MSC Seaside was the revolutionary ship that inaugurated MSC Cruises’ Seaside class in 2017. Designed under the motto “the ship that follows the sun,” she transformed the cruising concept by maximizing the connection between passengers and the sea, especially in warm climates. Her innovative architecture focuses on outdoor spaces, featuring the expansive Waterfront Boardwalk encircling the ship near the water, panoramic glass lifts with sea views, and a stunning aft pool area. She was the first MSC ship built specifically with the North American market and the Caribbean in mind.
Attractions
MSC Seaside is packed with attractions designed for enjoyment both outdoors and indoors:
- Waterfront Boardwalk: A unique promenade wrapping around Deck 8, offering a pier-like experience with open-air bars, restaurants, and shops very close to the sea.
- Bridge of Sighs: An iconic glass-floored walkway at the stern, suspended high above the ocean, offering spectacular views.
- Zip Lines: Two parallel 105-meter (345 ft) zip lines, the longest at sea at the time of launch, crossing over the top deck.
- Forest Aquaventure Park: An interactive, multi-story water park with 5 slides, including slideboarding slides combining waterslides and video games.
- Pools: Features multiple pools, including the South Beach Pool at the aft with stunning views, the Miami Beach Pool (main pool area with Miami-inspired design), and the indoor Jungle Pool with a retractable roof.
- Metropolitan Theatre: The main theatre, seating 934 guests, presenting Broadway-style shows and other performances.
- Other Activities: Full-size bowling alley, F1 simulators, XD cinema, Garage Club disco, MSC Aurea Spa with thermal area, casino, and kids’ and teens’ clubs (LEGO® and Chicco).
Capacity (Technical Features)
MSC Seaside was the first of her class, optimized for warm climates:
- Class: Seaside
- Gross Tonnage: Approximately GT
- Length: meters ( ft)
- Beam (Width): meters ( ft)
- Height: meters ( ft)
- Decks: total (16 passenger-accessible)
- Passenger Capacity: Approximately (double occupancy) up to (maximum)
- Crew: Approximately members
- Environmental Technologies: Incorporates systems like exhaust gas scrubbers (EGCS) and advanced wastewater treatment (AWTS). (Not LNG-powered).
Food & Drink Venues
The culinary offer focuses on international and Mediterranean flavors, with many venues enjoying sea views:
- Main Restaurants: Two main dining rooms included, serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
- Buffets: Two main buffet areas: the Marketplace Buffet (open 20 hours) and the Biscayne Bay Buffet & Restaurant, suitable for families.
- Specialty Restaurants: (Approximately 9 dining options total) Include:
- Butcher’s Cut: American steakhouse with alfresco seating.
- Ocean Cay Restaurant: Featuring fresh fish and seafood dishes.
- Asian Market Kitchen by Roy Yamaguchi: Three concepts in one: Teppanyaki, Sushi, and Pan-Asian Fusion.
- Bars and Lounges: Around 19 bars and lounges, many with outdoor seating:
- Seaside Bar: In the multi-story central atrium.
- Shine Bar: An elegant champagne and cocktail bar in the atrium.
- Sports Bar: Themed decor and screens for sporting events.
- South Beach Bar & Miami Beach Bar: Outdoor bars in the pool areas.
- Venchi 1878 Gelato & Cioccogelateria & Coffee Bar: Luxury Italian ice cream, crepes, and coffee shop.
Accommodation
MSC Seaside offers a wide range of cabins, including innovative designs:
- Interior Cabins.
- Ocean View Cabins.
- Balcony Cabins: Including terraced balcony options overlooking the promenade or the sea.
- Suites: Different types, highlighting the aft corner suites with large balconies and suites with private outdoor whirlpools.
- Modular Family Cabins.
- MSC Yacht Club: The exclusive luxury area with premium suites, 24-hour butler service, concierge, private restaurant, lounge, and sundeck with pool, located on the top forward decks.
In summary, MSC Seaside marked a milestone in cruise ship design with its radical focus on outdoor living and connection with the sea, offering a vibrant and sun-filled vacation experience, particularly suited for destinations like the Caribbean.