msc seascape cruises reviews

1st impressions of MSC Seascape: 9 things I liked and didn't like about MSC's 4th Seaside-class ship

I've sailed all four of MSC Cruises' Seaside-class vessels , and MSC Seascape is the best one yet.

Apart from a few restaurants with different names, it's a near carbon copy of older sister MSC Seashore, which debuted in 2021 as the first vessel in the line's Seaside EVO (short for evolution) sub-class.

That said, there are still several noteworthy aspects that caught my attention. From major kudos to minor niggles, here's what I liked — and didn't like — on this glitzy 18-deck marvel.

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What I liked

Robotron , a robotic arm amusement ride on deck 19, sounded like a gimmick at first, but it's actually a lot of fun.

The ride holds three people and offers three speeds — slow, medium and fast. It lifts riders into the air, twisting and turning them to the beat of the music they select beforehand.

Not only is it more thrilling than I expected, it runs for about three minutes per ride and provides nearly 360-degree views of the ship's outdoor surroundings. It's well worth the $10-per-ride price tag.

The Yacht Club

For the first time, I stayed in MSC's Yacht Club, a private suite area you can only access with a special keycard.

I was blown away by the sheer elegance and high level of service, with my butler delivering daily newspapers and specialty coffee, handling spa reservations and escorting me to dinner each night.

A stay in the Yacht Club comes with extras like more cabin space (all cabins are suites) and an exclusive restaurant, lounge and sun deck with a pool and hot tubs.

In addition to nicer digs and semi-private facilities, cruisers also receive priority embarkation and disembarkation, butler and concierge services, unlimited in-cabin mini-bar beverages, free alcohol in the Topsail Lounge, an elevated dining menu, one free bottle of spirits, private elevator access, reserved theater seating and other perks.

Americanization

One of the biggest pain points for MSC Cruises in recent years is its seeming inability to understand what Americans want as the line continues to build ships specifically geared toward the North American market. I'm excited to say I think MSC Seascape represents a pivotal change in that area.

In addition to shorter dinners and larger portion sizes in the onboard restaurants, the level of service also feels elevated, even outside of the Yacht Club. Waiters are more attentive, the folks at guest services are more friendly, and I noticed more smiles from crew members all around.

That's not to say the service is bad on other vessels, but it's decidedly European. That means dinners routinely take two to three hours, waiters check in less frequently during meals to see what you might need, and service throughout is generally more brusque, bordering on aloof.

It seems MSC has, perhaps, begun training crew in a more American style of service.

Familiarity

Because this is the fourth Seaside-class ship and the second in the Seaside EVO sub-class, the vessel is familiar.

Those who have sailed on the others, particularly MSC Seashore , will find that MSC Seascape feels like home. You'll board knowing exactly where to go, which means you won't have to spend time learning your way around before enjoying your vacation.

You'll also find your favorites — the Jungle Pool, waterslides, kids club, arcade, Bridge of Sighs, buffet and restaurants — in all the same places.

Speaking of favorite returning venues, I'd be remiss if I didn't give a shoutout to Venchi.

The chocolate-themed bar on Deck 6, named for its partnership with the famed Italian chocolatier, reprises its role on MSC Seascape. It offers some of the best coffee and hot chocolate beverages (with or without alcohol) I've ever tasted, along with both fresh sweets and wrapped chocolates for purchase.

Even more impressive are the chocolate sculptures the crew craft by hand for all sorts of special occasions. On my sailing, they constructed a bonsai tree, an anchor, a slightly creepy Santa Claus and a likeness of Doremi, the cruise line's mascot.

Venchi also features an adorable seating area with high-top tables and stools that look like chocolate sandwich cookies. It can be loud during peak times, but often is a nice place to meet friends, check email or simply relax with a drink.

What I didn't care for

Near-constant noise.

In line with MSC's standard of decor, MSC Seascape is elegant to the max. It drips with chrome and crystal. However, the glamour clashes hard with the noise level just about everywhere on board.

On one night of my voyage, I was eating dinner at Hola!, a specialty Mexican restaurant, which is just off the atrium. My dining companion and I jumped out of our seats when an atrium show abruptly started at a ridiculous volume that, frankly, made it impossible to have a conversation as we finished our meal.

Elsewhere, it's difficult to find a quiet place to read or work, as all lounges seem to either feature live music or tunes that are piped in at decibels that feel wildly inappropriate.

Smoking on board is allowed only in designated outdoor areas and in the casino. However, the air filtration isn't great in the latter, which means the smell wafts out into the atrium, making for a somewhat unpleasant experience for anyone who doesn't light up.

Additionally, given the casino's central location, passengers are forced to walk through it to get from one end of Deck 7 to the other unless they choose to go up or down a deck.

