MSC has not cracked the code an the Western market

MSC Seaside Cruise Review to Caribbean - Eastern

Cruises: 7+ cruises
Review: 1
Helpful Votes: 52

Overall rating:

3.2 out of 5
Verified Review
MSC Seaside

7 Night Eastern Caribbean & Bahamas (Miami Roundtrip)

Sail date: August 04, 2018

Ship: MSC Seaside

Cabin number: 13219

Traveled as: Family (older children)

Reviewed: 6 years ago

Review summary

Not good. I would not book on MSC again with its current offering. Americans expect an all included experience. They don't want staff constantly pecking at a tablet over each beverage and food transaction. Although the staff is really, really great, I experienced being charged $112 for a dinner that was on my pre-paid food package. It was a simple mistake but their system need to inform the waiter based on my room number if my dinner is included. Imagine having to get a pay package for water. Water. The ship had a great coffee and a chocolate bar, with an up charge. The water park was outstanding, again with a fee. The theater shows really showed the lack of connection with the Western market. Few familiar tunes ( I guess to avoid the royalty expense.), lots of full length ball gowns and little dancing. The billing was clear but the story line most times was incoherent. The Micheal Jackson impersonator was talented but the song was 36 years old. My daughter called the performances a cultural train wreck. They did have the best voices on stage I have heard. I saw something I have never seen or done before. A line of over 50 people were challenging their charges on their bill at check out, me included. The program may suit the EU market. But they have a long way to go to get my family of 5 back.

Embarkation

3 out of 5

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

2 out of 5

Onboard Activities

3 out of 5

Entertainment

1 out of 5

Service and Staff

5 out of 5

Ship Quality

4 out of 5

Cabin / Stateroom

3 out of 5

Ship tip

Bring a case of water from home, buy packages prior to departure

Ports of call

Miami, Florida

3 out of 5

Philipsburg, St. Maarten

1 out of 5

San Juan, Puerto Rico

5 out of 5

Nassau, Bahamas

5 out of 5

Disembarkation

3 out of 5
Was this review helpful? 52

10 Comments

Gwbigdog    2 years ago

Thanks for sharing your cruise with us.

pandaman802    6 years ago

That’s correct the only up charge is the zip line and the attractions in the arcade area such as formula 1 car, bowling, 4D theater and air hockey!!

willwork4cruz    6 years ago

I feel some of your disappointments but don't understand the Michael Jackson impersonator complaint. Did he only sign one song and it was from the early 80's when Jackson was at his peak?

Yashu    6 years ago

I saw the Michel Jackson Tribute on Divina and loved it. Of course the songs are older, it is a tribute to all his classic hits. And it is more then just one song. And why make every show "westernized", enjoy a bit of culture from the rest on the world as well.

JJMCFamily    6 years ago

So the waterpark isn’t an upcharge, just the zip line?

kpellapatrick    6 years ago

Sounds like someone didn’t do their research because if he had read up on the things that had extra charges he wouldn’t have been so shocked he would of been prepared. That’s your own fault, most reviews are very positive about this cruise ship.

hscarpol    6 years ago

Only upcharge is zip line, racecar, bowling, 3d or 4d theater and billiards. Nothing in main dining room is upcharge except drinks which is also bottled water. Poured water is free. The special coffees and chocolate bar would be an upcharge on any ship.

Lindabj1    6 years ago

Agree 💯%

pandaman802    6 years ago

You are saying there’s an up charge for the water park?? We were on Seaside in March and there was no up charge for the water park or water slides??

IkeDeb    6 years ago

Thanks for your review

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