MSC Seaside Review

Cruise Rookies

Review for the Caribbean Cruise on MSC Seaside
User Avatar
Jeefers
First Time Cruiser • Age 60s

Rating by category

Cabin
Value for Money
Embarkation
Dining
Public Rooms
Entertainment
Fitness & Recreation
Service

Additional details

Sail Date: Apr 2018

Chose this cruise based primarily on the itinerary and the dates available, Mostly Ocho Rios, as we honeymooned there 34 years ago and wanted to see it again, but not stay there. Knew nothing of MSC or The Seaside ship, but really lucked out picking it. Others we met who were experienced cruisers almost all said it was the nicest ship they'd been on. The ship was stunning, though temper that with, it was our first cruise and have no other ship experience to compare. Was pleasantly surprised that you felt literally no movement while at sea or at night, until the last day at sea, which was amazingly minimal considering the 45 knot winds, and 6-8 foot waves. Food was very good, restaurants top notch, and the included evening sit down dinners were excellent. While some seemed to be put off by the 'elegant nights' and went casual, it was fun to dress up for the special evening, dinner and the show. Speaking of which, the shows were all wonderful. A couple performers were ones we'd seen on Americas Got Talent, so that was cool.

Only two things were a negative; One, couldn't get a lounge chair on prime deck areas because people put a towel on to 'reserve it' even though it would not be used by them for hours. Didn't know that was protocol, so live and learn. Even at that, you could always get a chair further down the deck, away from the pools. And two, the peak meal times were very crowded at the buffet. We just ate a little earlier (or later) to avoid the peak, and played the 'lounge chair game' by putting our towels on first thing in the morning on the at sea day...and had a great time. Loved the 'international' flavor of both the crew and passengers, met some wonderful people we now consider friends, and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. In hindsight, it was an added bonus as we didn't go with any other couples we knew, and thus would have likely kept to ourselves. As a result, we have standing invites from them and a place to stay in Denver, San Diego and Australia, though we'll probably not get to use that connection realistically. Balcony suite was awesome, and Angelo took care of us to the nines.

Cabin Review

4 Helpful Votes
previous reviewnext review

Find an MSC Seaside Cruise from $49

Any Month

Get special cruise deals, expert advice, insider tips and more.By proceeding, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.

© 1995—2024, The Independent Traveler, Inc.