Have you ever considered crossing the Atlantic Ocean aboard a floating city? MSC Seashore transforms the traditional ocean voyage into an extraordinary 17-day adventure from Barcelona to Miami. This comprehensive review will help you decide whether this transatlantic cruise deserves a spot on your travel bucket list.
Cruising offers a unique way to travel that combines luxury accommodation, world-class dining, and endless entertainment—all while visiting multiple destinations. Furthermore, you’ll wake up to breathtaking ocean views every morning without the hassle of packing and unpacking at different hotels. Additionally, transatlantic cruises provide excellent value, considering they include accommodation, meals, entertainment, and transportation between continents.
This detailed MSC Seashore review covers everything from boarding procedures to cabin comfort, dining options to onboard activities. Moreover, you’ll discover the pros and cons based on real passenger experiences, helping you make an informed decision about your next cruise vacation.
MSC Seashore: A Floating Paradise
MSC Seashore stands as one of the largest and most modern ships in the MSC Cruises fleet. Specifically, this impressive vessel accommodates approximately 6,000 passengers across 19 carefully designed decks. Each deck features spacious public areas, panoramic windows, and open platforms that offer spectacular ocean views.
The ship’s architectural design draws inspiration from New York City, complete with a stunning Swarovski crystal staircase that serves as a centerpiece. Meanwhile, families will appreciate the largest kids’ club in the MSC fleet, offering activities for children from newborns to teenagers aged 17.
What sets MSC Seashore apart is its thoughtful layout that prevents overcrowding despite its massive size. Passengers naturally spread throughout the ship, ensuring you can always find peaceful spots for relaxation or quiet contemplation.
For more details about the cruise and the cities we visited along the way, check out my article: Cruise to the USA – 17 Days from Barcelona to Miami.
The Transatlantic Route: Barcelona to Miami
The 17-day transatlantic journey follows a carefully planned itinerary that maximizes both sea days and port visits:
Days 1-5: The voyage begins in Barcelona, followed by two sea days before reaching the Canary Islands (Tenerife and Lanzarote).
Days 6-11: Six consecutive ocean days provide the perfect opportunity to explore the ship’s amenities and enjoy the peaceful rhythm of sea life.
Days 12-14: Caribbean highlights include Saint Martin, British Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico, offering tropical paradise experiences.
Days 15-17: The final stretch includes two more sea days before arriving in vibrant Miami.
This route perfectly balances relaxation with exploration. Ocean days allow you to fully experience ship facilities, while port days provide cultural immersion and shore excursion opportunities.
Accommodation: Comfort at Sea
Cabins aboard MSC Seashore are designed with passenger comfort in mind. Interior cabins, measuring 14 square meters, include essential amenities such as:
- Private bathroom with shower and hairdryer
- Flat-screen television and safe
- Spacious wardrobe and writing desk
- Mini-refrigerator for personal items
Storage solutions are particularly clever—large suitcases fit conveniently under beds, while wardrobes accommodate hanging clothes and folded items. The cabin layout maximizes space efficiency without compromising comfort.
However, some passengers note that air conditioning can be quite strong, so packing a light sweater might prove useful for sensitive individuals.
Dining Experiences: From Buffet to Fine Dining
The Main Buffet
The expansive buffet operates from 6 AM to 1 AM, ensuring you’ll never go hungry. Multiple themed sections offer diverse cuisine options, from Mediterranean favorites to Asian specialties. Additionally, complimentary beverages include water, tea, and coffee available around the clock.
Peak dining times can create temporary crowds, but the large space ensures everyone finds seating. Window tables are naturally popular, so arriving slightly earlier or later than standard meal times guarantees better seating options.
Main Restaurant Experience
The main restaurant provides a more formal dining atmosphere with waiter service and elegant presentation. While portions could be more generous, the quality and taste receive consistently positive reviews. Interestingly, menus don’t display prices, and you can order multiple courses without restrictions.
Dining times are pre-selected during booking—either 7 PM or 9 PM—and guests receive assigned tables for the entire journey. This arrangement often leads to interesting conversations with fellow passengers from around the world.
Entertainment and Activities
Swimming Facilities
Multiple pool areas cater to different preferences:
- Outdoor pools for sun worshippers
- Indoor pool for weather-dependent days
- Several jacuzzis strategically positioned throughout the ship
The pirate-themed water park features four slides with minimal waiting times. Notably, the inflatable tube slide receives particular praise from guests of all ages.
Evening Entertainment
Professional shows run twice nightly to accommodate both dinner seatings. Productions range from Broadway-style musicals to acrobatic performances, ensuring entertainment quality rivals land-based theaters.
Practical Considerations
Boarding Process in Barcelona
Check-in procedures are remarkably efficient since passengers board at different ports throughout the journey. Designated boarding times (typically 1-2 hour windows) appear on tickets, and the entire process—including luggage drop-off—takes approximately 20 minutes.
Downloading the MSC app beforehand and completing required information significantly speeds up the boarding process.
Disembarkation in Miami
Since Miami serves as the final destination for most passengers, expect larger crowds during disembarkation. However, the process remains organized with deck-based time slots. Packing large suitcases the night before and leaving them outside cabin doors simplifies departure logistics.
Advantages and Disadvantages
Advantages:
- Modern design with impressive architectural features
- Spacious, well-appointed cabins with clever storage
- Extensive buffet with 19-hour daily operation
- Multiple dining venues and entertainment options
- Exceptional water park and pool facilities
- Professional, friendly crew members
- Large ship design prevents crowding issues
Disadvantages:
- Overly strong air conditioning in cabins
- Premium spa services carry high price points
- Occasional slow disembarkation at certain ports
- Main restaurant portions could be more substantial
Is MSC Seashore Worth Booking?
This transatlantic cruise delivers exceptional value for travelers seeking luxury, convenience, and adventure. The combination of modern amenities, diverse dining options, and entertainment variety creates an experience that appeals to various age groups and travel styles.
Families particularly benefit from extensive children’s facilities, while couples appreciate romantic dining venues and peaceful relaxation areas. Solo travelers find numerous social opportunities through shared dining tables and organized activities.
Planning Your MSC Seashore Adventure
Before booking, consider seasonal variations in weather and passenger demographics. November sailings typically feature fewer children and more moderate Caribbean temperatures, while summer crossings might appeal to families with school-age children.
For detailed information about specific ports and shore excursions, explore additional cruise resources and traveler communities. Furthermore, booking early often provides better cabin selection and promotional pricing opportunities.
Ready to embark on your transatlantic adventure? MSC Seashore offers an unforgettable way to cross the Atlantic Ocean while enjoying world-class amenities and visiting stunning destinations. This floating paradise proves that sometimes the journey truly matters as much as the destination.