We absolutely loved this cruise, so much so that we have 3 additional cruises booked, 2 on Seaside and 1 on the new Meravilia being launched in 2019. The food was outstanding, the service impeccable and the cost lower than other cruise lines for similar experiences. The stage shows, in our opinions, were Broadway quality with many talented singers, dancers, acrobats, dancers, etc. Other entertainment throughout the ship were above average.
Embarkation
5 out of 5
If you book in the Yacht Club, embarkation was easy.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
5 out of 5
The private restaurant in the Yacht Club was excellent as was the Butcher's Bloc. We might have been spoiled by the wonderful filet mignon we had at the Butcher's Bloc because we found the steak in the Yacht Club restaurant disappointing. The shrimp appetizer in BB was impressive - very large, tasty and filling. All the pasta we had was excellent, just as you would expect from an Italian company, served al dente. A special pasta treat prepared by the maître d, Luigi, was wonderful - penne with shrimp pieces in an eggplant, olive oil reduction.
Onboard Activities
4 out of 5
Fitness Center was well-equipped but crowded in the morning on sea days. Zip line was slow and short compared to the waiting time. The spa and thermal areas were delightful. Wonderful massages.
Entertainment
5 out of 5
Our group found the stage shows without question the best we have ever experienced on a cruise ship. The singers, dancers, acrobats, etc. were amazing. Each night we wondered how they were going to top that night's show, but they kept getting better. Entertainment throughout the ship was excellent
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
The service throughout the ship was wonderful, especially in the Yacht Club where it was impeccable. Our butler, Victor, couldn't do enough for us. He seemed to be everywhere whenever we needed anything. The cabin steward, Alexis, was wonderfully accommodating. The master was very visible. We have never been on a cruise where we saw the captain so frequently. It was clear he was happy to be a part of the MSC company.
Ship Quality
4 out of 5
The ship is brand new and was spotless. Even with the chrome everywhere, even handrails, and glass, it was well maintained throughout the cruise. We found the lack of handrails, e. g. getting in and out of hot tube, in the theater, somewhat dangerous especially when seas were a bit rough. On some days, we did notice an odor in certain parts of the ship, sometimes smelling like sewage, other times like cabbage even though we never saw cabbage on any menu.
Cabin / Stateroom
5 out of 5
Our cabin was spacious with lots of storage, kept spotlessly clean. The bathroom was well appointed, except there was no electrical outlet. Where's a guy supposed to shave if he uses an electric razor? The sitting area was spacious and comfortable. The bed was marvelous
Ship tip
Spend the extra money for the Yacht Club. It is well worth it.
We did a tour on our own. There were lots of tourist stops for souveniers and pictures. The island is as beautiful as ever, but showing the effects of Hurricanes Irma and Maria with lots of blue tarps on roofs which have not yet been repaired.
We again toured on our own with a van driver we met at the dock. The island is very depressed. They might have 900 beautiful beaches, but our driver didn't show us many of them. Maybe booking with the ship might have been a better idea for a tour of the island.
Yacht club disembarkation was excellent. We noticed long lines of people taking their own luggage off the ship. This caused lines to back up because the elevator was small and could only accommodate a few people at a time with huge bags. Others were trying to maneuver large bags on the one escalator - fairly dangerous. Hopefully, they will discontinue this practice.
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