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MSC Seaside rewrites the rule book of cruise ship design, combining indoor and outdoor areas to connect you with the sea like never before. Located as low as deck 8 is a unique seafront promenade lined with places to eat, drink, shop, swim and sunbathe. And you can enjoy superb views from the two glass-floored catwalks and panoramic elevators.
We just returned from a cruise aboard MSC Seaside, and here’s our overall impression: * Delicious food * Excellent cabin (balcony on the 15th deck) * Easy+ Drink Package – great value for money * Incredibly kind and service-oriented staff, especially in the main dining room Given some of the the negative reviews MSC have received, I was pleasantly surprised by our experience. I suspect much of the criticism comes from either competitors or overly picky travelers who complain about minor details. Here’s a detailed, step-by-step review of our 7-day cruise, which followed this itinerary: Rome - Palermo - Sea day - Ibiza - Valencia - Marseille - Genoa - Rome. We traveled as a couple: myself (61) and my wife (53). Embarkation in Civitavecchia We chose the first embarkation slot (11-12) and highly recommend it. There were no lines, and to our surprise, our cabin was ready upon arrival. The embarkation process was smooth and polite, with a short briefing provided in English. Tip: Take the train from Rome Termini – it's affordable (€17.50 per person), and includes a bus transfer to the MSC terminal. Balcony Cabin on the 15th Deck Our cabin was spacious, featuring a large bed, a couch, and a workspace. The bathroom was a bit snug but still manageable for two tall people (181 cm and 191 cm). The couch could use a cleaning, but otherwise, the cabin was spotless. For us, the balcony was a must-have, large enough for two and a lovely spot to enjoy the scenery. Cabin service was provided twice a day, with towels changed if left on the bathroom floor. There are two European electrical outlets at the desk and one near the bed, plus USB-B ports for charging. Tip: Deck 15 is located directly below the restaurant on Deck 16. Some faint morning noise was noticeable, likely from cleaning, but it wasn’t an issue for us. If you’re concerned, consider Deck 14 or below. Buffet Restaurants We enjoyed breakfast and lunch at Biscayne Bay on Deck 16 whenever possible. It’s brighter and airier than the Marketplace Buffet on Deck 8. The food quality is very good, comparable to that of a nice hotel in Norway. The pasta, pizza, and bread were excellent, and the hot dishes and vegetables were well-prepared. While it’s not a gourmet experience, if you appreciate hearty, well-made meals and Italian cuisine, this is the place for you. Tip: Buffet restaurants can get crowded. If you prefer a quieter setting, you can always have your meals in your assigned main dining room (we only did this for dinner). Main Dining Room We had dinner in the Seashore Restaurant at the same table with the same waiters each night. The food here was also very good, though not "gourmet" (which we prefer to avoid anyway). The wait staff were attentive and efficient, with dinner service taking about 1 to 1.5 hours from start to finish. Each evening, the menu offered 4-5 appetizers, 5-6 main courses, and 4-5 desserts, with the selection varying daily. The main dining room provided a quiet, relaxing dining experience, a nice contrast to the occasionally noisy buffet. Specialty Restaurants We didn't dine at any of the specialty restaurants on board. Pools, Bars, and Other Public Spaces Although the ship was fully booked, we never had any issues finding a place to sit, whether indoors or outdoors. The Miami Beach area on Deck 16 is lively and bustling, featuring a stage with various forms of entertainment and activities. In contrast, South Beach, located aft on Deck 7, is smaller but much quieter. One morning, we enjoyed a peaceful reading session in the Sports Bar before it opened. Despite this, the staff from the adjacent Piano Bar were happy to serve us. Drink Package We opted for the Easy+ Drink package, which includes non-alcoholic beverages, coffee, Heineken beer, two types of red and white wine, sparkling wine, and a variety of other drinks. It's convenient to have unlimited drinks for a fixed price, but it's important to calculate whether it’s worth it for you. As a rule of thumb, if you consume at least two beers, two glasses of wine, and some soft drinks or water per day, the Easy+ package offers good value. If you drink less than that, it may be more cost-effective to pay as you go. You can easily find detailed information about MSC’s drink packages and prices online. Occasionally, the Easy+ package is available at a discount when booking your cruise, making it an even better deal. Wi-Fi Package Offshore internet bandwidth is limited, but it's sufficient for basic tasks like emails, web browsing, and social media (Facebook, Snapchat, TikTok). However, if you plan to watch your favorite TV shows or movies, it's best to download them while still within range of cellular networks. The Wi-Fi package is tied to the first device you log in with, and you won’t be able to switch devices or share the connection unless you're familiar with MAC spoofing. You'll definitely need the Wi-Fi package if you want to stay connected, especially on the stretch from Palermo to Ibiza when you spend a full day at sea. Disembarkation in Civitavecchia Our schedule was tight for the final leg of the journey, with the ship arriving at 8:00 AM and our flight from FCO at 11:30 AM. However, the crew handled everything smoothly: we were allowed to carry our own luggage and disembark at our convenience. We had a car waiting for us at 8:30 AM and reached the airport in plenty of time for our flight. What We Liked * Bus tickets for the shuttle were conveniently placed in our cabin the night before arrival, and we were only charged if we used them. * Despite the buffet being crowded at times, there was always plenty of good-quality food. * The MSC For Me app provided a wealth of information and was accessible even without an internet package. Overall This was a highly enjoyable cruise experience and excellent value for money!
