First MSC Cruise - MSC Seaside 12-30-2017 Sailing_Review with Pictures

[Tall-Cruiser]

Back onboard after touring Ocho Rios, Jamaica

 

We were basically back onboard the ship around 3PM. While we were in town we did not get any sweetsor desert after our Jerk Chicken fest and that’s because……. we all had the premium drink package that included gelato. So,our first stop back on the ship was as you would guess deck 6 for gelato. Here’sa hint about the gelato. They have two cup sizes. If you walk up and just askto get gelato, you will more than likely get the small cup. Instead, when you walk up, ask for a big cup of gelato. I am assuming here that you do have agood appetite for some good gelato :). One more thing, either one of the cup sizes is not a full cup. Why? From the outside the cup looks deep, but the real bottomof the cup is raised from inside. So, maximize your gelato by getting a big cup.:) LOL!

 

Off to the cabin to rest and cleanup. One thing I did not notice is sail-away party and music on the pool deck like other cruise lines do. Then again, I could have missed it by going to my cabin instead of the pool deck.

 

Later that evening after another good dinner we went to the Metropolitan Theater to see “My Lifein Music”. For me it was just Ok but I’m sure others liked it a lot.

 

We went backto the Theater later for the Comedy – Beer Prov. There were a lot of empty seats. These guys were funny and tried to do a good job. People kept leavingthe theater probably because they didn’t get the jokes. The comedians while joking, you got the sense that they did not like the idea that the very front row had several kids. I get it that the kids wanted to have fun and so did their parents but, it was 11:30PM so the comedy would have to child appropriate. I know that on RCI they have a curfew for kids being around the ship late hours. This after all is MSC, and they are doing it differently and probably being sensitive to the different cultures and nationalities sailing with them. By the way, we didn’t leave, we stayed and supported them to the end.:)

[Tall-Cruiser]

Pictures from the Theater show, My Life in Music

 

 

 

 

 

Next up, Grand Cayman

 

 

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[Tall-Cruiser]

Grand Cayman– Tuesday

 

We woke up early in the morning by some serious loud banging noise. What could that be we asked? Of all the cruises we have taken before, we have never occupied the forward most cabin on any deck. That loud noise was the dropping of the anchor in Georgetown, Grand Cayman. As most know who have cruised this Island before, it’s a tender port. There is no pier for the cruise ships due to the decision to protect the environment of the reefs. Hence, all cruise ships have a dedicated area where they must stop. This port stop is probably the only one this will happen at as the other ports all have piers. With respect to the other port stops and most if not all forward most cabins, you will feel a very heavy vibration early morning when the ship is pulling into port and late in the day when she leaves port. That heavy vibration is due to the Bow Thrusters helping the ship turn into and out of the pier. So, for those booking these GS cabins take note. If you are in mid-ship or higher decks you will probably never feel the vibration of the Thrusters.

 

I slid open the balcony door to check the outside. It was a beautiful morning, maybe there wasa feeling of “Rhapsody” of which no one wanted to “Escape”, but just wanted the“Freedom” to be whatever and just enjoy.

[Tall-Cruiser]

Grand Cayman

 

Outside our balcony- Rhapsody, Escape and Freedom

 

 

 

 

 

 

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[Tall-Cruiser]

Grand Cayman- continued

We had booked an excursion with the cruise line,“Amphibious Bus Land & Sea Adventure”. Unlike other cruise lines, the MSC website does not list the tour times. We didn’t find out until we were on the ship when the tour was. It was scheduled for 11:30 AM and we had to meet in the Haven Lounge around 11:15 AM. At around 11:35AM after we were all given stickers with our tour group number, we were escorted off the ship and onto a tender boat. Upon reachingthe pier they had two people doing the registration and assigning wrist bands.

After everyone was checked-in the driver escorted us to the bus. We drove around the city center and surrounding while the tour guide told us about the area. From there we headed towards the direction of “7 Mile Beach”. Before there, the driver makes a left turn and next thing you know with cheers from the bus we were in the water. The ride was very good as the seas were calm that morning. The sight was nice the water was beautiful and clear. The driver sailed over some areas with reefs and old ship wrecks. The bus went way out to sea and very close to the cruise ships. He then turned as if heading back, and then the tour guide brought out some bread and handed each passenger some slices. He said to cut it in small pieces and upon his signal to throw it bit by bit into the water. What happened next was a sea of fish jumping and diving for the bread. It was fun and a beautiful scene.

[Tall-Cruiser]

Grand Cayman

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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[Tall-Cruiser]

Grand Cayman

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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[Tall-Cruiser]

Grand Cayman

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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[Tall-Cruiser]

Grand Cayman

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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[Tall-Cruiser]

Grand Cayman

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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[ArizonaCruzer]

I am enjoying your review! I have learned so much about this cruise. We are sailing in May and I have to believe that the issues you and others have mentioned aren't so complex that they won't be resolved by then. I hope someone else will review in real-time like you have been doing.

