What's Included in MSC Yacht Club

MSC Yacht Club is MSC Cruises’ premium “ship within a ship” experience. It gives guests access to a private area of the ship with exclusive cabins, a dedicated restaurant, Top Sail Lounge, private sundeck, pool area on many ships, 24-hour butler service, concierge service, included drinks, Wi-Fi, and extra perks that are not included with a standard MSC cabin.

For many cruisers, the biggest question is simple: what’s included in MSC Yacht Club, and is it really different from booking a regular balcony or suite? The short answer is yes. MSC Yacht Club includes a much more premium and private experience, while still allowing guests to enjoy the rest of the ship.

This guide breaks down what MSC Yacht Club includes, what may still cost extra, how the drinks and Wi-Fi benefits work, and what you should know before booking.

What is MSC Yacht Club?

MSC Yacht Club is MSC Cruises’ luxury cruising experience. It is often described as a ship within a ship because Yacht Club guests have access to private areas that most guests cannot enter, while still being able to enjoy the main restaurants, bars, entertainment, pools, shops, casino, and activities around the rest of the ship.

The experience is built around privacy, convenience, and service. Instead of only paying for a larger cabin, you are paying for a full set of included benefits. These can include priority boarding, 24-hour butler service, a dedicated concierge, private dining, included drinks, included Wi-Fi, room service, thermal suite access, and exclusive Yacht Club spaces.

MSC Yacht Club is not available on every MSC ship, and the exact layout can vary depending on the ship class. Some ships have larger Yacht Club areas with a private pool, sundeck, restaurant, lounge, and outdoor grill, while others may have a smaller or slightly different setup.

Quick answer: MSC Yacht Club includes a private experience, dedicated service, exclusive venues, drinks, Wi-Fi, room service, thermal suite access, and extra perks that make the cruise feel much more premium.

Quick list: What is included in MSC Yacht Club?

Here is the simple version of what MSC Yacht Club usually includes.

• MSC Yacht Club room accommodations
• Private Yacht Club-only areas
• 24-hour butler service
• 24-hour concierge service
• Priority check-in and check-out
• Priority embarkation and disembarkation
• Private MSC Yacht Club restaurant
• Flexible dining times in the Yacht Club restaurant during opening hours
• Top Sail Lounge access
• Private sundeck and pool area on many ships
• MSC Yacht Club Grill & Bar on select ships
• Premium Extra drink package
• Browse Wi-Fi package
• Complimentary minibar replenished daily
• 24-hour room service
• Fresh fruit basket
• Pillow menu
• Bathrobes and slippers
• Complimentary thermal suite access
• 10% discount on spa treatments purchased onboard
• Access to the rest of the ship’s public venues and entertainment
• Yacht Club benefits at Ocean Cay on eligible itineraries

The exact details can vary by ship, sailing, destination, and current MSC policy, so always check your booking confirmation and the MSC app before sailing.

Are drinks included in MSC Yacht Club?

Yes, drinks are included in MSC Yacht Club. MSC Yacht Club includes the Premium Extra drink package, which is one of the most valuable parts of the experience.

This package can be used in the Yacht Club area and throughout the ship, including many bars, lounges, restaurants, the buffet, main dining rooms, and specialty restaurants. It can also be used at Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve and other exclusive MSC destinations, according to what is available in each venue.

MSC currently lists the Premium Extra package as covering beverages up to a set menu price limit. This usually includes a wide range of cocktails, wine, beer, liquor, specialty coffee, bottled water, soft drinks, juices, mocktails, and other non-alcoholic drinks.

There is one important rule to know: MSC applies a daily limit of 15 alcoholic beverages per guest. This limit applies both inside and outside the Yacht Club area.

MSC Yacht Club drink tip: The drink package is not just for the Yacht Club lounge. It follows you around most of the ship, which makes this one of the biggest Yacht Club benefits.

Is the minibar included in MSC Yacht Club?

