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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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MSC Cruises

How MSC’s private island experience is different for cruisers in suites

Do you enjoy large cruise ships but still want to feel like you're in the lap of luxury? Passengers booked in MSC Cruises' Yacht Club cabins and suites have access to high-end amenities – both on the ship and off.

Butlers, exclusive dining and a private pool delight guests on board, but perks also await on MSC 's private island, Ocean Cay Marine Reserve , in the Bahamas. You can expect dedicated trams, towel service and a chance to book the nicest cabanas on the island, among other extras.

Read on to find out how the MSC Yacht Club Ocean Cay experience differs from that of the average cruiser.

For more cruise guides, news and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

MSC Ocean Cay Yacht Club beaches vs. regular beaches

MSC's Ocean Cay Marine Reserve private island is home to seven (soon to be eight) beaches, and all are public, except one — Ocean House Beach, which is the Yacht Club's exclusive swath of sand. Beyond its exclusivity, the beach has a few other differences from the island's regular beaches.

There, use of lounge chairs and umbrellas is free. Chairs at the other beaches are also free and available on a first-come, first-served basis; however, umbrellas come with an extra cost.

Passengers must sign out towels on board the ship before heading ashore to Ocean Cay's main beaches. Yacht Club passengers can skip that hassle and ask for towels at the towel tent found on Ocean House Beach.

Interestingly, I found that several of the public beaches were less crowded than Ocean House Beach. At the latter, chairs were positioned much more closely to one another. If you're willing to walk or hitch a ride on one of the island's trams, you'll find fewer crowds on the farther beaches than if you stick close to the ship.

MSC Ocean Cay Yacht Club food vs. regular dining

Free lunch is included for all cruisers who visit Ocean Cay. For Yacht Club travelers, the Ocean House Restaurant — an exclusive waiter-served dining venue where passengers enjoy their meals on a shaded porch — exudes upscale beach vibes.

During my visit, the menu included starters like crab ceviche, charred octopus and a salad with romaine, tomatoes, jicama, a poached egg and candied bacon in a citrus dressing. Mains featured locally sourced blackened mahi-mahi, lobster roll, carne asada, a grilled portobello mushroom sandwich and one of the best burgers I've ever tasted during a cruise — a blend of Angus chuck, short ribs and grilled brisket with red onion jam and Monterey Jack cheese. Desserts consisted of creme caramel, mango cheesecake and chocolate cake with coffee sauce.

The meals at Ocean House are definitely superior to the fare found at the Seakers buffet, which is where cruisers not staying in the Yacht Club can go for a beach barbecue that serves hot dogs, hamburgers, chicken, macaroni and cheese, red beans, roasted potatoes and a slew of salads, drinks and desserts.

The food is tasty, but lines can be long. An alternative is to head to one of several food trucks throughout the island. Some are free and dole out the same items offered on the buffet but with shorter lines. Others sell entirely different menu items — lobster grilled cheese, fried calamari, shrimp with watermelon, Caribbean ceviche and octopus salad — with the cost charged to cruisers' onboard accounts.

Additionally — and also for an extra fee — a stand near the ship offers specialty coffee and ice cream. (If you're a coffee lover, trust me when I say you won't want to miss the Coco-Nilla Latte.)

MSC Ocean Cay Yacht Club cabanas vs. regular cabanas

There are three types of cabanas on Ocean Cay: Ocean Cay Beach Cabanas, Ocean View Yacht Club Cabanas and Beachfront Yacht Club Cabanas. All three types are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

They can hold up to six people each and include cold water, beach towels and chairs, as well as floating mats for use in the water. As the prices increase, so does the number of inclusions. The last two types are only available for booking by Yacht Club passengers.

Ocean Cay Beach Cabanas, found on South Beach, North Beach and Bimini Beach, are the most affordable on the island at $250 for the day. They've got walls on three sides, and they're outfitted with cushioned couches. They include the basic amenities mentioned above, and anyone can rent them.

Next up are the Ocean View Yacht Club Cabanas, which cost $400 for the day and also entitle you to free lunch and drinks, as well as fresh fruit skewers, four sets of snorkel gear and four floating mats. They're found on the Yacht Club's private Ocean House Beach, so they're off-limits to non-Yacht Club guests.

The most expensive, however, are the Beachfront Yacht Club Cabanas, located in a different section of the Ocean House area. They carry a $450 price tag but offer all the same extras as Ocean View Yacht Club Cabanas.

The draw? They're closer to the water and, therefore, have better views. Although they aren't on the main part of Ocean House Beach, they are still in the exclusive area, near the restaurant, so you don't have to go far to grab food.

Ultimately, the only thing being in the Yacht Club affords you in this case is the option to book more expensive cabanas.

MSC Ocean Cay Yacht Club trams vs. regular trams

At 95 acres, Ocean Cay is sizable. If you're fit, you can walk from one end to the other in about 15 minutes, but if you don't have great mobility or if you're easily overheated, reaching some of the island's more remote beaches can be difficult on foot. That's why MSC offers tram shuttles.

Passengers in standard cabins will find tram stops with shaded waiting areas throughout the island. However, waits can be long, especially if many other people are also in need of a lift.

Yacht Club cruisers can take advantage of trams exclusively for the Yacht Club. They run between a special tent (with free cold water to sip while you wait) set up just inside the entrance to Ocean Cay and the Ocean House beach and restaurant area.

You can make special requests for stops, which the regular trams usually won't accommodate. For example, you might ask to go straight from the tent to South Beach for a volleyball game without stopping anywhere else first.

MSC Ocean Cay Yacht Club activities vs. regular activities

This is the one category where the island's public spaces beat the Ocean House area by a mile. If you're looking for something to do other than eating, drinking or lazing by the beach, you'll have to head back toward the ship because there's not much going on in the exclusive areas.

Everything from massages, lighthouse tours and water sports equipment rentals to beach parties, volleyball games and shore excursions takes place elsewhere. However, perhaps that's by design. The Yacht Club is generally quiet, even on board, and the line likely prefers to keep the raucousness to other locations.

Bottom line

The MSC Yacht Club experience is more exclusive than the standard one at Ocean Cay, with extras like butler service, dedicated trams, towel service, access to pricier cabanas and a private beach and restaurant with better food and shorter waits.

However, all of the action — shore excursions, pickup volleyball games, beach parties, the lighthouse show — happens in the areas that are accessible to everyone, which significantly levels the playing field.

Additionally, items like specialty coffee, ice cream and for-fee food truck orders cost extra for everyone — even Yacht Club passengers.

Overall, Ocean Cay offers a great day for anyone who enjoys the beach, regardless of cabin type.

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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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MSC Yacht Club Luxury Experience Aboard MSC Splendida

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As our motor coach turned a corner in Toulouse, France, I had my first glimpse of the MSC Splendida. Ei ghteen decks tall, the ship towered over the private boats and yachts docked next to her. Somewhere high at the bow was the MSC Yacht Club, my home for the next week.

MSC Yacht Club May Spoil You for Life

From a distance, MSC Splendida looked like any sparkling white, enormous cruise ship you’d see in most ports. This cruise, however, I wouldn’t be mixing and mingling with 4,000 passengers.

My stateroom, suite actually, was located in the luxurious and private Yacht Club area. That’s where the amazing difference begins between a standard stateroom and Yacht Club.

MSC Splendida (along with 12 other MSC ships) sports an exclusive hideaway that rivals any small luxury ship afloat. If you haven’t already heard the term, MSC calls the Yacht Club concept, “a ship within a ship” and they couldn’t be more accurate.

MSC Splendida Yacht Club Experience

There are only ninety-nine Yacht Club staterooms on MSC Spendida , all located at the very bow of the ship, mostly on decks 15 and 16. Insert your keycard into the elevator and it’s a non-stop ride to your floor. As soon as you step off the elevator and into the Yacht Club, you’ll think you were transported to a small private yacht.

Exclusive Areas Only for Yacht Club Guests

The Top Sail lounge is your private retreat where you are greeted by name upon entering. This was by far my favorite hang-out for my week onboard.

