MSC Seaside is a large ship, but its design does a surprisingly good job of spreading people out.

That was probably our biggest takeaway.

Instead of placing nearly every outdoor activity around one central pool deck, MSC Seaside spreads passengers across several different pool areas, upper sundecks, lounges, restaurants, bars, and outdoor spaces.

We repeatedly found ourselves walking around a corner and discovering another pool, whirlpool, bar, or seating area.

That helped the ship feel less crowded than we expected for a vessel that can carry more than 5,000 passengers at maximum occupancy.

In this guide, we will take you through MSC Seaside deck by deck and share the areas that stood out most to us, including:

• Pools and outdoor decks

• Forest Aquaventure Park

• Sports areas

• MSC Yacht Club locations

• Specialty restaurants

• Two buffets

• Waterfront promenade

• Outdoor dining

• Theater and entertainment

• Casino

• Spa and fitness center

• Kids’ areas

• Bars and lounges

• Our favorite parts of the ship

• Things first-time MSC Seaside cruisers should know

We are not trying to recreate an MSC brochure.

This is what stood out to us while actually sailing the ship.

Our Overall Impression of MSC Seaside

Before going deck by deck, there are a few things worth knowing about the ship as a whole.

MSC Seaside Felt Very Clean

One of the first things we noticed was how well the ship presented itself.

The public areas looked polished and well maintained throughout our cruise.

MSC definitely has its own design style.

There are:

• Mirrors

• Glass

• Bright lighting

• Dramatic staircases

• Modern finishes

• Sparkling surfaces

The atrium is probably the best example.

And yes, during our video tour we discovered that “glitzy” might actually be a good description.

The decor may be more dramatic than some cruisers prefer, but the ship has a clear identity.

The Outdoor Space Was One of the Biggest Surprises

This was one of our favorite things about MSC Seaside.

There is a lot of usable outdoor space.

Not simply pool space.

There are areas where you can:

• Sit in the shade

• Eat outside

• Walk beside the ocean

• Relax near a whirlpool

• Find a quieter upper deck

• Watch the wake

• Move away from the main pool crowd

On some large cruise ships, outdoor decks can feel as though every available inch has been filled with lounge chairs.

MSC Seaside often felt more open.

There were certainly busy times, but we frequently found chairs with more space around them than we expected.

The Pools Are Spread Around the Ship

This became almost a joke during our tour.

We would walk to another part of the ship and say:

There’s another pool.

Or:

There’s another whirlpool.

That is actually a major strength.

Different pool areas have different personalities, which helps spread passengers around the ship rather than concentrating everyone in one place.

Deck 20: Sports and Adventure Area

Portions of Deck 20 contain some of MSC Seaside’s more active attractions.

Sports Court

The sports area provides space for activities such as basketball and other court games.

It is a useful area for teenagers, children, and active adults who want something beyond swimming and lounging.

Programming may vary by sailing.

Adventure Course

MSC Seaside also has an elevated adventure-style course.

Marshall recorded the course while we explored the upper decks, but neither of us actually went through it.

From behind the camera, though, it looked more challenging than you might expect.

There are elevated obstacles and sections that would likely appeal most to children, teenagers, and adults who enjoy active attractions.

Because we did not personally complete the course, we cannot tell you how difficult it feels once you are actually on it.

Deck 19: Sundeck, Waterslides and Quieter Areas

Deck 19 gives you a great sense of how much outdoor space MSC Seaside has.

You will find loungers, water-park elements, whirlpools, bars, and elevated views of the lower decks.

Certain upper-deck areas may be tied to specific MSC booking experiences, while other sections are generally accessible.

The first thing we noticed was the spacing.

There were several areas where loungers were not packed tightly together.

Experienced cruisers will understand why we appreciated that.

Miramar Bar

We liked the area around Miramar Bar.

It is positioned on an upper outdoor deck and can be a good alternative when more central pool bars are busy.

