Dazzling Ship with a few disappointments . A non Yacht club Seaside review. Jan 2018

We flew into Fort Lauderdale three days prior and Ubered to Port of Miami on the morning of the cruise. It is much cheaper to fly into FLL airport and our Uber was only 41$ total. Fort Lauderdale beach area has a laid back vibe and is just beautiful. We stayed at a small hotel overlooking Route A1A and the beautiful Atlantic Ocean. We easily walked or Ubered anywhere we wanted to go. Food there is much better priced than in Miami and the entire atmosphere here was very relaxed. We enjoyed our pre-cruise stay very much.

Embarkation was the best and easiest of the 10 cruises we have been on. Not sure if it's Port of Miami or MSC that deserves credit for this as this is our first time departing from Miami. At any rate, we were very pleased to arrive at the terminal at 1130 am and be on the ship by 12 noon! Upon entering the gorgeous atrium we were greeted by many smiling MSC staff members. I asked about the credit card kiosks and one was pointed out to me immediately. I was able to register our card easily- only took 5 min or less. I think this is a great idea because it helps the terminal registration go that much quicker and smoother. I went to Guest Services to inquire after the Msc bracelets and was told that the Info Desk ( just across the atrium) is where I could purchase these. Luckily I didn't have to wait too long in guest services just to find this out. In no time at all we had our bracelets - loved them as they could be used onboard just like a sign and sail card and they unlocked our room door as well. Very handy. Our drink package info was also loaded on them so we just held up our wrist and were scanned when we ordered a drink.

Promptly at 2 pm it was announced that all cabins were ready. We found our forward deck 10 Fantastica stateroom to be well laid out , beautiful and clean. The only difficult and awkward issue was the toilet in our restroom was at an odd angle and right up against the sink counter area. The logistics of this bothered us more than the small shower. We did love the soap dispenser built right into the sink ( no messy little bar soaps) and the shampoo and shower gel dispensers in the shower. We always were provided plenty of bath towels , hand towels and yes- washcloths each day. Each day our room steward would take our used beach towels and leave 2 more clean ones for us. We never had to hassle with returning beach towels to a pool deck kiosk and signing for new ones. We could walk back to our stateroom wrapped up in our beach towels and know we we would have clean ones provided by our room steward for the next day. I really appreciated the ease of this as compared to how other lines handle it. Our steward Khristian was always smiling and helpful without being intrusive. One stormy evening I returned to the room to get ready for dinner and found that my room door would not open, the light would turn green but couldn't for the life of me open that door. I saw Khristian down the hall and motioned frantically . He came down tried a couple time then said- " Ah- airlock, airlock! " He then proceeds to shove door with all his might . The door flies open , all the papers and light items come blowing towards us from inside our cabin, and there is my dear husband , in just his underwear out in the balcony with the balcony door wide open, watching the waves and the storm! We all had the best chuckle about that!

Dining room staff were very friendly as well but we only ate in the dining room twice out of our 7 day cruise. A couple nights we just didn't feel like putting ourselves together, one night I was ill with a stomach bug, and we ate in the specialty steakhouse one night. The two nights we did eat in the dining room , the entrees were edible but not great . We enjoyed the buffet food for breakfast, thought there were a lot of choices and really liked all the outdoor dining around deck 8. Dinner buffet choices were very redundant , so much so that by the end of the cruise I was really ready to be done with the buffet. I have never felt this way in nine previous cruises. I couldn't help but think that the best quality and variety of foods on this ship were to be found in the Yacht Club restaurant , and the commoners were left with more low quality redundant choices. We are easily entertained and we were very happy wih the shows each night. It was very easy to make reservations on our stateroom televisions. We did miss the stand up comedy that we have come to expect on other cruises. There was an improv comedy show each night on this cruise, but I guess improv isn't something we enjoy, we walked out after about 30 minutes the first night . Enjoyed the casino, the many lounges with live music , and the area of Venchi chocolate and coffee bar very much. Unfortunately we were told that our paper drink voucher coupons were not accepted for the coffee bar or any of the gelato bars . I've noticed on recent posts that this has since been changed and they are now accepted there .

During the days at sea, there were adult craft activities, atrium entertainment, shopping and the casino. We enjoyed playing cards, reading and relaxing. Some of the activities we normally love to do on a sea day ( soak in hot tubs and lay out on loungers near the pool area, or go for walks around the ship ) were very challenging and we ended up disappointed. The hot tubs that were free for all to use, were either lukewarm or packed with kids. The spa hot tubs were only for Aurea level or if you paid extra for a spa pass.

We were unable to find a good stretch of outer deck to walk around. The ship has a very choppy design and we had a lot of " you can't get there from here" moments. Deck 8'that appears to be a great outer promenade for walking is taken up by the many dining tables and chairs of the deck 8 buffet outdoor dining area, or the outside areas of the Aurea spa. There are short stretches that are filled with loungers that we could access but then we kept getting blocked off by outside walls or doors that only other levels could access. Around the pools there is just not enough space to accommodate the number of passengers . There is no tiered decking in pool areas, and in the case of the South Beach Aft pool precious deck space is taken up with tables and chairs for the two bars/ cafes that are also back there. Not enough room for many loungers at all at this pool.

