 countries and 100 ports. Sailing on a transoceanic cruise means leisurely gilding across the seas to iconic destinations, finally having time on one's side. With each intercontinental travel lasting anywhere from 10 to 30 days, these Grand Voyages are lengthier than usual! Crossing oceans is to hark back to travel's golden age and relive sea adventures of the past. You'll have numerous options to choose from with MSC Grand Voyages

Venturing through the seas, overcome distances, and building bridges between cultures. The wealth of different perspectives is truly embraced with MSC Grand Voyages. Unlock a world of astonishing discovery with an accurate selection of Transatlantic cruises and repositioning cruises. Delight in the beauty of the open seas sailing from the Mediterranean to the Caribbean or crossing the Atlantic from Europe to Brazil and Argentina. Revel oceans' majesty from South Africa, heading towards the Mediterranean via the Red Sea and Seychelles. 

For your transatlantic and repositioning cruises in 2023 and 2024, choose from a selection of 37 cruises across 17 different ships, and discover over 35 countries and 100 ports. Sailing on a transoceanic cruise means leisurely gilding across the seas to iconic destinations, finally having time on one's side. With each intercontinental travel lasting anywhere from 10 to 30 days, these Grand Voyages are lengthier than usual! Crossing oceans is to hark back to travel's golden age and relive sea adventures of the past. You'll have numerous options to choose from with MSC Grand Voyages

MSC GRAND VOYAGES DESTINATIONS

Transatlantic cruises.

Choose the best Transatlantic cruises in 2024 and 2025. Sailing across the Atlantic between Old World treasures, the shores of idyllic isles, and the New World's lush landscapes. MSC Cruises' transatlantic cruises sail to historic hotspots like Venice, Genoa, Barcelona, Copenhagen and Hamburg through the warm welcome of Mallorca, Casablanca, Canary Islands and the Caribbean . Reach South America and live the distinctive warmth of  Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo and Buenos Aires . Each cross Atlantic cruise is an extraordinary snapshot of the diverse and beautiful wonders that span the ocean. Book now the most exciting Atlantic crossing!

Repositioning Cruises

From the Mediterranean to South Africa, cruise through incomparable sites of historical value and beauty. Transoceanic cruises include those to the Mediterranean and back from cosmopolitan Durban or gorgeous Cape Town in South Africa. On these routes, delight in the paradise Isles of Réunion and Mauritius , before heading to the beaches, art and culture of the Mediterranean.

BOUNDLESS HORIZONS: A GRAND VOYAGE OF ENRICHING ON-BOARD EXPERIENCES

Enjoy fun new experiences around the clock on an MSC Cruises' ship

You’ll find plenty of entertainment on board your ship, browsing the on-board shops, playing tennis or going bowling. Enrich your mind with fascinating destination lectures, arts, and crafts classes. Creative souls will find joy in cake design, painting classes, and the art of calligraphy. For those seeking laughter and delight, a cartoon caricaturist, line dancing, and the joyous Ship Choir await. You can also attend dance classes, spanning from Ballroom to Reggaeton*. Or simply spend some time relaxing poolside. *all activities depending on availability 

VIEW ALL MSC GRAND VOYAGES PORTS

• Ajaccio, France
• Aqaba (Petra), Jordan
• Arrecife de Lanzarote (Canary Is.), Spain
• Barcelona, Spain
• Basseterre, Saint Kitts and Nevis
• Belfast, United Kingdom
• Bridgetown, Barbados
• Buenos Aires, Argentina
• Buzios, Brazil
• Cadiz (Seville) , Spain
• Casablanca (Marrakech) , Morocco
• Castries, Saint Lucia
• Civitavecchia (Rome) , Italy
• Copenhagen, Denmark
• Corfu, Greece
• Doha, Qatar
• Dubai, United Arab Emirates
• Dubrovnik, Croatia
• Durban, South Africa
• Eilat (Jerusalem) , Israel
• Fort de France, Martinique
• Funchal (Madeira Is.) , Portugal
• Genoa (Portofino) , Italy
• Haifa (Jerusalem) , Israel
• Halifax, Canada
• Hamburg, Germany
• Heraklion (Crete) , Greece
• Ilhabela, Brazil
• Ilheus, Brazil
• Itajai (Balneario Camboriu) , Brazil
• Katakolon (Olympia) , Greece
• Khasab, Oman
• Kiel (Lubeck) , Germany
• Kotor, Montenegro
• La Coruna (Santiago de Compostela) , Spain
• La Possession, Reunion
• Las Palmas de G.Canaria (Canary Is.) , Spain
• Le Havre (Paris) , France
• Limassol, Cyprus
• Lisbon (Cascais) , Portugal
• Malaga (Granada) , Spain
• Marseille (Provence) , France
• Messina (Taormina) , Italy
• Miami, United States
• Muscat, Oman
• Mykonos, Greece
• Naples (Pompeii) , Italy
• New York City (Brooklyn), United States
• Ocean Cay Marine Reserve, Bahamas
• Oslo, Norway
• Palermo (Monreale) , Italy
• Palma de Mallorca (Baleari Is.) , Spain
• Philipsburg, Saint Maarten
• Piraeus (Athens) , Greece
• Pointe a Pitre, Guadeloupe
• Ponta Delgada (Azores) , Portugal
• Port Louis, Mauritius
• Recife, Brazil
• Reykjavik, Iceland
• Rhodes (Lindos) , Greece
• Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
• Rotterdam (Amsterdam) , Netherlands
• Salalah, Oman
• Salvador, Brazil
• San Juan, Puerto Rico
• Santa Cruz de Tenerife (Canary Is.) , Spain
• Santorini, Greece
• Santos (Sao Paulo) , Brazil
• Southampton (London) , United Kingdom
• Split, Croatia
• St Johns, Antigua and Barbuda
• Sydney, Canada
• Trieste (Venice), Italy
• Valencia, Spain
• Valletta, Malta
• Venice - Marghera, Italy
• Vigo (Santiago de Compostela) , Spain
• Zadar, Croatia
• Zeebrugge (Bruges) , Belgium