With the smoke as bad as it is in that area, I smelled like cigarettes for the rest of the night after spending just 15 seconds passing through on my way to the theater.

Capacity issues

Even though my sailing wasn't at capacity — there were just 3,065 passengers out of a possible 5,632 when all berths are full — many spaces felt crowded and seemed incapable of handling the number of cruisers on board.

For example, the Times Square lounge, just beyond Venchi on Deck 6, hosts multiple trivia sessions on sea days, but there are never enough seats for everyone. Twice, I had to walk around the corner and sit at one of the tables at Venchi as I filled out my answer sheet.

In addition, the ship has the same type of digital elevator buttons that MSC Seashore implemented when it debuted.

The system, which forces you to select your floor before boarding and then assigns you a particular car based on traffic, didn't work on Seashore, and it doesn't work on Seascape, either.

On several occasions, the screen would tell me to expect my car to arrive in 20 seconds and then, inexplicably, update to read it would be two minutes.

In one particularly frustrating instance, I was forced to walk from Deck 15 to Deck 6 — nine decks, 18 flights of stairs — in high heels because my estimated wait time for an elevator was an astounding four minutes.

Single-use items

I'll admit that I'm not always as environmentally conscious as I should be. However, with how much cruise lines have been touting their green initiatives, I pay special attention to things like single-use items when I sail.

MSC Cruises makes a point of advertising its green efforts through The Foundation, the line's charitable arm, which aims to protect oceans and wildlife, among other things.

The line has also used its Ocean Cay private island as a marine cleanup project and made a pledge to become carbon neutral by 2050 as part of a larger industry effort organized by the Cruise Lines International Association, a cruise industry advocacy organization.

However, I noticed on MSC Seascape that daily programs are still printed and left in each cabin nightly, along with shore excursion brochures, spa price lists and more.

Plastic straws are still used for drinks, and single-use pats of butter were provided in the dining rooms during meals.

I was also rather shocked to discover that the Hola! Mexican restaurant on board provides cloth napkins but doesn't reuse them. Instead, they're thrown away after they're used. (A new one came with each course, so I had five of them by the end of my dinner.)

Bottom line

Overall, MSC Seascape provides lively elegance at a reasonable price point but also offers over-the-top accommodations for those seeking a higher level of exclusivity and service.

Even though it's not much different from MSC Seashore, there's plenty to love about the ship, and it truly feels like MSC has finally come close to cracking the code in terms of what Americans want.

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MSC Cruises MSC Seascape Deck Plans & Reviews

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Activities & entertainment

• MSC Signature Casino *
• MSC Aurea Spa *
• Thermal Suite *
• Pirates Cove Aquapark
• MSC Yacht Club - Suite Guests
• Le Cabaret Rouge
• Uptown Lounge
• Production Shows
• Film Screenings
• Venchi 1878 Chocolate Bar - Chocolate Bar *
• Champagne Bar - Champagne Bar *
• Kaito Sushi Bar - Sushi *
• Kaito Teppanyaki - Japanese *
• Butcher's Cut - Steakhouse *
• Ocean Cay - Seafood *
• Cocktail Bar - Cocktail Bar *
• Wine Cave Bar - Wine Bar *
• Hola! Tacos & Cantina - Mexican *
• Loft Cafe - Popular Bar *
• Sports Bar - Sports Bar *
• Sky Bar - Scenic Bar *
• Marketplace Buffet & Restaurant - Buffet
• Jungle Beach Bar - Pool Bar *
• Top 19 Bar - Deck Bar *
• Horizon Bar - Scenic Bar *

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Upcoming itineraries

MSC Seascape

Courtesy of MSC Cruises |

Find a Cruise on MSC Seascape

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Sister ship to MSC Seashore , MSC Seascape sailed its maiden voyage from Rome to New York in December 2022. The 5,877-passenger, 1,648-crew-member vessel features the latest technology for energy efficiency. Its design pays tribute to New York City with a replica of the Statue of Liberty and an entertainment space called Times Square. 

Seascape measures a whopping 1,112 feet long and features 139,930 square feet of outdoor space. Enjoy panoramic views from the Infinity Pool, walk over the glass-floored Bridge of Sighs or swim in the Marina Pool, featuring a 360-degree water fountain island and lounge. 

On board, guests can ride the ROBOTRON, a thrill ride providing 360-degree views 175 feet above the sea. Families will love the enlarged MSC Kids Club, which provides 98 hours of live entertainment. Adults can spend time at the theater, casino and disco. The ship has an F1 racing stimulator for all ages to enjoy.   