Yes, MSC Yacht Club cabins include a complimentary minibar that is replenished daily. This is another perk that makes the cabin feel more premium than a standard MSC stateroom.

The minibar may include items such as bottled water, soda, juices, iced tea, and beer. The exact selection can vary, so do not expect every ship or sailing to have the exact same minibar setup.

One helpful detail is that MSC says alcoholic beverages from the Yacht Club minibar do not count against the daily 15 alcoholic drink limit because they are not part of the beverage package.

Is Wi-Fi included in MSC Yacht Club?

Yes, Wi-Fi is included in MSC Yacht Club. Yacht Club guests receive the Browse internet package with unlimited data for two devices per person for the length of the cruise.

The Browse package is designed for basic internet use such as browsing websites, checking email, sending messages, and using apps like WhatsApp. If you want to stream video, video chat, or use heavier internet features, you may need to upgrade to the Browse and Stream package for an additional fee.

This is an important distinction. Wi-Fi is included in MSC Yacht Club, but the included package is not always the highest-level streaming package.

Is butler service included in MSC Yacht Club?

Yes, 24-hour butler service is included in MSC Yacht Club. This is one of the main things that separates Yacht Club from a regular MSC cabins.

Your butler can help with many parts of the cruise experience, depending on the ship and situation. This may include escorting you to the Top Sail Lounge on embarkation day, helping with luggage, assisting with room service, answering questions, helping with special requests, and making the experience feel more personal.

Butler service is especially helpful on embarkation day, port days, and anytime you need help navigating the Yacht Club experience. It is not about having someone constantly around you. It is about having a dedicated service team available when you need them.

Is concierge service included in MSC Yacht Club?

Yes, MSC Yacht Club includes a dedicated concierge team. The concierge is one of the most useful benefits because it gives Yacht Club guests a private place to ask questions and get help without always needing to visit the main guest services desk.

The concierge can help with reservations, onboard questions, billing questions, excursion information, special requests, and general cruise planning. This can save a lot of time, especially on larger MSC ships where the main guest services area can get busy.

For many guests, the concierge is one of those perks that becomes more valuable once you are onboard. It makes the cruise feel easier.

Is priority boarding included in MSC Yacht Club?

Yes, priority boarding is included in MSC Yacht Club. MSC Yacht Club guests receive a more premium embarkation experience, including a dedicated check-in area where available and escort service onto the ship.

This can make embarkation day much smoother. Instead of starting your cruise in a long terminal line, Yacht Club guests usually have a more relaxed check-in process and are escorted to the Top Sail Lounge or Yacht Club area once onboard.

Yacht Club guests also receive priority check-out and priority service for certain port-day situations, depending on the ship and itinerary.

MSC Yacht Club embarkation tip: One of the best first-day perks is starting your cruise in the Top Sail Lounge instead of waiting around the terminal or wandering the ship with your carry-on bags.

What private areas are included in MSC Yacht Club?

MSC Yacht Club guests have access to private Yacht Club-only areas. The exact spaces depend on the ship, but the core idea is the same: you get a quieter, more exclusive area of the ship while still having access to everything else onboard.

Common MSC Yacht Club private areas include the Top Sail Lounge, Yacht Club restaurant, concierge area, private sundeck, pool area, hot tubs, and outdoor grill or bar on select ships.

These spaces are usually located toward the front of the ship, which gives the Yacht Club a more tucked-away feel. It is one of the reasons people call it a ship within a ship.

Is the Top Sail Lounge included?

Yes, the Top Sail Lounge is included for MSC Yacht Club guests. This is one of the main private venues in Yacht Club and often becomes the center of the experience.

The Top Sail Lounge usually offers comfortable seating, ocean views, drinks, snacks, light bites, afternoon tea service on some ships, and evening live music. It is a great place to relax before dinner, have a drink, read, work, or meet other people in a quieter setting.

