MSC Seaside ... a few points mid cruise (live)

Sorry didn't mean to hit a nerve.

 

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Nope, no nerve. Just factual correction of confirmation bias of erroneous statements.

Also, let's not forget the Haven restaurant has the same menu every night. It is not designed to be the main dining venue for suite guests. It is designed to be a choice with a variety of other restaurants. It's hard to compare the two when they both have different purposes. I much prefer the Yacht Club dining concept over the Haven. If I wanted to eat in specialty restaurant every night I would just get a balcony room and do that. The only venue I think you can compare the YC restaurant to is Luminae on Celebrity. The food and service are excellent and do surpass Yacht club. However, currently suite class on Celebrity has nowhere near the level of offerings as Yacht Club and it's usually about 500 to 800 more per person for a week. This will likely change with the Edge as it looks to mimic Yacht Club, however suites are starting around 4500 per person! 9,000 for a celebrity sky suite or 4,000 for a yacht club suite...for me it's a no brainer!

Grill rooms on Cunard, perhaps?

Thank you for well put review. Enjoyed it a lot.

We loved our cruises on Poesia and Divina, loved beautiful ships, entertainment, but we find quality of food to be the same as you described. I’m not sure we are real foodie, but prefer Celebrity & Princess food... we thought MSc had weaker food in MDR than other 7 lines we sailed with. Actually meals were ok to good, but meat dishes always featured low quality of meat and often dry.

This is where MSc could improve a lot, although their cruise prices are lower than with other lines, so maybe this is a reason.

Nope, no nerve. Just factual correction of confirmation bias of erroneous statements.

That's all I was saying. Not a comparison of Haven vs YC, the ambiance, the service, the price or anything else.

Just the food quality.

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Sounds like we are in agreement then as to the fact that the food in the YC restaurant is largely the same as the food in the main dining room with a few exceptions e.g. lobster tail night and not as good a quality as Haven restaurant ( I agree repetitive menu), NCL specialty restaurants, or even the MSC specialty restaurants.

That's all I was saying. Not a comparison of Haven vs YC, the ambiance, the service, the price or anything else.

Just the food quality.

 

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NO, we are NOT IN AGREEMENT AT ALL. You certainly have difficulty with comprehending what I posted. So, again, the food in the is NOT LARGELY THE SAME AS IN MDR. Indeed there may be 'common items, but that's it. NOT EVEN CLOSE in MDR to what is offered in the YC, both ON and OFF the printed menu.

There was a NOD to the Haven restaurant, a NOD; but a complete rebuke of the insanity of comparing the YC restaurant to the NCL specialty restaurants. The Haven restaurant also can't be compared to the NCL specialty restaurants also. GET IT?

Making such generalizations and expectations and presenting them as 'accepted by most passengers and continuing with inter-line unrelated comparisons of a club restaurants to either's specialty restaurants is simply disingenuous (to say the least). Concluding that I agreed with such is outright inappropriate (to say the least).

Thanks for the info about the ship. They really do a great M&G!.

IMO the YC dinner overall better than Haven but YMMV on food preferances.

Trina thank you for your balanced post. We will be in YC Seaside next Feb. and are looking forward to it. Our demographic is similar to yours so the review was particularly poignant. I apologize that some cannot 'accept' your stated opinions but that seems to be a common issue on CC boards. We just got off the Caribbean Princess and were most disappointed in the food and frankly cannot see how the MSC YC could be worse. The pool grill sounds great as does the lounge and room service.

Overall (at least until now) the YC seems to be a high value proposition. Basically we will pay the same for our suite cabin as what we had booked on Princess Royal for a balcony and adding the price of the Sanctuary.

I would appreciate any comments on our cabin 16049. It seems as if the 16 deck sells out quicker and may be quieter than the 18 level which has a pool above. I did note it is close to elevators. I assume the YC is 'restricted' from other passengers. Curious how this is accomplished. Is there a central access area on 16?

Any info would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

Thanks for the information. We board in 2 weeks, and hear a lot of bad critiques about stuff that we don't think will affect our cruise experience. We're not in YC, but think it will still be a good vacay.

To respond to some of the recent hot button topics, in no particular order ...

 

But some context, first. We are late 50s, DH retired, me still working, cruise once or twice a year, typically NCL, Carnival, once on each of Princess, RCCL, HAL. We are not travel agents or in the travel industry

 

We consider ourselves foodies, love good wine, have travelled extensively and lived outside of the US. We are “glass half full” types and try to not let things on vacation bother us. We have never had a bad cruise. Of course, we weren’t on that one that ran out of power, had no plumbing etc. That would have been a bad cruise even for us.

 

1. We patrolled the trip trying to find sewer odor. We must have looked pretty funny, sniffing away. Found none, even where others have reported. A few times - and by that I mean about 3 - we got a whiff, but nothing that we have not regularly encountered on cruises.

