CruiseKitty123

Sorry can’t stash cereal lol when we went they put cereal in a large brown with a regular table spoon fro you to pour yourself ...needless to say that bowl was a germ factory in my opinion :o

Ewwwwww :(

We are fortunate that Jim Zimmerlin (Jimzim) is cruising on the Seaside this week. Not sure if you've seen any of his very indepth reviews/videos...but he provides a wealth of knowledge of each ship he sails on with comparisons to other ships. His reviews are not only informative but always objective and unbiased. Once you review his input you should have an excellent idea what to expect (positives, negatives, and opportunities for improvement)

 

Here is the thread he started yesterday showing the Seaside mooring at Port of Miami...https://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2584799

Thanks for sharing this! I'm following him now. :D

Thank you! Awesome video!

On the Divina, we heard classical music for a few hours in the evenings--before dinner and after--nightly. There was a piano in the lounge area. We never heard any singing, but there was piano and violin. While very good, it wasn't really music for dancing, if that is what you are looking for. It was very low key.

There seems to be a lot of unnecessary calling out in this thread. I am going to stick up for CruiseKitty here a bit and say they are certainly not being snobbish. The question was asked and CruiseKitty answered as per MSC guidelines, they quite rightly, IMHO, would feel aggrieved after paying so much money to have others who have not paid for that get the same. I personally have no problem with people entertaining in their room and giving them whatever they want from it but as much as I can see why people would love to invite others into YC (other than rooms) where would it stop. As an example, Most kids will make friends on the ship so if all the YC kids invite their friends in this I’m sure would negate part of the reason to stay there in the first place, more space and a bit quieter than the more crowded areas elsewhere. It’s certainly one of the reasons I upgraded to YC after reading initial reviews. I certainly don’t think that’s snobbish more getting what you paid for which on other threads seems to be one of the biggest gripes.

Hey ho that’s my thoughts, be nice people, we are all going on a wonderful journey, what will be will be, good or bad. Wow would the world be a boring place if we all had the same opinions, ask questions, querie answers but above all play nice. We’ve all paid a lot of money wherever we are staying, be thankful we can !

Thank you. You said this better than I did. I apologize if I came across the wrong way to anyone; that was not my intent.

Aggressive and hostile? You’ve lived a sheltered life if you think I’m either of those things. I’ve just been honest about the situation as a past YC cruiser. You are correct; we won’t see eye-to-eye on the topic of gaming the system. I’m starting to question our cruise line choice. Evidently, things are changing.

Thanks for putting my mind at ease. We are going to be in the YC for the first time and cruising on MSC for the first time in a few weeks. We have liked the exclusivity that we had in the Vibe club on the NCL Escape and we're looking forward to the Havana area on the Carnival Horizon when we sail on her in August of this year and next. Hoping that the YC is all that's it's cracked up to be and we're hoping that someone posts some pictures of the dinner choices over the next couple of weeks so we know what to look forward to. Saw a video of the giant prawns at lunchtime and they looked real appetizing. :p

Awesome! :cool: For us, the YC exceeded all of our expectations. We travel frequently, but it was the vacation of a lifetime for us...It was that perfect. It is European luxury (down to the food), and you rarely, if ever, read anything negative about the YC experience. Anything negative needs to be really scrutinized (there are some naysayers out there). I hope that you have a truly amazing time!

*sigh* As I mentioned before, I am talking about my cabin. And yes, you do sound a bit snobby. My 16-year-old son playing host means he enjoys having visitors and yes, it's absolutely okay. If they do not permit it, it's also okay but I do not agree with you that "it's not the venue for him to play host."

And I have paid a premium for the YC, too, just like everyone else. I am really astonished at how hostile some people are about this. I get it - no riffraff allowed... not even in our stateroom... because, you know, MONEY. I really hope not all people at the YC are like this.

I understand the need to protect the exclusivity and the peace and quiet, and just having paid for it... but what is it to you whether we have a visitor in our stateroom? Never mind, don't answer that. It's enough for me that you told me a YC stateroom wasn't the venue to play host. I clearly do not understand the etiquette.