For accommodations, cruisers can choose between 11 types of staterooms and suites. Fifty suites include an extended balcony and 32 suites include private outdoor whirlpools. The ship features two Owner's Suites within the MSC Yacht Club, measuring 1,055 square feet. 

The ship boasts 11 eateries, including three main dining rooms and five specialty restaurants. Enjoy Mexican cuisine at HOLA! Tacos & Cantina or Asian dishes at Kaito Teppanyaki and Sushi Bar. Seascape also boasts 20 bars. 

MSC Seascape sails to the Bahamas and the Caribbean. The ship also offers MSC Grand Voyages itineraries. 

U.S. News Insider Tip: The MSC Seascape is identical to the MSC Seashore except for one detail. The Seascape is outfitted with a Robotron thrill ride that flips, dangles and turns cruisers through the air on a dedicated platform toward the backend of the ship. – Holly Johnson, Contributor

Pros & Cons

Ship touts plenty of outdoor space for cruisers

Not all dining venues are included in cruise fare

• Expert Rating » 3.5
• Traveler Rating » 3.7
• Health Rating » 5.0

MSC Seascape ranks # 6 out of 22 MSC Cruises Cruise Ships based on an analysis of expert and user ratings, as well as health ratings.

• # 6 in Best MSC Cruises
• # 64 in Best Cruises for Couples
• # 68 in Best Cruises to the Caribbean
• # 85 in Best Affordable Cruises

MSC Seascape offers a wide range of accomodation options. Browse cabins to find the stateroom that suits your needs.

MSC Seascape contains 16 decks. Find out which features are available on each MSC Seascape deck.

Traveler Reviews

A ship’s traveler rating is provided under license by Cruiseline.com , which manages one of the largest databases of cruise reviews and ratings by travelers. A total of 157 guests have reviewed MSC Seascape , giving it a rating of 3.9 on a scale of 1-5.

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Disclaimers about ship ratings: A ship’s Health Rating is based on vessel inspection scores published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). If a ship did not receive a CDC score within 22 months prior to the calculation of its Overall Rating, its Health Rating appears as N/A; in such a case, the ship’s Overall Rating is calculated using the average Health Rating of all CDC-rated ships within the cruise line. All ship Traveler Ratings are based on ratings provided under license by Cruiseline.com.

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MSC Seascape Review: A First Timer’s Take on Cruising

Aneesha DuBois

I’ve been traveling with my toddler since she was 2 months old; road trips, flights domestic and international, but I always shied away from cruises.

My primary reason was the itinerary. How much fun could it really be? For children, especially.

My secondary reason was the potential for motion sickness. Would I be seasick the entire trip?

Still, after a friend posted about her time aboard MSC Cruises , I began my research and soon thereafter booked an eight-night, seven-day cruise through the Caribbean aboard MSC Seascape , the cruise line’s newest ship built in 2022.

And it was one of our greatest travel experiences yet.

Read More: The Ultimate Family Cruise Packing List with FREE Printable

Choosing an Itinerary

Depending on your availability, you can choose to embark between 1-5, 6-7 or 8+ nights. I chose 6-7 nights. This decision was because of MSC Cruises Eastern Caribbean cruise 7-night itinerary.

The cruise ship would stop in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic, and Old San Juan, Puerto Rico, two places we had never traveled. And Nassau, Bahamas, and Ocean Cay Marine Reserve. The latter being MSC Cruises’ private island.

Since we had never traveled to the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico, my thought was to make it part of our cruise vacation, explore the towns for a day and if we felt there was more to be explored, and/or loved our time there so much that it felt too short, we could book a longer vacation to either destination another time. Something like a taste test.

Read More: 7 Awesome San Juan Resorts

Pre-Cruise Considerations

Choosing the port from which you embark is equally important as the destination(s). I chose Miami, Florida as our port; it’s a familiar city we have visited quite a bit.

And to avoid any anxiety that comes with missed or canceled flights, we flew in on American Airlines the day before the cruise ship was to set sail. And early enough that we spent our initial day in the Florida Everglades with Gator Park  on an airboat ride tour and then dinner at Gianni’s  on South Beach.

I highly recommend staying in downtown Miami as you are mere miles from the Port of Miami, from which all cruise ships embark.

We loved our stay at Eurostars Langford . The rooms were clean, spacious and the staff was great. They even allowed for early check-in at no additional cost. It was also within walking distance to several breakfast spots.

Downtown Miami is so close to South Beach that after breakfast, we took an Uber to Ocean Drive for a quick swim in the ocean, then back to the hotel to get dressed, all before boarding the ship.  

Exploring MSC Seascape

The MSC Cruises onboarding process was very easy; I felt so welcomed. And a bit overwhelmed – in a good way, with all there was to see and do.

