We will never again cruise on an MSC ship. The line has relaxed its safety & cleaning protocols, and at a time when it is understaffed, it is sailing at full capacity+. It wasn't enough that the passengers were coughing and sneezing in the enclosed spaces, but several of the crew that I noticed were ill. We used our masks as often as possible, but no one else was encouraged to wash or sanitize their hands. Those same hands were used by other passengers to take food from the buffet - no tongs. Even though we boarded with all of our shots and very healthy, we are now suffering through coughing, sneezing, and congestion, and that's after 2 days of vomiting several days ago. A cruise line's pursuit of revenue should not adversely affect our health. Our Diamond cruise cards will not be saved as a memory of our cruise.
Embarkation
1 out of 5
We had called ahead for wheelchair assistance & we were informed that it would be provided at the entrance. When we arrived at the terminal, we were informed that the wheelchairs were only available at check-in, which was after the security inspection. At check-in there were no wheelchairs to be seen. Horrible experience.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
1 out of 5
The ship was under-staffed. This was very evident by the lack of cleaning and the speed at which the drinks and food were served. We arrived at the MDR at 7:05 and our mains were served at 8:30. The lights were turned up at 8;50 & the head waiters urged us to finish, as they needed to prepare for the next seating. Sometimes our ordered drinks at dinner never arrived. Waiters in the public areas were almost non-existent, which necessitated standing at the bar with many other passengers. Unless you're able to get food from buffet as soon as the fresh food is replaced, the food that you will be eating will be cold. The warmers under the food trays are either turned off or they're set very low. There's nothing worse than biting into a cold piece of lamb.
Onboard Activities
1 out of 5
After the ship's dismal safety drill on the first day, we were very concerned about the safety protocols on the ship.
Entertainment
2 out of 5
The performers tried hard, but like everything else on the ship, if it doesn't make revenue, it becomes a low-budget throwaway.
Children's Programs
No Children
Service and Staff
2 out of 5
We rarely saw a crew member that looked like they were happy to be on board or was welcoming to the passengers. I did see crew members that were obviously ill, with flushed faces, sweating, and coughing profusely, and these were the crew members who were handling our food and drinks. The crew members spent a good deal of their time apologizing for the service shortcomings.
Ship Quality
1 out of 5
The ship exudes a lot of glitz and glamour, but that does not translate into functionality. I heard many negative comments about the elevators and the design of the cabin bathrooms. It's the year 2023, and cruise ships have been around a long time. There have been many design concepts that have been scrapped after the first ship in a series is launched. An elevator that has no indicator as to which direction it is headed, or the ability to select a floor inside the cab, doesn't work very well when the ship is at full capacity. Sitting in the cabin bathroom requires the vanity door to be opened. Just a tip for anyone who would still sail on the Seascape after this review.
Cabin / Stateroom
4 out of 5
Too many cabins to take care of for one cabin steward. Our cabin was missing the liquid hand soap, and we cleaned up hairs left behind by the last passengers. I wonder what else he missed?
Ship tip
If you have insurance that allows you to cancel for any reason, do so immediately.
This port is set up for cruise passengers. It's still getting it's finishing touches. The bars, pools, lazy river, and shops are very inviting for the passengers. It's also a secure area.
MSC gets you off the ship quickly, as the other cruise lines do also. The one difference was at the final card scan. Some passengers were pulled to the side to register their credit cards, a procedure which other cruise lines do at check-in.
Sounds like the cruise started off on the wrong foot and you couldn’t get past it. Ruined the rest of your cruise finding everything you could to be negative.
Thanks for the negative review. I’ve had a great experience with MSC and it keeps the right low for those of us that love it. I was thrilled to find out that they no longer will require a Covid test for my transatlantic cruise in May.
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