You can grab a drink and return to nearby seating without necessarily being right in the middle of the largest pool crowd.

A Quiet Dead-End Area

One of the more interesting discoveries on Deck 19 was a section that essentially becomes a dead end because of the ship’s layout.

That means very little through traffic.

There is also a whirlpool nearby.

If you are looking for a quieter spot, this is the kind of area worth exploring.

People generally do not wander through unless they intentionally go there.

Our tip

Do not automatically pick the first pool or lounge chair you see after boarding.

Walk around the upper decks before deciding where you want to spend your sea day.

Deck 18: Jungle Pool and Forest Aquaventure Park

Deck 18 contains some of MSC Seaside’s strongest family facilities.

Jungle Pool

The Jungle Pool is a useful pool area because it can be protected from poor weather.

The retractable-roof design makes it a great option when conditions outside are:

• Rainy

• Windy

• Extremely hot

• Cooler than expected

One important thing to know:

The Jungle Pool is not an adults-only solarium.

Families and children can use the area.

We liked the tropical atmosphere and shaded feel.

On a hot Caribbean itinerary, shade becomes more valuable than many cruisers realize.

Bars and Gelato

The area also has access to drinks and gelato.

Gelato comes with an additional charge, but having food and drinks close to the pool makes it easier to stay in the area for a while.

Forest Aquaventure Park

Forest Aquaventure Park is one of the major attractions for families.

The area includes:

• Waterslides

• Water-play features

• Splash areas

• Dumping buckets

• Pools

• Elevated play elements

One of the slides uses a tube, which is not something you find on every cruise ship.

Families with children will probably spend quite a bit of time here.

Kids and Teen Areas

The children’s areas are located close to the family attractions.

MSC has colorful spaces designed for different age groups, including LEGO-themed elements.

We did not walk through while children were actively using the clubs, but we were able to get a look when the areas were quiet.

The LEGO displays were impressive.

For families, having the kids’ spaces near the water attractions makes sense.

MSC Yacht Club

The forward upper decks also contain MSC Yacht Club facilities.

MSC Yacht Club is MSC’s premium ship-within-a-ship concept.

Yacht Club guests receive access to exclusive accommodations and private areas that are not available to general passengers.

These can include:

• Dedicated lounge areas

• Private dining

• Exclusive outdoor spaces

• Pool areas

• Enhanced service

• Concierge benefits

We were not staying in Yacht Club on this sailing, so we are not going to review an experience we did not personally have.

But first-time MSC passengers should know that some areas on the upper deck plans may be restricted to Yacht Club guests.

Why Is There No Deck 17?

MSC Seaside goes from Deck 16 to Deck 18.

There is no Deck 17.

It is not a deck-plan mistake.

MSC skips the number because of the traditional Italian association of 17 with bad luck.

So if you find yourself searching for Deck 17, stop.

It is not there.

Deck 16: Specialty Dining

Deck 16 contains several specialty dining options.

One thing worth understanding is that you cannot always walk straight through every section of the deck.

At certain points, passengers may need to change decks or use another elevator bank.

That can be confusing during the first day or two.

MSC Seaside is not difficult to navigate once you understand it, but the layout is not always intuitive.

Asian Dining and Teppanyaki

One specialty-dining section focuses on Asian food and includes teppanyaki-style dining.

The area has dedicated seating and cooking stations where food is prepared in front of guests.

The restaurant district feels well designed and visually polished.

Ocean Cay Seafood Restaurant

Ocean Cay is the seafood-focused specialty restaurant.

The decor makes the theme pretty clear.

We did not focus heavily on specialty dining during this particular tour, but seafood lovers should review the current menu before sailing.

Butcher’s Cut

Butcher’s Cut is MSC’s steakhouse concept.

We did not eat there during this cruise, so we cannot give you a firsthand food review.

It is one of the restaurants we may try on a future MSC sailing.

