Questions Regarding MSC Seaside

[gkbiiii]

Add to your list the new $10/$50 charge for the Zip-line and new fees for the Slide-boarding water-slide.

[mreic082]

1. All food in the two buffets and the main dining rooms is included no extra charge...

 

 

 

Thank you for the details! We have a Fantastica balcony booked, with 12 drink tickets, but not all-inclusive. We are hoping to take advantage of some room service, so we will definitely check that out.

 

 

Royal Caribbean Freedom of the Seas March 2017

 

MSC Seaside March 2018

[gkbiiii]

[SNJCruisers]

Yacht Club can pretty nearly drink and eat anything anywhere on the ship at no extra charge.

How about the Venchi Creperie? Have read about the chocolate dipped bars as well as the chocolates if you order them as the trio with espresso being covered, but have not read anything about the crepes. Any idea if it's covered for YC? Thanks.

[TravelinGert]

 

Hooold up that says there is a charge for the zipline. Multiple reports and reviews stating the zip line is included here on CC. Which cruise is that from? I'll definitely not be paying for the zipline sorry. I'm already spending plenty on this cruise. Mind you good for them if they can get it I suppose just I'll not be the one to fatten their wallets buying it.

 

Not that this is the first conflict reported regarding charges. I've had several reports and even one friend on board tell me the bowling is $25 for 30 minutes up to six players and an addition $2 per person for shoe rentals, bowling shoes required but as you can see on this page from a Daily on the TA it says bowling is $25 for 30 minutes up to FOUR players.

 

 

This also conflicts with one report of $5 minimum Texas Hold'em poker during casino Happy Hour as it states $3 stake instead.

 

Note this page also details the Fun Pass options.

 

Pay Receive

$25 $30

$50 $65

$70 $100

$100 $160

[TravelinGert]

How about the Venchi Creperie? Have read about the chocolate dipped bars as well as the chocolates if you order them as the trio with espresso being covered, but have not read anything about the crepes. Any idea if it's covered for YC? Thanks.

 

Reports are YC gets Deluxe drink plan options anywhere on the ship which would mean chocolate covered gelato bars and the espresso with trio included.

 

Venchi Menu below. Note the Espresso and 3 pralines in the first photo. They call the individual chocolates pralines.

 

 

 

 

 

[TravelinGert]

:hearteyes::hearteyes::hearteyes:

 

I am going to gain soooo much weight on this cruise. :') :* :halo:

 

All these questions and answers so far in this thread has me wondering. Anyone have any idea what they want to do first when they board? We usually pack our swimsuits and swim cover ups in a day pack we carry on board with us so we can change and swim. We never do it. We always end up sipping drinks somewhere with friends and eating too much in the buffet instead. Whups!

[SNJCruisers]

Reports are YC gets Deluxe drink plan options anywhere on the ship which would mean chocolate covered gelato bars and the espresso with trio included.

 

Venchi Menu below. Note the Espresso and 3 pralines in the first photo. They call the individual chocolates pralines.

Yes, thank you for your response that confirmed what I knew and wrote regarding the chocolate covered gelato bars and espresso with 3 pieces being covered by the deluxe package which those in the YC receive. My question was regarding the crepes...

[suzyed]

:hearteyes::hearteyes::hearteyes:

 

I am going to gain soooo much weight on this cruise. :') :* :halo:

 

All these questions and answers so far in this thread has me wondering. Anyone have any idea what they want to do first when they board? We usually pack our swimsuits and swim cover ups in a day pack we carry on board with us so we can change and swim. We never do it. We always end up sipping drinks somewhere with friends and eating too much in the buffet instead. Whups!

LOL! Ditto for us....we think we're so prepared with our swimsuits and all, but we do the same thing...get a frou, frou drink or a glass of bubbly! Hey! We're on vacay!!

[TravelinGert]

QUESTIONS THAT NEED ANSWERS:

1. When is the Cruise Critic Meet and Mingle being scheduled?

2. Any information about getting fresh flowers in your room? Several have been interested.

 

3. Dailies, DAILIES, DAILIES? Can someone please post up the Dailies from their Caribbean cruise?

4. Any ideas on pool hours and if any hot tubs are 24 hours?

5. Shuffleboard any where?

 

6. How much are the chocolates in the Venchi chocolate shop? Since we'll be on board for Valentines I am interested in individuals and the boxes.

 

7. Are there pastries in the News Cafe on Seaside?

 

8. Where all is breakfast available on Seaside?

9. Where's bottled water available on Seaside?

[TravelinGert]

Yes, thank you for your response that confirmed what I knew and wrote regarding the chocolate covered gelato bars and espresso with 3 pieces being covered by the deluxe package which those in the YC receive. My question was regarding the crepes...

 

Oops my bad! And that's what I get for not reading fully. I don't even know if there actually are any crepes per se. I have read they are using essentially a crepe to make the ice cream cones though so there is some sort of capability to make them.

