MSC’s Luxury “Ship Within a Ship” Yacht Club Experience Is Coming to Galveston
There’s a growing appetite among cruisers for something in between — not a private yacht, not a megaship, but something that borrows from both. Starting this November, MSC Cruises will bring that concept to Galveston. The company’s MSC Yacht Club, its signature “ship within a ship” experience, will debut aboard MSC Seascape when the vessel begins sailing from Texas to the Western Caribbean this fall. It’s the first time MSC’s luxury enclave model will be available to cruisers departing from a Texas port — and it marks a new level of upscale cruising in the area.
At its core, the Yacht Club is a fully contained, access-controlled complex on the ship, with its own suites, restaurant, pool deck, and lounge — along with a private check-in experience and dedicated butler service. The version aboard MSC Seascape spans more than 32,000 square feet, making it one of the largest Yacht Clubs in MSC’s global fleet.
A Self-Contained Luxury Tier
Guests who book within the MSC Yacht Club will find a curated experience: a private restaurant with an elevated menu, the panoramic Top Sail Lounge, and an exclusive sun deck with ocean-facing pool and bar. The suites are located in a quiet forward section of the ship and include butler service, priority embarkation and disembarkation, and concierge access for dining, shows, and shore excursions.
Additional inclusions — from thermal spa access to premium drinks and Wi-Fi — are part of the package, creating a seamless all-in-one tier that operates independently from the rest of the ship.
According to MSC Cruises North America President Lynn Torrent, the Yacht Club remains “the best” of its kind: “Our guests love the spacious suites, exclusive areas and personal attention that makes the MSC Yacht Club so sought after.”
Galveston Joins the Lineup
Until now, the Yacht Club has only been available to U.S. travelers departing from Florida or New York. Its arrival in Texas reflects both Galveston’s growing importance as a cruise homeport and a rising demand for more layered cruise offerings in the region.
MSC Seascape will begin sailing from Cruise Terminal 16 in Galveston on November 9, 2025, offering weekly seven-night itineraries to Costa Maya and Cozumel in Mexico and Roatan in Honduras.
Beyond the Yacht Club
While the Yacht Club functions independently, it’s still part of the larger Seascape experience — a ship that carries more than 2,000 cabins, six pools, and 11 restaurants. Notable onboard features include:
ROBOTRON, a robotic ride combining a rollercoaster swing with a custom DJ soundtrack
Aft infinity pool and multiple decks designed for open-air ocean views
The Bridge of Sighs, a transparent walkway suspended at deck 16
A full theater program with six original productions
Dedicated kids and teen spaces, with more than 7,000 square feet of programming area
What Does MSC Yacht Club Cost?
For some travelers, the Yacht Club offers a quieter way to cruise — full access to the larger ship, but with the added buffer of privacy, personalized service, and controlled space. It’s not just about luxury, but structure: a cruise within a cruise. But it does come with a big price tag: a regular stateroom in November starts at $540 per person. The Yacht Club is a major difference – to the tune of $5,510 per person per night.
Karen Udler is the Deputy Travel Editor of Caribbean Journal. A graduate of Duke University, has been traveling across the Americas for three decades. First an expert on Latin American travel, Karen has been traveling with CJ for more than a decade. She likes to focus on wellness, luxury travel and food.
