The MSC Yacht Club restaurant offering a bespoke dinning experience at sea. Picture: Supplied
With summer and the cruise season fast approaching, travellers looking for bespoke cruises can look forward to MSC Cruise’s MSC Yacht Club.
According to the cruise line, it’s exclusive ‘ship-within-a-ship’ concept is growing in popularity with travellers as it offers guests the ultimate comfort, privacy and personalised service on holiday with keycard-only access to an array of private facilities.
MSC Yacht Club Executive Director, Marion Baland, said the beauty of the MSC Yacht Club lies in its ability to offer the best of both worlds.
“Whether guests are seeking a vibrant and varied entertainment experience for the whole family or a more serene and leisurely pace, it caters to all preferences,” said Baland.
If you’re looking for a bespoke cruise experience this summer, Baland offers 6 reasons why you should consider the yacht club.
Dedicated check-in and priority embarkation
“Upon arrival at the port terminal, yacht club guests are welcomed into a dedicated area and offered premium snacks and delicious drinks including a selection of champagne and prosecco,” said the expert.
He added that from there, a butler will quickly and seamlessly escort them through security checks to lead them to the MSC Yacht Club’s Top Sail Lounge, where guests receive a personalised welcome speech by the concierge, accompanied by bespoke beverages for a luxurious start to their holiday.
Exclusive privileges enabling guests to make the most of their time
Baland said that on the yacht club, guests enjoy priority disembarkation and embarkation at every port, with a butler escorting them from the club area to the pier or terminal.
“They can also make the most of the reserved seating in the ship’s theatre by being escorted to the theatre to a special reserved area with no need to reserve in advance.
“Guests can also enjoy the new exclusive yacht club shore excursions, which provide thoughtfully curated experiences with knowledgeable guides, private transportation and small groups, allowing them to maximize their time and fully immerse themselves in each destination,” he said.
An all-inclusive experience
The cruise expert said that the yacht club’s all-inclusive experience guarantees a complete peace of mind for guests, with a premium drink package, unlimited Wi-Fi and access to the thermal area provided.
“In select ships, suites come with their own Nespresso coffee machine and an array of East India Company teas for caffeine and tea lovers to enjoy.
“The minibar is also included and refilled daily and can be tailored to guests’ preferences by asking the butler,” he highlighted.
Exclusive, elegant, and luxurious experiences
Baland also noted that guests can indulge in a range of refined experiences not available in other areas of the ship, including the ultimate high tea experience in the private Top Sail Lounge, with butler service and champagne upon arrival.
“Provided once a week per cruise, guests can indulge in the finest teas from the East India Tea Company, served with delicious scones, sandwiches and pastries in traditional British fashion,” he said.
Culinary delights and a sommelier in the MSC Yacht Club Restaurant
The cruise expert also said that the yacht club restaurant offers an unforgettable dining experience, combining exceptional food and impeccable service, with a sommelier, frequently praised for their extensive knowledge, to elevate the dining experience by expertly pairing wines with each dish.
He added that menus offer classic Mediterranean and international dishes inspired by the regions in which the ship is sailing, and a dedicated team of international chefs enhance the culinary experience with a focus on sourcing local premium products.
A family-friendly area with extra-services allowing parents privacy and peace of mind.
Lastly, Baland said that for ease, families travelling with children don’t need to leave the club area when their children need to be collected as their butler can collect the guests’ children from the kid’s club and bring them to wherever the parents are, meaning the experience is seamless for the whole family.
“This flexibility sets it apart from other cruise lines, making it an ideal option for families, groups of friends, or couples,” said Baland.