A Video: What I Hated and What I Loved About MSC Seaside

[BermudaBound2014]

I loved his video so much I booked a cruise on Seaside and I din not planned too LOL.

 

 

Goldenbonny- you have been a MSc cheerleader and excuse maker for years. You’d be sailing again with or without this video and we all know that. Trying to mislead readers into thinking this video was any type of revelation for you (other than that very nice balcony whirlpool) is ill-spirited.

 

And wasn’t it you who excused MSc when your room steward made fraudulent phone calls on your unlocked cell phone. What ever happened to that anyway? Did MSc ever accept responsibility?

 

And Regarding rcl “can’t even give away” cabins on oasis? You couldn’t be farther from the truth. That statement is downright ignorant.

 

Right now, as in today, a balcony cabin on oasis on a sailing I’ve been tracking is 65% more than a balcony on seaside. Seaside is a much newer ship and should be able to command more if the product was similar.

 

MSc sails with full ships because they discount prices to rock bottom. NO cruise line in the industry discounts like MSc. Sure divina and seaside sailed full, but MSc gives balcony cabins away for less than $500 on nearly each and every single sailing!!!

 

Basic economics 101- IF MSc could charge more and fill their ships they would. Anyone booking MSc and thinking they are getting an even remotely equal experience is kidding themselves.

 

That’s not to say that MSc is not a great choice for those looking for a value based vacation, but to expect Champaign on a beer budget is a recipe for disaster.

 

 

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[BermudaBound2014]

Thanks for the picture. This is what many Italian hotel bathrooms are like. I believe that that design is more conducive to sitting down in the bathtub.

 

 

I agree with the above statement 100%[emoji4]. We are always perplexed by this design, but it it very common overseas. I never have figured out how to take a stand up shower without flooding the bathroom though.

 

When people say that MSc is a European line and that is why there are some differences, I’m always quick to point out that the REAL differences are because MSc is a budget line and must cut cost. However; I stand corrected on the shower issues- definitely a European thing.

 

 

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[BermudaBound2014]

So I just booked a Yacht Club Deluxe Suite and couldn't be happier with my choice. The base price for 4 in the YC is $1K less than RCCL's Symphony and $2K plus less than the Havana suite on Carnival. I realize these lines are apples to oranges..

 

 

I take it you are sailing with children? If so, for $1k I’d seriously consider symphony over seaside. Symphony offers infinitely more things for active children (water slide that you don’t get stuck, ice skating, flow rider, Etc...). And for children there are a plethora of included food options in-cafe promenade, sorrentos, wipe out cafe, dog house, etc...

 

I like the MSc product and think it’s a good value. Typically I can book MSc for about 50% less than voyager, freedom, or oasis class.

 

 

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[fallujahkid]

Our bath in our hotel in London this evening...[ATTACH]414364[/ATTACH]

 

 

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Harmony of the Seas suite bathroom

 

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[DCGuy64]

Wow, that’s Harmony OTS’s bathroom? So much for the “only MSC does the 1/2 door bathtub” thing, LOL.

 

 

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[BermudaBound2014]

Ha- I stand corrected on my stand corrected- it’s not a European thing. :)

 

Back to my theory that the differences aren’t as much about being European as much as they are about cost cutting measures.

 

 

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[nimiq]

Hello,

First that was a very nice detailed video especially after I had read all your previous post on the ship. The quality of the video was amazing and you got the perfect tone for our ears.

My only critic that I would say is that not because you are à European you will like that ship as most the points you brought where more for everyone. For example like small buffet or only having hotdogs and hamburgers Im pretty sure Europeans don’t like them as well.

 

Like I said this was an amazing review and video.

Thanks again

Sea ya

Eric

 

 

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[gkbiiii]

Your point is really well stated, but I personally don't see how their 80% North American passenger makeup, of Seaside will ever happen. Do the American executives have any real power: I say this based on my Divina expereince, where all little burocratic desition, had to go through Genoa.

