MSC Seascape
Fodor’s Expert Review
Ship Overview
Eas..., and more
MSC Cruises is not only a family-run business, it’s also born from the world’s largest ocean shipping company. It makes sense then that the sustainability of the world’s water is of paramount importance to the company. As such, the MSC Seascape may just be the most sustainable cruise ship at sea, with best-in-class wastewater treatment systems that have purification standards higher than most treatments facilities on land, the ability to connect to shore power when in port, and a way to reduce nitrogen oxide emissions by up to 90%.Read More
While most people will likely not notice any of these environmental advancements, as cruise passengers and land travelers alike each become more aware of the impact their travel has on the planet, it is important to note that the MSC Seascape is capable of providing not only memorable vacations at sea thanks in part to a wide selection of comfortable cabins, a parade of delicious food in exciting restaurants, multiple pools, hot tubs, and a fun waterpark, relaxing spa, expanded exclusive Yacht Club area for members, and more live entertainment than even Las Vegas could offer in a week, but also of doing so in a sustainable manner.
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
What to expect on board
Staterooms & Cabins
From Yacht Club Suites stretching over 1,000 square feet to interior staterooms providing outstanding value for budget-conscience cruisers, the MSC Seascape has over 10 classes of cabins to choose from. Two of the highlights are the 300 square-foot Aurea Premium Suite Terrace (there’s even more space outside on a 409 square-foot balcony), and the Aurea Whirlpool Suite with a private hot tub on the balcony. Each cabin, all the way down to Oceanview rooms, has a king-size bed that can be converted into two singles, a spacious closet, sofa and desk area, and a bathroom with shower, vanity, and hairdryer. A large interactive TV screen, minibar, and safe are also present in each room.
While the Seascape is new, the decor of the cabins leaves something to be desired. Outfitted in muted beiges, other dull earth tones, and minimal art, the staterooms probably won’t wow anyone, but considering all there is to do outside of the cabins, this likely won’t bother anyone sailing on the Seascape.
The Seascape marks MSC Cruises’ commitment to environmental sustainability, but it also marks a cruise line’s wholehearted dedication to providing ample space and a variety of cabin options for passengers with accessibility needs too. From interior rooms to those with enormous balconies, each of the 66 accessible cabins on the ship provides ample room space for turning wheelchairs and scooters, zero-entry showers with fold-down bench seating, toilet seats with grab bars, lower desks, closets with clever pull-down bars for hanging up clothes, and no thresholds to clear for maximum mobility going into or out of the cabin.
Food & Drink
The buffet and the pizza are always two of the most popular everyday dining destinations on any ship, and one-way cruisers can immediately determine the quality of the food onboard. The MSC Seascape’s buffet is sprawling, diverse, and spectacular, with everything on offer from the freshest Indian cuisine to cold cuts at the expansive sandwich bar. There are also fresh pastries galore and an array of pizza choices that are all top-quality and delicious.
In total, there are 11 dining destinations on Seascape, with four uniquely designed main dining room choices (plus the buffet) that are included in the cost of the cruise. This limited selection of food included in the cost of the cruise may leave some guests frustrated, but the robust buffet almost acts as multiple fast fresh cafes in one destination, with decor that changes along with the type of food in each section of the buffet. That leaves the specialty restaurants, which all shine in their own way. Kaito Sushi Bar features a conveyer belt that adds fun and entertainment to dinner. Ocean Cay serves up fresh seafood like miso black cod and crab cakes in an elegant setting. The oysters Rockefeller at Butcher’s Cut are divine and the filet mignon is so tender and juicy, cruisers could be forgiven if they want to eat it every night of their vacation, especially if they can snag the adorable two-top tables on the way into the restaurant. Finally, thanks to MSC being an Italian-owned cruise line, dessert lovers will be excited to indulge in authentic Italian gelato in several spots on Seascape, including in the cool jungle pool area with its leafy green decor and retractable roof. What truly sets this ship apart is the amount of al fresco dining space, with many of the specialty restaurants offerings tables outside in the fresh air on the decks.
