msc yacht club vs aurea

What is the MSC Yacht Club? Take a look at MSC Cruises’ luxury suite area

MSC Cruises sails nearly two dozen beautiful ships from home ports around the world, but their inviting sun decks can be crowded, and you're likely to encounter queues for dinner, shows and guest services.

The trick to creating a more luxurious experience on this big-ship cruise line is to book a stay in the line's Yacht Club. This upscale enclave within MSC Cruises ' larger ships offers guests more spacious accommodations, butler service and dedicated restaurants and lounges — even coffee delivered to your room each morning, just the way you like it.

Because of the Yacht Club , MSC can offer an inviting experience for cruisers who like big-ship cruising but crave more elevated accommodations, dining and amenities. MSC Cruises was one of the first lines to introduce this ship-within-a-ship concept, along with Norwegian Cruise Line . Now other popular cruise lines, such as Royal Caribbean , also have adopted it.

The Yacht Club section on several of MSC Cruises' ships offers gated access to semi-private dining, butler service and more, but it comes at a price. Find out how much you can expect to pay and what you'll get for your money.

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What are the MSC Yacht Club perks?

All stays in the Yacht Club include priority check-in and checkout; priority disembarkation and boarding on shore excursions days; free premium alcohol and Wi-Fi packages; a bathrobe and slippers; complimentary access to the Aurea Spa thermal suite; 24-hour concierge and butler services (dining and spa reservations, unpacking and repacking, morning coffee delivery, etc.); a free daily in-cabin newspaper of your choice, delivered; and the ability to change your cruise one time without penalty.

Yacht Club cruisers are also entitled to discounts of 10% on spa treatments, 20% on specialty dining packages and 40% on spa packages.

In addition, passengers booked in the Yacht Club have access to their own dedicated bar, lounge and restaurant, as well as a semi-private outdoor bar, pool and hot tubs, all on an exclusive sun deck. When ships dock at the line's private island, Ocean Cay Marine Reserve , Yacht Club passengers have private beach and restaurant access .

In their cabins, Yacht Club cruisers will find a pillow menu, memory foam mattresses, high-quality linens, bathrooms with marble floors, a specialty coffee maker, complimentary open minibar access, one gratis bottle of spirits (choose from a list of available options), free one-time snacks, 24-hour room service and nightly turn-down chocolates from Venchi, an Italian chocolatier that partners with the cruise line.

Which MSC cruise ships have the Yacht Club?

Thirteen ships in the MSC Cruises fleet have the Yacht Club on board:

• MSC Bellissima
• MSC Euribia
• MSC Fantasia
• MSC Grandiosa
• MSC Meraviglia
• MSC Preziosa
• MSC Seascape.
• MSC Seashore.
• MSC Seaside
• MSC Seaview
• MSC Splendida
• MSC Virtuosa
• MSC World Europa

Upcoming vessel MSC World America (2025) also will have the Yacht Club.

The largest Yacht Club in the fleet is on MSC World Europa, offering 152 suites. The second-largest is found on the line's two Seaside EVO Class ships, MSC Seashore and MSC Seascape, which each have 131 suites.

MSC Yacht Club cabins

All accommodations in the Yacht Club are labeled as suites, even though they comprise some standard cabin types. The specific stateroom types offered will vary by ship, but in general, they range from windowless interior cabins and deluxe balcony rooms to Executive and Royal Suites with more space, walk-in closets and bathrooms with both showers and bathtubs.

New to the fleet with the line's World Class are 1,600-square-foot Owner Suites, which include multi-room layouts, walk-in closets, bathtubs and balconies, each with a whirlpool and alfresco dining area.

Also new are Duplex Suites, offering two decks of space, with the bedroom and bathroom upstairs and a dining area, living room and guest bath downstairs. These also include two private sun decks with loungers, one of which boasts a whirlpool.

How much does it cost to stay in the MSC Yacht Club?

As you might expect, the cost to stay in the Yacht Club depends on several factors, including cabin type, the length of the sailing and where you're going and when. However, in line with the rest of the brand's pricing, a stay in the Yacht Club is an excellent value when you compare it to stays in other lines' dedicated suite areas or to luxury cruise prices.

I priced out several sailings departing over the next two years on some of the line's newest and largest ships. This is what was available at press time. (Note: MSC Cruises' website will only allow me to choose a general Yacht Club designation when booking. That means a guaranteed suite within the Yacht Club, but you won't know what type it is until closer to sailing.)

• 7-night Caribbean and Bahamas cruise on MSC Seascape: $6,538 (including taxes) for two adults, round trip from Miami, March 16-23, 2024
• 11-night Bermuda, Canada and New England cruise on MSC Meraviglia: $9,958 (including taxes) for two adults, round trip from Brooklyn, New York, Sept. 25-Oct. 6, 2024
• 7-night Mediterranean cruise on MSC World Europa: $5,118 (including taxes) for two adults, round trip from Barcelona, May 2-9, 2025
• 7-night Mediterranean on MSC Divina: $5,858 (including taxes) for two adults, round trip from Kusadasi, Turkey, June 5-12, 2025

Check out the MSC Cruises website to learn more about the MSC Yacht Club .

Have more cruise questions? TPG has answers:

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• Man overboard: Why do people fall off cruise ships?
• What is baked Alaska, and why is it paraded around cruise ships?
• What are the largest cruise ships in the world?
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• What is a lido deck on a cruise ship?
• What's a cruise cabin guarantee and will it save you money?
• What's the difference between a cruise concierge and a butler?

• MSC Cruises

Yacht Club vs Aurea

By xxHadleyxx , April 29, 2016 in MSC Cruises

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Our family currently has a bigger, corner, Aurea suite booked for two adults and a 17 year old on Splendida (10007)

An upgrade to a deluxe yacht club suite has been offered for 300€ more (7 night cruise).

In trying to understand the pros and cons (we are new to MSC, here is what I think they are--PLEASE experienced MSCers, let me know if any of the below is not accurate)

In the Aurea Experience the teen cannot use the reserved sun deck with us. In the yacht club he can join us on the pool deck, in the lounge and in the restaurant. (PRO YC)

In Aurea drinks can be ordered at all the venues we can go to--at the bars near trivia games, etc In YC drinks have to be ordered only in the YC areas (how about at meals if we choose to dine elsewhere? Can we dine elsewhere?) (PRO Aurea)

Aurea includes a massage per adult, YC does not include any massages (PRO Aurea)

Yacht Club includes major pampering and that is for all of us (including the teen). (PRO YC----I'd love to hear more about this from people that have actually done it)

Looking at YC perks--it talks about the butler collecting laundry to have done--is the cost of the laundry included in YC service? Or do you still pay for that at the same rate as in other levels?

Any other big differences I am missing?

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There is no comparison. The Yacht Club experience is vastly better experience. There is so much space in the YC. The service is great and the food in the restaurants and in the lounge are amazing. Having your own pool space cannot be understated. If you can handle the additional cost, I would jump at the chance of staying in the YC.

I have only done the YC and the experience is fabulous. It's true you can get your included drinks only in the YC. Some people get an 18 drink book of tickets to use when not in the YC but I just carry my drink and buy if I want another one from outside of the YC. Don't forget you have a minibar in your room stocked with whatever you like, beer, snacks, alcohol, water, soda.

You have Le Muse restaurant where you can also get drinks during meals. It's the dedicated YC restaurant.

I think you will have access to the thermal spa.... not positive. I do the spa but not the thermals.

Laundry you will still pay for, you put it out and your butler will collect it and return it to you.

Best part about the YC is you have access to the entire ship but it's nice to know you can always escape back up top to always find a chair by the pool, have the best view from Top Sail Lounge and snacks and drinks are almost always available.....

We are soon to be taking our first MSC trip. We are booked in Yacht Club for a voyage this August, and our package includes free massages (one per adult). I do not think laundry is free, but I could be wrong on that.

Things may be different depending on which package you book, but here is what is included in our package:

MSC Yacht Club: 24 Hour Butler Service, Dedicated Concierge, Private Check-in, Private Pool & More!

MSC Yacht Club Included Amenities:

Free 24-hour butler service

Experience round-the-clock butler service in the MSC Yacht Club. Butlers are there to meet your every desire, from making dinner reservations, packing &unpacking, and even shopping for you.

