Seaside January 27th Cruise

[Mrs Soap]

thanks for all the info- could you give some more info on your room- what you like/dislike about it. We will be in 13002 so presuming it will be similar

thankyou

[Clarea]

Very interesting so far, looking forward to more.:)

[fallujahkid]

Cabin 11002 has the balcony door issue? It’s my old room so I feel a bit protective.

 

Our sailing we speculated that the ship is too tall and doesn’t handle strong wind well. We had to drop all the coat hangers to the floor because of the rolling. A member of our party was really suffering from the motion.

 

Glad the elevator situation has improved. January 6th sailing the starboard bank continually had one even two lifts out of service.

[Keith1010]

Following your thread.

Keith

[agcoolcruiser]

thanks for all the info- could you give some more info on your room- what you like/dislike about it. We will be in 13002 so presuming it will be similar

thankyou

 

 

 

Room is great.

- large entry area with a huge mirror. You have doors to closet/bath and bedroom. Living room is just an extension of this area

- bedroom is spacious, with a round window, desk with sliding mirror and hidden compartment where hairdryer is located. Bedroom feels like a proper room and not just a separated bed. One tv is located here.

- large closet space is very nice

- bath has a large shower with a bench. Bath is double the space of a regular bath. Lots of storage, counter space.

- living room with huge tv. Sofa transforms into a bunk bed. I think this should be changed. I understand sofa bed is bad for small rooms and bunk beds will be very good there.... this living room is huge and a double sofa bed would be better... we are not using it as a bunk bed just as a single bed....

Balcony is ok nothing spectacular. Would be much bigger if they open divider to frontship.

 

Balcony door noise is gone. We can also keep balcony door open now...and enjoy the balcony... this feels like a cruise now and not like a plane in trouble.... eye... have to go enjoy.... probably I will post less now... with good weather, Jamaica....

 

 

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[thegraminator]

Did your wife find her purse ? Oh sorry . I see she did !

[Mrs Soap]

many thanks for all the room info - much appreciated, enjoy your cruise

[geonurse]

I am on board msc seaside. I read this forum for last couple of months researching msc seaside. Here is my pay back

 

Background- sailed celebrity twice, princess once and last year royal allure of the seas.

- we are a group : 6 adults and 5 kids- 6 years, 2x5 years, 3 years and 1year

- our group booked 11002 and 11003 grand suites and a fantastica suite

 

Embarkation - best across all lines

- arrived around 2:30 and in 10 minutes or less we were onboard

 

Issues- we went to buffet and drill, wife lost her purse with everything. Before we realized, we got a note to go to reception

- at embarkation, I think, we left registration desk too early, did not get the bracelet - free for Aurea

- went to reception- got the purse back and bracelets, it took 30 minutes, there were 40people in line. Most had issues with bracelets or tried to book drink packages. They were waiting in line just to betold to go to bar to buy drink packages. It will help if msc had someone triaging the line. It will really become very easy. This was first time in line with issues in all my cruising. There were no angry people or anything bad..... like some comments on this forum. Btw, we were #15in the lost and found list... in a few hours...

 

-all group went to venchi after fire drill. Fast service, out of this world products... milkshakes, hot chocolates.... never seen anything like this in other cruise lines ...

 

-elevators- made more than 10trips... always fast.... a few times when there were people at one elevator bank, just went to the other bank nearby... never waited in any line... most of the times alone in elevator... I do not understand comments made on this forum about elevators not working... how did they know they were not working... not possible in my view....

 

- food - we had two Aurea cabins and one fantastica... they assign you a table...we were late and they still seated us... great service....great food... drink service timely... I would say better than royal on food quality...too early to compare service.... we went to buffet on deck 16??? After embarkation. Food was very good and tasty... smaller number of choices, however did not like buffet on royal Caribbean... I would say this is better... I don’t compare this with celebrity... celebrity is the royal Caribbean more luxurious line.... not a fair comparison

 

- ship - each ship is different- allure has a lot going for it. Hard to beat allure. Seaside, looks good and feels god. Water park is something where seaside wins heads down. Zipline as well, did not go to allure zipline, it was a Mickey Mouse... I plan to go on seaside...

- smell - I was searching for smell... a few times, I was not sure if I smelled anything... I think if you really look for it, you will find it.... with all this wind, I would not be surprised if sometimes there will be smell traveling... it does happen

- cabin, grand suite looks good and feels good. allure family suite was good as well. This is much better, same price at almost double the space, drink package, massages....

 

- spa- we did a tour and booked our massages included with Aurea. Spa looks very nice.

 

If you are interested, I will add more details as I learn more about seaside. Btw, weather in Miami was windy with huge waves... most ship movement I ever had...

 

Seen captain Scala a few times. So he is on the ship...

