MSC introduces 90+ new excursions for MSC Yacht Club passengers

These tours aim to appeal to passengers travelling in the MSC Yacht Club who are interested in culinary experiences, local artistry, architectural treasures and adventure activities. These will be operated in small groups, and MSC Yacht Club guests will have priority disembarkation and private transfers to local experts ashore. 

The line is set to extend the programme later in the year to other parts of the world.

Response to customer feedback

‘The new offering has come following customer feedback and a desire for a more exclusive experience for MSC Yacht Club guests,’ revealed Marialuisa Iaccarino, head of shore excursions, MSC Cruises. ‘Guests will benefit from a seamless experience between the butlers’ service onboard and the excursion experts ashore, as well as having the opportunity to relax and fully immerse themselves into each destination’s culture, cuisine and traditions.’ 

The MSC Yacht Club – a ‘ship-within-a-ship’ concept – features an exclusive area with its own sundeck and pool, restaurant and lounge and personalised service including a 24-hour butler and concierge desk.

Highlights: 

Europe

In Cannes, there is the opportunity to create a personalised eau de cologne at one of the oldest family-owned perfume factories in the South of France, in the town of Grasse. A professional perfumer then delivers a behind-the-scenes tour of the factory before the passengers return to the ship with their unique 100 ml fragrance inside a personalised case. 

Another option is a pesto cooking class at Santa Margherita Ligure in Genoa, Italy. Some of the cooking techniques of Italian cuisine will be taught, before a fine dining experience of local food and wine for lunch. Also on the programme is a visit to the picturesque village of Portofino with its luxury shops, historic alleyways and scenic square of the Church of St. George. 

When the ship calls at Akureyri, Iceland, there is the option of a rejuvenating experience for mind, body and soul at the mineral-rich waters of the geothermal Fontana baths on Lake Laugarvatn. Following the spa, guests will be offered freshly baked rye bread made in the geothermal bakery next to the baths followed by a visit to the scenic mountain-sided Pingvellir National Park. 

From Invergordon in Scotland, passengers can embark on a whisky tasting at Glenmorangie Distillery. The distillery has been recognised for its malt whiskies since the 19^th century and a guided tour will explain every step of the distillation process and conclude with a tasting. Passengers will then visit the 12^th-century town of Dornoch and its oldest buildings, cathedral and town square. 

Caribbean Sea 

Passengers can spend a day on an exclusive catamaran sailing off the coast of Cozumel, Mexico, with a personal, local guide for the journey. The guide will take them to Colombia Reef, a snorkelling spot hailed as one of Cozumel’s finest to see sea turtles, eagle rays, and schools of fish.

In Falmouth, Jamaica, there will be the opportunity to spend a day in a private cabana by the Martha Brae River, surrounded by tranquil forests. A personal butler will be on hand and passengers can use a nearby swimming pool and a riverside bar and grill.