Some of you have asked what I thought about MSC Cruises and our recent sailing aboard the MSC Seashore, so here’s my honest MSC cruise review! 😄
🍽️ Food: Familiar Favorites with a Few Surprises
Food is always subjective, but in our experience, MSC’s food was comparable in quality to Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and Norwegian. My family isn’t too picky— we thought the buffet was fine and the main dining room was good.
The buffet leaned toward cruise staples like burgers, pizza, and salads, with one station that rotated daily. In the evenings, some of the main dining entrees were also available at the buffet, which was a nice touch. I especially enjoyed the taco specialty restaurant (a small upcharge but worth it).
That said, parts of the buffet were often closed during off-peak hours, and tables didn’t get cleared as frequently as expected.
✨ Atmosphere: Shiny, Stylish, and Slightly Fractured
The ship had a refined, upscale feel— lots of mirrored and glossy surfaces that gave it a sleek look. Compared to other lines, it felt a bit more sophisticated than Carnival or Royal Caribbean.
However, the layout felt more segmented, and I found it slightly harder to navigate. The elevator system was also confusing: you’re supposed to press your floor number once per person, but many didn’t know this, which led to crowded elevators and long waits.
Our MSC Seashore balcony cabin and bathroom were spacious with decent storage, and I appreciated the wall hooks (a small detail, but useful!). My only real complaints? The bed was really firm— a bit too hard for my taste. And… the closet placement was awkward and challenging to access with a third person in the room.
🎭 Entertainment: Plenty to Do, But Lacked Variety
MSC Seashore had all the typical cruise activities:
- Adults-only pool
- Jungle-themed indoor pool
- Waterslides, mini golf, foosball, and a pirate-themed splash pad
There was a pool party every night, plus nightly theater shows (including a comedian and aerialist one evening) and a cabaret-style lounge with live music, a magician, and a violinist.
The entertainment was solid, but I would’ve liked more variety, like you find on some of the newer, larger ships. I was missing the nightly comedy and piano bar fun.
🧖♀️ Extras: Thermal Suite Wins, Drink Package Confusion, Adult-Only Area Disappointments
We had the non-alcoholic drink package and were pleased that MSC Cruises had a non-alcoholic beverage of the day. We were surprised to learn it wasn’t accepted at specialty dining and only covered soda during dinner. I would have liked to have seen a little more variety. Also, at busy bars, it was tough to get drinks— but service was better in quieter areas.
We also booked a thermal suite pass, and it was a highlight. It included:
- Salt room
- Snow room
- Aromatherapy showers
- Steam rooms (bright and dark)
- Sauna and hot tub
It was a great space, but almost always crowded. It would’ve been helpful to have guidance on how to use the hot/cold spaces and possibly require time-slot scheduling to prevent overbooking.
One thing we were really looking forward to was the adults-only area— hoping for a peaceful spot to unwind together. It was a great area with lots of loungers, a bar, and a pool. Unfortunately, every time we stopped by, it was packed. If quiet relaxation is a priority for your trip, just keep in mind that space might be limited, especially on sea days. It’s something to factor in when comparing cruise options, especially if you’re traveling as a couple looking for more intimate downtime.
👥 Service: Fewer Crew, Still Friendly
I’d heard MSC runs leaner on staff, and it did seem that way. I didn’t see many drink servers in the pool areas, and some bars had just one or two bartenders. That said, the crew was polite and helpful throughout the ship.
🚢 Embarkation & Debarkation: A Mixed Bag
Embarkation was a bit chaotic. The MSC Seashore Cruise Port was confusing for a first-time MSC cruiser. I dropped my mom and bags at the terminal while I waited for the parking garage to open. Signage was poor and lines moved slowly at first. I got turned around and ended up in a dead-end part of the garage. But once I finally parked and found my group, we were on the ship in about 15 minutes.
Debarkation, however, was smooth and simple. We checked our bags the night before, had a relaxed breakfast, and waited for our group to be called. A porter even helped load our bags directly into our car— huge bonus!
🛳️ Final MSC Seashore Thoughts: A Solid Cruise for the Price
While there were a few hiccups, MSC Seashore offered good value for the price, and I’d absolutely consider cruising with MSC Cruises again. If you’re looking for a slightly more refined feel without breaking the bank, it’s a great option.
Planning a romantic cruise or a beach getaway? I’d be happy to help you compare cruise lines and find the best fit for your travel style. Book a complimentary consultation HERE.