 

 

 

 

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Was on Seaside last week. Many times the elevator we got into had no buttons light up and when u pushed a button - nothing. Many times doors would open and elevator would be crammed full. 2 elevators out of each bank had out of order signs many times. Glad they appear to have fixed this. We just took the stairs more often. Which was good for us. We noticed a lot of sewage smells when ship was docked at ports. 3 nights we awakened to an acrid paint thinner / turpentine smell coming thru our ventilation system. Had to call guest services and they sent someone to deck 10 to check it out - it did eventually go away.

[agcoolcruiser]

Did not spend much time on the ship today. Ship looks amazing from the port. We got a good deal on a taxi 10usd per person. She took the 11 of us to blue hole, lunch and back to beach. All kids 3, 5, 6 years did the two jumps at blue hole. First jump from lower place and second holding the guide neck as he was jumping from the rope...intense...Getting off ship was quick and easy... we were back at 5and went for dinner at 6. No sewage smell at all so far... yes elevators next to MDR get busy at dinner time. Waited a few minutes to get an elevator... considered to walk to front elevators....

 

Breakfast in buffet- you find a table in a few minutes. No lines to get into buffet ever. On allure there were many times lines to enter buffet.

- they have a cart roaming around with fresh juice

- good selection for breakfast

 

 

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[GRANNYOFSIX]

Following!!! Awesome review so far! Thank you so much!! Enjoy your cruise! Glad the weather is cooperating now! :)

 

[agcoolcruiser]

 

Seaside in Ocho rios

 

 

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[agcoolcruiser]

Grand cayman was canceled today and had another day at sea... disappointing...

 

We received priority tender tickets from gold status match. Did not get to use them.

 

Room service for breakfast - ordered room service for breakfast. Eggs are extra charge, only continental breakfast is included... when breakfast was delivered at 7,they said eggs will come at 8... we went to buffet ... when they announced the port was canceled. This is an area they can improve. It was much better on other lines...maybe they do not support breakfast room service, there are no order cards in the room, you either pick them up from reception or just call to place order... also choice is limited ...

 

Venchi - had crepes at venchi next to back pool. They are not available at main venchi shop. They are delicious.

 

MDR continues to be very good, food and service... and we are a difficult group with many kids...

 

Rooms - they vacuum room every day... very nice... very clean... did not see this on other lines...

 

Wanted to do zip line today... it was closed due to wind.

 

Wanted to check out the future cruises desk... it was closed most of the day... when it was open... limited staff and did not bother to wait... other lines do a lot more on future cruises... maybe it is better msc way... no one in your face... no pressure.

 

My conclusion so far, seaside has a lot to offer... it also has a lot of potential. There is nothing wrong with seaside. Given the scale of this operation, and the short time from launch...they are already doing a good job... they should continue to improve the product ... the experience. Be better at showing off what they already do very well... be more confident... that they can be the best...

 

 

 

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[geonurse]

I have to tell you that my name is Karen, and I am a chocoholic. Since booking Seaside last week, I have been dreaming about Venchi, and trying to make a plan so that I don’t visit Venchi more than once a day. I think I may need an intervention (which, btw, sounds a lot like a Venchi). All that to say, I’m glad you are loving Venchi, and I’m glad I’m not alone-lol!

 

 

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You will absolutely love the Venchi chocolate and coffee area - I believe it was deck 6,, just below the casino. The hours were wonderful too-8 am to 1230 a.m..... And live music and dancing there every evening!

[geonurse]

Did not spend much time on the ship today. Ship looks amazing from the port. We got a good deal on a taxi 10usd per person. She took the 11 of us to blue hole, lunch and back to beach. All kids 3, 5, 6 years did the two jumps at blue hole. First jump from lower place and second holding the guide neck as he was jumping from the rope...intense...Getting off ship was quick and easy... we were back at 5and went for dinner at 6. No sewage smell at all so far... yes elevators next to MDR get busy at dinner time. Waited a few minutes to get an elevator... considered to walk to front elevators....

 

Breakfast in buffet- you find a table in a few minutes. No lines to get into buffet ever. On allure there were many times lines to enter buffet.

- they have a cart roaming around with fresh juice

- good selection for breakfast

 

 

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Breakfast buffet was our favorite- and we loved all the outside seating on both sides of the buffet on deck 8. Just didn't like that this took away from the already limited outer deck space for walking.....

[63galaxie]

You will absolutely love the Venchi chocolate and coffee area - I believe it was deck 6,, just below the casino. The hours were wonderful too-8 am to 1230 a.m..... And live music and dancing there every evening!

 

 

 

I’m dreaming...pinch me!

 

 

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[MarkusToe]

. We went to jungle pool for a quick dip. Interested in smell, because it is an indoor pool. There is a strong chlorine smell, same as any pool in Canada... no other smell

 

You know how chlorine smell is developing in pools?

I avoid smelling pools......, if you smell chlorine, there are two possible reasons, both are not in my favor

1.) massive chlorine overdosing

2.) and this is much more nasty: URIN

[agcoolcruiser]

. We went to jungle pool for a quick dip. Interested in smell, because it is an indoor pool. There is a strong chlorine smell, same as any pool in Canada... no other smell

 

 

 

You know how chlorine smell is developing in pools?