Thank you for visiting MSC Cruises

Your browser may be out of date or not compatible with our new site and may not be secure.

For a better experience and to continue your booking with MSC, please update your browser by downloading the latest version below.

Thank you for visiting our site and we look forward to seeing you on board soon!

MSC Cruises

MSC Cruises offers bespoke luxury for Yacht Club guests as new flagship debuts in 2025

MSC Cruises said its guests can expect unparalleled personalised service and exclusive spaces when it’s world class cruise ship, MSC World America, sets sail for the Caribbean in April 2025.

According to the cruise line, the new ship will feature its biggest and most luxurious MSC Yacht Club to date, specifically tailored for the US market.

“The new flagship will also be the first to feature seven on-board districts designed to let guests of all ages choose their own holiday adventure and get the most out of their time on board.

“One of the ship’s seven distinct districts, the MSC Yacht Club, offers a secluded sanctuary within the excitement of the wider ship,” said MSC Cruises.

The cruise line said as the demand for elevated cruise experiences grows, it is taking the lead by enhancing its industry-leading “ship-within-a-ship” concept and offering guests 152 luxurious suites with unparalleled personalised service and exclusive spaces.

MSC Cruises highlighted that its Yacht Club features an expansive sundeck where guests can enjoy plenty of room to relax and take in sea views with an outdoor space spanning two decks.

The lower deck will feature a bar and grill with an expanded seating area where guests can have breakfast and lunch or enjoy a cocktail while watching the sunset, while the upper deck is the perfect private oasis for lounging by the pool, taking a dip in the whirlpool or unwinding in a stylish private cabana.

The cruise line added that the Yacht Club has ultra-luxurious multi-room owner suites and duplex suites perfect for families or larger groups travelling together.

MSC Yacht Club brand performance director, Cristian Comirla, said MSC World America will take their MSC Yacht Club product to new heights as the largest MSC Yacht Club in the North American market with exclusive amenities, top-notch service, and luxurious benefits.

“MSC Yacht Club offers a tranquil holiday for guests who prefer to have a more relaxing and secluded cruise experience, yet still have access to the excitement of the ship’s entertainment, speciality dining and other amenities.

“MSC Yacht Club guests on MSC World America will also have access to Ocean House at Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, providing an elevated experience at our private island in the Bahamas with a private beach and restaurant coupled with personalised service,” said Comirla.

He added that with an elevated on-board experience that extends once guests are ashore at Ocean Cay, there are so many benefits to sailing in MSC Yacht Club and they are thrilled to be offering the latest and greatest to MSC World America sailing in the Caribbean.

Hillcrest sailor navigates competitive waters

With a bit of mediterranean flair, young sailing star jessica curtis is competing in the highly competitive msc week hosted by the point yacht club..

UNIVERSITY of KwaZulu-Natal student Jessica Curtis is one of the competitive sailors from around South Africa taking part in the annual MSC Week. The event, which is a highlight on the national sailing calendar, is taking place offshore of Durban until July 5.

The week-long event incorporates the ORC Nationals and the L26 KZN Regional Championships and is hosted by the Point Yacht Club.

Also read:  Young Durban sailor gears up for national event

Speaking to the Hillcrest resident, Curtis said she used to sail socially with her dad when she was little and has been sailing competitively for a year.

The 21-year-old is a member of Point Yacht Club and UKZN Yacht Club.

“I was inspired to get back into sailing when two of my friends joined the UKZN yacht club and invited me to tag along for a social sail. I then joined the club and sailed MSC Week 2023 a few weeks later,” she said.

