Questions Regarding MSC Seaside

[TravelinGert]

Somewhere on CC someone told me if you uploaded a picture to each of your documents you'd get an email with your tickets and luggage tags to print out. My cruise is almost 90 days out and I've already got everything printed. I don't even know where you'd go for laminating services here so I just fold up my luggage tags and then cover them on both sides with wide clear packing tape.

 

On all our past cruises we've just borrowed a stapler at the hotel, folded the tags around the handles, and stapled them twice by the handle and twice at the end. One time pulling our luggage out of his trunk a luggage tag but I think it was because someone who's name starts with "H" and ends with "usband" only stapled his tag once. ;p

 

Happily the baggage steward sorted it for us in moments when we arrived.

 

We're flying in the day of the cruise this time and I am thinking I'll just take the roll of wide packing tape. I can fold them over the handle and tape them together well. I don't know what they'd say to me taking the stapler on the flight. Husband told me I shouldn't because ours is an older Swingline from back when they were still made of steel and had some heft. He says he can just see the newspaper headline. "Crazed Cruiser Stopped at International Airport with Unusual Weapon" or some such. He's been snickering to himself ever since I suggested taking it.

[voyager89]

Somewhere on CC someone told me if you uploaded a picture to each of your documents you'd get an email with your tickets and luggage tags to print out. My cruise is almost 90 days out and I've already got everything printed. I don't even know where you'd go for laminating services here so I just fold up my luggage tags and then cover them on both sides with wide clear packing tape.

 

On all our past cruises we've just borrowed a stapler at the hotel, folded the tags around the handles, and stapled them twice by the handle and twice at the end. One time pulling our luggage out of his trunk a luggage tag but I think it was because someone who's name starts with "H" and ends with "usband" only stapled his tag once. ;p

 

Happily the baggage steward sorted it for us in moments when we arrived.

 

We're flying in the day of the cruise this time and I am thinking I'll just take the roll of wide packing tape. I can fold them over the handle and tape them together well. I don't know what they'd say to me taking the stapler on the flight. Husband told me I shouldn't because ours is an older Swingline from back when they were still made of steel and had some heft. He says he can just see the newspaper headline. "Crazed Cruiser Stopped at International Airport with Unusual Weapon" or some such. He's been snickering to himself ever since I suggested taking it.

 

You are way too nervous about the tags IMO. I have showed up at the pier with no tags, or without the tags placed and they help me out. It just takes a couple of minutes.

[TravelinGert]

You are way too nervous about the tags IMO. I have showed up at the pier with no tags, or without the tags placed and they help me out. It just takes a couple of minutes.

 

At each of the cruises I've been on they have aided everyone who didn't have tags or didn't have them attached to luggage however there has been a long line for it. On my first cruise the couple in the room next to us didn't get their luggage until midnight the first day due to the tags falling off. On my second cruise I stood in line at the customer service desk behind a couple who didn't yet have their luggage the morning of the third day. They had gotten their luggage tagged at the dock.

 

I'd much rather be on the ship sipping a drink with my luggage safely routed to my room than just finally getting into the check in line or halfway through the cruise without luggage.

[sidari]

"On my first cruise the couple in the room next to us didn't get their luggage until midnight"

 

 

Nothing compared to waiting 5 days for you luggage to turn up on a cruise from Venice to Dubai!

[ashley@cruisecritic]

UPDATED 12/17/17 3:45 PM:

Questions and Any Answers so far:

1. Do you board on deck 5 where it says "Seaside Reception" by the Atrium bar?

 

Answer: Boarding has been reported to be on Deck 4

 

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 slated to hold 1 or 2 different shows each night with at least 2 time slots for each show to give everyone a chance to see them per Ashley@CC's report. On videos from the ship I've seen musical acts in the Haven Lounge, the stage over the Atrium Bar, a DJ in the Garage Disco, and what appears to be trivia type activities in several different bars on various days at various times in the Dailies Ashley posted. Dance Lessons happen in the Haven Lounge and there seemed to be line dancing lessons going on in the Disco in one of the videos. There are also reports of performances in other bars and venues and I've seen video of dance parties at the main pool up top as well.

 

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

 

Answer: Again, Ashley@CC has kindly offered up the following: The water slides weren't open during the first week when I was on because it was too cold, and I suspect they were still testing things out. Only one of the ship's two ziplines was open, and only for two of the seven days I was there (also due to weather). There were four or five people ahead of me in line. I might have waited 10-15 minutes. I'm guessing the lines might be a little longer when the ship reaches warmer weather.