 

The cabin design needs great improvment, especially (as you reported) the bathrooms and storage. Has MSC ever heard of a double vanity, for suites? The staffing levels on this ship needs to be increased, along with training and overal professional conduct standards. Perhaps MSC should hire Disney University (yes it exists in Lake Buena Vista, for corperations) to provide propper staff and management training.

 

MSC needs to strive to make the Seaside a reflection of an Itlaian, Celebrity Cruises ship. The Miami market is increasingly compedative and they have just really one chance. I don't understand their lack of entertainment spending, $$$$$ is needed to complete against, NCL, RCL, and Carnival.

 

I really don't undertand how the best suties on the ship, get so little, with Seaside? The Duplex Suites on Royal, are Star Class (Haven on NCL) and have their own dining room and other VIP benefits. Celebrity & Cunard, practically invented this concept. Yet, your expierence was NOT VIP, even though, you were in a jacuzzi suite? This makes absolutly no since and really shows MSC has no basic understanding, of the American market, whatsoever!

 

Also, I should note, the quality of furnishings in the non-YC suites is substanderd to other lines, in the Florida market. No special enhansed room service menu for suites: even Royal Caribbean does that. Why no couch for the Inside YC Suites; Holland America and Celebrity, have them for their cheapest inside cabins? Why only one small chair per room?

 

The chearleaders can say European, European, European, all they want: this still does not change the fact, that MSC is not meeting its stated public goals, with the US market. People happly pay for Holland America and Princess (both European lines), yet they expect high quality in return. MSC can't outdo Walmart and being Walmart; nor can it outdo Carnival/Costa at being themselves!!

 

Yet, Carnival is much better (non-YC) than MSC in this market and Costa has (I guess) not even tried. I mean, after ten years and three ships in our market, this is really the best MSC can do: this is really very sad?? They must do MUCH better, or they will loose!!

 

I beleive the OP's & my views show above, are true and accurat about the state of the US Caribbean market for MSC. Really its MSC's doing, they have had nearly ten years here, to come to this point. Why a new ship line like Viking, can make an instant hit, even though their experience is river cruising; yet MSC continues with these self inflcited wounds, after ten years expereince, is a mystery to me?

 

Oh, let me not forget to mention, Viking is a "Continental European Line", thus not the dreaded "Americanized experience", oh horrors!

[sidari]

Oh, let me not forget to mention, Viking is a "Continental European Line", thus not the dreaded "Americanized experience", oh horrors!

 

 

No Casino, No kids! customer age demographic over 60 usually! Enough said.

[GOLDENBONNY]

Goldenbonny- you have been a MSc cheerleader and excuse maker for years. You’d be sailing again with or without this video and we all know that. Trying to mislead readers into thinking this video was any type of revelation for you (other than that very nice balcony whirlpool) is ill-spirited.

 

And wasn’t it you who excused MSc when your room steward made fraudulent phone calls on your unlocked cell phone. What ever happened to that anyway? Did MSc ever accept responsibility?

 

And Regarding rcl “can’t even give away” cabins on oasis? You couldn’t be farther from the truth. That statement is downright ignorant.

 

Right now, as in today, a balcony cabin on oasis on a sailing I’ve been tracking is 65% more than a balcony on seaside. Seaside is a much newer ship and should be able to command more if the product was similar.

 

MSc sails with full ships because they discount prices to rock bottom. NO cruise line in the industry discounts like MSc. Sure divina and seaside sailed full, but MSc gives balcony cabins away for less than $500 on nearly each and every single sailing!!!

 

Basic economics 101- IF MSc could charge more and fill their ships they would. Anyone booking MSc and thinking they are getting an even remotely equal experience is kidding themselves.

 

That’s not to say that MSc is not a great choice for those looking for a value based vacation, but to expect Champaign on a beer budget is a recipe for disaster.

 

 

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Now you know better what make me to book a cruise? Really? :confused: I am differently sailing again with MSC in May but I did not planned to book Seaside because I don't like big ships and Jim review made me to change my mind . I do love Opera and I do love Italian Pizza .

