One of the things we enjoy about cruising with MSC is the variety of bars and lounges available throughout the ship. MSC Seaside is no exception, with everything from lively sports bars and entertainment lounges to outdoor pool bars with panoramic ocean views.
What makes MSC Seaside particularly interesting is how its bars are spread throughout the ship. You can grab a beer while watching a game, enjoy cocktails before dinner, find live entertainment in the evening, or relax with a drink overlooking the ocean.
We’re particularly big fans of MSC’s Sports Bars. On MSC Seascape, we loved the fun atmosphere and draft beer, making it one of our favorite places to spend time. MSC Seaside has its own Sports Bar on Deck 8, which would definitely be one of our first stops.
But the Sports Bar is only one of many options aboard MSC Seaside.
In this guide, we’ll walk through the ship’s bars and lounges, explain what makes each venue different, and help you decide where to spend your time.
MSC Seaside Bars and Lounges Overview
MSC Seaside has more than a dozen public bars, lounges, and specialty beverage venues spread across its indoor entertainment areas and outdoor decks.
Here’s a quick look at where to find them.
| Bar or Lounge | Deck | What to Expect |
|---|---|---|
| Seaside Bar | 5 | Pre-dinner cocktails |
| Shine Bar | 6 | Cocktails and drinks |
| Venchi 1878 Chocolate Bar | 6 | Chocolate and coffee |
| Champagne Bar | 7 | Champagne and premium drinks |
| Haven Lounge | 7 | Entertainment lounge |
| Garage Club | 7 | Nightclub and dancing |
| Miami Casino Bar | 7 | Drinks in the casino |
| South Beach Bar | 7 | Outdoor poolside drinks |
| Venchi Gelato & Creperie | 7 | Gelato and desserts |
| Sports Bar | 8 | Sports, drinks and casual food |
| Seaview Lounge | 8 | Cocktails and drinks |
| Bistrot РLa Boh̬me | 8 | Specialty coffee |
| Wine & Cocktails | 16 | Wine tasting and cocktails |
| Miami Beach Bar | 16 | Ice cream and refreshments |
| Jungle Bar | 18 | Indoor poolside bar |
| Aurea Bar | 19 | Upper-deck pool bar |
| Miramar Bar | 19 | Panoramic outdoor bar |
MSC Yacht Club guests also have exclusive access to the Top Sail Lounge and Yacht Club Sundeck Bar.
While most traditional bars offer familiar selections of beer, wine, cocktails, and nonalcoholic beverages, the atmosphere can vary considerably between venues.
That’s why we recommend exploring a few different locations rather than automatically returning to the closest bar every time.
Sports Bar – Our Favorite Type of Casual Bar
Location: Deck 8
If you enjoy a traditional sports-bar atmosphere, the Sports Bar should be high on your list of places to visit.
This is one of our favorite bar concepts on MSC ships, and for two simple reasons: the lively atmosphere and draft beer.
We particularly enjoyed the Sports Bar on MSC Seascape, where it became one of our regular stops throughout the cruise. MSC Seaside features a similar sports-bar concept, offering drinks and casual food in a setting designed for sports fans.
The Sports Bar has a much more casual feel than the ship’s traditional cocktail lounges. It’s the kind of place where you can settle in, watch a game, enjoy a beer, and spend some time without needing a scheduled activity or show.
That’s what makes the concept work so well for us.
Rather than simply stopping in to order a drink before moving somewhere else, the Sports Bar is a place where we’d happily spend an hour or two.
The venue offers a selection of alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages, along with casual food and snacks. Specific beer selections, including draft options, can vary by ship and sailing.
Another advantage is the food. Unlike many of MSC’s traditional cocktail bars, the Sports Bar has a casual dining component, making it convenient when you want something to eat while enjoying a game.
Food purchases may carry an additional charge.
If we had to recommend one bar concept for passengers who enjoy beer, sports, and a casual atmosphere, this would be it.
Haven Lounge – Cocktails and Entertainment
Location: Deck 7
Haven Lounge is one of MSC Seaside’s larger entertainment lounges.
With approximately 187 seats, a stage, and dance-floor space, it’s designed to accommodate a variety of evening activities.
The lounge is a good place to look for entertainment and socializing, making it worth checking the daily schedule for live music, performances, or other activities.
The atmosphere is different from the Sports Bar.
While the Sports Bar is focused on games, beer, and casual socializing, Haven Lounge is more of a traditional cruise ship entertainment venue.
