MSC Seaside: 4-Day Bahamas Cruise

MSC: Seaside cruise from Miami, December 1–5, 2025 to the Bahamas

Booking

The $199 per person price was impossible to beat, especially with a $29/day drink package that would also work on the private island. $29!! Booking was easy, and help was available by phone for questions.

Nassau

The ship

This was a low time, so the boat was about half full. It felt more elegant than other brands of this same price (Carnival, Norwegian). There were lots of options to keep the children entertained, although the water park and rides required an additional purchase. That’s fine—I’d rather not pay for something I wasn’t going to use since this was an adults-only trip for me and my husband.

Beautiful white sand and clear water at Ocean Key

More so than other cruise lines, there were lots of adults-only spaces that meant we could be isolated from the noise and energy of children, which was appreciated since we were looking to relax. We really enjoyed the wide selection of micro-brews available at the sports bar.

Entertainment

There were several pools and entertainment at pretty much all times. The enclosed Jungle pool was neat to see, but the smell of chlorine was so heavy that we did not utilize that area. The gym had what you needed to get in a good workout at sea with views to that made it still feel like vacation. We did not utilize the spa. Night-time entertainment in the multiple venues were all good except for the main stage shows—a few were good while others were… fine. There was no comedian on board.

Artists and shops near near dock

Food & beverage

Big foodies might be disappointed, which is the same for any cruise brand at this price point. The buffet had lots of options, and the food was fresh and always stocked. Specialty restaurants had beautiful ambiance, but we did not try any so I cannot speak to the food (pre-cruise research suggested it wasn’t worth it, which again, is the same as any cruise line at this level, although I will say the seafood spot was very tempting!). The main restaurant was really the only thing I’d call truly disappointing—the food was fine, but the service was really slow. They also were not keen on bringing multiple entrees and/or appetizers per person, like I’m used to on Carnival ships, which was—for lack of a better word—a bummer.

Another spot on Ocean Key

Worthy of note: They had a gluten-free station and a vegan station at the buffet, which is a huge bonus for people with strict dietary requirements! Unfortunately, there was not a ton of variety for some of the meals, especially breakfast. The kid’s buffet section was very helpful for parents of picky kids. Gelato and chocolate drinks and sundaes at the chocolate bar were not included in any packages.

Drinks were good. We loved the beer selection in the sports bar and the cocktails on the upper floor of the main atrium. Being able to use the drink package on the private island was a huge perk! It was very inconvenient that the only smoothie/protein shake place was in a cocktail bar that didn’t open until later in the day.

Nassau

Cabin

We stayed in cabin 10175, which is a balcony room. We were happy! Multiple plugs, so no need to bring anything from home. The bathroom actually had a tub! The small couch was nice, too. Overall, we were comfortable and enjoyed the room. For this route, I’d book on the other side of the ship, though. Bonus: The sea was perfectly calm the entire trip!

Balcony cabin

Upgrade

MSC Yacht Club offers seclusion from the rest of the cruisers for sleeping, dining, and lounging. The staff was second to none. Since I only toured the area and did not have a cabin in it, I cannot speak to the quality of the food, but the menu offered higher-end dishes and cuts of meat than what was available elsewhere. Guests of this area were seen in other entertainment areas of the ship as the Yacht Club was limited to one cocktail lounge, but for relaxation and refinement, it’s the place to be.

Seaside docked at Ocean Key

Ports

Ocean Key is award-winning, and it’s easy to see why! More of a marine preserve than an activity hub, there are still lots of things to do in addition to just hitting the beach. The sand and water are gorgeous! Nassau was fun—we walked around and then took a food tour. Both offer shopping right at the port for those who do not want to venture far.

Queen's Staircase—Nassau

TAKE THE BEHIND-THE-SCENES TOUR! Wow, this was fantastic. We spent a lot of time on the bridge, in the control room, in the galley… this was the best part of the whole trip, and it’s priced reasonably, similar to any other excursion. It was delivered in two parts to work around the ship’s schedule (had to go on the bridge while in port, for example). I highly recommend this experience.

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