First MSC Cruise - MSC Seaside 12-30-2017 Sailing_Review with Pictures

Off to get ready for dinner and the last formal night. It was another great meal. I️ had fish and it was a huge piece. Looking at the plate from a distance it looks like chicken. No, that’s fish.

Desert

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Later that evening we were back at the Metropolitan Theater to see “Timeless”

What a great surprise of a show. From the description, you would never know what is in store. For those going on Seaside, do not miss this one. Some people were hoping a particular show on Devina by Circe du Solie would be on Seaside but no announcement.

The first part of the show had performers in costumes and the singing was almost opera like. The place was very packed and some starter to leave including two from our group.

I think the set is, a guy and his side kick would walk in front of the stage with maybe a time machine. With some fiddling around with the prop they would setup the scene for the next act which none of us knew.

So after that performance of what some thought was boring, guess who came up next to the delight of the audience? It was, Billy Jean, PYT, Smooth Criminal and Thriller. You got it, Michael Jackson, and the best show of the cruise.

Sitting on the aisle paid off, as during Thriller the dancers came all the way to the very top to engage the crowd.

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Timeless theater show

Don’t miss it, be patient for the next act.

First act

Then the highlight of the evening, Michael Jackson

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The guy who played MJ was really good and smooth. All around great dancing and a fabulous performance. I️ highly recommend it if you like Micheal Jackson.

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Next up, Nassau, Bahamas

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Nassau, Bahamas

Its Friday and the last port stop before we unfortunately must get off the ship. The day before disembarkation is my least favorite day of cruising, and that’s because the cruise is ending. It’s during these kinds of days that I say to myself, I wish I was on a B2B cruise. Maybe one of these days soon.

The weather forecast from the Captain the day before was that Nassau was going to be a little cooler than expected. I got up and went out to our balcony to see what was in store for the day. Lots of people were already out and about. It was an “Epic” scene where most wanted the “Liberty”to do whatever, and many with a “LionHeart” prevailed.

MSC Seaside

Nassau, Bahamas

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Since we have been to Nassau many times, this day we decided to take it easy and do stuff free style. After lunch we walked off the ship to the terminal to catch a taxi to Atlantis. We had one person in our group who had never been to Nassau and really wanted to visit Atlantis. We secured a taxi but couldn’t leave right away. In Nassau, if the number of people in your group don’t fill the taxi, they will wait for other passengers heading in the same direction before they leave. This may not happen always,but does a lot. A few minutes later, two other passengers joined our van and we were off to Atlantis. Leaving later in the day was good as traffic at this hour was not bad.

At Atlantis, we did the tourist thing, walked around the sight, stopped in the casino to make a small deposit, checked out the shops and walked through the Marina. Because of the cooler weather that day, there were not too many people in the lagoon and waterpark. Usually, the place is packed.

Nassau, Bahamas

Atlantis

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Nassau, Bahamas

We left Atlantis and headed back into town. Back in town, we walked over to Senior Frogs which was packed with people partying and having a great time as you would expect. From there we walked to the Market, to some shops and headed back to the ship. It was a nice relaxing day in Nassau.

Time to go back to the cabin start packing and enjoy the last sail-away from our balcony.

Sail away from Nassau, Bahamas

Carnival Liberty ahead

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Next up disembarkation and final thoughts.

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I've been loving how you've described being in port -- with the words that came from the names of the other ships. LionHeart is in a class by itself!

Since we have been to Nassau many times, this day we decided to take it easy and do stuff free style. After lunch we walked off the ship to the terminal to catch a taxi to Atlantis. We had one person in our group who had never been to Nassau and really wanted to visit Atlantis. We secured a taxi but couldn’t leave right away. In Nassau, if the number of people in your group don’t fill the taxi, they will wait for other passengers heading in the same direction before they leave. This may not happen always,but does a lot. A few minutes later, two other passengers joined our van and we were off to Atlantis. Leaving later in the day was good as traffic at this hour was not bad.

 

 

 

At Atlantis, we did the tourist thing, walked around the sight, stopped in the casino to make a small deposit, checked out the shops and walked through the Marina. Because of the cooler weather that day, there were not too many people in the lagoon and waterpark. Usually, the place is packed.

What is the cost to just walk around Atlantis? I’ve been told they charge just to enter? Thanks!

