MSC Seaview

We had an amazing time on MSC Seaview. Embarking/Disembarking was quick and easy. Staff were always happy and ready to help. Special shout out to Ritesh, Steve, Suresh, Louis, Dave, Flavio and the rest of the staff in the speciality restaurant and cocktail area. They all made our stay even more memorable. The stops were great and again easy to navigate and plenty of options once off the ship. The Tepanyaki and Butchers cut were both great, the food was amazing and service was first class. The only downside was not being able to take a clothes steamer. I understand an Iron but I think a steamer should be allowed, especially when you can take hair straighteners. This is my only grumble. We enjoyed MSC Seaview so much we have booked next year for the MSC world America.

We had a lovely week in general on MSC seaview. However I’ll start with the negatives we were in 9012 cabin which is located directly above the staff recreational area where they smoke and we had multiple nights of loud groups chatting singing shouting as late as 2am. I had to call guest services to complain. For which they did attempt to resolve and Slim (crew) offered us a meal in one of the paid restaurants which was good service as an apology but even after the apology the issue still remained. So I wouldn’t want to stay in that cabin again. The food in the main dining room was lacking in good choices and was in our view not the amazing. There was no nights where we felt we had a great meal. The entertainment was lacking the shows were a bit drab and below average from previous experiences on other ships. Disappointed there were no drink making facilities in the cabin. Which meant we ordered breakfast to be delivered so we could have a morning brew. This was often lukewarm warm. The positives the ship was very clean and the crew do work so incredibly hard. Our Steward Sayyed seemed to be always working but maintained a very high standard in the room. He was always pleasant and welcoming as were all the team on our corridor. We interacted a lot with one bar steward Sugiani she was a delight. Yet another hard worker. She quickly learnt our regular drinks and was interested in us as we played card games and she asked us about us and what we were doing. She kept or tables clean so we could play. She has a v busy area to serve and she ensured everyone was well attended. We had a lovely meal at Hola and was well looked after by Pedro. Plentiful food piping hot and delicious, great service. He also acknowledged the complaint we had about the cabin and was apologetic on behalf of the crew. The tequila shots were incredible! We stopped at some lovely ports Rome was our favourite for its history and the MSC trip into Rome was well organised and Cristina the lady on the coach gave us good information about how to plan our own day exploring. Genoa was also nice. The ship had technical issues which the Captain kept us informed of but meant a late arrival in to Palermo which was a shame as was so dark which made getting to and from the ship a little uneasy - some very dark streets to navigate and harassment from taxi drivers tour operators as you exit the ship. It was an ok trip but so many cutbacks now evident - no tissues in the room - carpets and furnishings looking tired. No drink facilities. I love to move to less plastics I am all for that but yet they still use plastic straws for drinks. The elegance of cruising is going. Formal night I’d say less than 50% of people engage with it. Dress code standards and behaviour of guests has declined. Being a Brit I was happy to queue but international guests seem less inclined to be patient even at the guest services desk! My plaudits go to the crew but I think MSC is headed in the wrong direction for its on board standards. Considering this is the most expensive cruise we’ve done to date it was the poorest in terms of its offerings.

Our flight to Rome was cancelled. We had to catch the cruise to Palermo, the next port. But Iglu were very helpful. They booked us flight to Palermo & hotel to stay overnight to Gatwick as our flight to Palermo was at 05:55AM. The foods in MSC Seaview are the same everyday & does not even taste good. Entertainment everyday are the same performers, they just change their theme & show titke. The only performers are from MSC, no guest performers. They are not even good, so boring. I even fell asleep on most of the shows. The cruise directori s boring, she speaks mostly to the italians. It's all about italians, the food especially, pasta everyday. It was not the cruise I expected. I didn't enjoy it. Although, Erickson our cabin attendant is so kind to us.

First class staff