Written By: Teresa Greco
Planning a vacation that pleases every family member—from our teenage kids to us parents—often feels like a challenge. That’s why we decided to embark on a journey aboard MSC Seashore, a marvel of modern cruise engineering and design that promises an experience tailored to all ages. This ship isn’t just about getting from one destination to another; it’s about the luxury, comfort, and adventure it offers to everyone on board. With innovative amenities, stylish accommodations, diverse dining options, and immersive entertainment, MSC Seashore became our multi-generational haven on the high seas, a journey we’ll cherish forever.
Innovative Design Enhancing Our Experience
The design of MSC Seashore immediately caught our attention. As the longest ship in the fleet at 339 meters with 19 decks, it offered endless amenities and varied accommodations. We were amazed by how spacious the ship felt, accommodating up to 5,877 guests in 2,270 cabins, yet still providing plenty of room for relaxation and activities. The high ratio of outdoor space per guest was evident, ensuring we had ample room to unwind and explore. The crew of 1,648 dedicated staff members made our experience truly memorable with their top-notch service and attention to detail, whether it was keeping our rooms immaculate or providing assistance during our excursions.
Top-Tier Amenities We Loved
The ship’s amenities were nothing short of extraordinary. We found ourselves spending time in the serene Top Sail Lounge, enjoying panoramic sea views, and indulging in gourmet meals in the ship’s specialty restaurants. The variety of bars and lounges offered unique experiences, from the classic cocktails at the Chef’s Court Cocktail Bar to the fine wine tastings at The Wine Cellar.
A highlight of our trip was the MSC Aurea Spa, which became our sanctuary for relaxation. One afternoon, all four of us decided to treat ourselves to a rejuvenating experience. We each enjoyed a soothing Balinese massage that helped melt away the stress from our daily lives. After our massages, we spent some time in the thermal area, where the saunas, steam rooms, and whirlpools offered us a tranquil escape. It was an experience that left us all feeling completely refreshed and recharged, ready to enjoy the rest of our vacation.
Accommodations for Every Generation
Our family needed space, and MSC Seashore delivered with its range of luxurious accommodations. The ship offered everything from cozy interior cabins to expansive suites with private balconies. For our family of four, the innovative cluster cabins were perfect. These adjoining rooms provided the ideal balance of space and privacy, with modern amenities and thoughtful touches that made our stay incredibly comfortable. Our private balcony quickly became a favourite spot for morning coffee and evening stargazing, offering us a quiet retreat with breathtaking ocean views.
Gourmet Dining for All Tastes
Dining aboard MSC Seashore was a culinary journey that delighted our entire family. With four main dining rooms, including the Tribeca Restaurant and Central Park Restaurant, we enjoyed a variety of international dishes that catered to our diverse tastes. The Chef’s Court, with its five specialty restaurants, offered a gastronomic adventure we didn’t expect. Highlights included Butcher’s Cut, where we enjoyed select Linz heritage Angus beef, and Kaito Teppanyaki, where our kids were captivated by the skilled chefs who transformed fresh ingredients into culinary masterpieces right before our eyes. At the Ocean Cay seafood restaurant, we savoured exquisite fish dishes prepared with sustainably sourced ingredients.
For more casual dining, the buffet provided a selection of global cuisines, with themed nights that kept things interesting. We also appreciated the Venchi 1878 Gelato and Chocolate Bar, which was the perfect place for an afternoon or after-dinner Italian gelato and a handmade premium chocolate treat.
Captivating Outdoor Spaces and Relaxation
One of the most striking features of MSC Seashore was its emphasis on outdoor spaces. The glass-floored Bridge of Sighs on Deck 16, stylish glass-floor catwalks on the waterfront promenade, and panoramic aft elevators allowed us to connect with the sea in a truly luxurious manner. The ship was designed to bring the outdoors in, with expansive deck spaces that offered stunning ocean views and plenty of opportunities to enjoy the fresh sea air.
The pool areas were a big hit with our family. The Infinity Pool at the aft of the ship, with its glass wall offering uninterrupted ocean views, quickly became our favourite spot. We observed how the Jungle Pool and Pirates Cove Aquapark, with their waterslides and adventure trails, provided endless fun for younger kids, while the Infinity Whirlpool Baths were the ultimate relaxation spots for our family. We often found ourselves lounging by the pool, sipping on refreshing cocktails from the nearby bar, and simply soaking up the sun.
Entertainment, Shopping, and Games for Everyone
The entertainment aboard MSC Seashore kept us busy from morning to night. With 16 hours of daily entertainment and over 300 different activities, there was truly something for everyone. We enjoyed Broadway-style productions at the Grand Theater, where the world-class performers dazzled us with their talent and energy. The vibrant atmosphere at the Times Square-inspired entertainment area was another highlight, offering live performances, DJs, and interactive games that kept the excitement going well into the night.
Our teens loved the Teen Club, which offered gaming consoles and virtual reality experiences, giving them their own space to connect with peers. For some family fun, we headed to the Sports Bar, where we enjoyed a few rounds of billiards and watched our favorite sports on big screens. The full-size F1 Simulator and the immersive XD cinema provided thrilling experiences for all of us, while the virtual rafting simulator, “Run the River,” added a fun and dynamic activity we could enjoy together.
We also took advantage of the ship’s extensive shopping options, exploring the New York-themed piazza and browsing through the multisensory fragrance bar and dedicated jewelry area. It was the perfect way to pick up a few unique souvenirs and indulge in some retail therapy. One night, we decided to try our luck at the casino, which offered a lively atmosphere and a variety of gaming tables and slot machines. It was an exciting way to end the evening and added to the diverse entertainment options available on board.
Exploring the World Through Shore Excursions
MSC Seashore offers unforgettable Caribbean and Antilles cruises, including exclusive access to the pristine paradise of Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, MSC Cruises’ exclusive private island paradise in the Bahamas. Spending a day on this island was nothing short of magical. We relaxed on a beautiful beach in our private cabana, lounged on floating mats, and soaked up the sun while surrounded by stunning natural beauty. For an added thrill, we took a guided tour on WaveRunners, gliding over the surf and taking in breathtaking views of untouched cays and beaches.
In Mexico, our adventures continued with a visit to Bacalar Lagoon, where we cruised through vibrant cenotes, swam in the turquoise waters of the Channel of Pirates, and enjoyed a scenic lunch with views of the lagoon. We also explored the ancient Mayan town of El Cedral, riding ATVs through lush forests, discovering a Mayan cave and cenote, and visiting a small but fascinating ruin. Each of these excursions offered a unique glimpse into the beauty and history of the region, making our journey even more memorable.
For those seeking an even more exclusive experience, the MSC Yacht Club offers carefully curated shore excursions with private transportation and priority disembarkation, ensuring that every moment of the journey is as enjoyable as the destination.
MSC Yacht Club: An Exclusive Luxury Experience
Although we didn’t stay in the MSC Yacht Club, we couldn’t help but notice its allure. This “ship within a ship” concept redefines luxury cruising, offering spacious suites, private venues, and personalized service. We did catch a glimpse of the exclusive pool area and serene lounges, which seemed like the perfect escape for those seeking an extra layer of luxury and privacy.
Our journey aboard MSC Seashore was nothing short of extraordinary. From the youngest to the oldest, every member of our family found something to love. This ship seamlessly blends relaxation, entertainment, and exploration, creating lasting memories and deepening our family bonds as we discover new horizons together.
For more information, check out https://www.msccruises.ca/plan-a-cruise/ships/msc-seashore.