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Questions Regarding MSC Seaside

TravelinGert

By TravelinGert,
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Beamafar Great Review Rare

Beamafar

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It seems to be just another sneaky watering down of the Voyagers Club benefits and may be as a result of so many people status-matching to Black Card level.

 

 

Bea ... Those were my thoughts exactly on the ship when Valentina showed us the paperwork about this subject, while it may be bringing in extra revenue I believe they have made a rod for their own back with the status match.

Also it seems that they have removed the wellbeing package from the Aurea experience as we have discussed previously. I have a copy here of the old Loyalty programme with all the previous privileges on it, headed MSC A truly rewarding experience !

 

We received the "Well-being kit" in early September 2016 on Sinfonia. By October, when we embarked Sinfonia 6 weeks later, it had been "discontinued".

 

ETA What's really irksome is that there is never any notification anywhere of these changes. More and more, I'm finding that the goalposts keep changing from one cruise to the next (we've been cruising on average every 12 weeks for the last few years, though not anymore!)

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nikkiw60 "Live from...." Rare

nikkiw60

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We received the "Well-being kit" in early September 2016 on Sinfonia. By October, when we embarked Sinfonia 6 weeks later, it had been "discontinued".

 

ETA What's really irksome is that there is never any notification anywhere of these changes. More and more, I'm finding that the goalposts keep changing from one cruise to the next (we've been cruising on average every 12 weeks for the last few years, though not anymore!)

 

 

 

Do we still get the Reed diffuser for Aurea?

 

 

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TravelinGert

TravelinGert

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I didn't see (or maybe missed it) a confirmation who can use the aft elevators besides the guests going top-bottom. Is it really only the aft suites that can stop them on any floor?

 

I've seen people saying both so I don't know. Hopefully someone who's been on the ship can answer? It seems weird given a person might have family in that section while they're elsewhere on the ship. Also seen people saying when a YC guest steps on the elevators toward the front it removes all other requests and goes immediately to the YC level leaving the any others in the elevator to reset their requests after they've gotten off. Don't know what happens with them on the rear elevators.

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Tall-Cruiser

Tall-Cruiser

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I've seen people saying both so I don't know. Hopefully someone who's been on the ship can answer? It seems weird given a person might have family in that section while they're elsewhere on the ship. Also seen people saying when a YC guest steps on the elevators toward the front it removes all other requests and goes immediately to the YC level leaving the any others in the elevator to reset their requests after they've gotten off. Don't know what happens with them on the rear elevators.

 

Anyone can use the aft elevators. I have been on it several times. Once to try to take pictures from there but it was dark outside already and thus couldn't. The other times to enjoy the view and show other person in our group the glass bottom bridge (Bridge of Sigh). One of the pictures I posted in my review was from one of those trips. All times, I entered from South Beach near the Gelato shop. One time I accidentally pressed the wrong deck and it stopped there. I have also seen other people in there just like me taking the ride to enjoy the view. Hope this helps.

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suzyed

suzyed

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Pretty crazy....so much of our original itinerary has been changed....first the Private Island not being ready and then with the hurricanes, a few more islands were switched out. I get it, it happens....but NOT ONE SINGLE NOTIFICATION from MSC to fill us in on the changes!

Now normally, I guess we could just go check on our sailing online, right? Except the changes were not reflected for quit some time, then some were changed but not others, and finally....MOST days we can't even get on the website!!

Very frustrating!!

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nikkiw60 "Live from...." Rare

nikkiw60

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Pretty crazy....so much of our original itinerary has been changed....first the Private Island not being ready and then with the hurricanes, a few more islands were switched out. I get it, it happens....but NOT ONE SINGLE NOTIFICATION from MSC to fill us in on the changes!

 

Now normally, I guess we could just go check on our sailing online, right? Except the changes were not reflected for quit some time, then some were changed but not others, and finally....MOST days we can't even get on the website!!

 

Very frustrating!!

 

 

 

We were originally on the February 15th Divina sailing and found out about the changes via The forums and checking the US website.

We only got official notice of the changes in December when we received an email from MSC asking if we would like to change our cruise!

 

 

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SNJCruisers

SNJCruisers

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We only got official notice of the changes in December when we received an email from MSC asking if we would like to change our cruise!

