MSC Cruises UK & Ireland
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MSC Seaside - A mixed bag of Highs and Lows
I recently cruised aboard MSC Seaside, and while there were some memorable highlights, the experience was also marked by a few major frustrations—especially around logistics and crowding. The Good Let’s start with what MSC got right: the main aurea dining room staff were absolutely fantastic. Friendly, efficient, and always ready to accommodate, they really elevated the dining experience. The service here felt personal and polished—definitely one of the high points of the trip. The ship itself is older but nice, and plenty of space in aurea sundeck to relax and unwind. There were some lovely moments enjoying the sea views and warm weather. The Not-So-Good Unfortunately, there were several areas that left a lot to be desired: Naples Airport Arrival = Chaos: The embarkation process, particularly coming through Naples Airport, was disorganized and chaotic. Long waits, unclear instructions, and poor crowd control made for a very stressful start to what should have been a relaxing vacation. Buffet Madness: The buffet was consistently overcrowded and hectic. Finding a table was a challenge at almost any time of day, and the atmosphere felt more like a busy food court than a peaceful dining area. This really detracted from the overall enjoyment, especially when compared to other cruise lines that manage traffic flow more smoothly. Final Thoughts MSC Seaside has potential, and the main dining room aurea service was top-tier. But the chaotic embarkation, disembarkation made the overall experience feel more stressful than it should have. If MSC can improve crowd management and streamline their logistics, the cruise would be far more enjoyable.