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MSC Yacht Club Menu: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Drinks (2024)

• June 21, 2024

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MSC Yacht Club Menu: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Drinks (2024)

Introduction.

• Click here to download the MSC Yacht Club Breakfast menu.
• Click here to download MSC Yacht Club Lunch menus.
• Click here to download the MSC Yacht Club Dinner menus.

MSC Yacht Club provides a private paradise at sea. This all-inclusive hideaway, which includes an exclusive Butler service, reflects the elegance of cruising on a private yacht with all the facilities of the largest ships right outside your door.

MSC is well aware that, among other things, the stomach is the gateway to a guest’s heart. Therefore, MSC strive to serve the yacht club menu with exclusivity. There are four components to the MSC Yacht Club menu:

• MSC Yacht Club Breakfast menu
• MSC Yacht Club Lunch menus
• MSC Yacht Club Dinner menus
• MSC Yacht Club Drinks menu

 In this post, I’ll go over each of these individually. So let’s get going.

MSC Yacht Club Breakfast Menu

The breakfast menu at the MSC Yacht Club is the same every morning, so guests may start their days with their go-to favorites. The breakfast menu includes light continental meal along with hot and freshly made dishes.

Enjoy traditional eggs benedict, indulge in a custom omelet, or choose from a range of other breakfast favorites. You can always find a satisfying breakfast to fuel your day’s activities because the MSC Yacht Club menu is consistent.

MSC Yacht Club Lunch Menus

The lunch menu of the MSC Yach Club has a dynamic array of choices in 5 different sections namely,

• Bakery items and
• a section called “Always Available” having Caeser Sald, Pennette Pasta and & Angus Beef Burger

Among these 5 sections, Starters and Entrée sections’ dishes change daily for surprising and delighting your palate. Food items coming under “Always Available”, Desserts and Bakery remain same. 

This allows guests to relish in their favorite dishes.  The daily variations in Starters and Entrée section ensure there’s always something new to try. If you want a light salad or a hearty entrée, the MSC Yatch Club lunch options cater to your tastes and preferences.

MSC Yacht Club Dinner Menus

Yacht Club Dinner Menus served in 7-night of your MSC trip have 3 different types,

• Regular Dinner Menu

Gala Dinner Menu

• Special Themed Night Menu

Regular Dinner Menus in MSC Yacht Club

These dinner options are provided five out of seven evenings during your MSC Yacht Club tour. The MSC Yacht Club’s Dinner menus reflect MSC’s dedication to culinary excellence, with a rotating variety that guarantees a different experience with each meal.

Classic culinary items that have captured the hearts of many people are a standard in these menus, bringing a sense of comfort with new flavors. Each of the 5 regular dinner menus served in MSC Yacht Club has 5 sections,

• a section named as “Delicious Healthy”
• a section called “Always Available” having Grilled Salmon, Broiled Beef Fillet, Chicken Breast & Sauces
• Bakery items

MSC Yacht Club’s Gala Dinner has 5 different sections. Let’s get into them.

Start your meal with our delightful selection of appetizers.

• Burgundy Snails: Tender snails served with garlic herb butter and a crunchy baguette crouton.
• Twice-Baked Blue Cheese Soufflé: Fluffy soufflé with toasted walnuts and sweet fig chutney.
• Williams Salad: Fresh mixed greens with pears, celery, caramelized walnuts, and a tangy carrot orange dressing.
• Shellfish Bisque: Rich and creamy soup topped with brandy foam and chives.

Gala dinner’s main courses offer a variety of delicious and hearty options.

• Fresh Pasta Made on Board: Egg fettuccini in a creamy porcini mushroom sauce, made fresh on the ship.
• Champagne Risotto: Luxurious Carnaroli rice with a creamy Pecorino Romano sabayon.
• Grilled Lobster Tail: Succulent lobster served with steamed asparagus, new potatoes, and aromatic butter.
• Beef Tenderloin Rossini: Tender beef with foie gras, truffle shavings, red wine reduction, new potatoes, and green asparagus.
• Imam Bayildi: Flavorful baked eggplant with onion, tomatoes, and confit bell peppers.

Deliciously Healthy

Every night, the “Deliciously Healthy” section offers a tailored experience that focuses on fish and vegetables. This part is offered in all three types of dinner menus: regular, Gala, and Special Themed Dinner on MSC Yatch Club.

It’s a celebration of flavor and nutrition, designed to satisfy without sacrificing quality. Discover the unique flavors and traditions of the Greek islands in this section of the Gala dinner menu.

• Steamed Octopus Carpaccio: Thinly sliced octopus with potato caper salad and basil oil.
• Monkfish Medallion au Gratin: Monkfish with a bouillabaisse reduction, potatoes, and sautéed mussels.
• Mint-Flavored Pineapple Salad: Refreshing pineapple salad topped with coconut flakes.

Baked Just for You

Enjoy daily selection of freshly made breads.

• Assorted Bread: Spelt rolls with seeds, country white rolls, and black olive focaccia.

Finish your dinner with our delectable sweets.

• International Cheese Selection: A selection of cheeses paired with fruit and vegetable preserves, honey, jellies, fresh and dry fruit.
• Chocolate Royal Cake: Dark chocolate mousse with crunchy praline and vanilla anglaise.
• Crêpe Suzette: Caramelized crêpe with vanilla ice cream and toasted almonds.
• Tiramisù: Mascarpone cream with ladyfinger biscuits dipped in coffee and topped with bitter cocoa powder.
• New York Cheesecake: Classic cheesecake includes chocolate, caramel, peach, strawberry or passion fruit toppings.
• Grandma’s Chocolate Cake: Rich cake with layers of dulce de leche and chocolate fudge.
• Selection of Ice Cream and Fruit Sorbets: Ask your waiter for today’s flavors.
• Petits Fours: Bite-sized sweet treats.
• Fresh Fruit Plate: Several types of fresh fruits.

Special Themed Dinner Night

Keeping ties with its Italian roots, MSC ensures to make your gastronomic trip more magical by the Serata Italiana, which offers a deep dive into Italian-themed foods that raise your dinner experience to a joyful celebration.

Premium Extra Package included

The Yacht Club’s all-inclusive package includes the Premium Extra Package , which offers a variety of beers, cocktails, wines, top shelf spirits, and non alcoholic beverages to complement their meals.

MSC Yacht Club Drink Menu

In MSC Yacht Club, talented mixologists compose the perfect drink for you, anytime of day. Begin your day with a cup of bio-organic Lavazza Tierra coffee, indulge with a crisp craft Gin & Tonic or Elixir Spritz during aperitivo, or sip an old-school martini.

MSC Yacht Club drink menu has something for everyone. So let check out what is available in the MSC Yacht Club drink menu.

Coffee by Lavazza Tierra!

• Caffe latte
• Caramel Macchiato Latte
• Mocca Latte
• Nutella Latte Deluxe
• Vanilla Caramel Latte

Hot Chocolate by Arthemia

• Orange & Cinnamon

Tea from the East India Tea Company

The East India Company’s Tea Master is exceedingly meticulous, going to great lengths to find and purchase the best teas from all around the world. Each tea has a distinct tale to tell, and the blends are carefully chosen to ensure that every cup of tea is excellent.

• Royal Breakfast
• The Staunton Earl Grey
• Lemongrass & Ginger
• Nile Chamomile
• The Campbell Darjeeling Princess
• The Forbidden City Jasmine Blossom
• The Prince Sultan’s Green with Mint
• Tropical Punch

Morning Star

• Bloody Mary by Elixir (Tito’s vodka, Elixir’s Mary mix, tomato juice)
• Mimosa Blossom (Absolut Mango vodka, Galliano, orange juice, simple syrup, prosecco)
• Bloody Mary Zero (Elixir’s Mary mix, tomato juice)
• Mocha Breakfast Shake (400 cal.)(Chocolate whey protein powder, coconut milk, coffee, banana, unsweetened cocoa, walnuts)
• Very Berry Protein Shake (150 cal.) (Strawberry whey protein powder, raspberries, strawberries, blueberries, low-fat milk)

Mineral Water

• Premium still water 75 cl
• Premium sparkling water 75 cl

Fruit Juices

• Bottle 20 cl (Peach, apple, mango, tomato)
• By the glass 20 cl (Orange, pineapple, cranberry)

Energy Drinks

• Red Bull 25 cl can
• Red Bull Sugar-free 25 cl can
• Dolce Vita (Baileys Irish Cream, Captain Morgan Spiced rum, banana liqueur, cream, drizzle chocolate)
• Ocean Cay (Malibu voconut rum, blue curaçao, coconut syrup, diced lime, fresh mint leaves, club soda)
• Piña Colada (Myers rum, pineapple juice, coconut cream)
• Strawberry Daiquiri (Bacardi Black rum, strawberry syrup, lime juice, simple syrup)
• Classic Margarita on the rocks or frozen (Patron Silver tequila, Cointreau, sweet & sour mix, kosher salt)
• Mangorita (Mezcal, Cointreau, mango purée, lime juice)

Zero Alcohol

• Passion Fruit G&T (BUSS N°509 Passion Fruit 0.0% gin, passion fruit puree, lemon juice, Fever -Tree Refreshingly Light tonic, dehydrated lemon and passion fruit, coriander seeds)
• Vibrante Martini Spritz (Martini Vibrante Zero, deydrated orange wheel, non-alcoholic sparkling wine)
• Mojito Zero (Mojito mix, mint leaves, simple syrup, club soda, mint sprig)
• Piña Colada Zero (Pineapple, coconut cream, pineapple juice, milk)
• Strawberry Daiquiri Zero (Strawberry puree, sweet & sour mix, sugar sysrup,lime juice)

Draught Beer

Lager 20 cl / 40 cl (Heineken, Netherlands; Tegernseer, Germany)

Bottled Beer

• Heineken, Netherlands
• Stella Artois, Belgium
• Budweiser, USA
• San Miguel, Spain
• Dos Equis, México
• Beck’s, Germany
• Nastro Azzurro, Italy
• Newcastle Brown Ale, England
• Guinness, Ireland
• Paulaner, Germany
• Baladin Wayan, Italy
• Strongbow, England
• Heineken 0.0, Netherlands
• Coca-Cola 33 cl can
• Coca-Cola Zero 33 cl can
• Fanta 33 cl can
• Sprite 33 cl can
• Lipton Ice Tea Peach 33 cl can
• Lipton Ice Tea Lemon 33 cl can
• Fever Tree Royal Tonic 33 cl can
• Fever Tree Mediterranean 33 cl can
• Fever Tree Elderflower 33 cl can
• Fever Tree Pink Grapefruit 33 cl can Fever Tree Refreshingly Light 33 cl can
• Red Bull Organic Ginger 20 cl bottle
• Red Bull Organic Cola 20 cl bottle

G&T Club by Gin Project

• Elderflower Floral (BUSS Nº509 Elderflower gin, Fever-Tree Mediterranean tonic, dehydrated orange peel, cinnamon stick, clove)
• Engine Herbal (Engine gin, Fever-Tree Mediterranean tonic, sage, dehydrated lemon)
• Mango & Lime Fruity (Whitley Neill Mango & Lime gin, Fever-Tree Elderflower tonic, dehydrated passionfruit slice, rosemary sprig)
• Aloe & Cucumber Herbal (Whitley Neill Aloe & Cucumber gin, Fever-Tree Elderflower tonic, dehydrated cucumber, rosemary sprig)

Spritz & Beyond

• Aperol, The Original (Aperol, prosecco, splash of soda, dehydrated grapefruit)
• Hugo (St-Germain elderflower liqueur, prosecco, soda, mint)
• Tunisian by Elixir (Vermouth Blanc infused with carraway, corriander and cumin, prosecco, dehydrated chili pepper, cinnamon stick)
• The Italian by Elixir (Rouge infused with olives, basil and sundried tomatoes, prosecco, sundried tomatoes, basil)
• Queens Spritz (Whitley Neill Rhubarb & Ginger gin, prosecco, ginger ale, dehydrated lemon, mint)
• Negronic Sbagliato (Campari Bitter, sweet vermouth, procecco)
• Mojito (Bacardi Superior White rum, mint, sugar syrup, lime juice, club soda)

Old School, Throwback

• Classic Old Fashioned (Woodford Reserve, simple syrup, Angostura bitters
• Godfather (Makers Mark bourbon, Disaronno)
• Negroni (Engine gin, Campari Bitter, red vermouth)
• French 75 (Bombay Sapphire gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, Ferrari Brut)
• The Real Long Island (Vodka, tequila, gin, rum, triple sec, simple syrup, lemon juice, cola)
• Cucumber & Basil Martini (BUSS Nº509 Elderflower gin, St Germain elderflower liqueur, cucumber, basil, simple)
• Passion fruit Martini (Whitley Neill Mango & Lime gin, passion fruit purée, vanilla syrup, lemon juice)
• The Cosmopolitan (Absolut citron, cranberry juice, Cointreau, sweet & sour mix, strawberry syrup)
• Dirty Martini (Aviation gin, dry vermouth, olive brine, olives)
• Salted Caramel Espresso Martini (Caramel, dark rum, chilled espresso, caramel syrup, Himalayan salt and caramel rim)

Wines & Other Spirit

You may explore selection of wines and spirits by scanning the QR code provided.