Cocktail Seating

The specialty-dining area also includes seating where passengers can stop for a drink before dinner.

These smaller spaces help break up the ship and provide places to sit without committing to a full lounge or bar.

Two Buffets: A Design Choice We Really Liked

MSC Seaside has two buffet areas.

For a ship carrying thousands of passengers, we think this is a smart idea.

The smaller buffet is closer to one of the upper pool areas.

That makes it easy to leave the pool, grab lunch, and return outside without walking halfway across the ship.

Why Two Buffets Matter

Buffets can become some of the busiest places on a cruise ship, especially:

• On embarkation day

• Before early port arrivals

• Around lunchtime on sea days

• During peak breakfast hours

Having a second location helps spread the crowd.

The smaller buffet does not need to be as large as Marketplace Buffet because it serves a different purpose.

Handwashing Stations

We also noticed handwashing stations around the buffet areas.

We like seeing handwashing made easy and obvious before guests enter busy food spaces.

Main Outdoor Pool and Party Area

Another major outdoor pool area has a very different atmosphere from the Jungle Pool.

This one is much more open.

You will find:

• Pool

• Stage

• Large screen

• Bar

• Lounge seating

• Whirlpool areas

• Large open deck space

This is the type of area where MSC can hold major outdoor parties.

During our sailing, White Night took place here and drew a large crowd.

The space worked well for it.

Because the deck is broad and open, it can accommodate a large gathering better than a smaller pool area.

More Whirlpools

One thing MSC Seaside seems to have everywhere is whirlpools.

They are not necessarily huge.

We actually like that.

We would rather have several smaller whirlpools spread around the ship than one giant hot tub filled with 25 people.

We have been in crowded cruise-ship hot tubs before.

We generally did not stay long.

Having several locations improves your chances of finding one that is not completely packed.

Bridge of Sighs

One of MSC Seaside’s recognizable features is the glass walkway toward the aft portion of the ship.

It gives you views down toward lower decks and the ocean.

It is a popular place for photographs.

Just be cautious when the glass is wet.

This is one of those spots that is fun to walk across and makes for a good cruise photo.

Aft Elevators: Remember Them

MSC Seaside has elevators positioned far aft that passengers may overlook.

Remember where they are.

They can save a lot of walking.

If your cabin is toward the stern or you spend time around the aft pools and outdoor areas, using the correct elevator bank can make navigating the ship much easier.

Our tip

During the first day, learn the locations of the forward, central, and aft elevators.

You will appreciate it later in the cruise.

Deck 8: One of Our Favorite Decks

Deck 8 may be the deck that best explains MSC Seaside’s overall design.

It mixes indoor and outdoor spaces particularly well.

You will find:

• Fitness center

• Spa

• Lounges

• Sports bar

• Shopping

• Restaurants

• Marketplace Buffet

• Outdoor promenade

• Outdoor dining

• Glass walkways

• Ocean views

There is a lot happening here.

Fitness Center

We thought the gym was quite good.

It was spacious, had a large number of machines, and—most importantly for us—had windows looking outside.

If we are exercising indoors on a cruise ship, we at least want to see the ocean.

Marshall also went running while we were in Nassau.

Crystal found other ways to enjoy vacation.

Aurea Spa

The spa connects naturally with the fitness area.

The public spaces looked clean and modern.

There are treatment rooms, beauty services, and a thermal spa area.

The thermal area can include different hot, cold, steam, and relaxation experiences.

It is generally an additional-charge experience unless included with your booking.

We did not use the thermal area during this sailing, so we cannot give you a firsthand review of it.

Seaside Lounge

The Seaside Lounge had a useful multipurpose feel.

During the morning, there were opportunities for coffee and pastries.

Games were also available.

We like having spaces like this on large ships.

Not every public room needs to be a nightclub or restaurant.

Sometimes you just want a comfortable place to sit.