 

4. What was the first thing you did when you got on the ship?

 

Answers so far:

 

Only Ashley@ CC has answered so far:

 

The first thing I did was go to my cabin to drop my bags.

 

5. 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.

 

6. Confirmation the bar food in the Sports Bar is included at no extra charge? Additionally could we get a picture of the food menu?

 

Answer: This thread has bar menus including Sports Bar. Reports from the first cruise out of Miami is only the $4.75 for 6 / 9.75 for 12 wings are offered as far as food in the sports bar.

 

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

 

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

 

8. 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@CC.According to Ashley's posted menus some coffee drinks are served in the Atrium bar.

 

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.

 

9. 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 Ashley@CC reports there were Gatsby- and 60s/70s-themed parties while onboard. Karim Corporate Entertainments Manager MSC Crociere mentions White Party, Tropical party, Caribbean nights and others in this video he posted to Facebook.

 

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

 

Courtesy of Ashley at CC : Smoking is allowed only on the starboard side of the South Beach Pool area and some other areas onboard. Someone elsewhere reported there's a smoking area up on Deck 19. Possibly also in a section of the Casino or it may be No Smoking Allowed not definite yet. THE CABINS and any public areas not specifically designated as smoking allowed are all very definitely NO SMOKING.

 

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

 

Answer: Spidybabe reports calling and asking an MSC CS and being told no.

12. 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. The tasting menus we refer to are the same as the dining experience menus. Guests can choose from any restaurant on board.

 

13. 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 Ocean Cay Chef Roy's Teppanyaki and Sushi Bistrot La Boheme and drinks menu Courtesy of Ashley@CC

 

Dining section of Ashley's review

 

14. How much are the YC cabanas topside?

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

15. 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.

 

16. 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

 

17. 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: Reports now say there is a package deal in MSC's app. This thread has posted pictures of prices starting with spend $25 and get $30 worth. Billiards starts at $10 and bowling at $25. Pictures are a bit small or my monitor is because I couldn't quite read what you get for those rates.

 

18. 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. :)

 

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

 

Answer: It's improv style and I've heard there are several shows a night. ~ Proseccoandsun Many news reports saying North American comedy troupe BeerProv, known for creating unscripted sketches based on audience suggestions, will perform six nights a week for 45 minutes in the Metropolitan Theatre.

 

20. 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.

 

Some other bits and bobs from Seaside's published review:

" Note that the ship has neither an internet cafe nor a printer for passenger use.There are also no self-service laundry facilities, but washing and pressing services are available for a per-item fee"

 

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. 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. Buttons near the door tell your room steward if you'd like your room made up or if you'd rather not be disturbed.

 

21. 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 passengers booked in certain types of cabins only. As for coffee, tea and hot chocolate, those can be found at nearly every bar onboard, as well as both Venchi locations.

22. 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.

 

23. 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.

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. Does that seem expensive as compared to other ships? The spa looks pretty awesome for those who like a bit of fairly private alone time, though, so maybe a bargain for people who value quiet introspection on their cruises. :confused:

 

Special thanks goes out to Ashley for posting dailies, MDR menus, and other tid bits to our thread! Thank you!

Please post your questions and any answers you have!

 

If posting an answer please cite your source. Are you on the ship or found it on a post from someone who was? Did you get it from a phone call to MSC CS line months ago?

 

Thanks!

 

 

NEW QUESTIONS THAT NEED ANSWERS

 

 

1. When is the Cruise Critic Meet and Mingle being scheduled?

 

2. How much are RFID wrist band substitutes for cruise cards or have these been made available yet on Seaside?

 

3. Anyone done any of the arts and crafts in the Ipanema restaurant able to report back on what's on offer?

 

 

MSC for Me bands are $15 each, but children get them free in the kids club. Note that you will still need your regular keycard with you when you leave or reboard the ship in port, as the bands don't work at the checkin/out kiosks.

[Sailfish]

The bands open your cabin door, but to turn on the lights in your cabin you will need your card. Fine during the day. But a hassle at night.

 

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[MisterBill99]

All you have to do is show up with an old one and they’ll replace it with one for your current sailing. Has worked for me anyway.

You have to have one to do that. I don't.

 

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[MisterBill99]

The bands open your cabin door, but to turn on the lights in your cabin you will need your card. Fine during the day. But a hassle at night.

 

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That's why putting them in a holder on a lanyard is a pain since I can see holder ripping at some point during the cruise having to take it out so often. With a hole I can just leave it on the lanyard or detach the piece with the card.

 

Sorry for posting this here, I realized I had posted about this in a different thread.

