MSC Seascape - Inaugural MSC Texas Cruise
Just the Facts:
Ship: MSC Seascape (2022), 4th and newest of the MSC Seaside Class. 170,000 tons. 5900 pax
Captain: Vincenzo Miele (Italy) / Hotel Director: George Nelson (USA) / Cruise Director: Ryan Rose (USA)
Ports: Galveston, TX - Costa Maya, Mexico - Isla de Roatán, Honduras - Cozumel, Mexico - Galveston, TX
I’m cruising solo, but as a part of the former Snoozemates group on this inaugural MSC cruise from Galveston, Texas. This is my first cruise on the relatively new MSC Seascape, my 30th MSC cruise, and my 227th cruise overall. I achieved the new 2025 Blue Diamond status, the highest level in the MSC Loyalty Club. I wanted to be on this cruise as I had lobbied MSC hard for this, as I was initially based in Texas.
Saturday, November 8th / Travel Day / Day 0 
I rescheduled my original flight by 1 day to allow for flexibility due to the U.S. government shutdown and potential flight delays. I now leave mid-day and not early on debark day. My Uber picked me up at the Villa at approximately 10:45 a.m., and I arrived at Tampa International Airport (TPA) at around 11:20 a.m. I checked my bag at Southwest Airlines and went to the main terminal to eat at Chick-fil-A for a hearty lunch. Many friends were experiencing flight cancellations, but I was unaffected, thank you, Karma. My direct flight was also not full, with only a few people in the middle seats. We landed at about 3:40 p.m. local time, and I took an Uber from Hobby Airport to my accommodation in Galveston. I made it to the Mansion on 17th just in time for complementary cocktails. I met four lovely couples, all of whom are sailing tomorrow on various ships. I enjoyed two Shiner Bock beers and some cheese and crackers before heading to my room. Aaron, the Concierge, took me up to Room #5 on the top floor. My room, The Hendley Room, was originally a children's room, so I had an extra bed that I used for my luggage. Wifi and TV are nice and modern, so I decided to stay in this evening and relax, watching some NCAA football. It was an easy travel day, and I feel fortunate, as it was a difficult day for many.
Sunday, November 9th / Embarkation / Day 1 
This is the Motorcycle Rally weekend in Galveston, and I heard loud motorcycles until 1:00 a.m., so sleep wasn’t ideal. I only had a few hours, and I was ready at 8:00 a.m. for the start of breakfast service. They offer a nice selection of breakfast items, and the eggs are made to order. I ordered the scrambled eggs, avocado toast with balsamic vinegar drizzle, and crispy bacon. It was all excellent. You can actually see the new Pier 14 terminal from the front of the Mansion, but I already paid for car service; in the future, I will walk it. VIP guests have a separate entrance, their own security and check-in area, and a guest lounge with toilets and refreshments. I arrived before 11:00 a.m., and I went straight through. We also had our own escalator to the ship, and I really appreciated that it was entirely separate from the general boarding process. Easy peasy. I was in my cabin by 11:20 a.m. I performed some cabin preparation and then proceeded to my muster station as required. I then went to the Green Wave Restaurant (MDR) just as it opened at noon. I enjoy a set-down dining venue on embarkation day, if one is available. They were only receiving between 12 and 1:00 p.m., so it was limited. I had a Cobb Salad, the Steak entree, and a nice dessert. All was very good. I then watched the second half of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers NFL game in the Sports Bar on deck 8. I really needed a nap, but our assigned dining time at 5:00 p.m. won’t allow it today. I don’t like dining that early, but some in the group requested it. I believe we have scheduled a 4:00 p.m. cocktail meet at the Loft Bar for the week. It went well today. We all then went to dinner in the Green Wave MDR at about 5:00 p.m. We have two six-top tables for our little group. Tonight, I ordered: Tomato Creme Soup, Greek Salad, Shrimp Cocktail, the slow-roasted Prime Rib entrée, and Crème Catalana for dessert. Everything was excellent, as was the service. I retired to the cabin very early because I was tired from lack of sleep. I do have a very nice, larger balcony cabin on an outer curve of the ship's superstructure. That gives me a unique, large balcony and additional space in the cabin. I also have a unique forward view. I don’t usually get a balcony when sailing solo, but when I saw this special cabin available, I took it. It was a fast, straightforward embarkation day on the MSC Seascape.