 

Anyone reading this know are there any actual crepes on offer in Venchi? If so, is there a menu we could see or could you describe them, and do you know if they're included in any drink plan?

[seaweeyin]

QUESTIONS THAT NEED ANSWERS:

1. When is the Cruise Critic Meet and Mingle being scheduled?

2. Any information about getting fresh flowers in your room? Several have been interested.

 

3. Dailies, DAILIES, DAILIES? Can someone please post up the Dailies from their Caribbean cruise?

4. Any ideas on pool hours and if any hot tubs are 24 hours?

5. Shuffleboard any where?

 

6. How much are the chocolates in the Venchi chocolate shop? Since we'll be on board for Valentines I am interested in individuals and the boxes.

 

7. Are there pastries in the News Cafe on Seaside?

 

8. Where all is breakfast available on Seaside?

9. Where's bottled water available on Seaside?

5. I never saw shuffleboard and I think I walked the whole ship

 

6. The chocolates are $10 for 100 grams, which is 6-7 pieces. The boxes ranged depending on size from about $15-40+. The chocolate hazelnut paste they use in a lot of their hot chocolates and specialty coffee drinks is $17 per jar. On the last full days of each of my two weeks, everything was discounted 20%

 

7. Yes, there is a small selection of pastries in the news cafe (seaview lounge)

 

8. Breakfast is available in both buffets, in the seashore restaurant, pastries in seaview lounge, and for fee brunch in the French bistro and in the steakhouse. The steakhouse brunch menu looked really good, but we never managed to get to it. I think it was only served on sea days.

 

9. We got bottled water from our mini bar or any of the bars and lounges, including the buffet bar. Also available in the sit down restaurants, but not to take away.

 

Crepes: crepes and these waffle looking things are available in the Venchi bar at the south beach pool on deck 7. They are not included in any drinks package. I only ever once saw someone walking with them, and never caught anyone in the act of making them. They are traditional: lemon, nutella, etc. They didn't look worth the added cost imo, but that's a subjective thing!

 

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[tjlj]

5. I never saw shuffleboard and I think I walked the whole ship

 

6. The chocolates are $10 for 100 grams, which is 6-7 pieces. The boxes ranged depending on size from about $15-40+. The chocolate hazelnut paste they use in a lot of their hot chocolates and specialty coffee drinks is $17 per jar.

 

did u buy a jar? we asked and thought they said 17, but she said 70...?

[TravelinGert]

5. I never saw shuffleboard and I think I walked the whole ship

 

6. The chocolates are $10 for 100 grams, which is 6-7 pieces. The boxes ranged depending on size from about $15-40+. The chocolate hazelnut paste they use in a lot of their hot chocolates and specialty coffee drinks is $17 per jar. On the last full days of each of my two weeks, everything was discounted 20%

 

7. Yes, there is a small selection of pastries in the news cafe (seaview lounge)

 

8. Breakfast is available in both buffets, in the seashore restaurant, pastries in seaview lounge, and for fee brunch in the French bistro and in the steakhouse. The steakhouse brunch menu looked really good, but we never managed to get to it. I think it was only served on sea days.

 

9. We got bottled water from our mini bar or any of the bars and lounges, including the buffet bar. Also available in the sit down restaurants, but not to take away.

 

Crepes: crepes and these waffle looking things are available in the Venchi bar at the south beach pool on deck 7. They are not included in any drinks package. I only ever once saw someone walking with them, and never caught anyone in the act of making them. They are traditional: lemon, nutella, etc. They didn't look worth the added cost imo, but that's a subjective thing!

 

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Seaweeyin to the rescue again! Thank you so much!

[seaweeyin]

 

did u buy a jar? we asked and thought they said 17, but she said 70...?

 

I ended up getting a selection of chocolates instead (it was a gift for my mom) but I'm quite sure we were told 17. 70 is really up there for a gourmet version of nutella!! (I mean, so is 17, lol)

 

 

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[MisterBill99]

Does the Venchi chocolate place offer free samples?

 

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[voyager89]

Sorry if this has been asked / answered before:

 

Can you buy separate specialty restaurants or do you have to buy the trio? Since it's either buffet or MDR, I'm thinking of buying diner at the steakhouse.

 

Also, the food from the trio, is it the same menu or a smaller one than if you buy separate?

 

Thanks.

[MisterBill99]

Sorry if this has been asked / answered before:

 

Can you buy separate specialty restaurants or do you have to buy the trio? Since it's either buffet or MDR, I'm thinking of buying diner at the steakhouse.

 

Also, the food from the trio, is it the same menu or a smaller one than if you buy separate?

 

Thanks.

You can definitely eat at restaurants with buying the trio. In fact, there are extensive menus that you have to pay extra for when using the package.

