MSC Seaside is a large cruise ship with restaurants, bars, entertainment venues, pools, and outdoor activities spread across several decks. Understanding the layout before your cruise can make it easier to navigate the ship and choose the right cabin.
One thing that makes MSC Seaside different from many other MSC ships is its emphasis on outdoor spaces. The ship features a waterfront promenade on Deck 8, a pool near the aft of Deck 7, and several additional pools and attractions on the upper decks.
MSC Seaside has 20 numbered decks, including 15 accessible to guests. The lower public decks contain many of the restaurants, lounges, shops, and entertainment venues. Decks 9 through 15 are primarily accommodations, while the upper decks contain specialty restaurants, swimming pools, family activities, and MSC Yacht Club facilities.
This guide makes the MSC Seaside deck plans easier to understand by showing what you’ll find on each deck and highlighting important considerations when selecting a cabin.
Use this guide to help understand:
- Which decks contain the main dining rooms and specialty restaurants.
- Where the buffet restaurants are located.
- Which decks are primarily cabins.
- Where the pools, water slides, spa, and fitness center are located.
- Which decks contain MSC Yacht Club facilities.
- What to consider when choosing a cabin location.
MSC Seaside Deck Plans
Deck 4 - Clifton Beach
- Medical Center
- Ship operations areas
Deck 4 is primarily a functional deck rather than a destination for dining or entertainment.
The Medical Center is located here and provides onboard medical services for guests who need assistance during their cruise.
Much of the remaining space is dedicated to ship operations and crew facilities rather than public venues.
Most guests will have little reason to visit Deck 4 unless they need medical assistance or are directed here by the crew.
Deck 5 - Cape Cod
- Reception and Guest Services
- Seashore Restaurant
- Seaside Bar
- MSC Future Cruise
- Art Gallery
- Emotions - Immersive Gallery
- Staterooms
Deck 5 is one of MSC Seaside's main public decks, with several important guest services and dining facilities.
Reception and Guest Services is located here. This is where passengers can get assistance with onboard accounts, key cards, billing questions, and other issues during their cruise.
Seashore Restaurant is one of the ship's two main dining rooms. It offers traditional sit-down dining with waiter service and menus that change throughout the cruise.
Seaside Bar provides a convenient place to enjoy a drink before dinner or meet up with other guests.
MSC Future Cruise is also located on Deck 5, allowing passengers to explore and book future MSC sailings while onboard.
The deck includes the Art Gallery and Emotions - Immersive Gallery, along with a selection of staterooms.
For guests staying on Deck 5, the location provides easy access to the lower public areas and restaurants. However, it's worth checking the surrounding venues when choosing a cabin, particularly if you're sensitive to noise.
Deck 6 - Copacabana
- Ipanema Restaurant
- Metropolitan Theater
- Piazza Grande
- Shine Bar
- Venchi 1878 Chocolate Bar
- MSC Excursions
- Shops and boutiques
- Business Center
Deck 6 is one of MSC Seaside's busiest indoor public decks, combining dining, entertainment, shopping, and bars.
Ipanema Restaurant is the ship's second main dining room. Like Seashore Restaurant on Deck 5, it offers traditional dining with rotating menus and waiter service.
The lower level of the Metropolitan Theater is located on Deck 6. This is the ship's primary venue for major evening performances and theater productions.
Piazza Grande is another important gathering area, with seating, live music, and nearby food and beverage options.
Shine Bar provides a convenient location for pre-dinner drinks, while the Venchi 1878 Chocolate Bar offers specialty chocolate creations and coffee.
Much of MSC Seaside's shopping is concentrated on this deck, including fashion boutiques, jewelry, perfumes, cosmetics, and duty-free shopping.
The MSC Excursions office is also here, making Deck 6 a useful stop for questions about port activities and organized tours.
For passengers who enjoy browsing shops, having a drink, or attending an evening show, Deck 6 will likely be a regular destination.
Deck 7 - South Beach
- Metropolitan Theater
- Miami Casino
- Haven Lounge
- Champagne Bar
- Garage Club
- Arcade Games and Bowling
- MSC Formula Racer
- Interactive XD Cinema
- The Billiard Room
- South Beach Pool
- South Beach Bar
- Venchi 1878 Gelato & Creperie
Deck 7 is one of MSC Seaside's main entertainment decks and also contains one of the ship's distinctive outdoor pool areas.
The upper level of the Metropolitan Theater is located here, providing another entrance to the ship's main performance venue.
Miami Casino offers slot machines and table games, while Haven Lounge provides a space for drinks, entertainment, and socializing.
Garage Club serves as a nightclub and bar, offering another option for guests who enjoy late-night entertainment.
Deck 7 is also home to several family-friendly activities. The arcade and bowling area features two full-size bowling lanes, while MSC Formula Racer and the Interactive XD Cinema provide additional interactive entertainment.