You have paid for yourself and your son to sail in the YC, not your son's friends. It isn't your home; it's not the venue to "play host" (your words) for the rest of the ship. This ruins the integrity of the YC. I already answered the visitor to the room dilemma. You seem irritated by the answers on this thread, but YOU started the thread and YOU asked people's opinions and the regulations for guests in the YC. People responding in ways with which you disagree have stayed in the YC and appreciate it's integrity. Have a marvelous cruise. :cool:

I have to assume that we will not have the same problem on the Seaside when we're in the YC for the first time in a few weeks. If we do, I will give new meaning to the phrase "ugly American". I'm not investing in a slice of the good life for the first time and having the place inundated by those that have not paid for the exclusivity of the Yacht Club. Family members being let in illegally from card carrying members of the "me generation" would not sit well with me at all.

We saw NONE of this when we stayed in the YC last July. The pool was always quiet and relatively empty (even on sea days), and we saw the same faces every day. The YC is small, and you really do learn who is staying there. We also saw the staff hop right on it when someone made their way in that wasn't recognized. They politely asked them for their sea cards, and then quickly escorted them out. We probably saw that happen five times in the first days. It was rather embarrassing for them. Our butler explained that they have to do this as many people wanted to come in for the open bar. She stated that staff get in trouble if they are serving people that aren't staying in the YC.

We honestly researched the YC extensively last year before we tried it, and we loved it so much we are returning this summer. :D Happy Cruising!

Your son's friend can absolutely hang out in the cabin, as well as partake of the mini-fridge items as they are for the cabin. And while some will no doubt take umbrage, I see no issues with you son taking a plate back from the mini-buffet and sharing it.

None of what you mention is the policy of the YC (including carrying food back to the rooms). The mini-fridge (w/ premium beverages) is for occupants paying for the YC cabin, not for "the cabin" as you state. Same thing for the lounge refreshments/food. I think you are failing to realize that people staying in the YC pay extra for these things, and the intent is not to entertain others from the rest of the ship.

Oh. I took to to mean 110 dollars ANYWHERE in the YC, including the cabins - due to mini bar or whatever. The non-YC teenager might have the nerve to drink one of the sodas ;-)

I'll ask the butler or concierge when we arrive. It doesn't matter that much anyway because - as others pointed out - my son won't be around much, except for his mandatory dinner with me. On the other hand, he enjoys playing host so.... well, I'll find out.

We were told (and subsequently read) that the fee was $110 to ENTER the YC due to the fact that the YC is all inclusive for beverages, etc. I don't believe the fee included eating meals in the private restaurant, however.

I understand that you want your son to have his friends over, but it really isn't the venue for him to "play host" as you mention. Others have paid a premium to stay in the YC. I'm not trying to be snobby at all, but we choose to pay for the YC to avoid the crowded pool, less children at the pool, etc. I would never expect to have our friends join us in the YC. Let's be honest too...most people would not just sit in the YC room once in the YC, and here lies the problem. :o

UPDATED 1/7/18:

Questions and Answers so far:

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

 

Answer: Two separate reviews said boarding is done on deck 6 in Miami

 

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: The lines for slides and ziplines have been reported as not bad but lengthening as the cruise progresses. They started charging $10 for one or $50 for unlimited zipline rides for all guests in the same cabin and reportedly something for the sliding board interactive slide the first post-holiday cruise so my guess is those lines just got a lot shorter. I have not seen reported what the charge is for the slide or if the $50 per cabin fee covers that as well.

 

4. 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.These are from the TA. Thread posted up for MDR menus and Dailies here. Looks like they're using the same menus as Divina most likely if that helps anyone with special dietary concerns.

 

5. What about the Sports Bar ? Additionally could we get a picture of the food menu?

 

Answer: Sports Bar Menu here and here and here and here and here courtesy of Ashley at CC. Some occasionally report free nachos available.

 

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

 

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

 

7. 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.

 

More about Venchi:

 

They sell classic lemon, hazelnut spread, and etc crepes which are not included in any drink package. Price unknown.

 

Chocolates are $10 per 100 grams which roughly equals between 6 and 7 chocolates.

Boxes are $15-40+ and $17 for the hazelnut spread used in many of their drinks. They had a cut price sale on these items the last day of the last holiday cruise.

 

If you have the Deluxe plan they offer chocolate cocktails ($8.50 ea) and an espresso trio that includes a cup of espresso and three chocolates ($4.00 ea trio). They also offer a chocolate-covered gelato bar price unknown.

 

8. 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. I've also seen Great Gatsby party, White Party, and Disco Party in the Disco bar mentioned in reviews from the Caribbean.

