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The Finest Stainless Steel Portlights The SS Flagship Series

Bomar’s Flagship series of portlights includes our top-of-the-line stainless steel version. Designed to offer sleek attractive styling with the low-maintenance, rugged durability of stainless steel, these portlights include a patented mounting system that makes it both simple to install and completely leak-free.

SS Flagship Series Port Windows Standard Features

• Heavy Duty, Stainless Steel Construction
• Brushed or Polished Finish
• Opening & Fixed (Non-Opening) Styles
• Built & Tested for Harsh Marine Environments
• 316L for Rust & Corrosion Resistance
• For Fast & Convenient Opening/Closing
• Heavy Duty, Smoked Acrylic Standard
• Maximum Clarity & Durability

SS Flagship Series Port Windows Additional Options

• Hull Thickness: 1/4″ to 1 7/16″ to Accomodate Boat Builders & Enthusiasts
• Available in Elliptical, Oval, Round and Rectangle Form Factors
• CE Approvals
• Bomar Spare Parts & Installation Accessories Readily Available

SS Flagship Series Port Windows Key Materials

Quality construction, built to last at sea.

• The  SS Flagship Series  portlights feature a stainless steel frame and are professionally assembled in-house with 316L, marine grade, stainless steel fasteners.  Stainless steel is ideal for harsh marine environments due to it’s rust & corrosion resistance, strength and luster.
• The  SS Flagship Series  portlights come equipped with a smoked polycarbonate Lexan acrylic lenses as standard. Polycarbonate acrylic lenses provide excellent clarity and durability in harsh marine environments.

Bomar SS Flagship Series Stainless Portlight Size Chart

SS Flagship Series 10″ Dia Round Opening Stainless Steel Portlight

Ss flagship series 12″ dia round opening stainless steel portlight.

SS Flagship Series 6 3/4″ x 15 5/8″ Elliptical Opening Stainless Steel Portlight

Ss flagship series 6 3/4″ x 17″ elliptical fixed stainless steel portlight, ss flagship series 6 3/4″ x 17″ elliptical opening stainless steel portlight.

SS Flagship Series 6 7/8″ x 14 3/4″ Oval Opening Stainless Steel Portlight

Ss flagship series 8 1/2″ x 18″ rectangle opening stainless steel portlight, ss flagship series port windows media gallery.

SS Flagship Series Port Windows Frequent Questions

• Bomar is the leading manufacturer of hatches & portlights for enthusiasts and builders since 1947. We truly stand behind our products and pride ourselves on our outstanding customer service. All Bomar portlights are backed by our 1 year warranty  against any manufacturing defects.
• Your portlight purchase comes complete with trim ring, screen.  Hardware, spare parts & accessories sold separately
• Portlights are safely and neatly packaged for residential or commercial delivery. For large quantities, delivery to a commercial address is highly recommended.
• Yes, Bomar ships products worldwide across the globe. Shipping charges will be determined and billed separately once your order is ready to ship.
• Bomar offers replacement parts such as gaskets, dogs, handles, lenses & more for most portlights produced  after 1999.   Customers may purchase these replacement items from an authorized dealer. Portlight lifespan will vary case by case depending on environment, use, and individual care.

SS Flagship Series Port Hole Windows Purchase Options

Bomar, a division of Pompanette, LLC continues trustfully serving the worldwide marine community since 1947. We offer a variety of safe, secure, private and convenient purchasing options for OEM’s, dealers, distributors & end-users.

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Rectangular SS Portlight

$ 279.95 – $ 759.95

Our Rectangular Stainless Steel Portlight comes in many sizes.  See size offerings, pricing and our Quick Size Guide below.

• Description

Additional information

– C.E. rated – bolt through construction – friction or spring hinges – 316 stainless steel casting – EPDM gaskets – 8mm (5/16″) & 10mm (3/8″) tempered glass – fully adjustable hinges and dogs – built-in drains

PORTLIGHT SIZES & PRICES

• Standard Rectangular Stainless
• Extended Rectangular Stainless

*click the portlight size to download a dimension drawing

*if you need an extended portlight dimension drawing, please  contact us, quick size guide:, do you need a standard or extended portlight.

Standard Size Portlight – cabin side thickness is between ½” to 1½” Extended Size Portlight – cabin side thickness between 1½” to 2″ *Cabin side thickness below ½” will need to use a spacer, find out more about our teak spacers *Cabin side thickness beyond 2″, call for a custom quote

Find our full portlight sizing guide here , call (360) 385-3315  or email  [email protected] to talk with an expert.

Watch our portlight installation instruction video in our Video Library .

Reviews (1)

I have installed half of the portlites i purchased from Newfound. Rent the template! Sooo much easier. Bought nine and need two more. These are nice stainless portlites with awesome optional screens! They make the boat look so much more classy than the old plastic ones and no more looking through hazed plastic! I had to enlarge my openings but that was easy with the template and a sawsall. Thanks

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Our Round Bronze Portlight comes in three sizes.  To figure out if you need a standard or extended portlight see our Quick Size Guide below.

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Portlights for Sailboats & Power Yachts

The fight against mold and mildew is a constant battle on a boat - which is why proper cabin ventilation is so important. Keeping good airflow through your boat helps keep air from stagnating and producing too much moisture - a perfect home for all types of mold. At MAURIPRO Sailing we carry a wide variety of portlights for sailboats & power yachts to help keep your boat dry. We offer all the best brands, including Beckson, Lewmar and Vetus.

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Port Windows and Portlights

Life belowdecks needn't be dim and dismal. Let the sunlight in with new portlights and boat windows from Great Lakes Skipper. Our huge inventory of new and replacement boat parts includes boat windows, fixed portlights, opening portlights, portlights with screens, and marine portlights in a range of colors, shapes, and sizes. We carry boat portlights from Bomar, Gebo, Hi-Tide Manufacturing, Jim Black, Lewmar, Taylor-Made, Diamond Sea Glaze, and many more top brands. Check out our amazing discount prices - you'll love them! 

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Installing Newfound Metals Stainless Portlights

New Port Lights For an Older Boat

Choosing to install new portlights sounds easy but can be a complicated decision process. There are numerous companies out there building poor products that sell for big money and others building beautiful products that sell for a reasonable amount. My decision involved lots of research and investigation into the minute details of portlight construction. Many of the larger, well known, companies did not stack up when I began to dig into the small details. In the end I chose New Found Metals as my portlight supplier.

This project is not for the boater who barely knows the difference between a Phillips head and a slotted head screw driver and is about a 5-6 on the 1 to 10 complexity scale. The task is straight forward and does not require artist like skills, akin to blending and color matching gelcoat, but this is a long and time consuming task.

Our boat has 8 ports and I figure this project took me a little over 45 hours of time. Hopefully this article will save you some time and you can learn from any my mistakes and use my time saving tips. I figured each port would take about two hours but I was a little off.

I do hope this article helps someone considering new ports or who needs some guidance installing NFM portlights.

As always click on any photo to make it larger. This article is quite long and includes more than 40 photos.

Step 1 – Measuring Exterior Offset

Before you can even order your New Found Metals ports (NFM from here on) you’ll need to know the thickness of your cabin sides. All NFM bolts are metric therefore I used my caliper in metric mode to determine an accurate bolt size.

You need to measure the exterior off set from the widest point of the old port to the cabin sides. To do this I used my adjustable carpenters combination square as in the picture. Once I had the measurement, I locked the set screw.

Reading Exterior Offset

Before moving on to the next measurement you need to write down your measurement or transpose it, as I did, to my calipers. The exterior offset reading was rounded up to 13.5mm.

The picture shows the accuracy a little bit off but it was hard to hold the caliper and square in one hand and the large Nikon DSLR in the other and keep it perfectly in place..

Measuring Interior Offset

You’ll also need to measure the interior offset. I did not want the gasket compressing under the square, and throwing my reading off, so I removed the gasket/seal on the Beckson ports to get a more accurate reading.

Note the gasket groove or slot on the port and the staining & grime from leaking. I had completely cleaned each of these slots last spring and installed new gaskets, yet a few of these ports continued to leak. I guess plastic, in the marine environment, has a useful lifespan that had been surpassed..

Reading Interior Offset

Do the same for the interior offset and write this number down. I rounded this up to 9mm.

Measuring Port Total Thickness – Interior View

Now you need the ports total thickness as measured from the widest/thickest point on the interior of the frame to the widest/thickest point on the exterior. I rounded this number to 34mm.

The math is now very easy. Simply add the interior and exterior offset numbers together. It looks like this:

13.5mm + 9mm = 22.5mm

Next, simply subtract the offset totals of 22.5mm from 34mm. It looks like this:

34mm – 22.5mm = 12.5mm

The cabin sides of the boat were roughly 12.5mm thick which translates to 0.4921 or roughly 1/2″.

This hull thickness is the number NFM will use so they can calculate your total bolt length for you. It is very important to know this number before placing your order as it will save lots of time later. Physically cutting eight + bolts per port would be a tedious and time consuming task.

On a cabin with solid fiberglass sides, as this boat is, you will probably want to order interior teak spacers or the spigot will protrude further than necessary.

Measuring Port Total Thickness – Exterior View

You can see the caliper clamped to the widest point of the port in this exterior view.

Trim Ring Thread Depth

I had this metric bolt kicking around and decided to illustrated why proper cabin thickness is a must. I inserted the bolt until it bottomed out then wrapped some Teflon tape around it and backed it out.

Actual Depth

My caliper shows this hole at 7/16 but most of the others were 5/16 just as NFM says they are. Plan on a quarter inch of room, as a safety margin, and you’ll be fine. This bolt depth measurement obstacle is a bit tedious but it prevents any screws from being visible on the out side of the portlights. It also minimizes the chance of leaks by having less exposed holes in the trim ring..

The Old Ports

As you can see these ports were not very attractive. To make matters worse the barrel nuts used to hold the trim rings on were chrome plated brass not stainless. I’m guessing stainless barrel nuts were not available back in 1979..

Step 2 – Removing The Old Ports

Lucky for me, the Beckson ports had been installed with butyl tape and a double sided foam weather stripping, and not one of the high tenacity polyurethane sealants like 3M 5200. All I needed was to pry the trim rings off the cabin sides and then apply a constant pressure to slowly stretch the butyl and remove the ports. keep in mind these ports were installed in 1979 and this boat has been nearly all the way around the world and back. Interestingly enough it was the Beckson gaskets that had been leaking and not the butyl tape.

For removal of the trim rings I used a heavy duty putty knife. Prior to using this putty knife that I have softened / dulled the sharp edges so I would not scratch the cabin sides.

If your ports were installed with 3M 5200 please be very, very careful removing them. The tensile strength of 5200 is anywhere from 40-700+ PSI and the fiberglass to gelcoat bond is roughly 400-500 PSI. If you are not careful and you try to force the ports off the boat you can literally tear the gelcoat clean off the substrate.

In my opinion, garnered over many years of removing this stuff, 3M 5200 has no place being used to hold a portlight into a boat! Use products like 3M 5200 at your own risk..

If you’re at a loss with 5200 you can try using products such as De-Bond to soften it. Sometimes heat will help to soften the 5200 too but do be careful using heat guns. They can burn the gelcoat if not used carefully and kept moving at all times.

30 Year Old Butyl Tape – Still Very Flexible

For those who doubt the utility of premium marine grade butyl-based  tape on boats, such as Bed-It Tape, and who chose to use polyurethane products such as 5200, for installing ports, this photos speaks for itself.

As you can see, after nearly 30 years the pre-EPA butyl tape still had elongation before break of more than 2000% at a minimum. The butyl tape on all 8 ports never failed and all the leaks were from the Beckson port gaskets, even after replacements had been installed.

I also had a couple of fasteners, that went through the foam weather stripping gasket used on the trim ring (not butyl), also leak. Pre EPA change butyl tape was excellent. Today, the only comparable product to what was used on this vessel is Bed-It Tape.

Clean Up The Surface

To clean up the residue I used my boat chisel . My boat chisel has been tuned to minimize scratching the surface. If you’re not skilled in the use of a chisel or dulling or sharpening them the right amount, find another way of removing the vast amount of sealant or you could scratch your hull.

Once I had the majority of the surface clean I used mineral spirits, it works well on butyl.I then followed up with Acetone, wearing chemical resistant gloves, to do a final cleaning.

Step 3 ( optional ) – Cabin Side Compounding

While you have your ports out you may want to take the time to compound and polish the cabin sides. It’s much easier without the ports getting in the way. I simply used Gorilla tape on the inside of the cabin to seal off the port openings then buffed away.

For the compounding phase I used a Makita 9227C buffer at 600-1500 RPM, Presta Ultra Cutting Creme compound and a 3M compounding grade pad part #05711.

For the polishing phase I used a Makita 9227C buffer at 600-1500 RPM and Presta Chroma 1500 polish with the blue wool Presta polishing grade pad.

Taping Off The Inside

Here’s the Gorilla Tape ( duct tape ) I used when compounding the cabin sides to prevent any messes inside the boat..

Polishing The Cabin Sides – Before & After

There’s no doubt it’s well worth it to take this extra step. While it takes a bit of work the 30 year old gelcoat came right back to life.

Temporary Duct Tape To Cover The Openings

TIP: This is for keeping your boat dry while the work is in process. I chose to remove all the old ports then prep, cut, drill, chamfer and bore the openings all at the same time but needed a way to keep the boat dry as I was going through the installation process.

I have been using Gorilla Tape, from the makers of Gorilla Glue, and it is far and away the finest duct tape I have found for this. It’s thick, does not leave much if any residue, and sticks tenaciously to just about anything.

To seal the port openings, until you can install the ports, start at the bottom of the port opening and work your way up like clapboards on a house overlapping each seam by about 1/2″. If you worked your way down water will get in but if you tape from the bottom up the seams over lap so they don’t drain into one another.

Even though the boat was covered I didn’t want to take any chances, and yes Gorilla Tape will keep rain out.

Why I Needed to Replace These Ports

After 30 years the plastic had become quite brittle and many of my hinges looked like this or worse. I won’t have to worry about the NFM cast stainless steel ports degrading or becoming brittle..  Unlike plastic, 316 stainless steel is not negatively effected by UV..

Why I Needed to Replace These Ports #2

As I said some were worse .. This hinge literally crumbled apart after I removed the port. In defense of Beckson these plastic ports lasted about 30 years, but ideally should have been replaced about ten years ago.

These Beckson ports were no longer safe for any sort off-shore sailing. One big wave surely could have broken them, in the brittle state they were in, and allowed the boat to take on green water.

Phase 4 – NFM 4X14 Template With Drill Guides

This is the actual template from NFM. They charge you for it but when you return it they will credit back your $90.00.

TIP: Installing new ports without the NFM jig is a penny wise and pound foolish move. Do yourself a favor and use the jig!

These templates are very heavily made and feature built in drill guides. The guides make drilling straight holes, through angled cabin sides, very easy. I’ve included a pen in the photo to show how robust these jigs really are.

IMPORTANT: Please plan ahead when buying from NFM, they often run out of jigs. I waited nearly 5 months to get one and I came very close to not buying NFM ports because of this.

If you do use a template please send it back when you’re done so others don’t have to wait eons to get one.

Step 5 – Template/Jig & Hull

For this step I needed to cut the openings for the NFM ports slightly larger than the Beckson’s had been. The new opening also needed to accommodate for the portlight spigot . I used the NFM template ( shown in the previous photo ). As I mentioned earlier this is really a should have item for this job.

To cut the openings I chose to use the NFM template as my router guide and use my Ryobi laminate trimmer with a bearing guided flush cut bit . Using a jig saw, hand saw or sanding drums just seemed like an awful lot of work, though some have actually done it this way.

This photo shows the template clamped to the inside of the cabin sides.

Cutting The New Port Openings

TIP: In order to work the laminate trimmer around the entire port opening you’ll need to move the clamps as you go. Just cut a section then move the clamps. I was able to cut an entire port with only three clamp moves and the template stayed put. The more clamps you use the less risk you will have of the jig moving.

As evidenced by the photo, using the flush cut bit and the NFM template as a guide, leaves a perfect cut that was smoother and cleaner than the original factory cut openings..

I know this has nothing to do with NFM portlights but the little Rigid 6 Gallon wet dry vacuum, from Home Depot, at $39.00 is a great investment for working on your boat. I actually got rid of my big shop vacs and now have three of these little 6 gallon models. One for the barn, one for the garage and one for working on boats. It’s tiny, powerful and easy to lug up and down ladders.

TIP: I generally ditch the hoses that come with shop vac’s and visit a local vacuum shop for an adapter and about 20 feet of central vac hose . This makes using a cumbersome shop vac a pleasure. The home attachments are better too. The horse hair brush ( pictured ) is one of my favorites. Within 25 minutes I had totally cleaned the interior of all the routing dust with the horse hair brush and the central vacuum hose. It’s a handy little combo for sure.

My Ryobi Laminate Trimmer / Flush Cut Bit

Here’s a close up of a laminate trimmer. The base of my Porter Cable router was just a bit large for cutting these port openings and a battery operated laminate trimmer was better suited to this awkward task.

Unless you have lots of flat cabin side real estate on your particular boat I would suggest using a laminate trimmer as opposed to a router. The base of a laminate trimmer is nice and small and it works very well in tight spaces. The cabin liner on the inside of the boat interfered with the laminate trimmer base and this is why I chose to cut from the outside.

Once adjusted for proper depth of cut the guide bearing rides along the surface of the template and the blade cuts the fiberglass. It’s quick easy and neat, but not clean .

I advise having a shop vac on board for this job. No matter how you try and contain the dust it makes a mess.

TIP: Remove your interior cushions before doing this job or mask off the interior with plastic.

The Laminate Trimmer

This little battery operated laminate trimmer was a $49.00 bargain. As a marine business we own lots of heavy-duty professional grade tools from Hitachi, Porter Cable, Milwaukee, Makita & DeWalt but I often find my self reaching for this inexpensive Ryobi. This article was even written well before Li-Ion batteries came out and this little trimmer worked well even without a Li-Ion battery.

I have yet to kill one of these budget level tools, and I actually use some of the Ryobi stuff professionally .

Whether you chose to use a Ryobi, DeWalt, Hitachi, Bosch etc. a small laminate trimmer, vs. a router, is the way to go.

Ready To Bore The Holes

This photo shows the completed port opening after moving the clamps to complete the full circle. It matches the Template perfectly.

Once the opening is cut leave the template in place and use the built in drill guides to drill the 8 3/8″ trim ring holes. You will notice in the picture that I have drilled, from the inside, while the template was still in place, many of the eight 3/8 inch trim ring holes.

The NFM $29.00 Counter Bore Is Worth It

Once you’ve drilled the 3/8″ holes you’ll need to counter bore into the cabin side exterior 1/2″ deep to accommodate the bolt studs on the trim ring. My cabin sides were 1/2 inch deep so I had to go all the way through, which is fine.

The NFM counter bore has a 3/8″ guide pin, to match the previous 3/8″ holes you drilled, and it bores it out to 5/8″. It is well worth the $29.00 and is a very high quality & clean cutting tool.

45 Degree Bearing Guided Chamfer/Bevel Bit

Having learned the art of bedding fittings from some of the guys at Hinckley Yachts I believe in the bevel/chamfer and tighten once method for most things. I don’t generally subscribe to the “ tighten over a few days to create a gasket ” method.

Beveling the edges of the holes does a few things:

• 1)It forces bedding compounds into the hole, like a funnel, as you tighten the fitting.
• It creates an o-ring of sealant that is about 6-8 times the thickness of what would be there without a bevel.
• It allows you to tighten the fitting all the way down without coming back days later to do so which can break the seal that has already cured around the bolts threads.
• It creates a surface area that forces sealant against and around the bolts threads or shank.
• It prevents gelcoat crazing and checking around the bolt holes.

To use the bevel method for the ports I again used a laminate trimmer and a 45 degree bearing guided bevel/chamfer router bit. The router bits guide bearing fits in the 5/8″ hole so I used the laminate trimmer for those holes too.

On these ports, using the butyl, it is very, very difficult to tighten them down all the way at once. I tightened the ports over two days, which is short enough so my polysulfide sealant did not fully harden, but long enough to fully compress the butyl.

IMPORTANT: I differ from the NFM instructions on this particular procedure. NFM says to tighten over a few days letting the sealant harden to form a “gasket”. Here is my explanation of why I do it the way I do:

I’ve been bedding fittings, tighten once or before the bedding is dry, this way for a very long time and never once had a re-leak. The idea that tightening a fitting all the way down squeezes out all the sealant is just not true. Take for example the aluminum valve cover on the Volvo 5 cylinder engine used in the V-70 series and others. This valve cover uses no gasket and only a thin layer of Permatex (Silicone) is required to seal it. You apply the Permatex, install the valve cover, and torques the bolts. Valve cover gaskets are under positive crank case pressure and deck fittings or ports are not.

I have used the above method ( bevel then tighten at once ) on underwater fittings as well and still never had a leak. It’s your choice as to how you seal your ports and I’m merely telling you how I differ from the manufacturer on this one point.

EDIT: If I had to do this job over again I would not use the NFM black butyl tape. I would instead use Bed-It Tape which is gray and is formulated not to “bleed” or do what is called “cold flow”. Using Bed-It Tape will completely eliminate the need to use both a sealant and a tape. The light-gray color of Bed-It Tape is far less messy than the black tape from NFM and it does not stain.  Bed-It Tape is also specifically formulated to resist cold flow or creep in warm temps. Bed-It Tape was specifically formulated for bedding marine deck hardware, after this article was written back in 2005. Bed-It Tape offers a wider working temp range, has much less propensity for cold flow or creep/bleeding, has a higher level of chemical resistance and more elongation before failure than cheap “butyl tapes”.

Depth Of Chamfer/Bevel

This photo shows the depth of the bevel cut. It does not take much to create a good seal..

The Chamfer / Bevel

Here is a close up of the beveling or chamfering. It runs all the way around the port and around each bolt hole. Every bedded fitting on the entire boat is, or will be, as I get to them, bedded using this method.

Most times I just use a drill and countersink bit but for big holes like this a laminate trimmer is a good option. While that bevel may look big it’s really only about 1/16 of an inch.

Dry Fitting & Leveling The Ports

When I routed the holes using the NFM template I made sure it was line up parallel with the cabin top. Some boats have a large smooth radius cabin top, so you’d need to find a way to measure for level or parallel, but this boat has a nice square, clean edge to work off of.

Before applying the butyl tape I made sure to line up the ports and make sure they were level by using my combination square. Once they were level I tightened down hard on the clamps making sure to use a block of wood on the inside to prevent scratching the port.

This photo shows me checking the right side of the port with the combination square.

Dry Fitting & Leveling The Ports #2

Checking the left side of the port for level. You can see, when the camera pulls away, how slight the bevel is. It’s there but hard to see in this photo.

IMPORTANT: On a boat with no clear cabin line, for the ports to align with for level , you may need to set up a ladder and back away from the vessel .  Climb the ladder and use the old-school MK I eye ball as your determination of what looks level .

TIP: Click any photo to make it larger.

With Teak Spacer & Without

The port in the foreground of this photo has the teak spacer installed and the port in the distance does not. This is why the spacers are needed on a boat with thin solid glass cabin sides.

The NFM teak spacers are 5/8″ thick and by adding them it left about 1/4″ of the spigot protruding vs. almost one inch without. As they say measure twice, cut once ..

