MSC Seaview Review

South Americans, this one is for you

MSC Seaview is the second Seaside-class ship and debuted back in 2018. It’s the sister ship to MSC Seaside, so expect a lot of similarities. Much like the Seaside, it also features some amazing outdoor spaces, giving you stunning views of the ocean. The top deck is filled with bars that overlook the sea, helping guests feel connected to nature in a really special way, and you can also find some fun entertainment options here, like a F1 Simulator, ziplines and much more.

Is it better than the Seaside, though? Uhhh… I’m not sure. Remember that The Office meme where Pam says “it’s the same picture”? That’s kind of what happens here. Well, let’s take a look at what makes this ship special and where it still has room to improve.

What we like about MSC Seaview

Let’s be clear, there are a lot of things that MSC Seaview does well, and most of them are also done right on MSC Seaside. We recommend checking out our MSC Seaside review for more details. What works for Seaside also works for Seaview, and we’re talking about those beautiful outdoor spaces with panoramic views of the ocean, some solid specialty restaurants, and fun entertainment options for kids, including a full waterpark and LEGO-themed activities.

So, what are the main similarities and differences between MSC Seaside and MSC Seaview?

MSC Seaside has a French restaurant called L'Atelier Bistrot, while MSC Seaview features a Mexican restaurant called Hola! Tacos. Both ships include the popular Butcher’s Cut Steakhouse.
The bar scene is basically the same on both ships, even if some of the names are slightly different on MSC Seaview. The bars are one of the strong points of MSC Seaview, and offer some great views of the ocean.
You’ll find the same lineup of activities on both vessels: a Formula One simulator, dual-lane bowling alley, 4D cinema, zip lines, and a classic arcade.
MSC Seaview and MSC Seaside offer different shows onboard. They’re entertaining, sure, but don’t expect Broadway-level productions.
As for itineraries, that’s probably the biggest difference between the two. MSC Seaside focuses on cruises in North America and the Mediterranean, while MSC Seaview sails in the Mediterranean and South America. This makes Seaview a great option for the South American market, as it regularly departs from Santos and Rio de Janeiro. MSC Seaside, on the other hand, is gearing up to sail from Galveston, Texas by the end of 2025.

So, there you have it, not a ton of differences, huh? Both ships feature fantastic outdoor areas and some awesome specialty restaurants. If you get the chance, definitely book a night at Butcher’s Cut Steakhouse or L’Atelier Bistrot.

What we don’t like about MSC Seaview

MSC Seaview Jungle Bar.webp — MSC Cruises©

Complimentary dining is considered bland, a problem that also exists on MSC Seaside. While specialty restaurants like Butcher’s Cut and Ocean Cay serve up some delicious dishes, the main dining rooms and buffet get mixed reviews. Some passengers have mentioned inconsistent food quality and service, with reports of lukewarm dishes and slow wait times. Yep, it’s basically the same thing we said in our MSC Seaside review.

Another problem that also exists here is that costs while onboard really ads up. Look me copy paste what I said on the MSC Seaside review, since it also applies here:

"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 Seaview is a good ship, and a great option for those living in Brazil. It sails out from Santos and Salvador, and is one of the best cruise ships for the South American market. It has some great bars and awesome outdoor spaces, even if the complimentary dining venues are a bit underwhelming.