In Summary: MSC Yacht Club Menu

Dining at the MSC Yacht Club is more than just the food; it’s about the experience. With no bookings required in your any of the restaurant, you may enjoy these exquisite delights anytime you choose. MSC Cruises offers an unparalleled, all-inclusive dining experience.

As you sail across the oceans, remember that at the MSC Yacht Club, every meal is an occasion, every mouthful is a celebration, and every moment is to be cherished. This is more than simply a voyage; it’s a culinary adventure at sea.

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

MSC YACHT CLUB

Step into the MSC Yacht Club, an exclusive private sanctuary onboard only accessible by key card. Here, you can discover elegance with luxury suites offering a 24/7 butler service. Enjoy curated menus in a private restaurant and unwind on the secluded pool deck. An elevated experience awaits you on a vacation that’s a step above.

WELCOME TO A WORLD OF LUXURY

Experience unparalleled service from the moment you check in. Gain access to priority embarkation and disembarkation, your own concierge team, a dedicated butler available 24/7, and premier room service delivered to you at any hour.

Enjoy access to areas that are exclusive for MSC Yacht Club guests during your cruise vacation. Delight in fine dining at our dedicated restaurant, unwind on a private sun deck, and admire captivating sunsets from the Top Sail Lounge.

When you choose MSC Yacht Club, you unlock unique exclusives, all-inclusive packages, and VIP access available only to you including entry to Ocean House Beach on Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, our private island in the Bahamas.

Allow us to indulge you

Step into a world where your suite is just the beginning and where every detail is meticulously attended to.

AT YOUR SERVICE

Our butlers are prepared to meet your needs, whether that be bringing a late-night treat-or turning down your room. From the minute you step on board, your dedicated butler will be by your side for a memorable experience.

Ask your MSC Yacht Club concierge to secure the best reservations at all our incredible venues, including specialty restaurants, and consider it done. Revel in VIP seating for entertainment, partake in private shopping trips, and enjoy curated excursions.

Your journey with us is tailored to perfection, guaranteeing every moment is marked by exceptional comfort and convenience.

EXTRA TOUCHES

Allow our dedicated MSC Yacht Club team to bring your ultimate cruise vacation to life. We prioritize every detail, from the perfect pillow selection from our exclusive Dorelan® menu to a fully stocked personalized mini bar at your fingertips.

Any questions you may have can always be answered by our 24-hour concierge service, available to you from the moment you step on board.

EXCLUSIVITY AWAITS

Immerse yourself in elegant spaces and experience elevated design in a beautiful setting.

TOP SAIL LOUNGE  

The Top Sail Lounge is the ultimate place to rest and relax after shore excursions or days at sea. Throughout the day, take in crystal-clear panoramic views of the ocean while enjoying crafted drinks, gourmet finger foods, and desserts. At night, relish in exclusive access to live music and after-dinner drinks.   

When you visit the Top Sail Lounge, you'll have the time to unwind and watch the world sail by.

PRIVATE SOLARIUM

Recharge on a sundeck featuring dipping pools and whirlpool baths where you can cool off and lounge for total relaxation. Take in the sun and the ocean breeze with your preferred poolside beverage delivered right to your chair.

YACHT CLUB RESTAURANT 

With a dedicated restaurant on each ship, the MSC Yacht Club offers an elevated menu. Enjoy fine dining served with five-star service and a selection of beverages and wines from around the world.  

You can savor the finest flavors in a space meant for you—no reservations needed.

MSC YACHT CLUB’S OCEAN HOUSE

The MSC Yacht Club experience continues on land at the private Ocean House Beach on Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve. A serene space with ocean views, beachfront cabanas, and complimentary amenities.

COMFORT AWAITS

MSC Yacht Club offers guests luxurious onboard accommodations for the ultimate in comfort. Explore our wide range of staterooms to enhance your MSC Cruises luxury experience.

The Owner's Suites feature a spacious living area, a walk-in closet, a large balcony with a private whirlpool, and a panoramic glass wall. 

Every Royal Suite has a separate living area and all the comforts you would expect in first-class accommodations. 

These two-deck suites offer a separate living space with a double sofa bed, walk-in closet, and a balcony with a private whirlpool. 

These suites are ideal for families with children. They come with a separate sitting area and a bathroom with a bathtub.

These suites have also their own private balcony and all the comforts you expect in first-class accommodations. 

Guests on our newest ships can enjoy all the comforts of the MSC Yacht Club with an interior suite.

ALL-INCLUSIVE, ALL THE TIME

PREMIUM BEVERAGE PACKAGE

Our Premium Extra Package is included as an MSC Yacht Club benefit. Delight in a wide selection of beers, cocktails, wines, top-shelf liquor, and an array of non-alcoholic beverages.

HIGH-SPEED INTERNET

Stay connected with a premium internet package from anywhere on board, an exclusive benefit for guests. Unlimited Wi-Fi allows you to browse on up to two devices.

THERMAL SPA ACCESS

Experience ultimate pampering at the MSC Aurea Spa, where you can enjoy complimentary access to the serene Thermal Suite, enhanced further by an exclusive 10% discount on all treatments.

explore further

Discover the best of both worlds as a guest of MSC Yacht Club. Enjoy VIP access to amenities throughout

your journey, from dining to captivating entertainment, while experiencing the personalized touch that

extends from your suite to every corner of the ship.

SIGNATURE DINING

Savor the flavors of exquisite specialty restaurants such as Butcher's Cut, Kaito Sushi & Teppanyaki, HOLA Tacos, and Ocean Cay.

Elevate your dining experience with exclusive perks like priority reservation times, premium seating, and the luxury of a personal butler escort if you choose.

TOP-TIER ENTERTAINMENT

As an MSC Yacht Club guest, there’s always more to discover. Get priority access to our show-stopping Broadway and Vegas-style shows brought to you by Carousel Productions at Sea.

Plus, you can always explore the myriad of entertainment areas on board, from thrilling water parks to trying your luck at the state-of-the-art MSC Casino.

PREMIUM WELLNESS

Unleash your active side by checking out our sports facilities, including outdoor walking tracks, basketball courts, and a fully-equipped gym boasting Technogym® equipment.  

For those seeking an even more tailored experience, indulge in specialty classes and personal training sessions, reserved by your MSC Yacht Club concierge team.

discover more

Journey to the ultimate destinations on board the MSC Yacht Club, whether it’s crossing places off your bucket list or delighting in quick weekend getaways.

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10 things we loved in msc yacht club.

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WELCOME TO A WORLD OF

PRIVACY & LUXURY

MSC YACHT CLUB THE LUXURY CRUISE EXPERIENCE

Feel the finesse and elegance of luxury cruises with MSC Yacht Club , an exclusive area of refined indulgence . Surround yourself in unparalleled comfort and personalized service as you embark on an astounding voyage aboard our finest ships. Discover a world where  privacy  meets  luxury , where every detail is meticulously crafted to exceed your highest expectations. Savour the sophistication  and  elegance of luxury cruises from the very first step onboard. Our  dedicated staff  will cater to your every need, ensuring that your  journey  is nothing but sensational. Welcome to  MSC Yacht Club , get away from it all, whilst having everything you may wish for .

Unrivaled comfort and exquisite luxury

Experience the finest luxury accommodation during your  MSC Yacht Club luxury cruise . Discover lavishly appointed suites designed with meticulous attention to detail .

Immerse yourself in the epitome of comfort with  luxurious amenities and elegant touches.

Explore below all our MSC Yacht Club Suites available to book.

• Surface: approx.  104 sqm, terrace 48 sqm, deck 16
• Bedroom with a queen size bed
• Separate dining/living room with a sofa bed which converts into a double bed
• Floor-to-ceiling windows and glass doors
• Spacious private terrace with a whirlpool bath, a dining table and chairs
• Marble bathroom with a bathtub, a shower and “Med” organic amenities
• Premium bespoke embroidered towels and bed linens 100% cotton
• Plush slippers and 100% cotton bathrobes for onboard use
• Spacious walk-in wardrobe
• Bar set-up, refrigerator, Nespresso machine, Fresh fruit Welcome amenity & Venchi daily turndown chocolates
• Interactive TV, telephone, safe and air conditioning

The image are representative only: displayed suite from MSC World Europa Size, layout and furniture may vary (within the same suite category)

• Surface: approx.  51-58 sqm, terrace 42-51 sqm, deck 16-18
• Separate living room with a sofa bed which converts into a double bed
• Marble bathroom with a large shower and bathtub and “Med” organic amenities (some suites feature a large bathtub only)
• Premium bespoke embroidered towels & bed linens 100% cotton
• Bar set-up, refrigerator, Nespresso machine and Fresh fruit Welcome amenity
• Venchi daily turndown chocolates
• Surface approx . 46 sqm,  terrace 28- 31 sqm, deck 16
• Two-deck-high suite located at the front of the ship

Main level (suite entrance)

• Open living/dining room with a dining table and a sofa bed which converts into a double bed
• Private terrace with a whirlpool bath, outdoor chairs and a table
• Marble bathroom with shower and “Med” organic amenities

Second level

• Master bedroom with a queen size bed which can be converted into 2 single beds (on request)
• Marble bathroom with bathtub & “Med” organic amenities
• Private sundeck with loungers, accessible from the external staircases
• Spacious wardrobe

Each suite is equipped with:

• Minibar and Nespresso machine
• Fresh fruit Welcome amenity
• Interactive TV and telephone available on each level
• Safe and air conditioning
• Premium bespoke embroidered towels & bed linens 100% cotton

The image is representative only: displayed  suites from MSC World Europa Size, layout and furniture may vary (within the same suite category)

• Surface: approx 46sqm, balcony 6 sqm, deck 16

Main level (Suite entrance):

• Balcony with outdoor chairs and a table

Second level:

The image is representative only: displayed suite from MSC World Europa Size, layout and furniture may vary (within the same suite category)

• Surface:  approx . 40-53 sqm, deck 12
• Queen size bed which can be converted into 2 single beds (on request) with a panoramic sealed window on the side (no access outside)
• Separate living room with sofas and armchairs with a panoramic sealed window (no access outside)
• Marble bathroom with bathtub and “Med” organic amenities
• Premium bespoke embroidered towels & bed linens100% cotton
• Minibar Tea kettle & Fresh fruit Welcome amenity

The image are representative only: displayed suite from MSC Fantasia Size, layout and furniture may vary (within the same suite category)

TAKE A SUITE TOUR

• Surface:  approx . 31-43 sqm, balcony 8-21 sqm, deck 16-19
• Queen size bed which can be converted into 2 single beds (on request)
• Balcony equipped with outdoor chairs and a table
• Minibar, Nespresso machine and Fresh fruit Welcome amenity

The image are representative only: displayed suite from MSC Seashore Size, layout and furniture may vary (within the same suite category)

NB: Select MSC Yacht Club Grand Suites are adapted for guests with disabilities or reduced mobility.

• Surface:  approx . 25 sqm, balcony 5 sqm, deck 15-21

NB: Select MSC Yacht Club Deluxe Suites are adapted for guests with disabilities or reduced mobility.

• Surface: approx. 15 sqm, deck 15-16
• Bathroom with shower and “Med” organic amenities
• Premium bespoke embroidered towels& bed linens 100% cotton

PRIVATE VENUES

The MSC Yacht Club is an authentic ship within a ship: each MSC Yacht Club venue has been meticulously tailored to provide our guests with the highest standards of comfort and privacy .

Get inspired by our selection of private venues.

Top Sail Lounge

The Top Sail Lounge, located in the MSC Yacht Club area at the forefront of the ship, offers breathtaking views alongside exceptional food and service. As part of a luxury cruise experience, this exclusive lounge is accessible 24/7 to MSC Yacht Club guests. A complimentary bar awaits you, with premium beverages available all day, as well as delicious gourmet finger food at various times. You can enjoy live music every evening and participate in hosted events like the High Tea moment and Officer Welcome Onboard cocktail.