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Edited December 19, 2017 by MisterBill99

[TravelinGert]

Don't worry about posting here. We've rambled pretty far. :)

[MisterBill99]

Don't worry about posting here. We've rambled pretty far. :)

Yeah, but I figure I should keep my rants to a single thread :)

[Greselda2251]

Would it be possible to request a coffee maker in Fantastica balcony cabin? We would be willing to pay for the use of it.

Thanks!

[Benzbuddy87]

MSC for Me bands are $15 each, but children get them free in the kids club. Note that you will still need your regular keycard with you when you leave or reboard the ship in port, as the bands don't work at the checkin/out kiosks.

 

I thought they were complimentary for Aurea, Wellness and YC, and $5 for Bella and Fantastica?

[Benzbuddy87]

Anyone knows if you can order flowers for your stateroom?

 

I would like to buy the champagne they have with the 2 glasses, but I wasunable to find anything on flowers. Not really thrilled about the chocolate covered strawberries. Thanks!

 

Voyager - I am interested in fresh flowers as well. My understanding is that MSC does not have a floral shop on the ship. Somewhere on their website, I read that they will obtain fresh flowers from a local vendor in port, and charge your account for the price of the flowers. If that's the case, I'd rather speak to a human to get an idea of actual cost (I don't want to spend $50 for a half-dozen Daisy's). This sounds like a question for a T/A. I forget if I asked my T/A, but she has a list of questions to be answered for her travel group. If you have a T/A, you may want to defer to them ... sometime after the Seaside has sailed the Caribbean. If I find out any information, I will post it online.

[Benzbuddy87]

Would it be possible to request a coffee maker in Fantastica balcony cabin? We would be willing to pay for the use of it. Thanks!

 

Nope! Call for room service.

[TravelinGert]

Voyager - I am interested in fresh flowers as well. My understanding is that MSC does not have a floral shop on the ship. Somewhere on their website, I read that they will obtain fresh flowers from a local vendor in port, and charge your account for the price of the flowers. If that's the case, I'd rather speak to a human to get an idea of actual cost (I don't want to spend $50 for a half-dozen Daisy's). This sounds like a question for a T/A. I forget if I asked my T/A, but she has a list of questions to be answered for her travel group. If you have a T/A, you may want to defer to them ... sometime after the Seaside has sailed the Caribbean. If I find out any information, I will post it online.

 

At that point why not sashay past a florist yourself? Which gives me an idea. I've never surprised my spouse with flowers. Now I'm trying to think how I can sneak a bouquet into my bag without him noticing. There are some flowers that are pretty hardy. :confused:

[Sailfish]

I thought they were complimentary for Aurea, Wellness and YC, and $5 for Bella and Fantastica?

That is right. However, they were useless on the Transatlantic crossing. As of today, our last day, they will open your cabin door and make show and specialty dining dinner reservations in the interactive screens throughout the ship. That's it. The bar servers are very frustrated that they will not work on their system. So I have had to make sure one of us always has our card handy. We didn't pay for ours. But from what I could see, very few people are wearing them. I keep wearing mine in hopes it will work in the bar.

 

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[Benzbuddy87]

At that point why not sashay past a florist yourself? Which gives me an idea. I've never surprised my spouse with flowers. Now I'm trying to think how I can sneak a bouquet into my bag without him noticing. There are some flowers that are pretty hardy. :confused:

 

Nobody wants to see me sashay! :) I personally wouldn't spend my time looking for flowers in Miami or the Caribbean. However, if they offered an option to deliver flowers to my stateroom on embarkation day, I would likely partake.

[voyager89]

Nobody wants to see me sashay! :) I personally wouldn't spend my time looking for flowers in Miami or the Caribbean. However, if they offered an option to deliver flowers to my stateroom on embarkation day, I would likely partake.

 

Same here, plus I want it to be a surprise. I don't think I could hide flowers in my bag haha.

[Hlitner]

I want to raise the issue of space ratios. A very common method to determine the spaciousness of a ship (and often the quality) is to calculate the ratio of tons to passenger capacity. For example, the Celebrity Reflection has a passenger space ratio of about 42. The Seaside's ratio is a mere 29.6 which is about the lowest in the modern cruise industry. Many of the RCI ships are in the 35-40 tons per passenger. Even Carnival has ships such as the Freedom with a space ratio above 35. Just saying.

 

So what does a low space ratio mean? Generally the ship will feel more crowded. Deck chairs will be in short supply (this happens even on ships with higher space ratios) and dining venues will be crowded. It gets interesting when you compare to the ultra luxury market where 70+ tons per passenger is not uncommon.

