MSC Seaside - Tips

Be sure to download the MSC for me app before sailing. Once on board, you will be able to look at a variety of things on your phone from this app as well as make reservations for shows, massages, etc. I found that about 75 of the cruisers were of varying dialects -- be patient, be kind.

A very nice boat. This line caters to Europeans only!!!! Beware!!!

Excellent family cruise.

The kid tracker they advertise is not available, so don't rely on having it. Bring walkie-talkies to communicate on board.

Bring aboard and card games for entertainment and to pass time. Other than the nightly theatre show, the ship sorely lacks engaging entertainment. Also has several negative interactions with guest services staff. I found them to be quite rude, sarcastic, and dismissive when concerns were brought to their attention; especially one customer service rep by the name of Marisa.

We have absolutely no complaints at all. My husband said this was the first cruise he's taken that he didn't feel rushed, or pressured to get things done in a certain time frame. He says he was actually relaxed and well rested after this cruise. I couldn't agree more. I would suggest that you bring converters for the outlets, they only have 2-120v, but the are so close together that you can only use one outlet at a time.

Book a cabin with a balcony. It will be the only place on the ship to relax. They play music everywhere, even on the terrace outside the restaurants. There is absolutely no other place to rest in peace. Plus you can open the window and get fresh air. Book with a travel agency. I booked with MSC directly, my dinner neighbors booked the same cabin thru a travel agent for 30% less plus they got a free upgrade to a balcony cabin!

Check in extremely fast, same as check out, overall we had a great time, only it could be improved is the variety of food offered

If you like the shows, try to have dinner at 7:15 pm so that you have plenty of time to see the 9:00 pm shows at the theater.

Dont, without clarity on drink package. Food in buffet was same everyday all day.,boring

Reserve seating for every show night in advance or first day onboard!!!

The advice I would give is the elevators were a bit slow because of the priority of the yacht club. Also finding the bathrooms were not that easy there needs to be more direction to a direct bathroom.

Take your own water bottle to keep full !!

It's a nice ship and the staff tries hard but it's not at same level overall as Royal Caribbean. Expect a lot of foreign languages being spoken onboard by fellow cruisers from all over the world. Many announcements are made in five languages.

If you're used to cruise lines that, for the most part, cater to American clientele, you may be disappointed by MSC.

If you like good English breakfast tea - bring your own tea-bags! Make sure you ask for the "Loyalty Match" program when BOOKING you cruise! Don't set expectations too high regarding food and personal service, it is not up to the standards of many other cruise lines. Realize that the majority of your fellow passengers may not speak English. Enjoy the bright, new vessel!

be polite and patient. Though we met a lot of very nice people on this cruise, there were many more who pushed, shoved and were just plain rude.

Plan on losing weight. Give them many months to train their crew better before you sail. Go Yacht Club if you can. Learn how to use your elevator express card if you do go Yacht Club. It brings an elavator directly to you and takes you directly to the deck of your choice, regardless of what buttons others may have pressed. Lots of fun.

It's a European ship with European influence which is what makes it unique. Enjoy the uniqueness of the ship, the crew, and the other passengers and you will have a vacation of a lifetime

Don't expect the best food for a cruise line and be prepared for very slow service. Give yourself 2-1/5 hours to eat dinner comfortably.