MSC Seascape is a gorgeous new ship! I prepaid for a drinks package, so that was my first order of business as we sat down to take it all in.

Soon after, we dropped our bags in our stateroom. And we began exploring all that the ship had to offer. And it was a lot!

There are multiple pools including an adults-only pool, infinity pool with loungers, a Robotron overlooking the top deck, basketball court, state-of-the-art arcade, and Pirate’s Cove aqua park for kids that became my daughter’s favorite place. We would spend hours there.

I learned within an hour on board that it was much easier on both of us if I pushed my toddler around the ship in her stroller, as opposed to making her walk or her wanting to be carried. There were plenty of places to park the stroller while we swam, ate and played .

SheBuysTravel Tip:  If you are prone to motion sickness, try t aking a Dramamine each morning before breakfast. Just one sustained me the entire day. Only a few times did I feel the boat swaying, but I never felt sick. And that says a lot for a person who suffers from motion sickness.

When given the ability to choose a stateroom while booking our cruise, I honestly had no idea what I was doing. Should I choose a stateroom on the 9th, 10th or 11th floor? Front, middle, or back of the ship? I randomly selected a stateroom with a number I liked and on the 10th floor and it was perfectly located.

Again, I would highly suggest a room with a balcony as it really adds to the sight-seeing. We were able to watch the sun rise and set, listen to the ocean at night, having breakfast, lunch or dinner with a view, and if we were lucky, our ship would sail into port with our side facing the island. And when that happened in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico and Nassau, Bahamas, we had a view of the entire island from our cabin.

Our room was spacious enough once we made use of every ounce of closet and drawer space. We even were able to store our empty suitcases in the closet. The room was clean and comfortable. And the hot water never ran out… a plus!

And when we’d return to our cabin by the afternoon, our in-room attendant had already been there to freshen it up and provide new linen, and washcloths and towels, if requested.

There wasn’t much of a selection to watch on the television, but I didn’t mind that at all as the only time I turned it on was for background sounds to fall asleep.

SheBuysTravel Tip:  Avid cruise travelers decorate their door with the event they’re celebrating such as honeymoons, anniversaries, etc. We were celebrating my daughter’s 4th birthday so I spent the last bit of our time in Nassau, Bahamas looking for decor to decorate our cabin door as a surprise to her. All I could find was a table runner and a pack of squiggly balloons but I made it work… and she loved it!

Dining Aboard MSC Seascape

I’m a vegetarian and even still, the selection was vast and the food was very, very good. If we were hungry after our breakfast at The Green Wave Restaurant or after our dinner seating time at Cala Jondal, the Marketplace Buffet had an excellent selection, plus a kid’s buffet, and they were always churning out fresh dishes. All three of the above are part of the complimentary dining.

In addition, MSC Seascape had a great selection of specialty restaurants including a steakhouse with a butcher’s cut menu for an upcharge.

As a vegetarian, I knew I could only partake in some appetizers and side dishes. I made a reservation at the Mexican restaurant on board, and the food was great. Also on board was a chocolate bar, wine bar, sports bar, casino, and plenty of specialty stores including Venchi 1878 Gelato which paid homage to the cruise line’s Italian heritage.

SheBuysTravel Tip:  Be on time for your assigned dinner seating in the main dining room! I missed our seating time at Cala Jondal Restaurant because we didn’t want to miss the Sailaway Party on the top deck. After arriving 20 minutes late they weren’t able to seat me. I had to then hope no one showed up for the later 7:30pm seating time and they would accommodate me. That wasn’t the best experience but I had no one to blame but myself. They were able to seat me and from then on, my daily priority was to make sure we made our dinner seating time, on time.

Things To Do Aboard MSC Seascape

The daily itinerary that was available via the MSC App and a printed version left in our room every night prior was filled with activities on several areas of the ship, often happening simultaneously and for all ages.

There was no shortage of things to do and fun to be had…exhilarating and/or relaxing fun. On board MSC Seascape was even a Kids Club with rooms dedicated to age groups. We toured the Kids Club and while it looked like a good time for all, my daughter didn’t spend any time there.

Next time I will definitely pack outfits for themed nights such as the all-white party. While we still showed up and felt more than welcomed, I wish we had dressed for the occasion.

SheBuysTravel Tip:  Choose a cabin with a balcony if you can as it offers another activity. Throughout the day, especially for days at sea, we’d grab food from the buffet, gelato from the top deck and just take in the view, be it ocean view, other cruise ships in the distance or passing by islands.

Disembarking in the Caribbean

There are more than 5,600 passengers disembarking your cruise ship, so keep that in mind when it comes to activities off the ship. Lines get long, as do wait times at tourist attractions.

