Great Cruise

Item: MSC Seascape
Rating: 4.6
Author: FredCFL

MSC Seascape Cruise Review

FredCFL

Contributor Level: Cruise Director

Cruises: 7+ cruises

Reviews: 9

Helpful Votes: 351

Overall rating:

4.6 out of 5

7 Night Eastern Caribbean & Bahamas (Miami Roundtrip)

Sail date: May 28, 2023

Ship: MSC Seascape

Cabin type: Suite

Cabin number: 9002

Traveled as: Couple

Reviewed: 1 year ago

Review summary

We had a great cruise. Even though we didn't take advantage of the spa, we are sold on the Aurea level with its priority boarding, anytime dining in a separate dining room (less crowded meaning more personalized service), and little extras like robes, slippers, and other treats in the cabin. Anything that we didn't take advantage of was our decision; we just ran out of time!

Embarkation

5 out of 5

My wife used a walker and they were very accommodating. We only had to wait until 11:30 for the elevator to be open for boarding the ship. Once on board we were able to go to our cabin to drop off our carry-ons even though they were not finished with preparing the cabin for us. There was a mixup as we were assigned the wrong dining time and dining room but it was quickly corrected.

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

5 out of 5

As an Aurea guest we had anytime dining in the Skyline restaurant. This gave us a less crowded dining experience. The service was excellent, the food selection allowed a variety of choices usually with a theme (one night Italian, one French, etc.) plus a variety of dishes served every night. The portions were just right, and you could order additional servings or half servings. There were no dishes that disappointed. Our favorites were the filet mignon and the osso bucco. The buffet offered a wide range of dishes including some selections not common on cruise ships like Italian cold cuts and cheeses. The pizza is the best we have had. Selection is not as much on port days as fewer people are on board. The buffet can get crowded especially during breakfast but if you take the time to check out the entire buffet you can usually minimize the lines (except for the omelet station which always seems to have a line). Similarly, finding a table is not a problem if you go to the ends of the buffet or outside, rather than the center.

Onboard Activities

5 out of 5

The pools are not large but with three, not counting Yacht Club, plus numerous hot tubs (including two large infinity hot tubs) they were not usually over crowded. The Marina Pool in the center of the ship had a stair entry which was great for those who may have difficulty with the ladders. The Jungle Pool had only ladder entry but did have a retractable roof for rain days, though it did tend to get humid. The fitness center was quite large with a range of machines. Not having children, we did not use that area but it was well used with a variety water features including slides and tubes, not for just kids.

Entertainment

5 out of 5

The shows in Chora Theater were about 45 minutes long which is good for us. Rather than the Broadway like shows that have a plot, these had a theme that highlighted the singers, dancers, and acrobatic performers. The Cabaret Rouge offered a variety of performers from musicians to singers to magicians and more on a continuous program starting at around 8 pm that you can come and go. The various bars offered a variety of entertainment as does the Atrium.

Service and Staff

5 out of 5

Dining room service from everyone was excellent, remembering who you are and what you like, greeting you with a smile, and conversing with you not only at dinner but also seeing you in other venues. Room stewards were friendly and attentive without being intrusive. All staff were friendly and attentive.

Ship Quality

5 out of 5

Staff is continually cleaning and maintaining. Ship is not layed out like other large ships. Rather than a large center "mall" that most amenities line, the Seascape has a center atrium but most shops, bars, and specialty restaurants are located on various decks and areas. While some may find this inconvenient, I think it makes a large ship feel smaller and less crowded.

Cabin / Stateroom

5 out of 5

The cabin was very large with a porthole window facing forward and door to balcony facing starboard. The bathroom was standard cruiseship size with sufficient shelves and storage for two passengers. The shower was typically tight for larger people. The cabin had plenty of shelves, storage, and closet space. Lack of electric outlets at the bed is inconvenient but we knew about that and brought extension cords. Since there are both U.S. and European outlets at the desk, we brought conversion adapters to increase outlets available. The balcony is L shaped, wraps around the cabin, and is extremely large. The portion by the door is about the size of a typical balcony and has two chairs and a table. The portion facing forward is large and has two lounge chairs. Since the cabin is at the front of the ship, the only disadvantage is that when the ship is moving into the wind you can't go out on the balcony. If at port or traveling with the wind there is no problem.

Ship tip

Relax and go with an open mind to enjoy the diverse experience, trying different foods and experiences.

Thumbs up

Ports of call

Miami, Florida

4 out of 5

Nassau, Bahamas

4 out of 5

San Juan, Puerto Rico

4 out of 5

Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, Bahamas

4 out of 5

The island is beautiful. Traveling on the island if disabled or having limited mobility can be difficult. Communicating this to passengers could be better as could all communications with regard to what to expect on the island. For those that can do it, the lighthouse climb is recommended.

Thumbs Up 0

Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic

4 out of 5

Disembarkation

4 out of 5

Disembarking was no better or worse than others cruises and this is often more a factor of the port rather than the cruise line. The most difficult part is getting to and on the shuttle or other transportation from the port.

Traveler Photos

10 Comments

AuntPinkie 1 year ago

Appreciate your very detailed and informative review. Glad you enjoyed your cruise.

Thumbs Up 0

Flag

Razor78 1 year ago

Thanks for share your amazing experience can't wait for my Msc Seascape August 6th voyage

Thumbs Up 1

Flag

TurdFerg 1 year ago

Thanks for your review! I really appreciated your details. Glad you had a nice time, I can't wait to try the ship for my October booking.

Thumbs Up 1

Flag

cdavid46 1 year ago

Looks like your itinerary was the same as ours on Seascape. I would agree with your comments as we totally enjoyed our cruise. My only complaint has nothing to do with MSC but the folks in the adjoining cabin. Never had any neighbors who were as loud as these were! They could not exit or enter the cabin without slamming the door! 🤬

Thumbs Up 1

Flag

tavo6 1 year ago

Thanks for your review glad you enjoyed your cruise 🚢

Thumbs Up 1

Flag

javawoody 1 year ago

Thanks for the review

Thumbs Up 1

Flag

SavannahL 1 year ago

Thank you for sharing your experience. I am excited to go on the same itinerary next month!

Thumbs Up 1

Flag

ckneier 1 year ago

Thank you for sharing. We are doing the same itenerary in October. First time on MSC, so enjoyed your comments

Thumbs Up 1

Flag

cruising2004 1 year ago

Wonderful detailed review! Great tip as well! Thank you for sharing your cruising experience.

Thumbs Up 1

Flag

Gwbigdog 1 year ago

Thanks for sharing your cruise with us

Thumbs Up 1

Flag

Other reviews of this sailing

MSC SEASCAPE - Poor Service, DON't book 15th floor

Wonderful Caribbean Cruise