The newest ship in town, the MSC Seascape, made a splash in Galveston in early November 2025. With the new Cruise Terminal 16 to call home, MSC Cruises adds a new home port to its North American line-up. It will sail year-round on 7-night itineraries to the Western Caribbean.
MSC Cruises is the world’s third-largest cruise line, headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland. With a fleet of 23 ships, it is a favorite among European travelers. With North American-based cruises, it is fast becoming a go-to for the Caribbean as well.
MSC Cruises blends European style and American comfort. Passengers can enjoy a glamorous ship with a dazzling entertainment line-up, paired with comfy beds and familiar tastes.
Galveston Cruises and Galveston Cruise Parking
Galveston is the fourth busiest cruise ship port and the fastest-growing port in the US. With 46 million people within a day’s drive, most cruisers drive to the ship. Two million passengers sailed out of Galveston with close to 450 sailings in the last year.
Since most passengers drive, Galveston Wharves added a seven-floor parking garage with 1,600 parking spaces. During my cruise, I parked my car, took the elevator to the ground level and walked on board. It was that easy.
Best of all, after departure, you can store your bags in your car, then walk across the street to the Historic Strand for shopping and dining. A couple of blocks away, this area features Victorian storefronts, and the area is very pedestrian-friendly with wide sidewalks and pedestrian crossings.
Additional Galveston Cruise Parking includes surface lots. The advantage of MSC Seascape is the attached garage, which the other terminals lack. Norwegian Cruises uses Cruise Terminal 16 for some of its cruises.
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What’s New on the MSC Seascape
Since moving from Miami, the MSC Seascape added a Texas flair for its new home port. Texas-inspired flavors, including Southern and Gulf Coast favorites, with new menu items across the ship in the five existing specialty dining venues serving international fare.
The entertainment includes The Lone Star resident country band, Dueling Pianos. There are country line dance classes and a Big Texas Sailaway party to welcome everyone on board.
Departing every Sunday, the MSC Seascape itinerary includes stops at Costa Maya and Cozumel, Mexico; and Isla de Roatan, Honduras. The seven-night cruise includes sea days to enjoy the amenities of the ship.
MSC Seascape Ship Tour
This ship offers 2,270 cabins, featuring 12 different kinds of suites and staterooms with balconies. It launched in NYC in 2022 and was purpose-built for MSC in Italy. Most recently, it sailed out of Miami, where I sailed on a seven-day cruise in September 2024.
The Seascape features 20 decks. It offers 11 dining venues and 19 bars and lounges, many with al fresco options. There are five swimming pools, including a stunning aft infinity pool overlooking the water. The MSC Yacht Club and the Top 19 Solarium each feature a pool.
The glass-floored Bridge of Sighs on Deck 16 offers a unique view of the decks below and the water beyond. The ROBOTRON is mounted on Deck 20 and is a thrilling amusement ride. Riders can choose their thrill level, and it’s like a rollercoaster at sea, combined with a personalized DJ music experience
Its maximum passenger capacity is 5,877 with 1,648 crew members. Its gross tonnage is 170,400, and it is over 1,100 feet tall.
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What’s MSC Yacht Club
This is the MSC Cruises luxury level, with refined onboard services ranging from white tablecloth fine dining to butler service to an exclusive pool and sundeck. When you arrive for your cruise, you experience premium services like escorts on and off the ship and an elegant lounge in the Forward part of the ship.
The suites offer ample space and luxury offerings like arrival prosecco, nightly chocolates and marble bathrooms. Dining in the Yacht Club Restaurant is refined, while the pool area is relaxing. Best of all, the entire Yacht Club area is serene.
I have stayed in two Yacht Club suites: 16012 on Deck 16 and 19044 on Deck 19.
What I Loved about MSC Yacht Club
The Luxury Accommodations in a Secluded Part of a Larger Ship
All Cruise Access to the Aurea Spa’s Thermal Areas
The Friendly and Attentive Service in the Yacht Club
What I Wanted from MSC Yacht Club
More Shade on Deck 20
A Lounger on My Cabin Balcony
Another Afternoon Tea During a 7-Day Cruise
Embarkation Day for Yacht Club Passengers
The MSC Cruises Yacht Club offers an upgraded experience from the moment passengers arrive at the port for embarkation. From the dedicated boarding area with luggage drop-off to the escort through security to the registration lounge, passengers are expedited through the onboarding process.
Remember to pack a carry-on or backpack with items you will need immediately upon boarding, especially valuables and your passport. I also stashed a swimsuit and cover-up, a book, a hat and my sunnies.