 

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

 

Answer : Smoking is not allowed in cabins, on anyone's balcony, or in any area not specifically marked with signs. Thus far it has been reported one side of Miami Beach Pool, the slots area of the casino with extra ventillation, and a part of deck 19 are labeled for smoking. Any updates appreciated.

 

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

 

Answer: Drink coupons can no longer be bought but still come with Fantastica plans.

11. 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. Except when it isn't - conflicting reports from many who've recently sailed. The tasting menus we refer to are the same as the dining experience menus. Guests can choose from any restaurant on board.

 

12. 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 and also Bistrot La Boheme and drinks menu Courtesy of Ashley@CC

 

Dining section of Ashley's review

 

13. How much are the YC cabanas topside?

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

14. 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.

 

15. 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. Updated for the Caribbean here and here and here

 

Kids Club and Activities Informative Videos:

 

The MSC employee giving the tour states there is no extra charge for anything in the kid's club which will be great news for parents. MSC has also posted up an advertising video about the kid's club and children's water are

.

 

is a video of the water park in actual use.

 

I've seen some asking what special events they had for kids over the Christmas cruise because they might like to book for next year.

Looks like just a picture opportunity and a lovely gift for the kids.

 

Also please be aware they are requiring closed toed shoes for the younger kids club.

 

Reports are they are doing the Happy Diner program and also letting kids be dropped off to eat dinner in the buffet with the Kid's Club then stay until closing around 10:30 or 11 PM. Refer to the Kid's Club schedule for closing time.

 

16. 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: Only confirmed offer is $25 gets you $30 worth, $50 gets you $65, $70 gets you $100, and $100 gets you $160. I do not know if this is a separate card everyone in a cabin can share, loaded to one person's cabin card or wristband, or how it is handled but I have read reviews where persons traveling together got one and each participated in several activities using the funds. Conflicting reports whether $25 gets you thirty minutes of bowling for 6 or 4 persons.

 

17. 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. :)

 

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

 

Answer: It's improv style BeerProv, lasts about 45 minutes late in the evening in the Theater, and has been positively reviewed. It has been mentioned frequently it is definitively not child friendly.

 

19. 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.

 

20. 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 Aurea or those who buy passes if offered to the Aurea deck. As for coffee, tea and hot chocolate, those can be found at nearly every bar onboard, as well as both Venchi locations.

21. 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.

 

22. 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.

23. How much are the RFID wrist band substitutes for cruise cards?

 

$15 each unless you are in one of the groups which receive them as included. Reportedly kids enrolled in the kid's club, YC and Aurea guests all receive them at no extra charge. The bands open your cabin door, but to turn on the lights in your cabin you will need your card. Reports from MSC are a child finder for younger kids will soon be released which utilizes the wrist bands to locate kids in public areas of the ship.

 

24. Are hair dryers provided and do they work?

 

There is supposed to be a hair dryer in each cabin mounted in the drawer which Ashley has helpfully supplied a picture of. It appears to be the same dryer seen in several other ships and probably works approximately the same which is to say not as well as your favorite dryer with your favorite settings but well enough in the short term. I have read one review where the poster said their hair dryer was missing in their cabin.

 

25. What about towels?

 

They have kiosks by the pool where you exchange for towels same as most other ships and your room steward takes care of towels in your cabin as is usual. No reports as to how towels for shore days are handled but will go out on a limb and suggest at worst you can grab one at the towel kiosk by the pool and just return it after you get back on the ship.

26. What about the casino?

There is no craps table. There is at least one roulette wheel. Reportedly there are prizes such as on board credits and discounts on future cruises for points. Parts of the casino allow smoking but reports are not the poker tables and blackjack area. Texas Hold'em poker has been advertised in at least one Daily as $3 stake during Casino happy hour.

 

27. What about the movies?

Many available for $8 each on demand in your cabin on the TV. Other than holiday movies only Spiderman Homecoming has been reported on the big screen. Showings at 8:30 and 11 pm

 

28. Mini bar menu?

 

Graciously posted here by Seaweeyin.

 

29. Internet cafe or printer available?

 

No internet cafe or printer for passenger use seen on TA. Might be something in the business center now?

 

30. Self-service laundry?

 

No self-service laundry.

 

31. Metal walls and doors for magnet use?

 

Seems to vary based on room type possibly because of decoration placed over the walls and doors.

 

32. What about the movies in the cabins and on movie nights?

 

There are movies on demand for $8 in the rooms and they are numerous. Big screen movies have been mostly holiday fare with a few newer movies thrown in so far. They're shown at 8:30 and 11 pm at the Miami Beach pool in the rear.

