MSC Seaside is packed with activities beyond the traditional cruise ship pools, bars, and entertainment venues. Whether you’re looking for an adrenaline rush, want to challenge your family to a game of bowling, or simply enjoy spectacular ocean views, there are plenty of ways to spend your time onboard.
One of the things that makes MSC Seaside interesting is its combination of outdoor attractions and indoor games. The ship features two zip lines, an elevated Adventure Trail, a multipurpose sports court, full-size bowling lanes, a Formula Racer simulator, and an arcade.
There are also some unique places to explore, including the glass-floored Bridge of Sighs and the Waterfront Boardwalk, both of which take advantage of MSC Seaside’s ocean-focused design.
While many outdoor activities are included in your cruise fare, some of the more specialized attractions, such as bowling, the racing simulator, and arcade games, come with an additional charge.
In this guide, we’ll walk through the activities available on MSC Seaside, explain what costs extra, and share some tips for getting the most out of your time onboard.
MSC Seaside Activities at a Glance
MSC Seaside offers a mix of outdoor adventures, sports facilities, and indoor games.
Here’s a quick look at the major attractions.
| Activity | Deck | Additional Charge? |
|---|---|---|
| Zip Line | Upper decks | Yes |
| Adventure Trail | 20 | No |
| MSC Sports Arena | 20 | No |
| Bridge of Sighs | 16 | No |
| Infinity Bridge | 8 | No |
| Waterfront Boardwalk | 8 | No |
| Bowling | 7 | Yes |
| MSC Formula Racer | 7 | Yes |
| XD Interactive Cinema | 7 | Yes |
| Arcade Games | 7 | Yes |
| Billiard Room | 7 | Yes |
The activities are spread across several parts of the ship, but Deck 7 is particularly important for indoor games and amusement attractions.
For outdoor activities, you’ll spend more time on Decks 8, 16, and 20.
Some attractions have specific operating hours, safety restrictions, or reservation requirements. Availability can also change depending on weather, maintenance, and the itinerary.
MSC Seaside Zip Line
Location: Upper decks
One of MSC Seaside’s most recognizable attractions is its zip line.
MSC Seaside features two parallel zip lines, allowing guests to experience an elevated ride above the ship’s outdoor areas.
Each line is approximately 394 feet long, making it a substantial attraction rather than a short ride between two platforms.
The experience gives passengers the opportunity to see the ship from a completely different perspective while enjoying an adrenaline rush high above the decks.
The twin-line design also allows two riders to experience the attraction side by side.
For passengers who enjoy adventurous activities, this is one of MSC Seaside’s most distinctive features.
How Much Does the MSC Seaside Zip Line Cost?
The zip line carries an additional charge and is not included in the standard cruise fare.
It may be eligible for payment through MSC’s Fun Pass program, depending on the package and conditions offered for your sailing.
At publishing, the price of the zipline is $10 per rider. Prices can change, so we recommend checking the current cost onboard rather than relying on older published prices.
MSC Seaside Zip Line Restrictions
MSC publishes safety requirements for its zip line attraction, including:
- Minimum height of 48 inches.
- Minimum weight of 75 pounds.
- Maximum weight of 290 pounds.
Additional restrictions or operating requirements may apply, so confirm the current rules with the crew before purchasing a ride.
Is the MSC Seaside Zip Line Still Operating?
This is an important consideration.
Although MSC continues to advertise the zip line as an attraction aboard MSC Seaside, that doesn’t guarantee it will be operating during every cruise.
Weather conditions, maintenance, and operational decisions can affect availability.
We recommend checking with the onboard activities staff before making plans around the attraction.
The zip line is certainly worth looking into if you enjoy thrill rides, but we wouldn’t book a cruise specifically for it without confirming its availability.
Adventure Trail – Deck 20
Location: Deck 20
For guests looking for another outdoor adventure, MSC Seaside has an elevated Adventure Trail.
This attraction features suspended bridges and walkways that allow passengers to explore an obstacle-style course high above the ship’s upper decks.