Sports Bar

The Sports Bar became very popular during our sailing because soccer was drawing a large audience.

We liked the layout.

Some seating areas have their own television screens, allowing smaller groups to watch without everyone gathering around one giant screen.

Sports fans may spend a lot of time here during major games or tournaments.

Shops, Shore Excursions and Future Cruises

As you continue through Deck 8, you will pass retail and cruise-service areas.

MSC Seaside has more than one shore-excursion service location, which can help spread passengers when people have questions or changes.

There is also a future-cruise office for passengers considering another MSC sailing.

The Atrium

Then you reach one of the most recognizable interior areas of MSC Seaside.

The atrium is classic MSC.

The illuminated staircases are dramatic and very photogenic.

The area is not simply decorative.

Throughout the cruise, it can host:

• Music

• Dancing

• Parties

• Entertainment

• Social events

When the weather does not cooperate outside, events may move indoors around the atrium.

Because it spans multiple levels, passengers can watch from above.

It can become crowded during major events, but it is an impressive space.

Marketplace Buffet

Marketplace Buffet is the larger of the two buffet areas.

The layout is roughly rectangular, so passengers can move between stations rather than entering one long line.

During our sailing, choices included things such as:

• Pizza

• Fruit

• Nuts

• Cheese

• Cold cuts

• Salads

• Hamburgers

• Hot dogs

• Taco-style food

• Hot dishes

• Desserts

Exact offerings obviously change.

The Pizza

People ask about MSC pizza a lot.

Marshall tried it.

His verdict:

MSC serves some of the best cruise-ship pizza we have had.

There were several varieties available, and it was consistently good.

Crystal is not really a pizza person, so Marshall has accepted responsibility for this important research category.

Outdoor Seating

This was probably our favorite feature of Marketplace Buffet.

There is a lot of outdoor seating.

You can get your food inside and then walk toward the outdoor seating areas.

Some sections are covered, which means you can eat outside without sitting directly under the Caribbean sun.

We loved this.

Whenever possible, we would rather eat outside with an ocean view than inside a crowded buffet.

MSC Seaside makes that easy.

Smoking Area

One side of the Deck 8 outdoor area included a designated smoking section during our sailing.

If you smoke, that is useful.

If you strongly dislike smoke, it is equally useful.

Use the opposite side.

Smoking areas can change, so always follow current onboard signage.

HOLA! Mexican Dining

We ate at HOLA! during the cruise.

Crystal had fish tacos, and we chose the fixed-price option rather than ordering everything individually.

The fixed-price experience included far more food than we could realistically eat.

There is also a connected bar.

And yes, frozen margaritas are available.

We felt that was important information.

Waterfront Promenade

The outdoor promenade is one of our favorite features of MSC Seaside.

Instead of placing almost all outdoor public space high above the ocean, MSC brings passengers much closer to the water on Deck 8.

The promenade includes:

• Outdoor seating

• Lounge furniture

• Ocean views

• Dining areas

• Bar access

• Glass-floor sections

• Covered seating

It is a great escape when the pool areas become busy.

It is also one of the best areas for cruisers who enjoy being outside but do not necessarily want to sit next to a pool all day.

Glass Walkways

MSC likes glass floors.

There is another glass-floor section around Deck 8 where passengers frequently stop for photographs.

Visit early in the morning, during dinner, or while many passengers are ashore if you want pictures without a crowd.

Deck 7: Theater, Casino and Nightlife

Deck 7 shifts the focus toward entertainment.

Theater

We thought the theater was very well designed.

The sightlines were good, and we did not feel as though there were a large number of poor seats.

During our cruise, we saw several musical and tribute-style performances, including shows featuring music associated with Michael Jackson and Queen.

The entertainment was one of the positive surprises of the cruise.

We thought the shows were very good.

Casino

Leaving the theater brings you toward the casino.

We thought it felt more spacious than some casinos we have experienced on other ships.