 

33. Can the TV's in the rooms be moved, extended, or swiveled for ease of watching throughout the room?

 

The TVs swivel only.

 

34. Where is breakfast available on Seaside?

 

Thanks again to Seaweeyin: Breakfast is available in both buffets, in the seashore restaurant, pastries in seaview lounge, and for fee brunch in the French bistro and in the steakhouse. The steakhouse brunch menu looked really good, but we never managed to get to it. I think it was only served on sea days.

 

Yes, there is a small selection of pastries in the news cafe (seaview lounge)

 

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.

 

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. You also can receive access by purchasing in advance or with the purchase of certain spa services in advance for less.

 

 

Breakfast in the Buffet:

 

is a video of breakfast in the buffet. Love the hand washing sinks. Guy isn't really the best camera man probably because he's having to keep track of a couple of active kids while recording, but still interesting. I appreciate that he tried.

 

Found another Seaside breakfast buffet video for the Marketplace Buffet

. He gives descriptions of many of the offerings which is wonderfully helpful.

 

Looks like lots of choices and those jam dispensers look like a wonderful idea.

 

is video from the same guy for the Deck 16 buffet at I think lunch. I'm hungry just watching! He also did

. Has anyone got prices for the boxed chocolates or the by the each chocolate bar? That penguin is hilariously adorable.

Wow! Thanks so much! This is awesome! :D:D:D

You are welcome!

You will LOVE the YC! We noticed many (if not most) of the kids in the YC left during the day to use the water slides, etc. They would come back to check-in with parents every few hours and maybe grab a snack, but most of them seemed to find the YC less exciting. :) We enjoyed the entire ship, in addition to the YC perks. If I happen to see anything else on this, I will post.

Happy Cruising!

This is our first time sailing MSC line in the Seaside Yacht club on Feb 2. We are sailing with our boys ages 9, 9, 8. We have sailed other lines including Haven in NCL. Can you guys time me an idea of what is included besides the obvious of private restaurant, butler, etc. Looking for those things not obvious or "secrets"

 

do they escort you down to theaters? Haven had a roped off area in the theater for Haven guests.

 

Are specialty restaurants included? They were when we sailed Haven

 

What drink package is part of the Yacht club? Will my children get the drink package as well in the yacht club?

 

Anything special we can order that is only available to yacht club guests?

 

When getting off/on at ports do you have a private entrance/exit?

 

Anything special for the kids?

 

Any other tips/advice are greatly appreciated!

https://www.msccruisesusa.com/en-us/Discover-MSC/MSC-Yacht-Club.aspx

Happy Cruising! :D

Last year on the Divina, we saw the staff in the YC frequently escort people out of the lounge and pool area; they absolutely know who is staying in the YC and who is not (there are only about 130 people max in the YC). The butlers knew everyone by name. In doing this, they are also controlling costs for drinks, the mini bar, etc. The YC is not enormous by any means, and so if every person staying there brought a guest inside it would be crowded. It wouldn't be the same experience for those people that paid to be there.

The published rate last year was $110 US dollars per day/per person for others to join you anywhere in the YC, but it didn't seem to be something encouraged/advertised by MSC. The passes were limited to 10 passes per day. Our butler told us that nobody had arranged that during our cruise. I'm not sure if this is an option this year as I haven't seen anything published. As others stated, you can visit the rest of the amazing ship to see your friends. There were many people in the YC last year that mentioned they had friends/family in other sections of the ship.

There is no other cruise line that does not have room in the MDRs to accommodate all guests.

I agree with you. And it is different for sure. But, at the same time, MSC also has some of the lowest prices for entry level cruises in the Caribbean. For many, this might be totally fine. My real point is that there are lots of choices on this ship to meet the needs of many.

I think the key line about the Bella (at least on the U.S. site) is: "...Should the main restaurant be full, Bella Experience guests may be asked to be seated in the buffet area, where they will receive full restaurant service"

I think it's unfair to characterize this a eating "buffet food"; people are getting the full restaurant service in the room that is a buffet during the day. This perceived inconvenience seems to be part of the lower fare for Bella. "Admiral" mentioned above that there seemed to be a class system on MSC, and this is true for all cruise lines. There are different room grades with different prices and varied perks. This provides choices for people, and for many, the ability to travel.

Excellent video! Thanks so much for sharing! Looks like you had a fantastic trip!

