Prevue May/June 2013 - (Page 88)

msc divina The ‘MSC Yacht Club’ sails into the Caribbean [ON LOCATION] LAUREL HERMAN I n November, MSC Cruises will bring its Fantasia-class MSC Divina to port in Miami. The 1,751-cabin ship was launched last year with the MSC Yacht Club ship-withina-ship configuration for VIP passengers. The 69 refined suites, located high in the foredecks, deliver a host of added amenities and upgraded services with a Mediterranean flair. This sets the ship apart from many other choices in the Caribbean because it gives planners the opportunity to buy out part of the ship for 1-week sailings through the islands. “The 69 suites come with 24-hour concierge and butler service, offering a more private experience for all kinds of groups including seminars, annual meetings and incentive groups,” says Wayne Peyreau, director of sales. “We also offer high-tech meeting facilities, a spacious theater and smaller breakout rooms with all the audiovisual equipment.” When we first heard about this we were hooked. So we boarded the Divina in Venice in March for a weeklong sail to explore the MSC Yacht Club experience. MSC YACHT CLUB There’s a certain heady sense of anticipation as you make your way up toward the bow and pass through into the exclusive Yacht Club area. We loved the cabins immediately, ranging in size from the 295-sf Deluxe to 562-sf Royal Suites. The Deluxe Suites have a soothing palette of pale brown, cream and mauve tones, with a walk-in closet, marble bathrooms with bathtubs, and a minibar stocked with complimentary snacks, soft drinks and alcoholic beverages. Each suite offers a couch/ seating area and balcony with chairs to enjoy the lofty views. As expected, there’s nightly turndown service and a pillow menu to ensure you have a lovely sleep at sea. Daily newspapers, WiFi and TV with a nice variety of news stations help keep you connected to home. The MSC Yacht Club features a stellar array of private venues; these are really where the experience begins to shine. Our favorite is the private Top Sail Lounge located steps away from many of the Yacht Club cabins on the 15th deck. It is a private haven with 180 degrees of glass running across the bow, providing passengers a magnificent panoramic view of the open sea. It’s a tranquil hidden retreat from the world with great natural light and comfortable seating, trimmed out with eggplant suede walls and carpeting. Groups that buy out the Yacht Club have total privacy for their events in this peaceful and functional area with a maximum capacity for 141 group members. It’s perfect for award ceremonies or a sunset cocktail hour. Our experience in the Top Sail Lounge was impeccable. The service was deft and friendly. Every day began with a scrumptious light breakfast, followed by a variety of snacks refreshed throughout the day. And there’s a fully stocked bar offering beer, wine, soda and an extensive cocktail list. More than once, we gathered in the Yacht Club to listen to the piano player perform at the grand piano during afternoon tea. Our initial experience of that on the first day really set the 76 | prevue magazine 76-77_MSC Cruise_2013_MayJune.indd 76 5/1/13 8:12 AM

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Prevue May/June 2013

Planner's Pick: Hard Rock Cancun
Fresh Meets: Melia Hotels
Bureau Buzz: Calgary
Good Business: Phoenix
Sea Shores: Cruise Shipping Miami
Affordable Luxury
Special Section: Europe
Groups Gone Gaming
Tropical Meetings
Anaheim
Meetings Africa 2013
On Location: Trump Panama
On Location: Hyatt Kauai
On Location: MSC Divina
On Location: Dolce Indianapolis
Check Out: Four Seasons Toronto

Prevue May/June 2013