Page 229 - WDT MAGAZINE IRELAND ISSUE WINTER 2018

makeup of the passengers and crew. The Mediter-
ranean Shipping Company, privately owned in Italy, is
well established in Europe and South America. Our
cruise took place at the height of family vacation sea-
son, with groups large and small from Scotland, Italy,
India and Argentina posing for portraits at the many
photo spots. A dozen girls from Miami celebrated their
quinceaneras (15th birthday parties) with elaborate
multi-generational gatherings as fancy as weddings.
Uniformed staff from Italy, Norway and South Africa
mingled with the guests frequently, dancing with pas-
sengers in the atrium on a dressy night.

Navigating a Floating City

MSC is moving into the American market big time,
with eight cruise ships in the works for Miami, New
York and the Pacific Coast. There's nothing demure
about these vessels. Each incarnation offers more
staterooms and new digital and entertainment options
as the company adapts to the wishes of the North
American market while offering tempting itineraries
and perks for longtime followers.
The Seaside rose high above the architectural
competition in Miami's busy port and everywhere we
stopped along the way. The ship was designed to
mimic Miami's sleek condo towers with swooping wa-
ter slides peeking over the top story. One see-through
elevator glided between the pool decks, offering pano-
ramas of the sky, sea and daylong party scene. An-
other took in the post-dinner crowd flowing down the
curving Swarovski stairways in the three-story Piazza
Grande atrium. Abundant diversions spread through-
out eight long floors grew heavily congested at times
with the ship at near-full capacity, but we were able to
roam about without feeling jam-packed
The Seaside became a comfortable playground with
favorite hangouts. I adored the sea-facing gym and
timed my workouts (mid-afternoon) to avoid waiting The neon-lit bowling alley.
for a machine. We were pleased when the band played Opposite: Zip-lining above the
early enough in the Haven Lounge for a dance—most party scene; chocolate sculp-
nights featured a post-dinner dance contest or show. ture at the Venchi 1878 Choco-
The ship had nightspots for all tastes, from the teen- late Bar; classic cars decorate
friendly Garage Club to the well-stocked, elegant the Garage Club
Champagne Bar. Shows had a Cirque du Soleil feel
(MSC is a partner) with an amazing Michael Jackson
look-alike and enough laughs to keep all ages amused.

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