It’s a place to enjoy a cocktail, listen to music when performances are scheduled, and spend part of the evening without needing to attend a full theater production.
Entertainment programming changes throughout the cruise, so check the daily schedule for performances and activities.
For passengers who enjoy combining their evening drinks with entertainment, Haven Lounge is one of the venues worth exploring.
Champagne Bar – A More Upscale Experience
Location: Deck 7
For something a little more refined, MSC Seaside’s Champagne Bar offers a different atmosphere from the ship’s casual drinking venues.
The bar specializes in champagne and sparkling wine, with a focus on premium beverage selections.
The venue also offers cold food options, making it different from a traditional cocktail-only bar.
With approximately 94 seats, the Champagne Bar provides a more intimate setting than some of the larger lounges.
This could be a good choice for a pre-dinner drink, a special occasion, or simply a change of pace from the busier bars.
Keep in mind that premium champagne and specialty food selections may carry additional charges, even if you have a beverage package.
Garage Club – MSC Seaside’s Nightclub
Location: Deck 7
If you’re looking for somewhere to dance or enjoy a late night, Garage Club is MSC Seaside’s dedicated nightclub.
The venue features a discotheque and bar, offering a different experience from the ship’s more traditional lounges.
Garage Club is worth considering for passengers who want to keep the evening going after the main theater shows and lounge entertainment have finished.
The nightclub setting makes it a natural choice for music, dancing, and late-night socializing.
The ship’s technical layout also identifies a casual food offering at Garage Club, although the food selection and service hours can vary.
Like most cruise ship nightclubs, the atmosphere will depend on the evening’s programming and the crowd onboard.
Check the daily entertainment schedule for parties, DJs, and opening hours.
Seaview Lounge – A Relaxed Place for Cocktails
Location: Deck 8
Seaview Lounge is a smaller venue offering cocktails and other drinks.
With approximately 97 seats, it provides an alternative to the larger entertainment lounges aboard the ship.
The lounge is worth considering when you want somewhere to sit and enjoy a drink without necessarily heading into the ship’s main nightclub or entertainment areas.
Its location on Deck 8 also makes it convenient when exploring the Waterfront Boardwalk and nearby public spaces.
While the specific atmosphere can change depending on onboard programming, Seaview Lounge offers another traditional lounge option for passengers who enjoy spending time in the ship’s indoor public areas.
Seaside Bar and Shine Bar – Pre-Dinner Cocktails
Locations: Decks 5 and 6
MSC Seaside has two traditional cocktail bars positioned around the ship’s central public areas.
Seaside Bar is located on Deck 5, near the atrium and Seashore Restaurant.
It’s a convenient place to meet friends or grab a cocktail before heading to dinner. The central location makes it easy to stop for a drink while moving between the ship’s lower public decks.
Shine Bar is located one deck above, on Deck 6.
With approximately 143 seats, it’s larger than Seaside Bar and provides another place for pre-dinner drinks.
Its location near Ipanema Restaurant and Piazza Grande makes it convenient for passengers spending their evenings in that part of the ship.
Both bars are well suited to classic cocktails, spirits, wine, and other familiar beverages.
We wouldn’t necessarily go out of our way to visit both every evening, but they’re convenient options when you want a drink before dinner or after a show.
Wine & Cocktails – Deck 16
Wine & Cocktails is located near MSC Seaside’s specialty dining restaurants.
The bar includes a wine-tasting area and provides a setting for guests interested in wine and cocktails.
Its location makes it particularly convenient if you have dinner reservations at Butcher’s Cut, Ocean Cay, or one of the Asian specialty restaurants.
Rather than arriving exactly at your reservation time, you can enjoy a pre-dinner drink nearby.
Wine enthusiasts may also want to check the daily schedule for any available tastings or special events.
The bar has approximately 56 seats, making it one of the smaller indoor drinking venues.
Miami Casino Bar – Deck 7
The Miami Casino Bar provides beverage service within MSC Seaside’s casino.
It’s primarily a convenient option for guests spending time playing slot machines or table games.
The bar offers drinks without requiring guests to leave the casino area.
For casino guests, having a bar nearby makes it easy to take a break without heading elsewhere on the ship.
If you’re not interested in gambling, there are plenty of other lounges aboard MSC Seaside that are likely to be more appealing.
MSC Seaside Outdoor Bars and Pool Bars
One of MSC Seaside’s biggest advantages is the number of places to enjoy a drink outside.
