MSC Seashore - 2025 Halloween CruiseJust the Facts:
Ship: MSC Seashore
Captain: Marco Colonna (Italy) / Hotel director: Paul Cernat (Romania) / Cruise Director: Jose Ventura (Dominican Republic)
Ports: Port Canaveral, USA - Ocean Cay, Bahamas (overnight) - Costa Maya, Mexico - Cozumel, Mexico
I’m cruising as a solo on this 7-day cruise. This is my 7th cruise on the MSC Seashore, my 29th cruise on MSC, and my 226th cruise overall. I again have the newish Blue-Diamond status, which is now the highest level in the MSC Loyalty Club, and this is a repeat of my spring cruises.
Sunday, October 26 / Port Canaveral / Embarkation / Day 1
I was assigned an early boarding time, so I planned accordingly and left the Florida Villa at about 8:30 a.m. for the drive to Port Canaveral. I arrived at Park-N-Cruise at about 10:45 a.m. Another change in operations is that we again leave the car keys with them. They have changed systems three times now, yet remain very efficient. I soon boarded a shuttle bus to the port terminal. We arrived at Pier number 10 just after 11:20ish. As the bus arrived, I noticed a very short line for boarding. The new Blue Diamond status benefit made it very easy for me. I rolled my single-rolling duffle bag to the nearby Yacht Club kiosk, and was confirmed as Blue Diamond, and went straight up the escalator. Then, a special line through security and to the Priority Booking area for final check-in. Sweet. I was in my cabin to drop my bag within minutes—very smooth embarkation. Since the cabins don’t officially open until later, I went to my muster station located in the casino, then to the Marketplace Buffet on Deck 16 for a light lunch. I then went to the Brooklyn Lounge, met a friend, and had a few Elderflower Martinis until cabins were announced ready at about 2:30 p.m. I have a standard Fantastica interior on Deck 15 near the forward elevators. I hung my clothes in the wardrobe and prepped my cabin for the week. At 6:00, I returned to the Brooklyn Lounge for cocktails before our 7:15 p.m. dining assignment in the Central Park (Main) Dining Room on deck five aft. I had a nice dinner, ordering the Creme of Tomato Soup, a Shrimp Cocktail, the Prime Rib Beef entree, and a nice Pistachio dessert. Dinner was good. I did a brief walkabout, and there weren't many Halloween decorations as I expected, but it's not really a big holiday in Europe. After such a busy day, I retired early after dinner and went to sleep. It was an easy embarkation day on the MSC Seashore.
Monday, October 27 / Ocean Cay - private island, Bahamas / Day 2
Tuesday, October 28 / Ocean Cay - private island, Bahamas / Day 3 
We were docked overnight, so no rocking to sleep, but I did sleep well and got up very early. With an early walkabout, like magic, today the ship is fully decorated for Halloween, and it’s very well done. There are also some well-decorated guest cabin doors (photo). I planned a cabin day and had a good start by going back to bed and sleeping until 10:00 a.m. One advantage of an interior cabin. I went to the Central Park MDR for the special Italian Luncheon. I beat the crowd by arriving as they opened at 11:30 a.m.. I had a lovely table and watched us sail away from Ocean Cay a bit early, too. I was surprised that we actually stayed the second day due to the hurricane south of us. No rain this morning, just an overcast sky. My lunch was excellent; I had the Antipasta Plate with lovely Cheeses, hot Vegetables, and Italian cold cuts. I then had a Ziti al forno, a ragu that reminded me of Bologna, then the Pollo alla Cacciatora in a tomato sauce. The Tiramisu dessert was excellent. The best meal of the cruise so far. I returned to the just-cleaned cabin with some Coca-Cola, so I’m set for an afternoon online for both browsing and business. BTW, the premium streaming WiFi works perfectly. At 5:00 p.m. I had cocktails in the Brooklyn Lounge, then went to the Tappenyaki Restaurant for dinner. I ate there in April and it was good, but not impressive. Tonight I went with the premium Shogun Dinner, and it made all the difference in the world. We began with Sushi & Sashimi, then Miso Soup, a Teppan Salad, Garlic Fried Rice, Lobster with Scallops, and Wagyu Beef from Japan. It was well worth the $75 menu price, especially since $55 of it was covered by my Diamond dining benefit. The chef and waiter were excellent, making for a wonderful evening. After dinner, I did a walkabout and noticed more Halloween Decorations. There were lots of activities this evening, but I retired early. An effortless, restful day with two excellent meals for me on the MSC Seashore.
Wednesday, October 29 / Day at Sea / Day 4 
Smooth seas overnight, and I slept well. We also turned our clocks back one hour overnight, so most were up early this morning. It’s Brunch Buffet in the MDR, but we had breakfast at the Butcher’s Cut Steakhouse. Not busy and very enjoyable, with a table by the window that allowed us to view Cuba clearly on our port side. I ordered the Steak & Eggs, a Fruit Bowl, Bacon, Hash Browns, Sausage, and Toast, as well as a unique Pastry platter, which was complemented by hot milk and juice. Our waiter was the same one from the Tappenyaki last evening, so the service was excellent. Three great meals in a row. I did a walkabout and acquired some Coca-Colas from the Sports Bar for my cabin. I conducted business the rest of the day until I did an afternoon walkabout. It was a beautiful day, especially considering there was a Category 5 hurricane just south of us. I did enjoy a Daquri and the sea air on Deck 18. BTW, there is no Deck 17 on MSC ships; we go from Deck 16 to 18. I went to the Brooklyn Bar around 6:00 p.m. for my Elderflower Cocktails and enjoyed a beautiful sunset (photo). Tonight is the Gala Night Dinner, and it’s about 50/50 on whether guests will actually dress up or go casual. I went casual, although I brought pants and a dress shirt; it's just easier to dress in nice, casual clothes. The menu was excellent, and I ordered a lot: Lobster Bisque, Eggplant Parmesan, Shrimp Cocktail, and both entrees —the Filet Mignon and Lobster Tail. It was delicious and very filling. Four great meals in a row over the last two days. I did a walkabout afterwards, then retired to the cabin. I received a lovely Blue Diamond pin, along with a message from the incoming Captain/Master, whom I have spoken with twice during this cruise. He wants to get together tomorrow —perfect, as I’m not keen on Costa Maya. I’ll update then. I haven’t attended any shows this cruise as I’ve seen them all, but I’m really enjoying my free time. It was a lovely sea day on the MSC Seashore.