Free dedicated concierge

Whatever you may need is always just a call or step away. With your own concierge, you will never have to wait long.

Free priority check-in

Sit and relax during check-in instead of waiting in a long line where you can enjoy a cocktail and assorted hors d’oeuvres in the private &exclusive reception area.

Free private lounge, pool, and bar

The pool is hardly ever crowded since it’s dedicated to just the select few staying in the MSC Yacht Club. Enjoy all the features including the free snacks, bar service and even hot tubs.

50% off all fitness classes &personal trainer

Stay in shape with yoga, pilates, aqua cycling, and spinning, or have a personal training session in our state of the art gym with panoramic views.

Free Master Chef and language classes for kids

Kids (ages 3-11) can attend a free cooking course hosted by the Pastry Chef or learn basic sentences in 6 different languages in the mini club. Both classes occur twice a week and all participants receive a chef certificate or school certificate depending on what course is taken.

MSC Yacht Club: Free Unlimited Drink Package!

Free Unlimited drinks in the MSC Yacht Club

All-inclusive beverages are available in the MSC Yacht Club, including specialty coffee, wine, beer, cocktails, soft drinks and ice cream/gelato. Some premium alcohol included, please refer to the bar menu provided by the MSC Yacht Club.

MSC Yacht Club: Free Spa Service & Private Spa Access!

Free spa service

Relax with a free 60 min. massage per person, up to 2 per stateroom, access to the sauna &steam room for the duration of your cruise, consultation with spa doctor, and welcome cocktail.

Private access to the MSC Aurea Spa

Receive your own private access to the MSC Aurea Spa, which means you arrive and leave relaxed and rejuvenated.

MSC Yacht Club: Free Private Dining in Dedicated Gourmet Restaurant!

Free private dining at dedicated restaurant

Start and end your day in a nice relaxed atmosphere with table service in your own private gourmet restaurant. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Thanks everybody. The more we researched the more wesaw people loving the YC experience, so we went ahead and booked it.

I like the idea of getting a coupon book for those times we are not in the YC and want a drink.

And DWhit thanks for posting that I have not seen that exact list but am crossing my fingers that we get those massages//interesting.

Can you please elaborate on booking different packages for the Yacht club. I was under the impression that the Yacht club does not include free massages.

Receive your own private access to the MSC Aurea Spa, which means you arrive and leave relaxed and rejuvenated

Just had a look at the online brochure in the UK which only shows the massage option under the Aurea experience.

To check things out, I just looked at the on-line TA site to see what is currently being offered, and the Spa package with massages is still being offered, but the OBC is no longer there. Also the MSC website does not show massages. I hope the TA got it correct and we will get the massages, but who knows?

I think your TA got it wrong unless they are paying for one for you

And although I am not generally a massage type guy, I am looking forward to this one, so I am keeping my fingers crossed.

I am hoping for the latter. We've used this TA on most all of our cruises with no complaints yet. So I tend to believe it when they tell me I will be getting something.   And although I am not generally a massage type guy, I am looking forward to this one, so I am keeping my fingers crossed.

So if this is what your TA gave you and you payed your deposit already thru them then I would reconfirm with the TA that you noticed free massage was not part of the deal and confirm that they have set one up for you on their dime - don't wait til you get on the boat as the boat can't do anything for you over a promise your TA made

We are leaving on Saturday aboard Divina. We have booked the Aurea Suite Experience. Cabin 10007. This looks like a fantastic 2 room cabin with balcony.

We opted for the Aurea as the options as the Yacht club just didn't appeal to us. I know I wouldn't use a butler or the concierge. Just not our thing. We had one on RCL when we got married...they loved us because we never called them.

The Aurea has everything we were looking for. We are also traveling with our 10 year old son. I would prefer him at the "community pool" ...LOL as he likes to splash about. We don't really use the spa so the free massage is probably all we would do. Aside from maybe a pedicure.

I love the unlimited drinks anywhere. I don't see the sense in buying drink coupon book when you are already spending so much. They should really include it in Yacht Club.

My husband and I would use the private sundeck while kiddo is in the kids club or on the slide.

We also were able to transfer our Elite Status on Celebrity to Black on MSC. That also gives some nice perks.

Here are the benefits of Aurea:

Balcony Staterooms and Suites

Plus FREE ($600 value)- includes FANTASTICA Experience plus:

Free UNLIMITED drinks*

Free "My Choice Dining"

Free spa package with a spa welcome cocktail, one massage of your choice from the spa menu, tanning shower, private wellness consultation and free access to the Thermal Area throughout the cruise (available only for adults)

Complimentary set of well-being products

Private sundeck access

Priority boarding

* The drink package refers to Allegrissimo or More For Less Classic depending on cruise destination. (Starting Summer 2017 the Allegrissimo package will be re-named the All-Inclusive Restaurant & Bar Drink Package & the More-For-Less Classic will be renamed the All-Inclusive Classic Drink Package).

Dolebludger

The biggest advantage of the YC for us is how uncrowded it always is. Also, super priority boarding is included, including a separate entrance/exit point you can use if you wish to go ashore during the cruise. The food is better in the YC, and seating is open as to time and table. We were on the YC on the Divinia. We also took a cruise on the Poesia which does not have a YC. Back then, MSC didn't offer Aurea class, and the other classes (all were like "Bella"). We found the Poesia to be less crowded than other lines in MSC's price class, but still too many crowds and lines for us. When we cruise MSC in the future, it will always be in the YD.

Cruise lines offer a multitude of deals prior to sailing depending on how the ship is filling up, so if you have an offer just be sure to take the proof on board & you should not have any problem. Its amazing how many different offers their are.

• 4 weeks later...

Its my first trip with MSC upcoming, so I really do not know much about it. I typically shop on a large on-line travel agency, and that is who I am booked with for this cruise. I've had the booking for several months already. In my previous post, I just cut and pasted the language from my TA's itinerary to show the various amenities that came with the package I purchased from the TA. It also came with a good bit of OBC as well.   To check things out, I just looked at the on-line TA site to see what is currently being offered, and the Spa package with massages is still being offered, but the OBC is no longer there. Also the MSC website does not show massages. I hope the TA got it correct and we will get the massages, but who knows?

Believe what you read not what your told, your t/a is only human & can make mistakes. Just off y.c class & no free massages for y/c unless your t/a is paying & t/a don`t make a lot from selling a cruise.

When we cruised MSC in the Yacht club, unlimited drinks were included in the private Yacht club lounge, and open seating (as to time and table) was offered in the Yacht Club restaurant. And I believe it is still that way. To me, this and the lack of lines and crowds makes it worth it to me. The YC experience is just like a lux line like Regent or Silversea, except room service is a bit sparse. But for half the cost of a lux line, I'll take it!

BermudaBound2014

It's likely that the free massage was an offer between MSC and your big box agency. Offering incentives to large profit generators is common practice in the industry. If, by chance, the TA did mess up, it is highly likely they will still honor your offer. Probably best to get it straightened out land side to avoid any frustration on-board. Have fun!!

• 8 months later...