MSC Yacht Club restaurant

The MSC Yacht Club Restaurant is an exclusive and private venue reserved only for you with spectacular sea views. Embark on a culinary journey and delight in gourmet creations and five-star service. From à la carte menus with premium Mediterranean and International cuisine to a dedicated team of international chefs sourcing local premium products, everything is thought to tantalize your taste buds. Our dedicated Sommelier will be pleased to advice a food & wine pairing experience and to present the wide selection of wines.

MSC Yacht Club Grill & Bar

The MSC Yacht Club Grill & Bar is a dedicated outdoor terrace where guests can savour meals and drinks all day long. Start early morning with a wide selection of breakfast options with cereals to omelets, French toast, and fried eggs. Our waiters will take care of your every needs at the pool bar: delight with a variety of beverages such as craft cocktails, beers, wines, and for a high-end touch to your evening experience, savor a chilled glass of champagne.

The MSC Yacht Club Grill is available on Meraviglia, Seaside and World Class ships

MSC Yacht Club Sundeck & Pool

The MSC Yacht Club Sundeck & Pool is an exclusive luxurious outdoor area with captivating swimming pool, spacious sundeck, and relaxing large hot tubs for an remarkable luxury cruise experience. In the MSC Yacht Club you are provided with exceptional service, including fresh towels and cleaning sunglasses while enjoying the One Pool. Elegant and private cabanas are also available on selected ships.

SET SAIL FOR A WORLD of PRIVILEGES

From its elegant suites to its round-the-clock butler service, the MSC Yacht Club offers an all-inclusive luxury cruise experience

 with privacy and exclusivity while you can enjoy all the other vibrant activities that our ship offers. 

Discover more:

Indulge yourself in luxury cruises with MSC Yacht Club. Surround yourself in unparalleled comfort and personalized service as you embark on an astounding voyage aboard our finest ships of dedicated venues including a private restaurant, lounge, pool and solarium, all featuring an all-inclusive drinks service.

• Butler service available 24 hours
• Dedicated concierge 24 hours
• Premium Beverages included: Premium Extra Drink package in all ship areas
• Internet package: Browse - 2 devices per person with unlimited Internet Package
• Dedicated priority check-in and check-out
• Room service available 24 hours
• Complimentary access to the Thermal Suite in the MSC Aurea SPA
• Relaxation amenities in each suite (including bathrobe and slippers) and pillow menu
• Other personal touches such as luggage packing/unpacking service, newspaper service
• Most rewarding experience for MSC Voyagers Club points
• One free Cruise Change** (please consult Terms and Conditions)

Discover a world where privacy meets luxury, where every detail is meticulously crafted to exceed your highest expectations. Welcome to a ship within a ship, a secluded and elegant area is waiting for you.

• Lavishly fitted suites offering outstanding comfort located in the foredecks of the ship
• Dedicated exclusive Sun Deck with pool, whirlpool, solarium and Grill & Bar
• Gourmet dining in the private MSC Yacht Club restaurant. Free choice of dining time during restaurant opening hours
• Panoramic Top Sail Lounge with bar, afternoon tea service, light food selection 20 hours per day
• Live music available every night in the Top Sail Lounge
• Tailor made excursions and shopping experiences (not included in cruise fare)

At your own pace, indulge in the privacy and luxury of the MSC Yacht Club or step out of your secluded area and enjoy countless recreation, relaxation and entertainment opportunities offered throughout the ship.

• Access to all ship's facilities (bars and lounges, specialty restaurants, pools, etc)
• Discounted packages offer
• Premium buffet
• 10% discount on all MSC AUREA SPA treatments purchased on board
• Varied programme of Broadway and Las Vegas-style theatre shows
• Entertainment activities for adults, infants and children
• Recreational activities for children
• Open-air sports facilities
• Well-equipped gym with panoramic view

DESTINATIONs

Explore marvelous destinations all over the world with MSC Yacht Club, while enjoying the unique service, unrivalled comfort and exquisite luxury. The privileges of the MSC Yacht Club extend beyond the ship, discover our exclusive beach destinations with their own reserved MSC Yacht Club area .

Join the MSC Yacht Club Excursions and discover amazing hidden gems by participating in unique activities with knowledgeable local guides, specially crafted just for our valued MSC Yacht Club guests and covering a wide range of finely curated experiences and benefits.

Including OCEAN CAY MARINE RESERVE

MSC YACHT CLUB: THE LUXURY CRUISE EXPERIENCE

A ship within the ship.

Which ships in the MSC Cruises fleet feature the MSC Yacht Club? MSC Yacht Club is featured in 15 of 23 MSC Cruises ships. Book now the one that suits you best:

- MSC Bellissima

- MSC Divina

- MSC Euribia

- MSC Fantasia

- MSC Grandiosa

- MSC Meraviglia

- MSC Preziosa

- MSC Seascape

- MSC Seashore

- MSC Seaside

- MSC Seaview

- MSC Splendida

- MSC Virtuosa

- MSC World America (from 2025)

- MSC World Europa .

MSC Yacht Club FAQ

What is the msc yacht club.

The MSC Yacht Club is an exclusive and private area entirely dedicated to luxury, privacy and comfort, an authentic ‘ship within a ship’ equipped with elegant suites, 24/7 butler service, and a dedicated concierge reception for your extraordinary luxury cruise experience. In the MSC Yacht Club you will have exclusive access to refined private venues including a restaurant, lounge, pool, and sundeck, along with an all-inclusive premium drinks service. Unlimited internet access and an extensive selection of recreational and entertainment opportunities, such as the thermal area in the MSC Aurea Spa and Broadway-style theatre shows, enhance your luxury cruise journey. For your family holiday, a world of excitement awaits young travelers on board MSC cruises, from kid’s club to aquapark , guaranteeing endless amusement.

What types of suites accommodation are available in the MSC Yacht Club?

All the accommodations in the MSC Yacht Club are elegant suites specially designed to ensure you the utmost comfort and privacy. The MSC Yacht Club features a range of 8 distinct suite types , each with its own unique touch of luxury and comfort. Although not all suite types are available on every ship, you will always be able to choose from a selection of elegant and comfortable accommodations according to your own preferences. All MSC Yacht Clubs on our ships provide refined Deluxe Suites with balconies and spacious wardrobes, as well as Royal Suites featuring direct balcony access from the bedroom and a private terrace. On Fantasia class ships, you can also choose from Grand Suites with ample living space or Executive & Family Suites with a panoramic sealed window and a separate living room. Indulge in high-end accommodations on our newest ships, offering innovative suite choices. Meraviglia class ships boast Duplex Suites with whirlpool, located at the front of the ship for breathtaking views. On Seaside class ships, MSC Seashore and MSC Seascape also offer Owner Suites with spacious terraces and a private whirlpool and Grand Suites. Owner Suites are also available on our World-class ships, including Duplex Suites, that can be chosen either with or without a whirlpool. All our newest ships also include refined Interior Suites .

From Myform Memory mattresses to Egyptian cotton bedding and mattresses and a Dorelan pillow menu, marble bathrooms to complimentary minibars, your every need is catered to for a truly exceptional luxury cruise .

What does MSC Yacht Club include?

In the MSC Yacht Club, you can enjoy an all-inclusive luxury cruise experience with a wide range of exclusive privileges, starting with 24-hour butler service , dedicated priority check-in and check-out , and a 24-hour dedicated concierge. Drinks are also included with the Premium Extra Drink package, not only in the MSC Yacht Club but also throughout the ship. This allows you to enjoy your favorite beverages at various locations such as the buffet, main restaurant, specialty restaurants, and onboard bars. Wi-Fi connection is available for the entire duration of the cruise with the Browse Cruise package for two devices per person.

Gourmet dining awaits at the private MSC Yacht Club restaurant , with flexible dining times. The Top Sail Lounge offers nightly live music, while the Panoramic Top Sail Lounge provides a bar, afternoon tea service, and light food selection for 20 hours a day. All MSC Yacht Club suites are situated on the foredecks of the ship to ensure you exceptional comfort with room service available 24/7 . You can benefit from unlimited access to the thermal area in the MSC Aurea SPA for your complete relaxation. You can also take advantage of spa discounts, specialty restaurant packages, open-air sports facilities , Kid’s Club, aquapark, and diverse programs of Broadway and Las Vegas-style theater shows.

Are drinks included in the MSC Yacht Club?

Which internet package is included in the msc yacht club.

MSC Yacht Club Guests benefit from the Browse internet package, with unlimited data valid for two devices per person for the entire duration of the cruise. This package allows you to: :

• Browse the web.
• Send and receive emails and images.
• Chat on messenger apps (e.g. WhatsApp).

Once onboard, you can also choose to upgrade the Browse internet package to the Browse and Stream package , available for an additional fee.

What are MSC Yacht Club Excursions? How can I book them?

What is the dress code for the msc yacht club are there themed parties i shall specifically pack for.

The dress code m ay vary depending on the venue and the time of the day. Top Sail Lounge - Dress code To fully appreciate the exclusive ambiance of the Top Sail Lounge, dressing appropriately in the lounge is highly recommended.

• By day: Casual clothing, including t-shirts and tops, is perfectly acceptable, but we kindly request that you do not wear swimwear at any given time.
• By night: Smart casual attire is required for entry to the Top Sail Lounge. Feel free to wear dresses, skirts, long pants, jeans, and button-down tops. However, please avoid wearing shorts and flip flops.

MSC Yacht Club Restaurant - Dress code To preserve the exceptional ambiance of this private restaurant we kindly ask you to dress in a way that complements its exclusiveness.

• By day: Feel at ease in casual wear, including t-shirts and tops, but to maintain a respectful atmosphere, we kindly request that swimwear not be worn at any time.
• By night: We kindly ask that you dress in smart casual attire. This includes options such as dresses, skirts, long pants, jeans, and button-down tops. However, please avoid shorts and flip flops.
• For Gala evenings: Dress elegantly and glamorously for your onboard photo with sophisticated outfits such as cocktail dresses, skirts, slacks, designer jeans, elegant dress tops, blazers, or even tuxedo suits and gowns.

MSC Yacht Club Grill & Bar - Dress code Wear your bathing costumes, t-shirts, tank tops, hats, and sunglasses as you please. Just remember that topless bathing is not allowed in this family-friendly area.

Can you  bring external Guests such as family or friends staying in the main ship in the MSC Yacht Club area?

Is the msc yacht club luggage allowance higher compared to regular guests, are children and infants allowed in the msc yacht club, how to join the msc yacht club shall you need to register to the msc yacht club, as a msc yacht club guest do you collect more msc voyagers club points than other experiences.

Yes, MSC Yacht Club is MSC Cruises’ most rewarding experience :

• For cruises less than 5 nights or 6 days , you will earn 800 MSC Voyagers Club points .
• If your cruise ranges from 5 to 9 nights or 6 to 10 days , you will earn 1,500 MSC Voyagers Club points .
• If your cruise is longer than 10 nights or 11 days, you will earn 2,000 MSC Voyagers Club points .

How to upgrade to the MSC Yacht Club?

Can upgraded guests to the msc yacht club collect msc voyagers club points in the same way as other msc yacht club guests , terms and conditions, terms and conditions.

• **MSC Yacht Club guests are entitled to one free cruise change, applicable either on the cruise dates or on the destination. Such change needs to be performed up to 30 calendar days before departure, for a new cruise to sail within 90 calendar days from the original departure. Any cruise change shall be requested through MSC Book or our contact centers.
• Possibility to organise tailor made excursions depending from itineraries.
• For more information about the premium extra drink package please click here

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MSC Cruises

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Yacht Club DINNER Menus

By Host Jazzbeau , November 27, 2019 in MSC Cruises

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Host Jazzbeau

Thanks to some great detective work by @Beamafar  we have been able to compile an almost complete set of the dinner menus on Meraviglia as of Oct/Nov 2019 [numbered 1-14 plus '15' for Italian Night and 'E' for the everyday menu ] – note that this is missing nos. 3 and 10.

We thought that this post would be a complete set, based on the MD's statement that these are the official menus.  But I have also collected some additional YC Dinner menus [labeled x1, x2 etc.] that (a) may fill in the missing nos. 3 and 10, but (b) also seem to include variations on the other menus (at least on other MSC ships).

I suspect that there is, as always [!], a degree of variability in MSC's operations – but these menus should at least give a good sampling of what you will find on your cruise.  And – speaking only for myself [and DW] – the food delivered in the YC restaurant lives up to the promises of these menus.  Mangia!