For something quieter, The Billiard Room includes a pool table and a library-style setting.
At the aft of the ship, South Beach Pool offers a different pool experience from the upper decks. Its lower location places the pool closer to the water, with open views from the rear of the ship.
South Beach Bar and the Venchi Gelato & Creperie provide additional options for drinks and treats.
Deck 7 is a good example of MSC Seaside's unusual layout. Rather than concentrating every pool on the upper decks, the ship spreads its outdoor relaxation areas across multiple levels.
Deck 8 - Ocean Cay
- Marketplace Buffet
- Waterfront Boardwalk
- Infinity Bridge
- MSC Aurea Spa
- MSC Gym powered by Technogym
- Sports Bar
- Seaview Lounge
- Bistrot - La Bohème
- The Piazza
- MSC Shop
- MSC Excursions point
Deck 8 is one of the most distinctive decks on MSC Seaside.
Marketplace Buffet, the ship's main buffet restaurant, is located here. Unlike many cruise ships that position their primary buffet near the upper pool deck, MSC Seaside places Marketplace along its lower waterfront area.
The buffet includes indoor seating and outdoor promenade dining, giving guests opportunities to enjoy meals with ocean views.
The Waterfront Boardwalk wraps around much of the ship and is one of MSC Seaside's signature features. It provides outdoor walking space, seating areas, and views of the sea.
The Infinity Bridge is another notable feature on Deck 8, offering a glass-floored outdoor walkway experience.
Inside, the Sports Bar provides a casual setting for drinks and food while watching sporting events. Seaview Lounge and Bistrot - La Bohème offer additional places to relax.
The Piazza serves as another central gathering area with shopping and bar options.
MSC Aurea Spa is also located on Deck 8. The spa includes treatment rooms, salon services, and a thermal area with facilities such as saunas, steam rooms, and relaxation spaces.
The MSC Gym powered by Technogym is located on this deck as well, providing cardio equipment, strength machines, and other fitness facilities.
Deck 8 is particularly important because it combines several major dining, wellness, and outdoor venues.
Deck 9 - Lanikai
- Staterooms
- Deluxe Balcony cabins
- Deluxe Balcony Aurea cabins
- Premium Balcony Aurea cabins
- Aurea suites
Deck 9 marks the beginning of MSC Seaside's main run of cabin-focused decks.
Unlike the lower decks, which contain restaurants, lounges, and entertainment venues, Deck 9 is primarily dedicated to accommodations.
The deck includes several balcony and suite categories, including accommodations with larger outdoor spaces.
Some of the Premium Balcony Aurea accommodations feature balconies considerably larger than those found in standard balcony cabins.
For travelers who want easy access to the restaurants, bars, and waterfront promenade on Deck 8, Deck 9 can be a convenient location.
However, cabins on this deck are directly above some of the ship's public areas.
If minimizing noise is important, check what is located directly beneath your cabin before booking.
Deck 10 - Maspalomas
- Staterooms
- Interior cabins
- Balcony cabins
- Aurea suites
Deck 10 is another primarily residential deck, with interior, balcony, and suite accommodations.
One notable cabin type available on this deck is the Premium Interior, which offers substantially more space than a typical interior cabin and can accommodate larger families.
Deck 10 has relatively few public venues, which may appeal to guests who want to stay away from the busiest entertainment and dining areas.
Its location also provides a good balance between the lower public decks and the pools and outdoor attractions higher in the ship.
For cabin selection, Deck 10 is worth considering if you want to be surrounded mostly by other accommodations rather than restaurants, lounges, or entertainment venues.
Deck 11 - Flamenco Beach
- Staterooms
- Interior cabins
- Balcony cabins
- Aurea suites
Deck 11 continues MSC Seaside's cabin-focused layout.
The deck contains a combination of interior rooms, balcony cabins, and suites, with relatively little public traffic compared with the lower entertainment decks.
For many passengers, this type of location is appealing because most of the surrounding spaces are other staterooms.
Deck 11 is also positioned between the ship's lower dining and entertainment venues and the main upper pool areas.
Guests who want a central location without staying directly next to a major public space may find this deck worth considering.
As always, check the exact cabin location, particularly if you're booking near elevators or other high-traffic areas.
Deck 12 - Las Salinas
- Staterooms
- Interior cabins
- Balcony cabins
- Aurea suites
Deck 12 is another accommodation-focused deck.
Most of the space is dedicated to passenger cabins, with no major restaurants, lounges, or entertainment venues listed on the deck plans.
This makes Deck 12 a potentially attractive option for cruisers who prefer a quieter location.
Because it sits between other cabin decks, many rooms have accommodations directly above and below them.
That is often a useful feature when trying to minimize potential noise from public spaces.