NYHartChapp

We are soon to be taking our first MSC trip. We are booked in Yacht Club for a voyage this August, and our package includes free massages (one per adult). I do not think laundry is free, but I could be wrong on that.   Things may be different depending on which package you book, but here is what is included in our package:   MSC Yacht Club: 24 Hour Butler Service, Dedicated Concierge, Private Check-in, Private Pool & More! MSC Yacht Club Included Amenities: Free 24-hour butler service Experience round-the-clock butler service in the MSC Yacht Club. Butlers are there to meet your every desire, from making dinner reservations, packing &unpacking, and even shopping for you. Free dedicated concierge Whatever you may need is always just a call or step away. With your own concierge, you will never have to wait long. Free priority check-in Sit and relax during check-in instead of waiting in a long line where you can enjoy a cocktail and assorted hors d’oeuvres in the private &exclusive reception area. Free private lounge, pool, and bar The pool is hardly ever crowded since it’s dedicated to just the select few staying in the MSC Yacht Club. Enjoy all the features including the free snacks, bar service and even hot tubs. 50% off all fitness classes &personal trainer Stay in shape with yoga, pilates, aqua cycling, and spinning, or have a personal training session in our state of the art gym with panoramic views. Free Master Chef and language classes for kids Kids (ages 3-11) can attend a free cooking course hosted by the Pastry Chef or learn basic sentences in 6 different languages in the mini club. Both classes occur twice a week and all participants receive a chef certificate or school certificate depending on what course is taken.   MSC Yacht Club: Free Unlimited Drink Package! MSC Yacht Club Included Amenities: Free Unlimited drinks in the MSC Yacht Club All-inclusive beverages are available in the MSC Yacht Club, including specialty coffee, wine, beer, cocktails, soft drinks and ice cream/gelato. Some premium alcohol included, please refer to the bar menu provided by the MSC Yacht Club.   MSC Yacht Club: Free Spa Service & Private Spa Access! MSC Yacht Club Included Amenities:   Free spa service Relax with a free 60 min. massage per person, up to 2 per stateroom, access to the sauna &steam room for the duration of your cruise, consultation with spa doctor, and welcome cocktail. Private access to the MSC Aurea Spa Receive your own private access to the MSC Aurea Spa, which means you arrive and leave relaxed and rejuvenated.   MSC Yacht Club: Free Private Dining in Dedicated Gourmet Restaurant! MSC Yacht Club Included Amenities:   Free private dining at dedicated restaurant Start and end your day in a nice relaxed atmosphere with table service in your own private gourmet restaurant. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Thanks so much! Very helpful.

We are frequent cruisers but have been on MSC only once (Divina). Upgraded to Yacht Club at a very reasonable price and LOVED LOVED LOVED it .

We didn't ask for anything from our butler or concierge. But the butlers were all over the Yacht Club. Especially accommodating everywhere particularly the Top Sail Lounge where we spent most of our time.

We brought drinks from the Yacht Club to wherever we went on the ship. But we hardly ever left the Yacht Club LOL.

My concerns were about the dining arrangements if not in Yacht Club. The dining rooms look very very crowded. And we like to sit alone at a table for 2. I don't know how readily available they are. Also don't want to eat at assigned time. I don't know how well that "Anytime Dining" really works.

The private dining room in Yacht club was fabulous! Always a table for two with great ocean views 3 meals/day. Menu changed every day. Personal service by the same staff every day. Very few tables occupied at breakfast and lunch. Bottles of wine were opened every lunch and dinner changing at every meal.

Of course the private deck and pool and outside bar were fabulous too.

The crowds throughout the rest of the boat concerned me.

I totally agree with the above post. The MSC ships that have a YC are their large ones, and lines and crowds in the main parts of the ship get very intense. After all, MSC is a mass market line, though one of the better ones IMO. Just speaking for us, we won't go on any mass market line unless we book in the YC or something identical.

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Cruise Tips For Families & Single Cruisers

Things to Know Before You Cruise

Choosing Your Msc Experience: Bella, Fantastica, Or Aurea?

When it comes to planning a cruise, choosing the right experience can make all the difference in creating a memorable and enjoyable vacation. MSC Cruises offers three distinct experiences for guests to choose from: Bella, Fantastica, and Aurea. Each package comes with its own set of benefits, prices, and upgrades, so it’s important to know what you’re getting into before making a decision.

As someone who values their freedom and wants to make the most of their vacation, it’s important to consider all the options and benefits before choosing an MSC experience. In this article, we’ll explore the differences between Bella, Fantastica, and Aurea, and help you make an informed decision about which experience is right for you.

From exclusive access to the spa and sundeck to loyalty points and upgrading options, we’ll cover all the information you need to know to choose the perfect MSC experience for your next cruise.

So, let’s dive in and explore what each experience has to offer!

• MSC Cruises offers three experiences: Bella, Fantastica, and Aurea, each with different benefits and prices.
• Bella is the standard package with no extra cost, while Fantastica is an upgrade with benefits like a cabin in a better location and more flexible booking terms.
• Aurea is MSC Cruises’ top package with exclusive access to areas of the ship, priority boarding, and discounted spa treatments, but some perks have been removed since 2022.
• Guests should carefully consider their circumstances and the cost before upgrading to Fantastica or Aurea, as loyalty points are earned regardless of the experience chosen.

Experiences Offered

I learned that MSC Cruises offers three experiences: Bella, Fantastica, and Aurea. Each experience has different benefits and prices. To help guests choose the right experience, MSC provides a comparison chart on their website. This chart outlines the differences between the experiences, including accommodation locations, dining options, and additional perks.

When choosing the right experience, guests should consider their budget, the length of their cruise, and their desired level of luxury. The Bella experience is perfect for those who want a standard cruise package with no extra cost. The Fantastica experience offers an upgrade for an extra cost with benefits like a better cabin location and more flexible booking terms. The Aurea experience is MSC Cruises’ top package, which includes access to exclusive areas of the ship and discounted spa treatments.

With these options, guests can choose the experience that best suits their needs and preferences.

Benefits of Bella

Accommodation in the Bella experience includes cabins in less-desirable areas of the ship, but guests still have access to all of the ship’s amenities. This means that despite the lower cost, guests can still enjoy the pools, gym, sports facilities, and kids club at no extra charge. However, it’s important to note that the cabin locations may not be ideal for everyone, as they are often on lower decks or near the engine room.

In terms of dining options, guests in the Bella experience can dine in the buffet or main dining rooms, with no option to choose their preferred dining time. While the food and drink offered are still of high quality, guests who prioritize flexibility and choice in their dining experience may want to consider upgrading to the Fantastica or Aurea experiences.

Overall, the Bella experience is a great option for guests who want to enjoy a cruise without breaking the bank, but don’t necessarily need all the additional perks and amenities offered in the higher tier experiences.

Benefits of Fantastica

Upgrading to the Fantastica experience may be worth it for guests who want first choice of dinner sittings, as this upgrade allows for more flexibility and convenience during meal times. With the Fantastica upgrade, guests can choose their preferred dining time and enjoy the convenience of a reserved table in the main dining room. This is especially beneficial for families with young children or those who prefer to dine at a specific time.

In addition to dining flexibility, the Fantastica experience also offers the convenience of choosing your own cabin and more choice of where to book your room. This means that guests can select a cabin in a better location, such as one with a view or closer to the amenities they plan to use the most. The table below outlines some of the key differences between the Bella and Fantastica experiences to help guests decide which option is best for them.

Benefits of Aurea

The top package offered by MSC Cruises is the Aurea experience, which provides guests with exclusive access to areas of the ship and priority boarding. Here are some of the perks that come with this package:

Spa access: Aurea guests have access to the Thermal Area of the spa throughout their cruise. They also receive discounts on spa treatments, making it a great option for those looking to indulge in some relaxation and pampering.

Exclusive sundeck: Guests staying in Balcony cabins or Suites can enjoy an exclusive sundeck that is reserved only for Aurea guests. It’s a great place to soak up some sun and enjoy some peace and quiet away from the crowds.

Price comparison: While the Aurea experience comes at an extra cost, guests can compare prices of cruises from all travel agents and have them beat the best-price guarantee. This makes it easier to get the best deal and enjoy the perks of the Aurea experience.

Loyalty perks: Guests can also earn loyalty points regardless of the experience they choose. These points can be used to get discounts and other perks on future cruises, making it a great option for those who plan on cruising with MSC again in the future.

Upgrading Options

Honestly, I was hesitant to consider upgrading my cruise package, but after learning about the exclusive sundeck and discounted spa treatments that come with the Aurea experience, I can’t imagine not taking advantage of these luxurious perks.

Upgrading to the Aurea experience may be worth the extra cost for those who want to indulge in the finer things during their cruise. The private sundeck and Thermal Area of the spa are exclusive to Aurea guests and provide a serene and relaxing space to escape the crowds. Additionally, the discounted spa treatments allow for an even more indulgent experience, making the Aurea package a great option for those looking for a truly luxurious escape.

Of course, before upgrading, it’s important to consider the cost comparison and loyalty program benefits. The price to upgrade from Bella to Aurea varies depending on the cabin type and can change over time, so it’s important to do some research and compare prices before making a decision.

However, it’s worth noting that loyalty points are earned regardless of the experience chosen, which can lead to discounts and perks on future cruises.

Overall, the Aurea experience offers unique benefits that can make for an even more enjoyable and indulgent cruise experience.