 

2. Yes, the pizza is good. We’re New Yorkers. Enuf said.

 

3. It is a very full ship, spring break. To get a lounger, you will need to be a chair hog. By 9 a.m. There is no shame, so go with it. Probably a European thing.

 

4. If you can swing the Yacht Club, do so!! Truly an awesome experience. Gigantic lounge, top bow private pool, grill, hot tubs, bar, butlers, restaurant, it does in fact feel like a yacht!

 

5. If not, be aware the lounge decks are really packed, more so than the traditional US departing cruises. Unpleasantly so. Consider a spa pass, bought ahead of time, for some lovely private deck space and hot tub. Or go Aurea.

 

6. The coffee, pastry and gelato offerings are way above those same US departing cruises. Hey, it’s Italian!

 

7. The breakfast and lunch buffets are almost on par as US mainstream lines, but dinner buffet not so much. See other posts, they are working on this. But if you are a dinner buffet kind of cruiser, and variety/quality is really important, this will be a disappointment.

 

8. We are in YC so cannot comment personally on MDR but folks we have talked to think it is fine. Hot food hot, cold food cold, willing waitstaff. But if you want three rolls, take all three when first offered!

 

9. There can be a language barrier. You may get a wrong order or a look of confusion. But we did not find this ever to be more than a source of friendly amusement.

 

10. Yes, the pools are 6 foot or so deep, except for the kiddie pool. I would have designed differently. People were still having fun. There is a “beach” area so better than it sounds.

 

11. The kiddie waterworks area looks to be a blast. Another possible design defect, no real adult seating where to read or sit out of water’s way while supervising. Suggest swim goggles for kids, as lots of shooting water!!

 

12. There is delicious butter at all meals. Do try the salt free!

 

13. There seem to be plenty of American style coffee cups in the buffets. Blue with logo. And yes, there are the funny little white ones, those are for espressos.

 

14. YC reports have been of staff cut downs compared to Divina. We see no degradation in service. Butlers everywhere, always asking if you need something. They now call the cabin attendants junior butlers. Ours is doing a great job, but like all lines he seems to have way to many cabins. Works really hard, still manages great towel animals and to replenish the Scotch in the mini-bar!

 

15. Shade in YC for loungers remains a big problem for me. Staff (kiddos to wonderful Olin) will find you shade and move a lounger on request, but you are going to be in very odd spots and likely no two loungers together. However, there is PLENTY of shade if you don’t mind sitting at the many covered four top nice wood tables.

 

At the CC meet and greet, hotel director gave a pained look when I brought this up, promised they are working on a solution. BTW shade is an issue in steerage (joke!) as well, as it is generally in my experience with most ships.

 

16. For whoever commented that crew is not constantly wiping and cleaning like other ships, no idea where that came from. We see it constantly. Of course, not all the painting crews you also see elsewhere, because, well, the ship is frickin new. Our balcony glass was washed and our balcony deck swabbed the third day. Never had such a clean balcony.

 

17. The carpets are just fine. Early reports said they always looked dirty due to piling or shedding, that seems to have work itself out.

 

18. The YC balconies are twice the size of Divina’s, and the room larger and better laid out. Plenty of storage. Great shower.

 

19. Not a fan of the beige/brown decor scheme in the bedrooms, but not an issue affecting enjoyment.

 

20. Am a fan of the three shorter entertainment/shows. We like to eat around 8, as do many, and that never works with seeing a show mainstream lines. On MSC we’ve gone to the 7 pm show and then to dinner. Perfect as we no longer late nighters.

 

21. The entertainment is fun. Same performers working their hearts out. No, they are not native English speakers. There have been a few songs that we could not understand a word, but still enjoyable entertainment. At least we got to go to it, see 20.

 

22. The technology to reserve entertainment, navigate ship, etc is state of the art. Can they get the same guys to work on MSC website please?!

 

23. Love the bracelets that for most part replace the sign and sail cards. I recommend the purchase if it does not come free with your experience.

 

24. CC meet and greet was a highlight. Do sign up and go! Instead of being held in the morning with crappy coffee and pastries like other lines, held at proper cocktail time, very good hours d’oeuvres, booze flowing and every single member of senior leadership from the captain, hotel manager, etc in attendance, mingling, answering questions. Never seen anything like it.

 

25. And yes, obviously MSC takes the comments on CC seriously.

 

26. At that same meet and greet I mentioned to hotel director how happy we were to be reunited with our favorite waiter from Divina and he immediately picked up his phone and relayed that information to ... someone who presumably mattered in the chain of command.

 

27. I do not believe the food is as good as other main stream lines. That continued to be a disappointment. But pizza and pasta are the best, back to low carb next week!

