The Admiral Posted January 16, 2018 #1 Share Posted January 16, 2018 just wondering for those on board now if the nightly dinner buffet has improved? Is it still in the small Biscayne buffet? How are the selections? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tjlj Posted January 16, 2018 #2 Share Posted January 16, 2018 Are u booking another? Sent from my SM-G950U using Forums mobile app Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare BermudaBound2014 Posted January 16, 2018 #3 Share Posted January 16, 2018 I’m very curious too!seaside is currently the cheapest ship sailing from Florida over spring break/Easter week. It’s tempting as a new ship but This would be a deal breaker for me so someone please report. Pictures of deck 16 buffet at dinner would be extra splendid.:) Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
riclop Posted January 17, 2018 #4 Share Posted January 17, 2018 just wondering for those on board now if the nightly dinner buffet has improved? Is it still in the small Biscayne buffet? How are the selections? It was never as bad as the picture you painted. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lovelights Posted January 17, 2018 #5 Share Posted January 17, 2018 We just got off Seaside 3 days ago. We were on Divina and loved it, however, we will never set foot back on Seaside, and the reason is because of the buffet. There are way too many people on this ship for such a tiny buffet. The promenade deck is a waste of space on this ship because no one can use it after 4:00pm, because they're preparing the larger buffet to be a main dining room, and the majority of the promenade deck is the marketplace on Deck 8. The food was repetitive. Same thing, just a different day. They were always out of ice, or cups, or even mugs for coffee. We wanted to cancel when we found out that the large buffet was going to be a main dining room every evening, but it was too late to cancel. We made the best of the situation, but we knew within the 3rd day of our cruise, that we would not be returning to Seaside. It's just too small of a ship for 5,000 people. It was the first time on any cruise ship I've been on, that I seen people sitting on the floor eating on disembarkation day, because the buffets were just not large enough to accommodate so many people. So, to answer your question.... as of January 13th, it was still awful. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Admiral Posted January 17, 2018 Author #6 Share Posted January 17, 2018 We just got off Seaside 3 days ago. We were on Divina and loved it, however, we will never set foot back on Seaside, and the reason is because of the buffet. There are way too many people on this ship for such a tiny buffet. The promenade deck is a waste of space on this ship because no one can use it after 4:00pm, because they're preparing the larger buffet to be a main dining room, and the majority of the promenade deck is the marketplace on Deck 8. The food was repetitive. Same thing, just a different day. They were always out of ice, or cups, or even mugs for coffee. We wanted to cancel when we found out that the large buffet was going to be a main dining room every evening, but it was too late to cancel. We made the best of the situation, but we knew within the 3rd day of our cruise, that we would not be returning to Seaside. It's just too small of a ship for 5,000 people. It was the first time on any cruise ship I've been on, that I seen people sitting on the floor eating on disembarkation day, because the buffets were just not large enough to accommodate so many people. So, to answer your question.... as of January 13th, it was still awful. Was elegant night menu cancelled because there were not enough lobsters? Read somewhere MDR ran out of food but not sure if they was accurate or recent. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Admiral Posted January 17, 2018 Author #7 Share Posted January 17, 2018 Are u booking another? Sent from my SM-G950U using Forums mobile app Family is going and they’re stuck because it’s too late to cancel so I’m hoping it gets better for their cruise, I’m the one that recommended Seaside ...rest assured I will never recommend another ship unless I actually sailed it first :( Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mianmike Posted January 18, 2018 #8 Share Posted January 18, 2018 We just got off Seaside 3 days ago. We were on Divina and loved it, however, we will never set foot back on Seaside, and the reason is because of the buffet. There are way too many people on this ship for such a tiny buffet. The promenade deck is a waste of space on this ship because no one can use it after 4:00pm, because they're preparing the larger buffet to be a main dining room, and the majority of the promenade deck is the marketplace on Deck 8. The food was repetitive. Same thing, just a different day. They were always out of ice, or cups, or even mugs for coffee. We wanted to cancel when we found out that the large buffet was going to be a main dining room every evening, but it was too late to cancel. We made the best of the situation, but we knew within the 3rd day of our cruise, that we would not be returning to Seaside. It's just too small of a ship for 5,000 people. It was the first time on any cruise ship I've been on, that I seen people sitting on the floor eating on disembarkation day, because the buffets were just not large enough to accommodate so many people. So, to answer your question.... as of January 13th, it was still awful. Oh gosh, I hope MSC comes to their senses and moves the MDR dinner to the smaller buffet before we cruise. