Decided to try MSC Seaside as it resembled the NCL Escape, which we have sailed 4 times. Positives - Love the loyalty match program on MSC. I was immediately upgraded to top category as I am on NCL. Received so many extras like free dinner in specialty restaurant, cocktail party and photo with captain, robes, slippers, backpack, chocolate ship & so much more. Very happy with our stateroom SE3 Grand Aurea suite. So much storage, huge screen TV's. See video on YouTube I posted. Buffet food was good, especially enjoyed the lunch were was a fish was served daily. Specialty restaurants were very good also. Service was lousy in Ocean Cay due to Valentine's Day (same as at home). Buy the TRIO package - 3 restaurants for $69 (works out to $23 a meal)! Really enjoyed the 30-40 min shows. VERY talented performers and a different show every night. Went to 5 of the 7 shows as we do not care for Opera. Our 4 yr old enjoyed the shows and the Mini Club for kids. We also loved the zipline, 5D cinema, F1 Race car and bowling. These items cost extra but we bought a $100 play card for $70 (a 30% savings) which made them more reasonable.

We had to bad smells, no plumbing issues, no small portions, no bad shows, etc as others have described. I spoke with many employees, officers, etc who all said they are working out the issues associated with a new ship as all cruise lines have to do. There was a language barrier and I needed to repeat myself often. On occasion I received a wrong drink, but they would then bring the correct one. We were upset that our room did not have a tub, wrap around balcony or floor to ceiling glass as pictured in original design. They also charge they same for a 2 bedroom suite as a 1 bedroom suite which is bazaar. Many international travelers on board especially from France and Canada (over 1200 from these two countries).

By far one of the best cruises we have been on. Already booked for next year. I'm sure by then everything will be even better.