MSC Seaside seems like the cheaper version of Divina but with a side of sewage

[Beamafar]

I had some doubts, based on early feedback, when we were thinking of booking this cruise. I hedged my bets by booking a YC cabin.....figuring this experience will still be of high quality and consistency and equal/better than the dedicated area experiences (i.e Haven on NCL) on other lines at a much lower price point. More importantly if you are accustomed to a good quality balcony on other lines..... YC is almost equal to the cost especially when bringing a 3rd passenger as we are. Finally...I know MSC will be a little different to the N American cruiselines and have a more international passenger feel. I cruised Costa 2x in the late 90's..... and we enjoyed the difference.....Its been 20 years of the same and continued watered down experience on the other line. Looking forward to experiencing a different vibe and feel on MSC.

 

I must say that, after reading many of your contributions on here, I hope that you plan to share your experiences in YC on Seaside here - I'll look forward to reading about (hopefully) how wonderful and enjoyable it was. Bon Voyage! :)

[Debde]

Just to clarify - Seaview hasn't sailed, yet!

 

ooops LOL Seaside :D Sorry for the confusion.:o

 

Yup-ain't nobody getting pizza on the Seaview!! LOL

[Beamafar]

ooops lol seaside :d sorry for the confusion.:o

 

yup-ain't nobody getting pizza on the seaview!! Lol

 

:d:d:d

Edited March 12, 2018 by Beamafar

[sandpiper35]

I am on the MSC Seaside currently and have been on 2 cruises with MSC on the Divina. I have also been on 2 cruises with Princess and want to share my experience.

 

For anyone that has sailed on the Divina they will tell you the Seaside is a cheap knockoff compared to the elegant Divina.

 

The Balcony rooms are tighter and sofa bed is smaller compared to Divina. Good luck using the bathroom if you are over 5'8". The shower is so small that you can't even move around without accidentally opening the shower door. I only weigh 155lbs and can't imagine what my brothers or friends reaction would be to the size of the bathrooms.

 

Lower number of power outlets in the room and no way to access HDMI (source menu is missing) on the TV.

 

The dining rooms no longer have the charm and chairs are super cheap / decor is average.

 

No more Pizza bar where you can get amazing pizza pies made fresh just for you. Your only option is to get some very basic and bland pizza in the buffet.

 

The sewage smell is still an issue on the ship and is unacceptable for a ship that is 4 months old

 

The new reservation system sounds great on paper for the entertainment but what they don't tell you is they will give your seats away if you don't show up 5 min before.

 

The theater is much smaller and due to them shrinking everything this means 3 dining times and 3 show times.

 

Even employees are complaining that the three round of feeding folks is really stressing them out compared to the 2 on the Divina.

 

Overall the MSC product has been diluted and is nothing like we experienced with DIVINA.

 

I will be spending my hard earned dollars on a product that is consistent and is focused on the passenger instead of their profit margins.

 

#BringBackDivina

 

 

 

Thank You for your review.

 

 

Cheers.

[Formula280SS]

I am on the MSC Seaside currently and have been on 2 cruises with MSC on the Divina.

 

For anyone that has sailed on the Divina they will tell you the Seaside is a cheap knockoff compared to the elegant Divina.

 

#BringBackDivina

 

Sorry, 99% opposite of what we've heard from other "former Divina" passengers last week or this week to date; all over the ship AND 100% opposite of our "former Divina" experience.

 

Love 'em both, but the comment of a "cheap knockoff" re: Divina is absurd IMO.

 

FYI, Divina was not retired or sunk; you can go to the MSC website, or any TA, and BOOK DIVINA.

[JayceeP]

I’m on Seaside currently too. The sewage complaint is overblown. I have noticed it moderately up on the deck waiting to use the water slides.... but that’s it. Nowhere else have I smelled it. I’m also 6’4, 205lbs and the rooms don’t seem much different than any others. I do find the ceilings to be a bit lower in some of the hallways but I could just be wrong too.

 

The decor could be a bit better but the Amenities on this ship are much better for families than, say, Princess. More things to keep kids busy.

[lcpagejr]

"The decor could be a bit better"

Could you elaborate??? If anything the decor has always been the one area people have given this ship consistent rave reviews (glamorous, glitzy, shiney, etc)!!

[TrinaLC]

"The decor could be a bit better"

Could you elaborate??? If anything the decor has always been the one area people have given this ship consistent rave reviews (glamorous, glitzy, shiney, etc)!!

 

 

 

The cabins are done in brown and beige, honestly a bit boring. But the public spaces are beautiful. (Cabins are nice, referring only to the color scheme. )

 

 

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[suzyed]

Because when I cruise I go with an open mind and not with inspector/meal critic attitude. I realize there will be some situations which could have been handled better and meals which may not suit my taste. I read reviews which are 100% differing???? I also read similar reviews on other boards about other lines inconsistency. I've cruised long enough to understand that the "majority" of the time....these negative/con comments either didn't impact us or I did not come across.....

