Carnival Man Trying MSC For the first time..

[mr jailerman]

Hi All,

Just wondering if any of you have sailed MSC before ? And if so, Can you lend a few pointers ? DW and I decided to try something different this summer and Booked the MSC SEASIDE for this summer..Any Pros or Cons ?

Thanks for your time !

[Cherries Jubilee]

I have only sailed the Divina but if I’m allowed to say it here, I strongly suggest you check out Sea Cruisers review of Seaside on YouTube.

[SNJCruisers]

Which of the classes did you book? First (Yacht Club) Second (Aurea) Third (Fantastica) Steerage (Bella). Have 18 cruises on Carnival and got off the Seaside a few weeks ago, so I can answer most questions for you.

[cruzeluver]

Very, very different experiences, but at least for us, in a good way. We were on Seaside in January after multiple cruises on Celebrity, Royal, NCL and Carnival.

 

Menus on MSC are much more creative and while they do have typical American options they also have a lot more international selections. No dancing waitstaff or announcements in the main dining room. Makes for a very enjoyable dining experience.

 

Passenger mix is far more diverse. We met lovely people from all over Europe we which we really enjoyed. Announcements and greetings from the captain and cruise director will be made in English, French, Italian, German, Spanish and Portuguese.

 

Only one announcement a day over the public PA. The captain gives the weather and distance to the next port of call. No announcements for bingo, art auctions etc. MSC assumes you can read.

 

Entertainment is more polished, professional and also more diverse. Tends toward the visual due to the multiple languages spoken. Heavy on acrobatics, cirque-type performers etc. There is singing from a very talented production cast but not all is in English (most is). In addition to the main production shows (a new one every night) there is also live comedy improv late night, live music all over the ship, theme parties (White Party, prohibition party etc.) a big casino and on an on.

 

Seaside is of course brand new (inaugural sailing was end of December) and is simply stunning! If you have an appreciation for design and quality furnishings you will be quite impressed.

 

We would not hesitate to return.

[chocolate melting cake]

We are booked for October, have to admit we were attracted by MSC's offer to give us matching passenger status. We called and they gave us the highest card (we are diamond on Carnival). Don't know if this offer is still going on, but if it is it's worth it to get the status even if you wind up never sailing MSC. I'd imagine I'd be unhappy if I'd sailed 200+ days on MSC to see others getting the card!

[dmdiver]

After seeing the pics of Seaside, I think I would like to try that ship as well.

[Mr2Scents]

If you listen or subscribe to Cruise Radio with Doug Parker they just did a review of Seaside. Worth a listen.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[LakeWobegon]

Have you watched the Jim Zim video(s) on his experience? Or read his review on CC? I think that is a good resource. If you love to eat at the buffet most of the time or want lots of "American" style entertainment, then the Seaside probably isn't for you according to him. He says he would never go on MSC again and that its least favorite cruise of all 43 he's taken. But Jim doesn't focus a lot on the MDR and aquapark, etc., or other experiences, which I hear good things about. I can't say for sure, though, as we are not booked on the ship until March of next year.

 

Its really all about the attitude you have going in. We LOVED Norwegian and the Escape for our first two cruises as a family. I don't think you could have a terrible time on a cruise if you did your research and go in with the right mindset. i.e. This won't be like Carnival but I'd like to try it at least once. Other than if you lose power and drift for days like the Poop Cruise of course.

 

For us, the fact that we could sail in a Yacht Club Suite for less than a standard balcony on Norwegian Escape and that they matched our Latitudes status and gave us and extra 5% off sealed the deal along with the the ship and all its features.

 

As a side, I used to watch those Sea Cruiser videos with a drink late at night when they first came out as I thought they were comical and somewhat informative. I can't anymore though as they are all over the place. You have to watch 20-30 minutes to find out a few facts or opinions about the ship. A lot of it now is filming interactions with the people that booked group cruises with them and helped pay for their cruises. I like Jim's videos even if I don't have the same cruising preferences. They are more on topic and informative to me. I also like watching these Sarah Productions cruise videos. My 10 year old daughter started watching them. Anyways, she does a good job reviewing the ships from a young person's perspective.

 

Good luck on whatever you decide!

[sgttami]

Was on Divina in October with a friend who booked through UR comped. Cruise was free with a $200 OBC and free drinks. While we had a good time and the ship was gorgeous, I don't know if I'd go again. I don't really like the huge ships and sailing with 5000 passengers.

 

I'm glad I tried it as something different. I have a free cruise offer from them also on Seaside through UR comped and don't really know if I want to go again.

 

Status match was nice since I'm Diamond Plus on RCL so I did get a lot of perks for that.

 

Just wasn't over the top about the line itself.

[cruising_is_life3535]

There are three different Carnivals (Fantasy class ships, Conquest class ships, and Dream class ships) and one subclass (Vista).

The approach to the MSC Seaside is different depending on what Carnival is yours.

 

If you come from Fantasy - go with no worries. Don't read reviews - just go.

