I am a former cruise staff with two other cruise lines. Have spent four years at sea working on ships. My wife and I discovered MSC in 2016 for our Honeymoon. We have sailed on the MSC Divina twice and this is our second cruise on the MSC Seaside. We will sail again on the Divina in March.
We have loved our three previous cruises with MSC and this, our fourth, exceeded every expectation! And, not only was this a New Year's Eve Cruise, but we also celebrated our fourth wedding anniversary. And, everything was perfection!
As Aurea guests, we enjoyed priority embarkation, which saw us in the front of the line the morning on Miami day. The previous cruise's disembarkation seemed a bit longer than we have experienced, but we were still on board by noon. We enjoyed a light lunch, made our massage and specialty restaurant reservations, stowed our gear in the spa locker room, and headed to our favorite hot tub. The perfect start to our cruise.
This was our 2nd Aurea Experience cruise with MSC, but our first in an Aurea Inside cabin. The cabin was incredibly large and on the port side of the ship, farthest forward. We had so much space that my wife and I ended up each taking a side of the cabin for our belongings and get ready areas. The cabin was quiet and dark when we needed it to be. And, again, really comfortable! Had a chair, couch, table, desk, king bed, standard bathroom, and, Richard, the best cabin attendant yet! Only heard the anchor on Miami day. Some wave action on the side of the ship at times. But, will most assuredly stay in this cabin again if available.
We walked around the city enjoying the night life. We went to Hotel Casablanca for views and beverages and highly recommend.
Took the ferry to St John. Had lunch at North Shore Deli. ( A must do in St. John.) We hiked to Honeymoon Beach and snorkeled. It was a great day. Just be sure to get back early on the ferry so you don't miss your ship.
Perfection! We loved this private island! So proud of the work MSC has put in and look forward to visiting again and again!