Embarking on a cruise aboard the MSC Seascape was an experience that blended luxury, adventure, and a touch of the unexpected. As a first-time MSC cruiser, I didn’t know what to expect and was eager to explore what this modern vessel had to offer. Let’s look at my first time sailing with MSC, and see how it measures up to other luxury cruise lines with my MSC Seascape review.
Embarkation on the MSC Seascape
Boarding the MSC Seascape in Miami was a pretty seamless process. The port staff were efficient, although I felt that there were less porters than I usually see. It took a few minutes to see that my bag made it safely onto the cart. After a quick boarding process, I stepped onto the ship’s grand atrium, greeted by the glimmering Swarovski crystal staircases and the ambient sounds of live music. I was impressed by the size and cleanliness of the ship. The check-in process was expedited by the MSC for Me app, which I had downloaded prior to departure. This app proved invaluable throughout the trip, offering daily schedules, restaurant menus, and real-time updates, but it really is comparable to other cruise line apps that are out there. For example, it took some exploring for me to figure out where to print my luggage tags.
MSC Accommodations: Comfort with a View
My stateroom was a Balcony Cabin located on Deck 14. The spacious room features modern décor, ample storage, and a comfortable king-sized bed. The highlight, however, was the private balcony. The bathroom was well-appointed, with a glass-enclosed shower (which I absolutely loved) and basic toiletries. Housekeeping was prompt and thorough, ensuring the room was kept up with one service each day.
MSC Food: A Global Palette
Dining aboard the MSC Seascape was an adventure. The ship boasts several dining venues, each offering a unique culinary experience.
- Marketplace Buffet: This expansive buffet offered diverse dishes, from fresh salads and international cuisines to delectable desserts. Soft serve was available whenever the buffet was open, and I think the desserts were pretty varied and flavorful. I think MSC’s dessert options in the buffet and the dining rooms were actually some of my favorites compared to other cruise lines. I didn’t like the setup of the buffet lines. They seemed to run into one another, especially over by the pizza and salad station. It was not always clear if there were supposed to be lines or where those lines started, so it seemed a little disorganized compared to other cruise buffets I have enjoyed.
- Cala Jondal Restaurant: As one of the main dining rooms, Cala Jondal provided a more formal dining experience. The menu changed daily, featuring a mix of Mediterranean-inspired dishes and classic favorites. The service was excellent and the staff were attentive. The food was on par with other cruise lines in terms of quality.
- Specialty Restaurants: I didn’t have an opportunity to enjoy the specialty restaurants due to time and expense, but the steakhouse and sushi bar looked very popular.
For those with dietary restrictions, the ship offered ample vegetarian options, and the staff were accommodating in customizing dishes when needed.
Entertainment and Activities on MSC Seascape
The MSC Seascape is a floating city with lots of entertainment options. Each evening, the Chora Theater showcased Broadway-style productions, ranging from musicals to acrobatic performances. The talent and production quality were impressive, rivaling shows I’ve seen on land. There were more shows on this ship than on other cruises I have been on. The stage in the theater is state-of-the-art, and the talent was spot on. Many of the songs were geared towards everyone from Baby Boomers to Millennials, which really boosts the score of this MSC Seascape review.
During the day, the ship offered lots of other activities:
- Robotron: A thrilling ride that combines a robotic arm with virtual reality, providing an adrenaline-pumping experience high above the deck.
- Pirate’s Cove Aquapark: Perfect for families, this water park featured slides, splash zones, and slides. Probably one of the best water park and slide areas I have seen on a family cruise. There were four waterslides in total, and the pirate theming was excellent.
- MSC Aurea Spa: For relaxation, the spa offered a range of treatments. I indulged in Aroma-stone and Swedish massages, and we both used the thermal spa outfitted with state-of-the-art hot and cold therapy treatment options for a couple hours on a sea day.
The ship also hosted themed parties, dance classes, and trivia contests, ensuring there was never a dull moment. We took advantage of the ’70s Sunshine party and dressed the part.
MSC Seascape Ports of Call: Caribbean
Our itinerary included stops at several Caribbean destinations:
- Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic: I joined an excursion to the 27 Waterfalls of Damajagua. The hike and subsequent jumps into the cascading pools were fun and refreshing. We only enjoyed about six waterfalls, though, since the water levels were down.
- San Juan, Puerto Rico: Exploring Old San Juan’s colorful streets and historic forts was a highlight. We also visited a waterfall in the rainforest and ate at a local restaurant.
- Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve: MSC’s private island is known as a tropical paradise. However, we could not spend the day here due to high winds. We could see the island from the ship, and it was sunny and the water looked beautiful, but after a few failed docking attempts, the captain cancelled the port of call, and we had to settle for another sea day. I hear this happens often on the private Bahamian islands that the cruise lines own. Due to rough seas, I also had to skip Coco-Cay on Royal Caribbean’s Navigator of the Seas a few years ago. The channels near these islands are very shallow and narrow, so these ports of call tend to get canceled more than you would think.
Service and Staff: Warm Hospitality
My MSC Seascape review wouldn’t be complete without commenting on the service and staff. Throughout the cruise, the staff’s professionalism and friendliness stood out. From the restaurant waitstaff to the entertainment crew, everyone was dedicated to ensuring guests had a memorable experience. Any requests were promptly addressed, and the crew often went above and beyond to accommodate passengers.
MSC Seascape Casino: Clean and Interactive
The Casino offered many great amenities, including Bingo, table games, and slot machines. They also provided their guests with some free slot play and raffles. Those who reach a certain number of tier points can qualify for a complimentary cruise.
Final Thoughts on My First Cruise with MSC Seascape
Sailing aboard the MSC Seascape was an excellent experience. The combination of luxurious accommodations, diverse dining options, engaging entertainment, and attentive service created a vacation that exceeded my expectations for a first timer. I was nervous since I was not familiar with MSC. But the Seascape is a beautiful ship, and they understood the assignment. For anyone considering a Caribbean cruise, the MSC Seascape offers an affordable and luxurious option filled with adventure, relaxation, and unforgettable memories. As for my MSC Seascape review, I would give it an overall grade of B+.