 

 

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At least you got an email from MSC. We're on the Seaside next week and we still have never received any communication regarding the elimination of Ocean Cay on day 7 and the subsequent substitution of Costa Maya on day 6.

 

I wonder if there will be passengers on the ship next week that didn't scrutinize their paperwork and they still think the ship is going to Ocean Cay? Only a small percentage of cruisers are on CC or FB, so there's bound to be someone that still thinks Ocean Cay is still on the itinerary.

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TravelinGert

TravelinGert

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At least you got an email from MSC. We're on the Seaside next week and we still have never received any communication regarding the elimination of Ocean Cay on day 7 and the subsequent substitution of Costa Maya on day 6.

 

I wonder if there will be passengers on the ship next week that didn't scrutinize their paperwork and they still think the ship is going to Ocean Cay? Only a small percentage of cruisers are on CC or FB, so there's bound to be someone that still thinks Ocean Cay is still on the itinerary.

 

I'm not sure if I ever got an email from MSC regarding Ocean Cay not being ready for my sailing. I read about it on here first and then signed onto MSC website where it showed Nassau instead of Ocean Cay. MSC seems to send a lot of marketing emails and I don't always dig through all of them, so they may very well have notified me.

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suzyed

suzyed

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I'm not sure if I ever got an email from MSC regarding Ocean Cay not being ready for my sailing. I read about it on here first and then signed onto MSC website where it showed Nassau instead of Ocean Cay. MSC seems to send a lot of marketing emails and I don't always dig through all of them, so they may very well have notified me.

We NEVER got any about Ocean Cay or any of the other changes.

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TravelinGert

TravelinGert

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*Scans of MDR menus and DAILIES greatly appreciated!*

Questions and Answers so far:

1. When and Where is the CC Meet and Mingle?

 

Answer: They've been holding them at 4 or 4:30 on the first sea day in the Haven lounge.

 

2. I've read a lot about musical offerings on the ship including Latin, Opera, and such. Are these all being held in the Metropolitan Theater? If not what other locations should we be watching out for on our cruise?

 

Answer: The theater is putting on shows at 7:30, 9:15, and 10:15 or 10:30 PM at least in the Dailies I've seen so far. All the clubs have performances and / or parties as listed in the Dailies as well including a Disco party at the Garage Disco and dance classes and performances at the Haven Lounge. BeerProv has been in the Theater at 11:30 PM and has been well received but reportedly not child friendly. :)

 

3. How were the lines for the zip line and water slides?

 

Answer: The lines for slides and ziplines have been reported as not bad but lengthening as the cruise progresses. They started charging $10 for one or $50 for unlimited zipline rides for all guests in the same cabin and reportedly something for the sliding board interactive slide the first post-holiday cruise so my guess is those lines just got a lot shorter. I have not seen reported what the charge is for the slide or if the $50 per cabin fee covers that as well.

 

4. How about some pictures of the menus from the MDR?

 

Ashley from CC has kindly posted this and other images above just scroll back to Post 62. Also found another example of an MDR menu for a formal Gala night here.These are from the TA. Thread posted up for MDR menus and Dailies here. Looks like they're using the same menus as Divina most likely if that helps anyone with special dietary concerns.

 

MDR Kid's Menu Here.

 

5. What about the Sports Bar ? Additionally could we get a picture of the food menu?

 

Answer: Sports Bar Menu here and here and here and here and here courtesy of Ashley at CC. Some occasionally report free nachos available.

 

6. What are the height or age requirements for the slides?

 

Answer: Ashley@CC says for the Adventure Trail, it's 32 inches/80 cm.

 

7. Could we see the non-alcoholic and coffee beverage menus, please? Also could we get confirmation as to where the ice cream and coffee drinks included on the drink plans are available?

 

Answer: So far all I have definite is some of the menus on this thread have non-alocholic and coffee drinks. More in posts #66 and #67 of this thread from Ashley.

 

Ashley also reports in post #120: Venchi gelato is included in the beverage packages. Venchi coffee, up to a value of $7.50, is included in the classic drink package. The premium package includes all Venchi coffee drinks. Retails items are not included in the beverage packages.

 

More about Venchi:

 

They sell classic lemon, hazelnut spread, and etc crepes which are not included in any drink package. Price unknown.

 

Chocolates are $10 per 100 grams which roughly equals between 6 and 7 chocolates.