Our one ship purchased excursion in Antigua was the lobster catamaran sail. It was wonderful and was the highlight of our cruise. Would definitely recommend for all ages. Antigua is just beautiful and we were so happy to be able to see and enjoy that port. In Saint Thomas we had planned to take a taxi to Coki Beach, but that was the day I was sick with a stomach virus and needed to be fairly close to a bathroom all day and night. We ended up taking a cab into downtown , sitting in a restaurant overlooking the harbor and sipping Gatorade , enjoying the view, people watching and free wifi. Spent the rest of the day on the ship. In Nassau it was extremely windy so we took a normal taxi to Atlantis and walked all thru the property. We knew enough not to go into their pool areas, but in all other areas no one ever stopped us from looking around. We also spent a lot of time where the yachts are docked, admiring all of them. Very nice day. Our last 3 nights on the cruise we were awakened by a strong smell of paint thinner or turpentine. On the last day of the cruise we smelled this also in the hallways of deck 10 during the day. Each time it was reported and then it did go away. Quite a few times on various decks we smelled the sewer smell. More smells in this ship than any of our past cruises.

Our disembarkation was truly the easiest and fastest of all our cruises. Again , kudos to Port of Miami and MSC for making it so. We chose self depart as we only had 2 carryon luggages and a tote bag and backpack. We exited our cabin at 630 am, got into a small line in the atrium on deck 5, and by 650 we were off the ship and thru customs! Amazing. We didn't have to fill out a declaration form this time either. Easy breezy. We got Uber and were at our hotel in Fort Lauderdale by 745 am! So if you want to avoid lines and traffic it's definitely worth being an early bird on your disembark day.

I'm a firm believer that any cruise is a good cruise. This was a good cruise but the class system on this ship was very noticeable and caused frustration at various times for us. The choppy layout and no substantial outer deck walking space was disappointing. Variety and quality of food for the non Yacht club member disappointing. I would not choose Msc again based on these things since there are many other lines that I know I could have all these things and more - for a normal everyday persons fare.

What experience did you purchase? How was the MDR? Thanks for your review!

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I do walk a half hour at least every day. Is there a deck you would recommend over the others?

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Thanks for the review. This will be my ninth cruise and I have sailed various lines from Holland, Princess, NCL, Royal, etc ..... I know a few cruise lines like NCl have the Haven area similar to the Yacht Club. I have never heard anyone say they felt inferior because of this or second class until the Yacht Club on MSC. You're not the first to report feeling this way. In no way have I ever felt like steerage and if I do simply because I booked Bella with my two kids I won't sail MSC ever again after my April cruise. I think everyone who can afford to cruise wants and deserves to feel like they are "special" or at least equal by a cruise line. There are only so many Yacht Club rooms to be had ........ With Yacht club being treated like gold with lobster tails-a-plenty and Bella being forced into the buffet area for dinner, MSC is making it ever apparent that there is a class system on Seaside ..... Titanic anyone? Let these feelings continue to be expressed among the cruising community and see how well this doesn't work out for MSC in the long run.

There is no class system on MSC, for those in a Bella cabin the only places you cannot access are the YC which is the same for everyone else and the Top 19 area. You have access to the rest of the ship.

Seaside is in effect no different from the rest of the fleet in so far as the small print states that certain guests may be accomodated in an area of the buffet when there is no space In the MDR.

Thanks for the review. Unfortunately the areas around the pool are always packed in the big ships, including the MSC ships. We find it very difficult to be on that area on sea days. In those ships a balcony is a must for us.

Ivi

...MSC is making it ever apparent that there is a class system on Seaside ..... Titanic anyone? Let these feelings continue to be expressed among the cruising community and see how well this doesn't work out for MSC in the long run.

The "ship within a ship" concept is growing because of success. NCL has The Haven, MSC has the Yacht Club, and (soon) Celebrity has The Retreat which is "ship within a ship" on Edge without being called that (the concept worries/bothers many Celebrity faithful).

Personally, I don't see it as a class system. I see options. I look at it like buying a car. The base trim level might have a 4 or 6 cylinder but the top of the line has a V8. People pick what they want and get (also pay) more.

Thanks for the review. Unfortunately the areas around the pool are always packed in the big ships, including the MSC ships. We find it very difficult to be on that area on sea days. In those ships a balcony is a must for us.

Ivi

There are so many areas with sun beds and places to sit. We saw people sat reading in the wicker chairs on deck 8.

And also not aware of any class system.

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What experience did you purchase? How was the MDR? Thanks for your review!

 

 

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"We found our forward deck 10 Fantastica stateroom to be well laid out , beautiful and clean."

"We found our forward deck 10 Fantastica stateroom to be well laid out , beautiful and clean."

