Here in Texas, we know how to live large, and that includes the way we vacation. MSC Cruises’ exclusive Yacht Club experience takes luxury to the next level, offering Texans a first-class escape at sea that’s every bit as grand as the Lone Star State itself.

The MSC Seascape sails into its new home port of Galveston on Nov. 7 offering a new cruising experience when sailing out of Texas. I recently sailed in the Yacht Club on the MSC Seascape, and it was pure luxury with VIP treatment that Texas Lifestyle readers will love.

The Big Picture: Yacht Club’s “Ship‐Within­-a‐Ship” Luxury

The Yacht Club is MSC Cruises’ premium “ship‐within‐a‐ship” concept, and on the Seascape it is one of the most expansive and luxurious in their fleet—about 32,000 square feet of space that is exclusive to Yacht Club guests. Yacht Club guests receive a key card at check in that grants them access into the lobby of Yacht Club where a concierge greets you and is available to assist you throughout your cruise.

Guests sailing in the Yacht Club enjoy all the amenities of the cruise ship, but also get the privileges, comfort, and exclusivity of being in your own private enclave. Think priority embarkation and disembarkation, roomy suites, 24/7 butler service, and spaces just for you and your Yacht Club peers – a private restaurant, lounge, outdoor bar and grill, sun deck and pool. Personalized service is at the heart of the MSC Yacht Club experience with a dedicated butler, premier room service, VIP seating in all entertainment venues and a personal concierge.

Before You Even Sail: Dedicated Yacht Club Check-in

Texas travelers will love that the Yacht Club begins the VIP treatment before you even step aboard. If you’ve ever faced the chaos of boarding a cruise, these first-moments make the difference. It sets a relaxed tone from the start. At MSC’s cruise terminal, there is a dedicated check-in area and lounge for Yacht Club guests, so no waiting in long general embarkation lines. 

When we sailed out of Miami, our driver pulled up to the dropoff area designated for Yacht Club guests. We left our bags with the Yacht Club team and were escorted inside the terminal where our butler was waiting. He reviewed our tickets, checked us in, and then escorted us to security. It took 10 minutes, at the most, to drop off our luggage, check in, and go through security! After clearing security, we were offered glasses of champagne and then immediately led onboard the ship, up to the 16th floor and into the keycard-secure area that is the Yacht Club. We were shown to the lounge where drinks and snacks were offered as we waited for our suite to be available (which was a mere 5 minutes later).

Your Suite, Your Haven

Yacht Club suites are more than rooms—they’re retreats. The suite comes with a 24/7 butler, premier room service, and a personal concierge. These people are there to know your name, know your preferences, and help make sure your stay is seamless. They will make all your dinner and entertainment reservations – and then personally escort you through the maze of the ship to your designated restaurant and show, their white-gloved hands parting the crowds for you wherever you need to go.

Spaces That Matter: Dining, Lounges & Pool Deck

Luxury is in the details—and Yacht Club provides multiple exclusive spots to dine, drink, sun, and unwind:

• Dedicated Yacht Club Restaurant: No assigned dinner times needed and no long waits for a table since this dining room is exclusive to Yacht Club guests with a gourmet menu and superior service.

  

• Top Sail Lounge: A wall of windows provides panoramic ocean views while guests enjoy handcrafted cocktails, gourmet appetizers and desserts. Perfect for sunsets, early evenings, or when you simply want to enjoy an after-dinner drink and live music before bed.

  

• Sun Deck & Pool: The secluded sun deck and pool for Yacht Club guests is a peaceful place to relax and cool off in the pool.  Forget setting your alarm clock for daybreak in order to get a lounge chair by the pool. The Yacht Club’s pool was never crowded when we sailed and had plenty of seating to accommodate everyone.

  

• Outdoor Bar & Grill: The sun deck also has a bar which serves a breakfast buffet every morning. We loved sitting on deck in the quiet early mornings enjoying breakfast.
  TIP: Even though your suite has a Nespresso Machine, don’t skip out on the fabulous coffee made at the Sun Deck bar. As an Italian cruise line, MSC takes pride in making a great cup of coffee!