@Beamafar  and I have now done our part.  If you would like to contribute, please feel free to post additional menus (or variations) and 'food porn' pictures.  Just please remember that this thread is for Yacht Club DINNER menus only.  See the separate threads for Yacht Club BREAKFAST and LUNCH menus.

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• 4 yr Host Jazzbeau locked this topic

Dinner 1 [MSC F&B 0019CAR - YC - D1]

Dinner 2 [MSC F&B 0019CAR - YC - D2 ELEG NIGHT 1]

Dinner 4 [MSC F&B 0019CAR - YC - D4]

Dinner 5 [MSC F&B 1920CAR - YC - D5]

Dinner 6 [MSC F&B 1920CAR - YC - D6 ELEG NIGHT 2]

Dinner 7 [MSC F&B 1920CAR - YC - D7]

Dinner 8 [MSC F&B 1920CAR - YC - D8]

Dinner 9 [MSC F&B 1920CAR - YC - D9]

Dinner 11 [MSC F&B 1920CAR - YC - D11]

Dinner 12 [MSC F&B 1920CAR - YC - D12]

Dinner 13 [MSC F&B 1920CAR - YC - D13]

Dinner 14 [MSC F&B 1920CAR - YC - D14]

Dinner 15 [MSC F&B 1920CAR - YC - ITALIAN NIGHT

Dinner E - Everyday Menu Items

Dinner x1 (Moussaka, paella, seafood, beef, BBQ, chickpea hummus)

Dinner x2 (Vegetable risotto, trout, veal, falafel)-1

Dinner x3 (Glazed pluma, ravioli, risotto, tubot, prawn, beef, vegan burger)-1

Dinner x4 (Lobster bauletti, grouper, clam, bandera, tofu)-1

Dinner x5 (Tagliolini, shrip, sworfish, tortillas)-1

Dinner x6 (Moussaka, paella, sea bass, veal, chickpea hummus)-1

• 4 yr Host Jazzbeau unlocked and pinned this topic

Thanks for all your hard work.  Much appreciated! 💗

Now with a complete set of desserts!  Happy Thanksgiving to all!

• 1 month later...

I appreciate all the menus that are posted.   We are considering booking the Yacht Club for a November cruise.   Not sure I like all of the selections for the lunch or dinner menus.   Is it possible to order something not on the menu if you don't like what they are offering?   Would it be better to go to a regular dining room instead?  Not sure if I should book YC if I don't eat in the special dining room most of the time?  Any suggestions welcome.

Hello. Does yacht Club menu still have the selection of items each night at dinner that do not change? Filet mignon etc.? 

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MSC Meraviglia review: What it's like to cruise on MSC's 1st New York-based ship

For the first time, MSC Cruises has based a ship in New York. Given that the vessel, MSC Meraviglia, is the fifth-largest in the line's fleet of two dozen ships in terms of tonnage and the sixth-largest by passenger capacity, the ship's presence in the Big Apple is a big deal. As one colleague astutely pointed out, when it's docked there, it's the largest hotel in the city .

I recently sailed on MSC Meraviglia out of its Red Hook homeport in Brooklyn, and I have mixed feelings. Overall, the ship is lively and aesthetically beautiful. Its specialty restaurants and nightly shows are some of the most consistently superb on any vessel, and it offers one heck of a luxury product in its Yacht Club suite enclave .

However, passenger flow is an issue, with many public spaces so crowded they're uncomfortable, and service is painfully slow in some bars and restaurants. You'll likely end up paying a lot more than you originally planned because some of the most enticing things to do come with added fees. And, as my travel companion so succinctly put it, I've never been told "no" so many times on a cruise.

Here, I'll take you through some of the activities I tried, the places I ate and the experience I had so you can better determine if MSC Meraviglia is right for your next voyage.

Overview of MSC Meraviglia

MSC Cruises' Meraviglia was the first in the line's Meraviglia Class of ships. When it debuted in 2017, it became the line's largest vessel, with space for up to 5,655 people at capacity (4,475 at double occupancy). It has since been overtaken, in terms of passenger capacity, by subsequent vessels in the Meraviglia Class, as well as those in the World Class.

The ship exudes the same glitz that's typical of other MSC vessels, despite its mass-market appeal and penchant for attracting budget travelers. Lavish artwork, chrome accents and bold jewel tones convey a sense of opulence throughout public spaces, and no ship in the fleet would be complete without an atrium staircase adorned with thousands of Swarovski crystals.

Like MSC's other modern ships, MSC Meraviglia has an extra-fee chocolate shop on board — this one through a partnership with chocolatier and pastry chef Jean-Philippe Maury — where you can purchase chocolate, macarons, candy and specialty coffees.

There's also a sizable water park on the top deck, a shopping mall-style promenade area and several decks of cabins that are part of the line's Yacht Club, which affords passengers exclusive access to a dedicated restaurant, lounge, bar and pool deck just for them, as well as butler service.

What I loved about MSC Meraviglia

Largely, my onboard experience was great. Crew members were friendly, my cabin was comfortable, and the daily activity options were plentiful, varied and fun. At night, most shows fell into the "excellent" category, and the food in every extra-fee restaurant and the Yacht Club was phenomenal.

Specialty dining

MSC's food consistently receives less-than-stellar reviews from passengers, particularly regarding the line's complimentary dining experiences. Much of the main dining room fare is indeed so-so — palatable but largely underseasoned and mass-produced, so that it often looks like it's been sitting under a heat lamp when it reaches you. Food in the buffet is varied and tasty, but it can also become repetitive after a week, and the space is frequently crowded and confusing to navigate.

So why am I including food under the "what I loved" category? I think that MSC's alternative, for-fee restaurants — including the ones on MSC Meraviglia — are some of the best. If you're willing to shell out the money, you can have a fantastic meal on this ship.

Of the ship's specialty restaurants, my favorites are Hola! Tacos & Cantina and Kaito Teppanyaki.

Even though Hola! levies extra charges, passengers have the option of paying a la carte for items individually priced as low as $2.95 or paying $17.99 for unlimited menu items. The salsa and guacamole are wonderful, the tortilla soup always hits the spot for me, and the tacos are small, so you'll be able to try several to find your favorite without feeling overstuffed.

If you know me, you know the fact that I'm recommending Kaito Teppanyaki is shocking. I'm notoriously not a fan of this type of cooking, particularly when it comes with a side of cringeworthy performances by the chefs. However, the food there on MSC Meraviglia was so great that I didn't mind the cook's jokes.

The MSC Yacht Club is a private section on select MSC ships that offers cabins across several categories, including suites. Passengers booked in those cabins have special keycard access to a dedicated guest services and concierge desk; an exclusive pool, sun deck, lounge and bar (with free drinks); and complimentary anytime dining at a special restaurant just for Yacht Club cruisers.

Cabins are outfitted with higher-quality materials and furnishings, and each comes with the services of a butler. Meri was mine, and she was the best. She was able to make dining and spa reservations for me, escort me to priority seating in the theater for nightly shows and have crackers and green apples delivered to my cabin when the second night's rough seas made me feel seasick.

I absolutely loved the special touches MSC provides to Yacht Club passengers, including a special afternoon tea service and a private, intimate final-night performance by Lorraine Crosby — the female vocalist from Meat Loaf's "I'd Do Anything for Love (But I Won't Do That)" — who sometimes makes guest appearances on board. (She also put on two larger shows for the entire ship earlier in the sailing.) Additionally, I had access to Yacht Club perks at private island Ocean Cay Marine Reserve , including dedicated trams, a shaded waiting area with cold water and access to a private beach and restaurant.

Although the Yacht Club comes at a premium — at the time of publication, rooms on MSC Meraviglia started at $1,199 per person for a Yacht Club inside cabin on a six-night Bermuda sailing — fares include drinks and tips, along with Venchi pillow chocolates, free room service and minibar selections, plus one round of in-cabin snacks and a choice of one bottle of vodka, gin or whiskey delivered to your room. (I normally drink rum, and they were able to substitute it for me, even though it's not one of the spirits normally offered.)

Above all, the most valuable component of the Yacht Club for me on this sailing was the ability to escape the general chaos that is the rest of the ship. Don't get me wrong: I immersed myself in the buzz outside of the Yacht Club as often as possible, but as an introvert who dislikes crowds and noise more and more the older she gets, I found it essential to have a separate area to which I could retreat.

Galleria Meraviglia

One of the most fun and flashy locations on MSC Meraviglia cruises is the Galleria Meraviglia, a central indoor walkway similar to the Royal Promenade on Royal Caribbean ships. It's a long space flanked by bars, restaurants and shops with a feel similar to a shopping mall. However, the highlight for me is the giant LED screen, which runs the length of the space and hosts what the line calls "dome shows."

During these shows, themed scenes — including deck plans for the muster drill, dinosaurs and volcanos during the "Jurassic" dome show and even famous ceilings — appear overhead. They're the metaphorical heartbeat of the ship, and you can't help but stop to watch.

The nearby chocolateria, Jean-Philippe Chocolate & Cafe, is an excellent place to grab a cuppa, and the adjacent Meraviglia Bar & Lounge is home to trivia, live music and more. Mix in a shore excursion desk; shops that sell high-end jewelry and purses; a counter serving for-fee gelato, crepes and smoothies; and Hola! Tacos & Cantina (one of the best Mexican restaurants at sea), and Galleria Meraviglia feels like the place to be.

There's little I enjoy more than a relaxing arcade day , and MSC delivers with its Sportplex gaming complex. It features a small traditional arcade with air hockey, alien shooter games and first-person driving games, as well as prize machines; several immersive virtual-reality pods (most of which were down for maintenance during my sailing); two Formula One racing simulators; a 4D cinema where several players attempt to take out zombies and killer clowns; and a sports court that hosts basketball, pickleball, dodgeball and other activities.

But my ultimate favorite was the bowling alley. My travel companion and I inexplicably wound up in Sportplex after dinner on formal night. We played for half an hour — enough time for two games if it's only two people and you move quickly — and were ultimately joined by the Yacht Club director, Craig (who won easily). It was a ton of fun, but I don't recommend bowling in a ballgown.

The drawback is that, like lots of other cool pastimes on MSC Meraviglia, it all costs extra (except for sports court use). The arcade charges per game with the tap of your keycard. The simulators can be purchased on a per-ride basis, and bowling is charged in chunks of either 30 or 60 minutes.

To save money, passengers can purchase packages where you get a certain dollar amount free. (For example, if you prepurchase $150 worth of gaming credits, your card will be loaded with $220.)

What I didn't love about MSC Meraviglia

As with all things, in travel we take the bad with the good. While most experiences on this sailing fell in the latter category, it wouldn't be a fair review without calling attention to the things that I think the line needs to address.

The departure port

When MSC first announced that MSC Meraviglia would be sailing from New York, the ship's homeport was Manhattan. I groaned when I heard its docking spot had changed to the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal in Brooklyn's Red Hook neighborhood.

Brooklyn's terminal is difficult to reach, particularly if you don't have a car. Anyone venturing to the port from Manhattan will need to take the subway, followed by a ferry — not an easy feat if you're toting luggage. Park-and-ride-style buses also seemed to be an option, according to several passengers on my sailing who arrived from outside of the city. If you're like me and decide to drive to the port, know that parking is at a premium, and fees are steep. (At $45 per night, I paid $360 to park there for eight nights.)

Waits on embarkation day are another concern. When I arrived, lines snaked outside the terminal and down the sidewalk in front of the building. I had multiple passengers throughout my voyage tell me that they waited between two and three hours in line to board the vessel.

It's unclear whether the terminal is ill-equipped to deal with passenger flow for such a large ship or if MSC hasn't quite brought its embarkation processes up to speed, but if you don't have priority boarding privileges, either through a high loyalty status tier or a Yacht Club booking, expect the process to take a while.

On the plus side, you'll have great views of the Statue of Liberty as you sail away, assuming the weather isn't rainy or foggy.

At 19 decks, MSC Meraviglia is huge. On my voyage, the ship was only sailing at about half capacity (about 3,000 passengers out of a possible 5,655, or 53%). However, a perfect storm of events converged to create a situation that was less than pleasant for anyone not booked in a Yacht Club cabin.

A large group booking of about 1,000 people overtook many of the public areas on a daily basis, which drew complaints from cruisers who weren't in the group. For example, trivia was standing-room-only on several days, and the buffet was so continuously crowded that I ate there only twice on the entire voyage.

Additionally, it rained during our first two days on board — embarkation day and the following sea day — meaning that the ship's outdoor spaces weren't utilized. Because everyone was stuck inside, the ship felt even more crowded. (I shudder to imagine what it would have been like if the ship had been sailing completely full.)