NFM Teak Trim Rings

These are the NFM teak spacers. They run about $40.00 each but are well worth it. Do yourself a favor and do any finish work or varnishing before you install them.

Interior View

This image shows the teak trim ring and the wood blocks I used for clamping and aligning the port.

Ready For Butyl

In this photo I’m getting ready to level the port and clamp it down in order to begin applying the butyl.

Clean The Port & Trim Ring

In the previous photo I’d already cleaned & prepped the cabin sides. I can’t stress enough how important cleaning and prepping the surface of the boat is and cleaning the ports is also equally & very important.

That rag, in the photo, was white when I began cleaning this port. Just because the ports are brand new does not mean they are clean . I wiped the exterior of the spigot and the hull side of the flange with Acetone and there was plenty of cutting oil and grime to be taken away.

If you don’t properly clean the stainless you’ll run the risk of a leak. These ports are filthy when they arrive so please do clean them with a non-oily solvent of your choice.

Wrapping The Butyl

EDIT: When this article was written Bed-It Tape did not yet exist. One of the main reason Compass Marine Inc. developed Bed-It Tape was due to the low quality and continual bleeding and staining of the NFM black butyl. The NFM butyl tape is a cheap run-of-the mill butyl formulation.

If I were doing this job today, it would be done using only Bed-It Tape and no marine sealant. Bed-It Tape can be purchased at the link below.

Purchase Bed-It Tape

In this picture I’ve already forced one round of the NFM butyl into the gap and I’m working on my second round. I found a silicone kitchen tool that worked really well for forcing the butyl into the grove without it sticking to the tape.

With the teak spacers it’s very difficult to wrap the ports spigot first, as NFM illustrates in their instructions, before inserting it. Instead, I chose to clamp the port, level it, then install the butyl from the outside.

Again, I varied from the NFM instructions on this issue and installed the butyl from the outside, not the inside, but both methods will work.

TIP: I applied the butyl from the outside for one major reason. I don’t believe in sealing any fitting, installed on a boat, from the interior side of the vessel. If you do get an external leak, between the fitting and hull , you’ll want to know about it.

If I sealed or bedded the cabin side (inside the boat) of the fitting I may be trapping water or worse diverting it somewhere else because it can’t escape out the back side of the fitting. Diversion of water by, internal sealing, creates an almost impossible scenario for tracing external leaks.

Even though this boat does not have cored cabin sides, kudos to CS-Yachts for this move, I still chose to only seal from the front of the port to prevent trapping any water in there that could potentially freeze, expand and do damage in the cold Maine winters..

In short, I did not want any sealant between the ports inside flange and the hull only the outside flange, trim ring and the spigot. I was able to get about five pieces of butyl around the spigot drain and two laps of butyl around the rest of the port, but I can assure you, this was NOT easy.

Squeezing in the butyl and seating it took almost 50 minutes per port before I even began to install the trim ring and bolts or clean up the “squeeze out”.

If your previous ports were installed with silicone you should, at a minimum, wet sand until you get NO water beading when you spray the surface with water. There is no chemical that will remove the embedded silicone from the gelcoat other than sanding. If anyone knows of one please email me! I’ve already tried just about every chemical known to man, even stuff only body shops can buy that is specifically intended for removing silicone. IT DOES NOT WORK ON FIBERGLASS either because it’s too porous or it eats the gelcoat.

TIP: If water beads around where the trim ring is to seal it’s not clean . I use a spray bottle filled with water for this test and do it every time I re-bed a fitting. Do not skimp on this detail.

Using The Kitchen Tool

Here’s the kitchen tool I used for seating the butyl. In combination with the waxed butyl paper this end worked well. The other end, with the white silicone spatula part removed, worked great for stuffing it in between the hull and port.

I applied all the butyl with the clamps in place. When the butyl is finally installed, and packed in place, you can quickly remove the clamps, install the trim ring then re-place the clamps until you get the machine screws in place.

Second Round Seating The Butyl

In this photo the second round of butyl is just about ready. You do not want to leave the butyl too thick here or it will squeeze out the outer edges of the trim ring and make a huge mess..

I had to redo my first port because I used too much butyl when installing it.

EDIT: If you use a gray butyl tape like Bed-It Tape there will be no need for the marine sealant.

You need enough to make a seal, and to squeeze out between the trim ring and the spigot, but not so much that is squeezes out the outer edge of the trim ring..

TIP: When installing the butyl you need to understand and know this stuff is very sticky. It’s like Silly Putty but tenaciously gooey. Use the paper that it comes wrapped in to help seat it .

You can see how I’ve forced it into the seam using the paper. When your done simply remove the waxed backing paper.

Prepping The Trim Ring – Butyl

Before you can even begin to install the trim ring there are three steps that need to be taken.

The first is to actually clean the trim ring as stated above. The second, pictured, is to wrap butyl around each of the trim ring studs. I found out the hard and messy way that you do not want HUGE globs of butyl around the studs or it will squeeze out the top of the trim ring and make for some messy clean up. I actually re-did my first port because of this.

Seeing as I countersunk each hole I wanted just enough to fill the bevel and a touch more, that’s it.

To make the butyl thinner I simply rolled it between my fingers while pulling slightly at the same time, like you would do with a joint, If your not familiar with this action a visit to any college campus will teach you. I then cut it using a knife and a silicone cutting board and wrapped it around each stud.

Prepping The Trim Ring – Sealant

The next, or third step, in prepping the trim ring, is to apply the sealant. Do not skimp on sealant. Sure it will squeeze out and you will waste a lot of it but it’s important that you have enough in there to seal the entire face of the trim ring. I also doubled up around the studs by applying the sealant on top of the butyl rings.

For this task I used 3M 101 which is a one part polysulfide. It has a bond strength of about 140 PSI and an elongation at break of over 400%. I have been using 3M 101 or Sikaflex 291 a lower bonding (220 PSI) single part polyurethane sealant for years and had great success.

I chose to use 3M 101 polysulfide because it’s easily removable in the future, never hardens as it’s what they used for the UV exposed seams in teak decks. Polysulfides are quite UV resistant by nature, without added UV stabilizers like the polyurethanes need. Even the lowest adhesion polyurethanes like Sikaflex 291, at 221 PSI, offer more adhesion than is necessary in a mechanical fitting which a port is.

NFM recommends, in their instructions, Sikaflex 295UV, a one part polyurethane. The problem I have with 295UV is this. 295UV bonds at 450 PSI (adhesion strength per square inch) which is 150 PSI more than other polyurethanes such as Sikaflex 291 at 221 PSI and 3M 4200 or 3M 4000UV which are both 300 PSI. Anyone who’s ever used 3M 4200 knows how difficult a 300 PSI product is to remove let alone a 450 PSI product like Sikaflex 295UV.

I know the owners of NFM have the utmost confidence in their ports but at some point they will need to be removed or re-bedded and with a 450 PSI adhesion it will be difficult, more difficult than is necessary. Heck, it’s even hard to remove stuff bedded with 3M 101 at 140 PSI.

IMPORTANT: 3M 101 has been discontinued . If doing this project over again I would use gray Bed-It Butyl tape and avoid the entire marine sealant process.

Setting The Trim Ring

Once the butyl is in place and you’ve prepped the trim ring with a polyurethane or polysulfide, of your comfort and choosing, it’s time to set the trim ring.

If you used the method I outlined it is possible to remove the clamps, for a brief period, after you’ve seated the butyl tape so you can install the gooped up trim ring.

Once the clamps have been removed slide the trim ring over the ports spigot/flange and re-set the clamps. Do not over tighten them and use just enough pressure to get the machine screws started from the inside.

3M 101 On Bolt Threads & Tef-Gel On Bolt Head

Why did I used 3M 101 & Tef-Gel on this machine screw?

Over the last 35 years of boating and messing with stainless steel nuts & bolts I’ve come to know a phenomenon called thread galling quite well. Some may not know what this is, even though they may have experienced it.

Thread galling is most prevalent with fasteners made of stainless steel, aluminum, titanium, and other alloys which self-generate an oxide surface film for corrosion protection.

During fastener tightening, as pressure builds between the sliding thread surfaces, protective oxides are flaked, sloughed or perhaps wiped off. These flaked off pieces create an interference or high point and thus seize or lock the nut and bolt together. This clogging action causes increasing surface adhesion. In the extreme, galling causes seizing or the actual freezing together of the threads. If tightening is continued, the fastener can be twisted off or its threads ripped out.

Some stainless nut & bolt manufacturers actually refer to this phenomenon as cold welding . Anyone who has seen a bolt and nut seized in this manner understands the nature of this description.

TIP: Use some sort of lubrication for the threads as this is the only way to minimize thread galling.

Galling is a problem that can occur at random between two un-lubed stainless pieces such as a nut and a bolt. Essentially, as you begin to tighten they bind together never to come apart again. You never know when this will happen, it just does.

The last thing I wanted was to gall one of the machine screws into the flange as this would require a drill out and re-tap of the trim ring. I could have used Loc-Tite on the threads, to prevent galling, but I know from experience that 3M 101 works and it too prevents the bolt from backing out. I used Tef-Gel at the head of the bolt for lubricity for the stainless to stainless mating where the pan head machine screw meets the ports interior flange. It allows a very smooth tightening of the machine screw with no false torque grabbing ..

The DAP CAP

TIP: This handy little item is called a DAP CAP and it’s available in the Home Depot paint department. It serves two purposes.

1- It can be used to clean up the excess sealant that squeezes out.

2- It fits over the end of an open tube of caulk to seal it for future use.

NOTE: The DAP CAP does not fit Sikaflex nozzles but does work on 3M brand tubes.

Clean Up The Squeeze

This is how you use the DAP CAP. Once the scoop is full simply wipe it onto a paper towel or rag and toss in a bag-lined trash can. Now you’re ready for your next scoop of goo..

Tighten The Machine Screws

This photo shows the clamp still in place and the bolts inserted about two to three turns. At this point, if you have subscribed to this particular installation method, you may now begin tightening the machine screws in an alternating pattern . If you subscribed to the NFM method of creating a “ gasket ” follow their instructions.

It’s important for the seal, and even distribution of sealant under the trim ring, using either method, to tighten the machine screws so the trim ring compresses as evenly as possible.

I find it considerably easier to tighten until you meet some resistance , then stop , wait and repeat in 15 minutes or so. I would move onto another project and come back fifteen minutes later and take another few turns. Torquing the trim ring screws slowly allows the butyl to compress slowly and evenly rather than force tightening all the screws immediately.

You’ll notice the Tef-Gel around the bolt head which made for easy turning with minimal grabbing of the two surfaces. Once done, I simply wiped this excess up with paint thinner.

Day Two Clean Up

I let all the ports sit after the tightening them down and then came back and did the final clean up. For the fine detail cleaning I used my favorite boat chisel .

After the Chisel

By letting the 3M 101 set up overnight it was pliable enough to remove with the chisel and yet still soft enough to get a clean edge with a solvent wipe down..

After The Paint Thinner

Here’s the finished edge. I used paint thinner on a terry cloth rag to get that edge.

IMPORTANT: Do not soak the rag in the solvent. You want just enough solvent to keep the rag damp, to smooth the outer edge of the sealant, that’s all.

You do not want the solvent to eat into or soften the sealant through transfer of of the liquid from the rag to the surface you just want it to smooth over the seam.

The Final Result

Now that the ports are in I was finally able to remove the cover and snap a photo.

TIP: Since I installed these NFM ports, I’ve treated the port gaskets religiously with 303 Aerospace Protectant. This has resulted in rubber gaskets that look and perform as well today was when they were installed 14 years ago. There has been absolutely no sticking of the gasket to the frame thanks to the judicious use of 303 Aerospace Protectant. Each time I open the ports I squirt a bit onto a rag and wipe the gasket before closing the ports. It adds minimal time but ensures the port gaskets will last for a good long time.

EDIT: It has now been 15 years since this project was completed and the ports look as good today as the day they were installed. They have performed flawlessly, never leaked a drop of water, and really lead to a lot of aesthetic compliments. The only gripe I have about this installation is the cheap black-butyl tape from NFM. It is low quality, stains and bleeds in hot weather. If Bed-It Tape had been used, none of these issues would exist.

Good luck and happy boating!

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Replacing Your Portlight/Porthole

• Blog | Marine Depot Direct

A portlight is usually a square or rectangular window on the exterior of the vessel. Depending on the window type, you may or may not open them. On the other hand, a porthole is typically a round window. It is smaller than the portlight. Although the shapes of both the windows are different, their installation process is similar. Plus, the components that come with these windows are generally the same. This is why you need to learn how to install any one of them.

When it comes to the installation process, you must know that it is pretty easy. All you need to do is to follow the steps mentioned below to replace your boat’s window. So, let’s discuss what you need to avoid and what you need to do to install a new window for your boat.

Step#1: Make a Template

The first thing you need to do is to make a template of your portlight. This will help you determine what size portlights you need for your boat. In this case, you need to trace the outline. Make sure to trace the porthole from the inside of your boat. For this purpose, you can use any paper that is easy to handle while you are tracing. Once you do that, you can inquire with Marine Depot Direct for a quote on custom size portlights that will fit your specific measurements.

Step#2: Check the Boat Window

Once you receive your portlight, make sure to verify the size of the window. There are low chances of any error if you have purchased it from Marine Depot Direct due to their extensive size confirmation process before ordering.

Step#3: Remove Screws

Now it’s time to start working. You need to remove the screws of your older portlight. It is important to understand that after removing the screws, the portlight will not come out easily.

Step#4: Cut the Caulk

You need to cut through the caulk seam by using a utility knife. In addition to that, you can use wooden wedges for removing the trim. Gently push the wooden piece in the corners of the trim so that they get stuck in it.

Step#5: Use Braided Wire

You need to use braided wire or guitar string to take out the window. Start inserting wire at the lower corner. Now pull it towards yourself with a back and forth motion. Now, loosen the exterior trim with the knife. You can again use wooden wedges for removing the trim. At this point, you can easily remove the interiors of the portlight. Make sure to remove both the interior and exteriors parts of your portlight.

Step#6: Scrape the Caulk

Once you remove the window, you will notice some elements and pieces resting on the hollow area of your boat. You need to scrape the caulk to clean the entire surface. Once you scrape out every tiny element, clean the area to ensure nothing is left on the surface.

Step#7: Test the fit

Many portlights come with the seal of a rubber gasket present at the outside flange. They are clamped in place with the help of screws present inside the flange. You also need to make sure that the mounting surface of the portlights is flat. When you fit the window, any gap around the flange is not more than 1/16 inch.

Step#8: Use the Sealant

Depending on your window, you need to seal the outside flange onto a bed of sealant. This helps you to seal or bond the window; in this case, an excellent bedding option for you is butyl tape. You also need to use liquid sealant for an even stronger hold. Place this sealant into the underside of the flange. But before applying the sealant and tape, make sure to wipe out the boat and flange from the alcohol to remove all the oily contamination. This will help you install the window accurately and without any error.

Step#9: Install the Window

It’s now time to install your new portlight. Make sure to apply the sealant as we have mentioned. Do this process slowly to avoid any problem in the process. If you think you will not be able to do this task correctly, you can take help from a professional at your local boat yard. But even if you have little experience maintaining your boat, this project is typically one you can do yourself.

Step#10: Remove the Sealant

When you place your window, you will notice sealant coming out from the sides of the window. This is the extra sealant that comes out when you push the window into the hole. Of course, it will not look appealing, and you need to remove it. You can easily trim away this sealant with a plastic blade. Gradually clean the entire squeezed-out material.

Many people use a lesser amount of sealant to avoid scrapping it off later. However, it’s not a great idea. If you do this, you can't fix your window accurately, and there will be a chance of water getting into your boat. This is why you should generously the sealant for your boat’s security and safety.

Bottom Line

Now, you have a better idea of the installation process of your boat window. Not to mention, you now know the procedure is easy, and you can do it in a single day. It is vital to keep in mind that you need to follow every step while replacing portholes or portlights if you want great end results. However, if you avoid any of the steps, you may face problems in the future, or experience damage soon after you install it.

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msc yacht club free change

Msc yacht club: the ultimate luxury cruise experience.

Feel the finesse/elegance of luxury cruises with MSC Yacht Club , an exclusive haven of refined indulgence .

Surround yourself in unparalleled comfort and personalized service as you embark on an astounding voyage aboard our finest ships.

Discover a world where  privacy  meets  luxury , where every detail is meticulously crafted to exceed your highest expectations.

Savour the sophistication  and  elegance of luxury cruises from the very first step onboard.

Our  dedicated staff  will cater to your every need, ensuring that your  journey  is nothing but sensational.

Welcome to  MSC Yacht Club , where every moment is designed to surpass all your desires and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Attentive butler service around the clock

Enjoy the exceptional service of your butler, who will attend to your every need and ensure unforgettable moments throughout your exclusive cruise. From personalized recommendations to organize services onboard or ashore, from shoeshine to 3am treats, always with a meticulous attention to detail, your butler is dedicated to enhancing your voyage and creating cherished memories. Indulge in a privileged journey of luxury, where your desires are met with impeccable service.

The Essence of Luxury, Delivered

Immerse yourself in the essence of luxury aboard MSC Yacht Club. With a private lounge, priority check-in, and seamless embarkation and disembarkation, every moment of your private cruise is tailored to provide exclusivity and tranquility. Experience a dedicated sun deck adorned with a pool, whirlpool, solarium, the possibility to organize a tailored shopping session and private excursions and a curated selection of refreshments. Discover a sanctuary of luxury, where privacy and indulgence harmonize.

A Culinary Journey of Exquisite Delights

Embark on a culinary journey like no other within MSC Yacht Club. Delight in gourmet creations and five-star service that will tantalize your taste buds. Our world-class chefs and attentive staff will ensure each meal is an extraordinary experience, where every bite is a moment of pure pleasure. Savor the finest flavors as you indulge in a gastronomic adventure curated exclusively for you during this high end cruise.

Endless Privacy and Pleasures Await 

Immerse yourself in a world of endless pleasures and privacy within MSC Yacht Club, where luxury, relaxation, and entertainment converge. Taste our selection of cocktails or other drinks among our offered beverages available in all onboard bars and restaurants. As a guest of The MSC Yacht Club, indulge in exclusive amenities such as the complimentary use of Thermal Suite and MSC Aurea Spa: elevate your luxury cruise experience to unparalleled heights of privilege.

Unrivaled comfort and exquisite luxury

Experience the finest luxury accommodation during your  MSC Yacht Club luxury cruise . Discover lavishly appointed suites designed with meticulous attention to detail .

Immerse yourself in the epitome of comfort with  luxurious amenities and elegant touches .

From Myform Memory mattresses to Egyptian cotton bedding and mattresses and a Dorelan pillow menu ,  marble bathrooms to complimentary minibars, your every need is catered to for a truly exceptional luxury cruise .

Live an high end accommodation on our newest ships , featuring innovative options like  Interior Suites, Executive and Family Suites , Deluxe Suites, Duplex Suites , and our remarkable  Royal Suites and Owner's Suite .

Enjoy exclusivity savoring panoramic views from your private balcony , immersing yourself in a five-stars cruise cabins that brings you closer to the sea while enveloping you in an unparalleled sense of premiumness .

• Surface 26 sqm, balcony 5 sqm, deck 14-18
• Sitting area with sofa
• Spacious wardrobe
• Bathroom with shower or bathtub , vanity area with hairdryer
• Comfortable double or single beds (on request)
• Wifi connection included
• Interactive TV, telephone, safe and minibar
• ZOE - in-cabin Bluetooth speaker

The image is representative only: displayed cabins from MSC Bellissima, MSC Meraviglia and MSC Euribia Size, layout and furniture may vary (within the same cabin category)

• Surface 58 sqm, balcony 39 sqm, deck 15
• Balcony with private whirlpool bath and dining table
• Separate living area and dining room
• Walk-in wardrobes
• Bathroom with tub and shower, vanity area with hairdryer
• Wifi connection included; ZOE - in-cabin Bluetooth speaker
• Surface 59 sqm with a balcony 23 sqm, deck 9-12
• Two-deck-high cabin
• Easy access to the Yacht Club areas
• Open living/dining room with sofa that converts to double bed
• Bathroom with shower

Second level

• Master bedroom with double bed which can be converted into two single beds (on request)
• Two walk in wardrobes.
• Bathroom with tub

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• **The free cruise change is applicable either on the cruise dates or on the destination. Such change needs to be performed up to 30 calendar days before departure, for a new cruise to sail within 90 calendar days from the original departure. Any cruise change shall be requested through MSC Book or our contact centers.
•  You can discover the ultimate in MSC exclusivity with the MSC Yacht Club, available on board of all our ships except: MSC Armonia, MSC Lirica, MSC Magnifica, MSC Musica, MSC Opera. MSC Orchestra, MSC Poesia and MSC Sinfonia.
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Yacht Club One Change

By bac513 , July 21, 2023 in MSC Cruises

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Does the one change allow rebooking to get a better rate on the same sail date for same cabin and/or upgrades? Thanks.

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**The free cruise change is applicable either on the cruise dates or on the destination.

18 hours ago, bac513 said: Does the one change allow rebooking to get a better rate on the same sail date for same cabin and/or upgrades? Thanks.

No. You must move your cruise FORWARD up to 90 days so it is not applicable toward the same cruise.  In addition, the fare you will be quoted on the new cruise will be WHAT THAT FARE was on the day you booked your original cruise.  So for example, you book the Seashore today (July 22nd) for Jan 1st in YC and your fare is $5000.  Then in December you see that the Seashore for Jan 8th in YC is now $4000 (because of a sale or capacity or something) and you call to change your booking, you will not get the $4000 fare. Rather it will be the price that that cabin was on JULY 22nd, the day you booked your initial sailing. 

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MSC CRUISES ELEVATES ITS EXCLUSIVE MSC YACHT CLUB OFFERING ON BOARD NEWEST SHIPS

Msc seashore to feature the largest and most luxurious yacht club in the msc cruises fleet, with more outdoor space as well as new luxurious owner’s suites msc virtuosa to offer an enhanced vip experience to msc yacht club guests.

Geneva, Switzerland (March 10, 2021) — With each new ship, MSC Cruises strives to enrich the guest experience, and with the Company’s two newest ships — MSC Virtuosa and MSC Seashore — MSC Cruises will elevate the exclusive MSC Yacht Club . As extended versions of their sister ships, both ships’ designs have allowed for the expansion of the MSC Yacht Club to include more public space and increased outdoor space. MSC Seashore in particular will feature the largest MSC Yacht Club to-date with approximately 32,000 sq. ft. of private space.

“The MSC Yacht Club has become a compelling and unique offering from MSC Cruises, and we continue to see a positive response from our guests who appreciate having an exclusive, luxurious escape while accessing all of the amenities and entertainment of a larger ship,” says Rubén Rodriguez, President of MSC Cruises USA. “For our guests in North America in particular, MSC Seashore’s arrival this November sets an exciting milestone as we not only introduce our newest ship to the region, but also our most spacious MSC Yacht Club yet.”