On this ship, the Top Sail Lounge is located on deck 15 and is open 24 hrs. At various times during the day there is a light breakfast and lunch, tea time, pre-dinner snacks, light dinner and midnight snacks.

You couldn’t ask for a more lovely location to relax and unwind after a busy day visiting amazing ancient and historic cities. Complimentary cocktails and hors d’oeuvres in hand, your view of the city from the Top Sail lounge at sailaway is breathtaking.

Dining in Yacht Club on Splendida

Since I generally travel solo, a conspicuous table for one or a seat at a table for 10 is generally expected. As an MSC Yacht Club guest aboard Splendida , the specialty restaurant, L’Olivo is exclusive, complimentary and a gracious alternative to any cruise ship main dining room.

Marco, my waiter, managed to hold a window-side table for me every night. Each night, a glass of wine was waiting for me at my table, even before I was seated. O’livo, is located at the very aft of the ship, overlooking the Mediterranean. At sunset, the view is spectacular.

Yacht Club Suite Advantages

Did I mention a private butler? Every Yacht Club suite includes a professionally trained butler at your beck and call. Having a butler is wonderful; seems he can’t do enough to make your cruise as pleasant as possible. While always available, they are never intrusive or bothersome.

Insider tip:   Choose a Yacht Club stateroom located on the same deck or one deck above the Concierge Desk and the Top Sail Lounge, if only for the convenience of proximity.

Whether replacing items from my complimentary mini-bar (yes, complimentary!) or just choosing a different pillow from the pillow menu, Vinod, my butler, was delightful, polite and intent on doing his “butlering.” He even re-tied the sash on my bathrobe, which I had left hanging on a hook.

Yacht Club Size Advantages

MSC Splendida is a large ship, right between the size of Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas and the Carnival Dream. At full capacity MSC Splendida can carry up to 4300 passengers. But the Yacht Club, with only about 200 passengers, gives an entirely different feel to being on a mega-ship.

You’ll never have to search for a seat in the Top Sail Lounge or stake out your pool-side lounge chair at 7am for a place at The One Pool, your private outdoor pool area.

The One Pool also has The One Bar for an alfresco cocktail or even a morning bite, open from 7am to 7pm. Located on Deck 18 at the very bow, this spot also affords a perfect vantage point on a balmy sailaway evening.

You can enjoy the same light snacks and beverages out there as in the Top Sail Lounge.

If you are planning a Mediterranean cruise and want to experience a slice of real Europe and travel in luxury without the typical luxury price tag, reserve a cabin in the MSC Yacht Club aboard the Italian-owned MSC Splendida or any of the other MSC ships with a Yacht Club.

Why Book an MSC Yacht Club Suite

You’ll be pampered and privileged as on no other mass market cruise line. The MSC Yacht Club truly offers the elegance and intimacy of a small ship but with big cruise ship amenities.

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Hi Graham, Thank you very much for reading my MSC Yacht Club article. IMO, the Yacht Club is worth every penny. And wow for you booking the duplex! Enjoy every minute! Thanks again!

Excellent review. We have just booked one of the duplex suites on MSC Virtuosa in 2025. It looks amazing, luxury everywhere. Taken note of the butler will do all for you! Can not wait. Keep up the good work

Hi Tina, Thanks for reading my MSC article. I think everyone would love a free upgrade! Happy cruising!

Would love a free up grade….We are booked for 10th April but now we want to try the Yacht Club experience

Glad to know your MSC Divina experience was so good! And thanks for your honest assessment of your spa experience.

Hi Michele,

Thank you for reading the article and your enthusiastic comment! And thank you for the update on the age for the kids’ club.

Best regards,

Hi Colleen,

Thanks for your nice comment. Yes…sign me up again, too! Truly an excellent experience and even better now since the Yacht Club dining rooms are only for Yacht Club guests now.

Regards, Sherry/Cruise Maven

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Updated on November 27, 2023 by Sherry Laskin

FIVE REASONS WHY THE MSC YACHT CLUB IS THE ULTIMATE WAY TO CRUISE

The msc yacht club offers a variety of luxurious accommodations, such as suites with ocean views, private balconies with whirlpool baths, and lavish amenities. exclusive access to the top sail lounge, private sundeck with pool and bar, and panoramic views is included in the msc yacht club experience of cruising. additional privileges offered by the msc yacht club encompass a dedicated 24-hour butler service, priority check-in and check-out, vip services, exclusive shopping sessions, private excursions, and complimentary utilization of the thermal suite and msc aurea spa. furthermore, guests also have private-access opportunities to destinations such as msc ocean cay marine reserve and sir bani yas island..

Geneva, Switzerland – October 19 2023 – The MSC Yacht Club ‘ship within a ship’ concept offers an exclusive holiday sanctuary on board many of MSC Cruises’ ships, providing guests an unparalleled cruise experience with complete serenity, added exclusivity and privacy within a world of choice. This privatised, key-card access area of the ship is only accessible to MSC Yacht Club guests, offering stylish facilities, lavish accommodations with a host of dedicated amenities, such as a panoramic lounge, high-end restaurant, elegant pool and secluded sun deck. Guests staying in the MSC Yacht Club benefit from a range of privileges and personalised service, that is sure to make them feel pampered. These perks are available around-the-clock and are designed to cater to their specific needs and preferences, ensuring a seamless luxury experience at sea. The MSC Yacht Club also offers a myriad of dedicated leisure and entertainment possibilities, allowing guests to enjoy the exclusivity of a private club while also having access to the countless recreation and entertainment options available throughout the larger ship. Whether guests are looking for a relaxing escape or a lavish holiday, the MSC Yacht Club provides an exclusive haven for guests to savour the sophistication and elegance of a luxury cruise experience, ensuring the utmost privacy and comfort where every detail is designed to surpass guests’ expectations and create memories of a lifetime. MSC Yacht Club is available on more than half of MSC Cruises’ modern fleet, allowing travellers to experience the same level of exceptional, personalised services across many destinations. Highlights of the MSC Yacht Club benefits include:

1. 24-HOUR PERSONALISED SERVICE

MSC Yacht Club’s all-inclusive experience is fully personalised with a dedicated 24-hour butler service and concierge, making the cruising experience truly personal and tailored to each individual guest’s needs. The butler service will quickly get to know each guest’s personal preferences, providing the highest level of customised service to ensure all guests feel pampered and relaxed. From shoeshining to 3 a.m. room service, no request is too small. Meanwhile, the dedicated concierge is on hand to facilitate any request, from organising shore excursions and making reservations for the spa to arranging for the newspaper to be brought to the cabin each morning.

2. PRIVILEGED ACCESS

MSC Yacht Club is sure to exceed expectations with a host of privileges that create an effortless experience, from the moment guests step on board to the moment they depart. This luxurious cruise experience offers a dedicated priority check-in and check-out, ensuring a seamless embarkation and disembarkation, so guests can start enjoying their holidays as soon as possible. They will also receive the full VIP service with a variety of offerings including the possibility to organise a tailored shopping session in the onboard boutiques outside regular opening hours, embark on exceptional private excursions or take advantage of the complimentary use of the Thermal Suite and MSC Aurea Spa to decompress and rejuvenate while at sea. These private-access areas extend ashore in a number of destinations:

• MSC Ocean Cay Marine Reserve, The Bahamas – MSC Cruises’ private island, founded on a strong commitment to the preservation of marine resources and the conservation of coral reefs and marine life. Northwest of Ocean Cay lies a private beach area exclusively reserved for guests of the MSC Yacht Club, with privileged access to enjoy sunbeds and cabanas with butler service as well as a dedicated restaurant to relax, sip a cocktail and enjoy a 3-course dedicated lunch surrounded by sea breezes.
• Sir Bani Yas Island, United Arab Emirates – A beach lover’s paradise just off the southwest coast of Abu Dhabi, offering guests a stunning tropical oasis to unwind. The island features a MSC Yacht Club zone with premium sunbeds and dedicated transportations, barbecue lunch and bar service to ensure the utmost comfort and privacy for guests during a day ashore.

