The new cruise ship MSC Seascape has six swimming pools, 11 dining venues, and 19 bars and lounges. This cruise ship offers Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries.
In the early morning of December 5, MSC Cruises’ new flagship, the MSC Seascape, sailed past the Statue of Liberty and up the Hudson River, where she docked at the Manhattan Cruise Terminal. Two days later, the naming and christening ceremony was attended by more than 3,000 guests, including VIPs, key global media, travel partners, and top management from MSC Cruises and parent company MSC Group. Then the new MSC Seascape cruise ship sailed from New York to Miami, where she began her Caribbean cruise season.
The New Cruise Ship’s Naming and Christening Ceremony
The naming and christening ceremony for this new cruise ship included presentations and entertainment. One highlight was a performance by international singer and songwriter Matteo Bocelli. He also had performed at the naming ceremony of the MSC World Europa a month earlier in Doha, Qatar.
Internationally renowned movie star Sophia Loren, who has been godmother of 18 MSC Cruises ships, blessed the MSC Seascape virtually. Alexa Aponte-Vago, the daughter of MSC Group’s founder and executive chairman, Gianluigi Aponte, performed the traditional ribbon cutting to officially name the ship.
More about the New Cruise Ship
The fourth ship in MSC’s Seaside class, the MSC Seascape has been designed to dazzle. Her four-deck atrium shines with reflections from the silver surfaces. Dual Swarovski-glass staircases connect the floors. Each step is filled with 490 sparkling crystals, with a total of 52,000 crystals used. And there are New York-inspired areas and experiences. In the casino, within sight of a mini Times Square, a Statue of Liberty replica stands atop the center of a bar.
Liberty Plaza. (Photo credit: Anthony Devlin/Fetty Images for MSC Cruises)
The MSC Seascape cruise ship accommodates 5,877 guests and has 12 types of cabins and suites. She has six swimming pools, 11 dining venues, and 19 bars and lounges, with several al fresco dining and drinking options. The glass-floored Bridge of Sighs, soaring 70 feet above the Infinity Pool, provides beautiful views of the outdoor space.
The New Cruise Ship’s Bar Options
The Sports Bar, complete with a billiards room, has boxing gloves, baseball bats, hockey helmets, and other sports equipment adorning the walls, windows, and ceilings. There are booths with TVs and a stage with a large screen for sporting events. The Champagne Bar offers a variety of Champagnes and Proseccos, accompanied by chilled seafood and caviar. The Wine Bar offers wine and cheese pairings, and guests can explore the ship’s wine cellar.
MSC Yacht Club Provides Exclusivity
MSC Yacht Club on the MSC Seascape is the largest and most luxurious in MSC Cruises’ fleet, offering 30,000 square feet of space with sweeping ocean views from the front of the ship. It provides a premium all-inclusive experience, including exclusive sun decks and amenities, gourmet dining at the MSC Yacht Club Restaurant and 24-hour butler service.
Dining Choices on This New Cruise Ship
The MSC Seascape has three main restaurants, a 1,169-seat buffet, and five specialty restaurants, including Butcher’s Cut, Ocean Cay Restaurant (named after MSC Cruises’ private Bahamas island and offering the freshest seafood), HOLA! Tacos & Cantina and Kaito Teppanyaki & Sushi Bar. After dinner, guests can enjoy Venchi 1878 for gelato, chocolates, and coffee.
Jungle Pool. (Photo credit: MSC Cruises)
Cruise Entertainment and Experiences
Six brand-new productions take place in the stunning Chora Theatre. They are:
- IMAGINOCEAN, an ocean-themed production complete with aerial acts
- DREAMSCAPE, a fantasy world with circus performers and interactive videos.
- IN CONCERT, starring dancers and vocalists who perform rock classics
- PREMIERE, a trip through cinematic history with dancers and singers who celebrate movie genres
- SHALL WE DANCE, a variety of dance styles from Latin and ballroom to contemporary
- LOVE BLOOMS, with larger-than-life costumes and a blooming garden that comes to life
Le Cabaret Rouge, inspired by 1920s French cabaret lounges, features dancers, singers, aerialists, contortionists, and more.
The MSC Seascape also has some MSC favorites onboard. XD Cinema invites participants to don 3D glasses and battle the likes of skeletons and zombies with laser guns; a winner is crowned at the end of each ride. The MSC Formula Racer simulates driving a race car.
Robotron. (Photo credit: MSC Cruises)
MSC Cruises’ Newest Deck Attraction – Robotron
MSC Cruises describes Robotron as “a state-of-the-art robotic arm with an attached gondola that seats three guests—flying them nearly 175 feet above the sea.” Riders on Robotron are suspended over the side of the deck and moved in all directions, including being flipped upside down. Taking in 360-degree outdoor views, guests can set the intensity level, from “family friendly” to “high thrill.” They can also select the music and mood lighting. Robotron, positioned in front of a giant video screen, moves and pulses in sync to the DJ-like music tunes and settings.
Itineraries on This New Cruise Ship
The MSC Seascape offers seven-night itineraries from PortMiami. Eastern Caribbean sailings visit San Juan, Puerto Rico; Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic; and Nassau, Bahamas, in addition to Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, MSC Cruises’ own island in the Bahamas. Western Caribbean sailings call at Cozumel, Mexico; George Town, Cayman Islands; Ocho Rios, Jamaica; and Ocean Cay.
MSC Cruises’ Private Paradise – Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve
The eco-friendly private island is located 30 miles south of Bimini, Bahamas. In December 2015, MSC Cruises signed a 100-year lease agreement with the Bahamian government to occupy the island and develop it exclusively for MSC guests. The island for decades had been the location of mining operations.
Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve. (Photo credit: MSC Cruises)
MSC Cruises took on the challenge of transforming the industrial wasteland into a flourishing marine reserve. The line spent $400 million in nature restoration and conservation efforts. Discarded debris and over 1,500 tons of scrap metal were removed and transported by barges to a dedicated U.S.-based licensed waste contractor. Then natural flora was reintroduced. Over 4,600 trees and palms were planted across the island. The number of plants and shrubs installed totals more than 75,000.
Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, a protected marine area covering 64 square miles, is spread over two miles of pristine white sand beaches. The coral reef has been restored, resulting in an increase in marine life. Guests enjoy water activities and sunbathing at eight world-class beaches and have drinks at the Lighthouse Bar. They can also explore an authentic Bahamian village with shops and dining. Junkanoo festivities run late into the evening there. A special show around the lighthouse, with colorful graphics and music, takes place in the evening.
MSC Cruises’ Commitment to the Environment
The Cruise Division within MSC Group is committed to building ships that have highly advanced environmental technology. This includes the goal to achieve net carbon neutral operations by 2050.
MSC Cruises, the world’s third-largest and fastest-growing cruise brand, has plans to increase its presence in the United States, and New York City is one area. Beginning in April 2023, the MSC Meraviglia will homeport at the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal year-round. She’ll be sailing to Bermuda, Canada, the Caribbean, and Ocean Cay.
Consider MSC Seascape for Your Next Group Cruise
Sailing on the new MSC Seascape lets guests enjoy world-class entertainment and experiences, international dining, and award-winning family programs. Her diverse itineraries include a stop at the beautiful Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve. This new cruise ship is one to consider for your next group program.
By Cindy Bertram
Cindy Bertram has 15+ years of cruise industry expertise in marketing, content creation, sales and training as well as social media. Her MBA from Loyola University Chicago complements her high creative edge and liberal arts BA. She can be reached at cindy@ptmgroups.com.
Lead photo courtesy of MSC Cruises