I made sure to be one of the first passengers off of the ship. Anticipating a long disembarkment, I was very early in line. But it wasn’t necessary because I had a stroller so I had to disembark on another floor and it was an easy and efficient process.

Every disembarkment after that, we’d wake up, head down to breakfast at The Green Wave Restaurant or the Marketplace Buffet, come back to our stateroom, get dressed and watch from the balcony as our ship cruised into port, before heading down to disembark.

Ports of Call

Prior to boarding MSC Cruises, I researched things to see and do at every destination so only in the Dominican Republic did I book with a tour guide company to show us all Puerto Plata had to offer.

In Old San Juan, 80 percent of the attractions were walkable. Same in Nassau, Bahamas. And once in Nassau, there were plenty of individuals offering tours. MSC Seascape offers the ability to book tours prior to disembarking but I preferred to do our own exploring, at our leisure. And it worked out really well.

A note: When we pulled into Old San Juan and Nassau, we were docked alongside Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, Norwegian and Carnival cruise ships. While it tripled the number of passengers on and off the island, it never felt overwhelming or too crowded.

In the Bahamas, rather than book to swim with giant pigs, we found a small company that offered swimming with baby pigs. And it was a dream, especially with a 4-year-old.

There were fewer than 10 people on the beach at the time, we had a clear view of Atlantis Resort and we got to spend quality time with about 9 baby pigs. We were told the pigs’ parents stay in the brush and don’t come out to mingle with tourists. We stayed there for four hours or so. It was perfect!

In each port, MSC Cruises allotted between 7 and 9 hours for guests to be off the ship. It was enough. I never felt rushed and we would even reboard the cruise ship well before the mandatory board time.  

MSC’s Private Island Ocean Cay Marine Reserve

The last day of our cruise, MSC Cruises docked for 12 hours on its own private island, MSC Ocean Cay Marine Reserve. Because it’s owned by MSC, there were no other cruise ships docked.

The island is huge and filled with so many activities including kayaking, jet skiing, touring the lighthouse, swimming in the ocean, and paddle boarding.

The crew served lunch, buffet style, and you saw much of the same staff on the island as you did on the cruise ship.

There was an age limit on the sea excursions so we spent most of our time in the lagoon. A lifeguard even shared that four friendly reef sharks live in the lagoon but they don’t bother swimmers.

The one tour she could do, climbing the lighthouse on the island, was a highlight for my 4-year-old. She was so proud of herself for climbing to the top. And the lighthouse guide was so informative. She gave the history of the island and how MSC acquired it and how they’re building it up.

There are staff who live on the island 24/7, serving 1-2 MSC Cruise ships a day. Prior to setting sail, we all watched the lighthouse light show at dusk.

SheBuysTravel Tip:  Make reservations for your excursions on the private island; some activities can reach capacity.

Overall MSC Cruises Seascape Experience

Overall, I’m grateful our first cruise experience was with MSC Cruises and MSC Seascape as it was nothing short of amazing. We never had to wait long for service at the bar, breakfast or dinner. The hospitality staff – from servers to bartenders to in-room attendants – was spectacular.

I heard murmurs of complaining about the elevator wait times. However, I found the multiple elevator system to be state-of-the-art. But when you have 5,600+ people using the elevators especially when reboarding the ship, wait times would top 10 minutes. Plenty of people could be seen taking the steps in these cases.

Gratuities weren’t expected until our last night, but I was happy to leave more than the standard amount for our in-room attendant. And there was an automatic per passenger, gratuities cost you must settle before disembarking that is split between all staff on board.

I booked during one of the many MSC Cruises sale offerings and felt I got more than my money’s worth. And I spent less than $150 between my daughter and I, on food, activities and souvenirs at each port stop.

I’m looking forward to booking my next excursion with MSC Cruises and their Western Caribbean itinerary as it makes stops in Ocho Rios, Jamaica and the Cayman Islands.

As this was my first time on board MSC Seascape Cruise, or any cruise for that matter, I was ignorant to all that there is to do for adults. This trip was to celebrate my daughter’s 4th birthday so I wasn’t thinking about myself but next time I’ll travel with another adult as there were activities I wasn’t able to participate in including Le Cabaret Rouge, the ship’s two-story nightclub. Granted she could have spent time in the kids club, but I wasn’t comfortable leaving her with strangers. And  we played so hard that we were in our room, in bed by 8:00 every night.

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MSC SEASCAPE

Welcome aboard MSC Seascape. Experience relaxation, entertainment, and world-class dining amid breathtaking water views. Voted best family ship by Forbes, this ship blends elegance and excitement for the whole family to enjoy with 11 dining venues, 19 bars, an aft Infinity Pool, state-of-the-art kids and teens clubs, and MSC Yacht Club.