Monday, November 10th / Day at Sea / Day 2 
Rolling seas overnight, and I had an excellent night's sleep. The bedding and pillow choices —two soft & two firmer — are ideal. Antonio, my cabin steward, had left me ice last night that lasted through the night, so a beverage for my morning caffeine. I went to The Butcher's Cut for breakfast at about 9:00 a.m. and was seated at my favorite table there immediately. I ordered the Steak & Eggs with sides of Hash Browns, Bacon, and Sausage. It was excellent. I saw several from my group on the way out; they read the blog, so they know the secret breakfast spots. I then found a machine to register my credit card to my ship account, and as I came down the beautiful Swavorsky staircase, I saw friends in the Deck 5 lobby. It became a Bloody Mary party for the next hour and a half. At about 1:00 p.m. I went to the cabin and had Balcony Time the rest of the afternoon, only taking a break to get a delicious Pizza slice and Coca-Cola from the Marketplace (buffet) on the deck above. I really like this balcony with the unique view, and I was in the shade the entire time; it was perfect. At about 4:00 p.m., I went to the Loft Lounge for our meet-up cocktails. The service was the worst I have experienced on MSC. Of course, our 5:00 p.m. dining time reflects our earlier cocktail hour. Once we acquired a server, things improved somewhat. At 5:30 p.m., six of us went to Kaito Tappenyaki for dinner. It was an excellent experience. They served the same food as last week when on the MSC Seashore, but in a different order. So, the lobster and scallops came earlier in the courses, followed later by the Wagyu Beef in the last course. Better, I think. It was a great experience, always more fun with a group. I did a short walkabout before returning to my cabin. It’s a great help that the MSC Seashore and MSC Seascape are identical; I feel comfortable walking around the ship. It was a great day on the ship.
Tuesday, November 11th / Day at Sea / Day 3 
Continued rolling seas overnight. I left the balcony door open overnight and could hear the waves breaking on the ship. I love the sound of water when sleeping, and I have a sleep channel on TV with various sounds that I use every night. It was live last night. At about 8:45 a.m. I went to Hola’s Cantina for breakfast. I ordered the Mexican Scrambled Eggs, Bacon, Sausage, Guacamole & Hot Milk. It was a good change. I then did a walkabout and ran into two friends from my Carnival Cruise days, who later joined me at the Diamond and Blue Diamond Reception. Blue Diamonds arrived at 10:30 a.m. and Diamond guests at 11:00 a.m., allowing me to have some one-on-one time with the Hotel Director. I received a direct answer regarding the room service trays in the passageway protocol, as well as other changes made for Texas guests on the MSC Seascape. Afterward, I had cabin time until time for our 4:00 p.m. cocktail hour. My Elderflower Martinis have become a big hit among the group, and bar service was better. My friends joined us for cocktails and dinner. We had the table space, as two Snoozemates regretfully missed the cruise due to flight cancellations. We had the Gala Night menu tonight. I ordered the Lobster Bisque (which I will pass on in the future), two Shrimp Cocktails, the Filet Mignon, and the broiled Lobster Tail entrees, along with the traditional Baked Alaska for dessert. It was a fantastic dinner, and the service was excellent. The group split up for various events throughout the ship this evening, including the Theater Production Show and several music venues. I did a nice walkabout before retiring to the cabin. Tonight I conducted some business, updated this blog, sat on the balcony, and remembered to put my room service menu out before going to sleep. It was another great sea day on the MSC Seascape.
