Msc-Seaside Ship Details and Seafarer Feedback

On February 5, 2026, a powerful gust of wind led to the mooring lines of the 'MSC Seaside' snapping at the bow, causing the cruise ship to drift away from its dock at the picturesque Ocean Cay – MSC Marine Reserve. At the time, several passengers were on the island, temporarily stranded at the dock and unable to board their vessel. Fortunately, the stern of the ship remained securely fastened. The bridge crew promptly sprang into action, skillfully maneuvering the ship back to the pier with the aid of the bow thrusters. In no time, gangways were repositioned, allowing the waiting guests to safely reboard the cruise. Remarkably, there were no reported injuries, and both the ship and the pier emerged from the incident unscathed. This event unfolded during a short cruise itinerary operating from Miami, running from February 2 to 6, which included stops at Nassau and the exclusive Ocean Cay. Unfortunately, the Bahamas region has been experiencing adverse winter weather conditions, prompting several cruise lines to alter their schedules last week, with some private islands remaining inaccessible for days.

On November 5, 2024, a critical medevac operation was successfully executed by the Canary Islands Aeronautical Rescue Coordination Center (ARCC Canarias) following a request from Maritime Rescue (SASEMAR). At 3:20 p.m., an HD.21 Super Puma helicopter, deployed from the 82nd Group of the Armed Forces of Wing 46 at Gando Air Base, was sent to rescue a 60-year-old Danish passenger suffering from severe peritonitis on board the cruise ship 'MSC Seaside'. The vessel was positioned approximately 470 kilometers southwest of Gran Canaria at the time of the incident. To enhance the efficiency of the mission, a D.4 "VIGMA" aircraft was also dispatched. This air support was crucial in gathering information regarding high-altitude wind conditions and facilitated seamless communication with the cruise ship. The VIGMA guided the Super Puma helicopter on the necessary course and speed adjustments required to conduct the hoisting operation effectively. The mission was supported by satellite communications (SATCOM), ensuring real-time coordination between the airborne search and rescue resources and the ARCC Canarias. After successfully hoisting the ailing passenger into the helicopter, medical teams transported him to the Juan Negrín Hospital helipad. An ambulance from the Canary Islands Emergency Service awaited his arrival for immediate medical treatment. The helicopter landed back at Gando Air Base at 8:00 p.m., concluding a total flight duration of 4 hours and 20 minutes. This operation underscores the effectiveness of coordinated maritime rescue efforts in emergency situations at sea.

On August 27, 2023, the MSC Seaside encountered engine difficulties, resulting in a reduction of power in one of its engines during a 7-night voyage through the Western Caribbean. This technical setback led to a postponed return to Port Canaveral, impacting the schedule of both current passengers and those booked on the following cruise. Notifications were issued to all guests aboard, as well as to those awaiting embarkation for the subsequent trip. To assist passengers in contacting airlines and travel agencies, complimentary internet access was made available. The MSC Seaside had departed from Port Canaveral on August 20, with a planned itinerary that included stops at the Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve in the Bahamas, Costa Maya, and Cozumel. Guests set to board for the next leg of the journey to Nassau and the Marine Reserve were advised to adjust their arrival at the port by pushing it back by two hours.

In a concerning turn of events, the cruise ship 'MSC Seaside' received a troubling health inspection rating from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) during an unannounced evaluation that occurred on April 27, 2023. The vessel scored a disappointing 67, notably below the threshold required to pass, which is set at a minimum score of 86 for such inspections conducted twice yearly for vessels departing from U.S. ports. Currently stationed in Port Canaveral, Florida, the 'MSC Seaside' had previously achieved commendable scores of 94 and 92 in its health inspections from April 2018 and February 2019 respectively. The latest inspection revealed numerous significant violations across various categories including food safety, crew procedures, and cleanliness. Noteworthy findings included the presence of ten flies in the bar area near technical compartments at the Seaside Bar. Inspectors also identified food items being stored in the temperature danger zone, indicating they were kept at unsafe temperatures. Furthermore, self-service tongs at the buffet were found contacting food directly at multiple stations, a serious breach of health protocols. Additional alarming observations included baskets of cleaned cutlery placed on a portable table with remains of old food debris, and dried food residue discovered in open seams at the pizza preparation counter. Pooled water and old food waste were left in condiment storage inserts beneath the Teppanyaki grills, exacerbating cleanliness concerns. A crew member was noted handling raw hamburger meat and failing to wash his hands before entering a cold storage area, illustrating lapses in proper hygiene practices. Moreover, several pools on the ship lacked prominently displayed depth markers, while multiple bathrooms were unserviceable due to empty soap dispensers. To make matters worse, the total listed per the crew manifest did not match the actual number of passengers and crew onboard, raising further compliance issues. In light of these serious infractions, 'MSC Seaside' management is now required to submit a corrective action plan detailing measures taken to rectify the identified problems. Following this, a subsequent unannounced inspection will be conducted to evaluate compliance and ensure that the necessary improvements have been implemented.