We have friends who invited us on a MSC cruise on the Seaside ship. Im not a big cruise person but this is a short trip leaving Florida and going to the Bahamas where you dock at their private island.

Im looking for any opinions on the cruise line. There is a all inclusive package available for a decent price.

I mainly want to make sure I’m not getting onto a boat with 4000 Carnival clientele.

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Originally posted by gpbst3: <snip> this is a short trip leaving Florida and going to the Bahamas where you dock at their private island.

I can't tell you about the cruise line, but I can tell you we took an identical cruise once and it was great. You basically sleep on the ship and spend the day on the island where it's not so crowded. There were lots of things to do from snorkeling on the windward side of the island to sailing Sunfish sailboats and simply hanging out a beautiful beach on the leeward side. Lunch & dinner were served on the island and the evening entertainment occurred there as well. We had a lot of fun and I'd do this type of cruise again in a heartbeat.

We always go with Royal Caribbean. But I believe MSC is targeted more towards adults.

Carnival is definitely the Walmart of cruise lines.

I have taken 2 on MSC and a 3rd set for the beginning of Sept, on the Seaside, the other 2 were on the Seascape. The island is very nice, Marine Reserve actually. Hope you get to stay overnight there as the lighthouse becomes a lightshow with bonfires on the beach, pretty cool.

There ship style is very Italian and (for me) way too many mirrors and reflective cut glass. Somewhat of a 'Matrix' feel to it with each step on the stairways in the main Atrim made from Swarovski crystal (36k per stair I was told).

For me as a solo cruiser, dining times were not an issue, but I would check the many YouTube vids pertaining to dining options and especially the times.

No issues (but I am easy) with the ship or the crew. Would not pass over another with MSC. I cruise appx every 4 months on a variety of cruise lines and I'd put MSC in my top 5.

Enjoy your cruise.

On YouTube, search "Tips for Travelers". HERE HE IS His videos are excellent. Lots of good information about MSC cruises.

Carnival is the ocean going equivalent of Spirit Airlines.

We did a week long cruise on MSC for spring break, and it was great. We are planning to do the 3 day cruise to their private island this summer, and another 7 night cruise right after that. We normally cruise with Royal Caribbean or Princess, and run from Carnival. MSC was on par with the former, and much better clientele than the latter.

My wife and I have sailed with MSC twice and have another booked for Halloween. You might look at what they call the Yacht Club. It is an exclusive area (less riff-raff)of the ship and includes a premium drink package and access to the spa area. We are booking this level on our upcoming cruise.

Sometimes, given the size of the ship, it is the ship that becomes the destination.

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Carnival is definitely the Walmart of cruise lines.

I call them the McDonalds of cruise lines.