Although the weather certainly isn't the cruise line's fault, it seems that the ship should be better equipped to deal with situations where passengers are stuck inside. I also thought that, perhaps, the large group booking was a one-off and that it wouldn't be the norm on other sailings. However, I spoke with one of the officers on board who told me that the cruise line is actively recruiting similar large group bookings.

One of the biggest contributing factors was the ship's layout and flow. Some areas lead to dead ends, while others force you to enter busy areas — like the massive Marketplace Buffet — to find stairs to go up or down a deck. In several bars and lounges in the main atrium, tables and chairs are scattered so close to the main staircase that it's difficult for two-way passenger traffic to move through the space.

The feeling of overcrowding was exacerbated by service inconveniences like long waits for drinks, meals and elevators.

Confusing policies and procedures

Some of the things MSC does truly confuse me, and they began almost immediately after boarding.

When cruises first returned following the 18-month COVID-19 pandemic shutdown, many lines decided to go digital with their muster drills. Passengers watched videos on their mobile apps or on their cabin TVs before reporting, at their leisure (to maintain social distancing), to their muster stations for verification. MSC has chosen to institute a bizarre version where all passengers watch a video and then report to their muster stations at the same time.

If everyone is going to the same place at the same time, why not do the muster drill in person? On the flip side, if you're going to make people watch a video instead of doing a live demonstration, why make everyone go to their stations simultaneously? The process creates a chaotic environment where, in my case, people were required to walk into the theater, do a lap around it (for reasons nobody ever actually explained) and immediately exit again.

Speaking of the theater, no drinks are allowed in there, which is odd, given that all other cruise lines allow passengers to order drinks during shows or at least carry them in with them to enjoy while they watch. We saw several surprised cruisers being told they had to dump their beverages or drink them before they'd be allowed inside.

The drink situation gets worse when you try to order cocktails in the ship's restaurants. When I did so in one of the main dining rooms, I was told that only wine was available. When I visited the alternative eateries, I was told I could only order from what was on the menu, some of which wasn't included with the beverage package. What's the point of selling pricey beverage packages (which can cost more than $70 per person, per day, for the most expensive) if there are so many exclusions?

Specialty coffee from the onboard chocolate shop also isn't included with the packages, nor are coffees on private island Ocean Cay, which leads me to my next head-scratcher. I had the single best coffee drink of my life when we called on Ocean Cay. The Coco-Nilla Latte is espresso, vanilla flavoring and coconut milk, and I loved it so much that I tried to have it replicated on board.

I went to three of the ship's regular bars, each of which is equipped to make espresso that's included in the line's beverage packages, as well as the specialty coffee bar at the for-fee chocolate shop. At each location, I was given some sort of excuse:

"We don't have vanilla syrup at this bar."

"We don't have coconut milk here."

"Oh, those are only made at Ocean Cay."

It's likely if this happened on a ship in any other fleet, the response would have been, "We don't have the ingredients, but let me see if we can find them."

The crew culture on MSC Meraviglia seems to be one that either doesn't encourage them or doesn't allow them to go the extra mile. My request wasn't a lavish one; vanilla syrup and coconut milk are standard accouterments at most cafes on land. The ship has a passenger-to-crew ratio of 3:1, which is better than that of other cruise lines with fares at a similar price point, so I don't feel like I'm asking too much from an affordable cruise line.

I must also mention some weird food-related practices I saw on board. Both times I ate at the Marketplace Buffet, I witnessed crew members stopping adults from taking food from a particular section of kid-friendly foods. "No, those are for children only," a crew member behind the counter told a parent who was trying to grab dessert for his son, who was outside by the pool.

"You mean I can't take this out to my kid?" the guy asked in shock. The crew member told him he would have to go to the pool, get his son, bring him inside and have him pick out the dessert, which he grudgingly did. But talk about a disruptive experience.

On the other occasion, I saw a couple of adults eyeing the chicken nuggets that were on offer. They were forbidden by a crew member from taking any. I have never seen something so absurd on a sailing in my life. Children aren't the only ones who enjoy chicken nuggets, nor are they the ones who pay the cruise fares. Adults, whether they have kids on board or not, should be allowed to eat whatever they wish from the buffet that they paid for — even if it comes from the children's menu.

Another head-scratcher is you might still have to pay a supplement to eat in certain restaurants, even if you booked a dining package that includes a set number of specialty restaurants for a set fee. It depends on what you order.

For example, I had a dining package, but when I dined at Kaito Teppanyaki, the waiter informed me that there would be an extra $10 surcharge to order the Geisha and Samurai options and a $30 upcharge for the Emperor option. Again, what's the point of selling dining packages if they don't cover what they're supposed to?

Additionally, on a ship of 3,000 people, MSC Meraviglia had only one of four main dining rooms open for lunch on a rainy sea day when everyone was stuck inside. It was open for one measly hour, from noon to 1 p.m. I saw the hours posted as I was passing by the line that was quickly forming, so I decided to eat there to evaluate the situation. Spoiler alert: It wasn't great.

Finally, MSC Meraviglia's sports equipment is kept under actual lock and key. You have to sign out everything from pickleball paddles to basketballs for use on the indoor sports court and volleyballs for the pits on Ocean Cay. However, when I tried to sign out a basketball during posted rental hours, the person working told me no and offered no explanation. When I checked with guest services, they told me that shouldn't have happened. But it did. Twice.

On a separate occasion, when my travel companion and I showed up for scheduled volleyball time, the attendant cut the game off at 45 minutes because he said he had to leave. When we asked if we could keep the ball to continue playing, he refused. There seems to be no flexibility, and staff members are not empowered to deviate from protocol on the fly, even when it makes sense.

Most cruise lines' ships have unmonitored equipment available for passengers to use when the courts are open. It's often stored in unlocked chests that passengers can access at any time. Sign-out, which seems like an unnecessary step, is not required with most other cruise lines, which brings me to this: To quote one of my TPG colleagues when she referenced an MSC sailing on a different ship, "I have never said, 'No other cruise line does it like this,' as much as I did on [my cruise]. And it wasn't a good thing."

MSC Meraviglia cabins and suites

MSC bookings can be confusing for first-timers because, in addition to selecting a cabin type (inside, outside, balcony or suite), passengers must also choose from one of three experience packages. Dubbed Bella, Fantastica and Aurea, they all come with different perks and inclusions, as noted below.

Bella: This is the most basic, bare-bones package. It includes accommodations, free meals in the main dining rooms and buffet, and free daily activities and nightly entertainment. Passengers with this package will be assigned to set-seating dining times after they board. They also will be charged for any room service orders, as well as changes to their cruise booking reservations.

Fantastica: This package includes everything listed under the Bella package, plus the ability to change sailing date reservations one time for free, complimentary delivery of room service breakfast and the ability to choose a preferred set-seating dining time for dinner prior to embarkation.

Aurea: Aurea comes with everything in the Bella and Fantastica packages, as well as free access to the ship's top-deck Solarium area, a welcome package that includes prosecco and chocolates, anytime dining (go whenever you want with no set seating time), a 10% discount on spa treatments, priority boarding and free 24-hour room service (not just at breakfast).

MSC Meraviglia houses 2,244 rooms in various types with several configurations, some of which sleep more than two passengers. Of those staterooms, 55 are accessible for cruisers with mobility issues. In those cabins, passengers will find additional space for maneuvering things like wheelchairs and scooters, as well as zero-entry door thresholds and shower grab bars. (Theaters and most public areas are also accessible, but unfortunately, I didn't see a single lift at any of the ship's four pools.)

Cabin types are the standard ones found on just about all cruise ships: inside or interior (no windows or balcony), outside or ocean-view (a window or porthole that doesn't open), balcony or verandah (a sliding glass door that opens onto a small balcony, usually with chairs and a small table) and suite (cabins with balconies and more square footage and/or special perks like those afforded in the Yacht Club).

On my Meraviglia sailing, I was booked in an MSC Yacht Club Deluxe Suite — a balcony cabin in the Yacht Club suite area — on Deck 18. At about 280 square feet, plus an additional 54 square feet of balcony space, the room felt generously sized for two people. (Note: Yacht Club has all types of cabins, from insides all the way up through massive Royal Suites and two-deck duplexes.)

The room was furnished with a king-size bed that converts into two twins on request, a couch and a desk/vanity area. It featured a closet and cabinet space for storage and an en suite bathroom.

Standard amenities included a hair dryer and a TV (with a random smattering of TV channels, for-fee movies and ship-created programs like jewelry and port seminars and navigational information). My cabin had several electrical outlets, including three 110-volt North American outlets, three 220-volt European outlets and one USB port at the desk/vanity area. One USB port is not enough, and there were no outlets near the bed, which was frustrating.

Special for Yacht Club guests, the suite was equipped with a Nespresso machine, free minibar drinks restocked daily (including bottled water, San Pellegrino, juices, flavored iced teas, soda and beer), one complimentary round of snacks (Toblerone chocolate, Pringles and mixed nuts) and a choice of one complimentary bottle of spirits (whiskey, gin or vodka).

My cabin came with a pillow menu, which I only discovered after two nights of neck pain, thanks to mismatched pillows. The bed was topped with a memory foam mattress, which was like sleeping on a cloud.

Closets in my cabin were just the right size for two people. There were two, one with a bar to hang clothes and another with cubbies for shoes, intimates and the cabin safe. I did find the closets' location in a small enclave that led to the bathroom a bit awkward.

Underbed storage was perfect for hiding empty suitcases. Bathrobes and slippers were provided, and I made good use of both when I went for a massage at the spa.

Cabin bathrooms in the Yacht Club are stocked with MSC's own brand of toiletries, including shampoo, conditioner, body wash, lotion, bar soap, a shower cap and sewing kit. Fluffy white towels and elevated fixtures like marble countertops and floors and showers with both standard and rainfall showerheads add to the air of elegance.

However, some of that was offset by the fact that the shower in my bathroom had no lip, so water leaked all over the first time I used it. Each time after, I put towels outside the door to sop up the mess. The toilet also often smelled like sewage, even when not in use.

The storage space for toiletries could also have been more generous. There were only two small metal shelves, which weren't enough for two people's things. The rest had to be stored inside cabinets where the garbage can was located.

Gratuities, room service and premium alcohol and Wi-Fi packages are included in all Yacht Club fares. You do not need to purchase add-ons or pay added fees like you would in cabins outside the Yacht Club.

A Yacht Club booking also entitles you to priority embarkation, disembarkation and tender access; 24-hour butler and concierge services; complimentary spa thermal suite access; luggage unpacking and repacking services; daily newspaper delivery and one free pre-cruise booking change.

I made good use of the free Wi-Fi inclusion (for two devices per person). The free room service was handy when I just had to order late-night pizza. Plus, the priority boarding perk meant we went from shore to ship in less than 10 minutes while other passengers waited two to three hours in rainy conditions to embark.

My butler, Meri, went above and beyond to help me make spa and specialty restaurant reservations, and she met us each evening to escort us to dinner and to the theater, where reserved Yacht Club seating was waiting. She did her job superbly, but I generally like to do things for myself. Having someone else handling the minutia felt frivolous and unnecessary; it took a few days for me to acclimate.

Concierge service was generally good. However, on the first day, when I had questions about dining, the person who assisted me waived me off in the face of a long line at the desk and told me to ask my butler. My interactions there improved markedly after the stress of the first day calmed down, and all of my subsequent questions were answered promptly and cheerfully.

The exclusive Top Sail Lounge was a great place to relax with a drink and view, read or get some work done. The Yacht Club sun deck was a lovely space, but it was often too hot for me, so I didn't spend much time up there. The area was home to a pool, a hot tub, tons of seating, solarium access and a daily outdoor buffet at the Yacht Club Grill. Although the food looked tasty, it was, unfortunately, often surrounded by flies.

The indoor Yacht Club Restaurant, however, was a dream. Everything I ordered was fantastic — flavorful, well prepared and cooked to order instead of looking like it had been sitting out for a while. I particularly enjoyed the breakfasts there and highly suggest the omelets and pancakes.

Overall, I found my Yacht Club experience to be a great way to escape when other areas of the ship felt overwhelming, which they often did.

MSC Meraviglia restaurants and bars

Included in the price of each sailing is free dining at the massive Marketplace Buffet, in one of four main dining rooms or in the Yacht Club Restaurant (depending on your booking). The four main dining rooms often felt crowded, and service was inconsistent. The buffet was even worse.

The quality of the complimentary food was unremarkable — not great but not terrible, either. Waiters in the dining rooms often seemed rushed and unwilling to fill drink orders. (I found out later it's because the galleys don't have bars, so waiters have to run all over the ship to fill drink orders, which often take an inordinate amount of time to arrive.)