Boxes are $15-40+ and $17 for the hazelnut spread used in many of their drinks. They had a cut price sale on these items the last day of the last holiday cruise.

 

If you have the Deluxe plan they offer chocolate cocktails ($8.50 ea) and an espresso trio that includes a cup of espresso and three chocolates ($4.00 ea trio). They also offer a chocolate-covered gelato bar price unknown.

 

8. Please post links to some pictures of the themed events and / or a list of themed events currently being held on the Seaside. Some of us like to bring costumes.

 

Answer: No photos but recent updates say there is a White Night, Pirate Party, Disco/Flower/70s bell bottoms party, country, Italian, and Gatsby/roaring 20s. Reports are they are not great about communicating some of these. Italian is mostly dinner and may also be referred to as "Mediterenian". Good news make sure to get a photo of your table they'll give you a free print! Also not at all well communicated. On some cruises they are passing out vouchers to cabins, though.

 

9. Is there a cigar bar? If not where is smoking allowed?

 

Answer : Smoking is not allowed in cabins, on anyone's balcony, or in any area not specifically marked with signs. Thus far it has been reported one side of Miami Beach Pool, the slots area of the casino with extra ventillation, and a part of deck 19 are labeled for smoking. Any updates appreciated.

 

10. Are there any drink coupons available on board such as the 18 for $89?

 

Answer: Drink coupons can no longer be bought but still come with Fantastica plans. Ask your cabin steward and he should bring 12 coupons which some report you must sign for.

11. What restaurants are included for the Black card dinners?

Answer reported my Ashley at CC in post #120 Black card members are entitled to a complimentary specialty restaurant “Tasting Menu” dinner for 2 once during the cruise (beverages excluded). Offer is per stateroom. Except when it isn't - conflicting reports from many who've recently sailed. The tasting menus we refer to are the same as the dining experience menus. Guests can choose from any restaurant on board.

 

12. How about menus for the specialty restaurants?

Answer: Found this thread. Ashley@CC reports she has added the Bistrot La Boheme and she has also been kind enough to answer other questions as well.

 

Butcher's Cut and Ocean Cay and Chef Roy's Teppanyaki and Sushi and also Bistrot La Boheme and drinks menu Courtesy of Ashley@CC

 

Dining section of Ashley's review

 

13. How much are the YC cabanas topside?

Answer: This thread reports $149 on sea days and $99 on port days.

14. Is the Specialty Restaurant Trio available on board and how much?

 

Answer: jmele999 had this to report: They told me about the $69 pp trio special which uses the set menu shown in links above reportedly. Ocean cay is $40 pp which includes a 25% discount. There is a $75 pp Chef’s table at Butcher’s cut.

 

15. Can we get details regarding under-3s baby care on Seaside? Is there evening care available?

 

Answer: Link provided by Mycykfamilytime - More extensive information on kids activities and care provided by Ashley@CC in Post # 68 of this thread. Updated for the Caribbean here and here and here

 

Kids Club and Activities Informative Videos:

 

The MSC employee giving the tour states there is no extra charge for anything in the kid's club which will be great news for parents. MSC has also posted up an advertising video about the kid's club and children's water are
.

 

is a video of the water park in actual use.

 

I've seen some asking what special events they had for kids over the Christmas cruise because they might like to book for next year.

Looks like just a picture opportunity and a lovely gift for the kids.

 

Also please be aware they are requiring closed toed shoes for the younger kids club.

 

Reports are they are doing the Happy Diner program and also letting kids be dropped off to eat dinner in the buffet with the Kid's Club then stay until closing around 10:30 or 11 PM. Refer to the Kid's Club schedule for closing time.

 

16. Do they offer a package deal on the Seaside for the Bowling , simulator , and 4 D movies, where you pay a fee (it was $85 on the Divina ) per cabin for unlimited use of these attractions ?

 

Answer: Only confirmed offer is $25 gets you $30 worth, $50 gets you $65, $70 gets you $100, and $100 gets you $160. I do not know if this is a separate card everyone in a cabin can share. Interactive movies $10 each and there are ten different ones. Bowling is $25 for 30 minutes lane rental plus $2 a pair for shoes.