3. PRIVATE AND LUXURIOUS LEISURE AMENITIES

Designed to provide the utmost in service and comfort, MSC Yacht Club guests have exclusive access to a range of private and elegant spaces to enhance their cruise experience. From the dedicated Top Sail Lounge, offering panoramic views for guests to sit back and relax in a sophisticated setting while indulging in an array of gourmet finger foods, delicious drinks and high tea service, as well as enjoy live music every evening. The club’s private sundeck, complete with a private pool, whirlpool, sundeck and bar, will offer guests the chance to soak up the sun and enjoy complimentary refreshments in complete comfort while taking in the best views on board across the bow of the ship and out to sea.

4. LAVISH ACCOMMODATION

Experience the finest luxury accommodation with the MSC Yacht Club’s wide variety of suites to meet all guests’ preferences. The stylish and spacious accommodations set themselves apart and include options with stunning ocean views from the cabin’s private balcony, as well as suites like the Duplex Suites, Royal Suites and Owner’s Suites, offering a private whirlpool bath on the balcony. From sumptuous Myform Memory mattresses and crisp Egyptian cotton bedding to an indulgent Dorelan pillow menu, luxurious marble bathrooms and complimentary minibars, the MSC Yacht Club offering will surely provide unparalleled comfort for an unforgettable holiday.

5. CULINARY DELIGHTS FROM DAY TO NIGHT

With a dedicated restaurant, the MSC Yacht Club offers guests the opportunity to enjoy the pleasures of an exquisite fine-dining experience with five-star service. Offering sophisticated cuisines with an à la carte menu, guests can savour an array of the finest dishes served exclusively for them from a dedicated kitchen staff, accompanied by a spectacular selection of drinks, including fine wines from around the world with a dedicated sommelier available to further enhance the food and wine pairing experience. The private restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner where guests can dine at any time that suits their needs. This is on top of MSC Yacht Club guests having a premium drinks package included as standard. From the finest whiskey or vodka brands to glasses of champagne – toast to total relaxation.

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This Cruise Life

Msc yacht club 2024 on board msc meraviglia.

To say we were pampered is the understatement of the year (although, considering it’s only January, fingers crossed there’s more pampering ahead)! We had the opportunity to sail MSC Meraviglia out of New York earlier this month; we were excited to check out the new-to-us cruise line. But what we didn’t expect: an upgrade to MSC’s exclusive Yacht Club!

What is the Yacht Club?

The Yacht Club is MSC’s “ship within a ship” concept that promises both privacy and exclusivity. The experience includes amenities most could only dream about: white-glove butler service, 24×7 concierge, an exclusive restaurant on the ship and on MSC’s private island, Ocean Cay, unlimited drinks anywhere on the ship, a private pool, hot tub, lounge deck, and so much more.

Upgrade Offer

In early December, just over a month from our sailing date, we received an email inviting us to bid on an upgrade . We were already in a balcony cabin, so it seemed odd bidding on an interior cabin – but that’s just what we did! We maxed out our bid on an interior Yacht Club stateroom in hopes that the upgrade fairies would grant our wish.

On December 13, 2023, that’s exactly what happened!

Thank you Twitterverse!!! You made our MSC Yacht Club dreams come true. Our upgrade was accepted this morning. Full review of the MSC Yacht Club Deluxe Suite and experience coming January! 💙💙💙 #thankyou #msc #yachtclub pic.twitter.com/ZNDRZcfKKH — This Cruise Life (@thiscruiselife) December 13, 2023

Yacht Club Check-In

Fast-forward a month to January 9, 2024 when we checked in to board MSC Meraviglia. Again, to say this check-in process was different would be a huge understatement. Unlike your typical check-in with long queues, growling stomachs, and throngs of people, we waited in our own lounge with champagne and canapés away from the crowds. We made sure to document the entire experience so that we could share it with you:

First Impressions

So what is it like to sail on a ship within a ship? Is the Butler actually a real person, or is it just a glorified room steward? And what exactly is a canapé? The first 24 hours on board was a whirlwind. There were so many new experiences – and so much food! Considering this was our first-ever MSC cruise, it was a GREAT first impression! You can check out our detailed review of that first 24 hours, along with what we thought about MSC Meraviglia:

Full Review to Come!

Now that we’re back on solid ground, we’re working on our full review of our 9-day sailing on board MSC Meraviglia in the Yacht Club. We’re going to cover the things that we loved, didn’t love, and a couple things that we hated about the ship and experience.

As always, thanks for joining this cruise life of ours and following our adventures! -Mark and Rocky

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• Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity Retreat vs MSC Yacht Club - reviews?

By go.without.you , January 12, 2023 in Celebrity Cruises

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go.without.you

I've sailed Celebrity Retreat several times but was wondering how MSC's Yacht Club compares. Does anyone have any reviews for me?

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If you go into MSC, you'll find lots and lots of YC reviews.

1 hour ago, go.without.you said: I've sailed Celebrity Retreat several times but was wondering how MSC's Yacht Club compares. Does anyone have any reviews for me?

Funny, I just mentioned MSC to my wife during lunch today. Yacht Club is now firmly on my radar screen and I'm also curious how it compares to Retreat.

Here's one tip. MSC's frequent cruiser program is not that generous, but they do offer a status match from hotels and other cruise loyalty programs. My Azamara status, obtained via only Celebrity cruises, matched to MSC's highest tier, where my Celebrity status wouldn't have. I just did the match yesterday. It only took them a few hours and I'm Diamond!

Hi, GenerationX, who is on Celebrity now and currently posting her trip, will be on MSC in YC right after her current cruise and doing a comparison review.

4 minutes ago, STLCRUISIN said: Hi, GenerationX, who is on Celebrity now and currently posting her trip, will be on MSC in YC right after her current cruise and doing a comparison review.

I'm also looking forward to her Comparison but will definitely enjoy her Celebrity RS experience first.

We have celebrity retreat several times including very recently on Beyond and also Edge , in general I give a edge to MSc yacht club, love the truly ship within a ship , on yacht club all your cabins , restaurants and bars are in this area you can’t enter without being in a yacht club cabin, the inside suite lounge is beautiful and much larger and nicer than celebrity with a baby grand piano and live music from about 5 to 11 , there will be a solo artist or a duo playing that whole time. Also loved the outdoor area with pools and hot tubs never saw a crowd or had any issues getting a chair plus more food options outside including breakfast and lunch . They also match your status and can get a free specialty restaurant if you are elite on celebrity or diamond on rccl. Another plus was there private island has a yacht club area with lots of waiters and they will serve your lunch , had a very nice lobster roll there.  

9 minutes ago, RichYak said: Funny, I just mentioned MSC to my wife during lunch today. Yacht Club is now firmly on my radar screen and I'm also curious how it compares to Retreat.   Here's one tip. MSC's frequent cruiser program is not that generous, but they do offer a status match from hotels and other cruise loyalty programs. My Azamara status, obtained via only Celebrity cruises, matched to MSC's highest tier, where my Celebrity status wouldn't have. I just did the match yesterday. It only took them a few hours and I'm Diamond!

Good to know! I just hit Elite Plus.

I want to do a Thanksgiving cruise this year but not liking the options on Celebrity. I did it last year on a ship without a Retreat deck and I won't make that mistake again. Way too peopley.

2 minutes ago, go.without.you said: Good to know! I just hit Elite Plus. I want to do a Thanksgiving cruise this year but not liking the options on Celebrity. I did it last year on a ship without a Retreat deck and I won't make that mistake again. Way too peopley.

Outdoor retreat is a joke except for edge class. Yacht club has inside cabins also , basic balcony cabin is a little smaller than edge class sky suites. Yacht club also gives veterans a ten percent discount.

9 minutes ago, go.without.you said: Good to know! I just hit Elite Plus.

CC Elite and Elite Plus match to Gold on MSC. I am Elite on X but Discoverer on Azamara because of all my Celebrity cruises (never sailed Azamara). Discoverer got me Diamond on MSC.

