MSC Cruise Line is a Swiss-Italian line that was founded in 1988 in Naples, Italy as part of the Mediterranean Shipping Company. Popular in Europe for more than 30 years, the line is actively and aggressively breaking into the American market with ships currently sailing in the Caribbean and South America, and Alaskan sailings starting in 2026. Its 23rd ship, the impressive MSC World America started sailing in April 2025 to west and east Caribbean destinations.
On top of this growth and the addition of itineraries, MSC is offering cruise fares that are more than competitive with the other mass market cruise lines. We thought it only fair to take advantage of a great offer and relentless marketing to figure out what all the hype was about. We spent 7 nights on a Mediterranean cruise on the MSC Seashore, largely in part to an amazing recommendation from my niece Hollie. Below is her story.
By Hollie Yates
When I used to think about cruises, the image that came to mind was of 60-somethings playing deck games and turning in early. That stereotype completely changed for us thanks to MSC.
My fiancé Rob and I went on our first MSC cruise aboard the MSC Seascape in January 2024, and we loved it so much that we returned for a second voyage in January 2025 being invited back with the Casino.
At 28 and 29 years old, we had the time of our lives. From the lively sail-away party and dance classes to themed events, spectacular theater shows, and even movies under the stars, there was never a dull moment. MSC Seascape proved that cruising can be exciting, youthful, and full of energy.
Some of the themed nights we attended were Gala Night, White Night, Tropical Night, Silent Disco Night, Glow Party
and Sunshine Party. There were some special events specific to the Casino guests which included a chance to meet the captain and share finger foods.
Our favorite spot to eat was a sit-down restaurant called Hola Tacos & Cantina. It was hands down the best Mexican food we had ever had, and it was all you could eat for only $25 a person!
The only downside for me was the number of guests on the cruise and some of the food options. The buffet and pool areas were always extremely crowded, and it felt like there was never a time when they weren’t packed. The only time the food really stood out was around 10:30 PM, when all hands were on deck, focusing only on pizza and hamburgers. Most of the buffet selections featured cuisines from other cultures that didn’t suit our tastes, and the sit-down dinners were predominantly seafood, which we don’t eat.
That being said, we are super excited to try out their new MSC World America cruise ship and see what it has to offer!
Photo credits go to Hollie Yates