Seaside: Better Than Expected but ..................

[plantlady104]

Another review and take regarding Seaside - cruised 1/27 - 2/3. Our group consisted of 8, age bracket 50's and 60's with 4 having the black card and 2 the gold card due to the status match MSC offers. All of us had one or two previous cruises on the Divina. We were all Bella Class and had port midsection balcony rooms on the 10th deck. We all had the classic beverage package on our cards. Based on the previous negative reviews, we were prepared for the worst, but more often than not, we had better than expected experiences. The "but" was still the intermittent septic smell that attacked our floor and rooms for 2 days.

 

Ship Impressions: Glitzy, with mirrors and chrome throughout. Major carpet color/theme around elevators/passageways was the reddish-violet and grey, which was nice. Unfortunately even on this short sailing time, stains were evident in the reddish portions on our hallway. Carpets were not dirty and staff were seen vacuuming daily, as well as cleaning/polishing. Liked the "piped in" new age music that included very nice Asian soundtracks too. Staterooms were nice with large sofa and wall mounted TV. Bathroom small, with square cubicle shower with glass door - which prevented water leakage on the floor - even though small, we liked it better than a curtain closure.

With the YC being located in front and with the Aurea lounge area, the front end of ship has no access for the "common" cruiser. Negative for us, as most other CLs have front access for sitting and lounging.

 

Dining: Expecting the MarketPlace dinner location because of being Bella, we instead were assigned to the Ipanema DR. We asked for early dining, and were given the 5:30 dining time, so maybe more available space in Ipanema at 5:30. Our tables were located on the second to last row - starboard side. Location was quiet, and had 4 excellent servers (assigned to two adjacent tables) to take care of us. All 4 servers spoke good English, were very friendly, and really made for an excellent dining experience. We had no problems asking/receiving wine or cokes before the meal, and coffee afterwards. After the first night, they already had the cokes on the table and were quick in getting the wines for us too. We could not have had any better service - much better than Divina. DR was more spacious than Divina, so waiters did not have to squeeze between tables and knock your chairs, which happened on Divina. Food was very good and the desserts were excellent. We were always finished by 7pm or earlier. Looked to me, that most tables in Ipanema were done or approaching to be done the 7pm timeframe. Formal nights are lobster free, unless want to spend additional money for lobster or surf/turf - a negative compared to other CL's that still serve lobster.

 

Buffets: Bfast and lunch were adequate, but as other posts have noted, lunch buffet was always burgers/dogs/pizza/salad/pasta/mexican tortillas and maybe one special entree item. If like a more broad-based selection as on other CL's, MSC falls short. While the pre-made/take away burgers is a good idea, they did not keep them hot, so often they were room temp at best. For some reason, we all thought the pizza on Divina was better and had more selections. We prefer ships that have separate burger and pizza grills, which then allows the buffet to provide more selections. Never really saw much ethnic food selection other than Asian soup and rice. For us, the lunch buffet was somewhat bland to food choices, although did like the pre-made tortillas filled with spicy beef or chicken. Availability to get drinks/beer, either using the self serve area or the bar was good, vs having to go to another outside bar to get alcohol at the buffet. The MarketPlace buffet did become the third DR, starting at 6pm, so buffet lovers would have to use the smaller 16th deck buffet at dinner or late night snacks. Negative to us, as like to peruse large buffets.

 

Lounges and Bars: Many available places to sit and grab a drink. Most of the time, was not that hard to order and get a drink. If one place was busy, just go to another, or find the locale/ambience of your choice and make friends with the bar staff. Really liked the Venita Coffee Bar to get specialty coffee drinks, most of the time it was quiet and few customers, so felt like personal service as we got to know the staff there.

 

Gelato: Multi places to get gelato, besides the main gelato bar. Excellent every time. So definitely a positive vs the other CL's standard ice cream/gelato offerings.

 

Staff: Many friendly staff and did not experience a bad attitude scenario. Had to deal with the excursion staff multi times to adjust excursions; they were always accurate and provided good info. Since all I speak is English, the multi-language speaking staff at excursions/photos/CD staff were impressive in dealing with the multi-national passengers.

 

Specialty Restaurant: Six of us dined at the Butchers Cut, and did the set menu of apptz/entree/dessert. We all liked the ambience, food, and service. Steaks and portions were very good. Again was much better than the specialty steak experience we had on Divina.

 

Entertainment: Make sure to reserve a show time using your app or TV. Each show was filled to capacity, and required a card reservation to get into the theatre. We liked the Cirque du Soleil type of shows, and some of the performers were previously on the Divina. Watched some of the opera music presentations as well. Again, its personal preference, so don't complain if not what you like.

 

Passengers: MSC is trying to get more American passengers, but will always be different, in trying to balance European/NAmerican likes and dislikes. On our cruise, we also had a large group from Japan. While nice to be in a mix of international passengers and staff, it can also be a negative or turn off to many, so MSC will struggle in the American market. MSC also caters to European families, so their cruises will have lots of children, another negative for us.