We had a cabin on deck 10 Forward and had the same room steward....he was fantastic!! We never wanted for anything and he always greeted us with a smile and asked if everything was ok and if we needed anything! Wonderful, wonderful!!!

Cabin storage is non-existant...two drawers and two shelves were just not sufficient for two adults for two weeks.

I do walk a half hour at least every day. Is there a deck you would recommend over the others?

 

 

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We never found a good deck for walking:(

There are so many areas with sun beds and places to sit. We saw people sat reading in the wicker chairs on deck 8.

And also not aware of any class system.

 

 

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Aurea experience would have opened up a bit more options for us and been more enjoyable.

The "ship within a ship" concept is growing because of success. NCL has The Haven, MSC has the Yacht Club, and (soon) Celebrity has The Retreat which is "ship within a ship" on Edge without being called that (the concept worries/bothers many Celebrity faithful).

 

Personally, I don't see it as a class system. I see options. I look at it like buying a car. The base trim level might have a 4 or 6 cylinder but the top of the line has a V8. People pick what they want and get (also pay) more.

Yes it's fine for some of the lines and if you go into it expecting it. I had just never been on a cruiseline where other than your stateroom being different ( interior, ocean view, balcony , suite) where there were so many other differences based on what level you purchased. I would have chosen Aurea to at least open up Top 19 access and spa access. But that wouldn't have helped with the subpar food and the lack of outdoor walking deck

Thanks for the review. Unfortunately the areas around the pool are always packed in the big ships, including the MSC ships. We find it very difficult to be on that area on sea days. In those ships a balcony is a must for us.

Ivi

Yes, we have been mostly on ships with tiered decking near the pool areas- so you can still be somewhat near the pool and still get a lounger ...

We had a cabin on deck 10 Forward and had the same room steward....he was fantastic!! We never wanted for anything and he always greeted us with a smile and asked if everything was ok and if we needed anything! Wonderful, wonderful!!!

Cabin storage is non-existant...two drawers and two shelves were just not sufficient for two adults for two weeks.

Yes we loved Khristian!' We were fine with the cabin storage but found the toilet placement very awkward:) Did you ever notice a bad smell of paint thinner in your cabin or hallway?

There is no class system on MSC, for those in a Bella cabin the only places you cannot access are the YC which is the same for everyone else and the Top 19 area. You have access to the rest of the ship.

Seaside is in effect no different from the rest of the fleet in so far as the small print states that certain guests may be accomodated in an area of the buffet when there is no space In the MDR.

The food quality and choices appear much better in Yacht club member photos.....and I really miss not being able to get a forward view from the ship as the yacht club takes up that whole area. the fantastic forward facing solariums on Royal Caribbeans Oasis class - the lowest paying passenger had access to this area

Thank you for your review/report.

Keith

"and I really miss not being able to get a forward view from the ship as the yacht club takes up that whole area. the fantastic forward facing solariums on Royal Caribbeans Oasis class - the lowest paying passenger had access to this area"

Geonurse ... I agree with you on this issue and have made comment about it a number of times, something MSC clearly do not see as an issue.

The food quality and choices appear much better in Yacht club member photos.....and I really miss not being able to get a forward view from the ship as the yacht club takes up that whole area. the fantastic forward facing solariums on Royal Caribbeans Oasis class - the lowest paying passenger had access to this area

Plus 1, but I do not think that MSC will change that no matter how many people do not like it.

Ivi

The food quality and choices appear much better in Yacht club member photos.....and I really miss not being able to get a forward view from the ship as the yacht club takes up that whole area. the fantastic forward facing solariums on Royal Caribbeans Oasis class - the lowest paying passenger had access to this area

We enjoy the forward facing lounges on ships and we usually spend some time up there on sea days.

However, most of the time we are the only people there.

:confused:

Yes it's fine for some of the lines and if you go into it expecting it. I had just never been on a cruiseline where other than your stateroom being different ( interior, ocean view, balcony , suite) where there were so many other differences based on what level you purchased.

That would be "tua culpa" (as opposed to mea culpa). MSC provides the info and people should research before making their decision.

I would have chosen Aurea to at least open up Top 19 access and spa access.

Good idea.

But that wouldn't have helped with the subpar food and the lack of outdoor walking deck

Again, I see it as choices. Buffet - MDR - Specialty restaurant - (even Yacht Club).....all choices. I don't know how the food will taste so time will tell. What some don't like might be good for others (pizza style, for example).

Yes, we have been mostly on ships with tiered decking near the pool areas- so you can still be somewhat near the pool and still get a lounger ...

We never had an issue finding a place to sit by the pools.

Yes we loved Khristian!' We were fine with the cabin storage but found the toilet placement very awkward:) Did you ever notice a bad smell of paint thinner in your cabin or hallway?

No not by us....just that "landfill" smell on deck 10 midship.

No not by us....just that "landfill" smell on deck 10 midship.

Was your cabin on Deck 10 where the odor was? If so, would you mind telling me your cabin number?

Thank-you for your report/review.