The Adventure Trail provides a different experience from the zip line.
Rather than riding through the air, participants make their way across elevated bridges and structures.
It’s particularly appealing for passengers who enjoy climbing-style activities and want something more active than relaxing around the pool.
The elevated location adds to the experience, with views of the ship’s outdoor areas.
Is Adventure Trail Free?
Yes. Adventure Trail is included in the cruise fare, so there’s no additional admission charge.
However, safety restrictions and operating hours still apply.
Because the attraction is outdoors and elevated, it may close temporarily during unfavorable weather conditions.
We recommend checking the daily activity schedule for available times.
For families with older children or teenagers, Adventure Trail is a good activity to consider, especially since it doesn’t require an additional purchase.
MSC Sports Arena – Deck 20
Location: Deck 20
MSC Seaside has a multipurpose outdoor sports court called the MSC Sports Arena.
Located on Deck 20, this area provides space for several different sports and recreational activities.
The court can be configured for:
- Basketball
- Five-a-side soccer
- Volleyball
- Tennis
The Sports Arena is a good option for passengers who enjoy staying active during their vacation.
Rather than relying entirely on the gym for exercise, guests can participate in sports and games outdoors.
Depending on the cruise schedule, MSC may also organize tournaments or group competitions.
For example, basketball, soccer, and volleyball competitions are among the types of activities offered across MSC’s fleet.
Is the MSC Sports Arena Free?
Yes. Use of the Sports Arena and standard organized sports activities is generally included in the cruise fare.
However, the court may not be available for every sport throughout the day.
MSC can change the court configuration or reserve the space for organized activities.
We recommend checking the daily schedule for tournaments and available recreation times.
If you’re traveling with teenagers or a group of friends, this is an activity worth exploring early in your cruise.
Bowling on MSC Seaside – Deck 7
Location: Deck 7
Bowling is one of MSC Seaside’s more interesting indoor entertainment options.
The ship has two full-size bowling lanes located in its Deck 7 amusement area.
This is worth pointing out because some MSC ships have smaller mini-bowling installations rather than traditional full-size lanes.
MSC Seaside offers a more familiar bowling experience.
For families and groups of friends, bowling can be a fun way to spend time together, particularly on a sea day.
It’s also a useful alternative when the weather isn’t ideal for outdoor activities.
Does Bowling Cost Extra on MSC Seaside?
Yes. Bowling is a paid attraction.
Guests can typically purchase bowling individually or use eligible Fun Pass credits.
The price and reservation arrangements can vary, so check onboard for the current cost and availability.
We’d recommend looking into reservations if bowling is something your family particularly wants to do.
With only two lanes available, popular times may fill up.
For a group traveling together, bowling can be a fun afternoon activity or a good option between other onboard events.
MSC Formula Racer – Deck 7
Location: Deck 7
MSC Seaside’s Formula Racer is another popular amusement attraction.
The racing simulator puts guests in a specialized cockpit designed to recreate the experience of driving a high-performance race car.
Rather than simply playing a racing game on a television, the simulator adds physical elements to make the experience more immersive.
Players can navigate virtual racing circuits and compete for their best lap times.
The attraction is particularly appealing for motorsports fans, teenagers, and adults who enjoy racing games.
It’s also one of the activities that makes MSC Seaside’s amusement area different from a traditional cruise ship arcade.
Is Formula Racer Free?
No. MSC Formula Racer carries an additional charge.
It is among the attractions that can be covered by eligible MSC Fun Pass credits.
Height, weight, and other safety restrictions may apply.
If you enjoy motorsports or racing simulators, Formula Racer is worth considering during your cruise.
XD Interactive Cinema – Deck 7
Location: Deck 7
MSC Seaside also features an XD Interactive Cinema.
This attraction is different from a traditional movie theater.
Instead of simply sitting and watching a film, guests participate in an interactive experience that combines visual effects, motion, and gameplay.
The attraction uses specialized seating and effects to create the sensation of being part of the action.