We really liked this ship and this itinerary (Marseille, Genoa, Rome, Palermo, Ibiza and Valencia). The ship is well laid out, with roomy cabins (we had an inside cabin on deck 11) and there was plenty of hanging space and storage. Loved the Jungle pool area, the Sports Bar, the shows (theatre productions most nights and Michael Jackson show was just brilliant). Where MSC lets itself down is the food - It’s just bland, cold and just not enough choice. Our first night in the main restaurant put us off and we did not return, the Buffet is just okay. We travel mainly on NCL and have Latitude platinum status on there and MSC accept our status - I don’t know why but I saw no benefit of the MSC GOLD status they gave me as a match. So on the whole, we loved our trip, but I do agree with what people are saying about the food and it’s such a shame as their offering is excellent in every other way.
Combining comfort and style, the accommodation on MSC Seaside includes luxury suites with whirlpool baths and combinable cabins for families and groups.
On MSC Seaside, you can enjoy the spectacular ocean views while you eat. And with nine delightful restaurants to choose from, including five sophisticated speciality restaurants, dining on MSC Seaside is as varied as it is delicious.
Seek the extraordinary and make your cruise holiday an unforgettable adventure.
We offer an incredible choice of shore excursions to suit every taste: whether you prefer adventure, nature, culture or history, we’ve designed something for you and the whole family.
From Culture & History and our breathtaking Scenic Routes, to our Active & Adventure tours and the discovery of Natural Wonders, to Sea & Sun’s relax, our Something Special experiences and our Accessible Tours, you can enjoy the treasures of each destination in your preferred way.
We’ve also established the MSC Family Explorer Club, Excursions Explorer Package and MSC Bike Adventours, which are unique to our line and available on selected MSC Cruises' itineraries.
MSC Seaside offers endless fun for everyone, with a high-tech theatre, bowling alleys and an interactive, multi-storey water park featuring 5 water slides, an adventure trail and an AquaPlay™ area designed for tots. There are also colourful kids’ play areas created in partnership with LEGO® and Chicco®.
BARS & LOUNGES
A refreshing choice of 19 classy bars and lounges for an evening of laughter with friends, accompanied by drinks
An MSC Cruise is not just a chance to travel and explore – it’s also a chance to relax, feel healthy, and look your best. Unwind with a soothing sauna, relax with a traditional Balinese massage, or treat yourself to a high-tech beauty treatment during your cruise in our MSC Aurea Spa.
Book one of our Spa & Beauty Packages now to take advantage of our pre-boarding rates.
SPA & BEAUTY
Feeling healthy and looking your best is a part of the MSC Cruises experience. Try something new, like high-tech beauty treatments, a soothing sauna or enjoy a Balinese massage. Book now one of our spa packages and take advantage of our pre-boarding rates.
PLEASE NOTE:
In order to grant the best experience to our guests, all Thermal Area experiences are available by appointment only.
Access to the MSC Aurea Spa is only permitted for guests over the age of 18. Click here to discover the details.
Pregnant guests are not allowed to use any heat treatments within the Thermal Area.
SPORT & FITNESS
A voyage with MSC Cruises brings you the leisure time and the facilities to maintain and build your fitness thanks to a wide choice of Sports Facilities and a state-of-the art Sports Centre with fabulous sea views. You can admire the panorama, burn off calories and keep in shape. Whether you prefer to train alone, love a workout in company or live to compete, you’ll find just what you need.
PLEASE NOTE:
Click here to discover the treatments and services available according to our Spa and Gym Minors Policy.
amily holidays are a special time – a blend of fun, special times together as a family, and quality time as individuals. Over the years, we’ve built a renowned reputation as a company that can cater for all needs at all times, paying special attention to the individual needs of children, tweens, teens, and parents, as well as creating incredible shared experiences for the whole family.
Book your cruise today, and discover why this is the Future of Cruising.