MSC YACHT CLUB OVERVIEW

First launched in 2008 and now available on more than half of the MSC Cruises fleet, the “ship-within-a-ship” MSC Yacht Club concept immediately set a new standard for the industry offering a premium cruise experience. Designed to make guests feel like a VIP, the all-inclusive experience is fully personalized with 24-hour butler service to get to know each guest’s personal preferences with warm, friendly and unobtrusive service. Meanwhile, the dedicated concierge is on hand to facilitate any request from organizing private shore excursions and making spa reservations to delivering a daily newspaper to the guest’s stateroom. No request is too big or too small.

Available only by key-card access, the MSC Yacht Club has been appointed with elegant touches to create its stylish backdrop. The sparkling Swarovski staircases greet guests in the atrium, instantly setting the tone for the sophistication and glamour that can be expected throughout, particularly in the spacious and beautifully designed suites.

The MSC Yacht Club is situated at the front of the ship, boasting panoramic sea views throughout, most notably from the chic Top Sail Lounge, where guests can listen to live music, sip complimentary beverages or enjoy gourmet canapés throughout the day and evening, all with a view. Meanwhile, the private fine-dining restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner with a different daily a la carte menu featuring chef’s specials and a wide choice of gourmet dishes complemented by an extensive wine list served in sublime surroundings with impeccable service.

The private sundeck and pool is spacious with different areas to relax in the sun on a comfortable lounge chair, unwind in a shady cabana or take a break in a hot tub. At the well-stocked bar and grill, guests can refresh with a cocktail or light bite throughout the day.

THE MSC YACHT CLUB ON NEW SHIPS & EXCLUSIVE DESTINATIONS   Introducing the largest and most luxurious MSC Yacht Club in the fleet on board MSC Seashore

Spread over four decks, the MSC Yacht Club on MSC Seashore has been enhanced to become the largest, most luxurious in MSC Cruises’ fleet, with approximately 32,000 sq. ft. of private space.

• The entrance to the Yacht Club will be even more remarkable and glamorous, featuring a three-deck, 495 sq. ft. back-lit Onyx wall and MSC Cruises’ iconic Swarovski staircases, beautifully connecting four decks at the entrance of the Yacht Club.
• The private pool area and sun deck is more spacious than ever, extended to over 21,000 sq. ft. and offering a larger private pool and a new panoramic hot tub with eight seats and individual jets, plus a standard hot tub.
• Guests will be able to choose from 131 glamorous suites with five different types, including the traditional interior, deluxe and royal suites as well as 41 newly introduced deluxe grand suites, with extra space and a walk-in closet, plus two brand new Owner’s Suites.
• The Owner’s Suites are the showpiece of the MSC Yacht Club — the largest suites on the ship with 1,054 sq. ft. of space — with an extended private balcony including a hot tub and outdoor living area, a panoramic glass wall for impressive sea views as well as a separate dining and living room area.

Enhancing the MSC Yacht Club VIP experience on board MSC Virtuosa

• Guests have a choice of 103 exclusive suites including two MSC Yacht Club Royal Suites with a private hot tub on a large balcony as well as eight new MSC Yacht Club Duplex Suites.
• The impressive Duplex Suites span two decks — the first has an open living and dining area with a sofa that converts to a double bed, as well as a bathroom with a shower, while the second level holds the master bedroom and a bathroom with a bathtub. For the ultimate in luxurious living, each Duplex Suite offers a large private balcony with its own hot tub. 
• The MSC Yacht Club on MSC Virtuosa offers over 13,000 sq. ft. of outdoor space including a private pool area with a spacious solarium, shady cabanas and hot tubs.

Extending the MSC Yacht Club experience to Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve

MSC Yacht Club guests cruising in The Bahamas are able to not only relish their experience on board, but also on MSC Cruises’ private Bahamian destination, Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve . On the island, Yacht Club guests have access to an exclusive area, complete with butler service, a private beach and clubhouse and all-inclusive food and beverages in addition to everything Ocean Cay has to offer.

Surrounded by 64 square miles of marine reserve, Ocean Cay offers guests a unique opportunity to enjoy the island’s natural beauty, discover local marine life and soak up the spirit of Bahamian culture. With ships frequently docked at the island from early morning into the evening — and in many instances overnight — MSC Cruises’ guests can spend a full day enjoying two miles of pristine, white sand beaches and a variety of ocean discovery activities including stand up paddle boarding, kayaking, thrilling wave runner rides and more.

All MSC Cruises ships sailing from the U.S. call at Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, including MSC Meraviglia , MSC Armonia, MSC Divina and MSC Seashore , arriving to Miami for the first time in November 2021.

MSC YACHT CLUB BENEFITS

An all-inclusive experience with added privileges:

• Dedicated priority check-in and check-out as well as priority departure and return on excursion days.
• 24-hour butler service and dedicated concierge, providing for an experience tailored to each individual guest’s needs.
• Unlimited dining and drinks within the Yacht Club.
• Inclusion of the Browse Internet package with unlimited data for two devices.
• Complimentary access to the Thermal Suite in the MSC Aurea Spa.
• Tailormade experiences from shopping to excursions.
• Nespresso coffee machine in each suite and complimentary mini bar, personalized with each guests’ preferences.
• Room service so that guests can enjoy a lazy morning with breakfast in bed.
• Personal touches such as a luggage unpacking and packing service, newspaper delivered to the stateroom daily and special deliveries at turn down each evening, like a different selection of sweet or savory canapés.

Exquisite private facilities:

• A dedicated area of the ship accessible only to MSC Yacht Club guests.
• Between 70 and 103 suites at a premier location, featuring a pillow menu, Egyptian cotton sheets and memory-foam mattresses for the most comfortable night’s sleep.
• The panoramic Top Sail Lounge with bar, afternoon tea service, light bites available day and night and live entertainment in the evening.
• Gourmet dining at a private restaurant, with a la carte menus for breakfast, lunch and dinner, where guests can dine at the time of their choosing.
• A spacious pool deck with hot tubs, sunbathing areas and an outdoor bar with sea views across the bow of the ship.

The MSC Yacht Club is available on all Fantasia, Meraviglia, and Seaside class ships.

To find out more about the MSC Yacht Club offering visit here .

To find out more about MSC Seashore visit  here .

#MSCSeashore

To find out more about MSC Virtuosa visit  here .

#MSCVirtuosa #MasterpieceAtSea

About MSC Cruises

MSC Cruises is the world’s third largest cruise brand as well as the leader in Europe, South America, the Gulf region and Southern Africa with more market share in addition to deployed capacity than any other player. It is also the fastest growing global cruise brand with a strong presence in the Caribbean, North America and the Far East markets.

Headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, MSC Cruises one of the two brands that sit within the Cruises Division of MSC Group, the leading privately held Swiss-based shipping and logistics conglomerate with over 300 years of maritime heritage. MSC Cruises — the contemporary brand — has a modern fleet of 18 vessels combined with a sizeable future global investment portfolio of new vessels. The fleet is projected to grow to 23 cruise ships by 2025 with options for six vessel orders in place through 2030.

MSC Cruises offers its guests an enriching, immersive and safe cruise experience inspired by the Company’s European heritage, where they can enjoy international dining, world-class entertainment, award-winning family programs and the very latest user-friendly technology on board. To learn more about MSC Cruises’ itineraries and experience on board its ships please see here .

The Company’s number one priority has always been the health and safety of its guests and crew, as well as the communities at the destinations its ships serve.  In August 2020, MSC Cruises implemented a new comprehensive and robust health and safety protocol to become the first major line to return to sea. To learn more about MSC Cruises’ health & safety protocol please see here .

MSC Cruises has long been committed to environmental stewardship with a long-term goal to achieve zero emissions for its operations. The Company is also a significant investor in next-generation environmental marine technologies, with the objective to support their accelerated development and availability industry wide. To learn more about the Company’s environmental commitment please see here . 

Finally, to learn more about the MSC Foundation, MSC Group’s own vehicle to lead, focus and advance its conservation, humanitarian and cultural commitments please see here .

This Cruise Life

Msc yacht club 2024 on board msc meraviglia.

To say we were pampered is the understatement of the year (although, considering it’s only January, fingers crossed there’s more pampering ahead)! We had the opportunity to sail MSC Meraviglia out of New York earlier this month; we were excited to check out the new-to-us cruise line. But what we didn’t expect: an upgrade to MSC’s exclusive Yacht Club!

What is the Yacht Club?

The Yacht Club is MSC’s “ship within a ship” concept that promises both privacy and exclusivity. The experience includes amenities most could only dream about: white-glove butler service, 24×7 concierge, an exclusive restaurant on the ship and on MSC’s private island, Ocean Cay, unlimited drinks anywhere on the ship, a private pool, hot tub, lounge deck, and so much more.

Upgrade Offer

In early December, just over a month from our sailing date, we received an email inviting us to bid on an upgrade . We were already in a balcony cabin, so it seemed odd bidding on an interior cabin – but that’s just what we did! We maxed out our bid on an interior Yacht Club stateroom in hopes that the upgrade fairies would grant our wish.

On December 13, 2023, that’s exactly what happened!

Thank you Twitterverse!!! You made our MSC Yacht Club dreams come true. Our upgrade was accepted this morning. Full review of the MSC Yacht Club Deluxe Suite and experience coming January! 💙💙💙 #thankyou #msc #yachtclub pic.twitter.com/ZNDRZcfKKH — This Cruise Life (@thiscruiselife) December 13, 2023

Yacht Club Check-In

Fast-forward a month to January 9, 2024 when we checked in to board MSC Meraviglia. Again, to say this check-in process was different would be a huge understatement. Unlike your typical check-in with long queues, growling stomachs, and throngs of people, we waited in our own lounge with champagne and canapés away from the crowds. We made sure to document the entire experience so that we could share it with you:

First Impressions

So what is it like to sail on a ship within a ship? Is the Butler actually a real person, or is it just a glorified room steward? And what exactly is a canapé? The first 24 hours on board was a whirlwind. There were so many new experiences – and so much food! Considering this was our first-ever MSC cruise, it was a GREAT first impression! You can check out our detailed review of that first 24 hours, along with what we thought about MSC Meraviglia:

Full Review to Come!

Now that we’re back on solid ground, we’re working on our full review of our 9-day sailing on board MSC Meraviglia in the Yacht Club. We’re going to cover the things that we loved, didn’t love, and a couple things that we hated about the ship and experience.

As always, thanks for joining this cruise life of ours and following our adventures! -Mark and Rocky

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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 yacht club : a world of luxury, privacy and exclusivity.

Feel the finesse/elegance of luxury cruises with MSC Yacht Club , an exclusive haven of  refined indulgence .

Surround yourself in unparalleled comfort and  personalized service  as you embark on an  astounding voyage  aboard our finest ships.

Discover a world where  privacy  meets  luxury , where every detail is  meticulously crafted  to exceed your highest expectations.

Savour the  sophistication  and  elegance of luxury   cruises  from the very first step onboard.

Welcome to  MSC Yacht Club , where every moment is designed to surpass all your  desires  and  create memories  that will last a  lifetime.

✔  Butler service available 24 hours

✔  Dedicated priority check-in and check-out

✔  Room service available 24 hours

✔  Complimentary access to the Thermal Suite in the MSC Aurea SPA

✔  Premium Extra Drink package in all ship areas including the mini bar in your cabin

✔  Internet package: Browse – 2 devices Unlimited Internet Package

✔  Most rewarding experience for MSC Voyagers Club points

✔  Relaxation amenities in each suite (including bathrobe and slippers)

Exclusivity

✔  Lavishly fitted suites offering outstanding comfort located in the foredecks of the ship

✔  Dedicated exclusive Sun Deck with pool, whirlpool, solarium and bar

✔  Possibility to organise exclusive shopping experiences (not included in cruise fare)

✔  Possibility to organise tailor made excursions (not included in cruise fare)

✔  Gourmet dining in the private MSC Yacht Club restaurant. Free choice of dining time during restaurant opening hours

✔  Live music available every night in the Top Sail Lounge

✔  Panoramic Top Sail Lounge with bar, afternoon tea service, light food selection 20 hours per day

a world of choice*

✔  Balinese massage, exclusive pre-cruise offer available up to 2 days prior to embarkation

✔  **1 free cruise change

✔  10% discount on all spa treatments purchased on board

✔  Specialty restaurants package, exclusive pre-cruise offer available up to 2 days prior to embarkation

✔  Open-air sports facilities

✔  Varied programme of Broadway and Las Vegas-style theatre shows available almost every day

✔  Premium buffet

✔  Well-equipped gym with panoramic view

*Please note that all MSC Yacht Club guests have access also to all ships facilities outside the dedicated area ( such as Speciality Restaurants, Theatre and gym).

Enjoy the exceptional service of your butler, who will attend to your every need and ensure unforgettable moments throughout your exclusive cruise. From personalized recommendations to organize services onboard or ashore, from shoeshine to 3am treats, always with a meticulous attention to detail, your butler is dedicated to enhancing your voyage and creating cherished memories. Indulge in a privileged journey of luxury, where your desires are met with impeccable service.

Endless Privacy and Pleasures Await

Unrivaled comfort and exquisite luxury.

Experience the  finest luxury accommodation  during your  MSC Yacht Club luxury cruise . Discover  lavishly appointed suites  designed with  meticulous attention to detail .

Immerse yourself in the epitome of comfort with  luxurious amenities  and  elegant touches .

From  Myform Memory  mattresses to  Egyptian cotton  bedding and mattresses and a Dorelan  pillow menu,  marble bathrooms to complimentary minibars, your every need is catered to for a truly  exceptional luxury cruise .

Live an high end accommodation on our  newest ships , featuring innovative options like  Interior Suites, Executive and Family Suites ,  Deluxe Suites, Duplex Suites , and our remarkable  Royal Suites  and  Owner’s Suite .

Enjoy  exclusivity  savoring panoramic views from your  private balcony , immersing yourself in a  five-stars cruise  cabins that brings you closer to the sea while enveloping you in an unparalleled sense of  premiumness .

MSC YACHT CLUB DELUXE SUITE

• Surface  26 sqm, balcony 5 sqm, deck 14-18
• ZOE – in-cabin Bluetooth speaker

The image is representative only: displayed cabins from  MSC Bellissima, MSC Meraviglia and MSC EuribiaSize, layout and furniture may vary (within the same cabin category)

MSC YACHT CLUB ROYAL SUITE

• Surface  58 sqm, balcony 39 sqm, deck 15
• Wifi connection included; ZOE – in-cabin Bluetooth speaker

MSC YACHT CLUB DUPLEX SUITE WITH WHIRLPOOL

• Surface  59 sqm with a balcony 23 sqm, deck 9-12

Terms & Conditions

•  You can discover the ultimate in MSC exclusivity with the MSC Yacht Club, available on board of all our ships except: MSC Armonia, MSC Lirica, MSC Magnifica, MSC Musica, MSC Opera. MSC Orchestra, MSC Poesia and MSC Sinfonia.
• For more information about the premium extra drink package please  click here .

Corporate Info

Travel info, social links.

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• Fly Private
• Affluent Traveler Collection
• MARRIOTT Stars & Luminous
• IHG Luxury & Lifestyle
• HYATT Privé
• Hilton Impresario
• S&T Reserve
• AWARD EXPERT

Unveiling the Ultimate Luxury: Inside the Exclusive MSC Yacht Club

Experience the ultimate luxury and exclusivity on MSC Cruises with the MSC Yacht Club, offering private suites, personalized services, exclusive spaces, and all-inclusive benefits.

MSC Yacht Club Overview

The MSC Yacht Club offers an exclusive private sanctuary on MSC Cruises, providing guests with a premium and indulgent cruise experience. This exclusive enclave within the larger MSC cruise ships is designed to cater to discerning travelers seeking elevated levels of luxury and personalized service. For example, guests staying in the Yacht Club enjoy access to luxurious suites with 24/7 butler service, a private restaurant, and a secluded pool deck, ensuring that their every need is taken care of with the utmost attention and care.

MSC Yacht Club guests can enjoy specialty restaurants among the other cruisers onboard, but also enjoy their own designated Yacht Club restaurant.

Moreover, the MSC Yacht Club perks extend beyond accommodations, encompassing priority embarkation and disembarkation, a dedicated concierge team, and room service, all aimed at providing guests with a hassle-free and sophisticated cruise journey. For example, the Top Sail Lounge, private sun deck, and exclusive access to Ocean House Beach are additional features that set the Yacht Club apart, offering an upscale and serene environment for guests to unwind and enjoy their time at sea.

The MSC Yacht Club caters to various luxurious onboard accommodations, ranging from interior cabins to Executive and Royal Suites, providing a diverse range of options to suit different preferences and budgets. For instance, the new 1,600-square-foot Owner Suites and Duplex Suites on the MSC Cruises fleet exemplify the commitment to offering opulent and spacious living spaces, ensuring that guests have access to a truly indulgent and comfortable stay during their cruise.

All-inclusive benefits such as a premium beverage package, high-speed internet, and thermal spa access further enhance the guest experience, allowing them to enjoy a wide array of premium amenities without additional charges. The signature dining, top-tier entertainment, and premium wellness experiences provide an extra layer of luxury and enjoyment, elevating the overall cruise experience and making the Yacht Club an appealing choice for travelers seeking a refined and upscale vacation.

Accommodations and Amenities

The MSC Yacht Club offers a detailed overview of the various luxurious onboard accommodations available, ensuring that guests have access to a diverse range of options to suit their individual preferences and needs. From intimate interior cabins to expansive Executive and Royal Suites, the Yacht Club provides a variety of choices to cater to different budgets and desires, ensuring that guests can find the perfect accommodation for their cruise experience. For example, the availability of spacious suites such as the 1,600-square-foot Owner Suites and Duplex Suites exemplifies the commitment to providing guests with opulent and lavish living spaces, setting the stage for an unforgettable cruise vacation.

In addition to the accommodations, the all-inclusive benefits such as the premium beverage package, high-speed internet, and access to the thermal spa suite add further value to the Yacht Club experience. These benefits are designed to provide guests with a seamless and indulgent cruise journey, ensuring that they have access to premium amenities without any additional charges. Furthermore, the signature dining, top-tier entertainment, and premium wellness experiences offer guests an array of elevated activities and offerings, allowing them to savor every moment of their cruise vacation in an upscale and luxurious setting.

Moreover, the Yacht Club experience is characterized by its personalized services, where dedicated butlers and a 24/7 concierge team are available to attend to guests’ needs and requests. This level of individualized attention ensures that guests’ preferences are catered to at every step of their cruise, creating a truly tailored and indulgent experience. Whether it’s making dinner reservations, organizing shows, or assisting with shore excursions, the personalized services within the Yacht Club set it apart as a haven for travelers seeking a sophisticated and seamless cruise vacation.

Yacht Club Perks and Benefits

The MSC Yacht Club offers a host of exclusive perks and benefits that truly elevate the guest experience, making it a sought-after choice for travelers seeking a premium cruise journey. For instance, the priority check-in and checkout feature ensures that Yacht Club passengers can seamlessly navigate the embarkation and disembarkation process, bypassing long queues and delays to start and end their cruise vacation with ease and efficiency. This sets the tone for a stress-free and enjoyable journey, allowing guests to focus on relaxation and indulgence from the moment they step on board.

In addition to priority embarkation and disembarkation, Yacht Club passengers also enjoy free premium alcohol and Wi-Fi packages, providing them with a carefree and indulgent experience throughout their cruise. This all-inclusive approach ensures that guests can stay connected and enjoy a wide selection of beverages without incurring additional costs, adding value to their overall cruise experience. Furthermore, the VIP access to various amenities, dining options, entertainment, and personalized experiences emphasizes the elevated level of service and luxury that Yacht Club guests receive, ensuring that they have access to the best offerings available on the cruise.

Moreover, the Yacht Club experience extends beyond the ship, offering access to Ocean Cay, MSC’s private island in the Bahamas. This exclusive destination provides Yacht Club guests with access to a secluded Yacht Club section and restaurant, ensuring that they can enjoy tailored shore excursions and experiences that align with their preferences. For example, activities such as snorkeling, gourmet dining, and relaxation on pristine beaches further enhance the value of the Yacht Club experience , providing guests with unique and unforgettable moments during their cruise vacation.

Exclusive Spaces within the Yacht Club

The dedicated bar, lounge, and restaurant within the MSC Yacht Club provide an intimate and upscale environment for guests to unwind and indulge in top-notch service and amenities. This exclusive enclave within the larger cruise ship ensures that Yacht Club cruisers have access to an elevated level of luxury and comfort, allowing them to enjoy a sophisticated and refined ambiance throughout their journey. For example, the private rooftop deck area exudes a beach club vibe, complete with a pool, hot tub, and complimentary breakfast and lunch buffets, creating an idyllic setting for guests to relax and savor their time in this exclusive sanctuary.

The special access to Ocean Cay, MSC’s private island in the Bahamas, further enhances the allure of the Yacht Club experience, providing guests with a secluded and upscale environment to create unforgettable memories during their cruise vacation. The private island destination offers exclusive shore excursions and experiences tailored to Yacht Club guests, allowing them to immerse themselves in a serene and indulgent setting that complements the luxury experience they enjoy onboard. Whether it’s unwinding at the exclusive beach club, indulging in gourmet dining experiences, or exploring the natural beauty of the island, Ocean Cay adds a distinctive dimension to the Yacht Club experience, ensuring that guests have access to unique and unforgettable moments during their cruise.

Yacht Club Accommodations

The MSC Yacht Club provides an array of luxurious accommodations, catering to different preferences and budgets. Guests can choose from a variety of options, including interior cabins, spacious suites, and new 1,600-square-foot Owner Suites and Duplex Suites on the MSC Cruises fleet. These opulent living spaces are designed to provide guests with a comfortable and lavish stay, ensuring that they have access to a truly indulgent cruise experience.

The cost of staying in the Yacht Club varies depending on the type of cabin, the duration of the cruise, and the destination, ensuring that guests have the flexibility to tailor their experience to their specific needs and financial considerations. Whether opting for a more intimate interior cabin or a lavish suite, guests can find accommodations that align with their individual desires and requirements, making the MSC Yacht Club an attractive choice for discerning cruisers.

The Yacht Club fares, while higher than standard cabins, are justified by the benefits and perks that make it worth the upgrade. The refined and upscale experience offered in the Yacht Club includes all Yacht Club suites coming with a premium drink package, WiFi package, access to the thermal spa suite, and a stocked minibar, ensuring that guests receive exceptional value for their investment. Furthermore, the Yacht Club butlers provide personal attention, making dinner reservations, setting up daybeds, and assisting with shows and shore excursions, adding an additional layer of luxury and convenience to the Yacht Club experience.

Value of Yacht Club Experience

When it comes to the value of the MSC Yacht Club experience, the perks and benefits truly set it apart. The comparison of Yacht Club fares with standard cabins emphasizes the benefits and perks that make it a desirable and worthwhile upgrade. The premium drink package, WiFi package, access to the thermal spa suite, and a stocked minibar for all Yacht Club suites ensure that guests receive exceptional value for their investment, providing them with an array of indulgent amenities and services throughout their cruise.

The Yacht Club experience offers a refined and upscale journey that is complemented by personalized attention from the dedicated butlers and the round-the-clock availability of the Yacht Club concierge. This level of individualized service adds to the overall value of the experience, ensuring that guests can make the most of their time on board and in port. Furthermore, the premium drink package, WiFi package, access to the thermal spa suite, and a stocked minibar for all Yacht Club suites ensure that guests receive exceptional value for their investment, providing them with an array of indulgent amenities and services throughout their cruise.