 

Adult Areas: Aft pool was about it. Very nice location, but simply too small for the number of adults who want to spend time there. By 8am, the pool hogs had already reserved all the lounges on sea days. Plus smoking allowed on starboard side of pool area, but smokers were also around the back of pool too. Solarium pool nice, but open to all, so noisy with children. Again a negative to us, as many CLs solarium areas are adult only, with no smoking, or aft pool space's are bigger.

 

Septic Smell: Still existed intermittently, especially for two days/nights that we noticed in our rooms and hallway, especially middle of night and early morning. Smell comes thru the ventialtion system, but funny enough, our bathrooms never had a bad smell. Never noticed it in the main venues as theatre, DRs, casino, etc, except for 18th jungle pool/slides area. Also noticed it when walking on pier in Costa Maya. Other passengers besides us also remarked about the smell also, so probably occurred more than on our 10th deck. Really don't think they can totally fix the problem (whatever it is), until a dry dock, if then. So if taking a Seaside cruise, just be prepared, and move on.

 

Casino: Nice, but smoking allowed, which was not overwhelming, unless sitting right next to a smoker. For size of ship, felt like it could have had more slots placed, but enjoyed our time there every day. Again a negative, since other Cls are converting to non-smoking casinos.

 

Captain Scala: Was still onboard, but was leaving Feb 3. Will be going to the Seaview for 6 months and then he said would be returning to Seaside afterwards.

 

Final Comments: Probably left out some info that I wanted to report, so feel free to ask relevant questions, which will try to read/answer. For our group, no regrets in sailing with MSC or the Seaside, but also no regrets in saying that it will be our last. This was a nice cruise, especially due to our dining staff and having the classic beverage package. But we simply enjoy the other CLs better, as they meet our "likes", and have fewer "dislikes" that are inherent in the MSC cruise experience.

[jdvmd]

Excellent review! Thank you!

[TravelinGert]

Thanks for posting such a detailed review. :)

[DCGuy64]

Thanks for your review!

 

 

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[toinoi]

Great balanced review plantlady104! Really appreciate your (fair/personal experience) vs other CLs

[riclop]

Thanks for the well balanced review.

[hummer88]

Thank you for the review.

 

We have a mealtime drink package, which includes beer and wine during lunch and dinner. You mentioned a self serve option in the buffet.

 

How does this work? Do you swipe your card and fill up your glass like the juice or coffee machine? Are you able to go into the buffet if you are just getting a snack and get a beer as well?

 

Thanks!!!

[jewliana]

Thank you so much for taking the time to post your review

[plantlady104]

The MarketPlace Buffet has an area where you can self-serve either a white wine/red wine/ draft beer and sodas. We did not use it, but were told you swipe your card, to then get the specific drink. We just got our drinks via waiter or at the bar in the buffet. We were curious to try it, but had no problem going over to the bar or asking the waiter, so never got to use it. Give it a try; not sure the limitations regarding L/D package, if any.

[sidari]

PL ... Thanks for posting the details of your trip, we sailed on the Xmas sailing and was surprised that they never replicated the food across from Divina with regard to other countries food choices, I can only guess that will be because there were many people wanting the ship to be just like the rest sailing out of the USA.

One complaint was food portions were too big and dinner was taking too long in the evenings, so MSC changed to smaller portions and faster turn around times and people are still complaining! a case of damned if you do and damned if you don`t.

Too many people are expecting MSC and Seaside to be like the rest and are shocked when they are not, as time goes on I think they may well add more buffet food choices.

Good luck with your future cruises, we will be sailing Seaside again at the end of April and it will be interesting to see what has changed since Xmas.

[thegraminator]

Thanks for sharing your experience ! Your review is very fair and balanced. Did you do any excursions ? And what did you think about the daytime activities offered , especially on sea days ? TIA

[plantlady104]

Thanks for sharing your experience ! Your review is very fair and balanced. Did you do any excursions ? And what did you think about the daytime activities offered , especially on sea days ? TIA

Yes, we did the Catamaran Snorkel in Ocho Rios and Playa Mia Beach Resort in Cozumel. Both were great and enjoyed very much. Did not get into Caymans because of wind. In Costa Maya just stayed in the new revamped port complex. Did some shopping, lunch, and sat by the big outside pool complex. Did not participate in any onboard day activities, and did not seem to be much for us in interest. Just did our own activities.

[thegraminator]

Thank you for your quick response ! I have a few more questions if you don't mind . I was thrilled to see that you did the Playa Mia excursion . I have this booked for our cruise in June and it's hard to find alot of information about this place .

 

In some of the information I have heard that the buffet is not so good . What did you think ? We are not very picky , but we hope it's edible ! And some one else said if you book this excursion through MSC they get you to the resort so late in the morning that there are no loungers available . This will upset me ! Any additional information you may have about Playa Mia would be greatly appreciated ! Did you go there through MSC or on your own ? TIA

[mafig]

question for you about making show reservations. You state:

required a card reservation....