The ship was designed around open-air spaces and ocean views, and several bars take advantage of that layout.
Instead of spending every evening inside, passengers have opportunities to enjoy drinks beside the pools and on the upper outdoor decks.
Some of the best bar locations on MSC Seaside are tied directly to the ship’s distinctive pool areas.
South Beach Bar – Deck 7
South Beach Bar is located beside the South Beach Pool at the aft of the ship.
What makes this area interesting is its location.
Unlike a traditional cruise ship pool situated high on the upper decks, South Beach Pool sits much lower, bringing passengers closer to the ocean.
The outdoor bar provides drinks for guests relaxing around this distinctive pool area.
It’s a natural place to stop when spending time outside or enjoying the aft views.
For guests who enjoy outdoor seating and ocean views, South Beach Bar is one of the more interesting bar locations on MSC Seaside.
We’d particularly consider spending some time here during a sea day or whenever we’re looking for a drink away from the main pool area.
Miramar Bar – Deck 19
Miramar Bar is another outdoor option, located much higher on the ship.
The bar is positioned on Deck 19 and offers panoramic views of the surrounding ocean.
With approximately 78 seats, it provides a different setting from South Beach Bar.
Rather than being positioned close to the water, Miramar takes advantage of its elevated location.
For travelers who enjoy sitting outside with a drink and watching the scenery, this is a venue worth seeking out.
We would put Miramar near the top of our list for outdoor drinks, primarily because of its location and views.
Jungle Bar – Deck 18
Jungle Bar is located within the Jungle Pool Lounge, one of MSC Seaside’s indoor-outdoor pool areas.
The Jungle Pool features a sliding roof, allowing the space to be enclosed when the weather isn’t ideal.
That makes Jungle Bar different from the traditional outdoor pool bars.
Even when conditions aren’t suitable for sunbathing outside, guests can still enjoy the pool area and nearby beverage service.
The pool lounge may also be used for activities and entertainment, depending on the schedule.
For guests looking for a poolside drink when the weather isn’t cooperating, Jungle Bar is a particularly useful option.
Miami Beach Bar – Deck 16
Miami Beach Bar is located near MSC Seaside’s main Miami Beach Pool.
The venue is identified as an ice cream bar, providing a convenient refreshment option for guests enjoying the pool area.
It’s an easy place to stop for something refreshing without heading down to the main buffet or indoor lounges.
Its location makes it particularly convenient during sea days, especially for passengers who spend much of their time around Miami Beach Pool.
Because the venue focuses on ice cream and refreshments, guests shouldn’t assume it offers the same selection of cocktails and alcoholic beverages as the ship’s dedicated pool bars.
Aurea Bar – Deck 19
Aurea Bar is an outdoor pool bar located on Deck 19.
The bar sits near the Top 19 Exclusive Solarium, which provides a dedicated outdoor relaxation area for eligible Aurea guests.
For travelers looking to spend time away from the ship’s main pool areas, this part of the upper deck offers another option.
The nearby solarium includes a whirlpool and space for relaxing outdoors.
Access to the Top 19 Solarium is restricted to eligible guests, so it’s worth checking the access arrangements for the surrounding bar and facilities during your sailing.
Coffee, Chocolate and Dessert Venues
Not every beverage venue aboard MSC Seaside is focused on cocktails or beer.
There are several locations that are worth visiting for coffee, chocolate, or something sweet.
Bistrot РLa Boh̬me РDeck 8
Bistrot РLa Boh̬me offers a caf̩ setting with Lavazza coffee.
With approximately 131 seats, it provides a place to enjoy a coffee break away from the main pool and entertainment areas.
It’s a useful alternative when you’re looking for something other than a traditional bar.
Whether you’re starting your morning with an espresso or enjoying a coffee later in the day, this is a venue worth remembering.
Venchi 1878 Chocolate Bar – Deck 6
Venchi offers a specialty chocolate and coffee experience.
The venue includes an open kitchen where guests can watch chocolate creations being prepared.
It’s an interesting stop for anyone who enjoys Italian chocolate, specialty coffee, and sweet treats.
Purchases here generally carry additional charges and shouldn’t be assumed to be covered by a standard beverage package.
Venchi 1878 Gelato & Creperie – Deck 7
Located near the South Beach outdoor area, this venue specializes in gelato and crepes.
It’s a good place to stop for dessert while exploring the ship or relaxing outside.
