Booked this cruise for a promotion with free "drinks on us" package. I read reviews of the ship one week before our cruise and 90% were negative. I kept an open mind to see for myself. Embarkation and check-in was outstanding, the best of all the cruise lines we've cruised. We waited less than 10 minutes at the terminal before we were let on board. The ship is very beautiful and well appointed. The muster/safety drill was chaotic and disorganized and held before all passengers boarded so they have hold a second drill. The life vest instructions was not done in English. Food was average. I would rank this as my least favorite from Princess, Carnival and RCCL. There was no variety of ethnic food as in other cruise lines. Buffet menu were the same throughout the cruise, breakfast, lunch and dinner. The lines at the buffet were negligible. Not as bad the reviews I've read. The shows were excellent, the best I've seen so far. The free unlimited drink package was limited to 3 cocktails; long island ice tea, screwdriver and Moscow mule in addition to wine, soda and water. The TV ads makes it looks like you can have any drinks you want. For some reason the staff and crew looks unhappy and not sociable. You can hardly catch a smile on any staff and crew, specially the ship staff at Customer Service/Reception. They all looked overworked and unhappy to be on board the Seaside. Communication and the dissemination of information to the passengers has left much to be desired. They should use the TV channels more to disseminate information regarding port calls, on board activities for the day and disembarkation procedures. But overall, as with our other cruises, we had a great time. I am doing this review to dispel and confirm the negative reviews I read about this ship. Some of the issues I've read were obviously been taken care off and some still exist. To reiterate, MSC Seaside is a beautiful and excellent ship. I would cruise her again with a new Head Chef, as I am a foodie person!!!