MSC Seascape
- Cruising out of Galveston, TX

We had the opportunity to explore Galveston’s newest Cruise Terminal and the arrival of MSC Cruise lines to Galveston. Long a mainstay in Europe, this Italian line maintains its roots and is planting some new ones with this expansion. We are Land and Sea Travel® LLC and this is an introduction to MSC and its exceptional ship, the Seascape.

The Ship: MSC Seascape
The MSC Seascape marks MSC’s arrival at the Port of Galveston, sailing from the newly developed Pier 14, complete with a new parking deck. This very large ship accommodates up to 5,877 guests in 2,270 cabins, including a variety of floorplans and connecting cabins for larger family voyages. The ship features extensive sitting and dining areas, reminiscent of a city’s theatre and dining district, providing more space and options than typical cruise ships. Guests begin boarding near the multi-story Atrium, a soaring central space anchored by Seascape Reception, Guest Services, and a very large bar, with a stage above the bar on the next level, setting the tone for a grand embarkation experience.
Itineraries
Sailing Roundtrip from Galveston to the Western Caribbean on 5 Night or 7 Night Cruises, on cruises not adjusted for local conditions such as hurricanes and other itinerary changes, the MSC Seascape visits the following ports:
7-Night: Galveston, Texas - Costa Maya, Mexico - Isla de Roatan, Honduras - Cozumel, Mexico- Galveston, Texas
5-Night: Galveston, Texas - Costa Maya, Mexico - Cozumel, Mexico - Galveston, Texas
Cabins and Suites
The Seascape has a wide variety of cabin types to suit every traveler, from Deluxe Interior and Ocean-View cabins to Deluxe Balcony, Premium Aurea Suites, and Grand Aurea Suites. For discerning guests who wish to remain somewhat apart while enjoying the option to join the rest of the ship as desired, there is the Yacht Club, with its own categories of suites, and more private dining and pool or lounge spaces. The accessibility features of some categories of rooms are outstanding. Aurea cabins also have some exclusive other exclusive dining options. Each cabin is thoughtfully designed for comfort, style, and functionality.
Note: Cabins have European-style electrical controls that require putting your cabin card in the slot inside the cabin beside the door to activate the electricity in your room. When you leave, you need to remember to pull your card out and bring it with you, because the door will still be locked even if your card remains in the slot.
Shows & Entertainment
Entertainment is woven throughout the ship, with performances and live music available in multiple venues. The Chora Theatre serves as the main stage for featured shows, while Le Cabaret Rouge stages traditional variety shows with singing, dancing, and comedy. Guests can enjoy live music, pastries, and ice cream at Times Square, or relax in Liberty Plaza, a striking space highlighted by a stylized metal tribute to the Statue of Liberty. For those seeking gaming excitement, the MSC Signature Casino provides a lively environment for table games and slots, ensuring there’s something to entertain every guest throughout the day and evening (while at sea).
Dining Options
The Seascape has an exceptional range of dining experiences, designed to appeal to every taste while emphasizing comfort and connection. The ship’s restaurants feature subdued color palettes and rich textures, focusing attention on your dining companions and the cuisine rather than flashy decor. Buffet-style meals are served at the Marketplace Buffet and Restaurant, ideal for breakfast and lunch. For specialty dining, Butcher’s Cut and Chef’s Court within the restaurant showcase premium beef, while HOLA Tacos and Cantina brings casual Mexican flavors, and Ocean Cay Restaurant specializes in fresh seafood. Guests seeking Japanese cuisine can enjoy Kaito Teppanyaki or the Kaito Sushi Bar, the latter an open, circulating space with sushi selections.
Cabin-category exclusivity is offered in select venues such as Skyline Restaurant for Aurea guests, and the ship’s main dining rooms Cafe Jonda and Green Wave Restaurant serve relaxed full-service meals without sacrificing the subtle décor. Seating is European style with separate tables, but very close together, so they foster more direct communication with neighboring diners. The variety of options ensures that guests can alternate between casual and fine dining, themed experiences, and buffet options, all while enjoying thoughtfully presented dishes that match the quality of the surroundings. Desserts and presentation are emphasized, making each meal a complete sensory experience.