One of the best things about the Top Sail Lounge is that it gives you a calm place to go at almost any point during the day. On a busy ship, that can be a huge benefit.

Is the MSC Yacht Club restaurant included?

Yes, the MSC Yacht Club restaurant is included for Yacht Club guests. This is one of the biggest benefits of booking Yacht Club.

Instead of using only the main dining room, Yacht Club guests have a private restaurant with a more premium atmosphere and flexible dining during restaurant opening hours. This means you do not have to follow the same traditional set dining structure as many other guests.

The Yacht Club restaurant is especially valuable at dinner because it gives you a quieter, more elevated dining experience without needing to pay for specialty dining every night.

Menus can vary by ship and itinerary, but the Yacht Club restaurant is generally one of the strongest parts of the overall Yacht Club experience.

Is room service included in MSC Yacht Club?

Yes, 24-hour room service is included in MSC Yacht Club. This is a useful perk if you want breakfast in your cabin, a snack, a quiet meal, or something delivered later in the evening.

Room service is especially nice in Yacht Club because the private experience is part of what you are paying for. If you have a balcony or larger suite, having food or drinks delivered can make the cabin feel much more comfortable.

As always, menus and availability can vary, so check the room service menu in your cabin once onboard.

Is the private sundeck and pool included?

On many MSC ships with Yacht Club, guests have access to a private sundeck and pool area. This can include loungers, hot tubs, a bar, pool service, towels, and a quieter outdoor space away from the busiest public pool decks.

This is one of the most valuable Yacht Club perks on warm-weather itineraries. Public pool decks can get crowded on sea days, so having a private sundeck can completely change the feel of the cruise.

Not every ship has the exact same Yacht Club outdoor setup. Some ships have a larger sundeck and pool area, while others may have a more limited layout. Before booking, it is worth checking the specific ship if the private pool area is important to you.

Is thermal suite access included in MSC Yacht Club?

Yes, MSC Yacht Club includes complimentary access to the thermal suite in the MSC Aurea Spa. This can be a great perk if you enjoy spa-style relaxation.

The thermal suite may include features like saunas, steam rooms, relaxation areas, heated loungers, whirlpools, or other thermal experiences, depending on the ship.

Spa treatments themselves are not automatically included. However, Yacht Club guests usually receive a discount on spa treatments purchased onboard.

Are specialty restaurants included in MSC Yacht Club?

Specialty restaurants are not usually fully included just because you are staying in MSC Yacht Club. Yacht Club guests have access to the private Yacht Club restaurant, which is included, but specialty restaurants around the ship are generally an extra cost unless you purchased or received a dining package or promotion.

That said, Yacht Club guests may receive priority reservation assistance or help from the concierge when booking specialty dining. If you want to try restaurants like Butcher’s Cut, Kaito, HOLA! Tacos, or other specialty venues, check pricing and availability on your ship.

For many guests, the Yacht Club restaurant is strong enough that specialty dining becomes optional rather than necessary.

Are shows and entertainment included in MSC Yacht Club?

Yes, Yacht Club guests can enjoy the ship’s regular entertainment, just like other MSC guests. This may include theater shows, live music, parties, activities, sports areas, pools, and other onboard entertainment depending on the ship.

MSC also notes that Yacht Club guests may receive priority access or premium seating for certain entertainment experiences. Details can vary by ship and show, so check with the concierge once onboard.

The important thing to know is that Yacht Club does not isolate you from the rest of the ship. You can enjoy the private Yacht Club areas when you want quiet, then leave the Yacht Club area when you want nightlife, shows, casino, shopping, or a more active atmosphere.

Are kids allowed in MSC Yacht Club?

Yes, MSC Yacht Club is family-friendly. Children and infants can stay in Yacht Club when booked in a Yacht Club cabin with their family.

This makes Yacht Club a strong option for families who want more space, a quieter dining experience, easier service, included drinks, and a private pool or sundeck area on ships where available.