Perks & Privileges: Luxury in the Details

What often makes or breaks a “premium cruise” is not just the big features, but the extra perks that smooth out every day. Here are some additional Yacht Club advantages aboard the Seascape:

• VIP seating for shows and entertainment: Great views and no scrambling or arriving early to get “good seats.”

  

• Access to Thermal Spa: Unwind, and enjoy wellness features with access to the Thermal Spa.
• Premium beverage package: Yacht Club guests can enjoy beer, wine, cocktails, and top shelf liquors at bars and restaurants throughout the ship. You will also enjoy a fully stocked mini bar in your suite personalized with your preferred beverages.

  

• WiFi: Staying connected in today’s world is important for many people, even on vacation. Wifi for two devices per person is included for Yacht Club guests.

The MSC Seascape: Beyond the Yacht Club

A Yacht Club stay is an elevated experience, but the general ship amenities are hard to match, as well.

• Specialty Dining: In addition to the traditional dining room, MSC Seascape has several specialty restaurants serving a variety of global cuisines, as well as steak and seafood. Our favorite was Kaito Teppanyaki. Our chef, Bagus, not only made fabulous fried rice, but he was quite entertaining and kept us laughing throughout dinner. TIP: Make a reservation to dine at a specialty restaurant for your first night onboard. Ours was nearly empty that evening—but packed every night after!

• Swimming Pools: MSC Seascape has 5 different swimming pools onboard, as well as a waterpark. Some of the pools are designated as “Adults Only” or “Yacht Club only,” but there are plenty of other options to cool off without feeling crowded. Our favorite was the indoor Jungle Pool. 

The Jungle Pool. Video Wendi Baird

• ROBOTRON: Thrillseekers will love the Robotron—a robotic arm ride that flips, spins, and offers panoramic views. This state-of-the-art ride has an attached gondola that seats three guests – flying them more than 150ft above the sea. Riders will have an unobstructed 360° view of the horizon as they hang over the edge of the deck, twist and turn upside down in different directions, and flip upside down. 

  

• MSC Formula Racer: Whether you cheer for Charles Leclerc or Max Verstappen—or, like me, Kimi Antonelli—this activity is perfect for all car racing enthusiasts! Get your high-speed fix in the driver’s seat for a thrilling racing simulation with realistic effects that will get your heart rate going. 

  

• Shows: Choose from a wide variety of entertainment each night, from Broadway-style production shows in the theater to live music throughout the ship. And don’t miss the cabaret-style variety show.

  

• Sports Bar: Never miss watching “the big game” when cruising with MSC. If you enjoy grabbing a drink, watching sports, and hanging with friends in a lively environment, the Sports Bar is the place to be. With walls of big-screen viewing and private booths with individual TVs, there’s something for everyone. The bar serves up a variety of craft beer and beer on tap, as well as bar snacks.

  

• Marketplace Buffet: I have never seen a buffet as large as the one on MSC Seascape. It is a Food Court Extraordinaire with stations of every imaginable cuisine possible. It even has a kid’s corner with a buffet line just for them. Other stations include a wellness corner, a variety of ethnic stations, a pasta station, meat carvery, burgers, pizza, desserts and more. It gets crowded during prime dining times, but the pizza alone is worth fighting the crowds. As an Italian-owned cruise line, I’d heard the pizza was fantastic—and it is. 

  

Final Word: Is It Worth It?

MSC has raised the bar in cruising. If you’re tired of the same old, same old when cruising out of Galveston, then you definitely need to try MSC. The price of a cruise with MSC is surprisingly affordable, considering all the amenities, and very competitive when compared to other cruise lines sailing from Texas. 

For those Texans who want something extra special—who like luxury with convenience, who savor personal attention, and who want the best of cruising without feeling lost in a crowd, the MSC Yacht Club is absolutely worth it. It’s more than just “a cruise.” It’s an elevated journey that you deserve.

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Cover photo courtesy MSC Cruises

Wendi Baird is the Editor in Chief of Texas Lifestyle Magazine. A fifth-generation Texan, Wendi has a deep love for the Lone Star State and brings a rich perspective to the magazine’s coverage of travel, culture, and lifestyle across Texas and beyond. With a keen eye for detail and a genuine curiosity for people and places, she enjoys discovering hidden gems and sharing meaningful experiences through her writing.