The ship’s technical guide identifies an eight-seat XD Interactive Dark Ride Cinema.
Because the experience accommodates a relatively small number of passengers at a time, availability may be limited during busy periods.
Does XD Interactive Cinema Cost Extra?
Yes. The XD Interactive Cinema is a paid attraction.
Eligible Fun Pass credits can generally be used toward the experience.
Like the racing simulator, safety restrictions may apply.
This is another activity worth considering if you’re traveling with children or teenagers who enjoy interactive games and immersive experiences.
MSC Seaside Arcade Games – Deck 7
Location: Deck 7
The arcade is one of the easiest places for families to spend more time, and potentially more money, than they originally planned.
MSC Seaside has an arcade and amusement area on Deck 7, with a selection of electronic games and other attractions.
Depending on the games available during your sailing, you may find traditional video games, skill-based games, and prize machines.
The exact selection can change, so don’t assume every game shown in older photos or videos will still be available.
The arcade is particularly appealing for teenagers and families looking for something to do between scheduled events.
It’s also a convenient indoor alternative when the weather isn’t cooperating.
Are Arcade Games Included?
No. Arcade games generally carry an additional charge.
Individual games may have different prices, and some attractions may be eligible for MSC Fun Pass credits.
If you’re traveling with children who enjoy arcade games, it’s worth establishing a spending budget early in the cruise.
The individual charges may not seem like much, but they can add up quickly over several sea days.
The Billiard Room – Deck 7
Location: Deck 7
For something a little more relaxed, MSC Seaside has a dedicated Billiard Room.
The venue features a pool table and provides an alternative to the electronic games and racing attractions elsewhere on Deck 7.
It’s a good option for passengers who enjoy casual games without the noise and activity of the main arcade.
Billiards carries an additional charge.
For couples, friends, or families with older children, this can be a nice way to spend some time between other onboard activities.
MSC Fun Pass: Save on Games and Attractions
If you’re planning to use several of MSC Seaside’s paid attractions, it’s worth looking into the MSC Fun Pass.
The Fun Pass is a prepaid credit package that can be used toward eligible amusement activities, including bowling, Formula Racer, XD Interactive Cinema, and selected arcade games.
The pass can be shared among family members, and purchasing credits in advance may provide better value than paying individually.
However, the Fun Pass isn’t automatically an unlimited-play pass, and not every attraction or prize game is necessarily included.
For a full explanation of available packages, pricing, and whether it’s worth buying, see our MSC Fun Pass Guide.
What MSC Seaside Activities Are Free?
One of the nice things about MSC Seaside is that you don’t need to pay extra to enjoy many of its outdoor attractions.
While the amusement area includes several paid experiences, there are plenty of free activities as well.
| Activity | Included in Cruise Fare? |
|---|---|
| Waterfront Boardwalk | Yes |
| Bridge of Sighs | Yes |
| Infinity Bridge | Yes |
| MSC Sports Arena | Yes |
| Organized sports tournaments | Generally yes |
| Adventure Trail | Yes |
| Zip Line | No |
| Bowling | No |
| Formula Racer | No |
| XD Interactive Cinema | No |
| Arcade Games | No |
| Billiard Room | No |
This distinction is important when planning a cruise budget.
For families who enjoy arcade games, racing simulators, and bowling, it’s worth setting aside some additional spending money.
But guests who prefer exploring the ship, enjoying the scenery, or participating in sports can find plenty to do without purchasing extra activities.
Which MSC Seaside Activities Are Best?
There’s no single activity that will appeal to everyone.
Some passengers enjoy active outdoor attractions, while others would rather spend time playing games or exploring the ship.
Here’s where we’d start.
| What You’re Looking For | Activity to Consider |
|---|---|
| Biggest adrenaline rush | Zip Line |
| Free outdoor adventure | Adventure Trail |
| Sports and exercise | MSC Sports Arena |
| Spectacular ocean views | Bridge of Sighs |
| Scenic outdoor walking | Waterfront Boardwalk |
| Family competition | Bowling |
| Racing and motorsports | Formula Racer |
| Interactive gaming | XD Interactive Cinema |
| Video games | Arcade |
| Relaxed indoor activity | Billiard Room |
Best Activities for Families
For families with children and teenagers, bowling, the arcade, and Formula Racer are good places to start.