 

I had some doubts, based on early feedback, when we were thinking of booking this cruise. I hedged my bets by booking a YC cabin.....figuring this experience will still be of high quality and consistency and equal/better than the dedicated area experiences (i.e Haven on NCL) on other lines at a much lower price point. More importantly if you are accustomed to a good quality balcony on other lines..... YC is almost equal to the cost especially when bringing a 3rd passenger as we are. Finally...I know MSC will be a little different to the N American cruiselines and have a more international passenger feel. I cruised Costa 2x in the late 90's..... and we enjoyed the difference.....Its been 20 years of the same and continued watered down experience on the other lines. Looking forward to experiencing a different vibe and feel on MSC.

We booked Seaside because it was a new ship, knowing there would be some glitches. We went with an open mind and a real sense of excitement! We enjoyed our cruise very much but the two biggest issues for us were the lack of storage in the cabin (which, ironically has been mentioned on this forum but not as much as I would have expected) and the crew's lack of knowledge on how the various packages worked...coffee cards, drink vouchers, wine packages, etc. If you are in YC, that won't be an issue but for the other 4,400 or so, folks, on the ship, it could well be.

I hope you enjoy your cruise!!

[suzyed]

Sorry, 99% opposite of what we've heard from other "former Divina" passengers last week or this week to date; all over the ship AND 100% opposite of our "former Divina" experience.

 

Love 'em both, but the comment of a "cheap knockoff" re: Divina is absurd IMO.

 

FYI, Divina was not retired or sunk; you can go to the MSC website, or any TA, and BOOK DIVINA.

Not at all a cheap knockoff but definitely a few items to be taken care of (many knobs and levers in the public restroom stalls are falling apart and the locks and toilets don't work) but I am sure in time they will be taken care of.

 

Both ships are beautiful but very different in style! The Divina is, indeed, elegant and lovely....the Seaside is more sleek and modern.

[faiz23]

I am back from the cruise and the feedback I provided before and below is for MSC to use to improve. They have heavily invested in this space with new ships coming up and need every bit of feedback to get the return on investment they are looking for. They can make small adjustment now before the new ships are made and get nice returns in the process.

 

I would still book MSC cruise if I knew the same staff would be on board. Not sure if I would do it for a new ship with a staff that wasn't as friendly as seaside or divina. The staff for me is what makes the cruise. I was much happier on the Divina but accepted the seaside with 80% divina staff.

Seaside was a way for MSC to charge more for their product and luckily they got one thing right and that is the staff. Not 100% sure if MSC will be my next cruise company or if I will try someone new. The value is good and I was smart to book everything as soon as I boarded at 3 PM Saturday. If I missed shows or had to take late shows or late/early specialty dining that would have an impact in terms of value from the cruise. You might find value in Casino or zipline but for me the value is in the shows, staff, ports and price.

To get to number 1 in US market and keep their product consistent across all their new ships they will have to replicate what worked on the Divina and all the other ships in their fleet. They are about to double their fleet and need honest feedback.

They will be increasing their prices every year and eventually match Royal, Princess, Holland and NCL rates. To be able to do that they will need to make some small improvements along the way.

 

The cabin shower is extremely tight. You hit your knee caps when using the toilet. The storage is very limited and outlets too.

 

No more Pizza bar where you can get amazing pizza pies made fresh just for you (supreme flavor). Your only option is to get some very basic and bland pizza in the buffet or go to your room and order room service. Pay the fee and wait for it to be delivered and only available during certain hours of the day.

 

Cabin steward was never around to clean during the day. He would do it late at 6PM and didn't pull out the sofa bed all the way. Just had the bottom pads wrapped in bed sheet.

Ceiling above the Bed keeps on rattling. You have to push it up to get it to stop buzzing/vibrating/ratting every night. The seas were super calm to me and I can't imagine the LED ceiling above the bed in rough seas.

 

Arcade selection of games for kid has been cut drastically compared to Divina. They need to add 3 more games for better selection.

 

Shrinking the size of the theater was not a smart decision. It limits the types of shows or acts performers can do on stage. Also limits how many folks can get in and then you give away seats so folks get angry. Folks get angry because they can't attend due to limited seats. Your shows are the best on sea and making your performers act three times and still folks can't attend because you are sold out.

 

I am fine with 3 dining times and 3 theater times but your employees absolutely hate it. They are stressed and it shows.

Dining room chairs are cheap and uncomfortable. The charm and decor in iPanema is pathethic compared to black crab or villa rossa dining room

 

 

Fantastica drink tickets were more than enough and even our son got one (non-alcoholic)

I did the 3 for $69 dining package and enjoyed it. Main dining room food was similar to divina but not up to same level as Princess. I enjoyed Roy Yamaguchi's restaurant the most.