Room steward never made a phone call from my room, apparently idiots in my phone company billed me for the call on 1800 toll free number as call for Phillipines . This charge was reversed after a week of arguments with phone company.

RCL doing big promos all the time and lower prices ,much lower that it used to be.

Please don't tell peopole what they think they are booking. I cruised many lines , I can book any line I want and I know the difference what they offer.

You did not like MSC so much but you cruised twice with them and you still waisting your time on this board. Its very wierd.

[BermudaBound2014]

Please don't tell peopole what they think they are booking. I cruised many lines , I can book any line I want and I know the difference what they offer.

You did not like MSC so much but you cruised twice with them and you still waisting your time on this board. Its very wierd.

 

That's fair. My apologies.

 

It's true, I'm very weird, but I do not believe my opinion here is wasted. If more people went on MSC understanding that this is budget cruise line, MSC would get far fewer complaints. I paid less than $879.00 per person for YACHT CLUB. While MSC isn't my favorite line, at those prices, I'd gladly sail her exclusively. I can provide proof of the price I paid also if you are interested.

 

I'll respond to more about pricing tonight. I stand very firm against your statement that MSC and Oasis class price the same. It's not to say that an uneducated consumer might not PAY the same, but that would be a really REALLY bad way to spend money. Evidence forthcoming.

[jocko4279]

Great video as usual Jim. I've been following you for a few years now, and although I wouldn't have an issue with some of the things you found to be negatives on the cruise, I appreciate your thoroughness and enthusiasm. For example I think the deeper pool is a great way to keep the pool from overcrowding and turning in to a "soup with too many ingredients" heh heh. One thing I wanted your opinion on...I am booked in the same cabin category for our upcoming Seaside cruise. In regards to the shower door issue I've been trying to brain storm some life hacks that would alleviate the splashing water issue (maybe packing something for the trip). Any thoughts on this?

[GOLDENBONNY]

That's fair. My apologies.

 

It's true, I'm very weird, but I do not believe my opinion here is wasted. If more people went on MSC understanding that this is budget cruise line, MSC would get far fewer complaints. I paid less than $879.00 per person for YACHT CLUB. While MSC isn't my favorite line, at those prices, I'd gladly sail her exclusively. I can provide proof of the price I paid also if you are interested.

 

I'll respond to more about pricing tonight. I stand very firm against your statement that MSC and Oasis class price the same. It's not to say that an uneducated consumer might not PAY the same, but that would be a really REALLY bad way to spend money. Evidence forthcoming.

 

All cruise lines like CCL,RCL,NCL , MSC , Celebrity and Princess are budget lines . I would put HAL in upper level with food and service .

I believe you paid that much in YC. It was short time period when they did it.

Please go ahead and check prices and promotions for Royal now . :*

[lcpagejr]

All cruise lines like CCL,RCL,NCL , MSC , Celebrity and Princess are budget lines . I would put HAL in upper level with food and service .

I believe you paid that much in YC. It was short time period when they did it.

Please go ahead and check prices and promotions for Royal now . :*

 

BermudaBound is on to something.... YC pricing is very attractive and can't be beat on what this experience includes. I booked my YC Balcony cabin 2 months from cruise date....

 

Compared to NCL-Haven..... 50-60% less

Compared to Vista Havana ...equal price. Of course This experience does not offer anyway near what YC offers.

 

Regular Balcony (Fantastica) ...I use this experience because no alcohol (I realize they get 12 vouchers...but)....The balcony price is way less than RCL....RCL is ussually the highest of the so called "budget lines". Its also less than then Carnival, Princess and NCL Plus the cabin locations are much more consistent and on higher decks than the balcony cabins on other lines

[mafig]

Just back for a second to pool depth.

You can also count us in to the people who prefer a deeper pool. I would never go into the one where there are so many people just standing around in waist-deep water.

 

We have a pool at home and we spend all of our time in the deep end. :cool:

[GOLDENBONNY]

BermudaBound is on to something.... YC pricing is very attractive and can't be beat on what this experience includes. I booked my YC Balcony cabin 2 months from cruise date....

