Living the Sunshine Life
Travel > Cruising > My MSC Seaside 2026 Experience
First Impressions of the MSC Seaside
In March 2026, the MSC Seashore left Miami to travel to Ocean Cay. I love taking photos and talking about cruise experiences, so I put together this blog loop with details about the trip — and the ship, the food, and all the fun.
This post is just one of a few posts from the trip. Go to the main page for my March 2026 MSC Seaside experience to see all the posts! You can also use the navigation below to go to the next post.
First Impressions of the Ship
I don’t really like to make full-ship tour videos. There are so many already on YouTube that are really well done, so what’s the point?
I might not have the photo evidence, but believe me when I say that the MSC Seaside is is a beautiful ship. Unlike certain cruise lines that make exact replicas of its existing ships, MSC makes each ship within a class different enough to make it unique.
The MSC Seaside is related to the MSC Seashore, which I was on back in 2024 (on a sailing also going to Ocean Cay). While the interior of the Seashore is inspired by New York City, the Seaside showcases Miami. (Did the designers know that this ship would be spending most of its time down in South Florida? Hmmm?)
Most of the venues on the Seaside are the same as on her sister ships, except that isn’t a La Cabaret Rouge! This smaller, more intimate theater space is my favorite, both for the nightly cabaret show but also to relax in on sea days. Crew confirmed that there was only one theater on the Seaside…and no cabaret lounge. For shame!
Another big disappointment came later on the first night, when I found out that the Ocean Cay specialty restaurant was hardly as impressive as it is on other MSC ships
All the Posts for This Experience!
1. This has to be the Best Cruise Itinerary Ever!
2. When a Campsite is Cheaper than a Hotel Room
3. First Impressions of the New MSC Terminal at Port Miami
4. First Impressions of the MSC Seaside
5. My MSC Seaside Abode, Cabin 11197
6. A Full First Day on the MSC Seaside
7. Sea Days Are for Relaxing…and Eating
8. Shh! The Bestest Quiestest Spot at Ocean Cay
9. And the Seaside Returns to Miami
10. Fill out the Cruise Survey!
Overall...
What a fun cruise. Too short for my liking, especially since I’ve gotten used to being at sea for weeks at a time, but the stop at Ocean Cay was exactly what I needed.
MSC has been posting news about changes it has been making to Ocean Cay, its private island in the Bahamas. All these changes concern me, since the beauty of this island is it’s deserted island vibe. Other cruise lines have thrill rides, luxury treats, and landscaping…things that need infrastructure and create waste. It’s good to see that even with the extra construction being done, Ocean Cay is being maintained as a simple marine reserve.
Thanks for reading! Don’t forget to check out my latest video on YouTube!
Jenny Claire is an award-winning educational materials writer, travel journalist, and food critic, formerly based in New York City and Taiwan. She calls a cute cabin in the woods of rural North Central Florida home, but lately she’s been spending most of her time cruising and traveling. She also was a secret travel critic and writer — but her lips are sealed on those details!
Living the Sunshine Life