By: Katie Van Zant, a Marvelous Mouse Travels agent
I recently had the opportunity to sail on MSC Seaside to the Bahamas with a few other Marvelous Mouse Travels agents. This European cruise line is growing its brand here in the USA, and I was impressed with the overall experience! Here are a few things that stood out to me during my time onboard.
We sailed out of Port Canaveral, and the cruise terminal was easy to navigate and very well organized. The entire boarding process was seamless and took less than 30 minutes! Tips for a smooth boarding process:
**Make sure your Marvelous Mouse Travels agent books the Yacht Club experience, which gives you access to a separate check-in area with comfy seating and drinks.
The four-story atrium of the ship has beautiful Swarovski crystal staircases and glass walls. You will find several bars here, including my favorite champagne bar!
Our balcony room was well-maintained, clean, and comfortable. While we didn’t see our attendant often, we always returned to a clean room, and any requests were quickly tended.
I was so impressed with the onboard options for kids! MSC partners with Lego, so the kid's clubs are full of fun Lego-themed areas! The Forest AquaVenture is a splash zone and ropes course tied into one. This ship also offers 4 thrilling water slides and a zip-line. I loved this area, and I’m sure my kids would spend a full day here!
Yacht Club guest rooms are in a separate area of the ship. As a Yacht Club guest, you will have access to an exclusive sundeck, pool, and restaurant. Be sure to ask your Marvelous Mouse Travels agent about the perks included in your Yacht Club experience!
Your cruise fare includes a main dining area, a buffet, and a restaurant for Yacht Club guests. I enjoyed my dinners in the main dining room, and the breakfast offerings were plentiful and fantastic in the buffet. You may also choose from an Asian market, a seafood restaurant, or a steakhouse for an extra charge.
MSC makes beverage packages simple! Three packages include alcohol: the Easy package, the Easy-Plus package, and the Premium-Extra package. The Easy package includes house wines, a small selection of beers, and well-brand liquors. There is a section on each bar menu with the Easy package offerings. The Easy-Plus package includes any alcoholic beverage $10 and under. The Premium-Extra package includes all beverages up to $16. All beverage packages (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) include sodas, juices, and waters. Your beverage packages include service on MSC’s private island.
MSC’s private island, Ocean Cay, is a slice of paradise in the Bahamas! MSC has invested a tremendous amount of money to restore this island to pristine condition, and is now considered a Marine Reserve. Enjoy a laid-back day of snorkeling and relaxing on one of the 7 beautiful beaches. Most cruises will have an overnight departure, which allows for an evening beach bonfire, dance party, and light show on the lighthouse.
Each night, MSC Seaside has a different show to entertain you! I especially loved the Michael Jackson show on the last night of our sailing. If shows are not your style, you can find several entertainers at the different bars and lounges throughout the ship. There are themed evening parties on the pool deck, a karaoke bar, a sports bar, and a casino to keep you busy.
I immensely enjoyed my experience on MSC Seaside! I will definitely be sailing MSC again, and I look forward to bringing my family with me next time. Please contact your Marvelous Mouse Travels agent to book your MSC cruise!