Considerations Before Upgrading

Before making a decision on which cruise package to select, I need to carefully consider my budget and desired level of luxury. The cost benefit analysis must be done before upgrading from the Bella to the Fantastica or Aurea package.

While the Fantastica package offers benefits like a better cabin location and flexible booking terms, the perks have been reduced since 2022. Upgrading to Aurea may be worth it for guests who want access to an exclusive sundeck and flexible dining times, but the package no longer includes free Easy drink and Wellbeing packages. Instead, guests receive a welcome package with prosecco and chocolates in their room on departure day, a 20% discount on a prepaid specialty dining package, and a 40% discount on a dedicated spa prepaid package or a 10% discount on any other spa treatments.

It is important to note that loyalty points are earned regardless of the experience chosen. However, the price of upgraded experiences is payable per person and usually only applies to adults in the cabin. Thus, guests should consider their circumstances and the cost before upgrading to Fantastica or Aurea.

Ultimately, it’s essential to weigh the benefits and drawbacks of each package and determine which one best fits individual preferences and budgets.

Other Information and tips

When considering a cruise with MSC, it’s important to know that loyalty points can be earned regardless of which experience package is chosen. This means that even if you opt for the Bella experience, you can still earn points towards future cruises.

Additionally, guests can compare prices from all travel agents and have them beat the best-price guarantee, which ensures that you get the best deal possible for your chosen experience.

If you’re wondering why MSC Cruises are cheaper than other cruise lines, the founder of Cruise Tips recommends reading her article on the topic. However, it’s important to note that while MSC may offer cheaper prices, they have also reduced some of the perks of their Fantastica and Aurea packages since 2022.

So, while upgrading to a higher experience package may offer some benefits, it’s crucial to consider your circumstances and the cost before making a decision.

MSC Yacht Club and Loyalty Points

Now that you know about the other information and tips related to MSC Cruises, let me tell you about the MSC Yacht Club and loyalty points.

The MSC Yacht Club is an exclusive area of the ship that offers a luxurious experience for guests. It includes a private lounge, restaurant, and pool area, as well as a dedicated butler service. The MSC Yacht Club is only available on select ships and is ideal for guests who want an upscale experience.

In addition to the MSC Yacht Club, guests can also earn loyalty points through the MSC Voyagers Club. These points can be used to receive discounts and perks on future cruises, such as cabin upgrades, onboard credit, and free drinks. The more points you earn, the more benefits you can receive. It’s a great way to save money and enjoy additional perks on your next MSC cruise.

So, if you’re planning on taking multiple MSC cruises in the future, be sure to sign up for the MSC Voyagers Club and start earning loyalty points today.

What is the minimum age requirement for accessing the spa and private sundeck in the Aurea experience?

To access the spa and private sundeck in the Aurea experience, guests must be at least 16 years old. This minimum age requirement ensures a more luxurious and relaxing atmosphere for adults, providing them with an exclusive space to unwind and escape.

Are there any additional fees or charges associated with the upgraded experiences?

There are additional charges for upgrading from Bella to Fantastica or Aurea, which vary depending on cabin type and can change over time. However, the benefits and perks of each experience may make the upgrade costs worth it for some guests.

Can guests in Bella experience choose their own dining time or location?

Back in the day, Bella guests couldn’t choose their dining time or location. But now, customized dining and room location are available options for Bella guests at no extra cost. Enjoy the freedom to make your vacation your own.

Are there any restrictions on the use of leisure facilities for guests in the upgraded experiences?

Leisure facility access limitations vary depending on the upgraded experience perks. For example, Aurea guests have access to an exclusive sundeck and spa, but children are not allowed. Guests should consider their preferences before upgrading.

What other special treatments or perks are offered in the MSC Yacht Club?

The MSC Yacht Club offers exclusive perks like a private lounge, pool, and butler service. Compared to other cruise line upgrades, it’s more affordable and luxurious. It’s worth considering for those who want a VIP experience at a reasonable price.

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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!

• Erica Lamberg

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MSC Bella, Fantastica or Aurea: full comparison! (I tried them all)

February 16, 2024

Hello everyone, and welcome back to my blog. If you don’t know me, I’m Leo , and I’m an Italian cruise lover. I specify that because it means I’ve traveled many times with MSC (which is an Italian company, even if it’s based in Switzerland).

Today we talk about the different experiences offered by MSC: Bella , Fantastica , and Aurea . I will explain the differences and tell you which one I prefer.

Table of Contents

What is the Bella experience on MSC?

Let’s start with Bella. It’s the basic treatment offered by the company and includes:

• A fully equipped cabin
• A high-quality buffet open 20 hours a day
• Broadway-style theater shows, a different one every night
• Outdoor pools and sports facilities (power walking track, basketball…)
• Fully equipped gym
• Entertainment activities for adults, teenagers, and children
• Choice of dinner time
• Cruise change for a fee
• MSC Voyagers Club points

You can have access to but at an additional cost :

• Breakfast in the cabin
• 24-hour room service
• Access to a private solarium
• Special events for children

I’ve traveled with the Bella experience twice. I think it’s quite a nice option; most of the services are included except room service, which I honestly never use on a cruise. The only big problem for me is that you cannot choose the cabin number , but it will be automatically assigned.

If you’ve read one of my “cabins to avoid” articles, you should know how picky I am with cabins. I hate cabins with connecting doors, cabins at the very front or the very back of the ship…in short, I like to choose my cabin. That’s why, with all my other cruises with MSC, I’ve opted for the Fantastica experience that we will see in a minute.

What is the Fantastica experience on MSC?

The Fantastica experience is the middle choice. Perfect if you want to have some special benefits without paying too much. Things that are included with Fantastica are:

• Choice of the cabin number
• 1 free cruise change (under certain conditions)
• Breakfast in the cabin (complimentary)
• 24-hour Room Service (with a delivery fee)
• 50% discount on fitness classes (e.g., yoga)
• Recreational activities for children
• Priority in choosing dinner time
• Option to book a “Super Family” cabin for the whole family (5+ people)

As you may have guessed, the most important thing that differentiates it from the previous experience is the choice of cabin number. If it is important to you, choose MSC Fantastica; otherwise, I recommend you stay with MSC Bella.

The other benefits, at least to me, don’t matter so much. Maybe only the free cruise change can be interesting, but you must still rebook within a certain time frame . Regarding the room service, I think the standard cruise rooms are too small for eating in the cabin.

What is included in the MSC Aurea experience?

MSC Aurea is very different from the previous ones. It’s the experience you must choose if you want to book a suite, and is designed for those seeking a vacation dedicated to wellness and relaxation .

It includes all the benefits of the previous experiences plus:

• Free access to the exclusive solarium to enjoy the sun in complete tranquility.
• Wellness package including: a massage of your choice, sun shower, welcome cocktail, personalized wellness consultation, access to the wellness area.
• Relaxation amenities in every cabin (bathrobe and slippers).
• Priority boarding and luggage service (only on the day of boarding).
• Maximum flexibility in booking ( according to terms and conditions ).
• Flexible dinner time in the dedicated area of the restaurant.

I’ve traveled with the Aurea experience only once because I wanted to book a suite. It was nice, but nothing special really. If you want a totally different experience with 24-hour concierge and butler, you have to choose the MSC Yacht Club cabins.

My personal opinion is that, considering the benefits and the price, the best experience is Fantastica. Then obviously, it changes based on personal needs.

Comparison table

I have prepared a comparison table to help you choose between the three MSC experiences!

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MSC YACHT CLUB

Step into the MSC Yacht Club, an exclusive private sanctuary. 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.

Step into the MSC Yacht Club, an exclusive private sanctuary available to you on MSC Cruises. 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

MSC Seaside Cruise Review

I f you are looking for a good value for your money (and who isn’t these day?), then I’d recommend taking a look at MSC. On our recent fall cruise on the MSC Seaside, we found the Seaside to be clean, with nice open public spaces, and a gracious crew. The value of the cruise to the money we spent was fantastic, and this was the weighty factor in our choosing this ship and line.

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links, at no cost to you.

Table of Contents

How to get to port canaveral cruise port, hilton orlando buena vista palace – disney springs area, wyndham grand orlando resort bonnet creek, cabana bay resort, booking your cruise on msc seaside.

