Fabulous Cruise!
MSC Seaside Cruise Review to Caribbean - Eastern
Contributor Level:
Purser
Cruises: 4-6 cruises
Review: 1
Helpful Votes: 38
7 Night Eastern Caribbean & Bahamas (Miami Roundtrip)
Sail date: April 27, 2019
Ship: MSC Seaside
Cabin type: Balcony
Traveled as: Couple
Reviewed: 5 years ago
Review summary
MSC Seaside is a new ship and was just amazingly beautiful. The itinerary was very interesting and is why we chose this cruise. We had a wonderful time.Embarkation
There was a waiting line when we boarded but a couple traveling with us that came later walked right through.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
The buffets had a large selection of really great food. I especially enjoyed the pizza. All the bread on the ship was very good. I eat plant based and had no problem finding something to eat. The buffet area was very clean and tidy and modern. There were many areas to choose to sit: in a booth, at a high top, near the food, far in the corner. The main dining room was beautiful. The staff was fast, friendly and fun. There were several selections every night. We never went to a specialty restaurant onboard the ship.
Onboard Activities
We liked the comedy group that did the "Beer Prov" and the regular staff that ran the contests and shows on the ship were energetic and hilarious. The cruise director was especially funny. The Michael Jackson Show was fabulous. The pools were sunny and fun. We loved the casino. The croupier and the black jack dealers were a pleasure. We played the slots too. We won. We lost. We had a ball. We really liked the "Bridge of Sighs" and the "Infinity Walk" that take you out over the water. They provided and excellent place for photos and just a spot to look down through the glass floor at the sea below. The outdoor areas on the Seaside were also pleasant. We sat outside of the SeaView Bar in comfy chairs watching the waves and chatting and having adult beverages. The area inside the Atrium had great views and those awesome Swarovsky Crystal staircases! The Sports Bar was also a favorite of ours for watching the basketball playoffs and we enjoyed the little "pods" with private booths and bean bags.
Entertainment
We like the entertainment but felt they should have included some modern rock. Maybe they could add a 90's cover band.
Service and Staff
All terrific! The ship was spotless. We received service with a smile and a sense of humor all over the ship.
Ship Quality
Top Notch. My only criticism would be that walking from place to place might entail going down on an elevator walking to another elevator and then going up.
Cabin / Stateroom
14260 is at the back of the boat close to the glass elevators looking out over the Bridge of Sighs and the ocean. We had a balcony with a perfect view and the room furnishings were new and modern. The bathroom was smallish but very clean and new and pretty. My reason for 4 stars instead of 5 is the closet doors. They were ridiculous. They were sliding doors but you could only get in the closet when the doors were slid open from the right side. That needs to be addressed at the next renovation.
Ports of call
We embarked in Miami and we live in Florida so no excursion.
Thumbs Up
0
We arrived at the Port of San Juan at 5pm and we walked right off the ship into the old San Juan area. We walked around the fort, and we bar-hopped and we saw the umbrella installation by the governors mansion and we went to the Chocobar Cortes for chocolate libations and desserts. We had so much fun.
We booked an excursion with MSC for this port. We visited Mountaintop for the view (one of the top 10 in the world according to NatGeo) and drank banana daiquiris and shopped the giant souvenir store. We then went to Magens Bay Beach for a few hours and then downtown for more shopping. We were transported all over by this open air safari style bus thingy. We loved it.
We went on our own by taxi to Maho Beach and the Sunset Bar to sit in the sun and swim in the water and drink frozen beverages until commercial jetliners landed right over our heads. It was hilarious. Four ships were in port and I think everybody got off and went to Maho. Don't miss it. Do stay out of the way of the planes that are taking off because they will blast sand all over you. Sunset Beach had some delicious smelling chicken. It almost made me want to eat meat.
We booked a beach day through Atlantis Paradise Island and caught a shuttle over there. We had been there 20 years ago and it was still just as beautiful and wonderful as we remembered. The beaches of the Bahamas are outstanding and Paradise Island waters are clear aqua blue and the sand is soft and slightly golden. Atlantis is magical. The Chihuly Glass in the casino is a must see and The Dig will delight anyone. We also stopped in at Senor Frogs before getting back on the ship for a huge frozen drink.
Disembarkation
We got right off. So quick and easy. They are using facial recognition now so there is no waiting.