Shopping
Shopping is abundant on board, with a wide variety of stores for nearly every interest or need. Guests can browse photo and digital services, immersive galleries, fashion boutiques, accessories, perfumes and cosmetics, duty‑free finds, fine jewelry, art, watches, sunglasses, and more. The ship carries premium brands and luxury watch offerings – TimeVallée is highlighted among the onboard boutiques, noted for its focus on prestige - alongside other Italian and international labels. Onboard shopping with extended hours at sea allows guests the time to find that perfect gift or necessities.
Bars & Lounges
MSC Seascape offers an array of bars and lounges to suit every taste, from casual to sophisticated. Guests can unwind at the Seascape Bar, enjoy cocktails at Shine Bar, or sample fine wine at the Champagne & Wine Bar or the Wine Cellar. Additional options include the Sky Bar, Sports Bar, Cocktail Bar, the stylish Horizon Bar, and the Uptown Lounge, ensuring there’s always the perfect spot to relax, socialize, or toast the day’s adventures or one of life’s many celebrations – even if that’s with water, club soda, or something stronger.
Desserts, Snacks & Coffee
Venchi 1878 Chocolate Bar is the go-to destination for chocolate, ice cream, or hot chocolate. The Loft Café combines a coffee, music, bar, and a news-and-comedy club atmosphere, while Venchi 1878 Gelato brings authentic Italian gelato to guests seeking a sweet, refreshing dessert - but we’ll have to wait until our next visit to experience it - time was just too short… These indulgent treats and casual spots for a pick-me-up - appeal to many – others may call to you - there are choices.
Gathering & Novel Spaces
Explore, relax, or create memorable moments such as stopping in the Boulevard du Cabaret, a light-filled corridor that changes colors perfect for photos and balloon-effect simulations on the way to Le Cabaret Rouge. Guests can walk the Infinity Bridge on deck 8, an arched walkway over the water with stunning midship views, or the Bridge of Sighs higher on deck 16, a glass catwalk over the stern with dramatic views of the wake and decks below. The glass panoramic lifts at the stern provide ocean vistas while rising between decks. Creators can also record on the go in the Broadcasting Rooms, ensuring your content keeps up with your adventures.
Personal Care, Spa & Fitness
For health, relaxation, and rejuvenation, Deck 8 offers the MSC Gym powered by Technogym, equipped with everything needed for a full workout at sea. The Aurea Spa provides a full range of indulgent services, including individual and couples’ massages, thermal pools, hot rooms, a snow room, a beauty salon, and a nail salon. The Spa provides more space and amenities than typically found on other ships. A visit to the Barber Shop maintains grooming or preparing for an evening of rest and relaxation.
Pools & Activities Aboard
For guests seeking excitement and variety, the ship hosts a wide range of action-oriented activities. Sports enthusiasts can head to the MSC Sports Arena for tennis, five-a-side football, or basketball. Thrill-seekers will enjoy Robotron, a giant arm ride synchronized to music above the Marina Pool, where guests can also relax in the main pool, hot tubs, or enjoy drinks at the Marina Bar. Families and Aurea guests have exclusive spaces like the Top 19 Solarium while the Hall of Games provides entertainment for all ages. The Jungle Pool Lounge and Beach Bar combine indoor pool fun with a jungle-themed atmosphere and convenient poolside dining. At the stern, the Infinity Pool and Infinity Bar create a serene retreat where water appears to merge with the sunset - so stunning that this space was chosen for the MSC Seascape’s crew and company management’s inaugural Caribbean pre-sailing celebration out of Galveston.