2 hours ago, RichYak said: Funny, I just mentioned MSC to my wife during lunch today. Yacht Club is now firmly on my radar screen and I'm also curious how it compares to Retreat.   Here's one tip. MSC's frequent cruiser program is not that generous, but they do offer a status match from hotels and other cruise loyalty programs. My Azamara status, obtained via only Celebrity cruises, matched to MSC's highest tier, where my Celebrity status wouldn't have. I just did the match yesterday. It only took them a few hours and I'm Diamond!

I wouldn't bother. I did two cruises on two different MSC ships in Yacht Club. While the YC space itself is definitely better than the Retreat (all contained in one area, indoor and outdoor food venues, large indoor bar) the food was largely terrible and vastly inferior to Celebrity and the service was very uneven with some of the worst staff members I've ever encountered in cruising; we had to have one of our butlers replaced for being surly, bartenders and servers didn't recognize basic cocktails, we saw several instances of staff members verbally abusing other staff members. And once you leave the YC, while the MSC ships are very nice they are very crowded with a pretty rowdy crowd. It was basically a European version of NCL except that NCL has better food and service in The Haven. I couldn't wait to get back to Celebrity after trying MSC.

7 minutes ago, WonderMan3 said: I wouldn't bother. I did two cruises on two different MSC ships in Yacht Club. While the YC space itself is definitely better than the Retreat (all contained in one area, indoor and outdoor food venues, large indoor bar) the food was largely terrible and vastly inferior to Celebrity and the service was very uneven with some of the worst staff members I've ever encountered in cruising; we had to have one of our butlers replaced for being surly, bartenders and servers didn't recognize basic cocktails, we saw several instances of staff members verbally abusing other staff members. And once you leave the YC, while the MSC ships are very nice they are very crowded with a pretty rowdy crowd. It was basically a European version of NCL except that NCL has better food and service in The Haven. I couldn't wait to get back to Celebrity after trying MSC.

Thanks I do value your opinion. I’d be more concerned with MSC’s food if I didn’t think Celebrity’s food has become vastly inferior to it’s own offerings from just last year. I am considering a low effort sailing out of Brooklyn as I live a short drive away just to try the product. 

14 minutes ago, RichYak said: Thanks I do value your opinion. I’d be more concerned with MSC’s food if I didn’t think Celebrity’s food has become vastly inferior to it’s own offerings from just last year. I am considering a low effort sailing out of Brooklyn as I live a short drive away just to try the product. 

If you can get a price that is significantly less than Celebrity then maybe try it out. Wasn't my cup of tea but some others here seem to like it. The specialty restaurants were pretty good although still not as good as Celebrity but much better than the YC dining room.

We've done both - and doing both again this year. 

They are quite different from each other. MSC does the ship within a ship concept much better. The YC lounge is larger than the retreat lounge on S-class ships. We've had good service in both. The food in YC on Preziosa was perhaps not as quite as good as on Celebrity, but it was fine in the YC and we enjoyed it. Perhaps the difference is that outside of the YC, as others have said, the ship is more crowded and rowdy. We vowed we wouldn't sail MSC outside the YC - non YC MSC doesn't compare to non-retreat X.

We've met lovely people on both lines (and that's important to us).

A Deluxe balcony stateroom in YC on Virtuosa is about the same size as a sky suite (but has a shower rather than bath, but also has a walk in wardrobe), and unlike the sky suite, comes with an included minibar and a bottle of spirits and daily newspapers. We will miss the laundry that would come with our Elite+ status. However, MSC YC is MUCH cheaper than the Retreat, so it doesn't matter.  You get premium drinks, wifi and gratuities included in both retreat and YC. We compared a week in the retreat with a fortnight in YC, and MSC was still cheaper - it also has a great itinerary. So, we're sailing MSC YC in the Summer to Iceland and Norway.

Georgia_Peaches

Love, love, love MSC YC and personally feel as though they have Celebrity beat in amenities and value. Having said that, if I had to cruise outside of a suite category, I’d definitely go with celebrity where there seems to be less of a class division as it relates to service and amenities. 

We have a few more cruises on X this year and will be trying Yacht Club on MSC.  Prices for a Deluxe Veranda in the YC are outstanding compared to a SkySuite which was s ridiculously overpriced.  

On a whim, I just priced 2 different 7-night Norwegian Fjord cruises in August 2024. Apex in an S2 and the brand new MSC Euribia in a YC balcony cabin. Very similar itineraries embarking 1 day apart. It was $10,400 (which comes with $600 OBC) for Apex and $6,300 for Euribia (before including any 5% discounts for Voyagers Club and early booking). I'll be reading the live from MSC YC thread by @GenerationX very closely.

On 1/12/2023 at 3:25 PM, RichYak said: CC Elite and Elite Plus match to Gold on MSC. I am Elite on X but Discoverer on Azamara because of all my Celebrity cruises (never sailed Azamara). Discoverer got me Diamond on MSC.

Would Zenith also match at Gold or a different level?

11 minutes ago, Jim_Iain said:   Would Zenith also match at Gold or a different level?

Zenith matches to top tier Diamond. You would need to sail MSC at least once every 3 years to maintain the status and matching is a one time courtesy. So time your match accordingly.

Shiba_Lover

Here is some info on the status match -  MSC status match: How status with another cruise line got me perks with MSC - The Points Guy    If you click "this chart" in there, it looks like you'll get diamond

On 1/16/2023 at 5:21 PM, Jim_Iain said:   Would Zenith also match at Gold or a different level?

I can confirm that Zenith matches to Diamond.  I did the status match last week.  Note that when you book an MSC cruise using your Voyager Number, you do get a discounted rate (as opposed to Celebrity who does not offer discounted rates for Zenith members).  So definitely do that status match (some have reported that they had difficulty doing this via the MSC website but keep at it if it gives you trouble!  I am lucky I guess because I had no trouble - and I did the status match for myself and my two cruise buddies)

On 1/12/2023 at 7:49 PM, RichYak said: Thanks I do value your opinion. I’d be more concerned with MSC’s food if I didn’t think Celebrity’s food has become vastly inferior to it’s own offerings from just last year. I am considering a low effort sailing out of Brooklyn as I live a short drive away just to try the product. 

I love leaving out of New York either Manhattan or Brooklyn since we visit there every year it saves us a lot on airfare. We are sailing celebrity again in 2 months if Luminae continues to decline we will be happy to go back to yacht club, MSc gives us a ten percent discount since I am a vet . Also I got a much better price on rccl this November and we can easily add UDP like we did last cruise and still way cheaper in a grand suite bs the smaller sky suite.

19 minutes ago, George C said: I love leaving out of New York either Manhattan or Brooklyn since we visit there every year it saves us a lot on airfare. We are sailing celebrity again in 2 months if Luminae continues to decline we will be happy to go back to yacht club, MSc gives us a ten percent discount since I am a vet . Also I got a much better price on rccl this November and we can easily add UDP like we did last cruise and still way cheaper in a grand suite bs the smaller sky suite.

My cruise calendar is booked up for 2023. A Southern Caribbean itinerary in a RS on Millennium in March (that was booked before X went insane with Retreat prices) and a regular balcony cabin on Summit's Greenland/Iceland cruise in August. Celebrity wants $800pp/pn for a SS for this cruise. The Retreat product just isn't worth that price. I nearly booked Oceania instead, but the X itinerary is better.

All that to say, I'm looking at probably March 2024 for MSC YC to the Bahamas on Merviglia. I hate that it's so far off, but it is what it is. My wife and I both matched to MSC Diamond in anticipation of booking. I look forward to trying out the product.

52 minutes ago, RichYak said: My cruise calendar is booked up for 2023. A Southern Caribbean itinerary in a RS on Millennium in March (that was booked before X went insane with Retreat prices) and a regular balcony cabin on Summit's Greenland/Iceland cruise in August. Celebrity wants $800pp/pn for a SS for this cruise. The Retreat product just isn't worth that price. I nearly booked Oceania instead, but the X itinerary is better.   All that to say, I'm looking at probably March 2024 for MSC YC to the Bahamas on Merviglia. I hate that it's so far off, but it is what it is. My wife and I both matched to MSC Diamond in anticipation of booking. I look forward to trying out the product.