 

17. What are the height or age requirements for the ziplines?

 

Answer: Seaside Ziplines per MSC:

Height Restriction: Minimum 52in/130cm

Weight Minimum: 75lbs/35kg

Weight Maximum: 290lbs/130kg

 

More to be found here. Assuming you can somehow enlarge it enough to read it, anyways. :)

 

18. What about the comedy club? Tells us something about the acts and if you enjoyed them.

 

Answer: It's improv style BeerProv, lasts about 45 minutes late in the evening in the Theater, and has been positively reviewed. It has been mentioned frequently it is definitively not child friendly.

 

19. Do we need to book our seats for the shows in the Metropolitan Theater or can we just show up provided we don't mind where we sit? I've read the shows are amazing and won awards so we're really hopeful we'll get to see all of them.

 

Answer: Ashley@CC has kindly replied stating they just ask that you book a time but don't reserve specific seats in order to make sure to have enough seats for everyone. They scan your card for the reservation up until 5 minutes before show time when they open any seats not yet claimed to those waiting.

 

20. The all inclusive drink plans list fruit drinks, milkshakes, energy drinks, ice cream, coffee drinks, premium tea, hot chocolate, and non-alcoholic cocktails. Other than the non-alcoholic cocktails which are listed on pretty much all the bar menus I've seen and the coffee drinks, fruit juice, and energy drinks I spied on the Atrium bar menu, where are these items found on Seaside? Especially interested in the ice cream and milkshakes.

 

From Ashley at CC: Ice cream and milkshakes can be found at either Venchi location or at the Miami Beach Bar and Miramar Bar. I believe Miramar is reserved for Aurea or those who buy passes if offered to the Aurea deck. As for coffee, tea and hot chocolate, those can be found at nearly every bar onboard, as well as both Venchi locations.

21. Can you go to the Bistrot La Boheme and just order say a dessert to share and drinks on your all inclusive plan?

 

From Ashley at CC: Yes! Bistrot La Boheme's desserts are amazing. Because it's a la carte, it's possible to just go there for dessert.

 

22. Anyone ever taken one of those golf umbrellas or sun shades that clip on your chair or lounger on an MSC cruise ship and used it at one of the pools?

 

No takers yet. Hopefully we will find MSC has something in mind already for a bit of shade in the pool areas that isn't going to be revealed until the ship is fully settled in Miami.

23. How much are the RFID wrist band substitutes for cruise cards?

 

$15 each unless you are in one of the groups which receive them as included. Reportedly kids enrolled in the kid's club, YC and Aurea guests all receive them at no extra charge. The bands open your cabin door, but to turn on the lights in your cabin you will need your card. Reports from MSC are a child finder for younger kids will soon be released which utilizes the wrist bands to locate kids in public areas of the ship.

 

24. Are hair dryers provided and do they work?

 

There is supposed to be a hair dryer in each cabin mounted in the drawer which Ashley has helpfully supplied a picture of. It appears to be the same dryer seen in several other ships and probably works approximately the same .

25. What about towels?

 

They have kiosks by the pool where you exchange for towels same as most other ships and your room steward takes care of towels in your cabin as is usual. No reports as to how towels for shore days are handled but will go out on a limb and suggest at worst you can grab one at the towel kiosk by the pool and just return it after you get back on the ship.

26. What about the casino?

There is no craps table. There is at least one roulette wheel. Reportedly there are prizes such as on board credits and discounts on future cruises for points. Parts of the casino allow smoking but reports are not the poker tables and blackjack area. Texas Hold'em poker has been advertised in at least one Daily as $3 stake during Casino happy hour.

 

27. What about the movies?

Many available for $8 each on demand in your cabin on the TV. Other than holiday movies only Spiderman Homecoming has been reported on the big screen. Showings at 8:30 and 11 pm

 

28. Mini bar menu?

 

Graciously posted here by Seaweeyin.

 

29. Internet cafe or printer available?

 

No internet cafe or printer for passenger use seen on TA. Might be something in the business center now?

 

30. Self-service laundry?

 

No self-service laundry.

 

31. Metal walls and doors for magnet use?

 

Seems to vary based on room type possibly because of decoration placed over the walls and doors.

 

32. What about the movies in the cabins and on movie nights?

 

There are movies on demand for $8 in the rooms and they are numerous. Big screen movies have been mostly holiday fare with a few newer movies thrown in so far. They're shown at 8:30 and 11 pm at the Miami Beach pool in the rear.