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lovelights Posted January 18, 2018 #9 Share Posted January 18, 2018 Oh gosh, I hope MSC comes to their senses and moves the MDR dinner to the smaller buffet before we cruise. I hope, for your sake, that they do that, as well. We seen many people eating in the tiny buffet dressed elegantly. Every time we seen a family walking in dressed with elegant clothing, we would just look at one another and say "they must have missed the time for their MDR", because if you show up after 15 minutes, they MDR's doors get locked and you have to find some place else to eat, which leaves you only with the tiny buffet on Deck 16. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lovelights Posted January 18, 2018 #10 Share Posted January 18, 2018 Family is going and they’re stuck because it’s too late to cancel so I’m hoping it gets better for their cruise, I’m the one that recommended Seaside ...rest assured I will never recommend another ship unless I actually sailed it first :( I know exactly how you feel. We found out about the main buffet changing into an MDR, only a few days before we went on our cruise, and my husband was furious. Anyone that is a Bella experience customer, eats in the Buffet/Restaurant, but they choose from a menu, and most of the tables are tall, and you sit on bar stool-like chairs. You can see that the Marketplace Buffet is designed for a buffet, and it doesn't even look like a main diningroom. I called MSC's customer service before we went on the cruise and asked about the buffet being an MDR, and I was told that they just found out themselves, and were receiving a lot of calls where people were complaining. I actually gagged when I first got on the ship. You walk into this beautiful ship, and then you smell septic. And it just doesn't linger in the Atrium area. It will be waiting for you in your stateroom, as well, and also in the buffet. It was the craziest ship we've ever been on. But my husband and I had a nice time, and I told my husband that I really goofed when I booked this particular cruise. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Mpls35 Posted January 18, 2018 #11 Share Posted January 18, 2018 I haven’t taken pictures, but yes, it is small and it can get crowded. I wouldn’t say the food is terrible, but I haven’t had to eat their for dinner either. We have ate in the dining room every night this week except once. That night we grabbed to go burgers and a plate of fries and watched in the sports bar (SKOL Vikes!!!) My best piece of advice for folks is to get food and take it elsewhere. There are SO many pretty, comfortable places to sit and relax. Lunch we sit outside and if inclement we sit indoors somewhere. There are lots of tables inside that aren’t in the buffet. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare LMaxwell Posted January 18, 2018 #12 Share Posted January 18, 2018 I know exactly how you feel. We found out about the main buffet changing into an MDR, only a few days before we went on our cruise, and my husband was furious. Anyone that is a Bella experience customer, eats in the Buffet/Restaurant, but they choose from a menu, and most of the tables are tall, and you sit on bar stool-like chairs. You can see that the Marketplace Buffet is designed for a buffet, and it doesn't even look like a main diningroom. I called MSC's customer service before we went on the cruise and asked about the buffet being an MDR, and I was told that they just found out themselves, and were receiving a lot of calls where people were complaining. I actually gagged when I first got on the ship. You walk into this beautiful ship, and then you smell septic. And it just doesn't linger in the Atrium area. It will be waiting for you in your stateroom, as well, and also in the buffet. It was the craziest ship we've ever been on. But my husband and I had a nice time, and I told my husband that I really goofed when I booked this particular cruise. MSC Customer service SWEARS up and down I have confirmed early dining in the MDR and we are Bella experience for Seaside; how on Earth are bar height tables and chairs going to work with a toddler. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kdogfister Posted January 18, 2018 #13 Share Posted January 18, 2018 MSC Customer service SWEARS up and down I have confirmed early dining in the MDR and we are Bella experience for Seaside; how on Earth are bar height tables and chairs going to work with a toddler. While I doubt MSC has them, I've seen bar height high chairs or high chairs attached to bar chairs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lcpagejr Posted January 18, 2018 #14 Share Posted January 18, 2018 Hard for me to believe there are alot (if any) bar height tables in larger buffet.... I've cruised on 5 different lines and don't recall seeing any in the other buffets on different ships Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
