A recent passenger aboard the MSC Seaside has publicly alleged that she and her husband suffered severe food poisoning after dining at the ship’s specialty restaurant, Butcher’s Cut. The couple reported experiencing gastrointestinal distress shortly after consuming flavored butters served with bread, which they suspect were contaminated.
In a detailed review posted on Cruise Critic, the passenger described the meal as disappointing, noting that the goat cheese tart was inedible and the cheesecake tasted sour. However, it was the flavored butters that raised significant concern, as both she and her husband fell ill soon after the meal. The passenger stated, “The only item that tasted off were the ‘created, flavored butters’ for the bread which we later suspected were laden with bacteria and gave us severe food poisoning” .
This incident is not isolated. In May 2023, the MSC Seaside failed a CDC sanitation inspection, receiving a score of 67 out of 100—the lowest for any cruise ship in five years. Inspectors found multiple violations, including a refrigerator door handle covered in hamburger blood and yogurt containers with black filth residue .
Passengers who experience foodborne illnesses on cruise ships may have legal recourse. According to legal experts, to pursue a successful claim, individuals must demonstrate that the cruise line was negligent in food handling and that this negligence directly caused their illness .
MSC Cruises has not publicly responded to the passenger’s allegations. The company has previously stated that it adheres to strict health protocols and takes immediate corrective actions when violations are identified.
Passengers are advised to report any health issues to the ship’s medical center promptly and to document their experiences thoroughly should they choose to pursue legal action.
