MSC Cruise Review: Is MSC Seashore the BEST Cruise for Families?
Welcome back to Suitcase Princess! It has been forever since I’ve shared an original post here, but this one was absolutely worth coming back for. I recently wrapped up a quick adult-only getaway with my husband, and today I’m sharing a full MSC Cruise Review of our time on the MSC Seashore sailing out of Port Canaveral.
We normally cruise with our kids. We’re a family of four who loves to travel, and most of what we share is fully family-friendly. But this time? It was just the two of us. Even so, I always look at every trip through a family lens, so if you’re wondering whether the MSC Seashore is the best cruise for families, this breakdown is exactly what you need.
Let’s talk about what MSC is really like — the surprises, the quirks, the value, and whether I’d bring my kids on this ship in the future.
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Why MSC Landed on Our Radar
MSC wasn’t on my cruise radar at all until recently, but with their new Galveston terminal being built (we’re Houston-based!), the timing was perfect to finally try them. MSC Cruise Line is privately owned and operates worldwide, especially in Europe. And the biggest shock? The price. Wow.
For our three-night sailing, including the drink package and Wi-Fi, the cost was incredibly low compared to other cruise lines. We used Southwest points to get to Orlando and booked a shuttle from the airport to Port Canaveral — super easy, about 45–50 minutes.
MSC’s pricing is honestly what convinced us to go, and from a value standpoint, it delivered.
Booking and Embarkation: Surprisingly Smooth
We booked through a travel agent who was able to get us the best deal with the drink package included. Our embarkation time said 3 PM, but research told me we could arrive earlier, so we did. We were on board by 11:30 AM — unbelievably simple.
Bags dropped off, check-in done, no hiccups, no stress. Truly one of the easiest embarkations I’ve experienced.
Stateroom Experience
We stayed in a balcony room and really enjoyed the layout — sitting area first, bed near the balcony, great lighting, quiet at night, plenty of plugs, USBs, and storage.
The only downside? The shower. It was tiny. Like, bump-the-door-open-while-you-shower tiny.
Otherwise, the room was perfect for two adults and honestly still workable for a family with kids.
Dining and Drinks: Hits and Misses
MSC food is interesting. Some of it is fantastic… some takes a minute to figure out.
Buffet
The buffet layout is fragmented and confusing. You kind of wander around trying to figure out where everything is. The hand-wash stations were great, but not always at logical entry points.
Portion sizes were surprisingly reasonable, and I never once felt overly stuffed.
Main Dining Room
Food quality: really good.
Service: hit or miss.
Portions: perfect.
We were originally assigned to sit with strangers (no thank you), but each night we were able to request a private table with no issue.
Pizza
The thin-crust pizza is excellent. The other style… not so much. Once we found the right one, we kept going back.
Drink Package
Drinks everywhere. The espresso martinis were fantastic. The alcoholic drinks aren’t particularly strong, which honestly worked great for a relaxing adults-only trip.
The drink package includes 15 alcoholic drinks per day, but that doesn’t include water or soda. We never hit the limit.
Ship Vibe and Onboard Experience
MSC ships have a very distinctive vibe — bold, sparkly, a little gaudy, but fun.
The Seashore isn’t a massive ship, so it feels a bit segmented in its layout, similar to the buffet. But we found some wonderful spots:
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The whirlpool areas overlooking the ocean
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Great bars with live music
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A huge casino
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Relaxing deck spaces with plenty of seating
We did a nighttime show, and MSC is definitely not known for entertainment. Good to know going in.
Ports: Nassau + Ocean Cay Marine Reserve
In Nassau, we did our own self-guided walking tour after downloading an app. Super simple, no paid excursion needed.
Ocean Cay was the surprise MVP. MSC is actively restoring the island, and it’s gorgeous. We brought our own snorkel gear and saw fish and a stingray. Plenty of beach space, shuttles around the island, lifeguards everywhere, and we could use our drink package there too.
Food lines were long, and the burgers were pre-built (not my favorite), and the seagulls are… aggressive. But overall, we loved the island.
Would I Bring My Kids on MSC Seashore?
Honestly? Yes. Absolutely.
MSC offers incredible value, and the ship has tons for families:
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Multiple water slides
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A ropes course
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A splash pad
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Kids clubs
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A jungle-themed indoor pool
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LEGO partnership with special builds
My kids would easily find plenty to enjoy, especially on a Caribbean itinerary. The macaroni might not be their favorite, but between pizza, fruit, pastries, and kid-friendly options, they’d be fine.
MSC Cruise Review: Final Thoughts
For price, value, and a short getaway, MSC blew me away. Not everything was perfect, but for what we spent, it exceeded expectations. And yes — I would absolutely sail MSC again, with or without the kids.
If you’re on the fence about trying MSC, I say go for it. It’s almost impossible to cruise for less.
If you have questions about this MSC Cruise Review, MSC Seashore, or cruising as a family, drop them below or find me on Instagram at Making Everyday Magic.
Thanks for being here — it feels good to be back.