Bella, Fantastica and Aurea Experiences: What are the Differences & Perks

Stateroom Perks and Features

All suites on msc seaside come with aurea experience perks, pre/post cruise option orlando theme parks.

The ship is home-ported in Port Canaveral, Florida. Port Canaveral is easily reached by flights into Orlando International airport, Orlando Sanford International, and even Jacksonville International airport. However, out of the three, Orlando is the easiest, both in terms of the number of daily flights, and ease of airport navigation.

My suggestion, especially if arriving through either Orlando International or Orlando Sanford International is to add a day to the front end and a day to the back end of your MSC Seaside cruise and explore the area. There is so much to do in Orlando, and certainly don’t discount Port Canaveral – it has a lot as well, including Kennnedy Space Center. Once you’ve arrived, you can either rent a car , or hire a car service to take you to the port on the day of embarkation.

Where to Stay If I Arrive Early

There are so many options here! You can stay in Orlando, and there are several hotels we like in this area. If you want to arrive a few days prior to your cruise and visit the theme parks – Disney or Universal, you can stay at one of the park-affiliated hotels. If visiting Disney, and staying in one of the affiliated hotels, you will get complimentary transportation to and from the resort and the park.

Hotel Options for Pre/Post MSC Seaside Cruise Stay for Disney World

I don’t know about you, but I hate having to pay for parking….especially at theme parks! So whenever we visit Disney or Universal, we try to stay at one of the theme park recommended hotels that offer shuttle service.

The Hilton Orlando Buena Vista Palace is located within the Disney World Resort and provides FREE theme park transfer service, making it one of our top choices for a theme park resort stay. Another plus is that it is connected to the Disney Springs dining and entertainment complex, which is one of my favorite places to visit.

The guest rooms have flat-screen TVs, small refrigerators (a nice perk!) and good bed linens. It is part of the Hilton brand, so if you are a frequent traveler and part of their reward program, you may get better pricing and/or perks. Amenities include on-site parking, breakfast, two pools, 4 restaurants, wifi throughout, fitness center, bar, and a golf course nearby.

The Wyndham Grand Orlando Resort Bonnet Creek is another hotel within the Disney resort group, and offers a FREE shuttle to the Disney parks. This hotel offers five swimming pools, they are pet friendly (Zach loves staying at the Wyndham!), two restaurants, and a spa. Perched on Lake Buena Vista with gorgeous tropical foliage, this hotel is amazing!

The rooms have flat-screen TVs, iPod docking stations, refrigerators, robes and spa amenities in each room. The spa is perfect for getting relaxed from all the park activities before you leave for your cruise. It offers both inside and outside treatment rooms, and a nail salon. There is also a fitness room and lagoon style resort pool. We’ve stayed at the Wyndham, though it has been several years, and one of our top reasons for choosing this hotel is that they are pet friendly, IF you are not visiting prior to a cruise departure, you’ll be really pleased with the dog-friendly option .

Hotel Options for Pre/Post MSC Seaside Cruise Stay for Universal Orlando

At Cabana Bay Resort not only do you get COMPLIMENTARY shuttle service to the parks, you also get EARLY PARK ADMISSION to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter & Volcano Bay water park an hour before the park officially opens, making this resort one of the best choices for a pre-cruise stay. All the rooms at the resort feature flat-screen TVs, and other amenities include on-site parking, six restaurants, two pools, coffee shop (I love hotels and resorts that offer this – I don’t function without my early morning cup of coffee!) and wifi throughout the resort.

10 Quick Facts About the MSC Seaside

• The Seaside debuted in 2017, and was considered the 14th largest ship in the world
• The Yacht Club provides more than other ship’s VIP sections. On the Seaside, the exclusive Yacht Club area is extremely large, covering 5 decks! In addition to the perks listed above, the private Yacht Club offers a themed restaurant, private theater, private pool and a private bowling alley!
• The ship does not offer a quantity of dining experiences; however they are laser focused on the quality of the food that they serve.
• The entertainment is high quality; one of the things we love about this ship is that the shows were all broadway quality.
• There are nine bars and lounges onboard the Seaside, so there are plenty of options for sipping.
• There are four pool, four water slides, three hot tubs.
• The spa is phenomenal, and I loved the hydro therapy pool and heated ceramic beds
• MSC puts a high priority on kids , so there are kids clubs for all ages, including teens, and a fun waterpark that will keep them entertained.
• Dress onboard is casual during the day and business casual in the evenings.
• They designed the ship for maximum passenger flow, meaning that there are shorter wait times for the elevators, even during the high traffic times.

What To Not to Take on a Cruise

First time cruisers, and even some seasoned travelers struggle with what to take on a cruise. Here is a list of things you don’t need to take on your MSC cruise:

• Coffee maker/electric kettle
• Beach towels
• Candles / Incense
• Expensive jewelry
• Too many clothes/shoes
• Power strip / Extension cord

What should you bring with you on your cruise:

• A lanyard to keep your cruise card
• Backpack / Beach bag
• Cash for tips (PRO TIP: Prepay for your gratuities)
• Cross body purse (women)
• Waterproof phone case
• Rain poncho

Cruising on MSC Seaside – What to Know & How to Plan

We were pleasantly surprised by our MSC cruise , especially the cost to value. MSC is a relative newcomer to the North American cruising market, having entered into the US market in 2017. It has undergone many changes during this time, and now, in my humble opinion, with the options it brings it is quickly becoming a major competitor for Carnival, Royal Caribbean and even Celebrity.

Prior to my booking our MSC cruise on the Seaside , I did extensive research, reading countless reviews across a myriad number of publications. The reviews were mixed, but there was one strand running through them all – MSC has a few quirks and snags that are still being worked through in the North American market. That said, in our experience, having taken two MSC cruises in 2023 they are working out their quirks.

The booking process is a multi-step and multi-stage process. First you choose where you want to cruise to; then your departure port option(s); in the US these departure ports are New York, Miami, Port Canaveral (Orlando), and debuting in 2025 will be Galveston. Once you choose your departure port, then you will choose your departure date, a selection of all the ports that encompass the destination will show, click on the port you want, and then a selection of dates will show, along with the length of the cruise, and the beginning price, along with the ship.

The next stage is to select the cruise you want, with the itinerary you want. Once you do that, a screen pops up that reads “Choose Your Cruise Offer.” We choose the Best Value because it includes a drink package, and it is still quite affordable. Once you’ve chosen your cruise offer, the window brings you the total cost of the cruise, without any upgrades. When you click “Next” you’ll be taken to a screen that reads “Select Your Stateroom Category.”

Choose your category, you’ll see the new total for the cruise, click “Next.” Now you choose your cruise experience – Bella, Fantastic, or Aurea. We prefer the Aurea experience, because of some of the perks like Anytime Dining that are included. Then you get to choose your stateroom (in both the Bella and Fantasia experiences, you will be assigned a stateroom). Finally the last few steps involve inputting your personal information, and voilá you’ve booked your cruise! The booking process is not hard nor complicated, but there are a lot of steps to the final “I’ve booked my cruise stage.”

Bella, Fantastica and Aurea Experiences : What are the Differences & Perks

MSC’s cabins are attached to bookable “experiences,” which are Bella, Fantastica, Aurea and MSC Yacht Club. Each of these experiences offers a list of amenities and multiple cabin types.

The Bella Experience is the most basic of all and includes all the standard amenities, including line-branded toiletries, free buffet and main dining room meals, and most entertainment. Fantastica adds a few perks, such as free breakfast delivery to the cabin and the chance to request preferred dinner sitting in the main dining room.

Passengers who book the MSC Seaside Aurea Experience will get the most spacious cabins, along with privileges such as priority embarkation and disembarkation; prosecco and chocolate on arrival; free 24-hour room service, and free access to the Top Exclusive Solarium, anytime dining, and other perks.

The MSC Yacht Club is the highest cabin category, and it really is an all-inclusive luxury experience! This experience offers access to the accommodations via key card. The experience also includes dining in a private restaurant just for the Yacht Club, a private sundeck and pool, and an exclusive lounge with food and drinks, 24-hour butler service, free access to the spa’s thermal suite, and luggage packing/unpacking services.