Moreover, the Yacht Club perks extend to Ocean Cay, the private island, with a separate section and restaurant for Yacht Club guests, providing them with access to a secluded and upscale environment where they can create unforgettable memories during their cruise vacation. This exclusive destination offers an array of unique shore excursions and experiences, enhancing the overall value of the Yacht Club experience and ensuring that guests have access to exceptional and tailored moments during their journey.

Personalized Services

The personalized attention provided by Yacht Club butlers is a hallmark of the MSC Yacht Club experience, ensuring that guests receive individualized and tailored care throughout their cruise. From making dinner reservations to assisting with shows and shore excursions, the butlers are dedicated to ensuring that guests’ preferences are catered to at every step, creating a seamless and indulgent journey for Yacht Club guests. This level of personalization sets the Yacht Club apart as a haven for travelers seeking a sophisticated and stress-free cruise vacation.

The 24-7 availability of the Yacht Club concierge further enhances the value of the experience, providing guests with continuous support and assistance at any time during their cruise. This ensures that guests can receive guidance, information, and personalized service whenever they need it, adding an extra layer of convenience and care to their overall Yacht Club experience.

Butlers can also assist with MSC Aurea Spa reservations and access to the thermal suite.

Yacht Club Destinations

In addition to the exclusive amenities and personalized services onboard, Yacht Club guests also benefit from access to Ocean Cay, MSC’s private island in the Bahamas. This secluded destination offers Yacht Club guests a separate section and restaurant, ensuring that they can enjoy tailored shore excursions and experiences that align with their preferences. For example, activities such as snorkeling, gourmet dining, and relaxation on pristine beaches further enhance the value of the Yacht Club experience, providing guests with unique and unforgettable moments during their cruise vacation.

In summary, the MSC Yacht Club offers an exceptional value and enjoyable atmosphere for travelers seeking a sophisticated and upscale cruise vacation. The all-inclusive benefits, personalized services, and exclusive access to amenities, dining, and entertainment ensure that guests have access to an array of indulgent offerings throughout their journey, setting the Yacht Club apart as a haven for discerning cruisers. With its opulent accommodations, unparalleled perks, and access to exclusive destinations such as Ocean Cay, the MSC Yacht Club stands as an ideal choice for travelers looking to elevate their cruise experience to new heights of luxury and indulgence.

• butler , club , cruise , cruise ship , luxury , msc , ship within a ship , spa , upgrade , yacht

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• Cruise Podcast

The MSC Meraviglia Yacht Club Experience Review

Doug Parker

• February 3, 2024

Contents Show

Doug talks with Mark and Rocky of TheCruiseLife this week about their nine-night cruise aboard MSC Meraviglia.

They dive into their bougie MSC Meraviglia Yacht Club experience, from exclusive embarkation to dedicated amenities like a butler, private lounge, dining room, and sun deck. They discuss the superior dining options, including specialty dishes and a unique cheese trolley, and the benefits of their status-matching loyalty program status.

One of MSC Cruises’ larger vessels , Mark and Rocky also touch on the onboard entertainment, the ship’s atmosphere, and ports of call, including a visit to MSC’s private island, Ocean Cay.

Find Rock and Mark’s coverage of MSC Meraviglia :

• ThisCruiseLife YouTube channel features their cruises across all lines.
• The MSC Meraviglia playlist has several videos from their sailing.
• Read the MSC Yacht Club experiences on ThisCruiseLife website .

MSC Meraviglia Review Transcript

Doug (00:01:01) – Mark and Rocky had just returned from a nine-night cruise aboard MSC Maravilla. It was out of New York City, in the Bahamas, Florida area, and staying in the yacht club. They join us on the line right now. Hey, guys, how are you?

Guest (00:01:16) – Good, Doug.

Doug (00:01:17) – I’m excited to talk about this because we haven’t had an MSC Yacht Club experience in a long time. We’ve had the ones that were like three-nighters and were fast, but I’m excited to hear what it’s like spending extended time beyond seven nights in that yacht club. So what we’ll do here before we get started, we’ll get some pre-cruise thoughts. You’re in the Phoenix area. What made you want to take this nine-niner out of New York City.

Guest (00:01:40) – Honestly, it was just the idea of getting to check out a new cruise line. We’ve been looking at MSC for a long time, and the idea that sailing out of New York in the heart of January, when it is very cold outside, uh, the pricing was very lucrative to get ourselves onto that ship, as well as to fly across the country to New York.

Guest (00:02:01) – So all the stars aligned and just made it worthwhile for us.

Doug (00:02:04) – Now, there were some, uh, a little bit of weather going through the country about the time when you all boarded. It might have missed you by a day or two. Did that impact your flights going into Manhattan?

Guest (00:02:14) – It did not impact the flights at all. It did impact sail away a bit. Um, as you can imagine, uh, the storms, uh, it was pretty rocky on the seas. Uh, it was really cool because it was the first time ever.

So we’ve been to Alaska several times, but it was the first time ever we’ve actually seen snow on a cruise ship. And so to see the crew, it was the first time many had seen snow on a cruise ship. And they were out running out, uh, TikTok ING and taking selfies. It was a really special experience, uh, being able to see that snowstorm.

Doug (00:02:48) – That is so cool.

Doug (00:02:49) – So did you any pre cruise time in the city before boarding in Brooklyn?

Guest (00:02:57) – You know, we always suggest that the best way to do it is to fly a day ahead of time. Uh, this time we flew in two days in advance to take some time and explore Brooklyn, because that’s where the cruise terminal is for MSC. And then we also took the subway into Manhattan and just kind of hung around Times Square, went to a couple of bars, a couple of restaurants, and, uh, just kind of got ourselves situated in New York before we set sail. We met up with we met up with one of, uh, the solo’s that I met on board, uh, Norwegian Cruise Line. So I did a Norwegian cruise line earlier in 2023. Uh, we met a bunch of solos in our solo cabins, and we actually met up with them to hang out, and they showed us New York, which was a ton of fun.

Guest (00:03:36) – You see.

Doug (00:03:36) – You never know what connections you’ll make on a ship, right? Right.

Guest (00:03:39) – Exactly.

Doug (00:03:40) – Yeah. It’s it’s so awesome. So you make your way to Brooklyn the following day and you go to embark MSC Maravilla. How was that embarkation process? And, did you get any kind of special treatment embarking since you were in the Yacht Club?

Guest (00:03:54) – Goodness gracious. It was an embark like none that I’ve ever experienced. We’ve all been through embark. We know the lines, we know the queues. We know all of the seating areas. Um, the moment that we got there, immediately there was signage for yacht club. And so the, the, the porter, the luggage porter whisked us over and tagged our bags with yacht club tags and pointed us to his colleague standing at the door with a yacht club sign. They literally escorted us through the terminal to our own dedicated security line for yacht club. Um, they didn’t have a they didn’t have us waiting in the general queue.

Guest (00:04:28) – And so we went through that security queue, uh, very quickly. And another, yet another Yacht Club representative whisked us to our private lounge, where they did one on one check ins with us, um, and then handed us glasses of champagne and canapés and sparkling water. Um, and it was a private area, very quiet, very secluded from the rest of the terminal. And we enjoyed mimosas and, uh, sparkling water, uh, that as we waited to board the ship.

Doug (00:04:57) – How long did it take you from curb to ship, then?

Guest (00:05:00) – It took us about an hour and a half. So unfortunately the the sailing before ours was the New Year’s cruise. And so they had a lot of passengers to disembark from that ship. So they were slightly delayed on clearing the ship down to zero counts for us to start the embark process. So yeah, about an hour and a half from when we arrived. Fortunately, the lounge was great. We had butlers in there waiting on us, so it was a really pleasant experience getting to stand around and wait until the ship was ready.

Guest (00:05:28) – Literally. Butlers, butlers, refilling our champagne glasses, walking around with bottles of champagne, saying, oh, would you like a refill on your champagne? Well, okay. Yes, we would love that.

Doug (00:05:38) – It’s like being stuck in an airport and being able to be in an airline lounge instead of in the regular common area, right? Just kind of, uh. Yeah, yeah, living it up in there. So you make your way on board the ship. You’re mentioning this was your first time on the ship. So what were your first impressions of MSC Meraviglia?

Guest (00:05:54) – So it’s kind of funny you ask that we didn’t actually get to see the whole ship for the first four hours that we were on board when they when the yacht club boards, we get priority boarding service. So they bring us into the main atrium, and that’s about the most of the ship we get to see. From there, we walk down a corridor of rooms to the very forward of the ship, where they have elevators that they can badge in, giving you priority access to the elevator.

Guest (00:06:21) – They loaded us into these elevators and took us up to the 16th deck where the topsail lounges, which is the exclusive lounge space for the top or the yacht club. Uh, and they put us in there with, again, more champagne and more canapés and live music that was being performed for us. So we spent most of the first four hours on board in that topsail lounge. Well, they took us from the Topsail Lounge. Then they opened up the Topsail Restaurant, the exclusive restaurant for yacht clubbers. And so we literally went from canapés and champagne up to the lunch in the Topsail restaurant.

Normally we run around taking pictures and exploring the ship. We literally were just kind of in the lap of luxury those first several hours onboard. Oh, we met our butler as well during that time. And so we didn’t actually leave the yacht club as Rocky mentioned, until about four hours after boarding.

Doug (00:07:12) – So a lot to unpack here. So I want to actually take a step back.

Doug (00:07:15) – And I want to ask, um, we were chatting before we started recording here, and you mentioned you had an upgrade offer. So how much of a premium, um, once you accept that upgrade, is it for the yacht club against just staying in a regular balcony cabin?

Guest (00:07:29) – So that’s exactly what we had booked. We booked a balcony cabin and received an offer to bid on an upgrade. Now, because we had already booked that balcony and paid for a balcony, the upgrade amount was not wildly expensive. I think it was. We we could have started the upgrade process offer at $300 per person. Wow. And Rocky was like, okay, should we just start there? And I was like, how often will we get to stay in the yacht club? We are maxing that bit out. And so I think we each maxed our bid out at about $600. So for another $1,200 or so plus tax and all of that stuff, um, we could move from the balcony we had into.

Guest (00:08:09) – We actually dug and bid for an interior yacht club cabin because we were like, okay, we’re just gonna make sure we get into this thing. Well, they were they must have been sold out because our dreams were answered. We got the upgrade and they put us into a deluxe suite.

Doug (00:08:24) – I love it. Let’s discuss that deluxe suite in the yacht club and give us all the details.

Guest (00:08:30) – As you walk in, the first thing that meets your eye is the size of this cabin. I would say that this cabin is the same depth as your standard balcony cabin that you find on any cruise ship. However, the width is probably equivalent to one and a half to anywhere up to two times the width of a standard balcony cabin. Huge space, um, between the foot of the bed and the credenza and wall units that they had where all of the minibar was located. There was probably a good 4 to 5ft of space between those two areas. Um, inside the bathroom, it was upgraded amenities.

Guest (00:09:05) – You had marble tile throughout, a very large, spacious walk in shower with a rainfall head, uh, or the rain shower head. Um, the balcony was the same width as the room, so it was a pretty sizable balcony. They only put two chairs and one side table out there, but you could have easily had another two. Uh, very large and spacious room.

Doug (00:09:29) – So the question is, how do you use the butler on your cruise? Well.

Guest (00:09:33) – You know, because we often have butlers on our cruises. Uh, I kid, um, it was the first experience. And so literally the butler introduced himself. We were in the room. He he knocked and came in and he said, what questions do you have for me? And we said, well, we don’t even know what questions to ask. And so he’s like, well, let’s start with your pillow selections. Are your pillows up to your liking? And Rocky joked, he’s like, well, we’ll sleep on him tonight and let you know.

Guest (00:09:59) – Um, but but the. Butler took care of our minibar, so he asked us specifically for our preferences in terms of sodas, juices and beers.

He asked for our liquor selection because the yacht club comes with a bottle, comes with bottle service, a single bottle. And so we, uh, we shared our, uh, bottle selection with him, and then he just let us know that he would be the person that would escort us to dinners if we wanted. He would escort us to the theater for shows.

He would arrange our bookings if we wanted to go to any specialty restaurant. And so it was, you know, Rocky and I asked as we were getting ready, we’re like, is this just going to be an upgraded room steward, like a room steward that wears a suit? Um, and no, it was it was significantly more than just a room steward. In fact, we had a junior butler as well and, and a third person who helped service the room.

Guest (00:10:50) – So there were three people servicing the room. But that Butler experience was really unique and new to us. Yes, I love it.

Doug (00:10:58) – So you were on there for nine nights. Was there enough space in your room to put everything?

Guest (00:11:01) – Yeah, there was um, I think one of the challenges that we discovered when we were unpacking our room was the closet space was a little bit smaller than what we’re used to on some of the other balcony rooms that we’ve had in the past. Um, the way it’s set up, you walk in and the, the closet space is your entrance to the bathroom.

And so it’s kind of a strange layout. We discovered that there were some challenges with that. However, there was a three-drawer storage space in the main room area that was part of the main. I don’t know what you call it. Credenza. Yeah. And so that actually made up for some of that lost space. And fortunately, these beds were designed to hold luggage under or suitcases under them.

Guest (00:11:41) – It was easy to unpack our room and get moved in for those nine days. Oh, and don’t forget both of the nightstands next to the bed. So there were additional storage tables next to the bed as well. And so there was plenty of storage. But to Rocky’s point that the closet seemed to be a little bit smaller than than other rooms.

Doug (00:11:59) – ThYacht Club is like Norwegian’s Haven, a ship within a ship concept. So outside of your room, what amenities did you have within your ship?

Guest (00:12:07) – I’m telling you, they design it so you don’t have to leave the yacht club. They tell you when you’re going through the booking process. They say it’s exclusive and it’s private. And that is very true. And so the entrance to the yacht club on each of the floors are glass doors. Truly. They look out into the elevator bank. I think MSC has designed it so that people can see in and you can see out, but you have to badge in and out to get in.

Guest (00:12:33) – And so the spaces are beautiful. They’ve got those crystal staircases. What are those crystals? The Swarovski, Swarovski, uh, staircases, the spiral staircases. So we would leave our room and take the staircase up to the next deck. Uh, the 16th deck, which is where the concierge was at the Topsail lounge. Topsail lounge was windows all at the front of the ship.

The view of of New York, we commented that was probably the best view of New York we’ve ever had in that topsail lounge. Oh yeah, the canopy. Like, there’s just so much to unpack in that, um, the full bar.

And then again, you take up another spiral staircase and you are there at the exclusive restaurant, and then one more spiral staircase up, and you are at deck 19, which is your dedicated, uh, lounging space, pool, and hot tub. There’s a daily buffet that they put up there for, for just yacht club guests, along with a bar.

Doug (00:13:23) – Let’s talk about some of the food on MSC Maravilla.

Doug (00:13:26) – Once you get out of your haven complex and go to the buffet with the common folk, how was the buffet and the food throughout the nine days?

Guest (00:13:34) – So we didn’t discover the buffet area until that first night. It was the second day that we discovered it. Yeah. Uh, now that I think back on the experience, um, we like to refer to those areas as Jen and Pop. And, uh, as we walked in to the buffet, we were we kind of felt like we were in someone else’s place. We didn’t feel like we knew that our way around, because we had spent so much time on the ship before we found the buffet. But once we did find it, I’ll tell you, Doug, we spent a good amount of time there, especially for late-night buffets. Uh, this was the first time that we’d really seen a cruise line dedicate a late-night buffet to its passengers consistently. Every night from midnight until 2 a.m..

Guest (00:14:14) – They served food. And we’re not just talking about just, you know, a quick little grab here and there. They have their pizzas available. They have little small sandwiches that you could grab. They had burgers and hot dogs. They sometimes had nachos. Sometimes, they would do a breakfast with some scrambled eggs and bacon every night. I think I got scrambled eggs and bacon every single night of the cruise.

They had the healthy corner like they had salads. And so it wasn’t even just that fried stuff that you sometimes find on the late night buffet. They had salads in a healthy corner. I mean, it was the largest. So we’ve seen late night buffets right on Carnival. We’ve seen it on, uh, we’ve seen it on the other lines. This was the I mean, it was the size of a regular buffet at from 12 a.m. to 2 a.m.. It brought me back to old days of cruising.

Doug (00:14:57) – Yeah, yeah, yeah. Sounds like it. So for your main. You were mentioning.

Doug (00:15:01) – You had your dining room in the topsail area. So how was the dining in the yacht club, and was there much of a selection like, do they rotate the menus? How does that play out?

Guest (00:15:12) – Very much a dedicated menu for the, uh, those that were in the yacht club. Um, the options that they, they had on the menu, there was some mirroring that happened to the main dining rooms on the ship, but they were elevated to a different level with the offerings and the types of food. Uh, there was a selection of classics that were served every night.

For example, you could get your classic filet mignon, or a salmon would be available. And I think they also had a lobster on that classics menu. On the classics menu, you had lobster and filet mignon. I mean, this is this is next level here. Right. And then uh, for the regular offerings every day they had a rotation of several different items. Usually there was a daily result of that was available.

Guest (00:15:53) – There was also a different daily lamb that was on the menu. Uh, so definitely a higher caliber of food offerings on the menu. And the way that they were prepared and plated were very beautiful. Uh, you had, of course, your main waiter and then you had your, your waiters’ assistants and they would all work in harmony together to deliver your breads, appetizers, entrees, and desserts.

Speaking of desserts, don’t forget that the maitre d would flambé the dessert. So we had cherries jubilee one night where he flambé and served that, um, they, they did the cheese trolley where they would literally, they literally had a cheese trolley where you could choose the cheeses and, and jams and jellies that you wanted as part of your dessert option. It was it was definitely. Where do you find a risotto on a cruise on the difficulty to actually prepare that correctly for the masses. Um, you can’t do that. But you can in a private small restaurant that’s dedicated to a subset of your passengers.

Doug (00:16:53) – And how were the lines up there?

Guest (00:16:57) – We don’t know what you mean by lines.

Doug (00:17:00) – Fair enough.

Guest (00:17:02) – Yeah, because there was such a small capacity within the yacht club itself on the ship. Right. And because you only have those people that have access to it, our dining times for dinner was available from 6 p.m. until 830.

That was when you could get seated, and it was open to your time. Whenever you wanted to go in, you would show up. There was one knife that I can think of, and I believe it was the second gala night. We had to wait maybe three minutes, maybe get seated. Yeah. Um, overall, the amount of seating that they have both in the lounge and the restaurant are ample for the number of people that are in there, and they know that they’re going to turn over tables throughout the evening from guests that are doing early versus later dining.

Doug (00:17:42) – Did you enjoy any specialty dining on board this one?

Guest (00:17:45) – So this sailing specifically, we chose to stick to the yacht club so that we could capture each of the menus and actually record some reviews each dinner. We actually are right now looking at booking, uh, another MSC cruise, we committed to ourselves that we would do a yacht club and we would do non-Yacht Club. And so that is where that’s sailing, where we plan to actually explore some of those additional, um, upstairs upcharge specialty restaurants. But for this sailing we literally stuck to the Yacht Club restaurant. That exclusive restaurant.

Doug (00:18:16) – I meant to ask you, before you sailed, did you do the status match with them?

Guest (00:18:20) – Yeah, both of us actually ended up doing status match. Um, with Mark having diamond status with Carnival and I have platinum status, we were both able to match into their gold status or gold level with the Voyagers club.

Doug (00:18:33) – So you stepped right into gold. So do you know, like what that gets you compared to just being a first-time MSC cruiser?

Guest (00:18:39) – Great question.

Guest (00:18:40) – Because, uh, MSC is not known for their loyalty program having the strongest perks, but what it did get us is it it got us a welcome back reception where they had cocktails, which when you’re in the yacht club, it doesn’t really have a huge impact. Uh, because we had champagne up and up in our private lounge.

We also got a little gift. It was a little backpack or drawstring backpack that we got. There’s also when you’re part of the when you’re part of the loyalty program, you get a discount on sailings with MSC, and on future sailings with MSC. And so I think it’s a 5% discount that you get as, as a member of that level. And so there are some perks.

They don’t actually do priority. Like many lines have priority boarding and don’t do that until you hit their very top level, which is diamond. And that’s the only group with priority boarding and demarcation. So that’s our goal. My goal is to hit Diamond on Carnival and MSC.

Guest (00:19:36) – We’ll see how long it takes.

Doug (00:19:37) – Double diamond. There you go.

Guest (00:19:39) – I like it I like.

Doug (00:19:40) – That. How about around the ship like you mentioned Carnival. So we’ll stick with that. Uh, they have the guys burger joint, which is complimentary dining. Does MSC have anything like that around the ship? Kind of a grab and go type place. Yeah.

Guest (00:19:52) – So, uh, it was kind of surprised. And that was one of the conversations that we had at Post Cruise is the fact that there really aren’t those. Types of grab and go quick serve restaurants on board. You do have the buffet, which is very well divided. They have their ethnic corner and they have their pastas, and they have a pizza spot and some burgers, but it’s really only confined to that area as well as the main dining restaurant restaurants. Aside from that, everything is upcharge. They have a Mexican place that’s an upcharge. They have, uh, I can’t remember all of them. There’s a there’s a couple other ones.

Guest (00:20:27) – One thing that I would call out that was unique, that I’ve never seen before on any of our sailings, is they had a kid’s buffet, a dedicated buffet for the kids so that they didn’t have to be in the main area of the buffet. And then the only other kind of separate areas that they had were out on the lido deck.

They had that kind of they had like side buffets. It was the same buffet food on the inside of the buffet, but it was just right outside on Lido, so you didn’t have to go in. But there was no you know, I think about even Celebrity Apex had the burger and fries station and Carnival and all of their side restaurants that they have that are included. None of that. It is focused on the buffet and their and their main dining room for the included options.

Doug (00:21:10) – Let’s discuss the entertainment on board Maravilla. I know that MSC gave up the Cirque partnership located at the back of the ship. What’s going on back there now?

Guest (00:21:22) – So I will say that we were pleasantly surprised with the show performances that were put on in the main Broadway theater, which is their main theater in the forward of the ship. We actually attended one of the Meet the cast type of, uh, presentations, if you will, and we had a really great interaction with them.

We found out that all of the shows in that forward lounge were designed specifically for that cast and this ship. So in all, we were very impressed and enjoyed all of the shows we saw in that forward lounge. Now, going to your question about Cirque du Soleil partnership, you can see that there still is some residual, um, design with the shows that they have in that back lounge that does still exist, they still do aerial acts, and we very much enjoyed those performances. But one thing to be aware of is MSC still continues to consider that an upcharge and add-on type of experience.

Guest (00:22:20) – So if you buy it on the ship, it’s $18 a person to get into one of those shows. The nice thing is they sweeten the deal because they throw a drink at you that you can enjoy during the show, but it’s definitely a bit different of an experience than what we’ve seen on most of the other cruise lines.

Doug (00:22:37) – Gotcha. And did you guys, uh, like, what kind of show was you mentioned? It was like an acrobatics thing, but it was just an MSC-branded show.

Guest (00:22:47) – Yeah. So they put on a magic show. Houdini is the name of the show. And so there’s a lot of singing, dancing, acrobats flying through the air, and a little juggling and jumping out into the audience. And so definitely had, I would say Cirque vibes, but just not with the branding. But to Rocky’s point, they’re still charging that upcharge for the Cirque like show.