 

I avoid smelling pools......, if you smell chlorine, there are two possible reasons, both are not in my favor

 

1.) massive chlorine overdosing

 

2.) and this is much more nasty: URIN

 

 

 

Googled the subject and looks like #2 is true. No expert, they actually say to overdose chlorine to kill the smell by killing the pee... never liked bars close to pools and don’t understand why people would do that...

 

Have to check this subject more because the chlorine smell was there in the morning, when the water was fresh... the outside pools did not have this, however there is good ventilation there compared to jungle pool which is closed with a retractable roof....

 

There might be an expert here who can tell us how this works...

 

 

 

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[Oppyguy]

. We went to jungle pool for a quick dip. Interested in smell, because it is an indoor pool. There is a strong chlorine smell, same as any pool in Canada... no other smell

 

You know how chlorine smell is developing in pools?

I avoid smelling pools......, if you smell chlorine, there are two possible reasons, both are not in my favor

1.) massive chlorine overdosing

2.) and this is much more nasty: URIN

 

It is NOT urine. Do you know how much urine would have to be put into an entire pool of water to produce a smell? It's patently absurd.

Many pools smell of chlorine if air circulation isn't great. I spent winters with my kid who was on the swim team around many chlorine smelling pools. This is especially true indoors, as outdoors naturally moving air takes it away.

[jeanigor]

 

It is NOT urine. Do you know how much urine would have to be put into an entire pool of water to produce a smell? It's patently absurd.

Many pools smell of chlorine if air circulation isn't great. I spent winters with my kid who was on the swim team around many chlorine smelling pools. This is especially true indoors, as outdoors naturally moving air takes it away.

 

Actually it sort of is chlorine PLUS urine (along with sweat and body oils) mixing. And it really doesn't take all that much to produce that smell we are all so familiar with. It is less noticeable in outdoor pools due to diffusion and airflow.

 

Per the American Chemistry Council:

"Pool smell is due, not to chlorine, but to chloramines, chemical compounds that build up in pool water when it is improperly treated.

Chloramines result from the combination of two ingredients: (a) chlorine disinfectants and (b) perspiration, oils and urine that enter pools on the bodies of swimmers. Chlorine disinfectants are added to pool water to destroy germs that can give swimmers diarrhea, ear aches and athlete's foot. Perspiration, oils and urine, however, are unwanted additions to pool water. By showering before entering the pool, and washing these substances from the skin, swimmers can help minimize pool smell."

I'm not sure if MSC not putting in the correct amount of chlorine or too many passengers enjoying their drink packages. Hopefully it becomes less of an issue.

[kerryincork]

Loving your review. I'll be on the Seaside in 31 days for a B2B.

 

Can you clarify this for me? I have an Aurea room. Is the coffee at Venci cafe included in Aurea package or extra?

 

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[agcoolcruiser]

Loving your review. I'll be on the Seaside in 31 days for a B2B.

 

Can you clarify this for me? I have an Aurea room. Is the coffee at Venci cafe included in Aurea package or extra?

 

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I think all venchi coffes, ice creams and milkshakes are included with the classic package available with Aurea experience. Specialty ice creams had stars next to them, however recently I have seen all stars crossed out... so available with classic package... I have upgraded to premium package for 56usd

 

 

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Edited January 31, 2018 by agcoolcruiser

[agcoolcruiser]

 

Actually it sort of is chlorine PLUS urine (along with sweat and body oils) mixing. And it really doesn't take all that much to produce that smell we are all so familiar with. It is less noticeable in outdoor pools due to diffusion and airflow.

 

Per the American Chemistry Council:

I'm not sure if MSC not putting in the correct amount of chlorine or too many passengers enjoying their drink packages. Hopefully it becomes less of an issue.

 

 

 

Just to clarify, pool was great, nothing bad or gross about it. This is a regular smell, I have smelled at all pools in Canada. I think what these websites are talking about is a strong chlorine smell. Not the case here

 

 

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[agcoolcruiser]

Breakfast - we had the breakfast outside at buffet on deck 8. It is a pleasant experience to have breakfast outside... the outside was not open much so far due to wind...

 

Did not spend much time on the ship, we went to chankanab ...

 

MDR food was the best so far... everyone agreed, swordfish dish was the best... I had the shiitake ribs... I thought they were the best...

 

Disembarkation was quick, no lines... around 9am... embarcation had long lines... everyone was coming back at the last minute... it was effective and waited only 10min in line even looked like the whole ship was lined up in three lines at each gangway...

 

 

 

 

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[agcoolcruiser]

Seaside in cozumel

 

 

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[luvabargain]

Did you use the hot tubs? I'm just wondering if they are hot or lukewarm. We enjoy using them, but have only sailed Carnival and on some of their ships/sailings they don't keep them hot enough.