Now that your cruise day is finally here, and you are set to depart, so what can you expect onboard your MSC Seaside cruise?

MSC Seaside Cabins

The standard cabin sizes on the MSC Seaside are, by industry standards, average. They all have two twin beds that can be pushed together for a king. Every cabin includes a couch, small nightstands, hair dryer, desk with chair, and a minibar (you will pay for these items), a spacious closet with sliding doors, flat-screen TV that is interactive with the MSC for Me app, on-demand movies (again for a fee), news channels, and cruise information channel.

The lights are turned on with your cruise card, and near the door are two switches to let your cabin steward know the room needed to be made up – this was confusing, because the lights are outside your door in the hall, so we had to double check we had hit the correct button.

A major plus for us was the number of outlets, including USB outlets. We each had six individual electronics – our phones, smart watches, and kindles, and we were able to plug all of them in.

The bathrooms are small compared to other cruise lines that we cruised on. The counter area is small, but there is a lot of shelf space. The toiletries are shampoo and shower gel. We were disappointed there was no body lotion; especially on a Bahamas cruise where you want the lotion after a day in the ocean.

Interior:  MSC Seaside interior cabins come in two different categories – Deluxe and Premium. All sleep up to five guests and range from 151 to 301 square feet. Instead of a sofa, these rooms have a chair.

Ocean View:  The ship’s outside cabins are all located on Deck 5 and come in at 183 square feet each.

Balcony:  Non-suite balcony staterooms on MSC Seaside range in size between 172 and 183 square feet (not including balconies). Deluxe balcony cabins have a 54-square-foot balcony with two upright chairs and a small drinks table; Deluxe Balcony Aurea rooms are all on Deck 9 and feature 97-square-foot balconies, two loungers, and a chair and table. Some cabins in this category also have showers with bathtubs.

Junior Suite:  These units offer 183 square feet of indoor space plus a 172-square-foot balcony that has two loungers and a drinks table. Junior Suites can only be booked with the Aurea experience.

Deluxe Suite Aurea:  Located on decks 9 to 15, these entry-level suites offer 215 square feet of indoor space, plus 86 square feet of outdoor space.

Premium Suite Aurea:  The most basic Premium Suite on MSC Seaside comes in between 280 and 344 square feet and features large balconies ranging in size from 97 to 151 square feet. Units with terraces are slightly larger at 301 square feet; the highlight is the massive 409-square-foot outdoor space.

Premium Suites with private on-balcony whirlpools are 301 square feet apiece. In addition to large balconies (75 square feet) with upright seating and a small drinks table, they also include a sitting area with sofa, a small glass table and a walk-in closet.

Grand Suites:  They range from 377 to 527 square feet with up to 183-square-foot balconies that hold several upright chairs and a couple of drinks tables. Each also offers an indoor dining table with chairs, a sofa and small glass table, and a walk-in closet.

These suites feature either one or two bedrooms, plus two bathrooms, including one with a tub.

Dining Onboard the Seaside

There are two main dining rooms on MSC’s Seaside, Seashore and Ipanema, and they are identical. You will be assigned to one of these two dining rooms. If you book in the Aurea experience, then you will be assigned a dining room, but you can dine anytime at the assigned restaurant during the open hours. Our first night onboard we were seated in a very private and intimate table by a window, and that is where we dined each evening. It was pleasant, and we felt as if we were on a date every night! You were not rushed to finish dinner, so we lingered and savored our meals and wine.

The food was tasty and well prepared, however the menu is not large. If red meat is not on the menu and you would like a steak, they will offer it, but it will be with an uncharge for the Linz heritage beef. The portions were not large, which appealed to Jim and I as we don’t like large portions, we prefer to order an appetizer, a salad or soup, our entree, and finish with dessert. The waitstaff was always smiling, pleasant and knowledgeable about the dishes.

The other dining venues on the Seaside included two buffet options, The Marketplace Buffet on Deck 8 (open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner) and the Biscayne Bay Buffet on Deck 16 (open for Breakfast & lunch), and both offer almost the same cuisine. We found that Biscayne Bay was noisy, because of so many families. We preferred the Marketplace. One standout item that MSC does well is their pizza. It is, in my opinion, the very best pizza I have eaten on any ship. Do not miss trying this stellar dish!

MSC does offer four speciality restaurants, the Asian Market, Ocean Cay, Butcher’s Cut, and Venichi 1878; however we opted out of these. We find speciality restaurants can be a niche change up on a longer cruise, but for a short 3 night Bahamas cruise, we did not try them.

Overall I believe that MSC is a great value for the money, and a cruise line that is a good choice for families. We’ve taken two cruises on MSC, one for my husband and I and one with our family. Both cruises were fun, relaxing, and best of all, a good value for the money.

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• MSC Cruises

Aurea vs Yacht Club

By wdwcoltsfan , August 28, 2018 in MSC Cruises

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wdwcoltsfan

May i ask what price you paid for it?

It is $2388 per person for the deluxe Yacht Club suite for that sailing.

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During the school holiday period especially, YC is not as private and quiet as its sometimes advertised or believed to be. Check out this thread where children and poor parenting are accused of ruining the YC experience. MSC is a family cruise line so kids are generally everywhere including the YC. https://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2388245

SweetsugarNL

Reading through the whole linked thread will give the OP a good overview of the different opinions but more importantly different experiences that are possible in YC. Only thing I would add is school breaks in Europe are different from the US. Italy has some regions that only go back to school in Mid September for example so while the week after labor day will be almost free of school age kids on most US lines it is possible it will be filled with Italian families on MSC.

• 3 months later...

Tonie_Deccache

On ‎8‎/‎28‎/‎2018 at 3:54 PM, Beamafar said: Having experienced both YC and Aurea, I would highly recommend the former over the latter. There's really no comparison.

My wife, our two boys and I are due to board MSC Seaview on January 12 th . Unfortunately we were misled by a travel agent into booking Aurea Suite with Private Whirlpool, under the belief that “this is the best service you can get on-board MSC Seaview”, she said. The agent seemed to have “forgotten” to tell us that it was the best service we could purchase, BECAUSE ALL YACHT CLUB SUITES WERE BOOKED AT THAT TIME!!

Browsing MSC website latter on the week, we discovered about MSC Yacht Club and started to fear we would not be traveling within desired standards of service and private access areas in Aurea Experience did not seem to be much more than a tanning station, although we were told it would have private pool and bar in the so called “Exclusive Aurea Solarium”.

Having called MSC to see about possible cabin and/or service upgrade, we were told that all Yacht Club Suites are indeed booked, and it would not be possible to purchase an upgrade into Yach Club services. However, the MSC representative was very emphatic about the “excellent benefits” of the Aurea Experience. He even said that the “Exclusive Aurea Solarium” has a bigger swimming pool then the Yacht Club sun deck…

Anyway, since it seems that booth, travel agent and MSC, are laying to our faces, we like to know:

(1) Should we avoid boarding MSC Seaview all together, unless within the Yacht Club category? This would mean a 25% penalty on a 10k reservation.

(2) Will our boys (both 11 years old) be happy with what will be available to them in MSC Seaview? Seems like they would be allowed into the “Exclusive Aurea Solarium”, is this so!?

Thank you in advance for your help!

8 hours ago, Tonie_Deccache said: My wife, our two boys and I are due to board MSC Seaview on January 12 th . Unfortunately we were misled by a travel agent into booking Aurea Suite with Private Whirlpool, under the belief that “this is the best service you can get on-board MSC Seaview”, she said. The agent seemed to have “forgotten” to tell us that it was the best service we could purchase, BECAUSE ALL YACHT CLUB SUITES WERE BOOKED AT THAT TIME!!   Browsing MSC website latter on the week, we discovered about MSC Yacht Club and started to fear we would not be traveling within desired standards of service and private access areas in Aurea Experience did not seem to be much more than a tanning station, although we were told it would have private pool and bar in the so called “Exclusive Aurea Solarium”.   Having called MSC to see about possible cabin and/or service upgrade, we were told that all Yacht Club Suites are indeed booked, and it would not be possible to purchase an upgrade into Yach Club services. However, the MSC representative was very emphatic about the “excellent benefits” of the Aurea Experience. He even said that the “Exclusive Aurea Solarium” has a bigger swimming pool then the Yacht Club sun deck…   Anyway, since it seems that booth, travel agent and MSC, are laying to our faces, we like to know:   (1) Should we avoid boarding MSC Seaview all together, unless within the Yacht Club category? This would mean a 25% penalty on a 10k reservation.   (2) Will our boys (both 11 years old) be happy with what will be available to them in MSC Seaview? Seems like they would be allowed into the “Exclusive Aurea Solarium”, is this so!?   Thank you in advance for your help!   Cheers!  

