This was our 5th MSC cruise and 3rd in Yacht Club (we have taken 30+ cruises from Carnival to Regent and a suite on the QE2). The prior 4 were out of Miami therefore we are not sure which differences were COVID-related and which relate to the different ship or location. Booking this cruise was a "roll of the dice" after three prior cancellations. We were not sure that it would actually take place hence were not very selective as to the itinerary. We booked two Yacht Club balcony cabins, one for two adults and the other for two adults and a 2-year old.
The boarding process was extended in time by the need to take a lateral flow test (as well as the additional COVID paperwork) but friendly and patient YC staff walked us through the process including calming an upset 2-year old who had been tested the day before and fought having to do it again! No one wants these extra complications, but given the need to stay safe, and the way that they were handled, we were grateful for them.
Both embarkation and disembarkation benefit from there being no defined "start and finish" of a cruise with passengers joining or leaving in each port. This is very practical but does change the feel from the rhythm of a typical cruise and for long-time cruisers could take some getting used to. As an example, the 1st time we saw the Captain was the last night of our cruise. It is just different.