• DINING VENUES

BARS & LOUNGES

ENTERTAINMENT ACTIVITIES

SIGNATURE CASINO GAMES

POOLS & WATER FEATURES

MSC YACHT CLUB SUITES

DISCOVER YOUR PERFECT ITINERARY

Book your cruise out of sunny Miami or our newest departure port, Galveston, Texas, and explore the turquoise waters of the Bahamas or the tropical white-sand beaches of the Caribbean. Choose from Eastern or Western Caribbean itineraries, some of which include a visit to Ocean Cay, our private island marine reserve.

ALL THE COMFORTS TO SUIT YOUR STYLE

Whether you’re seeking much-needed relaxation or ready to uncover the tastes of the world, there’s something for everyone on board. Relax in your modern accommodations, savor culinary options for all tastes, and look forward to signature experiences that await.

Whether you’re looking for some much needed relaxation or ready to uncover the tastes of the world, there is something for everyone onboard. lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua.

• STATEROOMS & SUITES
• SIGNATURE EXPERIENCES
• MSC YACHT CLUB

Comfortable interior staterooms feature stylish design and modern amenities that make for an ideal escape. The intimate surroundings offer the perfect setting for relaxation.

Take in the ocean views from the comfort of a stylish and modern stateroom that offers every amenity necessary for an ideal retreat.

Relax amid stylish surroundings and modern amenities in a variety of spacious stateroom categories. Each features a breezy balcony for taking in the sea air.

A variety of suite categories feature spacious layouts, stylish design, modern amenities, sitting areas, and balconies, including some with private whirlpools.

Indulge at Butcher's Cut, a specialty American-style steakhouse that serves premium cuts of Angus beef and other specialties. The elegant surroundings include al fresco options along the waterfront.

From the Kaito Sushi Bar with its unique sushi conveyor belt to Kaito Teppanyaki’s multiple hibachi tables, delicious dining experiences await.

HOLA! Tacos & Cantina serves up delicious Latin- and Mexican-inspired street food and drinks in a colorful and festive atmosphere.

Three main restaurants serve a wide array of international fare for all tastes. Look forward a selection of culinary specialties served amid distinct stylish surroundings.

Robotron, a state-of-the-art robotic arm, delivers a one-of-a-kind thrill ride nearly 175 feet above the sea. Take in 360° views as you soar over the deck, flip upside down, and move in all directions.

Cool off at the high-tech interactive aquapark that’s enhanced with virtual reality and features fun adventure trails, treasure hunts, and tons of water features.

Offering a wide selection of massages, facials, and other revitalizing wellness treatments, the lavish spa is a haven for relaxation and pampering, complete with a thermal area and salon.

Test your luck in the expansive casino, which features the latest slots, table games, and tournaments. Don’t miss the replica of the Statue of Liberty in the heart of the casino.

Discover a ship within a ship that includes private access, the most elegant suites, round-the-clock butler service and concierge, and premium experiences for discerning travelers.

Revel in VIP treatment from the moment you arrive with priority embarkation, 24-hour butler service, and complimentary access to the thermal area in the MSC Aurea Spa.

Enjoy the benefits of exclusive venues including a private restaurant, lounge, pool, and solarium, all featuring all-inclusive premium drink service.

From Egyptian cotton bedding and bathrobes to marble bathrooms and a curated pillow menu, the meticulous attention to detail provides a premium experience.

MSC Seascape pays tribute to New York City, which as a destination represents the spirit of discovery and cultural experiences that is at the heart of the MSC Cruises guest experience. As such, the design features, public areas and venue names are inspired by the metropolitan U.S. city. These include an imposing three-meter-high replica of the Statue of Liberty at the heart of the casino and a newly designed expansive retail and entertainment area, aptly named Times Square.

Use the deck plans to select your ideal stateroom. The plan allows you to pinpoint the locations, while the colors distinguish the stateroom category.

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• 10. Deck 10
• 11. Deck 11
• 12. Deck 12
• 13. Deck 13
• 14. Deck 14
• 15. Deck 15
• 16. Deck 16
• 18. Deck 18
• 19. Deck 19
• 20. Deck 20
• Deluxe Interior
• Premium Interior
• Deluxe Ocean View
• Deluxe Balcony
• Deluxe Balcony Aurea
• Junior Suite Aurea
• Premium Suite Aurea
• Grand Suite Aurea
• Two-Bedroom Grand Suite
• MSC Yacht Club Interior Suite
• MSC Yacht Club Deluxe Suite
• MSC Yacht Club Grand Suite
• MSC Yacht Club Royal Suite
• MSC Yacht Club Owner's Suite

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MSC Cruises

The 7 best cruise ships for kids

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Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information and offers.