 

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[TravelinGert]

Sorry if this has been asked / answered before:

 

Can you buy separate specialty restaurants or do you have to buy the trio? Since it's either buffet or MDR, I'm thinking of buying diner at the steakhouse.

 

Also, the food from the trio, is it the same menu or a smaller one than if you buy separate?

 

Thanks.

 

I may misunderstand so forgive me if this is not quite correct, but my understanding of the specialty restos is as follows:

 

You can buy the trio and there is a short list of items you can order.

 

You can pay a certain amount to eat in any of the three in the trio singlely and just eat that same limited menu. It looked like there is also such an option for the Bistro at least in one of the pictures.

 

You can pay a different amount and have a special Chef's tasting menu which I thought I read was done in the steakhouse.

 

You can pay a flat rate to eat tepenyaki style in Roy's place as well, or so I read in one of the reviews.

 

There is also an add on menu for at least the steakhouse and the seafood place, and you can eat a la carte sushi and a la carte in the Bistro. At least for the Bistro you don't have to reserve. I do not know if you can just walk up and eat sushi.

[TravelinGert]

Does the Venchi chocolate place offer free samples?

 

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They did on the maiden voyage TA. I have not seen any videos or reports of this since.

[seaweeyin]

Does the Venchi chocolate place offer free samples?

 

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they did not on the first two cruises out of Miami

 

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[TravelinGert]

UPDATED 1/7/18:

Questions and Answers so far:

1. Do you board on deck 5 where it says "Seaside Reception" by the Atrium bar?

 

Answer: Two separate reviews said boarding is done on deck 6 in Miami

 

2. I've read a lot about musical offerings on the ship including Latin, Opera, and such. Are these all being held in the Metropolitan Theater? If not what other locations should we be watching out for on our cruise?

 

Answer: The theater is slated to hold 1 or 2 different shows each night with at least 2 time slots for each show to give everyone a chance to see them per Ashley@CC's report. On videos from the ship I've seen musical acts in the Haven Lounge, the stage over the Atrium Bar, a DJ in the Garage Disco, and what appears to be trivia type activities in several different bars on various days at various times in the Dailies Ashley posted. Dance Lessons happen in the Haven Lounge and there seemed to be line dancing lessons going on in the Disco in one of the videos. There are also reports of performances in other bars and venues and I've seen video of dance parties at the main pool up top as well.

 

3. How were the lines for the zip line and water slides?

 

Answer: The lines for slides and ziplines have been reported as not bad but lengthening as the cruise progresses. They started charging $10 for one or $50 for unlimited zipline rides for all guests in the same cabin and reportedly something for the sliding board interactive slide the first post-holiday cruise so my guess is those lines just got a lot shorter. I have not seen reported what the charge is for the slide or if the $50 per cabin fee covers that as well.

 

4. How about some pictures of the menus from the MDR?

 

Ashley from CC has kindly posted this and other images above just scroll back to Post 62. Also found another example of an MDR menu for a formal Gala night here.These are from the TA. Thread posted up for MDR menus and Dailies here. Looks like they're using the same menus as Divina most likely if that helps anyone with special dietary concerns.

 

5. What about the Sports Bar ? Additionally could we get a picture of the food menu?

 

Answer: Sports Bar Menu here and here and here and here and here courtesy of Ashley at CC. Some occasionally report free nachos available.

 

6. What are the height or age requirements for the slides?

 

Answer: Ashley@CC says for the Adventure Trail, it's 32 inches/80 cm.

 

7. Could we see the non-alcoholic and coffee beverage menus, please? Also could we get confirmation as to where the ice cream and coffee drinks included on the drink plans are available?

 

Answer: So far all I have definite is some of the menus on this thread have non-alocholic and coffee drinks. More in posts #66 and #67 of this thread from Ashley@CC.According to Ashley's posted menus some coffee drinks are served in the Atrium bar.

 

Ashley also reports in post #120: Venchi gelato is included in the beverage packages. Venchi coffee, up to a value of $7.50, is included in the classic drink package. The premium package includes all Venchi coffee drinks. Retails items are not included in the beverage packages.

 

More about Venchi:

 

They sell classic lemon, hazelnut spread, and etc crepes which are not included in any drink package. Price unknown.

 

Chocolates are $10 per 100 grams which roughly equals between 6 and 7 chocolates.

Boxes are $15-40+ and $17 for the hazelnut spread used in many of their drinks. They had a cut price sale on these items the last day of the last holiday cruise.

 

If you have the Deluxe plan they offer chocolate cocktails ($8.50 ea) and an espresso trio that includes a cup of espresso and three chocolates ($4.00 ea trio). They also offer a chocolate-covered gelato bar price unknown.

 

8. Please post links to some pictures of the themed events and / or a list of themed events currently being held on the Seaside. Some of us like to bring costumes.