 

Hank

[eroller]

I want to raise the issue of space ratios. A very common method to determine the spaciousness of a ship (and often the quality) is to calculate the ratio of tons to passenger capacity. For example, the Celebrity Reflection has a passenger space ratio of about 42. The Seaside's ratio is a mere 29.6 which is about the lowest in the modern cruise industry. Many of the RCI ships are in the 35-40 tons per passenger. Even Carnival has ships such as the Freedom with a space ratio above 35. Just saying.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hank

 

 

 

Space ratios absolutely play a role, but yours for SEASIDE is way off. Cruise ship space ratios are always calculated at double occupancy. Never full occupancy. That is the industry standard that is used for all cruise ships.

 

Your figure for CELEBRITY REFLECTION is accurate.

3046 pax at double occupancy

125,366 gt

Equals a space ratio of 41.15

 

The correct space ratio for SEASIDE is:

4134 pax at double occupancy

153,516 gt

Equals a space ratio of 37.13

 

Not bad at all for a mass market ship. Close to REFLECTION but I would expect REFLECTION to be higher as she is marketed as a premium ship.

 

Just as important as the space ratio is the actual design. I’ve been on ships with great space ratios that felt crowded. I’ve also been on ships with average or below average space ratios that felt very spacious. The design and work the company puts into passenger flow studies on the ship makes a huge difference.

 

I actually expect SEASIDE to feel less crowded on her open decks. They are very expansive with the multiple pools spread out, and there is the addition of a very wide promenade deck which will help matters. So many new ships don’t offer this feature, CELEBRITY REFLECTION included.

[lcpagejr]

Don't get confused by Gross Tonnage... Unless your talking about RCL Oasis class ships. All that means likely more decks which equates to the increase in passengers. Also...I wouldn't take into consideration the available space on the Promenade deck. I've been on NCL, Dream class of Carnival and the Vista all which have an outside promenade with seating for restaurants and drinking. This space is usually underutilized.... Meaning mored passengers....which crowds the usual inside and Pool deck areas

[eroller]

Don't get confused by Gross Tonnage... Unless your talking about RCL Oasis class ships. All that means likely more decks which equates to the increase in passengers. Also...I wouldn't take into consideration the available space on the Promenade deck. I've been on NCL, Dream class of Carnival and the Vista all which have an outside promenade with seating for restaurants and drinking. This space is usually underutilized.... Meaning mored passengers....which crowds the usual inside and Pool deck areas

 

 

 

Definitely not confused by gross tonnage but it is a meaningful figure. Basically a measure of usable interior space.

 

I’ve sailed on ships with the large promenade decks (NCL Breakaway Class and Carnival Dream Class) and I do think it makes a difference. If nothing else it takes some people away from the main pool areas on the upper decks. It helps spread people out a bit compared to those ships without them, with nowhere else to go.

[Thesecret]

New Questions:

MSC states that all staterooms have hairdryers, any word on if this is true and how well they actually work?

Do the bathroom sinks plug for hand washing?

Does housekeeping replace wet/dirty pool towels or is there a trade in desk?

Are the doors and walls metal for magnet usage?

[Benzbuddy87]

MSC states that all staterooms have hairdryers, any word on if this is true and how well they actually work?

Do the bathroom sinks plug for hand washing?

Does housekeeping replace wet/dirty pool towels or is there a trade in desk?

Are the doors and walls metal for magnet usage?

 

Yes, they have hair dryers. Yes, they work.

Yes, your stateroom host will replace towels.

No decorations are permitted on the outside of the door. I forget, but believe the interior portion of the door is metal.

[TravelinGert]

UPDATED 12/17/17 3:45 PM:

NEW QUESTIONS THAT NEED ANSWERS

1. When is the Cruise Critic Meet and Mingle being scheduled?

 

2. The RFID wrist bands are supposed to work with the app to track your children around the ship. Is that working?

 

3. Anyone done any of the arts and crafts in the Ipanema restaurant able to report back on what's on offer?

 

4. How do the hair dryers work in the staterooms? How do they compare to a good home version?

 

5. Does housekeeping replace wet or dirty pool towels or is there an exchange desk?

 

6. Are the doors and walls metal for magnet usage?

 

Questions and Any Answers so far:

1. Do you board on deck 5 where it says "Seaside Reception" by the Atrium bar?

 

Answer: Boarding has been reported to be on Deck 4

 

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 slated to hold 1 or 2 different shows each night with at least 2 time slots for each show to give everyone a chance to see them per Ashley@CC's report. On videos from the ship I've seen musical acts in the Haven Lounge, the stage over the Atrium Bar, a DJ in the Garage Disco, and what appears to be trivia type activities in several different bars on various days at various times in the Dailies Ashley posted. Dance Lessons happen in the Haven Lounge and there seemed to be line dancing lessons going on in the Disco in one of the videos. There are also reports of performances in other bars and venues and I've seen video of dance parties at the main pool up top as well.