 

28. The elevators were all working. Never waited at all, even after muster or shows. But I am fast on the break. Those poor people with their walkers never stood a chance.

 

29. YC boarding opens at about 10:30 a.m. We got there around 10;15 and there were about 6 other couples. The tent is pretty easy to spot and porters pointed it out as well. Our luggage arrived by early afternoon.

 

30. I am not going to go back and read everything I wrote but if I missed saying it, the crew are friendly, smiling and everything you would expect.

 

31. The spa is fabulous with various multi-sensory experiences. Best part, no hard sell! I often don’t book treatments on other lines because I hate that but had read on CC that MSC spa staff did not do that. Had a message and she half-heartedly waived a bottle of something and I smiled and shook my head and that was it.

 

32. I miss all the little food venues that Carnival has, Guys burgers, the wonderful deli, separate pizza station, burrito/taco bar. In addition to providing choice, these help lighten the load on the buffet. MSC please consider!

 

33. YC, good to see some diversity. Butler position I assume is better paying and has some status. Seeing a much more diverse group including women. Please continue this, your passengers notice!

 

Well, that is all I can think of top of head. Hope this helps given all the competing information. Obviously one person’s opinion. Happy to answer any questions.

 

 

 

 

 

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Trina thank you for your balanced post. We will be in YC Seaside next Feb. and are looking forward to it. Our demographic is similar to yours so the review was particularly poignant. I apologize that some cannot 'accept' your stated opinions but that seems to be a common issue on CC boards. We just got off the Caribbean Princess and were most disappointed in the food and frankly cannot see how the MSC YC could be worse. The pool grill sounds great as does the lounge and room service.

 

Overall (at least until now) the YC seems to be a high value proposition. Basically we will pay the same for our suite cabin as what we had booked on Princess Royal for a balcony and adding the price of the Sanctuary.

 

 

 

I would appreciate any comments on our cabin 16049. It seems as if the 16 deck sells out quicker and may be quieter than the 18 level which has a pool above. I did note it is close to elevators. I assume the YC is 'restricted' from other passengers. Curious how this is accomplished. Is there a central access area on 16?

 

 

 

Any info would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

The rooms on 18 do experience noise at around 7:00 a.m when they set up pool chairs. It does not last very long and I slept through it more than once!! Otherwise very quiet.

Honestly, I don’t think there is a bad room in YC. Being close to the central internal staircase is convenient, and still quiet.

And yes, the YC is separate, a card key/bracelet needed to enter.

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The rooms on 18 do experience noise at around 7:00 a.m when they set up pool chairs. It does not last very long and I slept through it more than once!! Otherwise very quiet.

 

Honestly, I don’t think there is a bad room in YC. Being close to the central internal staircase is convenient, and still quiet.

 

And yes, the YC is separate, a card key/bracelet needed to enter.

 

 

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Thank you!

Update from OP

We are sitting at the airport missing our cruise already!

YC dining food quality did seem to improve. For one thing, they always have filet mignon available and it was great quality.

On debark day if in YC can hang out until 10:00 a.m., restaurant open to 8:30. Escort off the ship and the YC luggage is placed in a way that bypasses much of the line to customs. Just keep walking past all the other colors and the ask for YC luggage area, they will let you through a line.

Tip for all: once past all the luggage the customs line splits in two. The left one is much shorter due to the configuration into passport control.

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Also, I should add that the lunch buffet at the YC pool area is really excellent and there is nothing comparable in the Haven.

 

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Especially on grilled lobster tail day 🦐[emoji3]

They may no longer serve every day, but they sure have figured out how to cook them perfectly!

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Update from OP

We are sitting at the airport missing our cruise already!

 

YC dining food quality did seem to improve. For one thing, they always have filet mignon available and it was great quality.

 

On debark day if in YC can hang out until 10:00 a.m., restaurant open to 8:30. Escort off the ship and the YC luggage is placed in a way that bypasses much of the line to customs. Just keep walking past all the other colors and the ask for YC luggage area, they will let you through a line.

 

Tip for all: once past all the luggage the customs line splits in two. The left one is much shorter due to the configuration into passport control.

 

 

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Welcome back and thanks for all the great inside tips and regularly reporting on your overall cruise experience. WE are in YC next week (3/24)....your information has been of much help!!

JimZimm, you should be proud...MSC has listened to you. No opera in the shows. I think they have nailed the showtime experience: several shows per evening, short shows, ease of booking them via MSC for Me or the many on-board screens is very easy and intuitive, really creative costumes. Don't let the MSC descriptions of the nightly shows influence your decision to attend, just go (Timeless is described as some sort of time travel show, when it really is a Michael Jackson tribute. And it is wonderful...I don't think you'll see a better rendition IMHO). My favorite was Fly! But go to them all.

Welcome back and thanks for all the great inside tips and regularly reporting on your overall cruise experience. WE are in YC next week (3/24)....your information has been of much help!!