There was room to move between machines without constantly squeezing past other passengers.

During our sailing, it was not always extremely crowded.

Some of the chairs were also surprisingly comfortable.

Possibly too comfortable.

Haven Lounge

Farther aft, Haven Lounge provides another nightlife option.

It can host:

• Live music

• Dancing

• Bar service

• Evening entertainment

It has a different atmosphere from the atrium and theater.

Small Recreation Areas

One design detail we appreciated was MSC’s use of smaller spaces.

There is a small area with things such as a pool table and chess.

MSC could easily have left this as generic hallway space.

Instead, it becomes another place for passengers to spend time.

We actually saw people using it.

Those smaller spaces matter on a large ship because they help spread people out.

South Beach Pool

Continue toward the back and you reach South Beach Pool.

This became one of the more popular spots on our sailing.

The aft-facing pool includes:

• Pool

• Bar

• Lounge seating

• Ocean views

• Wake views

Again, this demonstrates what we like about the ship.

Instead of one pool deck, there are several different pool environments.

If you do not like the atmosphere around one, move to another.

Garage Club, Arcade and Bowling

Another entertainment area has a more casual and youthful personality.

You will find things such as:

• Arcade games

• Bowling

• Racing simulator

• Social activities

Some attractions require an additional charge.

Families with teenagers may use this area more than passengers looking for a quiet lounge.

More Bars Than We Could Count

MSC Seaside has no shortage of bars.

They include:

• Pool bars

• Sports Bar

• Lounge bars

• Specialty cocktail areas

• Atrium bars

• Restaurant bars

• Champagne-style venues

The good thing is that they are not all identical.

Different parts of the ship have different personalities.

Deck 6: Chocolate, Dining and More Entertainment

Deck 6 contains another group of important public areas.

Theater Access

We found that accessing the theater from this level worked well for us.

Small navigation preferences like this become useful after a day or two.

Chocolate and Coffee

One of the more distinctive areas combines coffee, specialty drinks, and chocolate.

There is a lot of chocolate.

You could even watch some of it being made.

Marshall tried the hot chocolate.

This research assignment was successfully completed.

Specialty drinks and chocolates may carry an additional charge.

Main Dining Rooms

MSC Seaside has multiple main dining spaces.

We ate in one of them during our sailing and enjoyed the experience.

Dining arrangements can depend on the type of MSC booking you have, so check your assigned dining room and dining time once onboard.

Shine Bar and Atrium Seating

The lower atrium levels offer more seating and additional bar space.

One advantage of the atrium design is that you do not have to stand directly in the middle of an event.

You can often sit on another level, have a drink, and watch the activity.

Guest Services and Shore Excursions

Guest Services and shore-excursion assistance are located around the lower public decks.

As on most cruise ships, these areas can become busy during:

• Embarkation day

• Port changes

• Excursion questions

• Account problems

• The end of the cruise

When your question is not urgent, going during a quieter time may save you a considerable wait.

What MSC Seaside Does Particularly Well

After touring the ship, several strengths really stood out.

Outdoor Space

This may be the ship’s biggest strength.

Passengers can choose among:

• Several pools

• Upper sundecks

• Waterfront promenade

• Outdoor buffet seating

• Whirlpool areas

• Shaded seating

• Aft outdoor areas

There is a lot of room to spread out.

Passenger Distribution

MSC Seaside can carry a lot of people.

You will encounter crowds.

But the design frequently distributes passengers better than we expected.

Two buffets help.

Multiple pools help.

Numerous bars help.

Several lounges help.

Outdoor promenade space helps.

When one area was crowded, there was often somewhere else to go.

Multiple Pool Areas

We really liked this.

The Jungle Pool offers one atmosphere.

The main outdoor pool offers another.

South Beach Pool gives you an aft-facing option.

Families, party crowds, and quieter cruisers do not all have to use the exact same area.

