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MSC Seaside review
Everything about cabins, activities, and restaurants
Thinking of cruising on the MSC Seaside? You’re in the right place! Here, we share our full, unfiltered feedback based on our onboard experience, with all the details that really matter.
Whether you’re an experienced cruiser or it’s your very first voyage, this guide will help you decide if the MSC Seaside meets your expectations.
What you’ll discover in this guide:
- Cabins and onboard amenities (with photos)
- The quality of restaurants, bars, and buffets
- Activities: pools, slides, zipline, shows, casino
- Ship’s strengths and weaknesses
- Our final verdict: would we recommend it or not?
Get your sneakers… or your sandals 😄, and join us to explore the MSC Seaside!
Technical specifications
Before diving into details, here are some key figures to better understand the scale of this ship:
MSC Seaside Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Gross Tonnage | 153,516 tons |
| Passenger Capacity | 5,084 |
| Crew Members | 1,513 |
| Number of Cabins | 2,026 |
| Length / Width / Height | 1,060 ft / 135 ft / 245 ft |
| Maximum Speed | 22.95 knots |
| Pools | Miami Beach, South Beach, and other pools |
| Restaurants | Main dining and specialty restaurants |
| Bars and Lounges | 19 different spaces |
| Entertainment | Theater, nightclub, bowling, water park, and kids’ areas |
| Shopping | Shops and services on Deck 8 promenade |
Atrium
From the moment you step onboard the MSC Seaside, the Atrium captures everyone’s attention. It’s the ship’s “giant lounge”: a central space open over several decks, featuring its famous Swarovski crystal staircase, perfect for photography enthusiasts.
The atmosphere is both chic and relaxed. You’ll see passengers of all ages stopping by for a cocktail, enjoying a live concert, or simply watching the ship’s lively activity.
During the day, it’s the perfect spot for a quiet drink at the bar or some family time in a lively yet pleasant setting. In the evening, especially during winter, the Atrium transforms: the music rises, the lights dazzle, and the space becomes a true open-air mini-nightclub.
Whether you prefer relaxing with a drink or dancing until midnight, the MSC Seaside Atrium is a must-see. It’s a place that stays in your memory long after the cruise ends.
Theater
Frederick Alvear – MSC Cruises’ Top Talent!
Las Vegas is known for its spectacular shows, but let me tell you, the MSC Seaside holds its own. Onboard, I had the chance to witness performances worthy of the world’s biggest stages. Among these artistic gems, one duo shines with rare intensity: Frederick Alvear and Nancy.
Frederick Alvear and Nancy – An exceptional duo
On the MSC Seaside, the theater delivers truly impressive shows. I was fortunate to attend several performances, and the duo Frederick Alvear and Nancy stood out.
Frederick is an incredible dancer, an artist who captures attention the moment he steps on stage. His power and precision bring every performance to life. Beside him, Nancy brings grace and elegance, and together their chemistry is striking. You don’t just watch their dances—you feel every movement, every emotion.
Bars
Looking for a cocktail with a sea view or to end the evening with music? Onboard the MSC Seaside, the bars are more than just places to order a drink: they are vibrant social spaces that set the pace for your days and nights.
With 19 bars spread across the ship, there’s something for every taste and mood. My favorites include:
Garage Club Bar
On Deck 7, this retro-style bar is perfect for a break at any time of the day. Warm atmosphere, comfortable armchairs, and a full drink menu. In the evening, it’s the place to enjoy karaoke and have fun.
Right next door, cigar enthusiasts will love the Cigar Lounge, and those who prefer the outdoors can enjoy a drink on the terrace or by the pool.
Bistrot La Bohème
An elegant bistro with a view of the Atrium, perfect for enjoying a cocktail in a refined setting. Special mention for their exotic cocktails: well-balanced, well-presented, and served in a truly pleasant atmosphere.
Lounge Bar
On Deck 8, you’ll find an air-conditioned indoor bar, ideal for relaxing, sipping a drink while enjoying live music or organized games. This lounge is both a peaceful haven and a lively social spot.
What makes this place even more special is Selvina, the bartender whose professionalism, kindness, and infectious energy make all the difference. Thanks to her, this bar becomes a must-visit spot where you feel right at home.
Selvina – MSC Seaside’s Top team member
Selvina is much more than just a bartender: she’s a true gem onboard, appreciated by all passengers. Always smiling, she welcomes everyone with remarkable kindness and warmth. Rain or shine, nothing diminishes her energy or professionalism.
Her availability and constant attention make every visit to the lounge a pleasant and friendly experience. With Selvina, everyone feels truly cared for, as if she anticipates guests’ needs even before they express them.
Her passion for her job and unwavering dedication greatly contribute to making the MSC Seaside experience even more memorable. It’s no surprise that she is unanimously recognized as the best bartender onboard.