 

Answer: No photos but Ashley@CC reports there were Gatsby- and 60s/70s-themed parties while onboard. Karim Corporate Entertainments Manager MSC Crociere mentions White Party, Tropical party, Caribbean nights and others in this video he posted to Facebook. I've also seen Great Gatsby party, White Party, and Disco Party in the Disco bar mentioned in reviews from the Caribbean.

 

9. Is there a cigar bar? If not where is smoking allowed?

 

Answer : Smoking is not allowed in cabins, on anyone's balcony, or in any area not specifically marked with signs. Thus far it has been reported one side of Miami Beach Pool, the slots area of the casino with extra ventillation, and a part of deck 19 are labeled for smoking. Any updates appreciated.

 

10. Are there any drink coupons available on board such as the 18 for $89?

 

Answer: Drink coupons can no longer be bought but still come with Fantastica plans.

11. What restaurants are included for the Black card dinners?

Answer reported my Ashley at CC in post #120 Black card members are entitled to a complimentary specialty restaurant “Tasting Menu” dinner for 2 once during the cruise (beverages excluded). Offer is per stateroom. Except when it isn't - conflicting reports from many who've recently sailed. The tasting menus we refer to are the same as the dining experience menus. Guests can choose from any restaurant on board.

 

12. How about menus for the specialty restaurants?

Answer: Found this thread. Ashley@CC reports she has added the Bistrot La Boheme and she has also been kind enough to answer other questions as well.

 

Butcher's Cut and Ocean Cay and Chef Roy's Teppanyaki and Sushi and also Bistrot La Boheme and drinks menu Courtesy of Ashley@CC

 

Dining section of Ashley's review

 

13. How much are the YC cabanas topside?

Answer: This thread reports $149 on sea days and $99 on port days.

14. Is the Specialty Restaurant Trio available on board and how much?

 

Answer: jmele999 had this to report: They told me about the $69 pp trio special which uses the set menu shown in links above reportedly. Ocean cay is $40 pp which includes a 25% discount. There is a $75 pp Chef’s table at Butcher’s cut.

 

15. Can we get details regarding under-3s baby care on Seaside? Is there evening care available?

 

Answer: Link provided by Mycykfamilytime - More extensive information on kids activities and care provided by Ashley@CC in Post # 68 of this thread. Updated for the Caribbean here and here and here

 

Kids Club and Activities Informative Videos:

 

The MSC employee giving the tour states there is no extra charge for anything in the kid's club which will be great news for parents. MSC has also posted up an advertising video about the kid's club and children's water are

.

 

is a video of the water park in actual use.

 

I've seen some asking what special events they had for kids over the Christmas cruise because they might like to book for next year.

Looks like just a picture opportunity and a lovely gift for the kids.

 

Also please be aware they are requiring closed toed shoes for the younger kids club.

 

Reports are they are doing the Happy Diner program and also letting kids be dropped off to eat dinner in the buffet with the Kid's Club then stay until closing around 10:30 or 11 PM. Refer to the Kid's Club schedule for closing time.

 

16. Do they offer a package deal on the Seaside for the Bowling , simulator , and 4 D movies, where you pay a fee (it was $85 on the Divina ) per cabin for unlimited use of these attractions ?

 

Answer: Only confirmed offer is $25 gets you $30 worth, $50 gets you $65, $70 gets you $100, and $100 gets you $160. I do not know if this is a separate card everyone in a cabin can share, loaded to one person's cabin card or wristband, or how it is handled but I have read reviews where persons traveling together got one and each participated in several activities using the funds. Conflicting reports whether $25 gets you thirty minutes of bowling for 6 or 4 persons.

 

17. What are the height or age requirements for the ziplines?

 

Answer: Seaside Ziplines per MSC:

Height Restriction: Minimum 52in/130cm

Weight Minimum: 75lbs/35kg

Weight Maximum: 290lbs/130kg

 

More to be found here. Assuming you can somehow enlarge it enough to read it, anyways. :)

 

18. What about the comedy club? Tells us something about the acts and if you enjoyed them.

 

Answer: It's improv style BeerProv, lasts about 45 minutes late in the evening in the Theater, and has been positively reviewed. It has been mentioned frequently it is definitively not child friendly.

 

19. Do we need to book our seats for the shows in the Metropolitan Theater or can we just show up provided we don't mind where we sit? I've read the shows are amazing and won awards so we're really hopeful we'll get to see all of them.

 

Answer: Ashley@CC has kindly replied stating they just ask that you book a time but don't reserve specific seats in order to make sure to have enough seats for everyone. They scan your card for the reservation up until 5 minutes before show time when they open any seats not yet claimed to those waiting.

 

20. The all inclusive drink plans list fruit drinks, milkshakes, energy drinks, ice cream, coffee drinks, premium tea, hot chocolate, and non-alcoholic cocktails. Other than the non-alcoholic cocktails which are listed on pretty much all the bar menus I've seen and the coffee drinks, fruit juice, and energy drinks I spied on the Atrium bar menu, where are these items found on Seaside? Especially interested in the ice cream and milkshakes.