 

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

 

Answer: Again, Ashley@CC has kindly offered up the following: The water slides weren't open during the first week when I was on because it was too cold, and I suspect they were still testing things out. Only one of the ship's two ziplines was open, and only for two of the seven days I was there (also due to weather). There were four or five people ahead of me in line. I might have waited 10-15 minutes. I'm guessing the lines might be a little longer when the ship reaches warmer weather.

 

4. What was the first thing you did when you got on the ship?

 

Answers so far: Only Ashley@ CC has answered so far:

 

The first thing I did was go to my cabin to drop my bags.

 

5. 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.

 

6. Confirmation the bar food in the Sports Bar is included at no extra charge? Additionally could we get a picture of the food menu?

 

Answer: This thread has bar menus including Sports Bar. Reports from the first cruise out of Miami is only the $4.75 for 6 / 9.75 for 12 wings are offered as far as food in the sports bar.

 

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

 

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

 

8. 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@CC.According to Ashley's posted menus some coffee drinks are served in the Atrium bar.

 

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.

 

9. 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 Ashley@CC reports there were Gatsby- and 60s/70s-themed parties while onboard. Karim Corporate Entertainments Manager MSC Crociere mentions White Party, Tropical party, Caribbean nights and others in this video he posted to Facebook.

 

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

 

Courtesy of Ashley at CC : Smoking is allowed on the starboard side of the South Beach Pool area and some other areas onboard. Someone elsewhere reported there's a smoking area up on Deck 19. Possibly also a section of the Casino. CABINS and any public areas not specifically designated are all very definitely NO SMOKING.

 

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

 

Answer: Spidybabe reports calling and asking an MSC CS and being told no.

12. 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. The tasting menus we refer to are the same as the dining experience menus. Guests can choose from any restaurant on board.

 

13. 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

Bistrot La Boheme and drinks menu Courtesy of Ashley@CC

 

Dining section of Ashley's review

 

14. How much are the YC cabanas topside?

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

15. 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.

 

16. 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

 

17. 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: Reports now say there is a package deal in MSC's app. This thread has posted pictures of prices starting with spend $25 and get $30 worth. Billiards starts at $10 and bowling at $25. Pictures are a bit small or my monitor is because I couldn't quite read what you get for those rates.

 

18. 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. :)

 

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

 

Answer: It's improv style and I've heard there are several shows a night. ~ Proseccoandsun Many news reports saying North American comedy troupe BeerProv, known for creating unscripted sketches based on audience suggestions, will perform six nights a week for 45 minutes in the Metropolitan Theatre.

 

20. 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.

 

Some other bits and bobs from Seaside's published review:

" Note that the ship has neither an internet cafe nor a printer for passenger use.There are also no self-service laundry facilities, but washing and pressing services are available for a per-item fee" and there is also a laundry package for purchase pre-cruise which may or may not be less expensive. No reports on that yet.

 

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. 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. Buttons near the door tell your room steward if you'd like your room made up or if you'd rather not be disturbed.

 

21. 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 passengers booked in certain types of cabins only. As for coffee, tea and hot chocolate, those can be found at nearly every bar onboard, as well as both Venchi locations.

22. 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.

 

23. 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.

 

24. How much are RFID wrist band substitutes for cruise cards or have these been made available yet on Seaside?

 

YC, Aurea, and Wellness and Kids Club attendees get them free, all others pay $5. They only open doors and work with event scheduling kiosks not to buy drinks or anything else so you still need the cards. Reportedly no one has figured out yet where cards can be punched for lanyards either.

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. Does that seem expensive as compared to other ships? The spa looks pretty awesome for those who like a bit of fairly private alone time, though, so maybe a bargain for people who value quiet introspection on their cruises. :confused:

 

Special thanks goes out to Ashley for posting dailies, MDR menus, and other tid bits to our thread! Thank you!

Please post your questions and any answers you have! If posting an answer please cite your source. Are you on the ship or found it on a post from someone who was? Did you get it from a phone call to MSC CS line months ago?

 

Thanks!

Edited December 23, 2017 by TravelinGert