There’s no doubt that the most sublime way to sail on MSC Cruises’ MSC Divina is with a reservation at the MSC Yacht Club. This ship-within-a-ship affords passengers booked in the ship’s best suites exclusive access to superior shipboard facilities, amenities and service. When you consider everything that is included, such as most drinks, it becomes apparent that the premium price really is a great value.
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The Sophia Loren Suite (Copyright © Jason Leppert)
Top Sail Lounge
Positioned forward, up on the top decks and nestled in between the MSC Yacht Club suites themselves is a handsome double-decker atrium with private concierge desk and library for club guest use. And just ahead of that is the Top Sail Lounge, a luxurious observation lounge and bar exclusive to the club as well.
MSC Yacht Club Atrium (Copyright © Jason Leppert)
The Top Sail Lounge is the most relaxing space on the entire ship with a tranquil setting and breathtaking views of the open ocean at the ship cuts through the waves. The private restaurant is always available for breakfast lunch and dinner, but guests can also choose to enjoy their morning meal here instead.
Top Sail Lounge (Copyright © Jason Leppert)
Afternoon tea is also served at the lounge with tasty finger sandwiches and baked treats set before you on a serving tower and teas brought to the table on a rolling cart by the club’s butlers. Additionally, other drinks are available from the full Top Sail Lounge bar, and entertainment is provided with the tickling of the ivories.
Afternoon Tea (Copyright © Jason Leppert)
The One Pool & Bar
Main cruise ship pools have a tendency to get overcrowded, especially on sea days, so another great feature of the MSC Yacht Club is The One Pool, a private retreat without the hustle and bustle. Plenty of free lounge chairs are available in the quiet zone surrounding the small pool and two hot tubs, and shaded areas help to reduce the sun’s intensity.
The One Pool Deck (Copyright © Jason Leppert)
Just around the corner is The One Bar for drink service poolside as well as breakfast in the morning and snacks throughout the day. Premium services always extend back to the suites as well with butlers on call whenever you need them. Embarkation and disembarkation along with packing and unpacking are even made less stressful with butler assistance.
The One Bar (Copyright © Jason Leppert)
Le Muse
The private MSC Yacht Club restaurant onboard the MSC Divina is Le Muse and features a secluded dining experience perched high above the stern with premium service and food. Club guests can enjoy all three daily meals here at their choosing. Breakfast is certainly a more relaxed experience here than the kinetic buffet below.
Le Muse at Breakfast (Copyright © Jason Leppert)
Similarly, the dinner pace is deliberately slower and perfectly spaced with an opening champagne cocktail followed by delicious gourmet courses paired with fine wines. On one of the ship’s gala or formal evenings, appetizer choices were Escalope of Duck Foie Gras or Rockefeller Oysters, which were quite nice.
Rockefeller Oysters (Copyright © Jason Leppert)
The Roasted Bell Pepper and Mozzarella Soup was a savory interlude before the Cannelloni di Manzo pasta or Risotto alle Pere e Noci. Pastas on MSC Cruises are standouts anyways, but here the cheesy Gorgonzola risotto was exceptional. Entree choices included Rack of Lamb with Fine Herbs or Lobster Tail. Lobster can be hit or miss on ships, but here the broiled crustacean was a sizable portion prepared to perfection.
Lobster Tail (Copyright © Jason Leppert)
If any evening’s choices are not to your taste, daily alternative options are available as well. Such was not the case for dessert, however, as Cherries Jubilee was easily the favorite of all. Nonetheless, other options that night included Baked Alaska, Tiramisu, Torta Caprese or a selection of gelatos and sorbets. Or should you choose, dining can even be arranged in your suite.
Cherries Jubilee (Copyright © Jason Leppert)
Hands down, the MSC Yacht Club is our recommendation for sailing with MSC Cruises on the MSC Divina.
What do you think about the MSC Yacht Club experience? Please feel free to share your thoughts in the comments section below…
HEADER IMAGE SOURCE: JASON LEPPERT