 

33. Can the TV's in the rooms be moved, extended, or swiveled for ease of watching throughout the room?

 

The TVs swivel only.

 

34. Where is breakfast available on Seaside?

 

Thanks again to Seaweeyin: Breakfast is available in both buffets, in the seashore restaurant, pastries in seaview lounge, and for fee brunch in the French bistro and in the steakhouse. The steakhouse brunch menu looked really good, but we never managed to get to it. I think it was only served on sea days.

 

Yes, there is a small selection of pastries in the news cafe (seaview lounge)

 

And some special information to note: Cabin lights must be turned on with a keycard. Be warned: You can't cheat the system on this one; it won't recognize business cards, credit cards or any of the other workarounds cruisers often like to use.Buttons near the door tell your room steward if you'd like your room made up or if you'd rather not be disturbed based on whether or not a cruise card is in the lights outlet. Outlets include both 110-volt American and 220-volt European ones. There's also at least one USB outlet near the beds in each stateroom.

 

Here is a picture of a bulletin showing the cost of passes for the thermal spa. $60 for one or $90 for two for a one day pass or $340 for one and $510 for two for the week. You also can receive access by purchasing in advance or with the purchase of certain spa services in advance for less.

 

 

Breakfast in the Buffet:

 

is a video of breakfast in the buffet. Love the hand washing sinks. Guy isn't really the best camera man probably because he's having to keep track of a couple of active kids while recording, but still interesting. I appreciate that he tried.

 

Found another Seaside breakfast buffet video for the Marketplace Buffet

. He gives descriptions of many of the offerings which is wonderfully helpful. Looks like lots of choices and those jam dispensers look like a wonderful idea.

 

is video from the same guy for the Deck 16 buffet at I think lunch. I'm hungry just watching! He also did
. Has anyone got prices for the boxed chocolates or the by the each chocolate bar? That penguin is hilariously adorable.
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Cruise Cynic

Cruise Cynic

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Found another Seaside breakfast buffet video for the Marketplace Buffet

. He gives descriptions of many of the offerings which is wonderfully helpful. Looks like lots of choices and those jam dispensers look like a wonderful idea.

 

is video from the same guy for the Deck 16 buffet at I think lunch. I'm hungry just watching! He also did
. Has anyone got prices for the boxed chocolates or the by the each chocolate bar? That penguin is hilariously adorable.

 

I need to take a Bonine after watching those videos.

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MisterBill99

MisterBill99

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I do not know if you can purchase it aboard ship, but if you can they will add on a 15% gratuity.

Well I just logged into the site and I don't see my reservation (for this Saturday) anymore so it may be too late to add to this Saturday's sailing. Of course, when I tried to login over the weekend, the website wouldn't let me.

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TravelinGert

TravelinGert

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Well I just logged into the site and I don't see my reservation (for this Saturday) anymore so it may be too late to add to this Saturday's sailing. Of course, when I tried to login over the weekend, the website wouldn't let me.

 

Perhaps if you call the 800 number?

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Benzbuddy87

Benzbuddy87

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Right. So they made it free on Divina after it initially was not, and then went back to the original approach on Seaside. Did they think that customers wouldn't notice or just not care?

 

MSC has been tweaking their model for years. Far more things have been added (including Loyalty Match) than have been removed, and prices remain very reasonable. I have no problem with tweaking, but it is usually a give and take.

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Thesecret

Thesecret

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I just want to say we only paid $5 (not $15 as reported) for our bracelets so we didn’t have to carry our cruise card onboard (of course you still need to take them to port with you)...I could open my cabin door with it, lock and unlock spa lockers with it, make charges to my account with it (bar, shops, etc), it’s waterproof too! Just remember to slip it off for photos...it’s not super stylish lol...totally worth $5

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suzyed

suzyed

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I just want to say we only paid $5 (not $15 as reported) for our bracelets so we didn’t have to carry our cruise card onboard (of course you still need to take them to port with you)...I could open my cabin door with it, lock and unlock spa lockers with it, make charges to my account with it (bar, shops, etc), it’s waterproof too! Just remember to slip it off for photos...it’s not super stylish lol...totally worth $5

Cool! Where did you have to go to get it?

Is there a picture of it somewhere?

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