MSC Seaside Review
lovelights
10+ Cruises • Age 60s
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Sail Date: Jan 2018
My husband and I chose to cruise on MSC Seaside, because of the wonderful experience we had with our first cruise on MSC while on the beautiful MSC Divina.
SEASIDE HAD A LOT OF FIRSTS. We cruise frequently, therefore, this was by no means our first experience on a cruise ship, however, there were several firsts that we came across on this ship. First, we have never entered a ship in a beautiful atrium with the smell of septic. This was the first time we had to deal with our room smelling like rotten eggs, the majority of the cruise. Even though buffets are always busy on cruise ships the first day of embarkation, this was the first time that buffets were so busy every day of the cruise, that there were times that you had to wait for a plate. This is the first time I seen people sitting in the floor to eat at the buffet on disembarkation day. It's the first time that I had to walk up 6 flights of stairs because the elevators never worked, to the point that the ones that did were slow and overcrowded. The list of firsts goes on and on.
Here's what we experienced, as far as Pros and Cons. And even though there are FB groups that seem to hammer people for posting Cons about this ship, it is what it is, and most that seem to get upset if you say something bad about Seaside, seems to be either European, first time cruisers, or travel agents. I'm none of these and I have nothing to gain or lose with my review.
Cabin Review
Cabin Balcony
The cabin was nice. We had plenty of room, however, storage is very limited. Room had a septic smell at various times throughout the entire cruise. When balcony door was open during windy times, the frame around the bathroom door made a loud squealing noise where air was coming out of it. It was the strangest thing we'd ever experience. The bathtub was a nice addition. The climate control worked fine. We had no issues of anything not working properly. The mini fridge was cold, and we have no complaints about our cabin.
Port Reviews
Nassau
I have been to Nassau so many times, that I've actually forgotten how many. I know it's been at least 4 years since we've been, and we were shocked to see how much it has changed. The hagglers are unbelievable at this port. I was offered drugs 3 times. I didn't know I looked like a weed head. And if you're a female and you say "no thank you", and you have a male with you, such as your husband, or boyfriend, you will be called an "island boss lady". These people don't care how rude they are, they just want your money.
We went to Junkanoo Beach, which is walking distance from the port. It was a nice place to sit in the sand, and look at the lighthouse across the harbor, but other than that, it wasn't all that great. I think it's about the only place that you can gain access to the water where it's free. The sidewalks are not kept up in Nassau, so you have to be careful and watch where you are walking. Make sure you lift your feet when you walk. It's easy to trip getting here.
Costa Maya
This was our first time at Costa Maya, and we absolutely loved it. We actually didn't have enough time to see everything, because we went to Mahahual. The beach is so beautiful there. We took the shuttle for $3.00 per person, and then we walked the boardwalk area, back towards the lighthouse. We stopped at the Krazy Lobster and had lunch on the beach under an umbrella table, and laid in the hammocks. Krazy Lobster has the best tasting Pina Colada. Then we caught a taxi for $3.00 per person, back to the cruise port. We really enjoyed shopping, and had a nice day. I would love to go back.
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