Considering 1st MSC Cruise on Seaside - Need Answers

[scsagh]

We are considering going on the MSC Seaside in February. I have been trying to search to find answers to several questions, but not getting current info. Hoping many of you can help.

 

 A little background...we are in our late 50’s and most often sail in inside cabins on Royal Caribbean and Carnival. We normally eat in the dining room or other no charge options, and aren’t big drinkers, so normally don’t do a package.

 

How would you compare dining room food to other lines? Does MSC serve steak and or lobster at no charge in the dining room?

 

Does anyone have copies of menus for the Seaside, sailing Caribbean?

 

How prevalent is smoking, or the smell of smoke throughout the ship? I’m sensitive to the smell and get stuffed up easily.

 

Is there a place to get pizza throughout the day or evening, or is that an extra charge?

 

My husband loves Carnival’s 24 hour ice cream machines. Anything similar? MSC’s gelato sounds good. Is this an extra charge item? 

 

Does anyone know what the current price of frozen drinks is on Seaside? Interested in price of both regular, and virgin frozen drinks. Any photos of bar menus?

 

Are there lots of activities throughout the day? What types of things?

 

Sorry for all the questions! I’m sure I have a ton more, but I’ll stop for now. Thanks in advance!

 

 

 

 

 

[Até]

Most of your questions can be answered in this thread:

 

 

[Pier290]

Food is terrible. We aren't picky eaters...it was,AWFUL in the buffets and main dining room.

 

SMOKE WAS EVERYWHERE. It was the worst thing  about the ship....so many SMOKERS, so many smoking areas everywhere.  Casino is smoking too!!  

 

85% Europeans....hardly any Americans...

[TrinaLC]

I’m sorry, but this is just not true, at least for Divina and Seaside. 

 

The food is fine, comparable to the similar US lines. Some pluses (great cheeses, fine cold cuts, pizza and pasta), some minuses (burgers, steaks). 

 

Like US lines there are designaged smoking areas. The ships do not smell of smoke at all. 

 

Just off off a Carnival cruise (elation) and smell of smoke from the Casino was pervasive. 

 

One thing is true, ships heavily non-US. I’d say about 75% on Divina and Seaside US sailings. We like that, but there are definitely cultural differences. Some behavior (not queuing, loudness) is rude to most Americans. We can look over that and instead look to meet people fro different countries. 

 

 

Edited November 13, 2018 by TrinaLC

[Zignewt]

On 11/13/2018 at 3:22 PM, Pier290 said:

Food is terrible. We aren't picky eaters...it was,AWFUL in the buffets and main dining room.

 

SMOKE WAS EVERYWHERE. It was the worst thing  about the ship....so many SMOKERS, so many smoking areas everywhere.  Casino is smoking too!!  

 

85% Europeans....hardly any Americans...

Having just gotten off the Seaside I would have to disagree with this post.  Food is comparable to the other lines.  Portions are smaller but there is no problem with just ordering 2 entrees or appetizers or both.  The wait staff really try to please.  The buffet food is fine but seemed to be the same every day for breakfast and lunch.

 

I hate smoke but did not find an issue with it.  The worst place was the bar beside the South Beach Pool, which is a smoking area, and even that was not bad.  I spend some time in the casino and did not notice the smoke.  

[Joken35]

We have sailed on her twice . Once in April and the second was the beginning of October. Both times we had a great time. The food is fine. Lobster is not on the menu. steak is. They have an Italian night and two Gala nights with a special menu. The smoking area is the only place we smelled  smoke. Our group ranged in age 62-78. we all had a great time .

[OceansOfTravels]

I also have to disagree with the smoke remarks. I have sailed MSC in both the Caribbean and Europe and have actually found them to be better at regulating smokers and the smell. Smaller casinos on the MSC ships means a less smoke-filled interior, which I adored. You would think the Italians and French would have the boat full of smoke, but I actually found it better than some of my Carnival cruises.

 

Found is good, but it's just different. Don't expect American-style food everywhere. You will be able to try a bunch of new types of food, and you'll probably like some of it. Yes to pizza places, MSC pizza is very good.

 

The international clientele is the biggest difference, and its reflected in the entertainment (Spanish pop in the clubs instead of American rap, no pool movies, etc), and onboard experience (different cultural norms, multiple languages, etc). But, this is exactly what I like, which is why MSC is now my favorite and go-to cruise line. I would definitely say to give it a try, and if it's not for you, just don't go again 🙂 

[scsagh]

Thanks all for the responses. It sounds like I'd like to try MSC some time, but with my daughter. This time is with my husband, so it will have to wait.

[asctony]

We just got off of the Seaside Sat 11/17/18. We have done over 100 cruises on most major cruise lines. Done 3 MSC cruises on 3 different ships this year. 

The biggest short coming on MSC is their food. It does not compare to any other cruise line. We rate it as the lowest quality on any cruise line. We normally buy the MSC meal package and eat our meals in the Specialty restaurants every night. They are very good! 

Even though the food is poor quality,  we still cruise MSC and will continue to do so. Everything else is equal to and better than some of the other cruise lines. Been CRUISING MSC since 2006. 

Food is subjective!

Try MSC, only then will you know if it is for you. 

Happy CRUISING!