We were happy with the premium internet package. You get 4 devices with 6000 mb to use in total. I did use the addditional top off for the internet but felt it was pricey. Should have been about $15 cheaper. The speed and ping still has some more improvement that can be made.

 

Not allowing cruise critics member to attend the get together unless they pre-register is unacceptable. Even when you do they have an issue with getting the pictures up to you from the event.

 

Sewage smell is unacceptable. I smell it all over the ships. It is reeking out of the drains, on deck 6,7,8 and by the water slides.

 

What did you spend a billion dollars on? A floating sewage tank???

Edited March 19, 2018 by faiz23

[Beamafar]

If possible, can you edit your post and change 'Seaview' (3rd paragraph) with 'Seaside'. Otherwise, anyone who does a search for 'Seaview' may end up reading your post about Seaside.

[faiz23]

If possible, can you edit your post and change 'Seaview' (3rd paragraph) with 'Seaside'. Otherwise, anyone who does a search for 'Seaview' may end up reading your post about Seaside.

 

Done. Thanks for that. This was MSC Seaside out of Miami.

[faiz23]

Because when I cruise I go with an open mind and not with inspector/meal critic attitude.

 

 

You realize the website you are on is Cruise Critic.:rolleyes::')

 

 

OP of course entitled to that opinion but good lord, these are two vastly different ships, and like always some pluses and minuses. The title of OP’s post seems to be on purpose over the top, an agenda?

 

We are onboard SS now, and have sailed divina. They are both wonderful. We are scheduled back on divina in Nov and SS a year from now. Can’t wait for either.

 

The staff are as nice as can be. I’m sue with a crew of perhaps over a thousand there will be some to complain, as would be true on any line, but we have only seen smiling faces.

 

 

 

 

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My agenda is to get good value from the cruise and also be a critic at the same time. That is why I am on cruise critic as a member. What is your agenda? :confused:

[sidari]

Faiz ... Having read quite a few reports from last weeks cruise elsewhere not one person mentioned any smells and some reports were very long, the one I did read on cc mentioned a smell by the kids pool, others reported actually walking around the whole ship and found no smell at all! but you did.

If cruise critic posters cannot be bothered to join a roll call and cannot be bothered to sign up to the meet and mingle why should they just be allowed to turn up and walk in to a pre arranged meeting? after all they could be anyone claiming to be a poster on cc.

[cruzeluver]

After 20 plus cruises primarily on Celebrity and Royal, we found nothing about Seaside to be cheap. Ship is gorgeous, soft furnishings were of a high quality and the decor lovely. I agree wholeheartedly with those who find some of these negative reviews way overblown and exaggerated. But hey, they get attention don't they?

[TrinaLC]

Just off SS. There is no longer an odor problem. Disagree with OP on that one! And we looked (or sniffed!) all over the place. Got no more than on occasional whiff typical of any cruise ship.

 

Also disagree on theater. We liked the reservation system, a bit of planning and you can easily reserve and get a seat with no hassle. Agree the shows are fantastic.

 

We were YC so can’t comment on some other points but MSC would be well advised to consider additional free dining mini options, to give greater variety and lighten the load on the buffet spaces - Carnival is a great example of this with Guys burgers, Deli, Pizza, burrito stand. They have the space in the underused Bistro and garage among others.

 

And major point of agreement, the staff are wonderful.

 

 

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[Sirgym]

I think the restaurants should really charge for that “side of sewage.” It’s particularly tasty with lobster tail or the ubiquitous filet.

 

 

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[TrinaLC]

I think the restaurants should really charge for that “side of sewage.” It’s particularly tasty with lobster tail or the ubiquitous filet.

 

 

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We did not experience anything like this onboard last week and many others have reported the same.

 

Shame that a few feel the need to perpetuate snarkily.

 

 

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[Sirgym]

Sorry...was being sarcastic about the OP’s thread title. The sewage problem has been solved.

[TrinaLC]

Sorry to have misunderstood you! Yes OP’s title an attention seeker

 

 

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[JAGR]

If the bring it back, you won't get your YC interior. Did you not know that an interior room is, by its very nature, a small room?

 

SMH!

 

 

Excellent points that is my feeling exactly. Everyone that we talked to last week which includes guest and employees favored the Divina over the Seaside. We were in the YC interior and the shower was the smallest shower we have ever encountered and i have the battle scars to prove it. I second that "BRING BACK THE DIVINA" !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Danny61231]

If the bring it back, you won't get your YC interior. Did you not know that an interior room is, by its very nature, a small room?

 

SMH!

My interior room on the Seaside was 172 square feet... not that small in my opinion! SMH

 

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[JAGR]

And it was much larger than the non-existent YIN on your Davina was my point!

[Danny61231]

If the bring it back, you won't get your YC interior. Did you not know that an interior room is, by its very nature, a small room?

 

SMH!

 

Just refuting the exact statement you made...

 

"Did you not know that an interior room is, by its very nature, a small room?"

 

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