For guests in the Houston area of the United States, there's a brand-new, drivable option for a family cruise. MSC (Mediterranean Shipping Company), a popular European cruise line, has recently begun sailing from Galveston, Texas. The MSC Seascape is currently sailing from a new Galveston terminal, offering on-site parking and state-of-the-art facilities.
I had the opportunity to attend the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new terminal and spent the night on MSC Seascape. This ship is a fantastic option for families, with some exciting activities and delicious restaurants.
Disclosure: Our sailing was complimentary. All opinions are my own. This post contains affiliate links, and a purchase/click through may result in a commission paid to us at no cost to you.
Guide to the MSC Seascape Cruise Ship
Overview
The MSC Seascape had her maiden voyage in 2022, with Sophia Loren as godmother. The ship has 2,270 staterooms and can accommodate 5,877 guests. Its gross tonnage is 169,400. The Seascape offers 15 dining venues (including specialty dining), 19 bars, kids' and teens' clubs, and a Robotron, the only robocoaster at sea.
Sailings on the MSC Seascape Cruise Ship
The MSC Seascape is currently sailing from Galveston, Texas. The ship's itineraries include seven-night sailings to the Caribbean and the Bahamas. Stops on this itinerary include Costa Maya and Cozumel, Mexico, and Roatan, Honduras.
Amenities on the MSC Seascape
The MSC Seascape offers some fun activities and amenities for families - there's always something to do when you aren't exploring a port. These include the Robotron, a robocoaster at sea.
I had the opportunity to check this out and found it a lot of fun. You can choose a mild, medium, or high-intensity experience. The ride accommodates three at a time. I chose the medium experience, and it wasn't too scary at all. I think I'll try the high-intensity next time I'm on the ship.
The MSC Seascape also offers the MSC Formula Racer, a racing simulator game. I didn't try it, but I did watch someone else, and it looked to be fun and challenging. There's also an arcade with lots of games.
The Bridge of Sighs, located at the aft of the ship, is a glass-bottomed walkway over the aft infinity pool. Located 72 feet above the pool, this walkway is a great place for videos and photos.
The MSC Seascape also offers the Pirates Cove Aquapark, an onboard waterpark with water slides, rope bridges, a splash area, and a water dumping bucket. This is a great area for kids to enjoy some water play, and it is one of the best water play areas I've seen on board a cruise ship.
Kids' Clubs on the MSC Seascape
I've always been impressed with the colorful, fun kids' clubs, named Doremiland (pronounced Do-Re-Mi like the song) on MSC ships, These are offered in different age ranges, with five clubs in total: the baby club (0-3), the mini club (3-6), the junior club (7-11), the young club (12-14), and the teen club (15-17).
Throughout the sailing, the kids' club offers a variety of age-appropriate activities. Through a partnership with LEGO, there are LEGO play stations where kids can engage in free play during time in the kids' clubs.
MSC Aurea Spa
The MSC Aurea Spa on board the MSC Seascape is a great option if you want some pampering and relaxation during your family cruise. It offers 21 treatment rooms and a variety of treatments, including massages and body treatments. There's also a barbershop and a hair and nail salon.
I especially loved the thermal spa area. Access to this can be purchased separately, or it's included with a spa treatment. The thermal spa includes a salt room, snow room, saunas, spa showers, and more. It's a great spot to relax during your sailing.
Pools on Board
When I'm on a warm-weather cruise, I always enjoy spending some time at one of the pools. The MSC Seascape has several options, with pools and hot tubs located throughout the ship.
The Jungle Pool is a jungle-themed indoor and outdoor pool area. There's plenty of seating and a dedicated bar. This is one of my favorite areas on the ship.
The infinity pool is located on the aft of the ship, below the Bridge of Sighs. This stunning pool overlooks the back of the ship and is adults-only.
Entertainment on Board the MSC Seascape
The MSC Seascape offers several entertainment venues on board. The Chora Theater is where you'll find the larger-scale shows. There's also Le Cabaret Rouge, home to parties, smaller-scale shows, and performances. You can find a schedule of shows in the MSC app.
Dining on the MSC Seascape
There are 15 different dining venues on board the MSC Seascape, including specialty dining and included dining. The specialty restaurants are the following:
- Butcher's Cut
- Kaito Sushi Bar
- Kaito Teppanyaki
- Hola! Tacos and Cantina
There are also quick service locations, bars, gelato, a buffet, and main dining rooms. The specialty dining, bars, and gelato have an extra fee.
Shops
Want to do some shopping while onboard? There are lots of shops onboard selling a variety of products, including MSC-branded souvenirs, LEGO sets, jewelry, handbags, watches, and more. Many of these shops are located in the Times Square part of the ship - a 4-deck entertainment and shopping area of the ship.
MSC Yacht Club
Like the other MSC cruise ships, the Seascape offers the MSC Yacht Club. This premium experience does cost more but offers a "ship within a ship" experience. You'll need to book a Yacht Club room to book the Yacht Club.
Benefits include:
- A premium stateroom in this exclusive section of the ship
- A butler
- Priority embarkation and disembarkation
- Access to the Thermal Spa
- Exclusive access to the private pool deck just for Yacht Club guests
- An exclusive Yacht Club restaurant
- A premium beverage package
- 24-hour room service
- Much more
Staterooms on the MSC Seascape
When you book your cruise on the MSC Seascape, you'll find a variety of different room types. You'll want to familiarize yourself with the available options so you book exactly what you want. Room types include:
- Deluxe and premium interior rooms
- Deluxe oceanview rooms (oceanview, but no balcony)
- Deluxe balcony rooms
- Deluxe and premium Aurea rooms
- Premium suite Aurea
- Grand suite Aurea
- Two-bedroom grand suite
- Yacht club interior suite
- Yacht club deluxe suite
- Yacht club grand suite
- Yacht club royal suite
- Yacht Club owner's suite
Like the Yacht Club, the Aurea class is a premium class that can be booked. While it doesn't include all Yacht Club benefits, it does include access to the thermal spa (adults-only), premium boarding, anytime dining, a spa discount, and more.
The MSC Seascape is currently sailing from Galveston, Texas, on 7-day Western Caribbean itineraries. To learn more, visit their website.
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