Outdoor Dining

This is another major strength.

We loved taking food from Marketplace Buffet and eating outside.

The covered seating made it even better.

Cleanliness

MSC Seaside consistently looked clean and well maintained during our cruise.

That left a strong impression.

Entertainment

The theater and shows were better than we expected.

The sightlines were good, and we enjoyed the performances we attended.

What First-Time MSC Seaside Cruisers Should Know

Some Decks Do Not Connect Straight Through

You may need to change decks or elevator banks to reach certain areas.

Give yourself a day to understand the layout.

Not Every Area Is Open to Everyone

Some upper-deck spaces are associated with Yacht Club or certain MSC booking experiences.

There Is No Deck 17

You are not lost.

Learn the Aft Elevators

They can save you a lot of steps.

Try Both Buffets

Do not automatically head to Marketplace every time.

The smaller buffet may be much more convenient when you are near the upper pools.

Explore More Than One Pool

The pool areas have very different personalities.

Is MSC Seaside Good for Families?

Yes.

Families have access to:

• Forest Aquaventure Park

• Waterslides

• Water-play areas

• Jungle Pool

• Kids’ clubs

• LEGO-themed spaces

• Sports court

• Arcade

• Bowling

• Pools

The combination of water attractions and children’s facilities makes MSC Seaside particularly family-friendly.

Is MSC Seaside Good for Couples?

We think so.

Despite the family attractions, couples can find plenty of places to escape the busiest areas.

We particularly liked:

• Waterfront promenade

• Outdoor dining

• Upper-deck seating

• Quieter whirlpool areas

• Specialty restaurants

• Lounges

• Spa

• Aft views

You can find energy when you want it without having to remain in the middle of it all day.

Is MSC Seaside Good for Older Adults?

It can be.

The biggest consideration is the ship’s size.

There is a lot of walking.

Cabin location therefore matters.

Passengers with mobility concerns should identify the easiest routes between:

• Cabin

• Dining

• Buffet

• Theater

• Pool

• Gangway

Learning the elevator banks early can make the ship much easier.

Is MSC Seaside Too Crowded?

It can become crowded during predictable periods, including:

• Buffet peaks

• Major atrium events

• White Night

• Theater entry

• Sea-day afternoons

• Port arrival

• Elevator rushes

But overall, we thought the ship handled its passenger load better than we expected.

The multiple pools, buffets, lounges, and outdoor spaces make a noticeable difference.

Our advice is simple:

If one area feels too crowded, move.

There is usually another option.

Where Are the Quieter Areas?

Some of the quieter places we found or would check first include:

• Upper Deck 19 areas with less through traffic

• Waterfront promenade outside peak times

• Outdoor buffet seating away from meals

• Seaside Lounge during quieter hours

• Smaller indoor recreation spaces

• Upper outdoor areas away from events

• Your balcony, if you have one

The atmosphere changes throughout the day.

A quiet lounge in the morning may be busy at night.

Learning the rhythm of the ship helps.

Our Favorite Parts of MSC Seaside

Some of our favorites were:

• Spacious outdoor decks

• Multiple pools

• Numerous whirlpools

• Waterfront promenade

• Outdoor buffet seating

• Shaded outdoor areas

• MSC pizza

• Sports Bar

• Theater entertainment

• Clean public spaces

• Aft-facing areas

• Having more than one buffet

We also liked how different sections of the ship had different personalities.

What We Would Do Differently Next Time

On another MSC Seaside cruise, we would:

Spend More Time on the Waterfront Promenade

We really enjoyed this area and would use it more.

Eat Outside More Often

We loved the outdoor buffet seating.

Find Quiet Upper-Deck Areas Earlier

We would explore those areas on embarkation day.

Use the Aft Elevators From Day One

That would save unnecessary walking.

Try Butcher’s Cut

We would like to experience more specialty dining firsthand.

Finally Try the Gelato

This is clearly unfinished cruise research.