Kids’ Amenities & Spaces
MSC Seascape offers a variety of age-specific spaces for children and teens to play, explore, and unwind. On Deck 18, the Kids Area provides a dedicated space for toddlers through teens to enjoy games and activities away from the crowds. Families can splash at Pirates Cove Water Park, a pirate ship-themed pool experience, or engage in light sports and fitness at the Hall of Games. These thoughtfully designed areas ensure fun, safe, and memorable experiences for young travelers.
The Yacht Club

This is best described as a “ship-within-a-ship experience” from Deck 16-20 in the bow, with restricted access to guests in this enclave’s cabins, the Yacht Club offers exclusive amenities and elevated service for discerning travelers while still providing full access to the rest of the ship. Guests enjoy private 24-Hour butler service, a dedicated restaurant, two reserved massage rooms in the Aurea Spa, and concierge services The The ONE Pool, solarium, and sundeck provide serene relaxation, while the MSC Yacht Club Grill and Bar offers casual dining and drinks. Families benefit from convenient proximity to kid spaces, making The Yacht Club both luxurious and practical for a complete cruise experience.
Pre- or Post-Cruise Stay
Galveston Island
It can enhance your cruise experience to book Pre- and Post-Cruise stays on Galveston Island to unwind and relax. Here are some of the highlights - see our Blog on Galveston Island Stay for more.
Galveston Beach and the Seawall District
These set the tone with wide stretches of sand, ocean breezes, and open Gulf views, paired with easy access to restaurants, shopping, hotels, attractions, and the island’s convention center. The area supports relaxed beach time, casual dining, bike paths, and an unhurried start or finish to a cruise, while the Pleasure Pier adds classic seaside amusement with a Ferris wheel, thrill rides, family attractions, and food, including water rides known for soaking riders and nearby walkways.
USS Texas (BB-35) and Texas Independence
The USS Texas (BB-35), the only surviving dreadnought battleship to serve in both World Wars, including D-Day, is located nearby. The San Jacinto Battleground State Historic Site, where Texas won its independence, with preserved battlefield grounds and monuments tied to early American and Texas military history.
Historic Landmarks & Architecture
The Hotel Galvez, opened in 1911, is a historic beachfront hotel and Seawall landmark. Nearby, Sacred Heart Catholic Church is a designated historic site. The Strand Historic District features Victorian-era buildings, boutiques, museums, and restaurants reflecting Galveston’s role as a major Texas port.
Family Attractions & Indoor Experiences
Moody Gardens is a multi-faceted attraction with aquarium, rainforest, and science exhibits housed in its iconic glass pyramids, along with seasonal events.
Science & Space
NASA’s Johnson Space Center offers Mission Control tours (with advance planning) and a museum focused on U.S. human spaceflight.
Ports of Call
Your itinerary may vary and these highlights from ports of call are not intended as an exhaustive list of ways you might choose to explore each destination.
Costa Maya, Mexico
In Costa Maya, consider walking through Mayan archaeological sites such as Chacchoben, where pyramids, plazas, and ceremonial structures rise from the surrounding jungle. Take part in guided jungle walks or cycling routes near historical areas or spend time kayaking or paddleboarding on calm lagoons known for layered shades of blue. Round out the visit by stopping in small towns and craft markets to sample regional foods, see handmade goods, and learn about local history.
Isla de Roatán, Honduras
In Roatán, plan to snorkel or scuba dive along the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, where clear water and close-to-shore reefs make time in the water a central activity. On land, consider ziplining across forested hills, joining guided mangrove or coastal boat tours, or visiting wildlife parks and botanical areas. Include stops at seaside villages and scenic viewpoints to see everyday island life and wide views over the coastline and reef.
Cozumel, Mexico
In Cozumel, start with reef snorkeling or drift diving, letting gentle currents carry you along coral formations and marine life. On land, consider visiting the Mayan site of San Gervasio, riding ATVs or e-bikes along coastal and jungle paths, or taking boat trips to shallow sandbars such as El Cielo, known for clear water and sea life. Spend time in San Miguel walking town squares, visiting churches and small museums, and enjoying waterfront paths that reflect the island’s maritime history.