Families should remember that Yacht Club is still a premium, quieter area. It can work very well for kids, but it may feel different from the more active public family areas around the ship.

Is Ocean Cay included for Yacht Club guests?

Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve is one of the best places to experience the value of MSC Yacht Club. On eligible itineraries, Yacht Club guests have access to Ocean House Beach, which is the private Yacht Club beach area at Ocean Cay.

Yacht Club guests can also use Ocean House Restaurant and Bar, and MSC says complimentary beverages are served to Yacht Club guests at Ocean House Restaurant and Ocean House Beach.

This article is focused on the general MSC Yacht Club experience, so I wrote a separate full guide here: Ocean Cay for Yacht Club Guests

What is not included in MSC Yacht Club?

MSC Yacht Club includes a lot, but it is not the same as saying every single thing on the ship is free. There are still extra costs to know about.

• Hotel Service Charges or gratuities
• Specialty dining, unless included through a package or promotion
• Spa treatments
• Salon services
• Casino spending
• Shopping
• Photos
• Medical services
• Laundry
• Excursions
• Private cabanas at Ocean Cay, depending on availability and policy
• Browse and Stream Wi-Fi upgrade
• Certain premium drinks above the package limit
• Some exclusive experiences or classes
• Items from paid venues or shops

The biggest surprise for some guests is the Hotel Service Charge. Yacht Club includes butler and concierge service, but MSC’s Hotel Service Charges still apply based on your itinerary unless they were prepaid or included in your specific booking.

Is MSC Yacht Club all inclusive?

MSC Yacht Club feels close to all inclusive compared with a standard MSC cabin, but it is better to call it a premium inclusive experience rather than fully all inclusive.

Your cabin, private areas, Yacht Club restaurant, Top Sail Lounge, butler service, concierge service, Premium Extra drinks, Browse Wi-Fi, minibar, room service, and thermal suite access are included. But you can still pay extra for things like specialty dining, excursions, spa treatments, casino, shopping, photos, and some upgraded services.

If you want the most included version of MSC Cruises, Yacht Club is the closest option. Just do not assume it covers every single onboard charge.

Simple way to think about it: MSC Yacht Club includes most of what you need for a premium cruise experience, but not every optional extra on the ship.

Is MSC Yacht Club worth it?

MSC Yacht Club can absolutely be worth it if you value privacy, service, included drinks, included Wi-Fi, a quieter dining experience, and access to exclusive areas. The value is especially noticeable on larger ships, busy sailings, warm-weather cruises, and itineraries that include Ocean Cay.

Yacht Club is probably most worth it for guests who want a more relaxing cruise without giving up the entertainment and variety of a large ship. You can enjoy the quiet Yacht Club spaces during the day, then go out into the rest of the ship for shows, bars, casino, shopping, and activities.

It may not be worth it if you plan to spend very little time in the Yacht Club areas, do not drink much, do not care about Wi-Fi, or are happy with the standard MSC dining and pool experience.

Who should book MSC Yacht Club?

MSC Yacht Club is a good fit for cruisers who want the convenience of a luxury experience while still sailing on a large mainstream cruise ship.

• Guests who want a quieter cruise experience
• Couples celebrating a special occasion
• Families who want more comfort and service
• Cruisers who value included drinks and Wi-Fi
• Guests who dislike crowded pool decks
• Guests who want priority boarding and easier service
• People who want private dining without booking specialty restaurants every night
• MSC cruisers visiting Ocean Cay
• Travelers who want a private experience without moving to a small luxury cruise line

The best part of Yacht Club is the flexibility. You can spend most of your time in the private Yacht Club area, or you can use it as a quiet home base while enjoying the rest of the ship.

MSC Yacht Club tips before you book

Before booking MSC Yacht Club, check the specific ship. Yacht Club layouts and amenities can vary a lot across the fleet. Some ships have larger Yacht Club areas, better outdoor spaces, and more impressive lounges than others.

