Last year MSC Cruises took the market by storm with the launch of MSC Yacht Club, an innovative high-end offering located on the foredecks of designer flagships MSC Fantasia and MSC Splendida. Far from resting on its laurels however, the family-owned Italian company has announced that a comprehensive array of new features will make the Yacht Club experience even more outstanding.

First and foremost, a number of changes on board have made MSC Yacht Club an entirely self-contained private area of deluxe suites, all enjoying direct lift access to its private facilities and to MSC Aurea Spa, where dedicated treatment rooms are provided for Yacht Club guests.

Meanwhile, the already sophisticated gourmet dining experience has been transformed by making the most prestigious restaurant on board each flagship - L’Etoile on MSC Fantasia and L’Olivo on MSC Splendida - exclusively for Yacht Club guests. Located in a panoramic position on the same deck as the dedicated reception area, guests enjoy an open sitting service, so they can dine in their private restaurant at any hour desired.

Typical of MSC attention to detail are the several new and personal touches accompanying these substantial additions, including a bottle of premium Prosecco and a bowl of fresh fruit in each cabin together with a series of “sweet surprises” throughout the voyage. MSC Yacht Club members are also invited to attend an exclusive cocktail party once the ship has sailed. Guests will of course continue to enjoy priority check-in, embarkation and disembarkation, as well as free drinks from their in-suite mini-bars and in the Yacht Club facilities.

MSC Yacht Club is an exclusive ship within a ship; currently located on board MSC Fantasia and MSC Splendida, it will be replicated on a third ship, MSC Divina,  currently under construction and set to launch in 2012.

Here, served by its own Concierge Reception, is a private world of luxurious facilities, including superior suites complete with wood panelling, marble whirlpool bathrooms and widescreen TVs with Nintendo Wii consoles; a bespoke pool and solarium complex; Top Sail panoramic private lounge serving gourmet snacks and drinks all day and private lift access.

Adding special distinction, MSC Yacht Club also offers a classic butler service, available 24 hours a day.