Doug (00:23:10) – Gotcha. Okay. Historically, MSC Cruise Entertainment is more visual and less like comedians because of the international audience. Is it like this on MSC Meraviglia?

Guest (00:23:22) – Actually, no. I feel like there was a lot, a lot of the presentations that we saw were done primarily in English, surprisingly. Okay. Uh, the one thing that caught us off guard was the overhead announcements.

Anytime the captain would make his announcements, it would always be done by the captain. Again in Italian. Uh, during the safety briefings when we were on the embark day, they were doing announcements in both English and Mandarin. For safety reasons, there were so many Mandarin-speaking passengers on board. But overall, most of the shows were done and performed in English leading up to the show’s start.

They would do a couple of announcements in Mandarin and Italian and English and German. So they did do several pre-calls for those shows. But overall the actual shows themselves were primarily in English, if there was any speaking at all. Yeah, it turns out it turns out those songs are universal. You know, the journey is universal across all languages.

Doug (00:24:19) – Let’s talk about the sea days. As far as crowds and congestion, I know that you were up there in the yacht club for probably most of it, but as you made your way further south, you mentioned the snow on the sail out, but that it eventually warm up once you got around the Carolinas or Florida.

Guest (00:24:36) – Warmed up is relative. Uh, it was warmer than than the snow, but we there weren’t a lot of folks spending time out on deck or making use of of the water slides. Um, it was still pretty chilly until, honestly, the nicest day we had was in Nassau. And so it took us, uh, five days into the cruise before the weather was, was to a point where you would want to actually be out on deck or layout, you know, you could be out. I mean, we were like, jackets and jeans, uh, throughout the sailing. Uh, but but it wasn’t it didn’t get really warm until we got down into the Bahamas.

Doug (00:25:07) – As far as the crowds and congestion around the ship, was there any of that since everyone was inside?

Guest (00:25:16) – Really? Honestly, the only crowds we experienced were in the Meraviglia Galleria Meraviglia, which is a domed area. If you deck six and deck seven, it’s a two-story area. They’ve got a beautiful dome, similar to the Fremont Experience in Las Vegas, where they’ve got that led that runs almost the entirety of the ship. That’s where they would do many of their dance parties and events, because it was too cold up on deck to do it.

We didn’t feel that space was designed to host those parties. And so it’s a throughput for traffic on the ship. And so you’ve got people trying to make their way throughout the ship and people dancing and singing. And that was really the only time we felt like we were crowded, or that we were kind of annoyed a little bit by the traffic flow of the ship. Otherwise I would I would tell you, we didn’t feel crowds, even the buffet, the buffets, were sometimes a little bit busy, but but not to the point where we’ve seen it wear on other lines.

Guest (00:26:12) – What did you think of that promenade area with the ceiling that lights up?

Guest (00:26:15) – Beautiful. Uh, we were stunned by the design and how gorgeous that space was, and they really maximize the usage of those LED screens throughout the sailing, including on Embark day, when they’re showing you where all of the different muster stations are located. But overall, that space was beautiful.

It was definitely wide enough to walk through it when there wasn’t an event happening, you could easily take yourself up onto the next deck up and look down from the mezzanine and really enjoy the sights and the and sounds and even the smells coming from the chocolate factory. As you were sailing along, so it was very enjoyable.

Speaking of speaking of those multi-use screens, remember, even on the welcome back party, they played the Welcome Back video that that that MSC sizzle reel. They played the video thing. Welcome back. I appreciate your loyalty. They played that up on those screens. And so literally everyone at the Welcome Back party headed to the sky watching them talk about what a great experience MSC is.

Doug (00:27:11) – The casino. How was that as far as the smoking situation in and around it?

Guest (00:27:17) – They had a smoke-free casino. It appears that it was an afterthought based on our conversations with the other passengers on board. The smoke-free casino was nice. However, they didn’t have any gaming tables for the smoke-free gamblers.

Now, the exciting thing was the placement of the Cirque theater. You have to walk through the smoking casino to get to the theater, which was kind of a strange setup, but the way the casino was set up. They put the main bar in the center of it. So you’re not diving into the main casino itself. Overall, the casino seemed like a pretty ample size, comparable to what we’re familiar with on some of Carnival’s Vista ships .

Doug (00:27:59) – Okay. Very cool. So, let’s talk about the ports of call you hit on this nine-night cruise. And what we’ll do here is hit the first one, give us a highlight, then we’ll go to the next one and so on.

Guest (00:28:10) – The first cruise port we visited was the exotic location, Port Canaveral in Florida. We had something else arranged. We have some really good friends that we’ve also met through going on cruises who live in the Orlando area, they ended up picking us up, and we had a fun day at SeaWorld for the day. So, it’s definitely a little bit different. We didn’t book anything through MSC because we’ve been to Port Canaveral before, so we wanted to check it out through the locals.

Doug (00:29:01) – So what was after Port Canaveral?

Guest (00:29:04) – Next was Miami and the day was unexpected. Icon of the Seas was scheduled to arrive in Miami the day before.

However, due to the weather, they kept her out for an extra day. And so we literally got to see icon of the seas sail. And we did a live, uh, we did a YouTube live where we streamed her sailing into Port Miami for the first time. We watched her turn around in the basin, return, and dock at the Royal Caribbean Terminal. There.

We got off the ship, and we hiked our excursion that day. We hiked about a mile up to the Royal Caribbean Terminal, climbed up to the very top of the parking garage, Royal Caribbean parking garage, and we just took pictures and filmed a bunch of stuff up there because it was like such a wow moment for for a couple of cruise nerds.

Doug (00:29:53) – Yeah. No, definitely. So after Nassau, you headed over to the Bahamas. Uh, what was the first Bahamas port?

Guest (00:29:59) – We first stopped at MSC’s Private Island, MSC’s Ocean Cay Marine Reserve. It’s a beautiful private island destination.

You can tell that MSC put a lot of thought and consideration when they were designing this port. It’s huge. It is massive, huge. And it’s nice because the ship can dock directly onto the port there, instead of you having to do a water shuttle taxi service to get in.

It is a very large and sprawling island, with tons of places for people to go out and lounge and layout, grab food, and have a nice relaxing day. Now. Now they don’t have, you know, big water parks and they don’t have hot air balloons that go up in the air like some, you know, private islands do. But but I mean, it had everything that you could want.

Guest (00:30:48) – It had many different beaches. Uh, to Rocky Point food trucks, uh, included food trucks throughout the island, as well as some upcharge food trucks where you could get, you know, seafood, you could get your lobster rolls and some of that fresh seafood.

Doug (00:31:00) – You were in the yacht club, right? So I know they have that yacht club area on the other side of the island, like on the other side from where the ship docks. How was that space, or I guess, did you utilize that space? And would you think of it if you did?

Guest (00:31:12) – Yeah, we actually, uh, as soon as we got off of the ship via escort from our butler. It’s just fun to say that. I’m sorry. Uh, we were escorted over to the yacht club’s meeting point, where they picked us up by golf cart and drove us to that exclusive area. It just made it a little bit easier to get there so we can maximize our time. Uh, the area is referred to as the Ocean House.

And so that’s actually where they serve lunch. And it’s a lovely, large colonial-style building. Uh, the lunch there included amazing bites from a lobster roll to crab ceviche. The ceviche was so good. The beach was delicious. Uh, they also had your standard fare of burgers on the menu, and then a couple of salads and other options.

Overall, it was a great area. As you approached it, there was signage, so you knew it was reserved for the yacht club guests. Uh, there was a private beach. And that’s the one downside that I would say about the exclusive area is the Yacht Club’s Ocean House. The beach is probably the least nice of the beaches that are found on the island.

It’s a little bit rough. Uh, there’s some larger sand bits, if you want to call them that. Uh, so getting in the water makes it a bit tough. And due to the weather that we encountered, we really didn’t even touch the water because we touched the water.

We just didn’t get into the water. It’s it’s rocky, says sand. But I would say sharp rock. So the folks that had been there before had water shoes and were in the water. That was a that’s a great tip. If you’re going to Ocean Cay and in the yacht club, make sure to bring water shoes because. It will make your day better.

Doug: .That’s a good tip. There are a lot of beaches around the island so you get to explore most of them?

We did. We met people on the cruise, as we always do on cruises. And so we went out and we got to explore a little bit with them. In hindsight, I wish we had done the exploration first because it started to pour. Uh, it started to downpour and it was a cold downpour in the Bahamas. And so we we didn’t get to explore as much as we’d like, but we got to see several of the lagoons.

Guest (00:33:15) – We got to see the lighthouse. We got to enjoy one of the food trucks. We did eat at one of the food trucks just so we could say we, you know, ate with our friends. Um, Rocky. Rocky always says we ate with the common people. Um, and so we enjoyed the food on the mainland. And then there’s shops, there’s shops, there’s you can buy ice cream cones and various things on land as well. Before we headed back to the ship. And, and unfortunately, that was the only we were this point spoiled us, Doug. Um, we were looking for our butler escort back onto the ship, but but there was not one on to the ship. And so we had to wait in the rain with the rest of the ship that had all run back to get onto the ship as well.

Doug (00:33:55) – Oh, no. Horrible. Did you get to stay at night to see the lighthouse lit up? Yeah.

Guest (00:34:01) – Back on board wasn’t scheduled until 8:00 that evening. Uh, most of the passengers had embarked on the ship by about 330 or 4 due to the weather, but we stayed docked there, and we were wondering about that lighthouse show because we’d heard about it. And so we went to the concierge, who gave us a great recommendation on where to go to view it, so we could also hear the music playing through the show.

Uh, and so we had the opportunity to watch it and it was impressive. We enjoyed it. And hopefully, we’ll be able to return to Ocean Cay again in the future, where we won’t encounter poor weather. We can be on the beach and see the light show from the ground.

And because of the concierge tip, we know the crew smoking area on MSC Meraviglia. And so it was a great tip and we got to hang out with crew as they watched the light show.

Doug (00:34:54) – He probably know this, but if you’re ever feeling energetic or you want to work out, you can climb that lighthouse. It’s like $15 or 20 maybe, but you got some great views up there and there’s quite a few steps, so, uh, yeah, pack your energy. Yeah.

Guest (00:35:06) – No. And that’s another reason why we want to go back. You know, I don’t think, uh, the weather was really in our favor to be able to do that type of an excursion, but definitely in the books for us to do it again.

Doug (00:35:16) – So your final port of call was Nassau. How was your day there?

Guest (00:35:19) – Nassau was great. Uh, as Mark had mentioned, it was the best weather that we saw on the entire cruise, and we were a little bummed that it was our final port day, but we made the most of it. We were docked in Nassau with four other ships. So a standard busy Nassau day. Uh, nothing unusual there.

Guest (00:35:36) – Uh, we have a tradition whenever we’re in Nassau, where we go visit a rum distillery in a little bit deeper into town. And so we decided to do that at this time. We took the trek and walked around and checked out the updates that they made to the port of Nassau, because that was our first time there since they did all the construction since they finished the construction.

Yeah, we’ve been several times during. Yeah. And then from there we walked up to the distillery and enjoyed a little tasting up there before returning to the port and getting on the ship. It was a pretty quiet day, but we’re looking forward to the opportunity to get to lay out on deck on the cruise ship before sail away took place.

Doug (00:36:12) – Yeah, perfect day for it. So you leave Nassau for a couple of days and you head back to Brooklyn. How were your sea days going up?

Guest (00:36:19) – The weather, I will say, was more cooperative on the way back, but. So it wasn’t as bumpy and rocky, but there were times when you would sleep at night and roll on or you would.

Guest (00:36:31) – You knew you were on a ship. You know, when Rocky and I first boarded, one of the things we commented as we were sitting in, I think it was the topsail restaurant. After spending time in the lounge, we said, we don’t feel like we’re on a cruise ship, but you just felt like you were almost at an all-inclusive resort.

We knew we were on a cruise ship on the sea days out and on the sea days back. The weather was left, the ocean a bit rocky. We had some. You saw some gale-force winds. There were some swells, but they had the magnetic, uh, bags out, the thick bags out in the elevator banks. They had those out for, for all of the passengers. We did talk to several folks who said they might not sail again in January, but but we liked it. But I know the sign us up.

Doug (00:37:18) – So it’s time to get off the ship in Brooklyn.

Doug (00:37:20) – Was the process as smooth and bougie as that embark?

Guest (00:37:25) – I love that you say the bougie because it continued through. Uh, we always go for a very relaxed, dark morning. We try to stay on the ship as long as possible.

We book later flights knowing that there’s always the possibility that a ship could be delayed returning to port. Uh, and fortunately for us, the ship did arrive on time, however. We didn’t end up disembarking from the ship until much later.

We we decided to go down and have breakfast down in the main restaurant, the topsail restaurant, in the yacht club area. And once we were done eating there, we went down to the lounge and enjoyed a quick beverage and a couple of little canapés. You know, just trying to get our last bits in and chatted with the bartenders.

The bartenders were tremendously friendly the entire sailing, and we just hung out with them and enjoyed some coffee and drinks. Yep. And then once we were ready to get off of the ship, we went to the concierge and actually, we ended up seeing our butler at the concierge desk, and he offered to help us get off the ship.

Guest (00:38:26) – And so he took Marc’s two suitcases that he was carrying from his hands and wheeled them to the elevator, took us down to the lower deck, and wheeled us over to where they take you off the ship. Or they scan your card to say you are officially disembarked from the ship. So we continued that experience as long as we could.

And the cool thing about the luggage program, if you decide to put your luggage out the night before the cruise ends, all of the yacht club luggage gets delivered to one specific spot, so you’re not rushing to get off.

You’re not rushing to go find where your luggage was placed. When it’s in that terminal building, it’s very easy to locate and get to pick up your suitcases and you’re on your way. Once again, those yacht club signs. Right this way. Um, a dedicated area, even for your luggage.

Doug (00:39:16) – Awesome. Very cool. Does Brooklyn have facial recognition for the dark?

Guest (00:39:21) – Yes they did. We were very excited when we saw that we’re getting off the ship.

Doug (00:39:25) – Yeah. It sure makes a difference. Looking back here as first-time MSC cruisers and in the yacht Club, do you have any first-time tips to offer anyone sailing MSC or sailing out of Manhattan?

Guest (00:39:39) – Uh, goodness gracious. If you get that upgrade offer and it’s within your means, you bid that upgrade offer up. Suppose you can get into the yacht club from a balcony. That would be my biggest tip because not only does it include all of those amenities that we’ve talked about. They grant you into the premium drinks package as well.

So the premium drinks package on this sailing would have been 790 a person, a person. We paid less for the entire yacht club experience, including those premium drinks. It included Wi-Fi on each of our devices, and it included all of those exclusive amenities that we’ve talked about.

And so that would be my number one tip is if you get that offer to upgrade to the yacht club, really look at what it would cost you to have that experience and just individually and take that for serious take.

Guest (00:40:29) – Be serious about that. And if you can get that upgrade and it’s in your means, do it. Yeah, absolutely. And then I would also say the other thing is that this cruise ship departs out of the Brooklyn terminal.

So instead of paying the 60 plus dollars that it would cost to get an Uber or a lift, you could take the subway, and the train system, all of which will be super easy to get over there. And there’s a water taxi or ferry. Ferry, I guess it is, uh, that takes you from Wall Street.

If you were to go into Manhattan and stay the night out there, you can quickly get onto the ferry from Wall Street over to the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal. Easy. And it’s quite cost-effective.

Doug (00:41:09) – Yeah, that’s one thing I’ve heard over the years is that a lot of people who are doing cruises out of either Brooklyn or Manhattan, they kind of get taken by surprise how much it actually cost to get from the airport to the cruise port.

Doug (00:41:20) – But a little extra research can save you quite a few bucks, and it’s not that bad. I think it’s.

Guest (00:41:25) – Scarier being in New York traffic. Quite honestly. When we the Uber, we took an Uber from the hotel to the cruise terminal. I think that was scarier than the subway was, you know, the night before when we had flown in. And so, yes, I think it’s great.

Doug (00:41:41) – Well, looking back, what was your biggest highlight of this cruise?

Guest (00:41:56) – I would say the biggest highlight was probably being in the yacht club. What a treat it was for us to be able to experience that. Um, it was so exciting walking into the Topsail Lounge in that exclusive yacht Club area, no matter how many times a day we walked in there, we always discovered new canopies that were waiting for us to try.

Guest (00:42:17) – The bartenders and servers in the topsail lounge were all very friendly. They started to get to know us, what drinks we enjoyed the most, and they would start making recommendations based on the spirits we were drinking to make our journey that much more enjoyable. I think for me, um, one of the best bites of food I’ve had on a cruise ship was, uh, in the Eden restaurant onboard Celebrity Apex.

And I would say fast forward. That was a couple of years back now for Thanksgiving. But fast forward to this. To have that daily rotating risotto to me was a surprise and delight that menu in Topsail restaurant. You just don’t see food like that on a cruise ship. And it was fantastic.

And it was included in that experience. It wasn’t we weren’t, you know, dropping 150 for the meal. It was included in that yacht club experience. That, to me was a surprise and delight.

Guest (00:43:10) – I did not expect how good and high-quality that food would be.

Doug (00:43:22) – Well, uh, in closing here, your final thoughts of MSC Maravilla.

Guest (00:43:27) – the MSC Meraviglia is a gorgeous ship. MSC did a great job in designing and developing this class of ship. The size of it was great. We did have a lower capacity on the ship during our sailing, but we still managed to have a great time. We met a lot of great friends.

We found places to call our own that maybe we’re not in the yacht club specifically. Still, we discovered the Sky lounge as a great place to meet people and to be able to enjoy the company of others that were not a part of the yacht club, and really just kind of put ourselves with the rest of the population that was sailing. Very good. The Champagne Bar was another one of my favorites. That the Edge bar.

Guest (00:44:09) – The champagne bar, you know, that looked out over the water as the ship was sailing. That was great. Those champagne cocktails were excellent. And that’s the beauty, right? When you have. We would flash our yacht club bracelets and I will tell you, I joke. I’ve made this joke now lines would disappear and people would just randomly appear.

Servers would appear, you flash that yacht club bracelet and it didn’t matter what bar we were at, if we were at the horizon bar, after the champagne bar, or at the Sky lounge, they just showed up and took such great care of us. You can tell that even the rest of the ship is trained to pay attention to yacht club guests, because it was just such a fantastic experience.

I’m excited to go back on MSC Meraviglia in in the in the standard amenities in the non-yacht club amenities to be able to experience it truly and compare and contrast to be able to talk about what does that value look like and how it feels to sit down in the main dining room each night for dinner versus in your dedicated restaurant? And so I am excited to get back on the ship.

Guest (00:45:10) – We’ve looked we’ve booked on the inaugural on MSC World America, World America. And so it was it was a great experience and great sailing. And so MSC gets a lot of bad rap out there. There’s a lot of negativity about people who love or hate it. And I will tell you from our experience where we’re looking at booking two more already. So it was it was in it was in a really good category for us.

Doug (00:46:34) – Awesome. We’ll link to it also in the show notes at Cruise Radio dot net. Mark Rocky, thank you all so much.

Guest (00:46:40) – Thank you so much, Doug.

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MSC Cruises’ MSC Voyagers Club loyalty program: Everything you need to know

Compared to some of its closest rivals, MSC Cruises has a relatively modest loyalty program.

Unlike the frequent cruiser programs at Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line , the MSC Voyagers Club loyalty program doesn't offer its members a free cruise after reaching the top tier. It does not offer a massive discount on the single supplement charge for solo travelers, as Royal Caribbean offers its top-tier members, nor does it grant priority access to onboard shows.

For more cruise guides, reviews and news, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

Still, the MSC Cruises loyalty program offers several valuable perks at higher levels, including a complimentary meal in an extra-charge specialty restaurant once per cruise and priority access to tenders in ports.

The MSC Voyagers Club program also allows you to status match your way into one of its top tiers — something that no other major cruise line loyalty program offers.

Ways to earn points

The points-earning system for MSC Voyagers Club is a bit convoluted, as the number of points you earn on any given cruise depends on various factors.

For starters, you earn points based on the length of the cruise you take and which MSC Cruises "experience" you book. As regular MSC Cruises customers know, the line offers four onboard experiences, each with different inclusions and price points. Bella is the most basic — and least expensive — experience available. MSC Yacht Club is the top experience available. Experiences called Fantastica and Aurea are in between.

For sailings of four nights or fewer, each passenger in the cabin will earn the following number of points depending on experience type:

• Fantastica: 400
• MSC Yacht Club: 800

For sailings of five to nine nights, every guest will earn the following number of points depending on experience type:

• Fantastica: 700
• Aurea: 1,000
• MSC Yacht Club: 1,500

For sailings of nine or more nights, they'll earn the following number of points depending on experience type:

• Fantastica: 1,000
• Aurea: 1,500
• MSC Yacht Club: 2,000

In addition to the above, you can also earn points for extras when spending money on MSC Cruises ships or when booking in advance of sailing. You'll earn 100 points for every $150 you spend on prepaid and onboard expenses.

One caveat: Only the MSC Voyagers Club member who makes the final payment for onboard expenses will receive those points. For expenses for prepaid services that apply to all cabin occupants (and not single occupants), points will be equally distributed among the cabin occupants.

For example, say the total amount of prepaid onboard services that apply to all cabin occupants before the cruise is $600. If there are four cabin occupants, the spending for the points calculation of each member will be $150, which is equal to 100 points.

Related: The ultimate guide to MSC Cruises ships and itineraries

The final way to earn points is by updating your contact details up to 72 hours before departure on your next cruise. This will earn you 100 points.

All points, including for the cruise, onboard spending and updating your profile, will pop up in your account about 10 days after the cruise is completed.

MSC Voyagers Club tiers and benefits

There are four tiers to the MSC Voyagers Club program:

• Classic : 1 to 2,199 points
• Silver : 2,200 to 4,299 points
• Gold : 4,300 to 9,999 points
• Diamond : 10,000 or more points

As is typical for cruise line loyalty programs, the entry-level tier (Classic) doesn't provide many truly valuable rewards. By far, the most alluring benefit at this level is the 5% discount members receive when booking future sailings. (This discount is not valid for MSC Grand Tours and when booking Tandem cabins, which are specially discounted cabins that parents can book for kids.) That's real savings every time you book a cruise.

Additionally, Classic members receive:

• An extra 5% discount on Voyagers Exclusives sailings made six to nine months before departure
• An MSC Voyagers Club e-newsletter
• MSC Voyagers Club personalized luggage tags for embarkation in the e-ticket
• An MSC Voyagers Club card
• An invitation to a "welcome back" cocktail party
• A dedicated number to call on board
• Discounts on many packages and amenities, including onboard pictures, digital accessories, Wi-Fi and spa and fitness offerings
• An MSC Shops discount (for each $50 spent in any onboard shops, you will receive a $10 discount)

Note that the MSC Shops discount has a lot of fine print. The discount is not combinable with promotions available on board and is not available for spending on tobacco products and electronics. It's also only valid on the first day of a cruise. That final point prompts us to downgrade the value of this perk considerably.

Upon reaching the second tier of the program, Silver, you get a couple of additional perks. The most notable to us is a $50 onboard credit per person, plus double MSC Voyagers Club points, for all bookings made more than 12 months before departure. (If you book nine to 12 months in advance, you get the $50 credit but not the double points.)