Yacht Club passengers are escorted through the general boarding area. On my cruise, I cleared security in a separate line next to the general boarding line. Worth noting, general MSC Cruise passengers are allotted time to board to ease congestion.
After security, MSC Cruises Yacht Club passengers are escorted to a dedicated lounge with beverages and seating. This is where my picture was taken, and I showed my passport.
Boarding the MSC Seascape
Shortly after, I received an MSC Yacht Club wristband to wear for the entire cruise. This is how I got into my stateroom. It is waterproof and discreet.
When a group had gathered, we were escorted onto the ship. At this time, our steward took us to our muster station. Passengers are then whisked to the Top Sail Lounge.
Located on Deck 16, MSC Cruises Yacht Club guests can enjoy lunch or a cocktail in the MSC Yacht Club restaurant while their suite is prepared. This is what I did since it had been a few hours since breakfast at my hotel.
After our lunch, our suite was ready. Our butler escorted us to our MSC Yacht Club Superior Suite and explained the layout and services. He serviced our cabin for the entire cruise.
During this time, we unpacked and stored our luggage. We were setting sail for a seven-day cruise. I also looked through the information left on our console about events scheduled throughout our cruise.
The MSC Yacht Club Suites
The MSC Cruises Seascape’s Yacht Club suites are some of the finest in the fleet. They range in size from the Yacht Club Owners Suite, which is 1,055 square feet, to the Interior Suite, which is 226 square feet.
The grandest of the suites, the Yacht Club Owners Suite, features amenities like a large furnished balcony with a whirlpool and living and dining space. Inside, there is a living area and a separate dining room. This suite offers a walk-in closet, and the bathroom features both a tub and a glass-enclosed shower.
The Yacht Club Royal Suite offers many of the same amenities. However, it is 667 square feet. The Yacht Club Grand Suites are mostly located on the top deck. Their sizes range from 269 to 463 square feet, and they offer a walk-in closet.
The Yacht Club Deluxe Suite measures 269 to 366 square feet and is outfitted with a tub or shower, plus a furnished balcony. There are also interior suites in the Yacht Club, measuring 226 square feet and located on decks 16 and 18.
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My Yacht Club Deluxe Suite on the MSC Seascape
My Yacht Club cabin felt spacious with a large balcony, separate sleeping and lounging spaces and a black marble bathroom. Each stateroom uses a Sterling, Graphite and Sea Blue color palette with nautical details and marine-inspired art.
My suite featured an upholstered pull-out settee, with a cocktail table and a chair. The cabin is outfitted with a sliding glass door to the oversized balcony, dressed in blackout window coverings. Passengers enjoy luxurious white linens with pinstripe detail in a king bed that can be broken down into a pair of twins.
MSC Yacht Club in-room amenities include a mini bar restocked daily with a selection of juices, both still and sparkling water, beer and soda. The beverage station consists of a Nespresso coffee maker with a selection of china cups and saucers and crystal stemware. I had the option of a newspaper from a selection of media outlets.
We were welcomed with a bowl of fruit, a plate of canapes and a bottle of Prosecco. Nightly, I found chocolates on the bedside table with a glass box of confections on the cocktail table.
MSC Yacht Club passengers enjoy an all-inclusive experience with a drink package, fine dining, all-cruise access to the Aura Spa’s Thermal area and a Wifi package. This allows for unencumbered relaxation throughout the ship.
A team of butlers services the cabins at least twice daily. The service in the MSC Yacht Club is attentive and friendly, with many staff members knowing guests by name.
Dining in the MSC Seascape Yacht Club
The MSC Yacht Club is located at the forward part of the ship. The main level is 16, with dining on level 18 and the pool deck on level 20. It is worth noting that there is no Level 17 on the MSC Seascape.
There are two restaurants. The main MSC Yacht Club Restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner and offers sweeping views over the bow. The pool deck buffet and bar sets out breakfast, lunch and snack buffets, and is perfect for quick breakfasts and sea days. It also offers cocktail chair service across Deck 20.
The MSC Yacht Club Restaurant is above the Top Sail Lounge and features theme nights throughout the cruise. I found the Yacht Club Restaurant to exceed my expectations in both service and menu selection for all meals.
A surf and turf menu is served on the itinerary’s formal night, usually the first sea day of the cruise. The MSC Yacht Club features a sommelier and live music nightly.