Due to its size, MSC Meraviglia can offer lots of different cuisines. While the Marketplace Buffet has an "ethnic" section typically serving Asian and Indian fare, the largest variety and the highest quality come from the specialty restaurants. They include seafood, steak, Mexican, sushi and teppanyaki, and all cost extra.

MSC offers dining packages, which allow passengers to pre-purchase a set number of meals in alternative restaurants. When those meals are cashed in, cruisers can choose from a preselected list of menu items designated for package holders. Generally, if you're planning to eat at more than two or three specialty restaurants, booking a package will save you money.

There's at least one bar in every public space, so you won't have to go far to whet your whistle.

Restaurants

Free restaurants

Waves, Panorama, L'Olive Dorée and L'Olivo D'Oro are MSC Meraviglia's four main dining rooms, where passengers can eat dinner for free. (Specific restaurants will also be open on certain days for breakfast and lunch, depending on the day's schedule.) Menus, which change daily, are the same across all four.

Waves, on Deck 5, is the smallest. The largest — L'Olive Dorée and L'Olivo D'Oro, which are mirrors of one another — are found on Deck 6, across from one another and flanking the hallway that eventually leads to Panorama. All four dining rooms offer set seating, except Panorama, which also accommodates passengers with Aurea bookings who have anytime dining.

As mentioned above, I was booked in the Yacht Club and dined in either the Yacht Club Restaurant or one of the specialty restaurants for dinner each night.

However, I did try lunch in Waves twice, as it was the only main dining room open to the ship's 3,000 passengers for lunch. The first time, we were seated at a table for two that might as well have been a table for six; it was so close to the tables for two on either side of it that there were only about 2 or 3 inches separating them.

After we sat, it took 15 minutes for someone to bring us water. We never received bread. It was another 10 minutes until our waiter took our food order, and not once did anyone ask us if we'd like something other than water to drink. When my travel companion finally requested a beer, the waiter's response was, "Be patient, sir." My jaw dropped.

The pacing between courses was silly. Our appetizers arrived shortly after we ordered, which was great, but mine — spinach and artichoke dip — arrived looking dried out and crusty with five broken chips on the side. (The waiter obliged when I requested a few more.) After the starters were cleared, it was another 10 minutes until our mains were delivered. I thoroughly enjoyed my cobb salad, but my beef burrito was build-your-own style, and it was largely flavorless.

My companion never did see the beer he ordered. Eventually, we gave up and left, as did the man at the table next to us, who said he had been waiting half an hour for a dessert that didn't materialize.

The second experience was significantly better, with our waiter seating us at a table for two near a window and asking if we wanted drinks (which arrived quickly). The food was still just OK, and both experiences were crowded and exceptionally loud.

MSC Meraviglia's buffet, Marketplace, spans the entire aft of Deck 15. It has a decent variety of stations, but the food is often the same from day to day. The layout is confusing to navigate, too, with lots of nooks and crannies that can make it difficult to find what you're looking for. It was crowded beyond reason during mealtimes, so I avoided it whenever possible, only eating there twice during the voyage for research purposes.

Stations include bread; salad; soup and pasta; a rotisserie section with a carving station and sides like mashed potatoes, rice and baked beans; cold cuts and cheeses; an "ethnic" counter, which tended to serve Asian and Indian cuisine; and outposts for desserts and both hot and cold drinks.

The pizza was both a highlight and a pleasant surprise. It comes out hot and fresh, and it's available by the slice in several types from two separate counters in the buffet.

There are some other small complimentary food locations throughout the ship, too, including a poolside grill with burgers, fries and hot dogs and an ice cream counter with free soft-serve in cones or cups and optional toppings.

Restaurants that cost extra

Hola! Tacos & Cantina is the Mexican restaurant on MSC's newest vessels. It offers tapas-style small plates; I highly encourage you to order a few, as there's a lot on the menu that's delicious. My favorites are the guacamole, tortilla soup and cheese quesadillas. For tacos, I highly recommend the Chipotle Carnitas (pulled pork with chipotle, black bean salsa and cilantro), Barbacoa (ancho-chili beef, chipotle and red cabbage) and Ancho Tingo (shredded chicken, poblano peppers and pico de gallo).

You can pay a la carte if you're in the mood for something light or go with the all-you-can-eat option if you've worked up a serious appetite.

Margaritas are also a must if you're craving an adult beverage. Basic margs are included in the line's alcohol packages, but specialty ones — featuring frozen flavors like mango and strawberry and on-the-rocks selections with smoky salt or sweet berry sugar rims — cost extra, ranging from $11.99 for a single drink to $30 for a 1-liter pitcher. There's also a selection of Spanish beer, fresh fruit juices, spiked milkshakes and other fun concoctions. The service was so great there that I returned on a different night just to order drinks.

If you've done one teppanyaki restaurant, you've done them all. Or at least that's what I thought when I grudgingly made a reservation at Kaito Teppanyaki, another of MSC's extra-charge dining choices.

Yes, the cheesy jokes, singalongs, "catch this food in your mouth when I throw it" challenges and other performative cooking are standard, but the actual dishes are so much tastier than any of a similar variety I've had on land. Top-notch quality and expert seasoning make the dishes stand out. (For context, I usually skip meat when I order teppanyaki, but the sirloin steak looked so good that I ordered it. I'm glad I did.)

Every person who orders receives miso soup and a small salad as starters, along with sushi and sashimi with tempura vegetables. Then they choose from one of several prix fixe menu options: Geisha (sea bass fillet and chicken breast), Samurai (Scottish salmon, tiger prawns and sirloin), Emperor (yellowfin tuna tataki, scallops and half of a Maine lobster), vegetarian (egg wash roll and sesame tofu steak) and a kids menu (spring chicken teriyaki with vegetables).

I ordered the Samurai, and the salmon and sirloin were absolutely delicious. All options include egg fried rice and a dessert of caramelized pineapple, ginger ice cream and mint. The latter was underwhelming. Drinks are limited to what's on the Kaito-specific menu (Japanese beer, whisky and sake, plus a small selection of wine by the glass and Champagne by the bottle).

Kaito also has a separate sushi bar with an a la carte selection of sushi, sashimi, nigiri, tataki, yakitori and other items, including combo platters and desserts.

Butcher's Cut, MSC Meraviglia's a la carte steakhouse, is heaven for meat lovers, but vegetarians beware: As expected, there's not a lot on the menu for you to eat, with the exception of some of the starters.

When you arrive, your waiter will bring a breadbasket for the table. Ours included baguettes, raisin walnut bread and bacon cheese rolls, but what stood out to me were the smoked maple and paprika butters served alongside them. They were so good.

Appetizers include burrata and beet salad, Caesar and house salads, hearts of palm, a goat cheese tart, shrimp, crabcakes and oysters Rockefeller. Or, if you're feeling extra-spendy, try one of the featured starters, such as caviar, a shellfish platter, bone marrow, Kobe sliders and foie deviled eggs. For soups, choose between smoked tomato and lobster chowder.

Non-steak mains consist of roasted chicken, scallops Benedict, halibut and sockeye salmon. However, if steak is what you're after, you can choose from a 36-ounce dry-aged tomahawk for two, 24-ounce dry-aged T-bone, 12-ounce flat iron, 8-ounce filet mignon, 20-ounce rib-eye, 14-ounce New York sirloin, 16-ounce American bison and 13-ounce double lamb chops.

I ate there on one night of my sailing and decided to go big by adding jumbo lump crab to my filet mignon. However, I misread the menu and didn't realize it was actually jumbo lump crab Oscar, which meant it arrived mixed with hollandaise sauce. It looked like scrambled eggs, and I'm not a hollandaise fan, so I didn't eat it.

The steak, however, was phenomenal, particularly with the accompanying sauces (mushroom, peppercorn, chimichurri and bearnaise). Each steak comes with one side; additional sides cost extra. Choose from Brussels sprouts, mashed potatoes, French fries, asparagus, onion rings, macaroni and cheese, and more.

Among the dessert options, the best are the chocolate lava cake, the New York cheesecake and the peanut butter and milk chocolate cookie.

I'm not a huge seafood fan, so I avoided Ocean Cay, but I heard rave reviews from other passengers. This intimate restaurant, found on Seaside-class ships and MSC Meraviglia, offers a menu of fresh fish and seafood dishes, as well as a selection of wines for appropriate pairing.

For a between-meal treat or a caffeinated pick-me-up, snacks and coffee tied to chocolatier and pastry chef Jean-Philippe Maury are solid options. The cookies-and-cream gelato at the Jean-Philippe Crepes & Ice Cream counter is to die for, as is the Green Goddess smoothie, made with coconut juice, spinach, fresh mint, banana, passion fruit and lemon sorbet. They didn't have the lemon sorbet when I ordered, but I asked to substitute mango instead. It was exceptionally good.

At the cafe just across the way, you can buy chocolate replicas of the ship, chocolate bars with fun toppings like nuts and berries, macarons and candy by the pound, as well as gift boxes of sweets. It also sells coffee drinks that include espresso, cappuccino, Americano, lattes and spiked coffees.

If you're a coffee lover who's heading ashore at MSC's private island, Ocean Cay Marine Reserve , you won't want to miss the extra-fee Coco-Nilla Latte, found at The Smiling Fish. A combination of espresso, vanilla syrup and coconut milk, either hot or iced, it's far and away my favorite coffee drink anywhere, ever.

A more affordable option than most alternative restaurants is room service. My pick is the pizza, which will be delivered to your room hot and fresh, with a variety of options available, including Margherita, vegetable, pepperoni, four cheese, marinara, MSC style (tomato sauce, ham, arugula, mozzarella, Grana Padano cheese and olive oil) and supreme. It's free if you're staying in the Yacht Club. A la carte pricing and delivery fees will apply to other cabin types, depending on the experience package you book.

As with most cruise ships, you don't have to go far to find a stiff drink on MSC Meraviglia.

My go-to was the Brass Anchor Pub, reminiscent of an English local where you can snag a bottle or a pint and some extra-fee pub grub. TVs throughout the space broadcast a variety of sporting events (subject to satellite availability), and trivia and live music take place there throughout the sailing.

I also spent some time at the Casino Imperiale bar, which was open on my sailing longer than any of the other onboard watering holes. It serves a selection of beer and cocktails.

The centrally located Meraviglia Bar & Lounge, found along Galleria Meraviglia (the ship's promenade) next to Jean-Philippe Chocolate & Cafe, is also home to trivia competitions, live music and dancing throughout the day. It's the bar often frequented by passengers before and after shows in the nearby Broadway Theatre.

Sky Lounge is the place to be for sweeping views through floor-to-ceiling windows. It provides a comfy and often quiet space to read, work or gather with friends.

If you're seeking the oft-missed cigar lounge, look for the entrance on the starboard (right, when facing forward) side of the Sky Lounge entrance, or enter the lounge and follow it around to the starboard side.

Edge Cocktail Bar is another centrally located place to grab beer, wine and specialty cocktails — including the delicious Purple Rain, a combo of vodka, white rum, blue curacao, gin, peach schnapps, sweet and sour, and grenadine that turns a shade of purple when you mix it. One deck above it is the Champagne Bar, which sometimes also serves seafood. One deck below is the Infinity Bar, so named because it's found at the base of the Infinity Atrium.

The ship's TV Studio & Bar is where you can find the cruise director filming the ship's daily morning show the night before. It's also the site of trivia competitions, several of which were standing-room-only.

There's a Sports Bar in the ship's Sportplex, but I never saw it open, even when the area was crowded. Three bars (Atmosphere Bar North, Atmosphere Bar South and Bamboo Bar) by the main Atmosphere Pool serve up classic umbrella drinks, as well as beer and other libations. You'll also find bars in the Marketplace Buffet, on the Yacht Club sun deck and in the Yacht Club Top Sail Lounge.

MSC Meraviglia activities

MSC Meraviglia hosts a variety of activities to keep you busy when you're not ashore. You might start your day with a free guided morning stretch or aerobics, or pop into the gym for a self-led session or a for-fee class like yoga or spin.

The daytime schedule features plenty of options for those with a competitive spirit. They range from golf putting, foosball, Ping-Pong soccer and pickleball tournaments to giant darts and trivia (visual trivia like airline logos and "name that place," as well as "name that tune" and general knowledge trivia).

If you'd rather get your groove on, keep an eye out for dance lessons and themed parties hosted by the entertainment team. My favorite was the Snow Party, when the crew blasted fake snow (which appeared to be suds of some sort) as we danced on the blazing hot pool deck.