 

Compared to NCL-Haven..... 50-60% less

Compared to Vista Havana ...equal price. Of course This experience does not offer anyway near what YC offers.

 

Regular Balcony (Fantastica) ...I use this experience because no alcohol (I realize they get 12 vouchers...but)....The balcony price is way less than RCL....RCL is ussually the highest of the so called "budget lines". Its also less than then Carnival, Princess and NCL Plus the cabin locations are much more consistent and on higher decks than the balcony cabins on other lines

 

I can only repeat myself . I gave price for royal balcony outside (promenade even cheaper ) and MSC balcony Fantastica . Same dates . I believe its apple to apple .

[DaytonCruiser]

I can only repeat myself . I gave price for royal balcony outside (promenade even cheaper ) and MSC balcony Fantastica . Same dates . I believe its apple to apple .

 

 

 

You compared a 9 year old ship to one that’s brand new. Most wouldn’t call that apples to apples.

[DCGuy64]

You compared a 9 year old ship to one that’s brand new. Most wouldn’t call that apples to apples.

 

 

 

Doesn’t Fantastica give you 12 beverage coupons AND free mealtime soda, beer, wine and mineral water? An apples to apples comparison with RCI needs to take that into account, in my opinion.

 

 

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[lcpagejr]

Doesn’t Fantastica give you 12 beverage coupons AND free mealtime soda, beer, wine and mineral water? An apples to apples comparison with RCI needs to take that into account, in my opinion.

 

 

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DC...Your right.... I tried to clarify that. But in reality Bella is about $80-90/pp cheaper....so that should be used when comparing other lines

[lcpagejr]

I can only repeat myself . I gave price for royal balcony outside (promenade even cheaper ) and MSC balcony Fantastica . Same dates . I believe its apple to apple .

 

Apples and oranges... So many Balcony cabins on many different floors on RCL..... many show obstructed views....some are boardwalk and central park.... I tried to book a RCL cruise during same period as the MSC cruise.... atleast $300-400/pp higher. Granted...I'm not a planner and normally book cruises 3-4 months out and I always cruise high season and during holidays/common school vacation weeks. So maybe there are some closer cost comparisons on off peak weeks....but I have never found RCL to be comparable in cost or even close to Carnival...let alone MSC

[GOLDENBONNY]

You compared a 9 year old ship to one that’s brand new. Most wouldn’t call that apples to apples.

 

Whatever:rolleyes:. Its just a answer that MSC 50% less then RCL . Other RCL ships not far from price of MSC . Go check Allure if its that much matter .

[GOLDENBONNY]

DC...Your right.... I tried to clarify that. But in reality Bella is about $80-90/pp cheaper....so that should be used when comparing other lines

And Oasis promenade balcony cheaper .We can go on and on with this ,point is MSC is not 50% cheaper then RCL or any other line.

[SeaShark]

Since "apples to apples" was mentioned...

 

As the video indicated, you consider this to rank at the bottom of all of the cruises that you have ever taken. For comparison purposes, before you had taken this cruise, which cruise did you consider to be the worst...and specifically, why?

[h0twired]

So, I disagree with your assessment that MSC did not try to design things to appeal to Americans and Canadians.

 

As a Canadian I loved the MSC Seaside (was aboard from Feb 3-10 in a Fantastica balcony cabin) and really enjoyed the longer dinners with my family. We had a 6pm seating and still had more than enough time to get to an 8:15 show.

 

Also, we were cruising as a group of 9 with four kids between the ages of 5-9 and none of them were restless or impatient during dinner. We found it a great way to just sit back and unwind after a busy and fun filled day in the sun.

[Debde]

And Oasis promenade balcony cheaper .We can go on and on with this ,point is MSC is not 50% cheaper then RCL or any other line.

 

Depending on the category you book. I do agree with you but not on all category staterooms.

 

Being that Royal has nothing to compare to the Haven or Yacht club. What they do offer full suite guests, those prices are way too high for an area or service that does not compare. Just my opinion. At least with NCL. MSC-soon to be determined!;)