Important note: all staff members featured, including Selvina, gave their consent for their photos to be published. At MTT, we firmly believe that they are the ones who make the cruise truly special. Every cruiser we met agrees: their professionalism, kindness, and dedication deserve recognition. This feature honors them and expresses our gratitude to these true artisans of happiness onboard.
Restaurants – Buffet
Deck 8 Buffet: Disappointing… But Saved by a True Gem
During our June 2025 cruise, we eagerly returned to the MSC Seaside buffet, hoping to relive the great memories from 2023. Unfortunately, we quickly noticed a significant drop in quality.
The dishes are generally good, but they clearly lack variety. The same recipes appear for lunch and dinner every day. After two or three meals, you quickly feel like you’ve seen it all.
It’s all the more disappointing because the buffet was much more diverse and of higher quality just three years ago. A real culinary step backward in this respect.
But one wonderful surprise changed everything: Sweeta, a true ray of sunshine.
Amid this mixed culinary experience, an exceptional human encounter marked our stay. Sweeta, a crew member from Mauritius, brightened our meals with her kindness, smile, genuine care, and attention to passengers.
She is a truly valuable member of this large team and one of the reasons we retain such good memories of this cruise despite the negatives.
Sweeta clearly deserves the title of:
Best MSC Seaside team member
Culinary experience
If you follow me, you know I love cruises… but one thing bothers me every trip: food waste onboard.
On the MSC Seaside, like on other ships, food is available everywhere and at all times. Of course, that’s great, but some people take advantage of it. They pile their plates “because it’s free” and leave half untouched. It’s real waste, and frankly, it’s upsetting.
Just because everything is included doesn’t mean common sense should be ignored.
- You can enjoy yourself without overdoing it.
- You can take seconds instead of overloading your plate.
- You can respect the food and the people who prepare it.
This isn’t about preaching, just adopting a more responsible attitude, even on vacation. Taking only what you need, avoiding throwing away food, or requesting a smaller portion are simple gestures, but they really matter. 💚
Protecting our planet starts with small daily choices, even on a five-star cruise ship.
Casino
Take a tour of the Miami Casino onboard the MSC Seaside during your cruise. With 10,550 sq ft (980 m²), it’s a true gaming temple featuring 119 slot machines and 12 gaming tables, including poker.
Whether you’re a regular player or just curious, the casino offers options for all skill levels: blackjack, roulette, craps… every game brings its share of adrenaline and fun.
It’s also the only place on the ship where smoking is still allowed. The dedicated area has been reduced over time, but enthusiasts will appreciate this small, calm, and pleasant corner.
Modern ship
The MSC Seaside truly stands out for its elegance and unique style. From the moment you step onboard, you feel a sense of modernity and comfort. The design has been thought out in every detail, with large windows, glass walkways over the sea, and spaces bathed in natural light. You can feel that this ship was designed to bring passengers closer to the ocean.
The common areas are a pleasure to experience: everything is bright, well-decorated, and the materials used are of very high quality. Warm tones, marble reflections, lighting effects, and golden accents create a chic atmosphere without being pretentious.
Everywhere, you’ll notice that typical Italian touch MSC is known for elegance combined with friendliness. The lounges are comfortable, each bar has its own style, and the outdoor decks allow passengers to fully enjoy the sea, especially at sunset.
What impresses most is the overall cohesion. Nothing is left to chance: everything seems designed to make passengers feel comfortable, whether relaxing, strolling, or simply enjoying the view.
Pools
MSC Seaside Review
Onboard the MSC Seaside, the aquatic areas are true havens of relaxation and fun. With five pools spread across multiple decks, everyone can easily find their own spot to enjoy the sun and the sea.
The Miami Beach Pool, located at the rear of the ship, is perfect for lounging, relaxing, and soaking in the ship’s atmosphere. The Jungle Pool, with its retractable roof, allows swimming in any weather and remains a pleasant space for the whole family.
Aquapark, featuring slides, water jets, and interactive courses, is very popular with children and teenagers. However, some areas are starting to show signs of wear. The kids’ park needs renovation: structures could be repainted, some slides refurbished, and certain areas refreshed. Without these improvements, the cruise price may sometimes feel less justified for families who mainly come to enjoy the water activities.
Activities
MSC Seaside Review
Onboard the MSC Seaside, entertainment is abundant and caters to all ages. The high-tech theater offers grand shows that amaze both children and adults, while the bowling lanes provide fun challenges for family and friends.
For thrill-seekers, simulators, video games, and sports activities provide moments of competition and excitement. Younger guests can enjoy the kids’ and teens’ clubs, where qualified staff organize games, workshops, and activities tailored to each age group.
Cabins
MSC Seaside Review
Onboard the MSC Seaside, we tested several types of cabins: interior, oceanview, and balcony cabins. Honestly, all are comfortable and provide a pleasant space to fully enjoy the cruise.