For breakfast, I saved time by eating at the Pool One Buffet and Bar on Deck 20. It offers an international selection of popular breakfast options, and the weather was perfect during my cruise. They cooked eggs to order, including omelettes, and the mimosas were close by.
Top Sail Lounge
The Top Sail Lounge is a gathering place from morning until night. During my entire cruise, it never felt crowded, and we usually got a table by the floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the ship’s bow.
I stopped in for a quick barista coffee in the morning. In the evenings, we would have a drink before we headed upstairs for dinner. It frequently hosted live music and offered a refined yet relaxed vibe. I recommend its Espresso Martinis.
On the second sea day of our cruise, the Top Sail Lounge pulled out a tea cart and white gloves for Afternoon Tea. We were greeted with a glass of champagne; then we sat to enjoy live bossa nova music.
A three-tiered caddy with scones, delicate tea sandwiches and sweet treats was a delight. The tea cart rolled by next with a collection of teas, plus milk, sugar and lemon. It was elegant service, and the scones were excellent, tender and light.
The MSC Cruises Seascape Yacht Club Solarium
On Deck 20, the top deck, Yacht Club members will find an expansive outdoor solarium with a pool, flanked by the Yacht Club buffet and bar, One Pool Buffet. I found a selection of single and double loungers with a chair cocktail service. Cabanas are available, too.
The One Pool Buffet is popular for quick meals on port days. It offers an international selection of breakfast favorites, including made-to-order egg dishes.
It also serves lunch and afternoon snacks. I found a salad bar with a selection of international lunch favorites, including grilled-to-order hamburgers. The attached bar serves a selection of wine, cocktails and beer. I ordered the classics, a glass of champagne and an Aperol Spritz.
The Yacht Club pool deck offers a centrally located pool and two whirlpools, one of which overlooks the ship’s bow. The other is found along the side of the MSC Cruises Seascape.
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MSC Cruises Seascape Aurea Spa
MSC Yacht Club guests can use the Aurea Spa Thermal Area during their cruise. This wet area features a large whirlpool, a pink salt room, a snow room, a redwood dry sauna, two steam rooms and several showers with a selection of cold and hot streams, located on Deck 8.
The Aurea Spa offers separate changing rooms and an extensive spa and beauty services menu. During my cruise, I visited the MSC Seascape Aurea Spa on two occasions.
As I used the thermal area, I found it impressive, with its spacious feel and lack of guests, even on a sea day. I particularly enjoyed the snow room after visiting the redwood dry sauna.
I also enjoyed a massage during my cruise. My masseuse was thorough and communicated with me to gauge my pressure preferences.
For the best selection of times for treatment, reserve your appointments when you arrive on board. During our cruise, a concierge was stationed in the Yacht Club reception area for signature dining reservations and spa appointments. The Aurea Spa also offers an open house on embarkation day for the entire ship to tour its facilities.
Dining on the MSC Cruises Seascape
MSC Cruises Yacht Club passengers are assigned the Yacht Club Restaurant. However, you can dine at other restaurants if you wish. The overall theme of the Seascape is New York City, and you will see some of the best of NYC in its restaurants and bars.
Signature Dining Package
For those who want to explore the culinary offerings of the MSC Cruises Seascape, consider adding on a Signature Dining Package. During our cruise, we ate at several of the restaurants outside of the Yacht Club.
Before your cruise, you can purchase a signature dining package. Options include one night or up to five nights of dining at a specialty restaurant onboard. It is worth noting that you can only dine at a particular restaurant once, and the Teppanyaki Table is the most sought-after experience.
Butchers Cut
The MSC Cruises Seascape’s Steakhouse is an American-style steakhouse that serves premium cuts of Angus beef along with other options. The dining room is refined, and the service is attentive.
Butchers Cut offers the option of dining al fresco on an adjacent deck. As a part of the signature dining experience, you can order one item from the appetizers or starters, one entree and one dessert per person.
To start your meal, options include Burrata and Beet Salad, Shrimp Cocktail and Bone Marrow. I chose the Shrimp Cocktail, artfully presented on ice with a pair of accompanying sauces. Butchers Cut also serves a selection of bread; the Demi Baguette was crispy on the outside and tender inside.
Steaks take center stage for entrees. I chose the 8-ounce Filet Mignon. However, options included a NY Sirloin, Double Lamb Chops, or Sockeye Salmon. I ordered a baked potato as a side, and a separate plate with steak sauces, like Chimichurri and Bearnaise sauces, accompanied our entrees.