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Mattnvick - Thanks very much for the nice comments and feedback. I am trying to keep it straight and provide valuable info for those to follow. I will again say that of the five people on our six person table (one could not eat seafood), we all concluded it was the best seafood we have had on a cruise. Also the portions/sizes were good. Yes, there were times someone ordered rare steak and it wasn't. But the waiter took it back and brought a new one out. Our waiter Robin and his assistant were great. They were slammed, rushing to alleviate slow service, please everyone and be on time for the next seating waiting outside. The first day or so they seemed stressed as they had a lot of tables and people to attend to. They were more relaxed when some guest went to the specialty restaurants, thus allowing them less tables and people to attend to. It got better, they were relaxed and knew what you wanted and it was all smiles. Patience does it, and its required from all sides.

 

Approach it with a positive mind and you will most likely enjoy it. So go ahead and book.:)

Booked tonight for April 2019. Im sure we will have a blast. :)

We have loved both our cruises on Divina.

I also really enjoy all the different nationalites. European food, long leisurely dinners, a beautiful ship on the ocean with a balcony and a steward who cleans the bathroom and makes the bed and new cocktails to try.

What's not to like?

Lifes too short to sweat the small stuff.

I've been loving how you've described being in port -- with the words that came from the names of the other ships. LionHeart is in a class by itself!

Thank you May for reading my review. Yes LionHeart is in a class by itself. Its the first time I saw a Yacht with live Sago palms.

What is the cost to just walk around Atlantis? I’ve been told they charge just to enter? Thanks!

 

 

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There is no charge to walk around Atlantis. There are some areas that you cannot go into unless you are a hotel guest. Also, in order to visit the Aquarium you have to purchase tickets to do the tour. Access to the water park is also by ticket and the last time I checked it wasn't cheap.

Booked tonight for April 2019. Im sure we will have a blast. :)

 

We have loved both our cruises on Divina.

 

I also really enjoy all the different nationalites. European food, long leisurely dinners, a beautiful ship on the ocean with a balcony and a steward who cleans the bathroom and makes the bed and new cocktails to try.

 

What's not to like?

 

Lifes too short to sweat the small stuff.

Mattnvick - Congrats on booking Seaside. By the time you go things should even be better. You will have a great time. If you need to purchase any packages, tour and etc., do not do it online. Call MSC directly, speak with an agent and request email confirmation.

And I agree, Life's too short to sweat the small stuff :)

Enjoy!

Thank you Tall-Cruiser for a great review, We are going on the Seaside in March and looking forward to this cruise. We have been on the Divina twice and really enjoyed it.

Thanks so much for your review. Since one in our group has the same cabin as you, it made it even better. We're looking forward to our trip in just 31 days!

Thank you Tall-Cruiser for a great review, We are going on the Seaside in March and looking forward to this cruise. We have been on the Divina twice and really enjoyed it.

Thanks so much for your review. Since one in our group has the same cabin as you, it made it even better. We're looking forward to our trip in just 31 days!

kcia / eanselm - Thanks very much for you comments. Each of you will have fun and a great time on your cruise. eanselm, I am glad I was able to share valuable info with respect to GS 11003. You will have a great room attendant, Ni.

All the best.

Next up disembarkation and final thoughts.

 

 

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Sadly, it that time to start the packing to depart this beautiful ship. When we came back into the cabin, our room steward had already left us luggage tags. These tags were all marked "1"and were black and white. I believe these were issued to all Black Card holder. Our assigned time to get out of the cabin was around 7AM. Our cabin steward told us not to rush in the morning and take our time.

Earlier in the day, I stopped by guest services and requested a few envelops. Even though we did the prepaid gratuity we felt that some of the crew we encountered went over and beyond to make us happy and meet or needs. So, on the way to dinner, just in case we didn’t see them again we wanted to give out these envelops with a few extra dollars to show our appreciation and thanks. First on that list was our room steward, Ni PutuBudariani (Ani). She is the best. I believe she said she had 16 cabins assigned to her that included 11001 and 11003. So hard working and accommodating. Then Carlos down the hall who was doing the cabins of other family members. You treat them nice and respectful, you get the same back and even more sometimes.

After dinner we also presented our waiter Robin with his and another to his assistant waiter. I can tell you that they all knew we did the prepaid gratuity and they were not expecting anything else and were very appreciative for the extra they received. Everyone in our party did similar. We all thought they deserved it.

We didn’t do much after dinner the last night. We walked through the atrium shops for some last-minute deals and purchases. Hung out a little to listen to some music on deck 6 while also getting our last fix of gelato and then off to bed.