toinoi Posted January 18, 2018 #15 Share Posted January 18, 2018 Hard for me to believe there are alot (if any) bar height tables in larger buffet.... I've cruised on 5 different lines and don't recall seeing any in the other buffets on different ships Oh there's a *lot* from what I've seen on Youtube videos lcpagejr :( I'll try to find a vid and post. I think MSC is trying for the casual/contemporary look and feel and keeps traffic moving - quick eating (and that's a great thing for a buffet IMHO). I suspect that won't go down so well when it's converted to a MDR at night :confused: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lcpagejr Posted January 18, 2018 #16 Share Posted January 18, 2018 Oh there's a *lot* from what I've seen on Youtube videos lcpagejr :( I'll try to find a vid and post. I think MSC is trying for the casual/contemporary look and feel and keeps traffic moving - quick eating (and that's a great thing for a buffet IMHO). I suspect that won't go down so well when it's converted to a MDR at night :confused: Thanks...Just surprises me...Then again it makes sense since it seems they poorly underestimated/planned the dining options and seating Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
toinoi Posted January 18, 2018 #17 Share Posted January 18, 2018 Thanks...Just surprises me...Then again it makes sense since it seems they poorly underestimated/planned the dining options and seating No problem. I'm still reserving judgement, and also would like someone who has been onboard just HOW MUCH (% wise) of this kind of seating is there. I know there is outside seating too - but not sure if utilised as MDR seating if weather poor? In the meantime, this is one vid - right at the beginning you can see at least one section with the benches. Cheers... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
slei15 Posted January 18, 2018 #18 Share Posted January 18, 2018 The only high tops I remember were right at the entrance. Everywhere else I remember regular tables. Sent from my iPhone using Forums Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare BermudaBound2014 Posted January 18, 2018 #19 Share Posted January 18, 2018 Hard to tell if all these high tops are at the entrance, but the flooring looks different to me which indicates two different areas. There does appear to be a significant amount of regular tables too and some extra awesome outdoor seating that i would personally choose over the mdr. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
slei15 Posted January 18, 2018 #20 Share Posted January 18, 2018 Hard to tell if all these high tops are at the entrance, but the flooring looks different to me which indicates two different areas. There does appear to be a significant amount of regular tables too and some extra awesome outdoor seating that i would personally choose over the mdr. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Those are the ones right at the entrance, and to my recollection, the only high tops in the buffet. Sent from my iPhone using Forums Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CGTNORMANDIE Posted January 18, 2018 #21 Share Posted January 18, 2018 Thanks...Just surprises me...Then again it makes sense since it seems they poorly underestimated/planned the dining options and seating I think the problem is planning for an overflow. Most cruises you don’t see the buffet being used for dinner. When school vacation hits the numbers of third, fourth and fifth occupants in the cabins swells the general population onboard. The next problem is supplying the extra labor. How do you set up a third dining room and plan a menu for hundreds of extra pax?? You will also need more servers and more kitchen personnel. The logistics are mind boggling. I am sure MSC will figure this out as time goes by. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tjlj Posted January 19, 2018 #22 Share Posted January 19, 2018 MSC Customer service SWEARS up and down I have confirmed early dining in the MDR and we are Bella experience for Seaside; how on Earth are bar height tables and chairs going to work with a toddler. listen, stop worrying and enjoy your cruise... the tall tables were at the entrance..... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tjlj Posted January 19, 2018 #23 Share Posted January 19, 2018 this is the buffet at peak times... the tall tables are at the end of video... raw/unedited https://vimeo.com/251738317 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BestNC Cruiser Posted January 19, 2018 #24 Share Posted January 19, 2018 Oh there's a *lot* from what I've seen on Youtube videos lcpagejr :( I'll try to find a vid and post. I think MSC is trying for the casual/contemporary look and feel and keeps traffic moving - quick eating (and that's a great thing for a buffet IMHO). I suspect that won't go down so well when it's converted to a MDR at night :confused: What is wrong with bar tables? I see them in buffets all the time. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BestNC Cruiser Posted January 19, 2018 #25 Share Posted January 19, 2018 this is the buffet at peak times... the tall tables are at the end of video... raw/unedited https://vimeo.com/251738317 Did not look too crowded to me. I remember circling the buffet on the Oasis for 20 min looking for a seat. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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