Deck 12 also provides a convenient middle-to-upper location, with access to the restaurants and entertainment below and the outdoor attractions above.
Deck 13 - Pink Sands
- Staterooms
- Interior cabins
- Balcony cabins
- Aurea suites
Deck 13 is primarily dedicated to accommodations.
Like Decks 11 and 12, it contains a mix of interior rooms, balcony cabins, and suites.
There are no major public dining or entertainment facilities listed on this deck.
For travelers who want to stay relatively close to the upper pool areas without being directly beneath them, Deck 13 may provide a good compromise.
The deck is close enough to Deck 16 to make pool and outdoor activities convenient, while still maintaining the feel of a traditional cabin deck.
Passengers sensitive to ship movement should remember that higher decks may experience more noticeable motion than lower, centrally located cabins.
Deck 14 - Mondello
- Staterooms
- Interior cabins
- Balcony cabins
- Aurea suites
Deck 14 is another primarily residential deck.
The accommodations include interior rooms, balcony cabins, and selected suites.
Because there are no major public venues on this deck, it may appeal to guests looking for a more traditional cabin environment.
Deck 14 also provides convenient access to the upper outdoor decks, including the Miami Beach Pool, specialty restaurants, and family activities.
For travelers who expect to spend much of their cruise near the pools or outdoor attractions, staying on Deck 14 can reduce the number of decks they need to travel.
However, cabin location still matters. Review the deck plans to understand the rooms and facilities surrounding your cabin.
Deck 15 - Venice Beach
- Staterooms
- Interior cabins
- Balcony cabins
- Aurea suites
Deck 15 is the highest major deck of standard passenger accommodations outside the MSC Yacht Club area.
Most of the deck contains cabins, including balcony rooms and selected suites.
Its biggest advantage is proximity to Deck 16, which contains the Miami Beach Pool, Biscayne Bay Buffet, and specialty dining restaurants.
If you expect to spend much of your cruise relaxing around the pool or enjoying the upper outdoor areas, Deck 15 can be particularly convenient.
However, there is an important consideration when choosing a cabin here.
Deck 16 contains several busy public venues, meaning some Deck 15 cabins sit beneath pool areas, restaurants, or other spaces where guests gather throughout the day.
If you're particularly sensitive to noise, check the exact location of your cabin before booking rather than assuming every room on Deck 15 will have the same experience.
Deck 16 - Miami Beach
- Miami Beach Pool
- Miami Beach Sun Deck
- Biscayne Bay Restaurant & Buffet
- Butcher's Cut
- Ocean Cay Seafood Restaurant
- Asian Market Kitchen
- Wine & Cocktails
- Miami Beach Bar
- Bridge of Sighs
- MSC Yacht Club Top Sail Lounge
- MSC Yacht Club Concierge
- MSC Yacht Club suites
Deck 16 is one of the most important public decks aboard MSC Seaside.
Miami Beach Pool is located here and serves as one of the ship's primary outdoor swimming and sunbathing areas.
Nearby, Biscayne Bay Restaurant & Buffet provides a casual dining option focused on families and children.
Deck 16 also contains MSC Seaside's specialty dining area.
Butcher's Cut offers an American steakhouse experience, while Ocean Cay Seafood Restaurant focuses on seafood.
Asian Market Kitchen includes three distinct dining experiences: Pan Asian, Kaito Sushi, and Kaito Teppanyaki.
Together, these restaurants give Deck 16 a concentration of specialty dining options, making it a popular evening destination as well as a daytime activity area.
The Bridge of Sighs is another highlight. This elevated glass bridge provides views over the aft portion of the ship and the ocean below.
MSC Yacht Club guests will also spend time on Deck 16.
The Top Sail Lounge and Yacht Club Concierge are located here, along with several Yacht Club suites.
The Top Sail Lounge provides an exclusive indoor space for Yacht Club passengers to relax, enjoy drinks, and take advantage of panoramic views.
For most guests, Deck 16 will become a regular destination for swimming, dining, and enjoying the outdoors.
Deck 18 - Playa Paraiso
- Jungle Pool Lounge
- Jungle Bar
- Forest Aquaventure Park
- Water slides
- Doremiland
- Baby Club Chicco
- Mini Club LEGO
- Junior Club LEGO
- Young Club
- Teen Club
- Doremi Studio
- MSC Yacht Club Restaurant
- MSC Yacht Club suites
Deck 18 combines family activities, swimming, and exclusive Yacht Club facilities.
Jungle Pool Lounge is one of the ship's distinctive swimming areas, featuring a sliding roof that can provide protection from unfavorable weather.
This gives MSC Seaside an indoor-outdoor pool option in addition to its more traditional open-air pools.
Forest Aquaventure Park is another major attraction on Deck 18, with water slides and interactive water-play areas spread across the upper decks.
Families traveling with children will also find many of the ship's youth facilities here.