What really surprised us was the music in suite lounge from approx 5pm to 11, a few small combos or solo acts would continuously play , it also had a baby grand . Celebrity disappointed me when they removed the piano from Michaels when they changed it to retreat . 

On 1/16/2023 at 2:35 PM, ehall said: Here is some info on the status match -  MSC status match: How status with another cruise line got me perks with MSC - The Points Guy    If you click "this chart" in there, it looks like you'll get diamond  

Thanks --- time will tell.   Charla's experience left me on the boarder.    Not sure the Mega's ships are our forte even in the Yacht Club.   Time will tell.  Our first non-Celebrity cruise will be on Ponant (ultra small ships).

1 hour ago, George C said: What really surprised us was the music in suite lounge from approx 5pm to 11, a few small combos or solo acts would continuously play , it also had a baby grand . Celebrity disappointed me when they removed the piano from Michaels when they changed it to retreat . 

I agree with you, George C.  Pre-Covid, the Retreat Lounge (formerly Michael's Club) had solo or duo musicians playing in there from about 5pm to 7:00/7:30 pm, but post covid, there has been zero live entertainment.  Now it is just 3 flat screen TV's for "entertainment": zero comparison.

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This Brand-new Ship Has One of the Largest Yacht Clubs in Its Fleet, Endless Adventure, and a Glass-bottomed Bridge

MSC Seascape just set sail — here's what it's like on board.

Christine Burroni

The MSC Seascape may share many similar — or even identical — features with its predecessors, but when it comes to luxury, the fleet’s newest vessel certainly leveled up. The new ship sailed on its inaugural journey with guests from Rome to New York City this past weekend and will go on to sail out of Miami to the Caribbean for future trips.

While the European cruise line has become known for its luxury ship-within-a-ship concept, called Yacht Club , the Seascape boasts one of its largest clubs with 131 suites — with five categories to choose from — taking up 32,000 square feet. Located at the front of the ship, most exclusive Yacht Club spaces, like the private dining area or pool deck, are afforded sweeping ocean views.

Courtesy of MSC Cruises

In addition to a private restaurant with a regularly changing menu, and both indoor and outdoor lounge space, passengers who make a Yacht Club reservation are treated to expedited embarkation, 24-hour butler and concierge service, and access to the spa’s Thermal Suite where a sauna, steam room, and whirlpool awaits. Members will also have access to the ship's Top Sail Lounge for coffee, tea, and light bites at any time of day.

Yacht Club guests also enjoy the ship's premium drink package, an unpacking or packing service, a morning newspaper delivery of their choice, and the ability to select a specific pillow for customized comfort.

Sailing the blue water of the Caribbean while tucked in a super-exclusive setting may seem exceptionally relaxing, but the MSC Seascape also offers just the opposite for those looking for a bit of an adrenaline rush — with an extreme thrill ride and virtual reality experiences.

Adrenaline junkies can take a ride on the ship's Robotron , an attraction unique to the ship that will bring riders nearly 175 feet above water and flip upside down, moving in all directions to offer unobstructed 360-degree views. 

Those looking to keep their feet on the ground can still get their adventure fix with a walk across the Bridge of Sighs, a 72-foot-high glass-bottomed bridge.

The MSC Seascape is also home to a variety of virtual reality experiences. Riders can choose from Formula 1 racing, a flight simulator, and motorcycle riding.

“ MSC Seascape is an exciting addition to our fleet of Seaside Class ships with its elevated onboard experiences that will surprise and delight all ages," Ruben Rodriguez, President, MSC Cruises USA exclusively told Travel + Leisure. " From one of the largest and most luxurious Yacht Clubs in our fleet to interactive, high-tech experiences like the first Robotron at sea and immersive VR experiences, MSC Seascape brings unparalleled entertainment and thrills to our guests.”

Elsewhere on board, the ship’s interior is very similar to that of MSC’s other vessels, like the line's one-year-old MSC Seashore, including its Times Square–inspired décor, Swarovski crystal–adorned staircases, and Atrium space where live entertainment takes place.

Fans of the ship's fleet will also recognize its signature restaurants including Butcher's Cut steakhouse, Ocean Cay seafood restaurant, and more. Its lively sports bar is the perfect spot to catch any game around the world — and there are 18 other bars and lounges on board, some of which offer live music.

MSC Seascape journeys set sail from Miami to the Caribbean where passengers can visit the company's private Bahamas island, Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve.

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MSC Yacht Club

An exclusive haven.

MSC Yacht Club, an exclusive ship within a ship, offers a whole new dimension in sheer pampering and luxury. A quiet haven of privacy and personalized service with all the entertainment and fun of a cruise ship on your doorstep. Sailing MSC Yacht Club gives you the opportunity to enjoy the comfort and convenience of your own personal butler trained to the rigorous standard of the International Butler academy. Butlers are dedicated exclusively to MSC Yacht Club guest 24 hours a day.

All of the MSC Yacht Club appointed suites offer the ultimate in luxury, privacy and personal service combined with elite access to a number of amenities aboard the

• Priority embarkation and debarkation
• 24-hour butler service
• 24-hour private concierge reception
• Concierge Lounge, Top Sail Lounge, and The One sun deck complex with private pool, solarium, two hot tubs and bar
• Complimentary fine dining at the Yacht Club dedicated restaurant
• Complimentary selection of wines, spirits, mineral water, specialty coffee and soft drinks at every MSC Yacht Club venue
• Complimentary suite mini-bar
• Direct private access and priority at the MSC Aurea SPA
• Pillow menu
• Complimentary daily international newspaper of choice
• Access to unique services including tailor-made excursions in private transportation; exclusive ashore shopping opportunity with private guide; personal photographer on excursions
• Luxury Italian designed suites
• Daily afternoon tea

Best MSC Yacht Club Suite Deals

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• Cruises from $249 on Escape to Sea Fares + Kids Sail Free
• Military & Civil Service Rates - Must call to book

All offers are based on select sailings and categories and are subject to availability at time of booking. All rates are per person based on double occupancy.

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Everything you need to know about MSC Cruises cabins and suites

A relative newcomer in the North American market, MSC Cruises is equal parts elegant and kitschy. The line tends to appeal to a wide swath of cruisers, from Europeans who like to party into the wee hours of the morning to American families who book because of affordable fares and "kids sail free" pricing.

To satisfy its diverse passenger base, MSC offers accommodations to fit all types of travelers. Rooms include inexpensive inside cabins that sleep two people, midlevel staterooms with windows and balconies, and high-end suites that offer cruisers with larger budgets a private oasis in the form of the MSC Yacht Club .

A variety of connecting rooms and cabins with extra bunks accommodate larger groups and families who wish to share space.

Because your cruise cabin will be your home away from home for several days, it's important to book one that fits your needs. That's especially true if you're sharing it with several people.

Whether you're looking at an inside cabin for a cruise with friends, balcony accommodations for you and your significant other or a suite for your family, here TPG breaks down what you can expect when you book a room on one of MSC's ships.

For more cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

MSC Cruises cabin primer

MSC Cruises has become one of the fastest-growing lines in the cruise industry, with about two dozen ships in its fleet. The vessels fall into six classes : Lirica, Musica, Fantasia, Meraviglia, Seaside and World.

Although cabin offerings can vary from ship to ship and class to class, the standard types remain the same: inside, outside, balcony and suite.

Additionally, you'll find the same basic amenities in each room, unless otherwise noted below. They include two twin beds that can be joined to form a queen- or king-size bed; an in-cabin bathroom with a shower, a sink, a toilet and basic soap, shower gel and shampoo; a couple of nightstands; a chair or sofa; a desk/vanity; a closet; a safe; a hair dryer; a minifridge; a phone; USB outlets and a selection of both North American and European outlets.

On all ships except MSC Lirica, MSC Opera, MSC Sinfonia and MSC Armonia, you'll also find an interactive TV that allows you to view the daily schedule, check your onboard account and choose from a selection of live TV programs and movies.

Twice-daily room tidying is provided by a room steward assigned to each cabin, and room service is available throughout the day for an added fee.