Thank you!!

it is very easy to have the pool attendant to move loungers - as the sun DOES move - so there are some shady places to be had - and you can find chairs that are facing the opposite way of the sun....

 

i do like the sun - not to sit out for hours, but i would also be upset if i was sailing on the Mereviglia, as the YC pool has very little sun....

 

Now, for the price of the Yacht Club, i think they introduced the cabanas for those who DO want shade - and extra revenue for MSC -

 

You all must have to admit - the price of the Yacht Club is truly remarkable for the product they produce on the ship - and now even upgrading to Premium Cocktails, then taking 1 step further to have the drink package included ship wide -

 

it is very hard to please everyone - there is not one ship out there today that would please everyone, but by gosh - the Yacht Club on MSC comes very close to pleasing everyone - very, very few negative reviews in the Yacht Club -

 

so knowing the way the ship is set up - either go to another area of the ship to sit and relax (does it really matter that you are sitting in the One Pool area - drinks are available everywhere) - even your balcony - i can also bet that there will be shady areas in the Yacht Club Lounge, on the exterior, which is so wonderful to have....

 

IMO, i would probably think they will ban any type of umbrellas brought by passengers to the YC Pool as they would not want to be responsible for a possibly law suit if one of them were to fly off, or if someone accidentally poked their eye out when passing by.....

 

In ending, perhaps you might see some changes when the ship sails from Miami - doing a TransAtlantic can be crazy weather conditions - so i think we should all stay positive as there are so many negative people on these boards - give MSC a chance -

 

Honestly, would you really cancel a YC Cruise simply because the sun is shining.....WOW!!!!! - you are in the Caribbean, the sun is everywhere!!!!!!

Agree 100%! :cool::cool::cool: #WeLoveTheYCPool

... At present it seems, that anybody can walk into the yo yacht club area, because 1) there is no signage and 2) the lock system does not work. When we approached Messina the other morning there was well in excess of 100 people in the area.

This is very disconcerting. On the Divina, they hopped on this kind of thing right away. The butlers and servers knew if you were staying in the YC, and if you were not you were politely escorted out. We saw that happen often at the beginning of the cruise when people were exploring the ship and occasionally the pool area door didn't latch. I hope they fix this, because otherwise it's a deal breaker for us. We don't mind paying for the "ship within a ship" experience with the uncrowded pool area.

When we sailed on the MSC Divina this past summer, I had no problem with gluten free meals and I always got my meals at the same time as my husband's (we were in the YC, but I was told that my food was prepared in an area near the MDR kitchen). Most MSC ships have been certified by the Italian Coeliac Association to prepare gluten free food. I agree with the previous posts, when there is any question just ask. I got better clarification on food on MSC than any other line we have sailed... And they brought me gluten free bread at every meal! Happy cruising!

https://www.msccruisesusa.com/en-us/Discover-MSC/On-Board/Dining-Restaurants/Special-Diets.aspx

I would expect this continue, given that MSC is much better known in Europe than it is in the US. Perhaps someone who has sailed on Divina can compare to what they've seen on that ship.

When we were on Divina this past July, the majority of guests were European. It was lovely; it reminded us of traveling in Europe. We were in the YC, and most of the people we met there were from Switzerland and Germany. We had such an amazing time that booked a Seaside cruise while we were still onboard. :D I'm glad to hear that the clientele is still diverse!

January 6th and 13th in the Yacht Club. Check out my website. Bob

Have a great time! Will look forward to your review! :D

I am on the Seaside right now. Been on many transatlantic voyages out of drydock, but no maiden voyages. Paid very little for this cruise, so my expectations were minimal. That said, things are pretty bad on the ship. Crew telling me this voyage is not the real cruise is simply not right. Been with MSC for a long time on other ships. Totally different, which I expected. High tech and very modern, with lots of issues that will probably soon be addressed. Larger food portions, lower quality. Crew mostly from other MSC ships. Yes, still working out staffing issues, but many don't care or try to address concerns. Because it's not the real cruise! Ha!

 

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The larger food portions with lower quality concerns me soooo much. That could eventually be a deal breaker for us. We cruised MSC last July in the YC, and fully loved European experience, including the food. It was so nice to eat quality and healthful food that didn't adhere to the American "super-size" me model. I really hope that MSC hasn't changed the food quality as we have booked again this summer. Hopefully, this is just part of the "it's not a real cruise" deal! :')