MSC Seaside Not for Me!!!!!
MSC Seaside Cruise Review to Caribbean - Western
Contributor Level:
Purser
Cruises: 2-3 cruises
Review: 1
Helpful Votes: 14
7 Night Western Caribbean & Bahamas (Port Canaveral Roundtrip)
Sail date: April 30, 2023
Ship: MSC Seaside
Cabin type: Suite
Cabin number: 9001
Traveled as: Singles/Friends
Reviewed: 1 year ago
Review summary
I chose this cruise for my birthday and because of the price. Wow do you get what you pay for. Don't cruise foreign ships in the USA. Choose USA ships that are owned by a corporation not a family-owned one such as this one from Italy that generally caters to most customers coming from Germany, France, Italy, and Spain... Gianluigi Aponte is the person who owns MSC Cruises, alongside his family: wife Rafaela, daughter Alexa, and son Diego. Aponte is an Italian billionaire and MSC’s owner, founder, and chairman. His family is involved in crucial roles throughout the business. Gianluigi and Rafaela Aponte have a net worth of $13.2 billion, making them one of the wealthiest couples in the shipping industry. They are also known to be the 126th richest people in the world. That being said they are spoiled money-grubbing aristocratic cheaps and have no idea what American’s like when it comes to food and entertainment. This was geared for Italians and European’s who live on pasta, sausages, and little salads that wouldn’t feed a bird. Thank the Lord almighty they only port of Florida 4 months a year. What a letdown to say the least. They should stick to Europe. The food was all Italian based with Pastas, cold cuts & cheeses every day for the lunches. They tried to just satisfy the American pallet with crappy hot dogs and dried out hamburgers. The breakfast Buffet was on pasta an even more let-down with overcooked dried out burnt eggs, hot dogs and French fries with pancakes, and fruit on the side. The Dinner menu had approximately 3-4 entrees with only one obvious choice. The upgraded foods were extra and the only thing worth eating. The staff was friendly but could hardly speak clear English. The Entertainment was single performers impersonating Michael Jackson & Whitney Houston at night with Calypso music & Reggae music all day long outside on the main deck. I thought I was going to go postal and kill everyone on the boat I was so bored to death. I rather would have watched old people peel back scabs from infected wounds all day. The upgraded drink packages were a joke with only a few selections to choose from forcing you to pay for the premium upgrades in order to get good liquor. My suggestion is to smuggle alcohol on the boat in your luggage or just go ala carte since you will not be able to get a drink often enough to justify the upgrades because the staff is so slow and they are clueless on how to make drinks. Only one bartender (MJ) knew how to make anything good. The whole ship smelled like the toilets were overflowing during my cruise and the whole floor I was on the toilets went out and had to use a local general bathroom. Overall, I was ready to jump off the ship and swim back to port. Go with Royal Caribbean, Princess, Carnival or any other cruise line. Avoid this mess at all cost.... what a disappointment and waste of money.Embarkation
The one think that went well
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
I chose this cruise for my birthday and because of the price. Wow do you get what you pay for. Don't cruise foreign ships in the USA. Choose USA ships that are owned by a corporation not a family-owned one such as this one from Italy that generally caters to most customers coming from Germany, France, Italy, and Spain... Gianluigi Aponte is the person who owns MSC Cruises, alongside his family: wife Rafaela, daughter Alexa, and son Diego. Aponte is an Italian billionaire and MSC’s owner, founder, and chairman. His family is involved in crucial roles throughout the business. Gianluigi and Rafaela Aponte have a net worth of $13.2 billion, making them one of the wealthiest couples in the shipping industry. They are also known to be the 126th richest people in the world. That being said they are spoiled money-grubbing aristocratic cheaps and have no idea what American’s like when it comes to food and entertainment. This was geared for Italians and European’s who live on pasta, sausages, and little salads that wouldn’t feed a bird. Thank the Lord almighty they only port of Florida 4 months a year. What a letdown to say the least. They should stick to Europe.
The food was all Italian based with Pastas, cold cuts & cheeses every day for the lunches. They tried to just satisfy the American pallet with crappy hot dogs and dried out hamburgers. The breakfast Buffet was on pasta an even more let-down with overcooked dried out burnt eggs, hot dogs and French fries with pancakes, and fruit on the side. The Dinner menu had approximately 3-4 entrees with only one obvious choice. The upgraded foods were extra and the only thing worth eating.
Onboard Activities
The staff was friendly but could hardly speak clear English. The Entertainment was single performers impersonating Michael Jackson & Whitney Houston at night with Calypso music & Reggae music all day long outside on the main deck. I thought I was going to go postal and kill everyone on the boat I was so bored to death. I rather would have watched old people peel back scabs from infected wounds all day. The fitness center was nice for a ship.
Entertainment
he Entertainment was single performers impersonating Michael Jackson & Whitney Houston at night with Calypso music & Reggae music all day long outside on the main deck. I thought I was going to go postal and kill everyone on the boat I was so bored to death. I rather would have watched old people peel back scabs from infected wounds all day.
Children's Programs
No Kids
Service and Staff
The staff was friendly but could hardly speak clear English. My suggestion is to smuggle alcohol on the boat in your luggage or just go ala carte since you will not be able to get a drink often enough to justify the upgrades because the staff is so slow and they are clueless on how to make drinks. Only one bartender (MJ) knew how to make anything good.
Ship Quality
The whole ship smelled like the toilets were overflowing during my cruise and the whole floor I was on the toilets went out and had to use a local general bathroom. Overall, I was ready to jump off the ship and swim back to port. Go with Royal Caribbean, Princess, Carnival or any other cruise line. Avoid this mess at all cost.... what a disappointment and waste of money.
Cabin / Stateroom
Cabin was clean and well kept and rather big for a cruise I thought
Ship tip
Avoid this ship it smells like Poop
Thumbs up
0
Ports of call
Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, Bahamas
Disembarkation
Fast and efficient