For dessert, Butchers Cut offers options like NY Cheesecake, Lava Cake and Banana Date Cake. As a chocolate lover, I ordered the Lava Cake with vanilla ice cream on the side. It was a rich and decadent dessert to cap off my meal.
Overall, it was a pleasurable dinner and I enjoyed my experience. However, the Yacht Club also serves an excellent steak in its dining room for dinner.
Each signature restaurant offers wine, beer and cocktails at its signature dining level. Additional items and pricer items are added to your cruise account.
The Butchers Cut is located on Deck 8 Aft. It is open for lunch from noon to 2:30 p.m. and dinner from 6 to 10 p.m. Reservations are required.
Kaito Teppanyaki
On both of my Seascape cruises, we did this on our last night. Teppanyaki is a fun experience, with diners at each table chatting and enjoying the show.
For the signature dining experience, diners will get the Sencho option, the second level at the Kaito Teppanyaki Restaurant, above the Katana option. With Sencho, I started with a Miso Soup, then snacked on a Teppan Salad, which all diners received. I also ordered one of the two Japanese beers on the menu, included in our dining experience.
For the sushi course, I had Salmon Sashimi, Tuna Nigiri and a Tuna Roll. All exceeded my expectations and were exceptionally fresh. Other diners upgraded their sushi options.
The protein served indicates the level of teppanyaki. The Sencho option included the Atlantic Salmon, Tiger Prawns and Sirloin. The fish and seafood were presented separately from the beef. A side of Garlic Fried Rice was portioned up and served on the side.
Our Teppanyaki chef was from the Dominican Republic and entertained his table with fun antics and food. The servings were more than enough. I just nibbled on my rice. There is a vegetarian option and a Keiki menu (kids).
Overall, we had a fun and relaxed last meal on our cruise. Kaito Teppanyaki is located on Deck 8 Aft. It offers three seatings: 12:30. 5:30 and 7:30 p.m. Reservations are required.
Kaito Sushi Bar
With its rotating sushi bar, this is a must for sushi lovers. It is located next to the Teppanyaki Tables of the same name.
The Kaito Sushi Bar offers a range of options from Nigiri, Sashimi, Maki, Futomaki and Temaki. Each piece is delivered via a conveyor belt snaking through the dining room on color-coded plates, each at a different price.
Other options include Tempura, Teriyaki and Otsumami, plus noodles and rice. The Kaito Sushi Bar also serves Japanese-inspired desserts.
The Kaito Sushi Bar is located on Deck 8 Aft. It is open for lunch from noon to 2:30 p.m., and dinner from 6 to 10 p.m. Reservations are required.
Ocean Cay Restaurant
During my cruise, I reserved a table for the Ocean Cay Restaurant on my second sea day for lunch, instead of dinner. The dining room is elegantly decorated, and we sat at a table overlooking the entire dining room.
The seafood and fish-focused menu offers a special selection for those on the signature dining experience. Like Butchers Cut, diners can select an appetizer, an entree and a dessert with a special selection of wine by the glass, beer and cocktails.
To start, I ordered Jumbo Lump Crab Cake with an herb aioli. Rolled in Panko breadcrumbs, my crab cake was tender and generously portioned. Other options include a Yellowfin Tuna Tartare and a Carpaccio with Red Prawns.
For my entree, I selected the Tuna, rolled in white and black Sesame Seeds and seared to perfection. Dots of Beet Mash and Grilled Asparagus accompanied it.
I finished my Ocean Cay Restaurant lunch with Tiramisu, a classic rendition of the Italian staple.
The Ocean Cay Restaurant is located on Deck 8 Aft. It is open for lunch from noon to 2:30 p.m. and dinner from 6 to 10 p.m. Reservations are required.
Hola! Taco & Cantina
Most of the signature restaurants are located close to each other on Deck 8. Hola! Taco & Cantina offers a fun ambiance; however, during my cruise, I did not visit.
Its menu offers a mix of Mexican and Tex-Mex cuisine. This restaurant offers an all-you-can-eat option too.
Start your meal with some muddle your own guacamole and a Margarita or Mezcalita. Also available is a selection of Mexican beers and Agua Frescas.
Street-style white corn tacos lead the menu; however, Hola! Taco & Cantina offers several options. The fillings are served family-style and include favorites like Al Pastor, Barbacoa and Carnitas. Mexican stables like enchiladas, Burritos and Tamales can also be found on the menu.
Hola! Taco & Cantina is located on Deck 8 Mid. It is open from noon to 10 p.m.
Complimentary Restaurants on MSC Cruises Seascape
Four complimentary restaurants are available for the main cabin Seascape passengers. A dining package is not required for these restaurants.
