A Birthday Getaway Aboard the MSC Seashore
With a history spanning over 300 years and a presence in every major cruise market, MSC Cruises is a global powerhouse that’s surprisingly lesser-known in North America – until now. As the world’s third-largest cruise brand and leader in Europe, South America, the Gulf region, and Southern Africa, MSC boasts more market share and deployed capacity than any competitor. This Swiss-based shipping and logistics conglomerate, part of the MSC Group, employs over 30,000 staff globally. The company’s roots trace back to 1675 with the seafaring Aponte family from Sorrento, Italy. This family-owned business, with a legacy of ship owners and captains, eventually gave rise to MSC Cruises, now the largest privately-owned cruise company in the world.
My friend Angelika, an avid MSC cruiser, from Germany, inspired me to try this line for my birthday celebration. With winter in full swing up north, and with us already residing in Florida, I sought a quick and fun getaway for my birthday. Higher-than-normal hotel rates and crazy traffic discouraged me, but then I discovered a last-minute 4-night MSC Seashore cruise from Port Canaveral on VacationsToGo.com at an unbeatable price. The itinerary, featuring an overnight at MSC’s private island, Ocean Cay, and a stop in Nassau, was the perfect fit. 
My husband, a bargain lover, immediately agreed, and we had just 30 hours to prepare. For my New York readers, convenient 3-hour non-stop flights to Orlando could make this cruise line even more appealing.
The excitement was palpable as we set sail and began our journey with a fun sail-away party and we were looking forward to discovering this stunning ship. MSC Seashore, built by Fincantieri’s shipyard in Italy, is a magnificent ship that promises to leave you in awe. This 900 million Euro vessel boasts 65% of its public spaces reimagined to enhance the onboard experience. Equipped with advanced environmental technology, MSC Seashore is the first cruise ship to feature a ‘Safe Air’ system for improved sanitation. Happily, none of us fell ill during or after the cruise.
Our cabin steward, Mr. Rey, was wonderful, very attentive, and took care of all our needs. However, the layout of the closet, next to the bed of our balcony cabin, was ok for a short cruise but seemed to us insufficient for a longer voyage. A tip: bring your own body lotion! —Later we had the pleasure of meeting the talented Executive Chef Juan Neethling from South Africa at the self-service Marketplace Buffet (Deck 16) and told him that we liked his food. The Marketplace Buffet & Restaurant is the casual, complimentary dining option available on MSC Seashore. 
The elaborate, hot and cold selections are displayed across two separate dining areas with the midship elevators separating the venue into two restaurants, with hand-washing stations at every corner. Imagine the aromas of freshly baked bread and roasting meats, the sounds of chatter and clinking plates, and the visual feast of the diverse offerings.
We especially liked the option of a daily sit-down breakfast at the Central Park Restaurant that also offers brunch on sea days. MSC’s baked goods are not overly sweetened as most of the American lines are accustomed to. Tip: pack something white for the ‘White Night Party’ on the deck at 10:00 pm. If you are early sleepers like us, dress up in white for dinner instead. MSC Seashore, the line’s first Seaside EVO-class ship (built with larger dimensions), deserves attention. The contemporary design, family-friendly amenities like the large Doremi kids’ club and a pirate themed water park, could make an excellent choice. Stepping onto the infamous Bridge of Sighs on the MSC Seashore was a hoot, definitely not for people who are afraid of heights.
I indulged in cappuccino and chocolate pralines at Venchi Chocolate, where mouth-watering treats are handcrafted onboard in an open-air kitchen. It was exciting to have met the skilled chocolatier personally, not to mention the cappuccino artist and his team! Our dinner at the Manhattan Restaurant (Deck 7), included in our cruise fare, rivaled that of some other cruise lines we favor. The ship offers 18 bars and lounges, new restaurant and bar concepts, and outdoor venues with al fresco dining areas, catering to a wide range of tastes. Our final dinner on the MSC cruise was a culinary journey, showcasing the best of Italian cuisine and exceptional service from our waiter, Agus Nugroho of Indonesia, and restaurant manager Hector Sebilla, of Honduras — reminiscent of Italy. MSC, an Italian cruise line, did not disappoint.
MSC Seashore has resolved issues that seemed to have plagued other MSC ships. We experienced no lengthy dining room waits, had cheerful staff, and activities catering to both Americans and the international passenger base.
“Officers in Motion & Photos with the Officers” was a special event one night where my husband danced up a storm with a couple of attractive female staff members.
If relaxation is your goal, the ship’s thermal suite and European vibe encourage one to unwind. MSC Seashore’s deck plan, with multiple smaller dining rooms and pools, creates an intimate feel, letting us forget that we were cruising on a gigantic ship that served easily over 5000 passengers. While the main pool might feel crowded, a quieter option like the Infinity Pool offers a better sunbathing experience.
Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, MSC’s private island, was the highlight of our itinerary. Transformed from mere sand, the island seemed to offer a wealth of discoveries for us first-time visitors. 
And with an overnight docking, it promised to be a lot of fun. Our first discovery… no tendering required, we just walked off the ship. The 95-acre island’s history is fascinating. Once an industrial mining site, MSC Group transformed it into a stunning destination through a 100-year lease agreement. The restoration included protecting and restoring corals, relocating wildlife, and planting over 75,000 native shrubs and plants. Ocean Cay welcomed its first loggerhead sea turtle hatchlings in 2021 and celebrated the rebuilding of coral beds through the Super Coral Program in 2023. Of course, we savored the flavors of MSC’s excellent Island BBQ buffets —
enjoyed by over 5000 people spilled over three different locations, the lines never got really long.
From Ocean Cay – MSC Marine Reserve, we enjoyed a wonderful morning with perfectly timed 6:15 am tea and croissant room service. Although MSC doesn’t offer PG tips tea, I was prepared and brought my own. We watched the beach boys cleaning and straightening out the beach chairs at 7:00 am from our balcony, getting ready for another half-day of fun before the MSC Seashore ship would depart from this island at noon, sailing to Nassau.
MSC Seashore and the Ocean Cay experience have won me over. This cruise line, though lesser-known in North America, offers a blend of contemporary amenities, drawing a diverse crowd of all ages that sets it apart. From the ‘Safe Air’ system to the meticulously restored private island, MSC demonstrates a commitment to both passenger health and the environment. The ship’s design, with its intimate spaces and plentiful outdoor areas, caters to a variety of tastes. Whether you’re a family seeking fun, a couple looking for a romantic escape, or a solo traveler wanting to unwind, MSC Seashore has something for everyone.
If you’re seeking a new cruise experience, MSC is worth exploring. Tip: Call Vacations To Go Master Cruise Counselor, Damon Kirschbaum, damonk@vacationstogo.com . His office hours: Tue-Sat: 11am-8pm (US Central Time) US and Canada: 1-800-338-4962 ext. 71
Until next month from another interesting location.
— Yours in travel, Ingrid
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