One confusing aspect of MSC's bookings is that you'll have to select an experience package in addition to a cabin type. Package tiers determine things like your ability to choose a specific cabin and preferred dining time and whether you'll receive welcome amenities in your room. Certain cabin types are only available in conjunction with certain package experiences and vice versa. Those are noted in each respective section below.

Accessible cabins , including accommodations for wheelchair users, are available on every ship in MSC's fleet. In addition to more space, they feature wider doorways and lowered sinks and toilets in the bathrooms, as well as grab bars.

MSC Cruises' experience packages

Here's what you get when you book each of MSC's three experience packages, which determine the perks you'll receive on your sailing.

• Accommodations
• Complimentary food in the dining room and buffet
• Broadway-style theater entertainment
• Access to the onboard gym, pool and kids club
• MSC Voyagers Club points
• One for-fee change to your cruise booking (with some restrictions)
• Drink package discount at time of booking
• All Bella perks
• Choice of specific cabin and location
• One free change to your cruise booking (with some restrictions)
• Ability to choose between early and late seating for dinner
• Room service (complimentary for breakfast, but fees apply for other meals)
• Discount on pre-cruise specialty dining package
• All Fantastica and Bella perks
• Flexible My Choice dining, which lets you eat at any time you choose between set hours
• Free 24-hour room service delivery
• Pillow menu
• A welcome package, including Prosecco and chocolates
• Complimentary access to your ship's solarium and thermal area
• A 10% discount on all spa treatments purchased on board
• Special Balinese massage offer when booked pre-cruise
• Complimentary use of bathrobe and slippers
• Priority boarding and luggage drop-off

Inside cabins on MSC Cruises ships

Inside cabins — rooms with no windows — are available on all ships in the MSC fleet. Ranging from 140 to 301 square feet (depending on the ship), they make for great sleeping because they're so dark. They're also ideal for passengers who are on a budget.

In addition to the standard amenities mentioned above, they provide room for anywhere from two to four passengers to sleep. (Rooms that sleep more than two feature bunks that pull down from the ceiling.)

These cabins are available with the line's Bella and Fantastica experiences.

If you're sailing solo, some MSC vessels offer cabins for one outfitted with a twin bed that converts into a couch. These interior studio accommodations are only available with the Bella package on MSC Meraviglia , MSC Bellissima and the line's World Class ships.

Ocean-view cabins on MSC Cruises ships

Ocean-view rooms are similar to insides in that they provide basic amenities — but with a view.

Offering 129 to 269 square feet of space (depending on the specific ship and ocean-view category), these staterooms allow you to see outside through a porthole or a window that doesn't open.

MSC's outside cabins are available to passengers who book Bella and Fantastica packages.

Additionally, if you're traveling with your family or another group, several of MSC Cruises' ships — particularly those in the Meraviglia and Seaside classes — feature space for as many as 10 passengers via a series of connecting rooms. Options are available at the ocean-view and balcony levels.

Balcony cabins on MSC Cruises ships

You might be surprised to discover that most of MSC Cruises' balcony cabins provide less interior square footage than what's available in inside or ocean-view staterooms.

Balcony rooms run anywhere from 129 to 205 square feet, but their key feature is, of course, a private balcony, which does add an extra 32 to 129 square feet, depending on the vessel and specific type of balcony room booked. These cabins are bookable in conjunction with MSC's Bella, Fantastica and Aurea experiences.

Although balcony cabins offer upgraded amenities, including MSC's brand of hand lotion and toiletries, they are largely the same as inside and ocean-view accommodations.

MSC's newest ships — including those in the Meraviglia, Seaside and World Classes — house connecting balcony rooms that can sleep up to 10 in the same group traveling together.

Additionally, on its World Class ships, the line has introduced inward-facing balconies, similar to the ones Royal Caribbean pioneered in 2009 with the debut of its Oasis Class vessels . On World Europa, for example, they overlook the ship's promenade, offering views of the activity below, rather than the ocean.

MSC Cruises suites

All ships in MSC's fleet have suites that can be booked as part of the Fantastica and Aurea packages, but it's Aurea that offers the largest number of perks, as outlined above.

The several types of suites vary by ship in terms of size and amenities. Some come with balconies, while others only offer floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows.

Junior Suites

Although this room type is listed as a suite, it's essentially a balcony cabin with a bit more space — 183 square feet of interior accommodation with a balcony that ranges from 140 to 183 square feet.

Standard suites include rooms with huge balconies larger than the cabin's interior space and ones with private whirlpool tubs. They run from 269 to 355 square feet, with balconies measuring 32 to 409 square feet.

Grand Suites

Coming in between 377 and 420 square feet, with balconies spanning from 32 to 495 square feet, Grand Suites — found on Seaside and World Class ships — come in two types. They include standard one-bedroom Grand Suites, as well as two-bedroom varieties.

The latter has one bedroom with a queen-size bed and another with two twins. It sleeps up to five passengers and offers two bathrooms — one with a shower and the other with a bathtub.

While most suites are designed for double occupancy, some suite accommodations on MSC Bellissima, MSC Grandiosa, MSC Virtuosa and MSC Magnifica can sleep up to five people.

MSC Yacht Club suites on MSC ships

All cabins located in the MSC Yacht Club — an exclusive, gated area on select ships — are called suites, even the smallest and least expensive, which don't have windows or balconies.

Yacht Club suite types range from insides to two-deck duplexes, all of which come with butler and concierge services, luxuriously appointed furnishings (such as real marble finishes, memory foam mattresses and Egyptian cotton sheets) and access to members-only restaurants, bars (alcohol is free there), lounges, pools and sun decks.

The Yacht Club features seven different types of rooms. Ships that have the MSC Yacht Club on board include MSC Bellissima, MSC Divina, MSC Fantasia, MSC Grandiosa, MSC Meraviglia, MSC Preziosa, MSC Seaside, MSC Seascape, MSC Seaview, MSC Seashore, MSC Splendida, MSC Virtuosa and MSC World Europa.

Note: Not all Yacht Clubs have the same suite types available.

MSC Yacht Club Interior Suites

Although these 161- to 226-square-foot cabins don't offer a view or fresh air, they are elegantly decorated and include all the Yacht Club benefits mentioned above.

MSC Yacht Club Deluxe Suites

These Yacht Club digs are the equivalent of a balcony cabin — but in a dedicated area that includes all the exclusive perks. They run 236 to 366 square feet and have balconies ranging from 54 to 86 square feet, so they also come with a bit more space, both inside and outdoors.

MSC Yacht Club Deluxe Grand Suites

Similarly, Deluxe Grand Suites are like the Yacht Club equivalent of booking a Grand Suite with more perks. Depending on the ship, they offer anywhere from 269 to 463 square feet of space, plus 65- to 129-square-foot balconies. Some Grand Suites also have two bedrooms instead of one. Further, these rooms on Seaside Class ships include bathrooms with bathtubs, as well as separate living areas.

MSC Yacht Club Duplex Suites

Rising two decks, MSC's duplex staterooms measure 495 to 635 square feet and come with 65- to 334-square-foot balconies. They feature living rooms with two-person sofa beds downstairs and master bedrooms upstairs, which also sleep two passengers.

Each of these accommodations comes complete with two walk-in closets and two bathrooms — one with a bathtub and one with a shower. Most duplexes on Meraviglia and World Class ships also have their own private whirlpool tubs.

MSC Yacht Club Executive and Family Suites

The line's Executive and Family Suites, available only on Fantasia Class vessels, are an excellent choice for anyone who wants to stay in the Yacht Club with a family or other group of more than two people.

This option, which is one type of suite (despite its confusing name), has space for up to five cruisers via a combination of bunk beds, sofa beds and beds that pull down from the ceiling, depending on the ship. The suites clock in at around 431 to 549 square feet, depending on the vessel.

The only drawback is that these staterooms have no balconies and no in-room dining areas, but they do include all the perks you'd find in Yacht Club cabins.

MSC Yacht Club Royal Suites

Although they only occupy one level, at 388 to 667 square feet, MSC's Yacht Club Royal Suites are right up there with the Duplex Suites in terms of space. They offer the second-largest amount of square footage after the Owner's Suites. They come with huge balconies comprising 355 to 753 square feet of outdoor area.