For preferred times and seating, a reservation is preferred. However, passengers can walk in. Worth noting, the restaurants serve the same menu on a particular day.
Green Wave Restaurant on Deck 5 pays homage to NYC. It is the largest of the dining rooms.
Cala Jondale Restaurant is located on Deck 6. The Aegean Restaurant is located on Deck 7. Skyline Restaurant on Deck 7 is an exclusive dining room for those staying in the Aurea-level rooms.
The main buffet is served in the Marketplace Buffet located on Deck 16, close to the Jungle Pool and Bar. It serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner and is open for late-night snacks. A continental breakfast option is available in the Loft Cafe on Deck 8.
During my cruise, I ate lunch at the Marketplace Buffet. It was hopping; however, most of the hot food lines were open. It serves a range of international favorites, like a pasta station, a pizza station and grab-and-go hamburgers. Overall, it was convenient and quick, especially when I returned hungry from an excursion.
Cocktails Lounges on MSC Seascape
The MSC Seascape features 19 bars and lounges. They are scattered across the ship, from poolside bars to nighttime bars to upscale lounges with live music.
Highlights include the Venchi 1878 Chocolate Bar on Deck 7 Mid and the Wine Cellar on Deck 8 Mid. The Champagne and Wine Bar is located on Deck 7 Mid.
Most pools offer a nearby bar, like the indoor Jungle Pool Beach Bar and the Infinity Bar. Some of the bars and lounges are open in the evening only, like the Shine Bar, located on Deck 6 Mid. Le Cabaret Rouge offers live entertainment and cocktails, located on Deck 7 Aft.
Entertainment on MSC Seascape
The MSC Seascape offers a range of activities, from duty-free shopping to a casino to art galleries. In the evenings, live entertainment can be found at several spots.
The Chora Theater hosts a range of evening entertainment from Broadway-type shows to comedy acts to musical montages. There is a silent disco most nights.
Le Cabaret Rouge is the place for those who like a little bit of everything. During my latest cruise, I saw acrobatic performers, dancers and singers. It is lively, and guests can easily come and go during the performance.
The Hall of Games arcade and the Pirate Cove Aquapark are located on Deck 18. The Robotron and the MSC Sports Arena with courts are located on Deck 20.
During my cruise, I explored the different decks to see all the activities. However, the printed MSC Daily Program outlined all the programs.
Pools and Wet Decks on MSC Seascape
There are a surprising number of pools located on the MSC Seascape. Exploring a cruise ship is part of the fun of cruising for me.
Each pool area offers its own vibe. The Infinity Pool, located on Deck 8 Aft is an Adults-only party space. The Pirates Cove AquaPark is a humming kids zone, attracting families and the young-at-heart, located on Deck 18 Mid. It features waterslides, a pirate ship splash area and more.
The Jungle Pool offers a more relaxed vibe with lots of lounging space, located at Deck 16 Mid. It features a retractable roof. Best of all, most of the pool areas are open late, until 8 p.m.
Some of the pools, like the Yacht Club Pool and Jacuzzi and the Aurea’s Top 19 Exclusive Solarium, are limited to guests traveling to those suites.
Kids and the MSC Seascape
MSC Cruises is a family-friendly cruise line. During my early September 2024 cruise, there was a healthy number of kids on board, especially the preschool families.
Overall, cruises are a great option for multi-generational families traveling together. With 12 different staterooms and suites, including the Yacht Club, families can choose the accommodations that fit their needs and budget.
The MSC Seascape offers five different clubs for kids from babies to teens in 7,500 square feet of dedicated kids’ space. The Baby Club is for those up to 3 years old and features Chicco products. If you want to leave your baby for dinner or a spa service, they must be 6 months old. This service is free; however, limited to 15 babies or toddlers, and you can sign up for a time slot.
The Mini Club is for kids 3 to 6 and features LEGO products. Kids get to play and interact with others on their cruise. And the whole family is invited to the Doremi Family Disco.
The Junior Club is for kids 7 to 11 and includes a Masterchef at Sea Juniors and Dorebro Sports competitions. Or they can help with filming at the Kelly & Kloe On Board Green Screen Experience.
The Young Club is for kids 12 to 14, and the Teen Club is for those 15 to 17. These groups can hang out in a space rich in games and technology. There are sports competitions, Wii, Xbox and PS4 tournaments, and a teen disco.
Disclosure: This article was created after review cruises. It contains affiliate links.
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