 

From Ashley at CC: Ice cream and milkshakes can be found at either Venchi location or at the Miami Beach Bar and Miramar Bar. I believe Miramar is reserved for Aurea or those who buy passes if offered to the Aurea deck. As for coffee, tea and hot chocolate, those can be found at nearly every bar onboard, as well as both Venchi locations.

21. Can you go to the Bistrot La Boheme and just order say a dessert to share and drinks on your all inclusive plan?

 

From Ashley at CC: Yes! Bistrot La Boheme's desserts are amazing. Because it's a la carte, it's possible to just go there for dessert.

 

22. Anyone ever taken one of those golf umbrellas or sun shades that clip on your chair or lounger on an MSC cruise ship and used it at one of the pools?

No takers yet. Hopefully we will find MSC has something in mind already for a bit of shade in the pool areas that isn't going to be revealed until the ship is fully settled in Miami.

23. How much are the RFID wrist band substitutes for cruise cards?

 

$15 each unless you are in one of the groups which receive them as included. Reportedly kids enrolled in the kid's club, YC and Aurea guests all receive them at no extra charge. The bands open your cabin door, but to turn on the lights in your cabin you will need your card. Reports from MSC are a child finder for younger kids will soon be released which utilizes the wrist bands to locate kids in public areas of the ship.

 

24. Are hair dryers provided and do they work?

 

There is supposed to be a hair dryer in each cabin mounted in the drawer which Ashley has helpfully supplied a picture of. It appears to be the same dryer seen in several other ships and probably works approximately the same which is to say not as well as your favorite dryer with your favorite settings but well enough in the short term. I have read one review where the poster said their hair dryer was missing in their cabin.

 

25. What about towels?

 

They have kiosks by the pool where you exchange for towels same as most other ships and your room steward takes care of towels in your cabin as is usual. No reports as to how towels for shore days are handled but will go out on a limb and suggest at worst you can grab one at the towel kiosk by the pool and just return it after you get back on the ship.

26. What about the casino?

There is no craps table. There is at least one roulette wheel. Reportedly there are prizes such as on board credits and discounts on future cruises for points. Parts of the casino allow smoking but reports are not the poker tables and blackjack area. Texas Hold'em poker has been advertised in at least one Daily as $3 stake during Casino happy hour.

 

27. What about the movies?

Many available for $8 each on demand in your cabin on the TV. Other than holiday movies only Spiderman Homecoming has been reported on the big screen. Showings at 8:30 and 11 pm

 

28. Mini bar menu?

 

Graciously posted here by Seaweeyin.

 

29. Internet cafe or printer available?

 

No internet cafe or printer for passenger use seen on TA. Might be something in the business center now?

 

30. Self-service laundry?

 

No self-service laundry.

 

31. Metal walls and doors for magnet use?

 

Seems to vary based on room type possibly because of decoration placed over the walls and doors.

 

32. What about the movies in the cabins and on movie nights?

 

There are movies on demand for $8 in the rooms and they are numerous. Big screen movies have been mostly holiday fare with a few newer movies thrown in so far. They're shown at 8:30 and 11 pm at the Miami Beach pool in the rear.

 

33. Can the TV's in the rooms be moved, extended, or swiveled for ease of watching throughout the room?

 

The TVs swivel only.

 

34. Where is breakfast available on Seaside?

 

Thanks again to Seaweeyin: Breakfast is available in both buffets, in the seashore restaurant, pastries in seaview lounge, and for fee brunch in the French bistro and in the steakhouse. The steakhouse brunch menu looked really good, but we never managed to get to it. I think it was only served on sea days.

 

Yes, there is a small selection of pastries in the news cafe (seaview lounge)

 

And some special information to note: Cabin lights must be turned on with a keycard. Be warned: You can't cheat the system on this one; it won't recognize business cards, credit cards or any of the other workarounds cruisers often like to use. Outlets include both 110-volt American and 220-volt European ones. There's also at least one USB outlet near the beds in each stateroom. Buttons near the door tell your room steward if you'd like your room made up or if you'd rather not be disturbed.

 

Here is a picture of a bulletin showing the cost of passes for the thermal spa. $60 for one or $90 for two for a one day pass or $340 for one and $510 for two for the week. You also can receive access by purchasing in advance or with the purchase of certain spa services in advance for less.

 

 

Breakfast in the Buffet:

 

is a video of breakfast in the buffet. Love the hand washing sinks. Guy isn't really the best camera man probably because he's having to keep track of a couple of active kids while recording, but still interesting. I appreciate that he tried.

 

Found another Seaside breakfast buffet video for the Marketplace Buffet

. He gives descriptions of many of the offerings which is wonderfully helpful.

 

Looks like lots of choices and those jam dispensers look like a wonderful idea.