From the Vista subclass... Well, it's the closest experience - crowds, cheap bells and whistles, hype about nothing really and the first Carnival's attempt to try class segregation - shame.

 

The most distant category is the Conquest class - a blend of traditional cruising and what Carnival calls "fun" at sea.

 

The first thing that you need to know is that this ship has a class division .

There is so-called Yacht Club that takes a significant part of the ship (behind the locked gates).

90-95% of the passengers have no acccess to that part. For instance, you won't be allowed to enjoy views forward unless you are in the "first class".

This is insulting. This is not in Carnival tradition so far.

Closed gates are for a cattle farm, not for a cruise ship.

So if you are fine with this, you'll be OK because the rest of the issues are just details.

This cruise line is trying to suck in the least demanding clientele from Carnival, NCL and RCI.

They build huge overcrowded anthills and fill them with cheap wow bells and whistles.

To keep this venues profitable they reduce the size of cabins, serve barely eadible food, save on service and some premium features that don't bring money (like a live orchestra).

The only thing they do better than Carnival is shows. They are more entertaining and colorful from the first glance (the cruise will be over before you'll probably discover the "secret" of their shows).

Well, another thing that is better on the Seaside (vs Carnival) - the pools (at least when the crowds go ashore). Pools on the newest Carnival ships are the worst at sea, just awful.

So...

If you are ready to set you requirements to the minimum, don't mind to be treated like a third class person, care less about food, love glitzy bells and whistles, fond of various "technologically advanced" garbage that supplies for a real product, want to save a few bucks - you have a green light to set sail on MSC Seaside.

 

Will this floating anthill sail full?

Yes.

Why?

Because cruising is a pleasure!

 

[/quote

Edited March 3, 2018 by cruising_is_life3535

[bury me at sea]

You’re not very informed on Carnival’s new ships. They’re doing EXACTLY as the Seaside are doing in regards to segregation! The Havana club ring any bells? You’ll see it on all the new Carnival ships.

 

He mentioned class segregation on the Vista.

[lcpagejr]

We are booked for October, have to admit we were attracted by MSC's offer to give us matching passenger status. We called and they gave us the highest card (we are diamond on Carnival). Don't know if this offer is still going on, but if it is it's worth it to get the status even if you wind up never sailing MSC. I'd imagine I'd be unhappy if I'd sailed 200+ days on MSC to see others getting the card!

 

You also get an additional 5% off your fare as Voyager member ...so make sure you get it.

[lcpagejr]

I'm very well informed :)

 

You've quoted it: "the first Carnival's attempt to try class segregation - shame."

 

Havana club is a small spot of melanoma on the Carnival body while class division is MSC main road.

Actually they are the ones that reintroduced class division on MSC Fantasia in 2007 - the first passenger ship built with class division since Queen Elizabeth 2 (1969).

Havana club is a nasty form of cabin category perks so far, not a class division yet.

But who knows what happens if melanoma is not treated..

 

I am a loyal Carnival cruiser (Platinum) who is going on MSC in 3 weeks....Havana on Carnival can't hold a candle to what YC on MSC offers. Same price points but Havana offers nothing near what MSC YC experience offers....Go to their site and read and see what is included for the same price.... You will be blown away! I've done Havana and will be doing YC on MSC Seaside on 3/24... Closest comparison to MSC Yacht Club would be NCL Haven.... but thats twice the price and the minor additional perks for the Haven is no where near the worth of the price difference

Edited March 3, 2018 by lcpagejr

[Woodfaerie]

I will also be booking the MSC Seaside for a Dec 2018 sailing due to a very appealing price. Carnival feels like home to me, I know the ins and outs, the policies, etc. and they have ALWAYS been the best pricing for me based on where and when I want to go but this was a good deal so I am going to give it a whirl.

[SNJCruisers]

I will also be booking the MSC Seaside for a Dec 2018 sailing due to a very appealing price. Carnival feels like home to me, I know the ins and outs, the policies, etc. and they have ALWAYS been the best pricing for me based on where and when I want to go but this was a good deal so I am going to give it a whirl.

Bella, Fantastica or Aurea?

[Motegi]

We are avid cruisers and tried MSC for the first time last June aboard the Divina with four Fantastica balcony cabins with visiting family from overseas. All of us were VERY impressed. So much that Pam and I are booked on the Seaside this September and plan to book on the Meraviglia in the next 12 months.

 

I've read all of the negativity about MSC as some others have outlined above but we experienced absolutely none of that. In fact the Divina was one of our most enjoyable cruises thus far. The evening shows and operatic performances were spectacular. The decor and design of the ship was outstanding. The cabins were well appointed and the room stewards were very attentive. We had a blast at each of the theme nights and all brought attire to participate in each of them (formal, seventies, italian, white party).

 

We very much enjoyed all of our dinners in the main dining room and found the food selection and quality to be very good. It was an order of magnitude better than we have ever had on Carnival. The MSC buffet breakfast was not our favorite but the pizza section of the buffet was excellent. Specialty dining was hit or miss and not as good as we've had on NCL so we are planning to stay in the Main Dining Room on the Seaside.

