As we pulled up outside the check-in area at the port, we where met by almost a gaggle of MSC butlers, all trained at ‘Butler School’ (I never even knew it existed!) but they soon had our luggage and where off, taking us through a speedy booking in process, which even included champagne!We were travelling as part of the ‘MSC Yacht Club’ onboard the MSC Fantasia, and this was just a taste of what was to come, in an exclusive part of the ship, right at the front, where access can only be gained by swiping your cabin card, you are taken into a byword for luxury. The cabin I had was well appointed with walnut furniture, and a rather good sized balcony. There where also little touches like a bowl of fruit, bottle of champagne, and a full mini bar to welcome you! When you are in the MSC Yacht Club, all drinks (with only an odd exception) are included, including the mini bar!
My Butler, Johnny, introduced himself, and even gave me his card, and if I needed anything, just to let him know, including unpacking or packing my case (they even polish your shoes for you!). The cabin was specious, and also what surprised me was how many English language TV channels they had!
Once coaxed out of my cabin, the surroundings are really opulent, and the exclusive lounge area, which also serves English high tea, and nibbles before evening meal, also has stunning views of the front of the ship. This was a great place just to relax and enjoy a drink before dinner.
As we explored we came across the exclusive MSC Yacht Club Deck area, which apart from a couple of Jacuzzi’s and a swimming pool, had plenty of luxury sunbeds, with deep cushions on, and a towel service. The poolside bar also served buffet breakfast and lunch, and as it’s all included in the price, it meant sitting on Deck watching the world sweep along even more satisfying.
Being part of the MSC Yacht Club also meant you had an exclusive restaurant, you can naturally eat in any of the restaurants onboard, but there is a special atmosphere in the French style restaurant set aside for the Yacht Club members, with fabulous vies of the back of the ship as you slip away from port.
The service throughout the Yacht Club area, as you might expect is second to none, and what I found really impressive (infact the folks in the office are board stiff by this!) is the fact you get a choice of newspapers to have delivered to your cabin each morning, and this can be from a UK National Newspaper, to a regional local newspaper, all printed onboard that morning, I chose the Mail on Sunday, and had the full paper printed in full delivered to my cabin before we arrived in Barcelona!
OK the MSC Yacht Club is a few quid more, but do you get what you pay for? I would say so, and it’s all about a level of service you just don’t expect, even down to my butler Johnny sorting out my laptop so the wi-fi on board worked correctly, then fast tracking us through customs at the end whilst carrying all our luggage, and finding our taxi, amongst hundreds at the dockside in Barcelona.
Now that is what I call service.