 

is video from the same guy for the Deck 16 buffet at I think lunch. I'm hungry just watching! He also did

. Has anyone got prices for the boxed chocolates or the by the each chocolate bar? That penguin is hilariously adorable.

[SNJCruisers]

Can you buy separate specialty restaurants or do you have to buy the trio? Since it's either buffet or MDR, I'm thinking of buying diner at the steakhouse.

 

Also, the food from the trio, is it the same menu or a smaller one than if you buy separate?

 

Thanks.

Below is a link to the menu at Butcher's Cut. You can get the dining experience for 39, which entitles you to an entree plus an additional two choices from anything that is in the gold outlined box. It also includes a side dish and a sauce. If you get the trio, it's 69 and will include the same type of three courses. So for only 30 more, you get three dinners.https://www.msccruises.com/en-gl/Assets/BUTCHERS_CUT_FOOD_ENG.PDF

[CruiseKitty123]

UPDATED 1/7/18:

Questions and Answers so far:

1. Do you board on deck 5 where it says "Seaside Reception" by the Atrium bar?

 

Answer: Two separate reviews said boarding is done on deck 6 in Miami

 

2. I've read a lot about musical offerings on the ship including Latin, Opera, and such. Are these all being held in the Metropolitan Theater? If not what other locations should we be watching out for on our cruise?

 

Answer: The theater is slated to hold 1 or 2 different shows each night with at least 2 time slots for each show to give everyone a chance to see them per Ashley@CC's report. On videos from the ship I've seen musical acts in the Haven Lounge, the stage over the Atrium Bar, a DJ in the Garage Disco, and what appears to be trivia type activities in several different bars on various days at various times in the Dailies Ashley posted. Dance Lessons happen in the Haven Lounge and there seemed to be line dancing lessons going on in the Disco in one of the videos. There are also reports of performances in other bars and venues and I've seen video of dance parties at the main pool up top as well.

 

3. How were the lines for the zip line and water slides?

 

Answer: The lines for slides and ziplines have been reported as not bad but lengthening as the cruise progresses. They started charging $10 for one or $50 for unlimited zipline rides for all guests in the same cabin and reportedly something for the sliding board interactive slide the first post-holiday cruise so my guess is those lines just got a lot shorter. I have not seen reported what the charge is for the slide or if the $50 per cabin fee covers that as well.

 

4. How about some pictures of the menus from the MDR?

 

Ashley from CC has kindly posted this and other images above just scroll back to Post 62. Also found another example of an MDR menu for a formal Gala night here.These are from the TA. Thread posted up for MDR menus and Dailies here. Looks like they're using the same menus as Divina most likely if that helps anyone with special dietary concerns.

 

5. What about the Sports Bar ? Additionally could we get a picture of the food menu?

 

Answer: Sports Bar Menu here and here and here and here and here courtesy of Ashley at CC. Some occasionally report free nachos available.

 

6. What are the height or age requirements for the slides?

 

Answer: Ashley@CC says for the Adventure Trail, it's 32 inches/80 cm.

 

7. Could we see the non-alcoholic and coffee beverage menus, please? Also could we get confirmation as to where the ice cream and coffee drinks included on the drink plans are available?

 

Answer: So far all I have definite is some of the menus on this thread have non-alocholic and coffee drinks. More in posts #66 and #67 of this thread from Ashley@CC.According to Ashley's posted menus some coffee drinks are served in the Atrium bar.

 

Ashley also reports in post #120: Venchi gelato is included in the beverage packages. Venchi coffee, up to a value of $7.50, is included in the classic drink package. The premium package includes all Venchi coffee drinks. Retails items are not included in the beverage packages.

 

More about Venchi:

 

They sell classic lemon, hazelnut spread, and etc crepes which are not included in any drink package. Price unknown.

 

Chocolates are $10 per 100 grams which roughly equals between 6 and 7 chocolates.

Boxes are $15-40+ and $17 for the hazelnut spread used in many of their drinks. They had a cut price sale on these items the last day of the last holiday cruise.

 

If you have the Deluxe plan they offer chocolate cocktails ($8.50 ea) and an espresso trio that includes a cup of espresso and three chocolates ($4.00 ea trio). They also offer a chocolate-covered gelato bar price unknown.

 

8. Please post links to some pictures of the themed events and / or a list of themed events currently being held on the Seaside. Some of us like to bring costumes.

 

Answer: No photos but Ashley@CC reports there were Gatsby- and 60s/70s-themed parties while onboard. Karim Corporate Entertainments Manager MSC Crociere mentions White Party, Tropical party, Caribbean nights and others in this video he posted to Facebook. I've also seen Great Gatsby party, White Party, and Disco Party in the Disco bar mentioned in reviews from the Caribbean.

 

9. Is there a cigar bar? If not where is smoking allowed?

 

Answer : Smoking is not allowed in cabins, on anyone's balcony, or in any area not specifically marked with signs. Thus far it has been reported one side of Miami Beach Pool, the slots area of the casino with extra ventillation, and a part of deck 19 are labeled for smoking. Any updates appreciated.