Additionally, bathrooms in these suites offer bathtubs on Fantasia, Meraviglia, Seaside and World Class ships, and the latter three have private whirlpool tubs, as well. All four classes' Royal Suites also include separate living room areas.

MSC Yacht Club Owner's Suites

The largest and most impressive of all MSC's cabins are the Owner's Suites found in the Yacht Club. Offering an impressive 840 to 1,119 square feet — larger than some land-based apartments — plus 269- to 670-square-foot balconies, they're some of the most luxurious rooms afloat.

Specific amenities vary by ship, but as an example, Owner's Suites on MSC World Europa offer floor-to-ceiling windows and walk-in closets. These accommodations on both the line's Seaside and World Class vessels also feature bathrooms with separate showers and bathtubs, as well as private whirlpool tubs and separate living room areas.

Bottom line

Although MSC Cruises' cabin types are straightforward, the line's add-on experiences can complicate things a bit.

Overall, what's key to remember is that MSC Cruises offers a wide variety of rooms and pricing to meet just about any budget or style of cruising. Each ship will offer accommodation choices from the least expensive, bare-bones interior rooms to the priciest suites, which come with butler and concierge services.

When you sail with MSC Cruises, you can expect function, style and comfort, regardless of the cabin type you book.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A beginners guide to picking a cruise line
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• Top ways cruisers waste money
• The ultimate guide to choosing a cruise ship cabin

Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

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South Shore plans many cruises throughout the year, including some 'land cruises’ averaging about 1 per month. Some of our favorite cruises are to Catalina, the Channel Islands, Alamitos Bay, San Diego, Oktoberfest in Lake Arrowhead and our signature event The Great American Raft Up in Newport Harbor.

Cruise Events:  Whale Watching,  Duffy Day Around Newport Harbor,  San Diego Weekend Cruise,  Kayaking / Paddle boarding,  Catalina Cruise, , Alamitos Bay / Long Beach Cruise,  Dana Point Cruise and Raft Up,  The Great American Raft Up,  Oktoberfest,  Holiday Light Cruise Around Newport Harbor

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South Shore Yacht Club’s Social Committee hosts a 2nd Friday Dinner party every month often with a specific theme. Some of our popular themes have been Gilligan’s Island, Under the Sea, Night in Havana, Pirate Party, Tiki, and Mardi Gras Masquerade. Each year we host 4 signature events: In stallation of our new Commodore with an annual Black Tie event Commodore’s Ball, Opening Day for SSYC, an Endless Summer Beach Party to keep the summer going throughout the year, and a Holiday Boat Parade Party that has one of the best view of the Newport Beach Boat Parade.

Social Events:  Commodore’s Ball,  Opening Day,  Endless Summer Beach Party,  Holiday Boat Parade Party,  Themed Monthly Dinners,

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Live updates: Seven dead in 56m superyacht Bayesian sinking tragedy

Seven people have died in the Bayesian sinking disaster. These include the six missing people who were inside the yacht when it sank, as well as a seventh person who was located shortly after the disaster. The seventh person is understood to be the yacht's chef, Recaldo Thomas. The other six are:

• British tech entrepreneur Mike Lynch, once dubbed 'Britain's Bill Gates'
• Lynch's 18-year-old daughter, Hannah
• Morgan Stanley's chairman, Jonathan Bloomer
• Judy Bloomer, wife of Morgan Stanley chairman
• Chris Morvillo, a lawyer working for London-based law firm Clifford Chance
• Neda Morvillo, an American jewellery designer and Chris' wife

It is understood that the yacht was being used to celebrate Lynch's recent victory in a 13-year £8 billion fraud acquittal.

No one remembers the mast snapping before 56m superyacht Bayesian sunk, says crew

No one recalls seeing the mast snap on board the 56-metre Perini Navi sailing yacht Bayesian which sank off the Italian island of Sicily on 19 August. The eyewitness account of a crewmember on board the vessel, which was obtained by BOAT International , said that the boat was struck by a freak weather event which led to the yacht heeling at around 20 degrees to starboard. As crewmembers were securing items, the heeling angle began to increase rapidly until the yacht started taking on water and sank rapidly.

The crewmembers who were up on deck were able to evacuate the yacht with minor injuries. The yacht is understood to have sunk in just twelve minutes, and it is believed that a "major ingress" of water from the top down would have caused the sinking, according to a captain who wishes to remain anonymous. This is based on the fact that no breaches have been reported in the yacht's hull, and the fact that the yacht should have been able to remain afloat with two flooded compartments.

"Very difficult to understand what could have overwhelmed a vessel of that size" says captain of sistership

The captain of the sistership to the sunken 56-metre Perini Navi sailing yacht Bayesian has said it is "very difficult to understand what could have overwhelmed a vessel of that size" and called the 56-metre Perini Navi series "bulletproof".

David Hutchinson, captain of Rosehearty , said he had taken the yacht around the world multiple times and he had "total faith in the boat".  "We've been to Antarctica and Chile, and we've had her in 70 knots of wind," he says, and the vessel had never put them in a situation that felt unmanageable.

However, Hutchinson noted there were differences between Bayesian and Rosehearty ; notably, Bayesian's  74-metre mast, which would have been heavier and added increased windage. The yacht's layout was also different, with guest accommodation on Bayesian located further forward.

Live updates

• During a news conference on Saturday morning (24 August), prosecutors confirmed they are in the early stages of investigating a "crime hypothesis" of culpable shipwreck and manslaughter. Authorities also said the yacht likely sunk because of a downburst (powerful wind that descends from a thunderstorm), rather than a waterspout.
• A search and rescue for six missing people has concluded. The final missing person is understood to be Hannah Lynch. 
• According to Reuters, six bodies have now been found in the sunken yacht. These include Mike Lynch, a British technology entrepreneur who co-founded Autonomy Corporation and founded Invoke Capital, although Italian authorities have not confirmed this.  
• One person was found immediately after the yacht sunk, and this is understood to be the yacht's chef. 
• Lynch’s wife, Angela Bacares, and a one-year-old are among the fifteen people rescued along with Bayesian' s captain, James Cutfield.
• Another sailing vessel in the area, the 42-metre Sir Robert Baden Powell ,  stepped in to offer assistance in the initial rescue.
• Divers have been able to reach Bayesian' s sunken hull, which lies at 45 metres of depth about half a mile from the coast. The yacht had the largest aluminium masts of any sailing yacht on the water.
• Eyewitnesses in the area reported "hurricane" conditions off the coast but local weather websites did not indicate any severe squall, which suggests that the weather event was not forecast.
• At around 5am local time on 19 August, Bayesian was hit by bad weather and sunk.  The sailing yacht was anchored or idle at the time of the incident.

Built in Italy by renowned builder Perini Navi and delivered in 2008, the yacht's naval architecture was developed by Ron Holland Design while the interior design is by Rémi Tessier . She was formerly known as Salute and was last refitted in 2016. She was listed for sale earlier this year, according to BOATPro . The yacht had accommodation for nine guests and 12 crew.

BOAT International will update the story as it develops.

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Experts puzzle over why Bayesian yacht sank. Was it a 'black swan event'?

The Bayesian set off on a leisurely cruise around Italy's southern coast on a sunny day in late July.

The luxurious super yacht − which boasted one of the largest masts in the world and carried a crew of business moguls, including British tech tycoon Mike Lynch and his family and a chair of Morgan Stanley − set sail from the Amalfi Coast, bound for Sicily.

Less than a month later, the ship had sunk 160 feet under the water , leaving its cook dead and six of its passengers, including at least two Americans, missing and prompting a massive search that has drawn international attention.

Now, experts are trying to piece together why in the early hours Monday the Bayesian was quickly pulled under the waves amid a storm that saw at least one tornado spin up over the water.

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A perfect storm led to Bayesian sinking, experts say

The combination of unlikely factors that could have contributed to the ship's fate constituted a "black swan event," Matthew Schanck, chairman of the Maritime Search and Rescue Council, told USA TODAY.