Doremiland includes dedicated spaces for different age groups, including Baby Club Chicco, LEGO-themed Mini and Junior Clubs, and separate areas for younger and older teenagers.
Doremi Studio provides additional entertainment space for children and families.
For guests staying in MSC Yacht Club, Deck 18 is home to the exclusive Yacht Club Restaurant and additional Yacht Club accommodations.
The Yacht Club Restaurant offers a dedicated dining experience separate from the ship's main dining rooms.
With pools, water attractions, kids clubs, and Yacht Club dining, Deck 18 is an important destination for several different types of cruisers.
Deck 19 - Biarritz
- MSC Yacht Club Pool
- MSC Yacht Club Sundeck
- MSC Yacht Club Grill & Bar
- Yacht Club whirlpools
- Top 19 Exclusive Solarium
- Aurea Bar
- Miramar Bar
- Forest Aquaventure Park upper areas
Deck 19 is focused primarily on outdoor relaxation and recreation.
A substantial portion of the deck is dedicated to MSC Yacht Club.
Yacht Club guests have access to an exclusive swimming pool, two whirlpools, a private sundeck, and the Yacht Club Grill & Bar.
This provides a quieter alternative to the ship's main public pool areas.
Outside the Yacht Club, the Top 19 Exclusive Solarium provides a dedicated outdoor relaxation space for eligible Aurea guests.
The solarium includes a whirlpool and gives guests another option away from the busiest public swimming pools.
Aurea Bar and Miramar Bar provide additional outdoor beverage options, with Miramar Bar offering panoramic sea views.
The upper portions of Forest Aquaventure Park also extend into this area.
Deck 19 is particularly appealing for travelers who prefer spending time outdoors without necessarily being in the middle of the main pool activities.
Deck 20 - Sun Deck
- MSC Sports Arena
- Adventure Trail
- Upper outdoor recreation areas
- Zip line attraction area
Deck 20 is MSC Seaside's highest numbered guest deck and is dedicated primarily to outdoor recreation.
The MSC Sports Arena provides space for activities such as basketball, tennis, volleyball, and five-a-side football.
Adventure Trail is another feature of the upper decks, offering an elevated hanging-bridge activity for guests looking for something more adventurous.
MSC Seaside's technical deck plans also identify zip line facilities among the ship's upper outdoor attractions. Availability and operation of these activities may vary by sailing.
Unlike the lower decks, Deck 20 is not focused on cabins, restaurants, or indoor entertainment.
Instead, it's an area for guests who want to take advantage of some of MSC Seaside's more active outdoor features.
Families and travelers who enjoy sports and recreational activities may find themselves visiting this deck regularly throughout their cruise.
Final Thoughts on MSC Seaside Deck Plans
MSC Seaside has a distinctive layout that becomes much easier to understand once you know where the major public areas are located.
Decks 5 through 8 contain much of the ship's indoor dining, shopping, entertainment, and wellness facilities. This is where you'll find the main dining rooms, Metropolitan Theater, casino, bars, Marketplace Buffet, MSC Aurea Spa, and gym.
Deck 7 also contains South Beach Pool, while Deck 8 features the Waterfront Boardwalk, one of the ship's signature outdoor spaces.
Decks 9 through 15 are primarily dedicated to passenger accommodations, making them worth considering when searching for a cabin away from the busiest public areas.
Deck 16 is one of the ship's major outdoor and dining destinations, with Miami Beach Pool, Biscayne Bay Buffet, specialty restaurants, and several MSC Yacht Club venues.
Deck 18 contains the Jungle Pool, water park, kids clubs, and Yacht Club Restaurant.
Deck 19 provides additional outdoor relaxation areas, including the exclusive Yacht Club pool complex and Top 19 Aurea Solarium.
Finally, Deck 20 is home to the Sports Arena and Adventure Trail.
When choosing a cabin, a few simple considerations can help:
- Look for cabins with other passenger accommodations directly above and below if minimizing noise is a priority.
- Pay particular attention to Deck 9 cabins, since Deck 8 contains the buffet, lounges, spa, gym, and other public spaces.
- Check Deck 15 carefully because the pool and specialty dining areas are located directly above on Deck 16.
- Midship cabins on lower decks may be worth considering if you're sensitive to motion.
- Higher cabins can provide more convenient access to pools, outdoor attractions, and upper-deck restaurants.
- Check balcony configurations carefully, since some cabins have larger outdoor areas, metal railings, or potentially obstructed views.
MSC Seaside's design is all about connecting guests with the ocean. With its waterfront promenade, multiple pool areas, outdoor dining, and expansive upper decks, the ship offers plenty of opportunities to enjoy the sea throughout your cruise.
Taking a few minutes to review the deck plans before selecting your cabin can help you find the location that best matches how you like to cruise.