 

what does this mean? do you print out a card?

[Keith1010]

Thank you for your review.

 

Keith

[portofrome]

Thanks for your review!

[bostonfred]

Thank you for your quick response ! I have a few more questions if you don't mind . I was thrilled to see that you did the Playa Mia excursion . I have this booked for our cruise in June and it's hard to find alot of information about this place .

 

In some of the information I have heard that the buffet is not so good . What did you think ? We are not very picky , but we hope it's edible ! And some one else said if you book this excursion through MSC they get you to the resort so late in the morning that there are no loungers available . This will upset me ! Any additional information you may have about Playa Mia would be greatly appreciated ! Did you go there through MSC or on your own ? TIA

Just a suggestion. It is easier cheaper and more flexible and It allows you to change your mind....buffet is just okay, but property if’s great for families...

[bostonfred]

Just a suggestion. It is easier cheaper and more flexible and It allows you to change your mind....buffet is just okay, but property if’s great for families...

Story forgot to say grab a cab...10/15 minute drive

[plantlady104]

Thank you for your quick response ! I have a few more questions if you don't mind . I was thrilled to see that you did the Playa Mia excursion . I have this booked for our cruise in June and it's hard to find alot of information about this place .

 

In some of the information I have heard that the buffet is not so good . What did you think ? We are not very picky , but we hope it's edible ! And some one else said if you book this excursion through MSC they get you to the resort so late in the morning that there are no loungers available . This will upset me ! Any additional information you may have about Playa Mia would be greatly appreciated ! Did you go there through MSC or on your own ? TIA

We have been there at least 3 times, and have always enjoyed it. We do the buffet/drinks included package. Buffet is edible and may vary, but offers chips, ceviche/pico de gallo, fish, chicken nuggets, pork ribs, lettuce, cheese, pasta dish, and a few other things. For us, its a change from the ship buffet, and helps to neutralize all the alcohol drinks we drink. We love the pina coladas, and other frozen drinks, plus if like beer that is available too. Best place to sit is toward the left when get on the beach facing the water. On left side, you will be in front of the bar shack, with bathrooms and buffet behind you. Complex has nice big freeform pool plus a smaller nice pool just off the beach, which we always use. If Samuel there, he provides exceptional service to bring drinks to you, as often and as many as you want. We really liked him and gave him tip at end of day. Ship excursion met around 10:15 and will put you on big, nice buses to take you there - got there around 11:30am and stayed till 3:30pm, when bus takes you back. Lots of people go there (with different packages including catamaran combos), but always plenty of chairs and can get umbrella if want more shade. There probably is a web site/You Tube that shows it. Never had a bad time there and never felt overcrowded, and facility well kept and clean, including nice, big bathrooms. Highly recommend it, if want beach/pool experience. Also some nice shops there also, if do not want to spend time in town after returning.

[plantlady104]

question for you about making show reservations. You state:

required a card reservation....

 

what does this mean? do you print out a card?

You reserve a "space" to enter for the showtime you selected, which is recorded on your card. They electronically check your card when entering the show. We reserved them using the ship wifi My MSC app on the phone or can do it on the interactive TV in the room. Best to pick your most likely time to go, as can modify it later - if seats still available, and no penalty if your a no -show. We did ours during the afternoon on debarkation day. Even the first night preliminary show, they were checking cards. Theatre seats 950, so a way for them to fill the shows, without having thousands of people trying to get in at same time.

[scottygirl]

 

Adult Areas: Aft pool was about it. Very nice location, but simply too small for the number of adults who want to spend time there. By 8am, the pool hogs had already reserved all the lounges on sea days. Plus smoking allowed on starboard side of pool area, but smokers were also around the back of pool too. Solarium pool nice, but open to all, so noisy with children. Again a negative to us, as many CLs solarium areas are adult only, with no smoking, or aft pool space's are bigger.

 

This is what I was afraid of. The fact that this prime real estate is going to be a haven for disgusting foul smokers is ridiculous. They should be banished to an area where they can't let their second hand smoke affect other people's health.

[plantlady104]

You reserve a "space" to enter for the showtime you selected, which is recorded on your card. They electronically check your card when entering the show. We reserved them using the ship wifi My MSC app on the phone or can do it on the interactive TV in the room. Best to pick your most likely time to go, as can modify it later - if seats still available, and no penalty if your a no -show. We did ours during the afternoon on debarkation day. Even the first night preliminary show, they were checking cards. Theatre seats 950, so a way for them to fill the shows, without having thousands of people trying to get in at same time.

 

Card is your shipboard card. Shows were about the same times each night, with just some variations. Schedule times are listed on the app/TV, and in the room there was a printed sheet of all the shows and times for each day of cruise.

[bug18]

What was your cabin number on Deck 10?

[plantlady104]

What was your cabin number on Deck 10?

Our cabins were 10151-10157.

[BermudaBound2014]

Thank you for a well balanced review.

 

 

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