Kids can make or break your family cruise. If they’re bored and hate the food options, they will loudly and repeatedly express their displeasure. Pick the wrong cruise ship, and parents will feel as trapped as if they were stranded on a deserted island … with biting crabs underfoot.

The best cruises for kids take advantage of ships with endless fun for the under-18 crowd, plentiful dining that appeals to both young palates and bottomless teen tummies, accommodations and ship services that keep families in mind, and opportunities to meet and hang out with peers. No matter your family size or price range, you can find some incredible vacations at sea that will have kids exclaiming, “Best cruise ever!” by the end of the week.

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Find the top ship for your next trip with our list of the seven best cruise ships for kids (and their parents).

Disney Wish

No one is surprised that kids are highly entertained on a Disney cruise — but what might be surprising is how much there is for adults to do and enjoy , too. That’s especially true on the new Disney Wish , which debuted in the summer of 2022.

Disney Wish has four kids clubs divided by age, but the main Oceaneer Club for 3- to 12-year-olds has an all-new and exciting grand entrance. Kids get to enter the club by slide — and once inside, can explore the club’s spaces themed to “Star Wars,” fairy tales, Marvel and Disney Imagineers.

Along with the kids club on Disney Wish, junior cruisers will find two movie theaters with first-run Disney movies, Broadway-caliber shows featuring Aladdin and the Little Mermaid and dining experiences themed around Arendelle from “Frozen” and the Worlds of Marvel .

In addition to a “Star Wars-” themed bar and adults-only fine dining restaurants, adults will appreciate the little touches on Wish that make family cruising easier — split bathrooms in most cabins, a drop-off nursery, a splash area for toddlers and restaurant staff members who will offer high chairs and puree baby food.

Disney Wish sails short three- and four-night trips from Port Canaveral , Florida (near Orlando) that include a stop at Castaway Cay, Disney’s private island , with its family beach, supervised child care, splash pad and strollers to borrow.

Related: How to save money on the cost of a Disney cruise  

A nearly identical sister ship, Disney Treasure , will debut in 2024.

Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas

It hasn’t even launched yet, and we’re already confident that Royal Caribbean ‘s new Icon of the Seas , soon to be the largest ship afloat, will be one of the top cruise ships for kids. Kids will never be bored on a ship with a six-slide water park, wild ropes course, surf simulator, rock-climbing wall, sports court and Surfside — a half deck of play spaces and restaurants devoted to little kids and their families.

Kids (and parents) who like a good show can gasp as ice skaters land jumps on a rocking ship, and acrobatic divers flip and splash in the AquaTheater, now up high on the ship under a glass dome. Don’t miss pizza and parades on the Royal Promenade, Icon’s indoor shopping strip.

The ship will also have innovative new family cabins and suites, some with separate kids’ rooms, to better accommodate guests of all ages. The Ultimate Family Townhouse will be a massive three-floor living space with a screening room, karaoke machine, in-suite slide and a backyard that leads out to the Surfside family neighborhood.

Related: 5 best Royal Caribbean ships for kids

Icon of the Seas will sail weeklong Eastern and Western Caribbean cruises from Miami beginning in January 2024.

Norwegian Encore

Norwegian Encore has a more grown-up vibe than many of the family-focused ships on our list, but its onboard attractions make it a huge hit with teens. Its top decks lure older kids with one of the biggest go-kart tracks in the Norwegian Cruise Line fleet and an open-air laser tag arena ideal for shooting matches under the stars. A huge virtual reality playground features rides and games that blow the standard cruise ship arcade out of the water.

Note to parents: Cruiselong passes for the go-kart race track , virtual reality games and laser tag do not come cheap. Be prepared to pull out your wallet to keep the teens happy.

At night, teens can feed their growing bodies with tacos, hibachi and barbecue, plus 24/7 burgers and comfort food at The Local. Afterward, they’ll agree to be seen in public with their parents at a show as cool as “Choir of Man.” It’s an easy concession, as they know they can always escape to the teen club, Entourage, to hang out with the cool kids late at night.

Related: 5 best cruise lines for families

Norwegian Encore spends its summers in Alaska and winters in the Caribbean, with a handful of Panama Canal and Pacific Coast sailings in between.

Carnival Celebration

Passengers and crew members on Carnival Cruise Line ships come ready to meet new friends or share a laugh, a story and a drink with their shipmates. Social kids will fit right in and love the line’s huge, new ship Carnival Celebration . They can make friends at the Family Harbor Lounge, Camp Ocean and Dr. Seuss Bookville; older kids will enjoy the teen and tween clubs conveniently located near Guy Fieri’s burger stand and the video arcade.