You should also compare the total cost against what you would otherwise spend on a drink package, Wi-Fi, specialty dining, spa access, and a better cabin. Sometimes Yacht Club looks expensive upfront, but the included benefits can make the difference smaller than it first appears.

If Ocean Cay is on your itinerary, factor that in too. The private Yacht Club beach and restaurant at Ocean Cay can make the upgrade feel much more valuable.

1. Check whether your ship has MSC Yacht Club.
2. Look at the exact Yacht Club layout on your ship.
3. Compare the price against a balcony or Aurea suite plus drinks and Wi-Fi.
4. Think about how much you will use the private areas.
5. Check whether Ocean Cay is on your itinerary.
6. Confirm what is included in your booking before final payment.
7. Ask about promotions that may change the value.

Final thoughts: What’s included in MSC Yacht Club?

MSC Yacht Club includes a lot more than just a nicer cabin. You get a private ship within a ship experience with exclusive areas, priority boarding, 24-hour butler service, concierge service, private dining, Top Sail Lounge access, included drinks, Wi-Fi, room service, minibar, thermal suite access, and private sundeck access on many ships.

It is not completely all inclusive because things like gratuities, excursions, specialty dining, spa treatments, shopping, casino, and photos can still cost extra. But compared with a standard MSC cabin, Yacht Club includes many of the upgrades people usually pay for separately.

If you want MSC’s most premium cruise experience, MSC Yacht Club is the option to look at first. It gives you the privacy and service of a luxury experience while still letting you enjoy the restaurants, shows, pools, bars, and activities of a large MSC cruise ship.

MSC Yacht Club Included FAQ

What is included in MSC Yacht Club?

MSC Yacht Club includes a Yacht Club cabin, private Yacht Club areas, 24-hour butler service, concierge service, priority check-in and check-out, private dining, Top Sail Lounge access, Premium Extra drinks, Browse Wi-Fi, minibar, room service, thermal suite access, and private sundeck or pool access on many ships.

Are drinks included in MSC Yacht Club?

Yes. MSC Yacht Club includes the Premium Extra drink package. This can be used in the Yacht Club and throughout much of the ship, subject to package rules and venue availability.

Is there a drink limit in MSC Yacht Club?

Yes. MSC applies a daily limit of 15 alcoholic beverages per guest with the Premium Extra package. This applies both inside and outside the Yacht Club area.

Is Wi-Fi included in MSC Yacht Club?

Yes. MSC Yacht Club includes the Browse Wi-Fi package with unlimited data for two devices per person for the length of the cruise. Guests can usually upgrade to Browse and Stream for an extra charge.

Is room service included in MSC Yacht Club?

Yes. MSC Yacht Club includes 24-hour room service. Menu options and availability can vary by ship and sailing.

Is the minibar included in MSC Yacht Club?

Yes. MSC Yacht Club cabins include a complimentary minibar that is replenished daily. The exact selection can vary.

Is specialty dining included in MSC Yacht Club?

Usually no. Yacht Club guests have access to the private Yacht Club restaurant, but specialty restaurants around the ship generally cost extra unless included in a separate package or promotion.

Is the thermal suite included in MSC Yacht Club?

Yes. MSC Yacht Club includes complimentary access to the thermal suite in the MSC Aurea Spa. Spa treatments are usually extra.

Are gratuities included in MSC Yacht Club?

Not usually. MSC’s Hotel Service Charges still apply based on itinerary unless they were prepaid or included in your specific booking.

Is Ocean Cay included for MSC Yacht Club guests?

On Ocean Cay itineraries, MSC Yacht Club guests have access to Ocean House Beach and Ocean House Restaurant. For a full guide, read: Ocean Cay for Yacht Club Guests

Is MSC Yacht Club worth it?

MSC Yacht Club is worth it for many guests who value privacy, included drinks, Wi-Fi, priority service, private dining, and quieter spaces. It is especially valuable on larger ships, busy sailings, and itineraries that include Ocean Cay.