The Adventure Trail and Sports Arena provide additional outdoor options without requiring extra spending.
Families with younger children will also want to explore Forest Aquaventure Park, although we’ve covered the water slides and splash attractions in more detail in our MSC Seaside Pools, Water Slides and Hot Tubs Guide.
Best Free Activities
If you want to enjoy MSC Seaside without paying for additional attractions, we’d recommend starting with the Adventure Trail, Sports Arena, Bridge of Sighs, and Waterfront Boardwalk.
These activities provide a mix of recreation and sightseeing while taking advantage of the ship’s design.
Best Activities for Adults
MSC Seaside’s attractions aren’t just for children.
Adults can enjoy bowling, Formula Racer, billiards, and the ship’s outdoor adventures.
The Waterfront Boardwalk and glass-floored bridges are also worth visiting, even if you aren’t particularly interested in games or thrill rides.
Tips for Enjoying MSC Seaside’s Activities
There are a few things we’d recommend keeping in mind when planning your onboard activities.
Explore the Ship Early
MSC Seaside is a large ship, and some of its most interesting attractions are spread across several decks.
We recommend taking some time on embarkation day or your first sea day to locate the major activity areas.
Deck 7 is the main destination for bowling, arcade games, and simulators.
Deck 8 is home to the Waterfront Boardwalk and Infinity Bridge.
Decks 16 and 20 contain several of the ship’s signature outdoor attractions.
Knowing where everything is located makes it much easier to plan your time.
Check Operating Hours
Not every attraction operates throughout the day.
Bowling, Formula Racer, the XD Interactive Cinema, and other paid activities may have scheduled operating hours.
Outdoor attractions can also close because of weather or maintenance.
We recommend checking the MSC for Me app or the daily activity schedule for current information.
Try Popular Attractions Early
If there’s an activity you’re particularly excited about, don’t automatically save it for the final day.
An outdoor attraction might close because of weather, or a popular indoor activity might have limited availability.
Trying your must-do attractions earlier in the cruise gives you more flexibility.
Watch Your Arcade Spending
The arcade and amusement area can be a lot of fun, especially for families.
However, individual game charges can add up over several days.
If you expect to use multiple paid attractions, review the Fun Pass options before purchasing games individually.
And if you’re traveling with children, consider setting a spending budget.
Remember the Safety Restrictions
Activities such as the zip line, Adventure Trail, and racing simulator may have specific safety requirements.
Height, weight, age, and other restrictions can apply.
Check the current rules before promising children they’ll be able to participate in a particular attraction.
Final Thoughts on MSC Seaside Outdoor Activities, Games and Arcades
MSC Seaside has plenty of activities beyond the traditional swimming pools and entertainment shows.
For passengers looking for an adrenaline rush, the zip line and Adventure Trail offer something different from what you’ll find on many cruise ships.
The MSC Sports Arena provides space for outdoor recreation, while the Bridge of Sighs and Infinity Bridge take advantage of the ship’s spectacular ocean views.
Inside, Deck 7 has a good variety of games and attractions, including two full-size bowling lanes, Formula Racer, XD Interactive Cinema, and the arcade.
One of the things we particularly like about this combination is that there are activities for different interests and budgets.
You can spend an afternoon exploring the Waterfront Boardwalk and glass bridges without spending anything extra, or you can visit the amusement area for bowling, racing, and arcade games.
Our recommendation is to explore the ship early in your cruise and identify which activities interest you most.
If you’re traveling with children or teenagers, it’s also worth reviewing the Fun Pass before spending money on individual attractions.
And don’t overlook the free outdoor experiences. Some of MSC Seaside’s best features are simply the opportunity to explore the ship, enjoy the ocean views, and discover something different around the next corner.