Embarkation – Saturday

We got up early, and around 7:30AM left the cabin and went straight to the elevator down to deck 5. There, we joined the line and a few minutes later we exited the ship. At the baggage claim our bags were in the first section to the left. After grabbing all luggage with the help of two gentlemen we went through the immigration line and maybe ten minutes we were out of the terminal. It was for us a fast process.

Tall C-

Appreciate the factual 1st hand review and the many images, for each of us to determine for themselves.

Cheers!

Final Thoughts

As people, we all have different taste and preferences,which we had in our group of 6.

Here are some few comments, paraphrased from some die-hard RCI fans and one cruising for the very first time.

Guest 1 – New to Cruising

Likes

Food was great

Dislike

Change time that shops and buffet close

Would like to cruise with MSC again

Guest 2 –Cruised many times and a RCI fan

Food was tasty but did not like the availability of it during late hours in the buffet

Liked

Ship beauty

The itinerary and the Islands

Disliked

Some of the opera themed shows

Space in the Interior Cabin

Would go on RCI again

Guest 3 - Cruised many times and a RCI fan

Liked

Food was good

All-inclusive Premium drink package, bestthing

Disliked

The three dinner seating

Late comedy show had too many kids

During late night, no curfew for kids

Entertainment needs to be stepped up

Guest 4 - Cruised many times and a RCI fan

Liked

Food – great

Gelato – great

Michael Jackson show, one of the best

Would sail MSC again

Disliked

Three dinner seating

Balcony in the Grand Suite

Elevator – See comments below *

No kid curfew

Bad smell in mid-ship area

Guest 5_Tall-Cruiser (See cruise history from signature)

Likes

Ship is beautiful

Lots of Lounges and space to sit and relax

Cabin – GS 11003 cabin layout, separate bedroom with door, lots of space and storage

Cabin Steward

Hard working crew

Friendliness of crew members

Food was excellent, best Seafood on a cruise,(Butcher cut very good)

Gelato

All-inclusive Premium drink package

Music around ship was good

Mix of Nationalities

Timeless Show with the Michael Jackson performance (a must see)

Would definitely sail MSC Seaside and MSC again but in YC

Dislikes

GS balcony space is very small compared to what was advertised

Carpet Color in the cabin areas (caused a lot of problem to clean because it showed dirt easily. The Cabin Stewards were constantly vacuuming and I felt bad for them)

Three dinner seating

No curfew for kids

Elevator process *

Lack of 24 hours open food places (somethinglike RCI Café Promenade)

No hot breakfast served for room service.

Bad Smell in some areas (possible cause was explained by an officer during the Meet & Mingle)

Guest 6 - Cruisedmany times

Food was great

*Elevators

I have seen some comments about the elevatorsnot being clean, but I didn’t notice that.

Our issue with elevators is different. Just afew lines above, I mentioned that I would sail MSC Seaside and MSC again but inYC. The people who booked YC booked it for the nice cabins, access, offeringsand privileges that come with booking it, which is great. It’s a very good thing they offer and I’m looking forward to trying the YC one day.

The one thing I would change is the process of how the elevators work.

One day four people got into an elevator and pressed the deck they wanted to go to. So far so good. Then the elevator stops at a deck and a family gets in. The door closes and all buttons previously pressed are now blank except for deck 18. I asked the gentleman, “are you in the YC”, he said yes. I then looked at the other guest and said “Ok that’s why”. Then we had to wait until they got to deck 18 before we could press our decks again. I was not upset at all as they did not do anything wrong. That’s what the system allowed them to do, and good for them. Think about it in the context of, what if someone in the elevator had an emergency or there was a disable person in the elevator needing special attention. At a minimum, I don’t think the YC elevator override should erase everyone else’s selection.

Overall, we had a great cruise and time on MSC Seaside. The ship is beautiful, and the value was great especially for New Year celebration. Some of the negatives can be fixed and I'm sure MSC will address them soon.

We tried something different and new with cruising and enjoyed it. We did some different shore excursions in some of the Islands we visited and had a great time.

Great Cruise.

Thank you, CC family, for all the insight shared here over the years. And thanks for following my very first review.

Apologies for some of the spelling errors and formatting. Before I knew it, I couldn’t go back and edit some things between a PC and iPhone at times.

Happy Cruising

Gift from a very nice crew member of Seaside

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