The Statue of Liberty raises her arm in welcome. Times Square billboards glow with dazzling lights. Dining rooms boast names like Manhattan, Central Park, Tribeca and 5th Avenue. Then there’s the Long Island Pool.
The new MSC Seashore definitely has a New York vibe and is an astoundingly elegant ship. But that’s just the beginning of what this lovely ship offers. Even though I have just stepped onboard, I can see why people are choosing to cruise Seashore.
Launched in July 2021 before moving to its homeport of Port Miami in November 2021, the ship was designed to appeal to Americans and offers cruises to the Caribbean and Bahamas.
As with every new MSC ship, Italian actress Sophia Loren is the Seashore’s godmother. She christened the ship on Nov. 18 at Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve in the Bahamas.
It was the first time a naming ceremony has taken place at one of the private islands in the Bahamas.
On my seven-night cruise, we boarded in Miami and will cruise to Cozumel, Falmouth and Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve with four days at sea.
Cruise Has More American Passengers
The ship has 14 decks accessible to passengers and crew and offers 2,270 cabins. Maximum passenger capacity is 5,877 and maximum crew capacity 1,648. Seashore marks the 18th ship to join the MSC fleet which is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland.
On my cruise, there are 2,050 passengers plus 1,500 crew members, according to Adam in Guest Services. The United States has the most passengers with 415, followed by Spain, Germany and France. We also have 400 passengers below the age of 17.
Boarding the ship was fast and easy since I had done most of the paperwork at home on my cellphone.
Once onboard, I completed the mandatory safety drill by watching the drill video on my cabin TV, then reporting to my designated muster area where a crew member scanned my cruise card. On other cruises, I have watched the safety drill video on my ship app. An easier way to do it.
Several Seashore passengers had to be reminded of the mandatory protocol. The ship could not sail until all safety drills were completed. Soon, the drills were done and we were on our way.
As the main gathering spot, the four-deck atrium is definitely a “wow” sight. Adorned on either side with Swarovski crystal staircases, the atrium has sparkling chrome mirrors, changing screens and multiple stages.
A multi-level entertainment platform stretches up above the bar, sporting huge and bright digital screens and performance balconies that host musicians, dancers, DJs and game shows.
Sea Views Celebrated on Seashore
The ship offers 140,000 square feet of outdoor space with numerous outdoor bars and dining, pools and deck areas as well as different vantage points around the ship to take in the sea views.
“MSC Seashore will bring guests closer to the sea with the most outdoor space of any of our ships, incredible new spaces and features that build on our already popular Seaside class, and frequent visits to our beautiful private island destination, Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve,” Ruben Rodriguez, president of MSC Cruises USA, said in a news release.
He was right.
Just look at that gorgeous swimming pool and hot tubs near the rear of the ship. I took a photo of it to better show how it seems as though the infinity swimming pool almost merges with the ocean.
Seashore has six pools. The ship’s main pool, the Long Island Pool, features two different depths. One is for standing. The other is for swimming. Located in the middle is a water fountain island. The pool deck also has a movie screen.
All specialty restaurants are now on Deck 8 in the Chef’s Court, allowing for seating on the waterfront boardwalk. I’ve already made reservations at three of the specialty restaurants and will let you know how it goes in later posts.
The buffet eatery has been moved to Deck 16. The ship has 18 bars and lounges, including 12 inside and six on outside decks featuring panoramic sea views.
My favorite place for a cold drink and football game is the American Sports Bar. It has numerous booths with TVs in the booths for more privacy and comfort. The décor incorporates sports paraphernalia including bicycles suspended from the ceiling. I was happy to see a sports pennant for the Cincinnati Reds from my old home state.
Of course, the ship has a casino and shopping area, kiddie places, spa, fitness center and large Madison Theater for Broadway-style shows. I am not a passenger in the MSC Yacht Club but I’ve been told it is an exclusive “ship within a ship” where guests can indulge in the luxury of a private club while enjoying access to all the recreation and entertainment amenities elsewhere on board.
Right now, I’m going to walk around this beautiful ship and see what other gems it holds. I’ve been told that a digital ball drops on the Seashore’s Times Square area just as it does every New Year’s Eve in New York. Will have to look for that and the many other exciting attractions on this new ship.
Thanks MSC Cruises and All Things Cruise for the wonderful adventure.
Photos by Jackie Sheckler Finch
- The MSC Seashore was christened Nov. 18 by godmother Sophia Loren.
- A 9.5-foot-tall Statue of Liberty greets passengers aboard MSC Seashore.
- An infinity pool seems to stretch into the ocean.
- Multiple stages are in the column of the atrium.
- Times Square is recreated aboard the ship.
- With her mother close behind, a youngster climbs the crystal staircase.
- My former hometown Cincy Reds have a pennant in the American Sports Bar.
See sailings here: MSC Cruises (cruisecompete.com)
MSC Seashore (cruisecompete.com)
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