There are 20 bars and cafes on Seascape, and although each has its own charms, two highlights as far as the bar scene can be found in the Sports Bar and the Wine Cellar, each on deck 8. The former is expansive and pays tribute to both European and American sporting traditions with a fun mix of sporting equipment decorating the lively, airy space. Guests will be surrounded by soccer and cricket gear, plenty of Italian football scarves, baseballs, hockey helmets, and American footballs as they watch the big games from around the world, and enjoy a variety of pints and small bites. The Wine Cellar is an upscale DIY wine bar allowing cruisers to try a variety of reds and whites, with three different pour amounts available at a handful of self-service stations. While not considered part of the entertainment offerings on Seascape, spending time with family and friends, sampling wines, and having a good time, might be one of the nighttime highlights from a guest’s vacation at sea.
Entertainment
On each and every weeklong sailing, the MSC Seascape offers up a whopping 98 hours of live entertainment in a mix of venues across the ship, including Broadway-style shows in the Chora Theatre, which has some of the most plush seats of any cruise ship venue with ample legroom for tall guests, and the evocative Cabaret Rouge which brings a touch of the roaring 1920s to the ocean with performances by singers, dancers, aerialists and more.
There’s so much theater and music happening on board, it might feel like Las Vegas at sea (especially if you try your luck at any of the 186 slot machines or 14 gaming tables in the casino before or after a show)! But even with all of the entertainment on board, the real star of the Seascape is a robotic arm called Robotron. This high-tech, amusement park-style ride gives cruisers the thrills of a rollercoaster together with a personalized DJ music experience, all while being flown more than 170 feet above the sea. It’s breathtaking and there’s nothing quite like it on any other cruise ship. For something less dramatic, there’s a game room with VR motorbikes, an air hockey table, virtual bowling alleys, and more.
Spa & Fitness
As with most all of the newest cruise ships at sea, the MSC Seascape has not only a robust spa area offering the classics (massages and salon services) and innovative treatments too, but also a gorgeously designed and thoroughly relaxing thermal spa. With a one-day or cruise-long pass, guests can access a chilly snow room with actual snowfall and even a little forest tree to complete the cold scene, multiple steam rooms—one bright and one dark for extra sensory experiences—heated stone loungers, soaking tubs, rain shower rooms, Vertical Kneipp, a gorgeous Himalayan salt room, water cave, and more.
Key cruising tips
Health & Safety
Vaccination and pre-cruise testing are recommended, but not required, on the MSC Seascape, and the wearing of masks and social distancing is not compulsory. All crew members are vaccinated and tested often, although they are also no longer required to wear face masks. If a guest tests positive for COVID-19 within 14 days prior to or during their cruise, they will be given a full or prorated refund and assistance, if required, with onboard medical care and land-based quarantine.
Dress Code
Casual dress is standard onboard the Seascape, with the exception of the one formal nights on a weeklong cruise. While black tie is no longer expected, most guests will choose to get more dressed up in the evening when going to dinner in the main dining rooms or at the specialty restaurants.
Junior Cruisers
Thanks to a partnership with LEGO that provides thousands of construction bricks and multiple tables on which to build, massive age-based spaces complete with age-appropriate sized toilets and sinks, interactive game rooms, and extended hours, kids will have the time of their life on the Seascape. Whether they make new friends in the kid’s clubs or spend their day getting drenched in the impeccably designed Pirate’s Cove Aqua Park with its many water slides, the youngest cruisers will be so enthralled and occupied that their grown-ups can relax and enjoy much-needed time together to reconnect and recharge their batteries.
Service
Guests can feel the family-owned and operated vibe on board MSC Seascape. The crew truly exhibits and level of care that sets this ship apart. All allergies and dietary concerns will be accommodated in restaurants, and passengers can expect all of their other needs to be addressed too. Housekeeping happens twice daily, and everyone on board is dedicated to providing guests with a memorable vacation.
Tipping
Prepaid gratuities are standard across all non-luxury cruises (where tips are usually included in the rate), including MSC Seascape. Upon embarkation, all of the tips will have been paid in full, but many cruisers will carry extra cash to provide extra thank yous to their cabin attendant and other crew members who have provided exceptional service.