Carnival Celebration and its near-identical twin fleet mate, Mardi Gras , are the only cruise ships boasting a top-deck roller coaster called Bolt. (That is until a third sister, Carnival Jubilee, debuts in late 2023.) A ride here is Instagram gold and the ultimate bragging rights for kids on vacation. The coaster dominates the Ultimate Playground area of the ship, where young cruisers can challenge their new friends to miniature golf, waterslide races, basketball and ropes course domination.

Kids who love a good food court can meet up with friends or family at several no-fee, casual eateries, including Shaq’s Big Chicken restaurant and a trio of Street Eats venues featuring dumplings, meat on a stick and loaded French fries. All-hours pizza and ice cream will keep the whole family fueled up for the interactive “Family Feud Live” show.

Related: The ultimate guide to Carnival Cruise Line ships and itineraries

Carnival Celebration sails weeklong Eastern and Western Caribbean cruises from Miami. Its sister Mardi Gras sails similar Caribbean itineraries from Port Canaveral, Florida (near Orlando). Carnival Jubilee will be based out of Galveston, Texas, and offer seven-night Western Caribbean cruises only.

Sun Princess

It may seem odd that two of our top ships for kids haven’t debuted yet. However, like Icon of the Seas, Princess Cruises ‘ new 4,300-passenger Sun Princess will be heads and shoulders above the rest of the fleet in terms of family entertainment. If you’re booking a multigenerational family cruise for 2024 or beyond, you will definitely want to keep this ship in mind.

Sun Princess will be the first Princess cruise ship to feature an expansive upper-deck activity zone that kids will love. Named Park19, it will feature nine fun-in-the-sun activities spanning three decks. The attractions include the Sea Breeze Rollglider (imagine a safer version of hang-gliding from an elevated track), a climbing structure with obstacles and a slide, a ropes course, a splash zone and a sports court.

Inside the ship, Firefly Park will have drop-off kid programming and family play spaces for kids 6 months to 7 years old. Tweens and teens will each have their own hangouts, Neon Grove and The Underground, with cozy lounge furniture and plenty of video and other games.

Related: Which cruise ship cabin category should your family book?

Sun Princess will split its time between Mediterranean cruises out of Civitavecchia (the port for Rome), Piraeus (the port for Athens) and Barcelona as well as Caribbean sailings from Fort Lauderdale.

MSC Seascape

MSC Cruises ‘ MSC Seascape is a floating megaresort with something for every type of kid. The ship stands out from its sisters because of its Robotron amusement park-style ride . Three riders at a time buckle into seating attached to a robotic arm, which then twists and turns to fly the riders over the ship and sea.

Water babies will make a break for the Pirates Cove Aquapark, with slides, a splash zone and a rope bridge. Other kids might spend their parents’ money on more virtual fun, indulging in F1 race car simulators, VR motorcycle racing, a 4D movie theater and a video arcade. Family groups can split into teams for sports court competitions or participate in organized games that rely on the latest technology to challenge guests of all ages.

The ship’s Lego-themed Doremi Land kids club has dedicated spaces for babies, kids and teens. The 7,567-square-foot space includes two Lego rooms (one for little kids to play with Duplos, the other with regular Lego bricks for older kids); the area also includes three spaces for teens — a gaming area (with VR options), a hangout with ping pong and foosball and a dance club.

Related: 7 cruise lines where kids sail free

And let’s not forget the line’s amazing pizza (including dessert versions slathered in Nutella) that families are sure to love.

MSC Seascape sails seven-night Eastern and Western Caribbean cruises from Miami.

AmaWaterways’ AmaLea

The typical river cruise draws a lot of retirees — except when Adventures by Disney partners with AmaWaterways. The two travel companies have created a river cruise vacation that is fun for grown-ups and kids.

AmaLea is one of the ships AmaWaterways custom-built for these family cruises. Certain twin balcony cabins sleep three, and suites sleep four to accommodate kids, with connecting cabin options for families who need more space. Unlike many river ships, AmaLea has a pool, as well as a surprise kid hit — giant outdoor chess.

While other ships sail the Seine and Rhine rivers, AmaLea travels the Danube through Germany, Austria, Slovakia and Hungary. Adventures by Disney makes the most of your time with shore excursions planned to entertain kids and adults, with options for supervised kid activities while parents head out on more grown-up tours. Your family might meet farm animals in Hungary, play hide-and-seek in a palace’s labyrinth maze in Austria and hang around in a treetop playground in Germany.

Related: Best river cruises in Europe

On board, kids’ menus are available, and the occasional pajama party whisks kids away for pizza and a movie while adults linger over dinner.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A beginners guide to picking a cruise line
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• 15 ways cruisers waste money
• The ultimate guide to choosing a cruise ship cabin

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Editorial Disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airlines or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.