The Silver level also brings an unspecified milestone reward and all the perks of the lower-tier Classic level.

Related: Everything you need to know about MSC Cruises cabins and suites

You will be a member of the Classic level as soon as you take a single cruise, as it takes only 1 point to reach the Classic level. You also might be able to reach the Silver level in just one cruise if you take a long voyage of nine nights or more, pay for the top MSC Yacht Club experience and do a modest amount of onboard spending.

Still, a more typical cruiser sailing seven-night trips at a mid-tier Fantastica or Aurea experience level would need two or three cruises to reach the Silver level.

The elite level that makes a difference

Being loyal to MSC Cruises starts paying off in a more meaningful way once you reach the Gold level of the MSC Voyagers Club program. Even here, though, the rewards are still relatively modest.

The Gold level comes with one solid perk: priority disembarkation in ports where a tender boat is required. This can make a real difference in your cruising experience, as it means you can get off the ship much faster in some cases than the majority of other passengers. That will allow you to maximize your time in tender ports.

Additionally, Gold status brings all the perks of the tiers below it plus:

• A complimentary one-hour thermal area session once per cruise
• A complimentary gift
• A complimentary photo taken during the "welcome back" cocktail party
• A complimentary birthday cake when it's your birthday

It could take you as few as two cruises to reach the Gold level if you sign up for longer sailings and pay for the top MSC Yacht Club experience. Someone sailing seven-night trips at a mid-tier Fantastica or Aurea experience level would need four or five cruises to reach the Gold level.

The best elite perk with MSC Voyagers Club

Alas, there isn't a "wow" perk in the entire MSC Voyagers Club menu. As noted above, unlike some lines, MSC Cruises doesn't award top-tier members with truly high-value perks such as a free cruise. Still, MSC Voyagers Club's top Diamond status tier does come with a few enticing benefits.

Our favorite perk in the entire MSC Voyagers Club program is the complimentary dinner at a specialty restaurant that comes with Diamond-level status. That said, be warned that the complimentary dinner comes with a lot of fine print (so much fine print, in fact, that to use it verges on the ridiculous).

The complimentary dinner, in theory, is for you and a cabinmate. However, among the fine-print caveats is that two Diamond members staying in the same cabin don't get two free dinners.

If you and your spouse are both Diamond members, and you dine together using the perk, MSC Cruises counts that as you both using your perk for that one meal. That said, if you had two other people staying with you in the same cabin, you and your spouse could each use your perk to take one of them out for the free dinner, resulting in two free dinners for your cabin.

Additionally, the complimentary dinner privilege at specialty restaurants might not be available on all ship classes. Members under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult at dinner. Also, drinks are not included with the complimentary dinner, nor are you allowed to bring outside drinks into the restaurant.

Related: The 6 types of MSC Cruises ships, explained

Should all that prove too confusing, MSC Voyagers Club Diamond status thankfully also offers two other solid perks:

• A priority line for boarding on embarkation day
• Priority disembarkation at the end of the cruise

Diamond level also provides all the perks of the tiers below it plus:

• Courtesy bathrobe and slippers available during the cruise
• A complimentary dance class
• An invitation to an exclusive Diamond Party
• Late cabin checkout on disembarkation day
• A chocolate gift

Someone sailing seven-night cruises at a mid-tier Fantastica or Aurea experience level would need to take about eight to 10 trips to reach the Diamond level, depending on onboard spending.

In contrast to every other major cruise line loyalty program, MSC Cruises customers do not get "forever status" once they reach a certain tier of the MSC Voyagers Club. Once achieved, your status is only good as long as you take a cruise at least once every 36 months.

If you don't take a cruise once every 36 months, you will see your points in the MSC Voyagers Club disappear and your entire account erased. You'll have to reenroll and start all over again.

This is a notable difference from other cruise line loyalty programs, as "forever status" is one of the great allures of such programs. Many airline frequent flyer programs, by contrast, require loyalty members to requalify for status each year.

MSC Voyagers Club status match

As noted above, the MSC Voyagers Club program allows you to status match your way to its top tiers — something other major cruise line loyalty programs don't offer.

If you show proof of a high loyalty program status level with a competing cruise line, a hotel company or even a booking site such as Expedia, you can catapult your way from no status to a top-tier status with MSC Cruises in a jiffy. A high status level at an airline, alas, won't get you a status match at MSC Cruises, with a handful of exceptions such as a high status level at Air China.

This MSC Cruises status match, to us, is a big deal. It's one thing that sets MSC Voyagers Club apart from other cruise line loyalty programs.

The status match process at MSC Cruises is simple. Go to the dedicated enrollment page for MSC Voyagers Club status matching at the MSC Cruises website. You'll find a short online form where you enter some personal details (including name, birth date and address) and details about your status level with another loyalty program. You'll then have to upload a picture of your membership card for that program (or, if you don't have a membership card, a screenshot of your online account page showing your name and status).

That's it. Within a few days, you'll get an email or text welcoming you into the MSC Voyagers Club program at a status tier that matches your status with the other brand.

The dedicated enrollment page lists more than 60 loyalty programs from which you can status match into the MSC Cruises loyalty program. They include such cruise line loyalty programs as Royal Caribbean's Crown & Anchor Society and Carnival Cruise Line's VIFP Club program . Your status in the loyalty programs run by such major hotel chains as Hilton , Hyatt and Marriott also can be submitted for a match.

MSC Cruises doesn't offer a chart showing which tier of its loyalty program you will receive based on your tier at each of the other brands. Our staff members at TPG have had luck matching into the top Gold or Diamond tiers of the MSC Voyagers Club program from high levels of competing programs. One TPG editor received top Diamond tier status in the MSC Cruises program as a match to World of Hyatt Globalist status, for instance. Another staffer received Gold status in the MSC Cruises program as a match to the Diamond level in Royal Caribbean's program.

You can enter your status in only one program when seeking a match, so pick the program in which you have the highest status level.

Bottom line

MSC Cruises offers some decent perks in its four-tier loyalty program, including discounts and onboard credits when you book additional cruises. It also allows cruisers to status match their way to the top tiers of the program.

Still, the MSC Voyagers Club program is not nearly as robust a frequent cruiser program as those offered by such rivals as Royal Caribbean and Norwegian.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

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Small Change to YC MiniBar Policy

By BoundForSea , September 28, 2021 in MSC Cruises

BoundForSea

So for those who follow the MSC YC bouncing ball of policies…

We boarded Divina this week and found out from our Butler that since the restart in the US, the Minibar will now only provide you snacks for free ONCE on your voyage. ONE of each: Pringles, nuts and a Twix Bar were loaded in it. That’s it for the voyage. After that if you ask for them to be replenished they will charge you for them. 

Also, alcohol nips are no longer provided. Instead they will offer you a bottle of wine or a bottle of alcohol (Rum, Whiskey, Gin, Vodka, etc) for the entirety of your cruise. If you want more than that, you will again be charged. Now I’ll tell you we requested Tangueray, and received a nice healthy large bottle of it that we won’t finish on our 4 night sailing for sure. I like this change better. Same as Celebrity Retreat.   

No change to non alcoholic drinks in the MiniFridge. There are 2 Heineken bottles provided as well like before, nothing to note on those changing at all. 

So those are the changes. Also no complimentary Macaroons or truffles at night daily. Only provided once for Diamond Club Members. We still get a fresh fruit bowl daily. 

That’s all folks. Now remember it’s MSC, your mileage may and WILL vary!! haha. 

Safe Cruising to you. 

LeCommandant

Thanks for your feedback.   

In Mediterranean, it was about the same, but snacks were never included.  Here you can find the policy:

This change was first introduced when Bellissima launched.  MSC has slowly been implementing this policy fleet wide since then. 

1 hour ago, LeCommandant said: Thanks for your feedback.    In Mediterranean, it was about the same, but snacks were never included. 

Just got off Seashore in Naples and our experience was the same as posted for the US - we were told the Pringles, Mixed nuts and Toblerone were included but would not be refreshed (and we in fact consumed these and we're not charged).  We were given a choice of 8 different bottles of alcohol and chose Bombay Sapphire, which arrived as a full 70cl bottle.  Non-alcoholic drinks and beer were refreshed regularly.

4 hours ago, BoundForSea said: So for those who follow the MSC YC bouncing ball of policies…   We boarded Divina this week and found out from our Butler that since the restart in the US, the Minibar will now only provide you snacks for free ONCE on your voyage. ONE of each: Pringles, nuts and a Twix Bar were loaded in it. That’s it for the voyage. After that if you ask for them to be replenished they will charge you for them.   

That's good news, saves a load of calories and a couple less pounds added weight on the cruise! 

22 minutes ago, hamrag said:   That's good news, saves a load of calories and a couple less pounds added weight on the cruise! 

Ah, G, I’m gonna really miss the choc peanuts. Can’t buy anything close to them anywhere.  I often enjoyed a few with a g&t in the afternoon on the balcony after a short, post-lunch, siesta.   

We have PremPlus for our upcoming (non-YC) cruise;  wonder what the situation will be regarding the included minibar. 🤔

11 minutes ago, Beamafar said: Ah, G, I’m gonna really miss the choc peanuts. Can’t buy anything close to them anywhere.  I often enjoyed a few with a g&t in the afternoon on the balcony after a short, post-lunch, siesta.    We have PremPlus for our upcoming (non-YC) cruise;  wonder what the situation will be regarding the included minibar. 🤔

Bea ... Yet another loss to add to the other ongoing thread, cannot recall when they actually added something decent though.

3 minutes ago, sidari said: Bea ... Yet another loss to add to the other ongoing thread, cannot recall when they actually added something decent though.

Totally agree, Dave.  Downgrading the drinks packages is another bugbear as well as Aurea only having Easy included.  It lessens the Aurea Experience.

On topic - the whole YC Experience is being whittled away at and is not the great value product it once was.

2 hours ago, Beamafar said: We have PremPlus for our upcoming (non-YC) cruise;  wonder what the situation will be regarding the included minibar. 🤔

We had PremPlus on last week's Divina out of Port Canaveral - our mini bar was not just restocked, it was fully stocked every single day.  (Meaning, 4 more beers, 3 more nips, all the snacks, etc).  After day 3 we had to "pay" our room attendant to stop because the desk area had no more room!  (And I needed DH to stop eating those Pringles and Choc peanuts every day  😄 )

I suspect that the room steward had NO idea what to do so he kept adding to the collection INSTEAD of just restocking.  

6 hours ago, BoundForSea said: So for those who follow the MSC YC bouncing ball of policies…   We boarded Divina this week and found out from our Butler that since the restart in the US, the Minibar will now only provide you snacks for free ONCE on your voyage. ONE of each: Pringles, nuts and a Twix Bar were loaded in it. That’s it for the voyage. After that if you ask for them to be replenished they will charge you for them.    Also, alcohol nips are no longer provided. Instead they will offer you a bottle of wine or a bottle of alcohol (Rum, Whiskey, Gin, Vodka, etc) for the entirety of your cruise. If you want more than that, you will again be charged. Now I’ll tell you we requested Tangueray, and received a nice healthy large bottle of it that we won’t finish on our 4 night sailing for sure. I like this change better. Same as Celebrity Retreat.   

I wonder if these changes have hit the Meraviglia sailing out of Miami yet?

1 minute ago, Morgsmom said: We had PremPlus on last week's Divina out of Port Canaveral - our mini bar was not just restocked, it was fully stocked every single day.  (Meaning, 4 more beers, 3 more nips, all the snacks, etc).  After day 3 we had to "pay" our room attendant to stop because the desk area had no more room!  (And I needed DH to stop eating those Pringles and Choc peanuts every day  😄 )   I suspect that the room steward had NO idea what to do so he kept adding to the collection INSTEAD of just restocking.  

Never experienced that before!   We’ve always had the minibar included since MSC first introduced the packages.  We’ve had all kinds of experiences trying to have it stocked each day.   

Great to know it was restocked for you.  Gives me hope that the same will apply in the Med.   Looks like it’ll be our last time to enjoy it as it’s being removed from the included list of the top drinks package as well as being a downgraded affair when in YC. 

2 hours ago, cdel71 said:   I wonder if these changes have hit the Meraviglia sailing out of Miami yet?

So, as of 8/23 they had not. In fact, the butlers brought me Pringles whenever they saw me and kept my room stocked.

This was actually brought up pre-covid and there was (as is typical with MSC) lots of confusion on the subject.

I've never experienced this, but others have.

I personally believe you can get whatever you want, but if you try to abuse it then they will "invoke" the rule.

I've never been told "no" to anything in the YC so far, but then again I don't ask for much...just Pringles 🙂

3 minutes ago, alyssamma said: So, as of 8/23 they had not. In fact, the butlers brought me Pringles whenever they saw me and kept my room stocked.   This was actually brought up pre-covid and there was (as is typical with MSC) lots of confusion on the subject.   I've never experienced this, but others have.   I personally believe you can get whatever you want, but if you try to abuse it then they will "invoke" the rule.   I've never been told "no" to anything in the YC so far, but then again I don't ask for much...just Pringles 🙂  

It's certainly not going to make or break my vacation by any means.  If they restock the nuts and/or the Pringles that's great, and if they don't, it's all good.  If they want to drop a bottle of Kettle one in the room, also great, but if they don't, i'm not going to lose sleep over it.  Plenty to drink in YC bars and on their private island.    

On our day one introduction with our Butler he made a point to tell us this change when he went over the MiniBar in the room. We’ve stayed with this Butler last Feb and he’s very good. I think if we asked for some more snacks he would magically make them appear. 

5 hours ago, Beamafar said: Ah, G, I’m gonna really miss the choc peanuts. Can’t buy anything close to them anywhere.  I often enjoyed a few with a g&t in the afternoon on the balcony after a short, post-lunch, siesta.    We have PremPlus for our upcoming (non-YC) cruise;  wonder what the situation will be regarding the included minibar. 🤔

Indeed, us too! When we did our 14 nighter in the Caribbean a couple of years ago, Barbados return, we finished with 2 or 3 nights in a Barbados hotel and smuggled a fair few from the minibar to use in the hotel.   😉

As many others will have done likewise, probably is the reason for removing such from the YC experience!   🤨

Hopefully I’ll get to enjoy the treats one last time next month.  I’ll appreciate them even more as a result.  Probably took it too much for granted.  Hadn’t seen this ever being removed.  I suppose outside of YC the minibars would be rarely used and, in the YC, well, I’m sure the contents often ended up flying around the world in suitcases.   😂 😂

4 minutes ago, Beamafar said: ....I suppose outside of YC the minibars would be rarely used and, in the YC, well, I’m sure the contents often ended up flying around the world in suitcases.   😂 😂

Why not solicit some for future cruises?  🤣

No mention of the new snack rule in the QR Code Menu, however it is listed in the items for purchase list, but the alcohol offering policy is there. 

14 minutes ago, hamrag said:   Why not solicit some for future cruises?  🤣

4 minutes ago, Beamafar said: 🤣 🤣 🤣 🤣

Send me your address. hahaha

A better thought perhaps I’ll source the old chocolate covered peanuts and sell them on here for pre cruise purchase to stock the bars with! 😂 😂

10 minutes ago, BoundForSea said: No mention of the new snack rule in the QR Code Menu, however it is listed in the items for purchase list, but the alcohol offering policy is there. 

"Kindly be informed that any additional Wine, Spirits and Snacks  will be charged to your cabin."

2 minutes ago, defbref said: "Kindly be informed that any additional Wine, Spirits and Snacks  will be charged to your cabin."

It's interesting - in the MSC for Me app - when I check Items included, the verbiage states Yacht Club - "free minibar service".   I suppose I could argue if I really wanted, but not sure it's worth it for a refresh of $8 nuts or $6 candy bar.   I hate being nickle'd and dime'd for something that's supposed to be included.

6 minutes ago, BoundForSea said: Send me your address. hahaha   A better thought perhaps I’ll source the old chocolate covered peanuts and sell them on here for pre cruise purchase to stock the bars with! 😂 😂

I’ll definitely be having the choc peanuts replenished every day.  I may be fortunate and get a very generous cabin steward who’ll provide me with a double helping.   Gonna enjoy every last nut coming out out of those tins, baby. 

2 minutes ago, cdel71 said:   It's interesting - in the MSC for Me app - when I check Items included, the verbiage states Yacht Club - "free minibar service".   I suppose I could argue if I really wanted, but not sure it's worth it for a refresh of $8 nuts or $6 candy bar.   I hate being nickle'd and dime'd for something that's supposed to be included.

It could be argued that the minibar service is replenishment of beer, sodas and water.  

10 minutes ago, Beamafar said: I’ll definitely be having the choc peanuts replenished every day.  I may be fortunate and get a very generous cabin steward who’ll provide me with a double helping.   Gonna enjoy every last nut coming out out of those tins, baby. 

The Choco covered are gone. Just plain now and the tin is TINY. I wish I took a pic of it. 

Mon-Sun 9:00 am - 6:00 pm EST

MSC YACHT CLUB THE ULTIMATE LUXURY CRUISE EXPERIENCE

Feel the finesse and elegance of luxury cruises with MSC Yacht Club , an exclusive haven of refined indulgence .

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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Posted June 27, 2022. The free cruise change is applicable either on the cruise dates or on the destination. Such change needs to be performed at least 30 days before departure, for a new cruise to sail within 3 months from the original departure. Any cruise change must be requested through our contact centers.

628. September 16, 2003. Orlando, FL. #1. Posted July 17. I have a 3 night Yacht Club cruise booked in December that I'd like to change to a January non-yacht club cruise.

Experience a luxury cruise with MSC Yacht Club. Our exclusive area offers 24-hour butler assistance and many other services for a unique holiday. Cruise Deals All Deals Last Minute ... **The free cruise change is applicable either on the cruise dates or on the destination. Such change needs to be performed up to 30 calendar days before ...

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.

Yacht Club Duplex Suite on MSC Meraviglia. IVAN SARFATTI/MSC CRUISES. Rising two decks, MSC's duplex staterooms measure 495 to 635 square feet and come with 65- to 334-square-foot balconies. They feature living rooms with two-person sofa beds downstairs and master bedrooms upstairs, which also sleep two passengers.

Read on for a list of MSC Yacht Club perks and our take on why you should be sailing in the Yacht Club on your next cruise. 1. Food Glorious Food: You Will Never Go Hungry in MSC Yacht Club. It's ...

MSC Yacht Club is a special tier of rooms and services within MSC cruise ships. Think of it like "a ship within a ship." ... 1 free cruise booking change; Custom experiences including onboard shopping and port excursions; Note that for the cruise change, the request must me made up to one month before departure. The new voyage must be within ...

Explore our wide range of staterooms to enhance your MSC Cruises luxury experience. MSC World America. The Owner's Suite. 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. Approx Sq. Ft.*: 840-1,119 interior / 517-670 balcony. LEARN MORE.

MSC Yacht Club perks include access to the best suites, a private club-members-only restaurant, a private club-members-only pool and sun deck, and even your very own, 24-hour butler and concierge ...

The MSC Yacht Club experience is more exclusive than the standard one at Ocean Cay, with extras like butler service, dedicated trams, towel service, access to pricier cabanas and a private beach and restaurant with better food and shorter waits. However, all of the action — shore excursions, pickup volleyball games, beach parties, the ...

MSC Cruises ; Yacht Club One Change Yacht Club One Change. By bac513, July 21, 2023 in MSC Cruises. Share More sharing options... Followers 0. Recommended Posts. ... **The free cruise change is applicable either on the cruise dates or on the destination. Link to comment

Spread over four decks, the MSC Yacht Club on MSC Seashore has been enhanced to become the largest, most luxurious in MSC Cruises' fleet, with approximately 32,000 sq. ft. of private space. The entrance to the Yacht Club will be even more remarkable and glamorous, featuring a three-deck, 495 sq. ft. back-lit Onyx wall and MSC Cruises ...

Yacht Club Check-In. Fast-forward a month to January 9, 2024 when we checked in to board MSC Meraviglia. Again, to say this check-in process was different would be a huge understatement. Unlike your typical check-in with long queues, growling stomachs, and throngs of people, we waited in our own lounge with champagne and canapés away from the ...

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 ...

Gourmet dining in the private MSC Yacht Club restaurant. Free choice of dining time during restaurant opening hours. Live music available every night in the Top Sail Lounge. ... **The free cruise change is applicable either on the cruise dates or on the destination. Such change needs to be performed up to 30 calendar days before departure, for ...

The MSC Yacht Club offers an exclusive private sanctuary on MSC Cruises, providing guests with a premium and indulgent cruise experience. This exclusive enclave within the larger MSC cruise ships is designed to cater to discerning travelers seeking elevated levels of luxury and personalized service. For example, guests staying in the Yacht Club ...

It was included in that yacht club experience. That, to me was a surprise and delight. Guest (00:43:10) - I did not expect how good and high-quality that food would be. Doug (00:43:22) - Well ...

Compared to some of its closest rivals, MSC Cruises has a relatively modest loyalty program. Unlike the frequent cruiser programs at Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line, the MSC Voyagers Club loyalty program doesn't offer its members a free cruise after reaching the top tier.It does not offer a massive discount on the single supplement charge for solo travelers, as Royal Caribbean offers ...

It's interesting - in the MSC for Me app - when I check Items included, the verbiage states Yacht Club - "free minibar service". I suppose I could argue if I really wanted, but not sure it's worth it for a refresh of $8 nuts or $6 candy bar. I hate being nickle'd and dime'd for something that's supposed to be included.

6. Top Sail Lounge: Ocean Views and Relaxation. Forward on Deck 16 is the MSC Yacht Club's exclusive Top Sail Lounge, which offers spectacular, two-deck-high windows for superb ocean views ...

1. Take advantage of priority embarkation. Once you arrive at the port, Yacht Club guests are directed to the check-in area with chairs and sofas. Enjoy a cool drink while you are quickly checked in. This is a perfect time to start your relaxing cruise vacation, chat with your butler or meet some other guests.

A repurposed industrial site, it has become a Bahamian oasis with pristine waters and 8 beaches. MSC Yacht Club guests get special access while visiting the island, which I think is one of the significant differences from other cruise line suite programs. At the far end of the island, Yacht Club has its own dedicated area featuring the Ocean House.

Experience a luxury cruise with MSC Yacht Club. Our exclusive area offers 24-hour butler assistance and many other services for a unique holiday. Plan A Cruise Destinations ; Ships ; ... **The free cruise change is applicable either on the cruise dates or on the destination. Such change needs to be performed up to 30 calendar days before ...

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 ...

hanse electric sailboat

• Model Range

Design for the future. The Hanse 410.

Step into the future with the Hanse 410, where fashionable sailing harmonizes with eco-conscious values. The optimized hull design of this 41-foot yacht, featuring chines at the bow and stern, ensures a sleek waterline, providing the Hanse-typical uncompromising performance and ease while sailing. For the first time, the Hanse 410 introduces an optional electric propulsion system, boasting a remarkable range of up to 55 nautical miles. For even greater independence, a fuel cell delivers emission-free energy. Or, turn to the proven power of solar technology to keep essential appliances running on board without burning any fuel. The exclusive Sustainable Performance Sail (SPS) by Elvstrøm Sails is even made from recycled polyester, not only environmentally friendly but also fast on the water. Up to three expansive cabins and a welcoming salon, offer a genuine sanctuary with abundant space for relaxation. Cook in style on the waves! Experience a splash of gourmet in our galley, featuring ample storage, roomy workspace, and superior refrigeration. The Hanse 410 redefines elegance on the seas. With its class-first dual cockpit tables, there's an abundance of space and luxury seating, amplifying the sheer joy of a wind-driven journey.