Thursday, October 30 / Costa Maya, Mexico / Day 5 
Smooth seas overnight, and I slept well. I had a quiet morning before heading to guest services at about 11:30 a.m. and was escorted to the Venchi 1878 Chocolate Bar, where I was seated in a private booth. Soon, I was joined by Shail, the Guest Relations Manager, and the new Captain/Master, Marco Valero Colonna. I wasn’t in trouble; they just wanted to spend some very special time with the senior Blue Diamond guest. I very much appreciated it too. Afterward, I went to Hola! Cantina for lunch. I actually beat the All-inclusive price of $24.99 by a dollar, but ate all I could. I had the Classic Guacamole, Pico de Gallo, Queso Fundido, and four different street Tacos (photo). I also had a PineappleRita and a Mexican Flan for dessert. All was very good. It’s a beautiful day with three ships docked, and I watched the NCL Escape sail away while dining. Hola is located next to the Infinity Bridge, on the port side deck 8, offering a great view of the cruise ships while they are docked. I stopped at the Brooklyn Lounge for my Coca-Colas to take back to the cabin. I had cabin time and a wee nap this afternoon, then went to the Brooklyn Lounge for cocktails. The servers & bartenders there really take care of us. There were four large ships docked, one more than usual due to rerouting caused by the hurricane. That’s just too many people for this port. I did the right thing staying on board. Dinner tonight was good, with the best selection of starters of the week's menu. I had the Escargot à la Bourguignonne, Beetroot Salad, Seafood Newburg (with Scallops), Shrimp Cocktail, the Roasted Beef Tenderloin entrée, and the Dulce de Leche Cream Cake. All excellent, so now six great meals in a row. Tonight is the White Night Party, and many guests are dressed in white, which is good to see the participation. I later had a Coca-Cola and retired. It was an enjoyable day on board the MSC Seashore.
Friday, October 31 / Cozumel, Mexico / Day 6 
Smooth seas overnight, and I slept well. We are docked at Puerto Langosta, and it’s a beautiful day. At about 9:00 a.m., I debarked the ship and casually walked into San Miguel while it was nice and cool. Looks like my Spa is taking the day off for Day of the Dead, so I went to Antonios Barber Shop for my haircut. Martin has done a great job on my hair for seventeen years. Afterward, I went to the Church, and it was busier than usual, as this is the weekend they honor their dead. Mike was already at Woody’s, holding my usual table that’s next to the Day of the Dead altar on this day. Nice DoD altar. I ordered my usual Coca-Cola, then Bohemia Clara, and Guacamole with Pico de Gallo. Lots of Halloween decorations are up, too. I know they are having a big party this evening. The Live Music began in the afternoon, and the weather is relatively cool…sweet. I left for the return early enough to casually walk and stop along the way. They did not have Mexican immigration security this morning, and this afternoon, only the Port checked cruise cards. I have to remember the new Carl’s Junior on the main square for future cravings. Lots of decor for Day of the Dead in the Main Square and Malecon (photo). Always a relief to clean up after a day here in Cozumel. At 6:00 p.m. I went to the Brooklyn Lounge for the usual cocktails, then to dinner at 7:15 p.m. Tonight, I ordered the Stuffed Baked Mushrooms, Shrimp Cocktail, Penne all’American Pasta, the NY Strip Steak entree (2), and the Coconut Cake for dessert. It was all excellent. Afterward, a short walkabout to see the many guests in Halloween costumes. More than I expected, but fewer than on other cruises. Still a fun Halloween turnout. I then returned to the cabin to update this blog. It was a great port day in Cozumel.
Saturday, November 1 / Day at Sea / Day 7 
Smooth seas overnight with a light shower in the early hours. We are staying on Cozumel time, as tomorrow is the day we observe Daylight Saving Time. Essentially, we will remain on the ship's time for a day, and we will arrive with the correct EST local time. I was hoping they would do this, as it makes sense. At about 9:00 a.m. I went to breakfast in the Steakhouse and had the same waiter, sitting at a table by the window. I again had the Steak & Eggs with extras (photo). It was terrific. Today’s plan is for a full day of NCAA football. I stopped at the Sports Bar and got some Coca-Cola for the cabin. I had great TV reception on my laptop and watched two excellent games. I took a break during the mid-day games and went to Hola! Cantina for a great meal. I received everything I ordered on Thursday, including Chicken Enchiladas and Pork Quesadillas. It was very filling, and all the dishes tasted delicious. The evening game featured my team, Oklahoma, vs. Tennessee, and it was a very entertaining and close game. I was able to watch my Sooners win and also watch the extra innings of the World Series. I did some packing and will be ready for an early debarkation in the morning. I really didn’t do much cruise-related, but it was a good day on the MSC Seashore.
Sunday, November 2 / Debarkation Day
Smooth seas overnight. I roll off my own bag so I can leave the cabin early.
Highlights
Teppanyaki Dinner
Hola! Cantina
Excellent Food and Service in the Main Dining Room
Private Meeting wth Captain
Diamond Guest Party
Cozumel Day