Napkin folding, bingo, movie screenings, arts and crafts, and passenger talent shows (yes, you have to audition) round out the list of pastimes.

As you pass back and forth between events, don't miss the regularly scheduled dome shows along the Galleria Meraviglia promenade. You'll see the LED projections on the ceiling, covering topics like famous ceilings, dinosaurs, space and the changing of the seasons.

Beware of seminars on jewelry, health and wellness, and other topics that are thinly veiled sales pitches.

Feeling like a day of swimming or sunbathing? Pull up a lounge chair by the main Atmosphere Pool. If you're looking for a more sauna-like experience, head to the Solarium's covered Bamboo Pool; check out the aft Horizon Pool for better views and more peace and quiet. There's also a small pool on the private Yacht Club sun deck.

Looking to relax in a hot tub instead? You can find two of them one deck up from the Atmosphere Pool, as well as two at the Bamboo Pool and one on Deck 18's aft sun deck (behind Sportplex). There's also one at the Yacht Club Pool.

The Polar Aquapark on Deck 19 aft offers plenty of wet fun for kids and adults. Attractions include three slides — a bowl slide, where riders awkwardly end in the bowl and then exit via a flight of steps, and two twisty slides that require rafts — and a splash area with sprayers and dump buckets. There's no fee to use the space, but you'll need to sign a waiver and obtain a wristband before riding the waterslides.

Speaking of children, the ship has a dedicated kids club, called Doremiland (named after the cruise line's mascot, Doremi, as in the first three notes of a musical scale). The club is divided into Baby Club (infants and toddlers up to 3 years), Mini Club (ages 3 to 6 years), Junior Club (7 to 11 years), Young Club (12 to 14 years) and Teen Club (15 to 17 years).

Each group has age-appropriate activities scheduled, and all — except the tweens and teens, who can come and go as they please — are heavily supervised by qualified staff. Sample activities might include storytime, arts and crafts, and Lego playtime for younger children, while tweens and teens enjoy less structured pastimes like video games and dance parties.

MSC Meraviglia shows

As with most MSC ships, MSC Meraviglia's entertainment is stellar. From free live music, theater shows and promenade dance parties to extra-fee Cirque du Soleil-style performances, the options are varied and feature talented singers, dancers, magicians, acrobats and more.

Each production show is offered once per sailing, at 7:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. in the Broadway Theatre. Some are staples, while others rotate.

"Born to Rock," "One Day More," "Cool" and "Journey" are the ship's recurring shows, which each appear once per weeklong cruise. They focus on popular songs in the rock 'n' roll and pop genres, Broadway hits, music from the '70s and '80s, and cultural favorites from Spain, Italy, France and more.

As part of a rotating selection of limited-time performers, English duo The Conjurors performed two shows during my sailing, featuring numbers games, mindreading and pre-show predictions that impressively came true by the end. The duo is scheduled for more than a dozen sailings. Other limited-engagement performers include comedians and pianists.

Speaking of limited-time performances, on the second-to-last night of the voyage, I sat in the theater unsure of what to expect from the headliner, Lorraine Crosby. "You might be thinking, 'She sounds like the lady who sings that Meat Loaf song.' Well, that's because I am the lady who sings that Meat Loaf song," Crosby joked. Her biggest claim to fame is that she rocked the female vocals in Meat Loaf's "I'd Do Anything for Love, But I Won't Do That."

What followed was a vocal performance that gave me chills. Crosby's range and ability to adapt to different genres are astounding. She belted out favorites by Queen, Tina Turner and Celine Dion and arguably did a better job of it than they did.

On the final night on board, she held an intimate performance for Yacht Club passengers in the suite area's private lounge. Again, I shivered as she took on the likes of Adele, AC/DC and others.

Another free entertainment option worth mentioning is daytime street theater that includes contortionists, roving musicians, magic workshops and flash mob-style performances by the onboard singers and dancers. If you happen to be passing through the promenade area when a flash mob happens, you're likely to see a punk rock-themed song-and-dance routine or, perhaps, one where the cast is dressed up like flowers, insects and birds.

Shows for a fee

Carousel Productions, MSC's own brand of Cirque du Soleil-style shows, are offered six days a week on MSC Meraviglia, with each of two shows — "House of Houdini" and "Rock Circus" — running three nights, on alternating days, with two performances each night (8 p.m. and 10 p.m.). Originally designed to house dinner theater, the Carousel Lounge is set up as a theater in the round and no longer serves food. (That ended when the cruise line shut down due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and the line has no current plans to bring it back.)

The for-fee performances levy a nominal charge for attendance and include a welcome drink for each showgoer.

"Rock Circus" is a mix of acrobatics, aerial performances, and song and dance to some of rock's greatest hits, including songs by Guns N' Roses and AC/DC.

"House of Houdini," which follows a clearer storyline than "Rock Circus," loosely tells the tale of Houdini's great underwater escape from a straitjacket and chains. A group of singers, dancers, acrobats and aerialists dressed as circus performers show Houdini the ropes as he prepares for his greatest feat.

MSC Meraviglia itineraries and pricing

Through at least September 2024, MSC Meraviglia is sailing seven- and eight-night voyages to Nassau and Ocean Cay Marine Reserve in the Bahamas from Brooklyn.

It also features six-night Bermuda cruises that spend three days docked at King's Wharf, as well as 10- and 11-night Canada and New England sailings that feature calls on Boston; Portland, Maine; Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island; Halifax and Sydney, Nova Scotia; and Saint John, New Brunswick. The 11-night itinerary also visits Newport, Rhode Island.

A couple of 11-night Western Caribbean voyages visit Port Canaveral (the port for Orlando) and Miami in Florida, Cozumel and Costa Maya in Mexico and Ocean Cay.

MSC Meraviglia offers some of the lowest prices in the industry. At the time of publication, inside cabin prices were starting from $299 per person ($43 per person per night) for a seven-night Bahamas cruise, $379 per person ($63 per person per night) for a six-night Bermuda sailing, $449 per person ($41 per person per night) for an 11-night Western Caribbean voyage and $619 per person ($56 per person per night) for an 11-night trip to Canada and New England.

What to know before you go

Required documents.

As with a sailing on any ship, there's certain paperwork you'll need to cruise on MSC Meraviglia. If you're a U.S. citizen sailing from and returning to a U.S. port, you can sail with either an official copy of your birth certificate and a driver's license (both are required) or a passport. I recommend the latter, and it must be valid for at least six months.

MSC Cruises adds an automatic service charge of $14.50 per person, per day, to final bills on all sailings. For children 2 and older, the daily charge is half, or $7.25.

Also, a 15% gratuity is added to bills at bars for cruisers who do not have a drinks package. If you have a drinks package, you'll pay a 15% service charge when you purchase the package, but not on individual drinks. A 15% service charge is also added to items in minibars, salons and spas.

MSC Cruises' Wi-Fi, available through the MSC for Me app, is fast enough to be competitive with all of the other major cruise lines. But pricing varies, based on the number of devices you use and whether you're OK with simply browsing the web and checking e-mail or would prefer to use Netflix or other streaming services.

Expect to pay about $72 for one device with unlimited data on a basic package. A two-device plan for the same runs about $109. There's also a four-device plan for about $223. If streaming video is what you're hoping to do, you'll need one of the more expensive plans, which range from about $100 to more than $300.

Be warned that plans are tied to specific devices, and you cannot switch between them. For example, if you buy a one-device package, you cannot use it for your cellphone, log out and then log back in with your tablet. In that case, you would need to purchase a two-device package.

MSC's MSC for Me app allows passengers on the same ship to chat with one another for free without purchasing a Wi-Fi package. The app also lets you make dining reservations, check the daily schedule and view your onboard bill.

Carry-on drinks policy

MSC does not allow passengers to bring any of their own alcohol on board.

Smoking policy

Smoking (including e-cigarettes) is permitted in a few designated areas, including the port side of the main pool deck. It's also allowed on one side of the casino. Nonsmokers, beware: The separate sides do nothing to keep the smell from wafting. It was enough to keep me away from the area for the duration of my sailing. Smoking isn't allowed in cabins or on cabin balconies; violators will receive a $250 fine.

MSC Cruises does not offer self-service laundry facilities on any of its ships. However, passengers can send their clothing out to be washed, folded, pressed or dry-cleaned for a fee.

Electrical outlets

MSC Meraviglia's cabins all have a mix of 110-volt North American outlets, 220-volt European outlets and USB ports. In my Yacht Club balcony stateroom, I had three North American outlets, three European outlets and one USB port, all at the desk/vanity area — none near the bed.

The onboard currency for MSC Meraviglia when it sails from New York is the U.S. dollar.

Drinking age

You must be 21 to consume alcohol on MSC Meraviglia's sailings from the U.S.

Passengers on MSC Meraviglia's warm-weather itineraries from Brooklyn can be found in T-shirts, shorts, bathing suits and cover-ups during the day, when there's no set dress code.

The line's American clientele tends to dress more casually at night, as well, but the line suggests "smart casual" attire for dinner. That might include khakis with button-down or polo-style collared shirts for men and sundresses or nice pants with a flowy top for women. Dark, unripped jeans are also acceptable for both men and women.

On "gala" evenings (usually one per weeklong sailing), the dress code is more refined. Passengers might choose to wear tuxedos, suits, khakis with button-downs and blazers, cocktail dresses or sparkly ball gowns.

On my sailing, the ship also had "tropical" and "white" listed on the daily schedule as suggested attire. Pack accordingly.

Bottom line

MSC Meraviglia is a beautiful ship with great food, shows and public spaces, but it has a few pain points.

In addition to feeling crowded, the vessel charges extra for many things that will make your overall cruise better. If you're on a strict budget, either resign yourself to doing only the free activities and eating in the main dining room and buffet, or plan to sail with a different cruise line.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

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Msc yacht club menus (2024) | top sail lounge nights 7, 8, and 9.

Welcome back to our final installment of our experience in the MSC Yacht Club Top Sail Lounge! It’s been fun to look back at the menus and the food over the past couple of weeks and I’m excited to share the final three dinners we enjoyed on board.

Be sure to check out MSC Yacht Club Nights 1, 2, and 3 and MSC Yacht Club Nights 4, 5, and 6 for a complete look at all of the delicious menus and dishes we enjoyed during the course of our 9-night sailing!

MSC Yacht Club – Night Seven Dinner Menu

On a typical 7-night cruise, this would be our final dinner. However, with MSC Meraviglia’s 9-night sailing, it meant we had tonight and two more meals to go. It’s time to go all out and try multiple dishes!

On night seven, I had FOUR appetizers! Everything sounded so delicious. I started with the Winter Salad and Assorted Chinese Dumplings. After those were finished, our server brought out my Seasonal Vegetable Soup. I knew with all of that food, I couldn’t do two entrées, but I didn’t want to miss trying the risotto (for obvious reasons!), so I ordered an appetizer portion of the Shrimp Risotto. Unfortunately, the portion size was just as big as the main entrée portion!

For my actual main dish, I ordered the Indian Butter Chicken – one of my favorite dishes! Check out the “before” and “after” pics in the gallery below to see what I thought of the dish! I ended my absolute delicious meal with Coffee Ice Cream. Yum.

MSC Yacht Club – Night Eight Dinner Menu

Night eight was our second Gala Dinner on board MSC Meriviglia. There were so many good options… but what to choose?

I couldn’t decide on an entre, so I went with two. As a result, I only ordered two Starters: Arugula, Lollo, and Cherry Tomato Salad and an appetizer portion of the Fettucine Alfredo. Clearly, I didn’t learn my lesson from the night prior, as this was anything but an appetizer portion!

For my two main dishes, I ordered the Truffle Filet Mignon and the Chooley Chawal. I’m a sucker for garbanzo beans and roti bread, and this dish did not disappoint. After all this food, I wasn’t all that hungry for dessert, so I asked if they still had any of the Coffee Ice Cream left from the night before. Like magic, it appeared on the table shortly after.

MSC Yacht Club – Night Nine Dinner Menu

Our final dinner in the Yacht Club Top Sail Lounge. How is it already the last night? Friends we met on board highly recommend Rocky and I share a slice of the lasagna. We were also informed that we could request the chef to make our favorite dishes… so that’s what I did!

I started light with the Tricolor Salad and Gardener’s Minestrone Soup (in the background). As mentioned, we shared a slice of the Lasagna Bolognese.

On the final night, you know I had to get the Asparagus Risotto. However, I also asked the chef for an appetizer portion of my favorite dish of the week: Champagne Risotto. The champagne-version won hands down over the asparagus!

