Overall a great cruise.

Item: MSC Seaside
Rating: 4.5
Author: ChrisB66

MSC Seaside Cruise Review to Caribbean - Western

ChrisB66

Contributor Level: Second Mate

98 Days Till Next Cruise

Cruises: 4-6 cruises

Reviews: 3

Helpful Votes: 53

Overall rating:

4.5 out of 5

7 Night Western Caribbean (Miami Roundtrip)

Sail date: December 29, 2018

Ship: MSC Seaside

Cabin type: Balcony

Traveled as: Family (older children)

Reviewed: 5 years ago

Review summary

Overall a great cruise, few minor things which did nothing to spoil our cruise. First time with MSC and are sailing again in December. I didn't go on this cruise looking to compare it to previous cruises, as its MSC not another cruise line.

Embarkation

5 out of 5

Embarkation was Fantastic, Arrived at 11, Check in was smooth and onboard by 11:30, we did have Aurea Priority but anyone else checking in was also quick at that time. .

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

5 out of 5

We had anytime dining which we love, First night we went to the MDR was the second night (elegant night) , food was average at best and our waiter was terrible. I convinced my wife to try it again and it was much better , Had a waiter by the window (name escapes me) From Honduras who was brilliant, only time i was offered a coffee after dinner (little things). Any other time we went back all his tables were taken. But then had Adi and Miguel Santos (think thats his name) , they were both great, always greeted with a smile and offering suggestions. Food was good after our first experience, NYE food was good with Lobster and Steak on the menu at no additional cost. Food in the buffet is buffet standard but wasn't expecting it to be michelin star quality, had a decent selection , felt lunch was better than breakfast, didn't have dinner there but did grab a few pizza slices some nights which were very good.

Venchi 1878 Chocolate Bar and Venchi 1878 Gelato & Creperie

5 out of 5

Got my coffee here most mornings as thought tye staff were the best on the ship. Very quick, also the gelato and milkshakes were great. Some fantastic chocolate inspired cocktails. Chocolate Martini's were great.

Onboard Activities

4 out of 5

The included massage in Aurea package was great (booked this as soon as boarded) as was the termal suite. Good gym also onboard but of course with so many onboard can get very crowded. None of us used the pools or Slides. Our Son did use the Zipline on our last day, had to queue for over 2 hours as only 1 was open.

Entertainment

5 out of 5

My wife loved the DJ for white party on NYE and also silent disco. The beatles tribute band in the theatre on NYE were good, Peter Punk show was a little mad but good. Skywalker on the last night was brilliant, reserve your spot early as all 3 shows were fully booked thursday morning

Children's Programs

4 out of 5

Our son loved the teen club although wished it had been open more he was always leaving us to go when open and not coming back until it had finished.

Service and Staff

4 out of 5

As mentioned our waiters were very good after first night. Waiters in speciality dining particularly great. Some of the bars seemed understaffed while a good few seemed as if they just did not want to be there. That was ok, simply went to a different person next time. Our cabin steward was very poor, kept forgetting simple things but said it was his first week so ok.

Ship Quality

4 out of 5

Ship very clean, bit of a crazy design but interesting all the same.

Cabin / Stateroom

5 out of 5

Size of cabin was good, never felt crowded with 3 of us. Good sized balcony and private also as the deck above balcony covered 1/2 of ours while still getting full sun.

Ship tip

Book shows early. If you find a good waiter stick with him for the week. For deck parties buy a couple of drinks before going up as bars can be real busy for deck/pool parties.

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