Technical Specification

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Hanse Yacht World charter management program

Looking for the easiest way to your own boat? Choose our Hanse Yachting World charter management program that has already been recognized by many boat owners. Become a Hanse Yacht owner with minimal investment and enjoy the yacht's ownership without worrying about its maintenance.

If you are interested in buying yacht or need help planning your perfect vacation, contact us and our experts will gladly answer to all of your questions.

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You can find us in our headquarters:.

Address: Dražanac 2/a , 21 000 Split, CROATIA

Sales Office: +385 21 332 348

E-mail: croatia-yachting.hr

Office working hours: 8:00 – 16:00 CET

Feel free to ask us anything – our team is on your side!

For any yacht sales questions during the office hours please call our booking team in our Split headquarters on +385 21 332 348 or send us an e-mail on the address croatia-yachting.hr .

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e-mail: hanseyachts.hr

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Mr. Ivan Grabovac- Yacht sales advisor

Mobile: +385 91 332 3330

Croatia Yachting d.o.o. 2024. © All rights reserved.

E-Motion Rudder Drive, an electric engine with… the Propeller installed into the Rudder

Hanse Yachts introduces E-Motion Rudder Drive – an interesting propulsion type, with a special folding propeller….

An electric engine and a folding propeller have been installed into the rudder shaft, replacing the combination of diesel engine and sail drive. As a result, the propeller thrust is in line with the rudder position. This enables turning in the smallest circles or rotating around your own keel; it could be a perfect solution for maneuvering in narrow ports.

Making 4.5 knots with calm seas, the new Hanse 315 equipped with four lithium-ion batteries has a range of up to to 30 nautical miles – enough for all European inland waters and many coastal waters. At lower speeds, the range is significantly increased. The Rudder Drive can also be used with two batteries if a shorter range is required. The maximum speed is 6.1 knots – nearing the maximum speed of the diesel version.

The quiet Rudder Drive is also lightweight: 100 kg less than the diesel saildrive option. The Rudder Drive does not require a hole through the hull, lowering the resistance while sailing. The electric drive’s simplicity means less maintenance, as well.

E-Motion Rudder Drive: watch the video

From a standstill position, the yacht immediately starts to turn without having to pick up speed first. In addition, you enjoy all benefits of an electric engine. It will be the future?

7 Bluewater Cruising Sailboats We Love

Group beneteau: record full-year earnings in 2023, the countdown has begun for the new ice 66 rs, lagoon 60, freedom of space and panoramic views, live your passion, subscribe to our mailing list.

I think is a very good idea… I need to know if you sale this ingenio and to know the price and date of sending …Well as mucht as you can . Congratulations for that and awaiting for your news Carlos F Morante from Malaga Spain. For north wing 435

Dear Carlos, no we don’t sell it. We are a News Magazine. You have to contact Hanse Yachts (www.hanseyachts.com).

Best regards!

Nice, the space the engine takes is a lot. This would be great for smaller boats.

What provides the power? Diesel driving dc generator for the dc motor?

Yachting World

• Digital Edition

Hanse 460 review: First in a new range

• David Harding
• January 26, 2023

The Hanse 460 is the first in a new range of Hanses. From new designers, she is already a big hit, with over 200 sold and a European Yacht of the Year win to its name. David Harding reports

Product Overview

Price as reviewed:.

For some of us, sailing has always been about the functional and fundamental. We enjoy sailing for sailing’s sake. But today people want so much more from a boat and, in many respects, today’s yachts undoubtedly offer a lot more and the Hanse 460 attempts to do just that.

What you might loosely call the mainstream European builders of family cruising yachts have been following this path for some time, making each generation of designs bigger and plusher than the last. For Hanse in particular, it has been a rapid evolution from the small, basic and functional to the large and luxurious.

This latest Hanse is the first to be designed by Berret-Racoupeau. After the earliest models, which used the moulds of discontinued, slim-hulled Scandinavian designs, every Hanse has been designed by Judel/Vrolijk in what became one of boatbuilding’s most enduring and successful partnerships.

In line with modern trends, each new wave of Hanses has been higher, wider and more voluminous than the last. Founder Michael Schmidt never lost sight of the performance side, however. For all their growing girths and towering topsides, Hanse has always made boats that sail – competitively-priced, high-volume cruisers but with easy handling (self-tacking jibs were used from the early days) and better performance than many of the alternatives.

The single rudder is light and responsive on the helm. Photo: HanseYachts/Nico Krauss

The Hanse 460 is different. Very different. The first model from a new alliance with the French designers, it promptly won the European Yacht of the Year as the best Family Cruiser for 2022. A Hanse 510 version now follows.

The big question was whether Hanse had managed to do something different while retaining the qualities that its owners had traditionally sought.

At a glance, the Hanse 460 looks sleeker and sportier than earlier models; more angular, with a reverse rake to the bow and a pronounced knuckle running to about half-way aft. In Hanse tradition there are no hard-angled chines but, in this case, a pronounced soft chine towards the stern. In plan view you see full forward sections which, combined with the broad stern, generous freeboard and ample beam, hold the promise of enormous interior volume.

The 460’s generous and uncluttered cockpit. Photo: HanseYachts/Nico Krauss

At the other end, a moulded bowsprit projects the anchor clear of the stem and provides an attachment point for an outer forestay which can carry a reaching headsail. Large windows in the topsides help to break up the high freeboard.

Scale those topsides and you’re faced with an expanse of wide, flat deck and coachroof. Moulded bulwarks edge the side decks to help keep feet where they belong should you venture forward when the boat’s heeled. Otherwise what stands out is the uncluttered appearance – lines are led aft beneath separate mouldings – and the plethora of deck hatches hinged every which way, including one that opens to reveal a large bow locker.

There was certainly nothing to complain about in the performance and handling department. We slipped along very nicely on a flat sea in 12-14 knots of wind, clocking around 7.5 knots with the apparent wind at just under 30°, and tacking through around 80° by the compass.

Moulded bowsprit keeps anchor clear of the stem and provides attachment for the optional outer forestay. Photo: Andreas Lindlahr/EYOTY

Enjoyable sailing

Weather helm was slight and the load on the wheels increased relatively little if I tried bearing away with the sheets pinned in, the single rudder providing plenty of grip. Provoked in the opposite direction, she coped well when pinched mercilessly and also when thrown into tight spins, only stalling briefly.

At least in the flat water and modest breeze we encountered, the cockpit worked well. In any wind and seaway you would be pleased to have the optional second table to port as a bracing point. At the helm stations you have a comfortable perch outboard of the wheel or, for energetic downwind sailing when you might need both hands, behind it. The Jefa linkage is light and direct, giving a good feel from the rudder. On the starboard side you can wind down the bifurcated backstay when extra headstay tension is needed.

Hanse 460 is from Berret-Racoupeau. Photo: Andreas Lindlahr/EYOTY

Today’s cockpits are no longer just places from where you control the boat. Controlling the boat in itself is so much easier anyway, especially if – as most owners of the Hanse 460 will – you upgrade to electric winches, electric in-mast reefing and electric furling for the genoa on the outer forestay.

Other push-button options are for the hinge-down bathing platform and the cockpit tables (either side or both), which can be lowered to create large lounging areas. Alternatively there are fixed tables, as we had on the port side. A wet-bar can be added between the helm seats. It’s all part of making the cockpit a multi-function space in which every part can serve a variety of purposes. Cockpit stowage is in the form of a half-depth locker each side and – a first for Hanse – a dedicated liferaft locker right aft to starboard. With the electric-lowering option for the starboard table comes an extra moulded seat pod, which provides readily-accessible shallow stowage forward of the starboard helm and would be good to have for that reason alone.

Portlights and windows flood the saloon with natural light. Photo: HanseYachts/Nico Krauss

Moving about the deck and cockpit, and from one to the other, is easy in good weather. The wide open spaces let you simply stroll around – or lounge if you’re so inclined. Then again, they tend to present more of a challenge when a boat’s bouncing and heeling.

Lifestyle choices

Externally, the hull lines clearly differentiate the 460 from her earlier stablemates, but down below it’s a world apart. It’s certainly a more classy finish than we’ve seen before from Hanse; restrained in tone and a level above what we have become used to. Berret-Racoupeau is one of relatively few yacht design studios to have its own interior-design division.

Stateroom forecabin has generous stowage above and below the bed. Photo: HanseYachts/Nico Krauss

A host of interior layouts is available, from three to five cabins, up to four showers and from six to 10 berths. About the only constant is the presence of twin double cabins in the stern. Otherwise you can have different arrangements in the bow (cabins and heads) and amidships with a long or short linear galley and a bunk cabin or utility room to starboard where our boat had a chart table and heads compartment.

Details include backrests that hinge down in the saloon to provide trays and drinks-holders. You can press a button to lower the table, press another to pop up the TV from its central pod, and settle in for the evening.

Down here it’s all about sight-lines, integrating the different areas so no one feels left out, and ensuring that, as in the cockpit, every part of the layout performs multiple functions. In practice it creates a thoroughly pleasant and remarkably light environment.

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Sometimes you come across a boat that makes you realise not only that yacht design has changed irrevocably, but also why it has changed and why it’s not going back. The Hanse 460 is unquestionably such a boat. How the crew lives aboard and moves around, both above and below decks, has clearly been thought about in the context of modern lifestyles. And this boat exudes style. If you like the fundamental design, you will be able to tailor many of the options and details to suit your tastes. A yacht like this is unlikely to slice to windward in heavy weather as comfortably as, say, a first-generation Swan 46, but most people aren’t really interested in that these days. I suspect the new Hanse will prove to be a pretty quick and competent all-rounder nonetheless. Simple sailing? The technology is not remotely simple any more. But with the Hanse 460, the sailing itself is simple and can still be a lot of fun.

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Technology cooperation for new sailing yacht drive

Rudder Drive, the new electric propulsion system for sailing yachts developed by Torqeedo together with the large-scale boat builder Hanse Yachts and rudder manufacturer Jefa, combines outstanding maneuverability and minimal weight with a powerful emission-free motor.

The core of this innovative concept is the proven and specially adapted Torqeedo Cruise 4.0 with folding propeller, designed in to the rudder blade itself. The streamlined system replaces the combustion inboard or saildrive and removes the need for a separate thruster on the new sailing yacht Hanse 315 e-motion rudder drive, which debuts at the end of October.

Outstanding maneuverability

Due to the unique rudder placement of the 4 kW (8 horsepower equivalent) Torqeedo electric motor, the motor can apply efficient, directional thrust. The Jefa rudder blade’s range of motion was extended to a total of 100 degrees. Demanding maneuvers can now be accomplished without a separate thruster. While motoring, the yacht can spin on its own axis – both forward and in reverse. While docking, the stern can easily be maneuvered into the proper position. This is highly useful in windy conditions or in narrow slips.

Exceptional endurance with minimal weight

Power generation while sailing

With integrated Torqeedo fast chargers, the emission-free version of the Hanse 315 is fully charged in just three hours. The batteries can be recharged at the dock or during sailing when the Rudder Drive’s folding propeller is used to generate power. Torqeedo is the only manufacturer of electric boat propulsion systems offering industrial engineering, complete system integration and ISO 9001 certified serial production in Germany.

World launch at the Hanseboot Hamburg

For the first time, the new propulsion system will be presented installed in the Hanse 315 e-motion rudder drive at the International Boat Show Hanseboot 2016 in Hamburg. We are looking forward to welcoming you to the Hanse Yachts booth (hall 6, booth C108) on Sunday, October 30, 2016 at 2 pm.

PDF Download

Pictures: Hanse 315 e-motion rudder drive motoring, Rudder Drive renderings

Published by Torqeedo GmbH Friedrichshafener Str. 4a 82205 Gilching Germany

Reprinting free of charge. 1 copy requested.

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Exalto Emirates LLC is Torqeedo’s new sales partner in the United Arab Emirates.

25 APRIL 2016

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Nominee Spotlight: Hanse 510

• By Andrew Parkinson
• October 5, 2023

The Berret-Racoupeau-designed Hanse 460 turned heads as a 2022 Boat of the Year nominee with a fresh take on comfort and volume but with an eye better sailing performance. The second model in the new range designed by the Berret-Racoupeau team, the Hanse 510 is set to make its US premiere at the 2023 Annapolis Sailboat Show—again as a Boat of the Year contender. From what our editors saw at the model’s recent showing in Cannes, the 510 is expected to be a formidable opponent in its category during CW ’s Boat of the Year judging.

As for dockside demeanor, this new range’s calling card appears to be a marked chine on the bow and an inverted bow to optimize sailing performance. According to the designers, attention was also paid to refining the hull shape to maximize interior space. The result is an easy-on-the-eyes 51-footer that values smooth sailing and fast, comfortable cruising.

According to the builder, the Hanse 510 offers unrivalled volume in the 50-foot class, courtesy of an optimized hull design. Chines at the bow and aft further allow for a slim waterline, ensuring prime performance and easy sailing.

The 510 is equipped with a large, practical dinghy garage, capable of holding an inflated dinghy of up to 8.8 feet; and the optional, newly developed Hanse Smart Tender System makes launching that dinghy as simple as “driving a car out of the garage.” Convenience and style dominate the interior. Even the crew cabin gets in on the volume action, as it’s much more than the typical (read: small) crew sleeping space—it is a room worthy of staying a while. The options list is lengthy, and the boat can be highly customized to meet owners’ needs.

“Expectations were high after the outstandingly successful Hanse 460, which has been awarded European Yacht of the Year,” says Hanjo Runde, CEO of HanseYachts. “The new Hanse 510 is the logical and consistent further development of the new concept. With her impressive volume, tremendously dynamic lines and countless options, she is redefining the 50-foot class. It is an easy to sail and enormously spacious private retreat.” 

The key talking points of the 510 are numerous. A hydrodynamic design with a slender waterline promotes better hull speed. Chines fore and aft allow for a wider hull and more interior space. The reverse, wave-piercing bow makes the yacht pitch less in strong winds, while the pronounced bow chines keep the foredeck as dry as possible. On deck, the strategically placed helm position promotes total control of the Hanse 510 in any situation, with all navigation and performance information easily accessible, as well as all lines and even the electric winches on the port side. An optional hardtop shades the entire cockpit including the steering positions, and it blends seamlessly with the boat’s silhouette. It is also available in several colors and accommodates special lighting and solar panels. A fixed windscreen is another option. 

The novel dinghy garage is capable of holding a dinghy of up to 8.8 ft without having to deflate it. Combined with the optional automatic comfort stairs and the newly developed Hanse Smart Tender System, a single crew member can safely and comfortably deploy the dinghy, including engine, in minutes.

Another novelty on the Hanse 510 is the easy-to-open life raft storage space in the cockpit. Situated just in front of the companionway, it’s easily accessible and has space for standard 8-person life raft containers. An optional wet bar with grill and sink is hinged at the stern so as not to absorb precious cockpit space. 

The boat comes rigged with a self-tacking jib, and all lines run back to the cockpit for simple sail handling of the 710 sq. ft. mainsail and various headsails. The jib is 570 sq. ft. and the reacher measures 1,011 sq. ft., set up using a Solent-style rig on the custom bowsprit. Air draft of the deck-stepped mast is just over 77 feet above the waterline. Optional electric furling systems and winches make light work of handling halyards and sheets for the optimum in performance, short-handed sailing. The standard boat comes with a single, 80 hp saildrive, although an upgraded, optional 110 hp diesel is also available.

Within the interior, 14 well positioned opening hatches and eight opening windows and portholes permit maximum light and ventilation below deck. A long list of layout options are said to be available for the interior arrangement, from an “owner’s yacht” with a best-in-class sized master cabin, to a “charter yacht” with 10 berths, three bathrooms and an additional skipper cabin. The galley can be fully adapted to the owner’s needs as well: In addition to various refrigerator and freezer options, there is room for a wine cooler, dishwasher and a three-burner gas cooker plus an oven in the longitudinal pantry, which can be customized with a vast choice of colors and materials. Another option is a fully equipped navigation area with a forward-facing seat and a large salon table. The extensive options list, ranging from a washing machine in the utility room to flatscreens in the master cabin and salon, is crowned by the Flagship Package, which includes highest-end fabrics and materials, not to mention a “hidden” bar behind the folding backrest in the salon.

At its core, the Hanse 510 emphasizes a roomy cockpit, large but manageable sail plan, and overall performance that is easily managed by a couple, but perhaps what really sets the Hanse 510 apart from other sailboats in its class is the limitless level of customization the builder is willing to offer. The Hanse 510 also comes with a CE rating of A-12, so it is well suited for those who want to venture longer distances. 

Hanse 510 Specifications

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The NKD Sailor

Electric Sailboats

For prospective buyers, here is a list of new sailboats that at the time of writing have an electric motor in their specifications , either in the standard configuration or as an option. (Updated 19.1.2022)

Please comment or send me an email ( [email protected] ) if you find errors or omissions.

Alva Yachts

• Ocean Sail 72 , 135 kW electric motor
• Ocean Sail 82 , 135 kW electric motor

Arcona Yachts

• Arcona 345 , Oceanvolt
• Arcona 385 , Oceanvolt
• Arcona 415 , Oceanvolt 15 kW
• Arcona 435 , Oceanvolt
• Arcona 465 , Oceanvolt

Domani Yachts

• Design S30 , Torqueedo Cruise 24V e-saildrive
• Design S32L , Torqueedo Cruise 48V e-saildrive, 4kW

Elan Yachts

• Elan E3 , Oceanvolt 8 kW.
• Elan E4 , Oceanvolt 8-10 kW.
• Elan E5 , Oceanvolt 10-15 kW.
• Elan E6 , Oceanvolt 15 kW or Oceanvolt 10 kW twin.
• Elan i40.1 , Oceanvolt 10-15 kW.
• Elan i45.1 , Oceanvolt 15 kW.
• Elan i50.1 , Oceanvolt 15 kW twin.
• Elan GT5 , Oceanvolt 15 kW or Oceanvolt 10 kW twin.
• Elan GT6 , Oceanvolt 15 kW twin.

Hanse Yachts

• Hanse 315 , Torqeedo e-motion rudder drive ,

Jeremy Rodgers Limited

• Contessa 32 new build , Beta/Hybrid-Marine ,

Salona Yachts

• Salona 33 , Oceanvolt 8 kW.
• Salona 35 , Oceanvolt 8 kW.
• Salona 38 , Oceanvolt 8 kW.
• Salona 41 , Oceanvolt 10 kW.
• Salona 46 , Oceanvolt 15 kW ( also with 2 x 10 kW ).

Spirit Yachts

• SPIRIT 44CR(E) , Oceanvolt 15 kW.

Viator Marine

• Viator Explorer 42 DS , 2 x Bellmarine DriveMaster 15kW 48V
• Viator Explorer 54 DS , 2 x ISCAD V50 50kW 48V
• WALLYNANO MKII , Oceanvolt 6 kW.

Antares Catamarans

• Antares 44 Hybrid , Hybrid Marine 40 HP Yanmar Parallel hybrid system

DNA Performance Sailing

• DNA G4 , Oceanvolt 6 kW.

HH Catamarans

• HH44 , 2 x BETA 30 + 2 x 10 kW parallel hybrid drives
• OC44 , 2 x BETA 30 + 2 x 10 kW parallel hybrid drives
• HopYacht 30 , 2 x 6 kW E-propulsion pod drive .

Independent Catamaran

• IC36 Independence , 2 x Oceanvolt 6 kW.

ITA Catamarans

• ITA 14.99 , 2 x Oceanvolt 15 kW with 1 x 15 kW generator.

Lady Hawke Catamarans

• LH 33 Comfort Eco , 2 x Oceanvolt 6 kW

Maverick Yachts

• Maverick 440 Hybrid , 2 x Oceanvolt 15 kW

Open Waters Yachts

• Open Waters ESC40 , 2 x 10 kW electric motors
• Outremer 4.zero , 2 x Oceanvolt 10 kW.

SeaQuest Catamarans

• SeaQuest 46 , 2 x Oceanvolt 15.1 kW

Slyder Catamarans

• Slyder 49 , 2 x 22 kW electric motors
• Slyder 59 , 2 x 25 kW electric motors

Sunreef Yachts

• Sunreef 50 Eco Yacht , 2 x 40 kW electric motors
• Sunreef 60 Eco Yacht , 2 x 70 kW electric motors
• Sunreef 70 Eco Yacht , 2 x 90 kW electric motors
• Sunreef 80 Eco Yacht , 2 x 160 kW electric motors
• Sunreef 100 Eco Yacht , 2 x 270 kW electric motors

Vaan Yachts

• VAAN R4 , 2 x Torqeedo FP10 10 kW saildrive (standard), 2 x Oceanvolt 15 kW (option)
• VAAN R5 , 2 x Torqeedo Deep Blue saildrive 25 kW or 2 x Oceanvolt 15 kW
• Windelo 50 Adventure (also Yachting and Sport versions), 2 x Bellmarine 20 kW electric motors.
• Windelo 54 Adventure (also Yachting and Sport versions), 2 x 24 kW Bellmarine electric motors.

The little (electric) engine that could: The Port of San Diego unveils the nation’s first all-electric tug boat

The 82-foot eWolf expects to eliminate 3,100 metric tons of carbon dioxide

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The nation’s first all-electric tug boat has docked at the Port of San Diego and expects to begin emissions-free operations in about a month.

Operated by Crowley Maritime Corporation , the 82-foot eWolf will escort ships entering and leaving the Tenth Avenue Marine Terminal using electric power instead of diesel fuel, helping slash greenhouse gas emissions at the port and its neighbors in Barrio Logan and National City.

For the record:

1:58 p.m. March 13, 2024 This story has been updated to show the correct amount of government funding that went to the project.

“This is a big deal,” said port chairman Frank Urtasun at a news conference Monday. “This is new technology.”

Capable of speeds of up to 12 knots, the eWolf is powered by a 6.2 megawatt-hour main propulsion battery and two electric drives. The tug has thrust — also known as bollard pull in the parlance of the shipping industry — of 76.8 short tons, which is more powerful than the diesel-powered counterparts at the port.

Constructed in Alabama, the eWolf is equipped with two small generators for emergency use that allow the boat to travel longer distances at a reduced speed.

“Like an electric car, you step on the gas and it jumps,” said Paul Manzi, vice president of Crowley Shipping, based in Jacksonville, Fla. “All of the attributes that you have with an electric motor operation in a car or in an electric truck, you see here in the (eWolf) at massive scale. And it’s extremely quiet so when it pulls away from the dock you literally won’t hear any noise.”

The tug boat’s electricity will come from a charging station that is part of a microgrid facility equipped with two energy storage containers. Battery modules in each container have storage capacity of nearly 1.5 megawatt-hours.

Interconnected with the help of San Diego Gas & Electric, the charging station at the port is designed to allow the vessel to recharge quickly and reduce peak loads on the electric grid.

Operators plan to charge the eWolf overnight so it can perform its chores during daytime hours.

“This technology has individually been around for a while, but it hasn’t necessarily been integrated and optimized to all work together — and that’s kind of our role,” said Bruce Strupp, vice president at ABB Marine & Ports , the company that designed the boat’s propulsion system. “Some of the technology is our technology, some of it’s third-party technology, but we integrate it all together.”

