There was only one possible conclusion – this man could read my mind. I hadn’t ordered a starter, despite eyeing up a Caesar salad on the menu, yet here one now was placed in front of me. My theory was confirmed when a small plate of petit fours also arrived for dessert. The restaurant waiter grinned. “I thought you might like these”. He was right.

Of course, it wasn’t telepathy. This intuitive, personalised service is what guests can come to expect as standard when cruising with MSC Yacht Club – an exclusive area found onboard MSC Cruises ships. Although the concept first launched in 2008, MSC Yacht Club has remained one of the best kept secrets of luxury cruising, making it the perfect setting for a TTG Luxury Journey.

Along with five agents, I was sailing onboard MSC Seaview on a seven-night voyage around the Mediterranean, with stops exploring some of Italy and Spain’s most sought-after destinations. Hosting this world-first MSC Yacht Club fam was head of trade support Claire Smith and regional sales manager Danielle Weller, ensuring the agents made the most of their time within this secluded haven, where round-the-clock butler service, free-flowing champagne and gourmet gastronomy become second nature. 

Foodie thoughts 

As an all-inclusive experience, this comes complete with premium drinks and foodie indulgences which were a highlight for the agents – particularly MSC Yacht Club's restaurant specialising in refined gourmet dining. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner with an a la carte menu that changes daily, agents shared many memorable meals. “The menu was created with the itinerary in mind, so it had lots of Mediterranean flair,” shared Emma Norman, travel consultant at Club Voyages. “My favourite meal of the week was the lasagne – it was honestly the best I’ve tasted.”

Lobster tail and a very special tiramisu were some other stand-out dishes for the group. Foodie Hayley Markham, a manager at Holidays by Design Brigg, particularly noticed its high-quality flavours. “It’s been a running joke how much I’ve been going on about the butter, but when I asked about it, they told me it’s a specific butter the owners wanted onboard the ship, so it’s that level of detail that goes into every single meal.”

Knowledgable waiters also provide food and wine recommendations tailored to guests' tastes, often bringing out extra dishes to sample. “I loved that they sometimes brought out a few extra starters for us to share, just enough for everyone to taste and not miss out, without being excessive or wasteful,” said Vivian Brummitt, founder of Holidays by Vivian. 

Guests can also access a private sundeck, adding in a more laid-back dining experience too, with the poolside bar and grill dishing up breakfast and lunch in premium buffet style. Becky Griffiths, company director at All About Travel, was in her element. “This is my kind of dining. I love sitting around the pool and not having to change to eat. There were lots of freshly-made food choices too – burgers, carved meats, lobster pasta – which you wouldn’t usually find in this type of setting.” 

The uncrowded sundeck boasts plenty of padded sunbeds with parasols and soft navy towels, private cabanas ($35 supplement), plus a pool and two jacuzzis. “The DJ for a few hours on sea days really gave it a great beach club vibe,” Griffiths added.

For Markham, this area is a major attraction. “To me, this is a huge USP of MSC Yacht Club, as you never get this kind of space on a standard cruise,” she said. “The pool and hot tubs were never crowded, and the service here was just as outstanding as the rest of the experience.”

Suite treats

There are 86 suites within MSC Yacht Club on MSC Seaview, ranging from Interior Suites to the opulent Royal Suites – complete with dining area and whirlpool. Each agent was assigned a Deluxe Suite with a large double bed, TV, daily replenished minibar and a furnished sea-view balcony.

For first-time cruiser Norman, enjoying  sunset views from her balcony was a highlight, whereas seasoned cruisers among the group were impressed with the suites' generous size: Designer Travel's Sarah Knight said it was the largest cabin she’d ever stayed in, while Markham was delighted with the two spacious wardrobes.

Brummitt added: “I loved the bigger and luxurious bathroom complete with divine MSC Med products, the plush bathrobe, slippers and the fluffy towels. 

With housekeeping service twice a day, guests always return to immaculate rooms, with special touches including a small glass box filled daily with delicate sweet treats – from macarons to cantucci – plus a small Venchi chocolate placed on the bedside table. Yacht Club members also benefit from having a premium bottle of their chosen drink – including $50 champagne – delivered directly to their suite.

Brilliant butlers

Exclusive service is the at the heart the MSC Yacht Club experience. Each suite is assigned a personal butler, available 24 hours a day for any needs, with Norman awarding it the ultimate five-star service: “My butler Nata was on hand from the moment I boarded. Nothing was too much trouble and I honestly didn’t lift a finger all week. They all seemed to take great care in learning everyone’s names, favourite drinks and what our itineraries were so I felt that every conversation was personal to me. My drink would often be prepared before I’d even sat down.”

There's also a Yacht Club director, who ensures an exceptional level of service. On this occasion, it was Murat Goksel Sengal. “Murat made sure we were well looked after.” added Emma. "He organised extra treats such as sangria on the sundeck and would always join us for a toast in the evening to make sure we’d all enjoyed our day.”

Brummitt also expressed the immediate reassurance she felt from the moment of boarding: “The seamless check-in and how the butler escorts you around to familiarise you with things saved me so much time and stress. It truly makes you feel like your time is valued and that someone is looking out for you.”