The Venchi venues offer something a little different from MSC Seaside’s traditional bars and are worth remembering if you’re looking for a treat rather than another cocktail.
MSC Yacht Club Bars and Lounges
MSC Yacht Club guests have access to exclusive beverage venues in addition to the ship’s public bars.
The two primary locations are the Top Sail Lounge and Yacht Club Sundeck & Bar.
Top Sail Lounge – Deck 16
Top Sail Lounge is one of MSC Yacht Club’s signature spaces.
Located on Deck 16, it offers panoramic views, comfortable seating, and dedicated beverage service.
The lounge has approximately 152 seats and features indoor and outdoor bar facilities.
It’s designed as a private space where Yacht Club guests can relax throughout the day and evening.
The atmosphere is generally focused on personalized service and relaxation rather than the busy environment of a public entertainment lounge.
MSC Yacht Club Sundeck & Bar – Deck 19
The Yacht Club Sundeck & Bar is located within the exclusive Yacht Club pool complex on Deck 19.
It offers beverage service near the private swimming pool, whirlpools, and sundeck.
Guests can enjoy drinks without leaving the Yacht Club area, while the nearby Yacht Club Grill provides casual dining.
These dedicated venues are part of what makes Yacht Club different from booking a standard balcony or suite.
Do MSC Drink Packages Work at Every Bar?
MSC offers several beverage packages, including Premium Extra, Alcohol-Free, and Minors packages.
A drink package can be convenient for guests who regularly order beer, cocktails, wine, soft drinks, and other beverages throughout the day.
Most of MSC Seaside’s standard public bars participate in eligible beverage packages, but some premium drinks and specialty venues may have exclusions or additional charges.
Before sailing, check the terms of your specific package rather than assuming every drink is covered.
For a complete explanation of current pricing, inclusions, and restrictions, see our MSC Cruises Drink Packages Guide.
Which MSC Seaside Bar Is Best for You?
There’s no single bar that’s best for everyone. It depends on what you’re looking for at that particular moment.
Here’s where we’d start.
| What You’re Looking For | Bar to Consider |
|---|---|
| Sports, draft beer and a fun atmosphere | Sports Bar |
| Entertainment and music | Haven Lounge |
| Dancing and nightlife | Garage Club |
| Champagne and sparkling wine | Champagne Bar |
| Pre-dinner cocktails | Seaside Bar or Shine Bar |
| Wine before specialty dining | Wine & Cocktails |
| Outdoor ocean views | Miramar Bar |
| Drinks near the aft pool | South Beach Bar |
| Main poolside refreshments | Miami Beach Bar |
| Indoor poolside drinks | Jungle Bar |
| Specialty coffee | Bistrot РLa Boh̬me |
| Chocolate and dessert | Venchi |
| Upper-deck relaxation | Aurea Bar |
| Exclusive Yacht Club setting | Top Sail Lounge |
If you enjoy beer and sports, the Sports Bar would be our first stop.
If entertainment is more your style, Haven Lounge is worth checking out, particularly when performances are scheduled.
For an outdoor drink, we’d look toward South Beach Bar or Miramar Bar, depending on whether we wanted to be closer to the water or higher up with panoramic views.
And if you’re looking for a late-night party, Garage Club is the obvious place to start.
The good thing about MSC Seaside is that you have plenty of choices, and you don’t need to visit the same bar every day.
Final Thoughts on MSC Seaside Bars and Lounges
MSC Seaside offers a good variety of bars and lounges, with enough differences between them to make exploring the ship part of the experience.
For us, the Sports Bar concept is particularly appealing. The combination of draft beer and a lively, casual atmosphere is exactly what we’ve enjoyed on other MSC ships, and it would be one of our first stops on Seaside.
But there’s much more to MSC Seaside’s bar scene.
Haven Lounge offers a dedicated entertainment space, Champagne Bar provides a more upscale setting, and Garage Club gives passengers a place to enjoy the nightlife.
Outside, South Beach Bar and Miramar Bar take advantage of the ship’s ocean-focused design, while Jungle Bar offers a convenient option near the pool with a sliding roof.
Our advice is to explore a few different venues early in your cruise.
Find the places you enjoy most, but don’t be afraid to try somewhere new. A quiet cocktail before dinner, a draft beer while watching a game, and an outdoor drink overlooking the ocean can all feel like completely different experiences.
And that’s part of what makes the bars and lounges on MSC Seaside worth exploring.