MSC Seaside cruise ship review, which left us speachless. Simon and I were wondering for years, why cruises are popular among more and more holiday makers / travelers. We admit, we never were keen on it, but I guess you cannot really have the right opinion, if you don’t try it yourself. That is exactly why, we curiously accepted the invitation for launching the new MSC Seaside ship, which will be cruising the Caribbean.
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MSC Seaside review
First time on a cruise ship
Our first look at the 323 meters long and 72 meters high MSC Seaside cruise ship was one of those WOW moments, where you stop and stare. The MSC Seaside is enormous and everything around it looked so small.
The boarding was next, which is similar to the ones on the airport, before the flight. You need to check-in on the terminal and walk through the luggage control. The larger luggage is brought to your cabin, but you can bring the hand bags to your cabin yourself. During the check-in you get the cabin key/card, which needs to be confirmed, together with your credit card at the special machines. The reason for confirming your credit card is, it is the only payment method on board.
Labyrinth of corridors
When Simon and I did all the needed embarking procedures, we boarded on the vessel and went straight to our room. The room was on the 10th floor. Believe it or not, but when we found out that our room number is 10236, another WOW moment arise.
The MSC Seaside cruise ship has 2066 cabins – 70% of them is ocean view balcony cabins. We were also one of the lucky ones, having our own private balcony with the amazing view over Trieste. The room was another fascinating area, which can easily be compared to luxury hotel accommodations.
Stairway out of Swarovski crystals
The guided tour around the MSC Seaside was next. The central area of the vessel is the reception with enormous lobby, spreading up to 5 floors. All these floors are like a small city, boasting with unique and lavish designed bars. There are many corners, lounges you can sit and relax while zipping a glass of brandy, cocktail or champagne.
To top it all of, the whole area is made out of mirrors, glass and there is even the shining Swarovski stairway. Andy yes, MSC Seaside is shiny from inside out.
The Venchi 1787 chocolatier on board
As a chocoholic, I was amazed when realized the MSC Seaside has its own chocolate production on board. It is the Venchi 1878, which cannot only brag because of its fine chocolate but as well for its delicious ice-cream.
Numerous activities for young and old
Cruise ships can be easily described as the floating cities and it is no different with MSC Seaside. Its guests have a wide range of activities to choose from – fitness / gym, saunas, zip line, bowling, theater, aqua park, indoor and outdoor pools, night clubs, 5D cinema, billiard, F1 simulator, outdoor basketball/football court, barber, hairdresser, spa. Even if traveling with your kids, they will always have something to do in their special Lego or Chicco area.
The MSC Seaside cruise ship has numerous restaurants to choose from, where also vegetarian, vegan and gluten free dishes are served. Some of the restaurants are also thematic – we liked best the Japanese restaurant, which has amazing ambience.
MSC Yacht Club for top notch guests
The MCS Seaside cruise ship already looks luxurious, but to top it all off, also the MSC Yacht Club is not missing. It is not special just because you have your own private butler, who takes care of you 24 hours per day. There’s also a restaurant, bar, pool and sundeck for the MSC Yacht Club guests only.
It is not just about the ship, it is about its crew
It seems we were more and more enthusiastic about the ship and everything on it. But the fact is, the numerous activities and all the shiny architecture does not mean anything if there are not the right people operating with it. We have traveled to numerous places, visited different restaurants, hotels and sights, but it was because of the people, we had good or bad experiences. It was sometimes hard to believe, but the crew on the MSC Seaside is absolutely amazing. They are extremely helpful, always in a good mood and welcoming. Not a single staff member we have met, did not left us down.
If we were skeptical about taking a cruise for holidays or even for traveling, we changed our minds completely. We might were against it before visiting the MSC Seaside, but I do have this strange feeling, we will be back for more soon.