Finally, I ended my last dinner at the Yacht Club with the Lemon Delight.

Overall Thoughts on the Yacht Club Top Sail Lounge

If you didn’t pick up on it through these posts, we loved our experience in the exclusive Yacht Club restaurant Top Sail Lounge. It was some of the best food we’ve tasted across all of our cruises. In fact, MSC confirms that they spend more money per passenger on Yacht Club food than anywhere else on the ship – and it shows. From nightly risottos to Rocky’s multiple lamb dishes an truffled everything… It made for a truly memorable trip.

MSC Yacht Club Top Sail Lounge Menus

Thank you for joining us on this culinary journey where we got to explore nine nights of exclusive dining on board MSC Meraviglia in the Yacht Club’s private restaurant Top Sail Lounge. If you haven’t already, check out the rest of the menus and food photos below!

• MSC Yacht Club Menus (2024) | Top Sail Lounge Nights 1, 2, and 3
• MSC Yacht Club Menus (2024) | Top Sail Lounge Nights 4, 5, and 6

Yacht Club Top Sail Lounge Full Review

Be sure to check out our YouTube channel for our complete MSC Yacht Club Top Sail Lounge food review!

And for everything MSC Meraviglia and the MSC Yacht Club, check out our MSC Yacht Club YouTube Playlist :

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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.

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Ecco Explora II, il lusso secondo MSC Crociere

La mia prima volta in crociera è stata su Explora II , la nuova nave gioiello di MSC Crociere varata a Civitavecchia a settembre 2024. Come prima cosa ho provato quella sensazione di stupore e onnipotenza che provò Leonardo Di Caprio/Jack salito sul Titanic (ricordate? “sono il re del mondo!”). Poi si è fatta strada in me la consapevolezza di quanto avrei dovuto camminare, su e giù per i ponti , prima di riuscire a trovare la mia cabina e ogni altro spazio necessario alla sopravvivenza. E poi sono stata totalmente conquistata dalle opere di Emilio Isgrò esposte nella galleria d’arte. E certo, anche dai pancake ai mirtilli a colazione , ma questa è un’altra storia.

Come uno yacht, come un cinque stelle

Explora II , la nuova arrivata della flotta di MSC per il brand Explora Journeys , è partita per il suo viaggio inaugurale nel Mediterraneo – dopo una cerimonia presentata da Lorella Cuccarini e conclusa con un concerto dell’ inossidabile Tony Hadley – promettendo ai suoi ospiti di trascorrere una vacanza diversa. Come la sorella maggiore Explora I (varata nel 2023), questa nuova nave da crociera, costruita da Fincantieri , esprime infatti una nuova concezione del viaggio per mare, che diventa un’occasione per coccolarsi, concedersi il lusso del tempo, regalarsi un’esperienza quasi sartoriale: come essere ospiti di uno yacht o di un albergo di lusso , ma che solca i mari.

Il progetto Explora

Pierfrancesco Vago , presidente esecutivo della Divisione Crociere del Gruppo MSC , spiega cos'è Explora Journeys: «La nostra visione è iniziata con il marchio contemporaneo MSC Crociere, dove a bbiamo sviluppato un'offerta premium con MSC Yacht Club e da lì abbiamo identificato un'ulteriore domanda di esperienze di lusso in mare. Con Explora Journeys offriamo una proposta di valore ineguagliabile e un'offerta unica rispetto ad altri tipi di vacanze di lusso .  Entro il 2028 la flotta di Explora Journeys comprenderà sei navi che offriranno uno spirito di lussuosa avventura oceanica visitando destinazioni ricercate, dove i nostri ospiti potranno aspettarsi gli stessi standard elevati e lo stesso servizio di qualità in tutta la nostra flotta, in tutto il mondo».

I numeri di Explora II

Qualche numero per capire meglio di cosa parliamo: 461 suite vista mare (la più grande misura più di 280 metri quadri. Duecentottanta), 5 piscine riscaldate, 6 ristoranti e 12 tra bar e lounge, quasi mille metri quadri di area dedicata al fitness (con un campo da pickleball, sport a me ignoto ma che è diventato il mio preferito nel tempo di due scambi) e al benessere, con una Spa immaginata per offrire ai suoi ospiti un approccio olistico che punta allo star bene anche una volta usciti dalla cabina di trattamento. E poi, un’attenzione quasi maniacale al dettaglio , la ricerca del meglio del made in Italy che prende forma nella collaborazione – tra gli altri – con Molteni&C, Manutti e Unopiù .

La sostenibilità per le crociere è possibile?

Explora II non è solo una nave di lusso, ma è anche un vero e proprio laboratorio che prova a limitare al massimo il suo impatto ambientale ; non per niente la madrina della nave è Rosalba Giugni, fondatrice e presidente della Fondazione Marevivo . E allora: niente plastica nelle cabine (non viene usata plastica nemmeno nelle escursioni sulla terraferma), riduzione degli sprechi nei buffet, certificazione RINA Dolphin per il basso impatto acustico subacqueo , consumi ridotti al minimo quando la nave è ferma in porto.

L’attenzione per l’ambiente è fondamentale per MSC; per questo, accanto alle attività legate alla navigazione, è attiva anche la MSC Foundation (partner, tra gli altri, di Unicef e Marevivo) che si occupa di conservazione ambientale, formazione, supporto alle comunità e risposta alle emergenze . E la stessa attenzione che si ritrova, ad esempio, nella cura con cui la MSC Foundation si è presa cura dell’ isola di Ocean Cay nel mar dei Caraibi , utilizzata un tempo come cava di sabbia e discarica e diventata invece riserva marina. Lusso sì, ma meglio se sostenibile.

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Crime and Public Safety | 100-foot luxury yacht sinks in Marina del Rey…

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Crime and public safety | 100-foot luxury yacht sinks in marina del rey after fireworks explosion and fire.

The fire was reported shortly after 8:33 p.m. and firefighters responded to 211 Basin A to douse the flames on the approximately 100-foot boat, the Los Angeles County Fire Department reported.

Multiple explosions resonated throughout the harbor as The Admiral was consumed by flames.

Footage at the scene from CBS 2 showed the boat listing to one side before sinking in the harbor.

Two people on board escaped the flames unharmed, the fire department reported. ABC 7 reported one person suffered a cut on the arm.

KTLA reported that the fire stemmed from fireworks exploding on the vessel, threatening other boats nearby and several structures.

An investigation into the fire was underway.

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septiembre 2024

Explora journeys celebra la ceremonia de inauguración de explora ii en civitavecchia (italia), explora journeys.

El segundo de los seis barcos de lujo de Explora Journeys recibe el nombre oficial de su madrina, Rosalba Giugni, reconocida ecologista marina, en un espectacular acto celebrado en el puerto de Roma

Civitavecchia, Italia, 16 de septiembre de 2024 - EXPLORA II , el segundo barco de la flota de la marca de estilo de vida de lujo del Grupo MSC, Explora Journeys , ha sido bautizado oficialmente en el puerto italiano de Civitavecchia, cerca de la capital del país, Roma.  

Con la visión de redefinir los viajes oceánicos de lujo para los viajeros más exigentes, Explora Journeys combina la hospitalidad europea con 300 años de herencia marítima, ofreciendo a sus huéspedes la oportunidad de experimentar un “Ocean State of Mind” único, que les conecta con el mar y con destinos selectos.

La tradicional ceremonia marítima incluyó el corte simbólico de una cinta para romper una botella en la proa del barco. Este honor corrió a cargo de la madrina de EXPLORA II, Rosalba Giugni, fundadora y presidenta de la Fundación Marevivo, una organización no partidista de conservación del medio ambiente comprometida con la preservación de los entornos marinos, fundada en 1985.

Rosalba fue elegida para este puesto, como amiga y socia de la Fundación MSC, pero también como muestra de respeto por su compromiso de 35 años con la protección de los océanos del mundo.

La ceremonia de nombramiento reunió a distinguidos invitados de todo el mundo, incluyendo al Viceprimer Ministro y Ministro de Asuntos Exteriores, el Honorable Antonio Tajani, el Almirante Nicola Carlone, el Presidente de ART Nicola Zaccheo, el Presidente de la Autoridad Portuaria, Pino Musolino, el Alcalde de Civitavecchia, Marco Piendibene y el director de cine italiano, guionista y ganador del Oscar Giuseppe Tornatore, así como periodistas internacionales, socios de viaje clave y altos representantes del Grupo MSC, incluyendo al Fundador y Presidente del Grupo, Gianluigi Aponte. El evento fue presentado por la actriz y presentadora de televisión italiana Lorella Cuccarini y concluyó con el tradicional desfile de oficiales del barco.

Tras los actos protocolarios, los invitados disfrutaron de una cena de gala y de una velada de celebraciones, que incluyó una actuación musical del cantante pop inglés Tony Hadley, junto con un impresionante espectáculo de drones que narró de forma creativa la historia de Explora Journeys, con una impresionante exhibición del mandala y el logotipo de Explora Journeys.

El presidente ejecutivo de la División de Cruceros del Grupo MSC, Pierfrancesco Vago , ha declarado: “Dar nombre a un nuevo barco es una orgullosa tradición marítima, y la celebración de esta noche marca nuestro continuo crecimiento a medida que redefinimos los viajes oceánicos de lujo. Nuestra visión comenzó con la marca contemporánea MSC Cruceros, donde desarrollamos una oferta premium con MSC Yacht Club, y a partir de ahí identificamos una mayor demanda de experiencias de lujo en el mar. Con Explora Journeys ofrecemos una propuesta de valor inigualable y una oferta única en comparación con otros tipos de vacaciones de lujo.  En 2028, la flota de Explora Journeys contará con seis barcos que ofrecerán un espíritu de aventura oceánica de lujo visitando destinos codiciados, donde nuestros huéspedes pueden esperar los mismos altos estándares y un servicio de calidad en toda nuestra flota, en todo el mundo.”

EXPLORA II presenta nuevas características para mejorar la experiencia de viaje de lujo por el océano de los huéspedes, incluyendo nuevas opciones de venta al por menor: la primera boutique de joyas Buccellati en el mar y colaboraciones especiales y ediciones limitadas de Borsalino, Kampos y Massaba para Explora Journeys, disponibles exclusivamente en la boutique “The Journey” del barco.

El rediseñado Ocean Wellness Spa ofrece una serie de nuevos programas de tratamiento inspirados en auténticos principios ayurvédicos. Y la piscina y el bar Helios se han renovado con mobiliario de exterior Unopiù diseñado por Matteo Nunziati .

EXPLORA II presenta obras de arte originales de Emilio Isgró y “Encuentros Marinos” del Príncipe Hussain Aga Khan, con una exposición de sus fotografías marinas que muestran diversas especies y ecosistemas submarinos. La exquisita colección de fotografía marina fue donada a la Fundación MSC como parte de la asociación entre la Fundación MSC y 'Focused on Nature', reflejando una visión compartida para educar e inspirar a la acción sobre la necesidad de preservar la vida marina y la biodiversidad.

El viaje inaugural de 7 noches de EXPLORA II, que comienza hoy, incluirá escalas en la impresionante Sorrento, Lipari, Trapani, Siracusa y La Valeta, y finalizará en Tarragona, España.

EXPLORA II y EXPLORA I se reposicionarán en el Caribe para la temporada de invierno, ofreciendo itinerarios increíbles. Entre los destinos más destacados se encuentran Gustavia en San Bartolomé, Oranjestad en Aruba y St. John's en Antigua. En el verano de 2025, EXPLORA II navegará por el Mediterráneo Occidental visitando puertos como Barcelona en España, St. Tropez en Francia, Monte Carlo y Porto Cervo en Italia.

La semana pasada, Explora Journeys celebró la ceremonia de la moneda EXPLORA III y el primer corte de acero de EXPLORA IV en los astilleros Fincantieri de Sestri Ponente, cerca de Génova (Italia). EXPLORA III, cuya entrega está prevista para 2026, será el primero de los cuatro barcos propulsados por gas natural licuado de la flota de Explora Journeys, al que seguirán EXPLORA IV y EXPLORA V en 2027 y EXPLORA VI en 2028.

Todos los barcos incorporan modernas tecnologías medioambientales y marinas, como sistemas de reducción catalítica selectiva, conectividad enchufable a la red eléctrica en tierra, sistemas de gestión del ruido submarino para proteger la vida marina y una amplia gama de equipos de eficiencia energética a bordo diseñados para optimizar el uso de los motores y reducir las emisiones. El barco ha sido designado “Green Plus” por RINA, el nivel más alto que concede este organismo de certificación en materia de sostenibilidad medioambiental.

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