 

Enjoy!

 

Laura

[Tall-Cruiser]

Grand Cayman

 

A few minutes later we where out of the water and now headed to “7 Mile Beach”.We stopped at Royal Palms for a beach break. The place was packed, the music was good, and people having a good time. We found a table by the bar, ordered some drinks and food. Some of us went down to the beach for a walk and to enjoy the area. It was not a long stop, maybe 50 minutes and then we headed back to the pier to do some shopping before catching the tender back to the ship.

See pictures above.

[Tall-Cruiser]

I am enjoying your review! I have learned so much about this cruise. We are sailing in May and I have to believe that the issues you and others have mentioned aren't so complex that they won't be resolved by then. I hope someone else will review in real-time like you have been doing.

 

Enjoy!

 

Laura

 

Thank you Laura. I am glad to hear you are enjoying the review. I learned so much from people here on CC willing to share which has been very valuable. So, if I can also be of any help, I am more than glad to share.

 

Best of luck on your cruise and happy sailing :)

[Tall-Cruiser]

It’s about 4PM and we are back on the ship. We walked around a little and visited with some family staying in other cabins towards mid ship and the hump. If you are booking a suite with a jacuzzi or one of the other Fantastica suites and think you have privacy on your balcony, take a look at these photos taken from 11065. Also if you are in the deck 9 suites those above you can see you on your balcony.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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[Tall-Cruiser]

More pics from mid ship-forward and looking down and across

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I️ hope this helps those considering these cabins in the future. It’s better if you know ahead of time what you are getting.

 

 

 

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[Tall-Cruiser]

We had a great time in Grand Cayman. If we go back there, I️ would take a taxi and go hang out at the Royal Palms. The ambiance there was just cool, plus with the great music playing it was the happening place to be.

 

Time for sail away from George Town, Grand Cayman until the next time.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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[Tall-Cruiser]

Earlier, I mistakenly said that we met at the Haven Lounge for our tour. We actually met at the Metropolitan thearter.

[Tall-Cruiser]

Back in the cabin, earlier we received an invitation for the Black Party. This is the welcome back party for all Black Card holders.

 

Most of my party were tiered so I️ went alone to the Haven Lounge. Upon showing my invitation I️ was given two chocolate ships. I️ found a booth in the back and was served a drink. The Cruise Director introduced the senior officers and Captain Scala. At that point I️ was joined by this very nice couple from Sweden (S and E, first initial s) who also enjoyed cruising a lot. After the captain gave a speech and talked about Seaside in multiple languages we just hung out for a while and had a nice chat. I️ am glad I️ ran into this couple because they recommended other cruises for me to consider. That’s the beauty of meeting people from other places, you may learn some good things. Again, exposure is a great thing.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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[Tall-Cruiser]

The theme for the evening was the White Party and I️ think it was also considered Italian Night.

 

Most people did dress up in white as could be seen around the atrium and dinning room. As usual dinner was great. Below picture is one of the servings but I️ don’t remember the name. It was good. As I️ said earlier, I️ think they had the best sea food.

 

 

 

 

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[Tall-Cruiser]

After dinner we went to the Theater to catch another show, Fly. Those of you who sailed on Oasis OTS are probably thinking “I Fly”. No, it wasn’t exactly like that, but nevertheless good performance, dancing and singing.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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[Tall-Cruiser]

That same evening the big event, White Party, was scheduled to take place on Deck 16, Miami Beach Pool. The weather was not great so it was moved in to the Atrium, on decks 5 through 8. Great music, dancing and performing by the MSC dancers and activities team.

 

A few more from the Theater

 

 

 

White Party in Atrium

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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[Tall-Cruiser]

Next up Cozumel

 

 

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[EssG]

LOVING all the photos...thanks again for a great review....Looking forward to Cozumel as that will be one of our Ports :)

[ChrisB66]

Loving your review and Pictures, Tall-Cruiser Thank you for sharing. We are sailing the new year sailing this year, on deck 9 but hey i don't mind . , really looking forward to it now.

 

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[Mattnvick]

Tall Cruiser just wanted to say thank you. I think this has been the most useful and informative review of Seaside that i have read.

 

We haven't booked a cruise on her but its a ship i was loooking forward to trying at some point. But honestly some of the reviews so far have been less than stellar and i was thinking maybe my hard earned money would be being spent on something else.

 

However this review so far has moved Seaside back onto my list of ones to try.

 

Its refreshing to read about the food ( yes it is subjective) but i have always enjoyed our meals on MSC.

 

To sum up its been great to read a not gushing, not slamming but factual, helpful just having a nice time and enjoying all that is on offer review.

 

Thank you for taking the time.