The Bayesian was well-built: A 2008 product of Italian ship maker Perini, it was constructed in accordance with international maritime standards and commercially certified by the U.K.'s Maritime and Coastguard Agency, according to Schanck.

The bout of bad weather that swept the area when the ship went down was also out of the ordinary in the northern Mediterranean, "which isn't renowned for prolonged, significant stormy weather," he said.

"The fact that those two elements have then resulted in the foundering of a super yacht is pretty extraordinary," Schanck said. "These things don't happen every day."

After the ship sank just before 5 a.m. local time, 15 people, including a 1-year-old, were pulled from the water. Some were rescued from a life raft by the crew of a ship docked nearby.

Ricardo Thomas, the ship's cook and a native of Antigua, was found dead, according to authorities.

As of Tuesday, six people were missing, including Lynch and his 18-year-old daughter. Several missing passengers were involved in Lynch's trial on fraud charges, including Jonathan Bloomer, a Morgan Stanley chair who served as his character witness, and one of Lynch's attorneys. Lynch, accused of fraud after he sold his company to electronics giant Hewlett-Packard, was acquitted of all charges weeks ago.

Who is Mike Lynch? UK entrepreneur among those missing after superyacht sinks off Sicily

Tornado formed over unusually hot water

Storms in the area that night may have whipped up a water spout, a tornado over the water , according to local meteorologists.

It was likely triggered by the water's unusual warmth, said Rick Shema, a certified consulting meteorologist who served in the Navy.

"The water spout was an uncommon occurrence," he said. "But again, these things happen, especially in warmer water."

At 83.7 degrees, water in the area was more than 3 degrees hotter than average on the day the Bayesian sank, likely the result of climate change, Shema said.

"Hurricanes can form at 80 degrees. This was almost four degrees higher than that," he said.

The water spout may have spun up when cooler air dropped from mountainous places nearby onto the hot water, he said. "A water spout is a vortex, basically like a tornado, spinning real fast, sucking up water and moisture as the column rises," he said.

Although water spouts only reach around 120 mph, as compared with tornadoes on land, which can reach up to 300 mph, "you don't need 200 mph to sink a ship," he said.

"Even an average tornado, 120 miles an hour, that's a lot of wind," he said, "which would heel the boat over for sure."

Water spouts spring up suddenly, Shema said. Before they strike, winds can be slow, but "once the water spout comes over, bam, it's on," he said.

Before sunrise, the ship's crew may not have seen the water spout coming. "The visibility was probably a big factor," he said.

With the windows of the yacht opened, as they likely were in the hot weather, the water spout could have triggered water that flooded through the portholes, Shema said, causing the ship to sink.

Tragedy strikes: Scramble to find survivors after Bayesian yacht sinks off Sicily coast

Search continues, but shift to recovery phase approaches

Italian authorities said the Bayesian was probably at anchor when the storm struck, meaning it couldn't maneuver and ride the waves, according to Mitchell Stoller, a captain and maritime expert witness. Other ships in the area that turned on their engines rode out the storm, he said.

"When you're at anchor and you see weather, you start your engine and you put the wind on the bow. You don't let it get on the side," he said.

Schanck said another key question concerns the position of the keel, a heavy weight underneath the boat that acts as a counterbalance to keep it upright, when the ship sank. When lifted, "that's going to affect the stability of the vessel, because, obviously, you've now raised the center of gravity of that vessel," he said.

The Bayesian was floating over 160 feet of water at the time, deep enough that the keel would likely be deployed. But the fact that "the vessel heeled over so heavily makes me question that," Schanck said.

The cause of the disaster may not be known until the ship can be examined in more detail, experts say. Prosecutors in a nearby town have already opened an investigation.

Schanck said investigators will have plenty to work with once the operation moves into a recovery phase.

"The vessel is intact and in good condition on the seabed," he said. "There's a lot of eyewitness accounts from other vessels in the area and the shore."

As the search entered its second day on Tuesday, the rescue effort may shift in that direction soon. "I suspect, later on, today or tomorrow, we'll probably see some mention of a recovery operation being stated," Schanck said.

The decision to would depend on whether rescuers find signs of life in the ship and air pockets or survivable spaces, Schanck said. At this point, survivors on the water's surface looks unlikely. "My professional opinion is that the casualties will be located within the vessel," he said.

"There is a risk versus benefit in all maritime search and rescue incidents," he said. "Where we start transitioning to a recovery phase, that line shifts."

Contributing: Reuters

Cybele Mayes-Osterman is a breaking news reporter for USA Today. Reach her on email at [email protected]. Follow her on X @CybeleMO.

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A Waterspout Was Seen When a Luxury Yacht Sank. What Is It?

Witnesses reported seeing the tornado-like phenomenon hit the Bayesian, a sailing yacht that sank off the coast of Sicily on Monday.

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By Eve Sampson

What caused the sinking on Monday of a sailing yacht carrying the British billionaire Mike Lynch and 21 other people off the coast of Sicily is still unknown. But some attention has focused on observations by witnesses, who described seeing a small tornado-like column known as a waterspout forming over the water during an abrupt and violent storm as the vessel sank.

Fifteen passengers on the 180-foot yacht, the Bayesian, escaped on a raft before being rescued by a neighboring cruise ship. The body of the ship’s cook was recovered on Monday and six people remain unaccounted for , including Mr. Lynch and his daughter Hannah, according to officials with Sicily’s civil protection agency.

Prosecutors in the nearby city of Termini Imerese have opened an inquiry into the cause of the sinking.

Here is what to know about waterspouts, a surprisingly common weather phenomenon that may have helped sink the luxury yacht.

What are waterspouts?

Waterspouts are columns of spinning air and moisture — similar to tornadoes over water, according to the National Weather Service .

While some form in fair weather, and are aptly called fair weather waterspouts, another more dangerous variety called tornadic waterspouts develops downward from a thunderstorm. These tornadic waterspouts can either form as regular tornadoes over land and move out to sea, or form in a storm already over a large body of water, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association .

Fair weather waterspouts are weak, often dissipate quickly and do not cause major damage, according to the agencies, but tornadic waterspouts are more often associated with high winds, dangerous and frequent lightning, and hail. The Italian authorities recorded strong winds and intense lightning activity at the time the yacht went down.

How common are waterspouts?

Experts say waterspouts may be more common than tornadoes, but because oceans are so vast, they are more difficult to track — and as difficult to predict.

“The Mediterranean is possibly one of the places where waterspouts are most likely around the world due to the warm ocean surface and a climate that is very susceptible to thunderstorms throughout the summer and autumn,” according to a statement by Peter Inness, a meteorologist at the University of Reading in the United Kingdom.

Mr. Inness pointed to a 2022 study by scientists from University of Barcelona , which found that waterspouts occurred more frequently over warmer sea surfaces. The North Atlantic ocean has been unusually hot for over a year, repeatedly reaching record highs for the time of year , according to data from the oceanic association.

The International Centre for Waterspout Research on Monday said on X , the platform formerly known as Twitter, that it had confirmed 18 waterspouts near Italy in recent days, and several fishermen in the area of the accident told Italian media that they had witnessed a waterspout near the yacht.

What may have happened?

Karsten Börner, the captain of the nearby boat that rescued the 15 passengers, said in an interview that he saw the Bayesian about 490 feet away before the wind and lightning picked up.

While it was difficult to see what happened amid the storm, “my theory was that she was capsized first and then went down over the stern,” he said.

Towering over 237 feet tall, the Bayesian mast was one of the tallest aluminum masts in the world and it also had a special keel that could be raised or lowered, according to its manufacturer, Perini Navi. A keel is the downward-extending centerline underneath a boat that can help stabilize the vessel.

“In this case, having a tall aluminum mast would not make it the safest port to be in case of a storm,” said Andrea Ratti, associate professor of nautical design and architecture technology the Politecnico di Milano.

He added that “a lot of questions will remain until we have other elements at our disposal.”

Elisabetta Povoledo contributed reporting.

Eve Sampson is a reporter covering international news and a member of the 2024-25 Times Fellowship class, a program for journalists early in their careers. More about Eve Sampson