Frequently Asked Questions About MSC Seaside

Is MSC Seaside a large ship?

Yes.

MSC Seaside is a large resort-style ship with multiple pools, restaurants, bars, entertainment areas, family attractions, and extensive outdoor space.

Does MSC Seaside have a water park?

Yes.

Forest Aquaventure Park includes waterslides and water-play features.

Is the Jungle Pool adults-only?

No.

The Jungle Pool is family-friendly.

Does MSC Seaside have two buffets?

Yes.

There is a larger Marketplace Buffet and a smaller buffet closer to upper-deck pool areas.

We liked having two because it helped spread passengers around the ship.

Is the pizza good?

In our opinion, yes.

Marshall considers MSC pizza some of the best cruise-ship pizza we have had.

Does MSC Seaside have outdoor dining?

Yes.

Marketplace Buffet has extensive outdoor seating, including covered areas.

This was one of our favorite features.

Does MSC Seaside have bowling?

Yes.

Bowling is available in the entertainment area for an additional charge.

Is MSC Seaside good for children?

Yes.

Families have access to water attractions, pools, kids’ clubs, sports, gaming, and other activities.

Is MSC Seaside good for couples?

Yes.

Couples can find quieter outdoor areas, lounges, restaurants, spa facilities, and waterfront seating.

Is MSC Seaside crowded?

It can become crowded at peak times, but we thought the ship did a good job spreading passengers across its multiple pools, buffets, lounges, and outdoor spaces.

Is MSC Seaside hard to navigate?

It can be a little confusing at first.

Some decks do not connect straight through, and certain spaces may be restricted based on booking category.

After a day or two, we found it much easier.

Why is there no Deck 17?

MSC skips Deck 17 because of the traditional Italian association of 17 with bad luck.

MSC Seaside Pros and Cons

What We Liked

• Excellent outdoor space

• Multiple pools

• Numerous whirlpools

• Waterfront promenade

• Outdoor buffet seating

• Plenty of shaded seating

• Two buffets

• Good pizza

• Clean public areas

• Good theater sightlines

• Strong entertainment

• Many bars and lounges

• Family water attractions

• Good passenger distribution

Things to Consider

• The ship requires a lot of walking

• Some decks are confusing at first

• Not every deck connects directly

• Some experiences cost extra

• Certain areas are restricted

• Major events can become crowded

• The decor is more dramatic than some cruisers prefer

Our Honest MSC Seaside Verdict

We came away from MSC Seaside impressed.

The ship is not perfect, but we think MSC made several smart design choices.

The most important is the way the ship distributes passengers.

Rather than forcing everyone toward one pool deck, there are several different outdoor destinations.

Rather than one buffet, there are two.

Rather than one entertainment lounge, there are multiple options.

And rather than treating outdoor areas as an afterthought, MSC Seaside makes the connection to the ocean a major part of the ship.

For us, that matters.

We especially enjoyed:

• Spacious outdoor decks

• Multiple pools

• Numerous whirlpools

• Outdoor dining

• Waterfront promenade

• Entertainment

• Clean public areas

Families have plenty to do.

Couples can find quieter areas.

Active passengers have sports and water attractions.

And passengers who simply want to sit outside with a drink and watch the sea have several places to do that.

The ship does take a little time to learn.

You need to understand the elevator banks.

You need to figure out which decks connect.

You need to discover which pool area you prefer.

But once we understood the layout, MSC Seaside became much easier—and more enjoyable—to navigate.

Would We Sail MSC Seaside Again?

Yes.

The combination of outdoor space, ship design, entertainment, dining choices, and multiple pool areas worked well for us.

And next time, there is still one important research assignment waiting.

The gelato.

Someone has to take one for the team.

Have you sailed on MSC Seaside? Tell us what you loved—or what you would change—in the comments. And if you are planning your first MSC Seaside cruise, leave your questions below.