The electric tug boat is expected to begin commercial operations at the port in mid- to late-April, depending on the completion of the charging station.

Officials at Crowley did not release the eWolf’s price tag Monday, saying only that it cost about twice as much as a conventional diesel-powered tug boat of comparable size.

But, Manzi said, the company expects the eWolf’s maintenance and operating costs will be “dramatically lower” than what’s spent on a diesel-powered tug boat because the electric model has fewer moving parts.

The entire project — the vessel as well as the charging station — received four grants that added up to $13.67 million, with two grants of $10.9 million from the San Diego Air Pollution Control District, one grant of just over $2 million from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and $750,000 from the federal government’s Maritime Administration.

In 2020, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed an executive order that directed state agencies to transition off-road vehicles — including tug boats — and equipment to 100 percent zero emissions by 2035.

By replacing one of the port’s diesel-powered tugs, the eWolf is expected to eliminate the consumption of about 35,000 gallons of diesel fuel per year. In its first 10 years of use, the electric tug boat is expected to reduce about 3,100 metric tons of carbon dioxide from the port and its surrounding areas such as Barrio Logan and National City.

“We’re trying to be good neighbors and trying to be able to help to reduce emissions here to help the electrification movement,” Urtasun said, adding that the port has spent about $130 million on various electrification projects.

Last year, the Port of San Diego became the first in North America to install a pair of all-electric cranes to load and off-load heavy cargo. Each 262 feet high, the cranes replaced an older crane that ran on diesel fuel. Together, the cranes expect to help the port reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 47 metric tons per year.

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EJET Eco-Friendly Electric Motor & Drivetrain Yacht Tenders: New Model Announced

Boat engineering and design company EJET Electric Yacht Tenders has announced the development of its latest electric motor 9X yacht tender model.

Ljubljana, Slovenia - March 21, 2024 —

Much like their highly acclaimed 4X tender, the upcoming 9X model sports EJET’s proprietary electric motor and drivetrain, going in line with founder Žiga Jarc’s mission of providing sustainable transportation options for yacht owners and guests. Both models will be available in the summer, with the 9X build slated for initial testing in July.

For more information, please visit https://ejet.co/

The announcement follows EJET’s recent appearance at the Boot Düsseldorf Boat Show. Having received the International Boat Industry’s Rising Star Award, the company revealed the development of its larger 9X model with the aim of promoting environmental responsibility within the boating industry.

Designed to be lightweight and compact without sacrificing output or speed, the new tender will be powered by a 220 kWh battery and a 300 kW motor, with an option to upgrade to 340 kW, ensuring 98% efficiency and making it suitable for sports such as water skiing. The boat’s V-shaped hull has been adjusted to accommodate EJET’s custom electric powertrain and is capable of withstanding turbulent waters and inclement weather conditions. Each boat is built with standard hydraulic steering mechanisms, along with the company’s military-grade jet system, allowing for easy maneuvering, reversing, and sudden stops in both low- and high-speed scenarios.

The 9X model will also feature a digital interface, which boaters will be able to use to select different driving modes and dynamics, view real-time GPS navigation and system data, and access the smart audio Bluetooth system. Additionally, amenities such as a hydraulic bathing platform, an electric grill, an ice maker, and a refrigerator will all be available as upgrade options for all 9X tenders.

About EJET Electric Yacht Tenders

Founded in 2016 by Žiga Jarc, EJET began with the goal of developing a zero-emissions electric yacht tender that did not compromise performance or safety. The company has since become a pioneer in electric propulsion systems and remains committed to future innovations in the boating industry. EJET tenders are currently the only products on the market with custom electric drivetrains.

EJET Electric Yacht Tenders, under the leadership of founder Žiga Jarc, is actively engaged in the development of its proprietary electric propulsion technology. The initiative is part of the company's broader commitment to innovation in high-performance, long-range powertrain technology for the marine industry. This effort underscores EJET's focus on delivering solutions characterized by their lightweight and compact design, high power output, and exceptional motor efficiency of up to 98%. With a specific emphasis on extending battery life, the company aims to set new benchmarks for what is achievable in electric propulsion within the boating sector.

“We built the company and the brand on three pillars: driver-centric experience, sustainability with clean electric power, and advanced electric propulsion technology,” says Ziga Jarc. “We cooperate with the best nautical partners to create unforgettable experiences for our customers.”

Interested parties can learn more by visiting https://ejet.co/contact-us/

Contact Info: Name: Žiga Jarc Email: Send Email Organization: EJET Electric Yacht Tenders Address: 16C Mokrška ulica, Ljubljana, Ljubljana 1000, Slovenia Phone: +386-41-688-998 Website: https://ejet.co/

Release ID: 89125030

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What candela’s electric hydrofoiling passenger ferry means for sustainable transportation.

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The all-electric-powered Candela P-12 ferry flies over the water on hydrofoils

I would never say “I told you so,” but…now that Candela , the world’s leading producer of all-electric-powered hydrofoiling boats, has just closed the largest funding round in the company's history, I might be bold enough to say…”I’m not surprised.”

That’s because I’ve been closely following the development of this wonderfully smart company’s hydrofoiling boats since I test flew a P-7 near their small and efficient shop in Stockholm in 2021. So, I’m really not surprised they just raised over $25 million to expand production of their game-changing P-12 ferry. And since yacht building powerhouse Groupe Beneteau is a key partner in the largest fundraising round Candela has ever completed it appears Candela’s brand of tech-controled hydrofoiling is about to go global.

“Our investment perfectly aligns with Groupe Beneteau‘s ecological transition objectives, scaling up innovative solutions for more sustainable boating and unparalleled experiences,” says Bruno Thivoyon, CEO of Groupe Beneteau, the world's largest boat manufacturer (15 factories, 9 brands, and more than 8,000 yachts built annually) with a total revenue of over $1.5 billion in 2023. “Candela’s technology, enabling significantly more efficient electric vessels, will transform waterborne transport into its next sustainable phase.”

A Candela P-8 and P-12 underway near Stockholm, Sweden

“We couldn’t be more excited about having Groupe Beneteau on board,” says Gustav Hasselskog, Founder and CEO of Candela. “As the leading global boat company, their trust is a stamp of approval for our technology to transform waterborne transportation. We’re excited for the possibilities ahead."

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The new investment round will help to scale up production to meet demand for the recently launched Candela P-12, the world’s first electric hydrofoil ferry. The P-12 is the first fast and long-range electric ferry on the market. Its efficient hydrofoil technology cuts lifetime emissions by 97.5% compared to diesel vessels, while simultaneously allowing operators to save up to 50% in operating costs. Since it generates minimal wake, the P-12 has been granted exemptions from speed limits, as for example on its maiden route in Stockholm, where it from July will cut travel times in half compared to road transport and legacy diesel vessels.

And it’s pretty obvious Hasselskog and company are on the right track. According to some projections the market for electric vessels is expected to be worth $14.2 Billion USD in 2030.

“We’ve spent years developing the technological maturity, and now we’re fit for scaling to commercial vessels. As in any industry, the fastest-scaling company will dominate the market,” says Hasselskog.

The Candela P-8 and P-12 hardly make a ripple as they fly over the water on computer-controlled ... [+] hydrofoils

Other backers in the round include longtime investors EQT Ventures , Ocean Zero LLC , and Kan Dela AB. The new investment brings total funding since Candela’s inception to over $75 million.

“EQT Ventures has steadfastly backed Candela's vision to accelerate the shift towards fossil fuel-free lakes and oceans since 2021. The launch of Candela's P-12 vessels signifies a watershed moment in sustainable transport", says Lars Jörnow, Partner at EQT Ventures.

The only question is: when will we see a P-12 ferry here in the US?

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Candela’s electric ferries multiply as the startup lines up $25M in new funding

Electric boat maker Candela is approaching cruising speed with $25 million in new funding and the first commercial deployment of its new P-12 ferry in New Zealand. The company has global ambitions for its highly efficient boats and has completed and delivered dozens of them — which is a lot in this industry!

Candela has been slowly upping the size of its vessels for years, starting with the considerably smaller C-7 and C-8 (noting the length in meters) — of which, as of this week, they have now produced a total of 70. The P-12, a ferry design that can handle up to 30 passengers, made its debut late last year .

Just last week, the P-12 was given its first assignment: ferry people around New Zealand’s Lake Manapōuri , a scenic destination but also, more importantly, the site of the country’s largest hydroelectric power station. And now staff at that station can get to work via clean-running boat rather than driving, which the companies estimate will save around 240 tons of emissions per year. It’s a start, and it will help keep the lake clean and quiet.

International interest in these boats is also evident in the participation of Groupe Beneteau, a more than century-old boating company that makes thousands of vessels yearly, in the funding round. Groupe Beneteau CEO Bruno Thivoyon expressed in the press release that investing in Candela makes sense as part of the company’s “ecological transition objectives, scaling up innovative solutions for more sustainable boating.”

Many legacy boating companies are embracing electric engines and next-generation tech; I spoke with the head of another major manufacturer, Brunswick’s Dave Foulkes, at CES about it. He said that the collaborations are fruitful because the small, growing companies need the income and reach, while the larger ones need ready-to-deploy tech. Like any other industry, you have to know when to buy and when to build, and big boating companies are happy to buy — or invest.

Candela’s boats use hydrofoils with electric engines mounted on the bottom to effectively fly above the surface of the water once they get past a certain speed, vastly reducing energy consumption — historically and understandably a sticking point for electric boating. The approach does necessitate a powerful autopilot to keep it balanced, and despite their assurances, I wonder about how they’d handle log collisions, but overall the advantages seem to outweigh the drawbacks.

I drove one over the summer in Seattle (watching closely for logs, rather common in Elliott Bay) and wished they would replace the gas-chugging fast passenger ferries with P-12s. Candela isn’t the only one pursuing this market, either; Navier is also attempting to woo coastal communities with the draw of quiet, energy-efficient transit and is currently shuttling Stripe employees around the Bay Area . And while Zin Boats has been quiet for some time, they are also nailing down markets for the next version of their vessel.

The $25 million round was led, as mentioned, by Beneteau, with participation from EQT Ventures, Ocean Zero LLC, and Kan Dela AB.

Breaking rules, setting trends

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Moscow metro - spirit of a city (e.p).

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40 facts about elektrostal.

Written by Lanette Mayes

Modified & Updated: 02 Mar 2024

Reviewed by Jessica Corbett

Elektrostal is a vibrant city located in the Moscow Oblast region of Russia. With a rich history, stunning architecture, and a thriving community, Elektrostal is a city that has much to offer. Whether you are a history buff, nature enthusiast, or simply curious about different cultures, Elektrostal is sure to captivate you.

This article will provide you with 40 fascinating facts about Elektrostal, giving you a better understanding of why this city is worth exploring. From its origins as an industrial hub to its modern-day charm, we will delve into the various aspects that make Elektrostal a unique and must-visit destination.

So, join us as we uncover the hidden treasures of Elektrostal and discover what makes this city a true gem in the heart of Russia.

Key Takeaways:

• Elektrostal, known as the “Motor City of Russia,” is a vibrant and growing city with a rich industrial history, offering diverse cultural experiences and a strong commitment to environmental sustainability.
• With its convenient location near Moscow, Elektrostal provides a picturesque landscape, vibrant nightlife, and a range of recreational activities, making it an ideal destination for residents and visitors alike.

Known as the “Motor City of Russia.”

Elektrostal, a city located in the Moscow Oblast region of Russia, earned the nickname “Motor City” due to its significant involvement in the automotive industry.

Home to the Elektrostal Metallurgical Plant.

Elektrostal is renowned for its metallurgical plant, which has been producing high-quality steel and alloys since its establishment in 1916.

Boasts a rich industrial heritage.

Elektrostal has a long history of industrial development, contributing to the growth and progress of the region.

Founded in 1916.

The city of Elektrostal was founded in 1916 as a result of the construction of the Elektrostal Metallurgical Plant.

Located approximately 50 kilometers east of Moscow.

Elektrostal is situated in close proximity to the Russian capital, making it easily accessible for both residents and visitors.

Known for its vibrant cultural scene.

Elektrostal is home to several cultural institutions, including museums, theaters, and art galleries that showcase the city’s rich artistic heritage.

A popular destination for nature lovers.

Surrounded by picturesque landscapes and forests, Elektrostal offers ample opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and birdwatching.

Hosts the annual Elektrostal City Day celebrations.

Every year, Elektrostal organizes festive events and activities to celebrate its founding, bringing together residents and visitors in a spirit of unity and joy.

Has a population of approximately 160,000 people.

Elektrostal is home to a diverse and vibrant community of around 160,000 residents, contributing to its dynamic atmosphere.

Boasts excellent education facilities.

The city is known for its well-established educational institutions, providing quality education to students of all ages.

A center for scientific research and innovation.

Elektrostal serves as an important hub for scientific research, particularly in the fields of metallurgy, materials science, and engineering.

Surrounded by picturesque lakes.

The city is blessed with numerous beautiful lakes, offering scenic views and recreational opportunities for locals and visitors alike.

Well-connected transportation system.

Elektrostal benefits from an efficient transportation network, including highways, railways, and public transportation options, ensuring convenient travel within and beyond the city.

Famous for its traditional Russian cuisine.

Food enthusiasts can indulge in authentic Russian dishes at numerous restaurants and cafes scattered throughout Elektrostal.

Home to notable architectural landmarks.

Elektrostal boasts impressive architecture, including the Church of the Transfiguration of the Lord and the Elektrostal Palace of Culture.

Offers a wide range of recreational facilities.

Residents and visitors can enjoy various recreational activities, such as sports complexes, swimming pools, and fitness centers, enhancing the overall quality of life.

Provides a high standard of healthcare.

Elektrostal is equipped with modern medical facilities, ensuring residents have access to quality healthcare services.

Home to the Elektrostal History Museum.

The Elektrostal History Museum showcases the city’s fascinating past through exhibitions and displays.

A hub for sports enthusiasts.

Elektrostal is passionate about sports, with numerous stadiums, arenas, and sports clubs offering opportunities for athletes and spectators.

Celebrates diverse cultural festivals.

Throughout the year, Elektrostal hosts a variety of cultural festivals, celebrating different ethnicities, traditions, and art forms.

Electric power played a significant role in its early development.

Elektrostal owes its name and initial growth to the establishment of electric power stations and the utilization of electricity in the industrial sector.

Boasts a thriving economy.

The city’s strong industrial base, coupled with its strategic location near Moscow, has contributed to Elektrostal’s prosperous economic status.

Houses the Elektrostal Drama Theater.

The Elektrostal Drama Theater is a cultural centerpiece, attracting theater enthusiasts from far and wide.

Popular destination for winter sports.

Elektrostal’s proximity to ski resorts and winter sport facilities makes it a favorite destination for skiing, snowboarding, and other winter activities.

Promotes environmental sustainability.

Elektrostal prioritizes environmental protection and sustainability, implementing initiatives to reduce pollution and preserve natural resources.

Home to renowned educational institutions.

Elektrostal is known for its prestigious schools and universities, offering a wide range of academic programs to students.

Committed to cultural preservation.

The city values its cultural heritage and takes active steps to preserve and promote traditional customs, crafts, and arts.

Hosts an annual International Film Festival.

The Elektrostal International Film Festival attracts filmmakers and cinema enthusiasts from around the world, showcasing a diverse range of films.

Encourages entrepreneurship and innovation.

Elektrostal supports aspiring entrepreneurs and fosters a culture of innovation, providing opportunities for startups and business development.

Offers a range of housing options.

Elektrostal provides diverse housing options, including apartments, houses, and residential complexes, catering to different lifestyles and budgets.

Home to notable sports teams.

Elektrostal is proud of its sports legacy, with several successful sports teams competing at regional and national levels.

Boasts a vibrant nightlife scene.

Residents and visitors can enjoy a lively nightlife in Elektrostal, with numerous bars, clubs, and entertainment venues.

Promotes cultural exchange and international relations.

Elektrostal actively engages in international partnerships, cultural exchanges, and diplomatic collaborations to foster global connections.

Surrounded by beautiful nature reserves.

Nearby nature reserves, such as the Barybino Forest and Luchinskoye Lake, offer opportunities for nature enthusiasts to explore and appreciate the region’s biodiversity.

Commemorates historical events.

The city pays tribute to significant historical events through memorials, monuments, and exhibitions, ensuring the preservation of collective memory.

Promotes sports and youth development.

Elektrostal invests in sports infrastructure and programs to encourage youth participation, health, and physical fitness.

Hosts annual cultural and artistic festivals.

Throughout the year, Elektrostal celebrates its cultural diversity through festivals dedicated to music, dance, art, and theater.

Provides a picturesque landscape for photography enthusiasts.

The city’s scenic beauty, architectural landmarks, and natural surroundings make it a paradise for photographers.

Connects to Moscow via a direct train line.

The convenient train connection between Elektrostal and Moscow makes commuting between the two cities effortless.

A city with a bright future.

Elektrostal continues to grow and develop, aiming to become a model city in terms of infrastructure, sustainability, and quality of life for its residents.

In conclusion, Elektrostal is a fascinating city with a rich history and a vibrant present. From its origins as a center of steel production to its modern-day status as a hub for education and industry, Elektrostal has plenty to offer both residents and visitors. With its beautiful parks, cultural attractions, and proximity to Moscow, there is no shortage of things to see and do in this dynamic city. Whether you’re interested in exploring its historical landmarks, enjoying outdoor activities, or immersing yourself in the local culture, Elektrostal has something for everyone. So, next time you find yourself in the Moscow region, don’t miss the opportunity to discover the hidden gems of Elektrostal.

Q: What is the population of Elektrostal?

A: As of the latest data, the population of Elektrostal is approximately XXXX.

Q: How far is Elektrostal from Moscow?

A: Elektrostal is located approximately XX kilometers away from Moscow.

Q: Are there any famous landmarks in Elektrostal?

A: Yes, Elektrostal is home to several notable landmarks, including XXXX and XXXX.

Q: What industries are prominent in Elektrostal?

A: Elektrostal is known for its steel production industry and is also a center for engineering and manufacturing.

Q: Are there any universities or educational institutions in Elektrostal?

A: Yes, Elektrostal is home to XXXX University and several other educational institutions.

Q: What are some popular outdoor activities in Elektrostal?

A: Elektrostal offers several outdoor activities, such as hiking, cycling, and picnicking in its beautiful parks.

Q: Is Elektrostal well-connected in terms of transportation?

A: Yes, Elektrostal has good transportation links, including trains and buses, making it easily accessible from nearby cities.

Q: Are there any annual events or festivals in Elektrostal?

A: Yes, Elektrostal hosts various events and festivals throughout the year, including XXXX and XXXX.

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Apr 24, 2018. Hanse's E-motion electric rudder drive represents a true breakthrough in auxiliary propulsion for saiboats. When news that Hanse Yachts had launched a new form of electric-powered yacht first broke in the winter of 2016, it was widely reported. After all, Hanse is one of the world's biggest builders of sailing boats, so this ...

For the first time, the Hanse 410 offers optional electric propulsion with an enormous range of up to 55 nautical miles. This means that even without wind, most destinations can be reached in a climate-friendly way. Hanjo Runde, CEO of HanseYachts : " This innovative electric drive is an important step towards making our product range even ...

The E-MOTION RUDDER DRIVE is a revolution in Yachting.The Hanse 315 e-motion rudder drive was developed in cooperation with the partners Jefa and Torqeedo an...

Hanse 410. Step into the future. Redefining elegance on the seas, her optimized hull featuring chines at the bow and stern provides the uncompromising performance and easy sailing typical for Hanse. Optional electric propulsion and other sustainability features minimise her environmental footprint. And up to three expansive cabins and the ...

The world's third largest boatbuilder, Hanse Yachts, is perhaps the most advanced - offering its entry-level Hanse 315 with an electric rudder-drive option. The system takes up less space than ...

For the first time, the Hanse 410 introduces an optional electric propulsion system, boasting a remarkable range of up to 55 nautical miles. For even greater independence, a fuel cell delivers emission-free energy. Or, turn to the proven power of solar technology to keep essential appliances running on board without burning any fuel.

Its innovative hull shape ensures unrestricted performance. With its unprecedented 51-foot dimensions, the Hanse 510 offers the largest dinghy garage in its class. The spacious cockpit is the perfect place to relax with family and friends. From the generous owner's cabin to the salon to the comfortable crew cabin, this yacht offers exquisite ...

Oct 31, 2016. In Hanse's innovative Rudder Drive system, a Torqeedo electric motor embedded in the boat's rudder provides propulsion. The system will make its debut on the new Hanse 315 e-motion. It was developed by Hanse in conjunction with fellow German company Torqeedo, a leader in electric propulsion, and Jefa, the Danish steering ...

Hanse Yachts introduces E-Motion Rudder Drive - an interesting propulsion type, with a special folding propeller….. An electric engine and a folding propeller have been installed into the rudder shaft, replacing the combination of diesel engine and sail drive. As a result, the propeller thrust is in line with the rudder position. This enables turning in the smallest circles or rotating ...

How it works the new electric propulsion system created by Hanse Yachts and Torqeedo.

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World launch at the Hanseboot Hamburg. For the first time, the new propulsion system will be presented installed in the Hanse 315 e-motion rudder drive at the International Boat Show Hanseboot 2016 in Hamburg. We are looking forward to welcoming you to the Hanse Yachts booth (hall 6, booth C108) on Sunday, October 30, 2016 at 2 pm. PDF Download.

Hanse 315. Voted European Yacht of the Year right after its launch, the Hanse 315 is the epitome of what makes a yacht great. With its perfect sailing characteristics and easy handling, the 31-foot entry-level model is easy to maneuver. Two staterooms, a spacious salon with L-shaped pantry and the largest cockpit in its class provide true comfort.

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The nation's first all-electric tug boat has docked at the Port of San Diego and expects to begin emissions-free operations in about a month. Operated by Crowley Maritime Corporation, the 82 ...

Boat engineering and design company EJET Electric Yacht Tenders has announced the development of its latest electric motor 9X yacht tender model. Ljubljana, Slovenia - March 21, 2024 — Much like ...

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The all-electric-powered Candela P-12 ferry flies over the water on hydrofoils. Candela. I would never say "I told you so," but…now that Candela, the world's leading producer of all ...

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Hanse 458. The new Hanse 458 is the yacht for all of those who set trends. With a pioneering design and the most thrilling performance in its class. With an exquisite interior and an exceptionally diverse range of customization options. The Hanse 458 caters to the highest demands on contemporary style and quality of life.

Find company research, competitor information, contact details & financial data for BETA GIDA, OOO of Elektrostal, Moscow region. Get the latest business insights from Dun & Bradstreet.

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Known as the "Motor City of Russia." Elektrostal, a city located in the Moscow Oblast region of Russia, earned the nickname "Motor City" due to its significant involvement in the automotive industry.. Home to the Elektrostal Metallurgical Plant. Elektrostal is renowned for its metallurgical plant, which has been producing high-quality steel and alloys since its establishment in 1916.

Local band Moscow Metro (featuring Barry McNulty, Sean Corcoran, Dylan Casey & Alan Holmes) will perform on the Cosby Stage at 12.55pm on Saturday at the Electric Picnic.

Electrostal History and Art Museum

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Electrostal History and Art Museum - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

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