Dining and entertainment with a Texas twist flavor MSC Cruises’ latest ship, which sets sail for the Western Caribbean year-round from a spiffy new terminal

MSC Cruises has marked its entry into the Texas market with the introduction of the new MSC Seascape.  

The ship arrived November 7 at the Port of Galveston’s new Cruise Terminal 16, where a gathering of cruise industry professionals, local and state politicians, and media attended a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Two days later, the MSC Seascape set out on the first in a series of 7-night Western Caribbean sailings being offered year-round. 

Galveston’s New State-of-the-Art Cruise Terminal  

Galveston continues to grow as a cruise port as more lines base their ships there. Cruise Terminal 16 was built in just 15 months at a cost of $150 million. The pedestrian area, landscaped with beautiful palm trees, stretches between the parking garage and terminal. The seven-story garage has 1,600 parking spots. The terminal is located two blocks from Galveston’s historic Strand District.  

The 160,000-square-foot terminal has modern light fixtures, oversized video displays, polished floors and walls coated with vibrant blue paint. It provides an inviting entryway for passengers as they go through the lines before boarding their cruise ship. A VIP entrance at the other end of the terminal has couches and chairs for guests booked in the MSC Yacht Club. 

ROBOTRON

Onboard the MSC Seascape 

The MSC Seascape offers 11 different dining venues and 19 bars and lounges, with many options for alfresco dining. She has five swimming pools, including a stunning aft infinity pool that provides incredible ocean views. Other highlights include: 

  • Six fantastic theater productions and 98 hours of exclusive onboard entertainment featuring interactive elements 
  • Technologically advanced onboard entertainment options, including ROBOTRON, a thrilling amusement ride. This state-of-the art robotic arm with an attached gondola seats three guests as they fly nearly 175 feet above the sea. The ride offers the thrill of a roller coaster with a personalized DJ music experience. 
  • A spectacular glass-floored Bridge of Sighs, located on Deck 16, provides unique views of the sea. 
  • The expansive 1,722-foot-long waterfront promenade puts guests closer to the ocean. 
  • A dedicated kids space and cutting-edge amusement options, with separate spaces for kids ages 0-17. 

The Seascape has 2,270 cabins and accommodates 5,877 guests. She also has one of the largest and most luxurious MSC Yacht Club facilities. This exclusive ship-within-a-ship concept provides upscale accommodations in a keycard access-only area. Guests who stay in the MSC Yacht Club enjoy a premium all-inclusive experience. This includes their own private restaurant featuring gourmet dining, private lounge, outdoor bar and grill, and private sun deck and pool. Yacht Club guests also have 24-hour butler service, VIP seating at all entertainment venues, a personal concierge, and priority embarkation and disembarkation. 

Texas-Inspired Flavors and Boot-Scootin’ Entertainment 

MSC Cruises has expanded its cuisine with new beverage and food options highlighting Southern, Texas and Gulf Coast flavors with new menu items on the MSC Seascape. In addition, a new entertainment line-up features a Texas flair. Included are the Lone Star resident country band, dueling pianos, country line dance classes and a Big Texas Sailaway Party. These new additions join the existing full-scale theater productions. 

MSC Cruises’ Commitment to the U.S. Market  

With the MSC Seascape now sailing from Galveston, MSC Cruises continues to bring its European style and American comfort to the U.S. market. Lynn Torrent, President, MSC Cruises North America, said, “Expanding our North American footprint to Galveston and cutting the ribbon on the port’s brand-new Cruise Terminal 16 are exciting steps for us on our path to making MSC Cruises a household name in the North American market. We’re grateful for the partnership we have with the Port of Galveston, which makes it easy and convenient for millions of new guests to enjoy the MSC Cruises experience.” 

Fun Things to See and Do in Galveston  

Your group might want to consider arriving in Galveston a day prior to boarding the MSC Seascape. Hotel accommodations include several full-service resorts. And there are plenty of sightseeing options:  

  • Downtown Galveston’s Strand Historic District, Downtown Cultural Arts District and Historic Strand Seaport area have shopping, restaurants, family attractions, grand architecture and nightlife venues. 
  • The Seawall provides a different experience, with surf shops, beaches and bayside restaurants. 
  • The new Texas Surf Museum is small but has the 1877 tall ship Elissa and is just down the harbor from the cruise port. 
  • East End Historical District is known for its architecture. It’s been designated a National Historic Landmark and is filled with homes in an eclectic array of styles. 
  • The self-guided Tree Sculpture tour is a scavenger hunt featuring a mermaid holding a clam shell, along with 27 carved wood sculptures lining the streets and tucked into yards. 

Where the MSC Seascape is Sailing 

The MSC Seascape’s itinerary is offering 7-night Western Caribbean cruises from Galveston. Ports of call include Costa Maya and Cozumel, Mexico, and Isla de Roatan, Honduras, plus to MSC Cruises’ private island, Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve. 

More Thoughts 

Why consider booking your next group cruise on the MSC Seascape sailing out of Galveston? The port’s new Terminal 16 is beautiful and provides a relaxing boarding and disembarkation experience. Texas-inspired dining and entertainment, along with their Big Texas Sailaway party, is another lure.   

Reimagine your adventure at sea and set sail for unrivaled experiences—start charting your path with our Cruise Guide. 

By Cindy Bertram 

Photos courtesy of MSC Cruises