New to MSC

[Mikew0805]

Hi All,

 

We just booked the MSC Seaside for October of next year and are excited. We have read the website, did the status match, etc. However, I am sure that there are things that I am not thinking of looking at compared to what I am used to.

 

Anything stick out to those that have cruised CCL/RCI that was different, or you wish you had been prepared for before boarding? I hear that it is a more international clientele, which I am looking forward to.

 

I am going to be reading all the reviews, and looking at all the pics I can fo the next 15 months. UGH that seems too long.

[tallnthensome]

We sailed with out two kids in April. We've sailed most of the usual cruiselines. The only thing was, and that you mentioned, was a more diverse crowd from around the world and many languages being spoken. It made for a somewhat more cultual expereience. It had zero negative effects on the cruise. The passengers are much more, dare I say, classy and better behaved than what you'd find on CCL. Everyone had fun and everyone minded their own business and went on their way each day. The food, service, entertainment, ameneties, all were great from top to bottom. The Seaside is the best deal around right now. Prerpare to have a nice cruise, no need to prepare for anything less.

[Mikew0805]

Great! Thank-you for the information. My fave line is RCI, and I was thinking it would be more similar to that than to CCL. (even though I like CCL as well)

 

Reading around the boards last night I came across only one concern. Something about being seated in the buffet for dinner, instead of the dining room. I did only book Bella, because we do not need anything extra in our package. We have a good room, drinks are included, (even though I don't drink) we will likely try two of the specialties restaurants. I am just hoping that our party of 4 will not be sat in the buffet area. LOL

 

Looking forward to the cruise.

[TrinaLC]

They no longer use the buffet for sit down dinner.

 

 

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[Mikew0805]

They no longer use the buffet for sit down dinner.

 

 

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That is good to hear. Thanks.

[thegraminator]

Another thing that is different from the other cruise lines is that you do not pre register your credit card . You have to do that once on board either at guest services or even easier is at the kiosks located about the ship . It's a very easy process and takes less than 5 minutes .

[Mikew0805]

Oh that is good to know, sounds easy. So I should do it right away, so that the card can be used? Probably go to a kiosk, don't want to wait in a guest relations line.

[CruiseIreland]

Oh that is good to know, sounds easy. So I should do it right away, so that the card can be used? Probably go to a kiosk, don't want to wait in a guest relations line.

 

There's no panic, you have about 48 hrs to do so.

[thegraminator]

It's true , you do have 48 hrs to register your credit card , but you can begin using your cruise card immediately . There are several kiosks around the ship so don't stand in a long line. The "secret" one is located in the casino and not many people go to that one. But again , no rush. Go make your specialty restaurant or spa reservation first. Those are the things that fill up fast.

 

One more tip that may save you time is , if you are planning to use the water slides , go to the Aqua adventure area (near the kids splash park) on the first day to get a wrist band. The slides are not open that first day but they do have a crew member there to help guest sign the waiver . If you wait til the day the slides are open you will wait at least 45 minutes or more ! The line moves painfully slow !

[Traveler-14344]

Oh that is good to know, sounds easy. So I should do it right away, so that the card can be used? Probably go to a kiosk, don't want to wait in a guest relations line.

 

Use the Kiosk in Deck 6 (deck above Guest Relations counter), there will be fewer people lining up.

[Mikew0805]

All good information, thank you all very much.