Mediterranean Flair

MSC Cruises for the first time introduced a new ship directly into the U.S. market. With its head-turning profile and a bevy of new features, MSC Seaside provides something a little different in Caribbean cruising—a Mediterranean flair.

The ship’s distinctive aft superstructure resembles curved condominium towers soaring above a pool deck. Glass elevators link the main pool areas on Decks 7 and 16. For the brave, a glass-bottom catwalk called the Bridge of Sighs arcs out between the two towers on Deck 16.

MSC Seaside offers plenty of open deck space, an exciting water park with the first slideboarding (integrating video gaming with a water slide) at sea, the two longest ziplines on a ship, bowling and billiards.

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There are children’s clubs for five age groups, from babies to older teens, and programs featuring LEGO and Italy’s baby brand, Chicco. The MSC for Me app lets parents track their kids, thanks to wristbands the children wear.

Italian touches include delicious pizzas and pastas, Segafredo espresso and two Venchi chocolate shops—one with an aromatic chocolate waterfall and the other serving fabulous crepes and gelato poolside.

There’s a terrific spa, too. The Aurea Spa, unique to MSC Cruises, is inspired by Balinese treatments. When using the thermal areas, spa-goers can cool off in a snow room.

Fanciest and Most Common Accommodations

The top address is the MSC Yacht Club, an 86-suite enclave. This keycard access area has a lounge where light bites are served, and it has a full restaurant upstairs. Butler service, a concierge, complimentary ship-wide drinks and access to a private deck area with a pool, bar and grill are other perks.

The best of the best accommodations are the 667-square-foot Yacht Club’s two Royal Suites, with a living area, bedroom, walk-in closet, bathroom with tub and shower and spacious balcony with whirlpool tub and dining area.

MSC Seaside’s most common accommodations are its 1,314 balcony staterooms, ranging from 172 square feet to 269 square feet. They have a bathroom with a shower or tub, a refrigerated mini-bar and safe.

What’s Included?

Fares are grouped by “experiences.” The Bella Experience provides the lowest, least-inclusive pricing. The Fantastica Experience offers better stateroom locations, a drinks package and free room service. On average, a balcony room costs approximately $100 more per person when clients upgrade to Fantastica.

The Wellness Experience, powered by Technogym, includes two wellness/fitness-themed excursions, a daily fitness class, a wellness assessment and medical check-up, gym gear and flexible My Choice Dining.

The Aurea Spa Experience features priority boarding, a spa package with two massages per stateroom and unlimited access to the thermal area, a wellness consultation, unlimited drinks package and the flexible My Choice Dining.

What’s for Dinner?

The two main restaurants offer first and second seatings and the My Choice Dining for Aurea Spa and Wellness Experience cruisers. Dinner selections may include prosciutto with kiwi, New Orleans gumbo, scallop ceviche, porcini risotto, Piedmont-style gnocchi, grilled mahi-mahi, duck breast, cocoa-dusted pork tenderloin and New York strip steak.

There are two buffets, one with tables designed for children.

The Asian Market Kitchen by celebrity chef Roy Yamaguchi is three restaurants in one: a Pan-Asian gourmet venue, a sushi bar and a four-grill teppanyaki room. Pricing is à la carte.

Other specialty restaurants include Butcher’s Cut, where the signature tomahawk steak is $90 for two, and Ocean Cay for seafood, with Miami’s famous stone crabs among the menu items (12 oysters are $29, bouillabaisse for two, $50 and three soft shell crabs, $24; or there’s a $50 fixed price menu). A French bistro, La Boheme, tempts with choices like onion soup ($7) and escargots ($10).

Best Entertainment

The ship offers seven Broadway-style production shows with themes ranging from famous movie soundtracks to “Peter Punk,” a new twist on Peter Pan. MSC Seaside also presents improvisational comedy shows in partnership with BeerProv.

Favorite Excursion

In Cozumel, Mexico, the three-and-a-half-hour “Adventure to the Jade Caverns” begins with self-driving buggies through a forest to subterranean caverns and involves walking, wading and even swimming.

Who Goes on This Ship?

Families, couples, first-time cruisers and multigenerational travelers. MSC is “trying to attract all ages,” according to Vicky Garcia, co-owner and chief operating officer of Cruise Planners. “With the kids’ clubs, aqua park and ziplining for the youngsters, and the MSC Yacht Club and a beautiful spa for more seasoned travelers, they have something for everyone,” she said.

Insider Booking Tip

Consider booking clients in the 28 mid-level (301-square-foot) suites with a private whirlpool bath on the balcony. These must be booked with the Aurea Spa Experience.

Key Selling Points

The ship provides plenty of options for travelers of all ages, with loads of action, entertainment inside and out, and very competitive pricing. Children 11 and under sail free on most cruises and, starting this summer, youngsters 12 to 17 also sail free in low- and mid-season.

Agent Assistance

MSC offers travel agents a dedicated website, customizable marketing materials and co-op advertising support. It also pays commission on shore excursions (5-percent for individuals, 10-percent for groups).