A night to remember

The Top Sail Lounge – MSC Yacht Club’s spacious bar and lounge area – became a frequent meeting spot for agents. Comfy sofas and bar stools, private corners and sweeping sea views made it the perfect spot for a morning coffee or pre-dinner champagne, plus an array of elegant canapes are constantly available (mini pastries, wasabi crisps, arancini); an evening pianist added another layer of sophistication.

It was also the venue for the exclusive Gala Night cocktail party. The glammed-up agents were greeted by beaming butlers, also dressed in their finery: “I loved how the team were fully prepared for our arrival, with champagne and canapes elegantly presented,” said Brummitt. “It’s luxurious – but never excessive, so you never feel out of place.”

Not only is the evening special for customers, but also a celebration for the MSC crew, with everyone from the chefs and butlers to the ship’s captain getting a moment in the spotlight. “We had a lovely speech from the captain,” Norman recalled. “It was a great opportunity to have a cheer with all of the Yacht Club staff, thanking them for a fantastic week.”

Best of both worlds 

When the group could tear themselves away, they ventured out onto the main ship. We dined at a couple of specialty restaurants, including a Mexican feast at Hola! Tacos and Cantina, and Teppanyaki, which added to its entertainment levels with singing chefs. Claire also arranged a special wine tasting session, with agents sampling a range from Italian chardonnay to Argentinian malbec.

MSC Yacht Club privileges extend beyond its private areas, with unlimited access to the ship’s Aurea thermal spa too. With multiple thermal rooms and jacuzzis, the extensive facilities were a surprise to Markham: “I personally don’t feel I have sold the spa properly to clients before, as I never thought it would be so large. It’s a great asset to the ship and of course a huge benefit to Yacht Club guests.”

The educational behind-the-scenes tours were another surprise for agents, providing fascinating insight into how the entire ship operates, from the kitchen galley to the bridge. Brummitt was especially enlightened by a talk from the MSC engineers. “I was genuinely impressed to learn that MSC generates over 80% of its freshwater from seawater,” she commented, also stating how this would appeal to her environmentally-conscious customers.

MSC Seaview also offers a variety of activities that will be loved by families, from the multi-slide waterpark to a dual zip line and two-lane bowling alley. During the evenings, themed nights and events are held across the ship, including the famous White Night party that takes over the glitzy four-deck atrium, the ship’s central hub. 

Show lovers are also spoiled for choice with endless productions throughout the week. Yacht Club guests can be escorted by their butler to exclusive seating in the theatre – no need to reserve seats in advance.

Going ashore 

The MSC Yacht Club benefits even extend to land, with exclusive excursions in small groups with private transfers. The agents joined the ‘Glamour and Beauty in Sophia Loren’s Florence’ tour – fitting, with the famed Italian actress being the godmother for several MSC vessels.

Local guide Antonella met us for an early morning transfer from La Spezia to Florence, sharing the story of the city as the birthplace of the Renaissance en route. The agents then explored the UNESCO-listed centre, passing historic piazzas, sculptures and churches, with the spectacular 13th-century cathedral in Piazza del Duomo as the grand finale.

The tour also included a modern twist at Gucci Garden, with its immersive fashion exhibitions, followed by an all-inclusive pizza and antipasti feast at the Sophia Loren restaurant, owned by the Hollywood icon herself.

“Antonella was engaging, knowledgeable and passionate, she brought the city’s history and art to life in such a captivating way,” Vivian enthused. “And the pacing was excellent with the tour feeling truly curated, not rushed.”

Another itinerary highlight was a visit to Rome – this time on a self-guided excursion with guidance from Claire. Agents had several leisurely hours to explore the city on foot, seeking out its most sought-after sights, including the Pantheon, the Trevi Fountain and the Colosseum, stopping for pasta to refuel for lunch, before catching the return transfer. 

A happy haven

Despite thrilling destinations and fun-filled activities around the main ship, for the agents, nothing compared to the feeling of returning to their Yacht Club haven. “I loved that you have the whole of the ship to explore and you can take part in everything else on the ship, but then can return to your calm oasis of luxury,” explained Griffiths. 

Admitting reservations before the trip due to the size of the main ship, Knight said she is now a MSC Yacht Club convert. “Having sailed on a number of luxury but smaller cruise lines, I didn’t think it would reach the standards I would expect or my clients would expect, but it has surpassed them.”

Markham agreed, and is now pricing up a trip for her own family. “Prior to this trip, I have been fortunate enough to stay in some luxury hotels around the world but the level of service I received in MSC Yacht Club was on another level,” she said. “It wasn’t stuffy or pretentious, and the level of detail shone through in every way imaginable.”

As a regular cruise seller, she added: “I’m very confident that this would sell to many of our clients and not just the ones I had a perception of prior to going. I think it would be popular with many families too, as well as younger clients looking for that exclusive, luxury experience."

Reflecting on the success of MSC’s first ever Yacht Club fam, Smith shared: “This has been a fantastic trip with an incredible group of agents. It’s important for our agents to experience MSC Yacht Club so they can be immersed in those finer touches and little experiences that they just wouldn’t be able to understand from our online brochure, website or trade platform. We don’t usually allow agent visits inside the MSC Yacht Club, as we want to keep it exclusive, so the fact that they have been able to come onboard, experience the product and have first-hand knowledge which they can now explain to customers is really special.”