 

10. Are there any drink coupons available on board such as the 18 for $89?

 

Answer: Drink coupons can no longer be bought but still come with Fantastica plans.

11. What restaurants are included for the Black card dinners?

Answer reported my Ashley at CC in post #120 Black card members are entitled to a complimentary specialty restaurant “Tasting Menu” dinner for 2 once during the cruise (beverages excluded). Offer is per stateroom. Except when it isn't - conflicting reports from many who've recently sailed. The tasting menus we refer to are the same as the dining experience menus. Guests can choose from any restaurant on board.

 

12. How about menus for the specialty restaurants?

Answer: Found this thread. Ashley@CC reports she has added the Bistrot La Boheme and she has also been kind enough to answer other questions as well.

 

Butcher's Cut and Ocean Cay and Chef Roy's Teppanyaki and Sushi and also Bistrot La Boheme and drinks menu Courtesy of Ashley@CC

 

Dining section of Ashley's review

 

13. How much are the YC cabanas topside?

Answer: This thread reports $149 on sea days and $99 on port days.

14. Is the Specialty Restaurant Trio available on board and how much?

 

Answer: jmele999 had this to report: They told me about the $69 pp trio special which uses the set menu shown in links above reportedly. Ocean cay is $40 pp which includes a 25% discount. There is a $75 pp Chef’s table at Butcher’s cut.

 

15. Can we get details regarding under-3s baby care on Seaside? Is there evening care available?

 

Answer: Link provided by Mycykfamilytime - More extensive information on kids activities and care provided by Ashley@CC in Post # 68 of this thread. Updated for the Caribbean here and here and here

 

Kids Club and Activities Informative Videos:

 

The MSC employee giving the tour states there is no extra charge for anything in the kid's club which will be great news for parents. MSC has also posted up an advertising video about the kid's club and children's water are

.

 

is a video of the water park in actual use.

 

I've seen some asking what special events they had for kids over the Christmas cruise because they might like to book for next year.

Looks like just a picture opportunity and a lovely gift for the kids.

 

Also please be aware they are requiring closed toed shoes for the younger kids club.

 

Reports are they are doing the Happy Diner program and also letting kids be dropped off to eat dinner in the buffet with the Kid's Club then stay until closing around 10:30 or 11 PM. Refer to the Kid's Club schedule for closing time.

 

16. Do they offer a package deal on the Seaside for the Bowling , simulator , and 4 D movies, where you pay a fee (it was $85 on the Divina ) per cabin for unlimited use of these attractions ?

 

Answer: Only confirmed offer is $25 gets you $30 worth, $50 gets you $65, $70 gets you $100, and $100 gets you $160. I do not know if this is a separate card everyone in a cabin can share, loaded to one person's cabin card or wristband, or how it is handled but I have read reviews where persons traveling together got one and each participated in several activities using the funds. Conflicting reports whether $25 gets you thirty minutes of bowling for 6 or 4 persons.

 

17. What are the height or age requirements for the ziplines?

 

Answer: Seaside Ziplines per MSC:

Height Restriction: Minimum 52in/130cm

Weight Minimum: 75lbs/35kg

Weight Maximum: 290lbs/130kg

 

More to be found here. Assuming you can somehow enlarge it enough to read it, anyways. :)

 

18. What about the comedy club? Tells us something about the acts and if you enjoyed them.

 

Answer: It's improv style BeerProv, lasts about 45 minutes late in the evening in the Theater, and has been positively reviewed. It has been mentioned frequently it is definitively not child friendly.

 

19. Do we need to book our seats for the shows in the Metropolitan Theater or can we just show up provided we don't mind where we sit? I've read the shows are amazing and won awards so we're really hopeful we'll get to see all of them.

 

Answer: Ashley@CC has kindly replied stating they just ask that you book a time but don't reserve specific seats in order to make sure to have enough seats for everyone. They scan your card for the reservation up until 5 minutes before show time when they open any seats not yet claimed to those waiting.

 

20. The all inclusive drink plans list fruit drinks, milkshakes, energy drinks, ice cream, coffee drinks, premium tea, hot chocolate, and non-alcoholic cocktails. Other than the non-alcoholic cocktails which are listed on pretty much all the bar menus I've seen and the coffee drinks, fruit juice, and energy drinks I spied on the Atrium bar menu, where are these items found on Seaside? Especially interested in the ice cream and milkshakes.

 

From Ashley at CC: Ice cream and milkshakes can be found at either Venchi location or at the Miami Beach Bar and Miramar Bar. I believe Miramar is reserved for Aurea or those who buy passes if offered to the Aurea deck. As for coffee, tea and hot chocolate, those can be found at nearly every bar onboard, as well as both Venchi locations.

