MSC Seaview

MSC Yacht Club:  This “ship within a ship” is ideal for couples or families looking to enjoy a mega-ship experience — just in small doses before escaping behind closed doors to a calmer, quieter, more high-end enclave with a private pool and hot tubs and a panoramic lounge serving assorted snacks throughout the day. The premium fare also gets you slightly larger accommodations (although the inside cabins are pretty standard) and a restaurant serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner that’s exclusive to Yacht Club guests. 

Coffee and Chocolate: MSC, a company with deep Mediterranean roots, has established a partnership with Italian chocolatier Venchi. One whiff of the onboard offerings at the Venchi 1878 Chocolate Bar and you’ll be tempted to try the chocolate treats, creamy gelato, and coffee creations available for purchase. You can also watch through a glass window as the delectable chocolates are made.

Nightly Entertainment: While never a quiet ship, MSC Seaview really comes to life after dark when its multiple entertainment venues offer options ranging from high-tech productions in the Metropolitan Theatre and live music in the Haven Lounge to dance ‘70s parties on the pool deck and late-night revelry in the Garage Club.

Asian Market Kitchen: The second restaurant at sea by Hawaiian chef Roy Yamaguchi — the first debuted on MSC Seaside — this Pan-Asian grill features dishes full of the region’s vivid flavors and unique preparations, as well as a lively Teppanyaki restaurant and a Sushi Bar.

The Over-the-Top Atrium:  Every cruise ship has its signature public space and MSC Seaview’s is its four-story atrium (linking decks 5, 6, 7, and 8), which shimmers with thousands of Swarovski crystals. Several popular bars and lounges — including the Seaview Bar and the Champagne Bar — are located here and it’s a great spot to people watch.

The Family-Friendly Activities:  MSC’s ships are known for their multi-story water parks and activity-packed kids’ and teens’ clubs with creative programming (scavenger hunts, parades, sport tournaments) taking place throughout the ship, so MSC Seaview won’t disappoint junior sailors. There’s also an arcade, a ropes course, and a bowling alley. But grown-ups can find plenty to enjoy as well, including the Aurea Spa (which has a snow room for an invigorating pre-whirlpool cool down), a Technogym-equipped fitness center, and a lively casino.

Families on a Budget: Wallet-friendly inside and oceanview cabin categories are a hallmark of MSC Cruises, and there’s a lot on board to keep everyone entertained.

Couples Who Can Trade Up to Yacht Club Staterooms:  The privacy and exclusive extras of MSC Yacht Club create a quiet haven — with the added benefit of a Vegas-style party just steps away.

The Food Can Be Incredible — or Just Okay: There are certainly delicious taste treats onboard — the chocolates and the house-made pastas served at the buffet stations are really good and paying the surcharge for a specialty restaurant a few times during your cruise is definitely worth the splurge — but what’s on the menu in the main dining rooms isn’t always well-prepared or memorable. Given the cruise line’s Mediterranean heritage, its culinary inconsistency is among its biggest disappointments. 

A Big Ship Equals Big Noise: MSC Seaview, which can accommodate as many as 5,331 guests in its 2,066 cabins, isn’t a good fit for anyone who dislikes crowds, commotion, or long waits. There is something going on almost everywhere onboard and the line’s appeal to families and couples seeking no-holds-barred fun means the volume is turned to high for much of the day — and well into the night.