Interior cabins are functional and cozy, perfect for those seeking good value for money. Balcony cabins, on the other hand, offer the unmatched charm of ocean views and a much-appreciated sense of extra space.
That said, one point should not be overlooked: in some cabins, the carpet, sheets, and towels really need to be replaced, as they are unfortunately stained and worn. For a service advertised as five-star and with relatively high rates, these details need improvement.
Comfort is present, but these small flaws can impact your experience. MSC must ensure quality is consistently maintained, especially on a ship as busy as the Seaside.
Shops
MSC Seaside Review
As a cruiser, I love taking advantage of duty-free shopping onboard, and the MSC Seaside is no exception. The shops offer a great selection of branded products, from luxury cosmetics to clothing and fashion accessories, not to mention souvenirs and gifts.
The staff is helpful and friendly, always ready to assist you in finding what you’re looking for. Every evening, attractive promotions are offered, with discounts of up to 70% a real bargain for deal hunters.
That said, I much prefer the shops on the MSC Sinfonia or Meraviglia, which are more compact and better organized. On the Seaside, the stores are a bit scattered, and the layout could be improved for a smoother shopping experience. Overall, though, it’s still enjoyable for duty-free shopping onboard.
Nightclub
MSC Seaside Review
Dive into the electrifying atmosphere of the MSC Seaside nightclub! Located at the Garage Club on Deck 7, this uniquely decorated nightclub with its blue car is the perfect spot to dance and have fun all night long.
DJ truly goes all out to energize the dancefloor with the best hits, from the latest tracks to timeless classics. The energy is contagious, and it’s easy to get carried away by this festive vibe.
The bartenders are also very friendly, always ready to serve a cocktail and help make the evening a success.
Service charges
MSC Seaside service charges – Everything you need to know!
Since 2021, service charges, also called hotel fees, have been mandatory on most cruise lines, including MSC Cruises. Before that, they could be paid onboard optionally. Today, they are automatically included and represent a significant cost.
On the MSC Seaside, these charges are $13 per night per adult. For children aged 2 to 12, they range from $5 to $6 per night. They are intended to cover ship management, maintenance, and the construction of new vessels.
However, these fees are not passed on to onboard staff, who often work for modest wages. They primarily fund administrative, operational, or marketing costs.
Comparing several quotes for two cabins, we noticed a $750 higher price on MSC’s official website compared to third-party platforms, highlighting a transparency issue.
Rather than raising prices or inflating rates artificially, it would make more sense to reduce executive salaries and better compensate onboard staff, who are truly responsible for the quality of the experience.
Finally, a $1 automatic charge for the MSC Foundation appears on the invoice. Although presented as a philanthropic gesture, this amount is added without passengers’ explicit consent. You can request to have it removed at reception if you wish.
Practical tips
MSC Seaside Review
Here are some important tips to keep in mind before going on a cruise
| Tip | Details |
|---|---|
| Required Documents | Valid passport or ID card. Without these, you will not be allowed to board. |
| Advance Formalities | Check that your documents are up to date and valid for the entire cruise. Review the requirements of the cruise line and the planned destinations. |
| Budget Preparation | Most items are duty-free, which is an advantage for shopping onboard. Tobacco is only available outside European waters, 1 pack per day per adult if purchased at the bar. For cartons, check your country’s customs regulations. |
| Excursions and Activities | Check available excursions, prices, and booking requirements in advance. For all shore activities, visit my page Shore Excursions & Cruises. |
| Packing | Check the cruise line’s luggage and allowed items guidelines. Bring appropriate clothing for activities, swimsuits, personal care items, and medications if needed. |
Where to smoke
MSC Seaside Review
Finally, if you are a smoker, know that smoking is allowed on the port side. Signs clearly indicate the permitted areas.
| Situation | Details |
|---|---|
| Allowed Areas | Outside, on the port side (left side of the ship), clearly marked with signs |
| Prohibited Areas | Cabins, private balconies, indoor public areas (except smoking rooms or certain casino zones if specified) |
| Shore Stops & Refueling | Smoking (including e-cigarettes) is strictly prohibited during shore stops or refueling for safety reasons |
| Penalties | Failure to comply with the rules may result in fines or sanctions by the cruise line |
✅ Conclusion – MSC Seaside, approved… but with reservations
| Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Conclusion | The MSC Seaside remains a wonderful cruise experience, but certain aspects truly deserve improvement. |
| Overall Experience | Impressive ship, varied ports of call, excellent pools and activities, and attentive crew that makes all the difference. |
| Points to Improve | Aged furniture in some cabins, stained carpets and towels, repetitive buffet, additional fees (service charges, foundation, etc.) sometimes poorly explained. |
| Verdict | We approve the MSC Seaside for its atmosphere and the memories it creates, but we expect better maintenance and price transparency, especially at the listed rates. |
MSC Seaside Review – Our full and honest test
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MTT wishes you the most beautiful and memorable cruise experience!
