Amazing bars and great specialty dining... for a price
MSC Seaside debuted back in 2017 and can be considered the great-grandfather of newer ships like MSC Seashore and MSC Seascape. While those ships come packed with wild entertainment options and some of the most exciting waterparks at sea, we’d say MSC Seaside is a bit more low-key in that department, with a zipline, bowling alley, and a waterpark that is also pretty great.
It’s also a ship that looks gorgeous, with an impressive four-deck atrium surrounded by glass walls. But are these features enough to elevate Seaside to one of the best ships in the MSC fleet? Let’s check it out.
What we like about MSC Seaside
One of the main features of Seaside, which you’ll notice even on the official website, is its focus on outdoor spaces. The ship has a waterfront boardwalk on Deck 8, offering guests the chance to eat, drink, and relax while enjoying the beautiful ocean views.
There are also glass-floored catwalks and panoramic elevators that really help you connect with nature. I sometimes feel that a lot of cruises forget you’re, in fact, on a massive ship traveling across the ocean, with so many enclosed spaces that resemble a big city like the Big Apple. So it’s cool to see that Seaside tries something different and actually gives you the chance to enjoy ocean views from all kinds of spots.
Seaside is also a great ship for anyone who wants to sip a drink or enjoy some specialty dining. The bar scene is surprisingly big, with excellent spots like the Shine Bar, the Champagne & Wine Bar, Jungle Bar, and more. There are dozens of bars on board, and most of them are pretty solid. They aren’t thematic like something you’d find onboard Disney Cruise Line, but a lot of them offer great views of the ocean and the drinks are good. That’s what matters, right?
While the complimentary dining options are mostly meh, specialty dining really shines. Butcher’s Cut steakhouse is a standout that has become a staple on newer MSC ships, and the same goes for Kaito Sushi Bar. The good thing is that there are a lot of vegan options available for guests, even in complimentary restaurants.
Entertainment options are good, even if a bit lacking compared to the newest ships. You get a zip line, two bowling alleys, a 4D cinema and a Kids Club with Lego-themed activities. It doesn’t have a roller coaster on the main deck or a crazy unique waterslide, but it gets the job done, even more so if you consider that you can go on a 5-Day Caribbean Cruise for as low as $340 per guest.
What we don’t like about MSC Seaside
The main issue with MSC Seaside is the dining. The main restaurants just aren’t that great, service can be incredibly slow, and the food quality is nothing to write home about. Is it bad? Not really. But you’d likely have a much better experience in the main dining rooms on other cruise lines like Virgin Voyages, Celebrity Cruises, Disney Cruise Line, or Royal Caribbean. There are two buffet options, but they’re also mid at best, with some hot dishes showing up lukewarm and flavors that don’t impress. Then again, you’re paying around $340 for a 5-day cruise, so maybe it’s fair to say that the ship doesn’t need to be great at everything.
Another issue with Seaside is the extra fees that can add up during your cruise. Remember, MSC is a very affordable cruise line, and you can still have a good time sticking to the complimentary dining venues and free activities on board. However, as we mentioned earlier, the included restaurants aren’t that great, while the specialty dining spots are excellent, they come at an extra cost.
The bars? Fantastic. The catch? Yep, you’ll need to pay for drinks too. Many onboard activities are fun, but a lot of them aren’t free. The zipline is $10 per ride, bowling is $45 per lane per hour, and the F1 simulator and 4D cinema cost extra as well. When you add it all up, you could end up spending quite a bit if you want to try everything.
Conclusion
MSC Seaside is a solid choice if you’re curious to see what MSC Cruises is all about. In 2025, the ship will be based in Florida until November, when it moves to Texas and begins sailing out of Galveston. If you’re looking for a quick, affordable cruise, this is definitely one to consider. Be sure to check out the specialty dining options and those beautiful outdoor areas, but keep in mind that they’ll come with an extra cost.
MSC Seaside FAQ
When did the MSC Seaside set sail for the first time?
The MSC Seaside set sail for the first time in 2017.
Where is MSC Seaside based?
MSC Seaside is currently based in Port Canaveral, Florida, but it will move to Galveston, Texas by the end of 2025.
What are MSC Seaside's main itineraries?
MSC Seaside focuses on 5- to 7-day cruises to the Caribbean and Mediterranean.
How much is a cruise onboard MSC Seaside?
Prices vary, but expect to pay around $340 for a 5-day Caribbean cruise.