For what it is worth, having sailed in YC, there is little or anything that would excite any 11 year old child (I am a father of 2 sons, and a daughter, now adults) in the YC enclave. Everything that would excite them is outwith the YC. So, if it is mainly about exciting your children, there is no way I would take a 2.5k penalty and cancel.

Also, once on board, I would enquire if it might be possible to spend a day in YC so that you can assess for future reference.

• 1 year later...

On 8/31/2018 at 3:06 PM, Tapi said: We have selected Aurea for our next cruise aboard the Meraviglia simply because we were very interested in one of the new Aurea Duplex Suites. The cost between this type of accommodation and an entry level YC suite were almost the same. But we are traveling with small children, and having a larger loft type suite with a separate bedroom on the second floor, dining table, sitting area, and a large forward facing balcony with a private hot tub, not to forget 2 bathrooms, one in each floor, seemed like the wiser choice for the needs of our family. I feel that it will be great to unwind in our loft suite after a long day of exploration rather than being crammed into a smaller suite for the sake of YC benefits.   With that said, if only my wife and I were traveling, most likely I would’ve selected a YC suite!     Sent from my iPhone using Forums

Hello WE are having the same issue.. Im so confused though. WE booked the duplex bc of the space and price (the YC cabin was almost the same price) however there is a Royal SUite on the March sailing for a little under 10K not only is it a hefty price but I do not think we will take full advantage of the perks bc we have 2 kids.. (ages 10 and 11) however they are always with us! The one thing I am perplexed with is the room service. ONe of our kids is special needs and I might have to eat in sometimes..  I have seen the room service menu and there is no hot food in Aurea.. ANything you can advice me?

1 hour ago, martica010 said: Anything you can advice me?

As much as I enjoyed the Aurea duplex suite, the room service aspect of it wasn’t great. We ordered room service dinner one night so that we could take advantage of the dining table in our room, but since we would’ve had to pay for each item a la carte, it would’ve been more expensive than going out for a nice dinner at a specialty restaurant, so I canceled it. We never used it for lunch or dinner. Also, with the beverage package that comes with the Aurea experience, we could order as many sodas and bottled waters as we wanted throughout the ship, but if I grabbed the same exact times from the fridge in the room, we’d get charged. I found this to be petty. So I started carrying a backpack with me around the ship which I would fill with soda cans and bottles of water from various bars, and then I’d bring them back to our room.   

We did order room service for breakfast every morning which was complimentary, and that we did enjoy tremendously. It was so nice to start our day with breakfast in our suite, and to be able to spread out and sit at a table, rather than to sit on the bed to eat like when we’ve sailed in a regular stateroom.

Long story short, we were very satisfied with our choice to book the Aurea duplex suite because of all the extra space. It’s truly a fabulous suite. I could be with the kids downstairs playing UNO or watching TV, while my wife was upstairs taking a nap. Having two bathrooms, two TV’s, and separate closets was wonderful, specially traveling with children. At night, it was fantastic to sit in our own hot tub while watching the night sky. It was blissful. It was SO nice to have so much space. This suite truly spoiled us for life. Now my kids (and wife) think that every time we cruise, we are going to do so on a suite like that. 😂  

But if we’d been more discerning in regards to service, and if service had been a higher priority than space for us, we would’ve been disappointed. All perks aside, service is comparable to a standard stateroom. Nothing special. Our steward, while friendly, did the bare minimums. He also seemed unfamiliar with the little in-cabin perks that our suite came with. For example, he took our used robes on day 2 but never replaced them with new ones. We also had a Nespresso machine in our room, and we always had to remind him to replenish the pods because he’d always forget, or he would replenish the pods but forget to give us clean coffee cups. We learned on day 5 that he was at the end of his contract, and we got a new cabin steward when we got to Genoa, so that may have influenced his performance. Maybe he was just ready to go home.

I’d recommend that you ask yourself what’s most important to you, space or service. If it’s space, then stick with the more spacious accommodations. If not, then maybe you’ll want to sacrifice space in favor of upgraded service at the YC. If the YC Royal Suite is within your budget, and you won’t be sacrificing other things in order to afford it, then go for that! There are times when I’ve selected a lower stateroom category for the sake of saving money rather than because of affordability, and I’ve ended cursing myself for cheapening out and diminishing the enjoyment of my vacation.   

Happy travels! 

CruiseIreland

14 minutes ago, Tapi said:  Also, with the beverage package that comes with the Aurea experience, we could order as many sodas and bottled waters as we wanted throughout the ship, but if I grabbed the same exact times from the fridge in the room, we’d get charged. I found this to be petty. So I started carrying a backpack with me around the ship which I would fill with soda cans and bottles of water from various bars, and then I’d bring them back to our room.         

We sailed Seaside in Aurea and the mini bar was included. It was very limited by the way but we reacquainted ourselves with vodka and scotch! 

29 minutes ago, Tapi said: As much as I enjoyed the Aurea duplex suite, the room service aspect of it wasn’t great. We ordered room service dinner one night so that we could take advantage of the dining table in our room, but since we would’ve had to pay for each item a la carte, it would’ve been more expensive than going out for a nice dinner at a specialty restaurant, so I canceled it. We never used it for lunch or dinner. Also, with the beverage package that comes with the Aurea experience, we could order as many sodas and bottled waters as we wanted throughout the ship, but if I grabbed the same exact times from the fridge in the room, we’d get charged. I found this to be petty. So I started carrying a backpack with me around the ship which I would fill with soda cans and bottles of water from various bars, and then I’d bring them back to our room.    We did order room service for breakfast every morning which was complimentary, and that we did enjoy tremendously. It was so nice to start our day with breakfast in our suite, and to be able to spread out and sit at a table, rather than to sit on the bed to eat like when we’ve sailed in a regular stateroom.   Long story short, we were very satisfied with our choice to book the Aurea duplex suite because of all the extra space. It’s truly a fabulous suite. I could be with the kids downstairs playing UNO or watching TV, while my wife was upstairs taking a nap. Having two bathrooms, two TV’s, and separate closets was wonderful, specially traveling with children. At night, it was fantastic to sit in our own hot tub while watching the night sky. It was blissful. It was SO nice to have so much space. This suite truly spoiled us for life. Now my kids (and wife) think that every time we cruise, we are going to do so on a suite like that. 😂   But if we’d been more discerning in regards to service, and if service had been a higher priority than space for us, we would’ve been disappointed. All perks aside, service is comparable to a standard stateroom. Nothing special. Our steward, while friendly, did the bare minimums. He also seemed unfamiliar with the little in-cabin perks that our suite came with. For example, he took our used robes on day 2 but never replaced them with new ones. We also had a Nespresso machine in our room, and we always had to remind him to replenish the pods because he’d always forget, or he would replenish the pods but forget to give us clean coffee cups. We learned on day 5 that he was at the end of his contract, and we got a new cabin steward when we got to Genoa, so that may have influenced his performance. Maybe he was just ready to go home.   I’d recommend that you ask yourself what’s most important to you, space or service. If it’s space, then stick with the more spacious accommodations. If not, then maybe you’ll want to sacrifice space in favor of upgraded service at the YC. If the YC Royal Suite is within your budget, and you won’t be sacrificing other things in order to afford it, then go for that! There are times when I’ve selected a lower stateroom category for the sake of saving money rather than because of affordability, and I’ve ended cursing myself for cheapening out and diminishing the enjoyment of my vacation.    Happy travels! 

