MSC Seaside 7-Day Eastern Caribbean Cruise Review

MSC Seaside is a cruise ship that was built in 2017 by Fincantieri shipyards in Italy for the Swiss-based cruise company, MSC Cruises. The ship is 323 meters (1,060 feet) long and 41 meters (135 feet) wide, and has a gross tonnage of 154,000.

The MSC Seaside can accommodate up to 5,119 passengers in 2,066 cabins, with a crew of approximately 1,413 members. The ship features 20 decks, with a range of amenities and entertainment options including a water park, zip-line, 5D cinema, full-sized bowling alley, casino, and numerous restaurants and bars.

The ship is powered by four diesel-electric engines, with a total output of 76,800 kW, and features an environmentally friendly design, with a variety of energy-saving technologies and systems to reduce its impact on the environment. It has a top speed of 22.7 knots and a range of 4,863 nautical miles.

The MSC Seaside also features advanced safety and navigation technology, including a dynamic positioning system that allows the ship to maintain its position in the water without the need for anchoring, and a sophisticated bridge navigation system that uses real-time data to optimize the ship’s route and avoid hazards.

MSC Seaside docked in St. Maarten
MSC Seaside docked in St. Maarten

MSC Seaside 7-Day Eastern Caribbean Cruise Review

Date: October 13 – 20, 2018

Itinerary:

Miami, FL: The MSC Seaside is one of the cruise ships that regularly calls at PortMiami in Miami, Florida. PortMiami is one of the busiest and most popular cruise ports in the world, serving as the home port for many major cruise lines, including MSC Cruises.

The MSC Seaside typically docks at Terminal F at PortMiami, which is a state-of-the-art facility that features advanced technology and amenities to ensure a smooth and efficient embarkation and disembarkation process for passengers.

The terminal is equipped with a variety of facilities, including check-in counters, security screening, baggage handling, and customs and immigration services. It also features a large waiting area, a VIP lounge, and a range of retail shops and food and beverage outlets for passengers to enjoy before and after their cruise.

From PortMiami, passengers on the MSC Seaside can embark on a variety of itineraries, including Caribbean and Bahamas cruises, with stops at popular destinations such as Nassau, Jamaica, and Cozumel. The port is conveniently located near the Miami International Airport and a range of hotels and attractions, making it easy for passengers to travel to and from the ship.

Saint Maarten: Saint Maarten, also known as Sint Maarten, is a small island nation located in the Caribbean Sea. The island is divided into two parts, with the northern part (Saint Martin) belonging to France and the southern part (Sint Maarten) being a constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

Saint Maarten is a popular tourist destination, known for its beautiful beaches, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant culture. The island is also a major cruise port, with many ships calling at the capital city of Philipsburg.

Visitors to Saint Maarten can enjoy a range of activities, including swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, and other water sports. The island is also home to numerous restaurants, bars, and nightclubs, as well as a range of shopping opportunities.

In addition to its natural beauty and tourism industry, Saint Maarten is also a major center for international business, with a number of offshore finance and banking services located on the island. The island’s economy is also heavily dependent on the cruise ship industry, with a significant portion of its GDP coming from cruise ship passenger spending.

San Juan, Puerto RIco: San Juan is the capital and largest city of Puerto Rico, a US territory located in the Caribbean. Founded in 1521, San Juan is one of the oldest cities in the Americas and is known for its rich history and cultural heritage.

San Juan is a popular tourist destination, with a range of attractions and activities to enjoy. The city’s historic Old San Juan district is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, featuring stunning colonial architecture, forts, and museums. The area is also home to a vibrant arts and culture scene, with numerous galleries, theaters, and performance spaces.

In addition to its historic sites, San Juan is also known for its beautiful beaches and warm climate. Visitors can enjoy swimming, snorkeling, and other water sports at the city’s many beaches, including the popular Isla Verde and Condado Beaches.

San Juan is also a major cruise ship port, with many ships calling at the city’s port facilities. Cruise passengers can explore the city’s sights and attractions, including its many restaurants, bars, and shops, before heading out to explore other destinations in the Caribbean.

Nassau, Bahamas: Nassau is the capital and largest city of the Bahamas, an island nation located in the Caribbean. The city is located on the island of New Providence and is a popular tourist destination, known for its beautiful beaches, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant culture.

Nassau is home to a range of attractions and activities for visitors to enjoy. The city’s historic district features stunning colonial architecture and a variety of shops, restaurants, and bars. The area is also home to several museums, including the National Art Gallery of the Bahamas and the Pirates of Nassau Museum.

In addition to its historic sites, Nassau is also known for its beautiful beaches and warm climate. Visitors can enjoy swimming, snorkeling, and other water sports at the city’s many beaches, including the popular Cable Beach and Paradise Island.

Nassau is also a major cruise ship port, with many ships calling at the city’s port facilities. Cruise passengers can explore the city’s sights and attractions, as well as take advantage of the many shopping opportunities and excursions available, such as swimming with dolphins, snorkeling in coral reefs, and exploring nearby islands.

MSC Seaside Accommodations:

On this 7-day Eastern Caribbean cruise on MSC Seaside, I booked a Balcony Suite, 16007, in the MSC Yacht Club. The Seaside Yacht Club Balcony Suite is a type of stateroom on the MSC Seaside cruise ship. It is located in the Yacht Club section of the ship, which is a luxurious, private enclave that features exclusive amenities and services for guests.

The Seaside Yacht Club Balcony Suite is spacious and elegantly designed, with modern decor and high-quality furnishings. The suite features a comfortable queen-size bed, a separate living area with a sofa bed, and a private balcony that offers stunning views of the ocean.

In addition to the standard amenities found in all MSC Seaside staterooms, such as a private bathroom, flat-screen TV, and 24-hour room service, guests staying in the Seaside Yacht Club Balcony Suite also enjoy a range of exclusive perks and services. These may include:

  • Access to the exclusive Yacht Club lounge and restaurant, which serves gourmet cuisine and premium drinks in an intimate setting
  • Priority boarding and disembarkation
  • A dedicated 24-hour butler service
  • Exclusive use of the Yacht Club’s private pool, sun deck, and hot tubs
  • Complimentary beverages throughout the ship, including alcoholic drinks and specialty coffees
  • Access to a private concierge, who can assist with shore excursions, spa treatments, and other services

Overall, the Seaside Yacht Club Balcony Suite is an ideal choice for travelers who want to enjoy a luxurious and pampering experience on their MSC Seaside cruise.

Personal Day-By-Day MSC Seaside Cruise Review:

Photo Tour of MSC Seaside

My Photo Tour of MSC Seaside will showcase the ship’s stunning design, innovative features, and world-class amenities. We’ll take you through the ship’s impressive atrium, with its sparkling Swarovski crystal staircase, to the lush greenery of the outdoor promenade.  You’ll get an up-close look at the MSC Seaside’s thrilling water park, chic lounge areas, and luxurious spa facilities. And of course, the ship’s many dining options, from casual beachside bites to elegant specialty restaurants.