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/s/ref=is_s?k=tessan+usa+to+italy

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JimZimm, you should be proud...MSC has listened to you. No opera in the shows. I think they have nailed the showtime experience: several shows per evening, short shows, ease of booking them via MSC for Me or the many on-board screens is very easy and intuitive, really creative costumes. Don't let the MSC descriptions of the nightly shows influence your decision to attend, just go (Timeless is described as some sort of time travel show, when it really is a Michael Jackson tribute. And it is wonderful...I don't think you'll see a better rendition IMHO). My favorite was Fly! But go to them all.

Oh.. opera was terrific.

When it was performed by an Italian tenor and such ... even better.

Too bad MSc is shifting from its origins. We sailed with them to experience it. For American experience we have so many other lines.

JimZimm, you should be proud...MSC has listened to you. No opera in the shows. I think they have nailed the showtime experience: several shows per evening, short shows, ease of booking them via MSC for Me or the many on-board screens is very easy and intuitive, really creative costumes. Don't let the MSC descriptions of the nightly shows influence your decision to attend, just go (Timeless is described as some sort of time travel show, when it really is a Michael Jackson tribute. And it is wonderful...I don't think you'll see a better rendition IMHO). My favorite was Fly! But go to them all.

Second night was Opera, just got back on the 17th, they were singing songs from Phantom. And there is nothing wrong with Opera.

JimZimm, you should be proud...MSC has listened to you. No opera in the shows. I think they have nailed the showtime experience: several shows per evening, short shows, ease of booking them via MSC for Me or the many on-board screens is very easy and intuitive, really creative costumes. Don't let the MSC descriptions of the nightly shows influence your decision to attend, just go (Timeless is described as some sort of time travel show, when it really is a Michael Jackson tribute. And it is wonderful...I don't think you'll see a better rendition IMHO). My favorite was Fly! But go to them all.

It seems that they are switching the shows around to avoid some repetitiveness so they have not listened to JZ.

Also, the singers are classically trained, and to some ears it sounds like opera, but the content is not technically opera. I heard someone say that they did not care for one of the shows as that person did not like opera - but the closest to actual opera in the show he was referencing was the broadway song Phantom of the Opera.

My point, I don’t think they have changed the production shows to eliminate opera; that they were never opera to begin with. (Though there may be an evening of opera songs - actual opera - offered one day, but not as the main production show.)

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You got an escort off the ship? On our departure on 3/10, our butler took us to the security exit just before leaving the ship and said he was not allowed to go any further! I wonder if that changed. Not a big issue for us.

Update from OP

We are sitting at the airport missing our cruise already!

 

YC dining food quality did seem to improve. For one thing, they always have filet mignon available and it was great quality.

 

On debark day if in YC can hang out until 10:00 a.m., restaurant open to 8:30. Escort off the ship and the YC luggage is placed in a way that bypasses much of the line to customs. Just keep walking past all the other colors and the ask for YC luggage area, they will let you through a line.

 

Tip for all: once past all the luggage the customs line splits in two. The left one is much shorter due to the configuration into passport control.

 

 

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To TrinaLC:

Your thoughts and comments are appreciated!

So, it sounds like you’ve sailed on MSC in the YC staterooms on previous occasions. Your comment, “YC dining food quality did seem to improve”. Was the food mediocre in the past? And, how has it improved, in your opinion? What other cruiseline that you’ve sailed is comparable/same/better?

We are contemplating different cruiselines for a 2020 Western Med. cruise for our family to help us celebration our 50th wedding anniversary. We’d like to get the most bang for our buck but I’m really interested in the comments/opinions on the food in the YC. I have read that service is excellent; rooms are nice; etc..etc..

Thanks so much!!

Another tip for you. Our cabin in YC had 2 regular US style outlets but 3 Euro type outlets (counting the one for the coffee maker). I highly recommend getting the electrical adapters JimZim recommended from Amazon for $8. Then you have 5 outlets plus the USB ports.

 

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/s/ref=is_s?k=tessan+usa+to+italy

 

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Ditto. That's what I did...good thing, too. The two USB ports next to the American outlets were not working in our cabin (18001). We reported it to the concierge, but don't know if it has been fixed. So, future sailors in 18001, caveat naute...get the adaptors.

Second night was Opera, just got back on the 17th, they were singing songs from Phantom. And there is nothing wrong with Opera.

Phantom of the Opera is a Broadway musical, not an opera.

https://getyarn.io/yarn-clip/ce0ef069-db35-46f8-b12f-030c2a37b543

Ditto. That's what I did...good thing, too. The two USB ports next to the American outlets were not working in our cabin (18001). We reported it to the concierge, but don't know if it has been fixed. So, future sailors in 18001, caveat naute...get the adaptors.

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