Thank you so much for taking the time to respond. I do think it is petty that they do not include the same things that they do outside the cabin inside.. Strange.. WE are Norwegian Haven spoiled so Im a little scared of making the change however the diff in price was over 4k.. thats almost a vacation in MX.. I would do what your wife did without hesitating bc Im that kind of gal LOL. But can I do the same with Pizza and bring it back to our room? I enjoy the walking around and view it as extra exercise. I much rather have a butler set our table but like I said the diff was a lot for a room that is not that much different so I thought of taking advantage of that this time around.. A haven 2 bedroom is close to 13K for a week and that is just insane. We like to live nicely but not throw away money either. I also think that the kids would not enjoy such things as a cabana in the pool area or very quiet places.. Ahhh decisions decisions.. Just the fact that it is the only other cabin avail makes me think it has our name on it. THe perk at Ocean Cay are very nice for YC also.. I wonder what they are like for Aurea..I know you havent been bc it just opened so I guess we will soon find out. 

Thanking you ♥

18 minutes ago, CruiseIreland said: We sailed Seaside in Aurea and the mini bar was included. It was very limited by the way but we reacquainted ourselves with vodka and scotch! 

Did you have to upgrade your drink package in order to have full access to the stateroom mini bar? We were given the option to upgrade (for an extra fee of course), but I declined once I figured that what I wanted (water and sodas) I could still get complimentarily somewhere else on the ship. 

reedprincess

On 12/7/2018 at 2:16 AM, Tonie_Deccache said: My wife, our two boys and I are due to board MSC Seaview on January 12 th . Unfortunately we were misled by a travel agent into booking Aurea Suite with Private Whirlpool, under the belief that “this is the best service you can get on-board MSC Seaview”, she said. The agent seemed to have “forgotten” to tell us that it was the best service we could purchase, BECAUSE ALL YACHT CLUB SUITES WERE BOOKED AT THAT TIME!!   Browsing MSC website latter on the week, we discovered about MSC Yacht Club and started to fear we would not be traveling within desired standards of service and private access areas in Aurea Experience did not seem to be much more than a tanning station, although we were told it would have private pool and bar in the so called “Exclusive Aurea Solarium”.   Having called MSC to see about possible cabin and/or service upgrade, we were told that all Yacht Club Suites are indeed booked, and it would not be possible to purchase an upgrade into Yach Club services. However, the MSC representative was very emphatic about the “excellent benefits” of the Aurea Experience. He even said that the “Exclusive Aurea Solarium” has a bigger swimming pool then the Yacht Club sun deck…   Anyway, since it seems that booth, travel agent and MSC, are laying to our faces, we like to know:   (1) Should we avoid boarding MSC Seaview all together, unless within the Yacht Club category? This would mean a 25% penalty on a 10k reservation.   (2) Will our boys (both 11 years old) be happy with what will be available to them in MSC Seaview? Seems like they would be allowed into the “Exclusive Aurea Solarium”, is this so!?   Thank you in advance for your help!   Cheers!  

There's no pool in the Top 19 deck are. There's hot tubs, bar, seating and tanning areas.  And it's much quieter and less crowded than the main deck.

I think you're talking yourself into disappointment. Aurea is great, and Seaview is gorgeous (sister ship to Seaside). The dining room is lovely and being able to go in your schedule is a plus. Your room is quite spacious, with larger balcony and such than any YC room except the Royal Suites.  You have room service delivery charge included. You have robes and slippers, priority embarkation and disembarkation, etc. You have anytime access to the Thermal Suite with it's hydro pool, steam and saunas, two massages (YC doesn't have this), etc..

I can't imagine why you would be thinking of cancelling and taking a penalty when you have a pretty darn great cruise booked. 

Your kids still have all the same access to the waterslides, zip line, arcade, pools, kids club, etc - all of which they'd have to leave YC to use anyways.  

YC is great, but it's not a significantly substantially different world over Aurea. Ship still goes to the same place, etc. 

1 hour ago, Tapi said: Did you have to upgrade your drink package in order to have full access to the stateroom mini bar? We were given the option to upgrade (for an extra fee of course), but I declined once I figured that what I wanted (water and sodas) I could still get complimentarily somewhere else on the ship. 

Yes, you have to upgrade your drink package to Premium Plus to have access to the minibar, regardless of Stateroom experience booked - it's not included for any (except Yacht club).

Perfect that sounds easy enough.. I will definitely upgrade to Premium now for sure! 

1 hour ago, martica010 said: Perfect that sounds easy enough.. I will definitely upgrade to Premium now for sure! 

If you're wanting the mini-bar, you have to upgrade to Premium Plus, as I noted above.

Premium does not include the mini-bar.

3 hours ago, reedprincess said: Yes, you have to upgrade your drink package to Premium Plus to have access to the minibar, regardless of Stateroom experience booked - it's not included for any (except Yacht club).

When we sailed in the Aurea Whirlpool suite last February on Seaside, the mini bar was included. Has that changed since? 

I read the following message on this thread

Also, with the beverage package that comes with the Aurea experience, we could order as many sodas and bottled waters as we wanted throughout the ship, but if I grabbed the same exact times from the fridge in the room, we’d get charged. I found this to be petty. So I started carrying a backpack with me around the ship which I would fill with soda cans and bottles of water from various bars, and then I’d bring them back to our room. 

* it concerned me but I believe once you upgrade to Premium they service the bar! 

2 hours ago, CruiseIreland said: When we sailed in the Aurea Whirlpool suite last February on Seaside, the mini bar was included. Has that changed since? 

Nope. You likely had the Deluxe drink package, which included the mini-bar. The Aurea Experience doesn't include the mini-bar, and didn't back then either. 

2 hours ago, martica010 said: I read the following message on this thread   Also, with the beverage package that comes with the Aurea experience, we could order as many sodas and bottled waters as we wanted throughout the ship, but if I grabbed the same exact times from the fridge in the room, we’d get charged. I found this to be petty. So I started carrying a backpack with me around the ship which I would fill with soda cans and bottles of water from various bars, and then I’d bring them back to our room.    * it concerned me but I believe once you upgrade to Premium they service the bar! 

Let me reiterate - Premium for NOT include the mini-bar. You would have to upgrade to Premium Plus 

Aurea includes Easy drink package. 

It's also not petty to not include the mini-bar even when you can get sodas or waters - or booze or food - elsewhere on the ship as covered by your respective drink package. The drink packages don't include the mini-bar except for Premium Plus, neither does any room Experience (except Yacht Club).  It's the same on virtually all cruise lines - the mini-bar items  aren't included except in very specific cases on pretty much all lines, such as specific suites, or top end lines that are all-inclusive.  Neither Princess nor Celebrity nor HA nor Cunard nor Carnival, etc include the mini-bar in the room (yes, certain circumstances such as Elite or full suite on Princess and so forth).  Petty? If that's how you want to look at it. Normal business practice is more like it though.

If you want the mini-bar included, you'll need to upgrade to the Premium Plus beverage package or book a YC cabin (and even that perk is being tweaked).

6 hours ago, reedprincess said: Nope. You likely had the Deluxe drink package, which included the mini-bar. The Aurea Experience doesn't include the mini-bar, and didn't back then either. 

You are absolutely correct. I had forgotten that I had upgraded the drinks package! Apologies all! Ken 

I find Petty because I'm in a duplex which is a two bedroom suite! I am a Norwegian Haven frequent Traveler so I find it a little strange how MSC sorts out its cabins...

Doesn't Norwegian not include water in their drink package unless you upgrade, even if you're in the Haven?  I find that strange.  It's all what you're used to.

5 hours ago, martica010 said: I find Petty because I'm in a duplex which is a two bedroom suite! I am a Norwegian Haven frequent Traveler so I find it a little strange how MSC sorts out its cabins...

Yes, but Aurea isn't equivalent to Haven .for that you'd need to book in Yacht Club.

Aurea is same as "rest of ship" on either MSC or NCL.  It's got some extra perks, by the mini-bar isn't one of them, just like it's not in non-Haven (or Haven, from my understanding) cabins...

All I had to do was upgrade our beveraage package and we now have full mini bar service.

40 minutes ago, martica010 said: All I had to do was upgrade our beveraage package and we now have full mini bar service.

Yes, that's how it works. Upgrade to Premium Plus ans the mini-bar is included. 

I'm not sure what the big draw is, single serve Pringles, some peanuts, lousy beer, couple sodas and some minis (Dewar's and Absolut  mainly).  But it's there, and available for anyone who wants to pay for the individual items or upgrade to PP.   

Hope it's everything you want it to be!

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