 

The overall atmosphere of the Divina seemed to mirror is elegant decor with a more laid back feel. As one of the others mentioned above the cruise director and entertainment staff were not as aggressive or hyper as can be seen on other cruise lines. However there were still plenty of activities scheduled each day for those who wanted to stay active.

 

MSC's Loyalty Status Match is a excellent program and I believe that they will even match Hotel or Airline status programs.

[mr jailerman]

Thanks For The Response Everyone !

The ship looks amazing..And I also booked through URCOMPED, So I paid the best price possible ;)!

I'm also Platinum on Carnival ?

Does anyone know what Level MSC will upgrade that too ? And what perks are given to that tier ?

Thanks Again for any input.

[lcpagejr]

:)

Why should I go to their website? I've cruised in YC.:) Not "blown away" at all.

Havana club and "ship-within-a-ship" on MSC are different things.

YC on the Seaside is better experience than on Fantasia class ships.

It's also better than NCL Haven on the ships that has no observation lounge, while the whole experience is higher class on NCL as the ships are better overall.

Putting the cheap hype aside, perception of these gimmicks depends on the benchmark for comparison.

We'll take a cruise on the Seaside to see their private island (when it's ready). Otherwise it's pale and rather boring (for us) in comparison with many other options awailable (no matter YC or not).

Same old, same old recipe: "Crowds +gimmicks+ads".

 

Well it seems your all over the place on your comments...Hard to figure out what you like,dislike, what you consider gimmicks, etc. My blown away comment had to do with your comment on how some ships are segregating/put in a seperate class area.... Obviously Carnival has nothing close to what RCL, NCL, Celebrity, MSC, etc offers (at the upper end). For an average cruiser like me....who cruises usually balcony, deals with crowds, has to pay for all my liquor (Cheers excluded because that is a price choice)....The YC experience is going to feel special. When we cruised the Vista in November ....we booked a Havana cabin.... Told my wife we can't go back to a regular cabin after this experience. The choice to stay away from the crowds, etc was just to valuable and relaxful. I think once we cruise MSC...my days on Carnival will be over as long as Yacht Club maintains their reasonable price points.... Granted we are nearing retirement...so we may be beginning to enjoy some better service and less chao's as our patience frails...lol. I guess our cruise expectations and wants/needs are changing as we are exposed to and have the opportunity to experience some of the more special offerings and space on these ships.

[Woodfaerie]

Bella, Fantastica or Aurea?

 

Fantastica. For some interesting reason, it was free, which I thought Bella was.

[Woodfaerie]

Thanks For The Response Everyone !

The ship looks amazing..And I also booked through URCOMPED, So I paid the best price possible ;)!

I'm also Platinum on Carnival ?

Does anyone know what Level MSC will upgrade that too ? And what perks are given to that tier ?

Thanks Again for any input.

 

 

I am Platinum on Carnival. I submitted my form to MSC for the loyalty match, they replied in 2 days putting me at MSC Gold. Here is the link to the bennies.

 

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

[riclop]

MSC has MUCH better entertainment , food is subjective and the MSC ships are much more elegant than anything Carnival has.

[mr jailerman]

I am Platinum on Carnival. I submitted my form to MSC for the loyalty match, they replied in 2 days putting me at MSC Gold. Here is the link to the bennies.

 

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

Thank You For The Link !

[SNJCruisers]

MSC has MUCH better entertainment , food is subjective and the MSC ships are much more elegant than anything Carnival has.

Please answer me this.....since you have such a propensity of slamming Carnival at any opportunity on the MSC boards, then why do you hang out and respond on the Carnival boards? If you are never going to cruise them again, which you imply by lambasting them all the time, why post on their boards? Is it just to inflate your 20,000 + posts with more one sentence responses? Edited March 5, 2018 by SNJCruisers

[SNJCruisers]

I am Platinum on Carnival. I submitted my form to MSC for the loyalty match, they replied in 2 days putting me at MSC Gold. Here is the link to the bennies.

 

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

Also got matched to gold. Got a basket of fruit and a cheap hat. Never got the luggage tags or any of the pre-boarding stuff. The 5% off is good, but they would not give it to me on top of the better discount I had gotten from my TA. It's just like most of the stuff on the Seaside, a lot of fluff and no substance. The only good things to eat were the pizza and the gelato and I stayed in the YC. If you like your meat and seafood overcooked, you'll enjoy your sailing.

Here is a link to my review:

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2598283

[lcpagejr]

Please answer me this.....since you have such a propensity of slamming Carnival at any opportunity on the MSC boards, then why do you hang out and respond on the Carnival boards? If you are never going to cruise them again, which you imply by lambasting them all the time, why post on their boards? Is it just to inflate your 10,000 + posts with more one sentence responses?

 

Now now...Lets not upset him..... Its 20,000+ posts. Also, he is a equal opportunity poster. Pretty much on all the cruiseline boards. LOL