The former St Mary’s DSG learner said she loves spending the day out on the water in the sunshine surrounded by friends.

“It’s always exciting to be involved in a national event. Everyone puts their best foot forward, and it’s always impressive to see that. I’m especially happy that we have 12 entries in the L26 class – the boat that I’m sailing is an L26 called SLFC Spindrift – so the competition will be fierce.”

To be a successful competitive sailor, Curtis said you need a sound knowledge of physics and how boats work as well as keen intuition to predict shifts in the wind and race tactics.

“I try to get out on the water at least once a week, especially in summer, but I am always maintaining my fitness off the water,” she said.

For more info, visit www.pyc.co.za or follow Point Yacht Club. 

For more from the Highway Mail, follow us on  Facebook ,  X   and  Instagram.  You can also check out our videos on our  YouTube channel  or follow us on  TikTok

International Plastic Bag Free Day - reducing plastic waste with caution

Highway hospice charity shop silent auction up and running, related articles.

Hollywoodbets Durban July 2024 brings fun and fashion to the track

Have some fun in Durban during July

Cable thief nabbed in Westville

Fabulous reads: Get the lowdown on the SA airline industry

Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu & Fri 08:00 - 17:00, Sat 09:00 - 12:00, Sun & Public Holidays Closed

MSC CRUISES OPENS SALES FOR SOUTH AFRICAN 2024/25 SEASON

A total of thirty-four sailings will take guests to popular and much-loved destinations such as portuguese island, pomene and port louis. guests can enjoy a combination of activities and amenities onboard, suitable for the whole family..

Johannesburg, South Africa, 10 January 2024:  MSC Cruises today opened sales for its South Africa 2024/25 sailing season that will feature MSC Musica. The vessel will start her season in November 2024 with sailings from the recently inaugurated R 330 million Nelson Mandela Cruise Terminal in Durban and conclude her time in South Africa in April 2025 with sailings from Cape Town.  The ship will operate 34, 2-, 3-, 4- and 5-night sailings during her six-month deployment in South Africa to favored destinations such as Portuguese Island and Pomene Island in Mozambique, Walvis Bay in Namibia and Port Louis in Mauritius.  Ross Volk, Managing Director, MSC Cruises South Africa, said,  “ Our goal is to continue to offer our growing cruising community in South Africa the best product and excellent service. Our commitment to driving the growth of the tourism and hospitality industry in our country is stronger than ever before. We look forward to welcoming regular and new cruisers alike, onboard in 2024/25. ” The 16 deck MSC Musica offers a distinctive cruise experience centered on elegance, comfort and hospitality with 1,275 guest cabins.  The ship’s central foyer has a three-tier waterfall and see-through piano suspended on a crystal floor above a pool of shimmering water. MSC Musica provides a choice of eight indoor and two outdoor lounges and bars, four restaurants, three swimming pools, a nightclub, boutique shops, a library, a game room and for families there are dedicated areas for children of all ages with special clubs for toddlers and teens. Live entertainment is offered in the Teatro La Scala and a lavish spa is available for those wishing to unwind. 

Destination highlights of the 2024/25 season include:

• Portuguese Island, Mozambique – Located at the external limit of Maputo Bay, and set between the African coast and the Indian Ocean, Portuguese Island is a small, uninhabited island and one of the most enchanting MSC Cruises’ destinations. Guests can enjoy a dip in the warm ocean waters or take a long leisurely walk around the island.

• Pomene Island, Mozambique – Pomene is one of the most picturesque locations in Mozambique, and is part of the Pomene Nature Reserve, a protected marine area. With its warm hospitable locals, stretches of white sand that blend into the horizon, Pomene is perfect for some relaxation time on the beach and exploring and discovering the hidden gems that the island has to offer.

• Port Louis, Mauritius – The capital of the island nation of Mauritius, just off the coast of Madagascar, Port Louis is a must-see stop for an MSC Cruise to Southern Africa. Over the years the city has expanded with new streets, new buildings and a beautiful promenade. Whether you prefer a long stroll along the Caudan Waterfront, a visit to the Government House or spending some time at the central market or city park, this island paradise has something special for everyone.

• Walvis Bay, Namibia – Thanks to its rich marine life, Walvis Bay is one of the places of most outstanding natural beauty in Namibia. The natural lagoon remains one of the highlights of Walvis Bay with its abundance of seabirds, including flamingos and pelicans. For lovers of extreme sports, quad-biking, dune buggy racing and sandboarding are just some of the activities to consider when visiting this wonderful destination. 

MSC Musica’s full 2024/25 South African sailing itineraries are available  HERE .

Thank you for visiting MSC Cruises

Your browser may be out of date or not compatible with our new site and may not be secure.

For a better experience and to continue your booking with MSC, please update your browser by downloading the latest version below.

Thank you for visiting our site and we look forward to seeing you on board soon!

MSC Cruises