21. Can you go to the Bistrot La Boheme and just order say a dessert to share and drinks on your all inclusive plan?

 

From Ashley at CC: Yes! Bistrot La Boheme's desserts are amazing. Because it's a la carte, it's possible to just go there for dessert.

 

22. Anyone ever taken one of those golf umbrellas or sun shades that clip on your chair or lounger on an MSC cruise ship and used it at one of the pools?

No takers yet. Hopefully we will find MSC has something in mind already for a bit of shade in the pool areas that isn't going to be revealed until the ship is fully settled in Miami.

23. How much are the RFID wrist band substitutes for cruise cards?

 

$15 each unless you are in one of the groups which receive them as included. Reportedly kids enrolled in the kid's club, YC and Aurea guests all receive them at no extra charge. The bands open your cabin door, but to turn on the lights in your cabin you will need your card. Reports from MSC are a child finder for younger kids will soon be released which utilizes the wrist bands to locate kids in public areas of the ship.

 

24. Are hair dryers provided and do they work?

 

There is supposed to be a hair dryer in each cabin mounted in the drawer which Ashley has helpfully supplied a picture of. It appears to be the same dryer seen in several other ships and probably works approximately the same which is to say not as well as your favorite dryer with your favorite settings but well enough in the short term. I have read one review where the poster said their hair dryer was missing in their cabin.

 

25. What about towels?

 

They have kiosks by the pool where you exchange for towels same as most other ships and your room steward takes care of towels in your cabin as is usual. No reports as to how towels for shore days are handled but will go out on a limb and suggest at worst you can grab one at the towel kiosk by the pool and just return it after you get back on the ship.

26. What about the casino?

There is no craps table. There is at least one roulette wheel. Reportedly there are prizes such as on board credits and discounts on future cruises for points. Parts of the casino allow smoking but reports are not the poker tables and blackjack area. Texas Hold'em poker has been advertised in at least one Daily as $3 stake during Casino happy hour.

 

27. What about the movies?

Many available for $8 each on demand in your cabin on the TV. Other than holiday movies only Spiderman Homecoming has been reported on the big screen. Showings at 8:30 and 11 pm

 

28. Mini bar menu?

 

Graciously posted here by Seaweeyin.

 

29. Internet cafe or printer available?

 

No internet cafe or printer for passenger use seen on TA. Might be something in the business center now?

 

30. Self-service laundry?

 

No self-service laundry.

 

31. Metal walls and doors for magnet use?

 

Seems to vary based on room type possibly because of decoration placed over the walls and doors.

 

32. What about the movies in the cabins and on movie nights?

 

There are movies on demand for $8 in the rooms and they are numerous. Big screen movies have been mostly holiday fare with a few newer movies thrown in so far. They're shown at 8:30 and 11 pm at the Miami Beach pool in the rear.

 

33. Can the TV's in the rooms be moved, extended, or swiveled for ease of watching throughout the room?

 

The TVs swivel only.

 

34. Where is breakfast available on Seaside?

 

Thanks again to Seaweeyin: Breakfast is available in both buffets, in the seashore restaurant, pastries in seaview lounge, and for fee brunch in the French bistro and in the steakhouse. The steakhouse brunch menu looked really good, but we never managed to get to it. I think it was only served on sea days.

 

Yes, there is a small selection of pastries in the news cafe (seaview lounge)

 

And some special information to note: Cabin lights must be turned on with a keycard. Be warned: You can't cheat the system on this one; it won't recognize business cards, credit cards or any of the other workarounds cruisers often like to use. Outlets include both 110-volt American and 220-volt European ones. There's also at least one USB outlet near the beds in each stateroom. Buttons near the door tell your room steward if you'd like your room made up or if you'd rather not be disturbed.

 

Here is a picture of a bulletin showing the cost of passes for the thermal spa. $60 for one or $90 for two for a one day pass or $340 for one and $510 for two for the week. You also can receive access by purchasing in advance or with the purchase of certain spa services in advance for less.

 

 

Breakfast in the Buffet:

 

is a video of breakfast in the buffet. Love the hand washing sinks. Guy isn't really the best camera man probably because he's having to keep track of a couple of active kids while recording, but still interesting. I appreciate that he tried.

 

Found another Seaside breakfast buffet video for the Marketplace Buffet

. He gives descriptions of many of the offerings which is wonderfully helpful.

 

Looks like lots of choices and those jam dispensers look like a wonderful idea.

 

is video from the same guy for the Deck 16 buffet at I think lunch. I'm hungry just watching! He also did

. Has anyone got prices for the boxed chocolates or the by the each chocolate bar? That penguin is hilariously adorable.

 

Wow! Thanks so much! This is awesome! :D:D:D

[greg898]

I'm booked on the Nov 24th sailing and the itinerary says that it departs from Miami at 5 PM. Does anyone know roughly when boarding would end? Trying to decide if we can fly in the morning of or if we should just fly the night before.