Wednesday, November 12th / Costa Maya, Mexico / Day 4 
Rolling seas until we docked very early at Costa Maya. I slept well. At sunrise, I had a great view until the Norwegian Encore docked opposite us. At about 8:30 a.m. I had my room-service breakfast delivered to enjoy on the balcony, and I could watch the crews lash down the ships as the wind was picking up. I have been stuck on this pier twice due to the wind, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see it happen again today. At about 10:00 a.m., I went up to the Jungle area on Deck 16. I found a table, and many friends joined throughout the day. The weather did improve, but my perfect view of the port area is as close as I will get. I did book a few cruises, and using the laptop, we all wished the DW a Happy Birthday over the Ring doorbell camera back in Florida. Bloody Marys, Rum Daquiris, Pizza, and Coca-Cola were enjoyed. It was FUN. I retired to the cabin for rest before our next get-together at 4:00 p.m. We only had six for cocktails, but it was a port day, and people were worn out in the wind. We had all but two people for dinner, and we arrived before 5:00 p.m. There were empty tables there, too. During dinner, the Encore and Carnival Jubilee sailed, using our ship as a windbreak, which left us to fend for ourselves. We really struggled to get away from the pier. Guests stopped eating and watched the window as the engines and thrusters roared, struggling to gain momentum. It took a while, but we finally got underway safely. In my opinion, the menu was weaker tonight. I ordered the Pulled Pork Quesadillas, a Shrimp Cocktail, the Pasta Bolognese, and the Texas-Style Beef Brisket entrée. Most Texans would probably disagree with the description. The service was good, and we were out by 6:40 p.m. Many went to the Comedy Show tonight. I took a walkabout, always ending up at the forward elevators, which made it easy to reach Deck 15. The skies are overcast, and with the thermal flares making the Aurora Borealis visible all the way to Florida, our WiFi is erratic at best this evening. No news streaming tonight, but I did update this blog. It was an easy, relaxing day in Costa Maya.
Thursday, November 13th / Roatan Island, Honduras / Day 5 
Still rolling seas overnight, and I slept well. The WiFi worked much better this morning, and we were docked early in Coxen Hole, Roatan, at the new pier. The new RCL ship Star of the Seas is docked at the original pier next to us (photo). At 8:30 a.m. I went to the Butcher’s Cut Steakhouse for breakfast. I had the wonderful Pastries, Hot Milk, Fried Eggs, Hash Browns, Bacon, link sausage, and a NY Strip Steak. All outstanding as well as the service. At 11:15 a.m., I went up to the Jungle Pool area for a Coca-Cola before leaving the ship, but it began raining, so I remained on board. It became a repeat of yesterday with friends dropping by, so we made a day of it. The Pizza was again excellent for a light lunch. Busier today due to the rain, and the Jungle area is covered, so guests preferred the ship’s pool today. I then had cabin time before our 4:00 p.m. cocktail hour in the Loft Lounge on Deck 8. The bar service was significantly improved today, although they had been out of Elderflower for the past two days. I got my cocktails at the sports bar. We went to dinner a bit early, as requested by our waiter on Tuesday, when we were a bit late due to poor service in the Loft Lounge. It does make it better for him as he has a 7:00 p.m. and a 9:00 p.m. seating behind us nightly. Excellent selections for dinner tonight. I ordered the Escargots a la Bourguignonne, Broccoli Cheddar Soup, Shrimp Cocktail, Beetroot Salad, the Roasted Beef Tenderloin entree, and Dulce de Leche Cream Cake for dessert. My second favorite menu night on MSC cruises. They don't serve my favorite MSC Salad, Baby Spinach with Walnut Dressing, on this ship, not sure why. After dinner, the group split up for various activities, including Casino, the Production Show in the Theater, and Live Music venues. I did my usual post-dinner walkabout, finishing my Hugo Spritzer cocktail. The ship is again rocking in the ocean, and music this evening.
Friday, November 14th / Cozumel Island, Mexico / Day 6 
Rolling seas continue, and I usually enjoy it, but it is getting somewhat repetitive. I woke early, but I’m in no rush today; we were already docked at Puerto Langosta before I got around. I left the ship at about 10:00 a.m. and went to Zensi Spa. They were waiting for me, and I received the deluxe pedicure at the regular price, as they weren’t open when I visited two weeks ago. Now I’m spoiled and will want the deluxe from now forward. It was great. I then stopped at the Iglesia de San Miguel church (photo) as always, before ending up at Woody’s Bar & Grill. Several friends were already there. I enjoyed several Bohemia Clara beers, Guacamole, & Pico de Gallo. The live music and fast WiFi are great features at this great bar in downtown San Miguel. I did some shopping for Mexican dresses for the granddaughter on the way back to the ship. I was back aboard by 3:30 p.m., just before a light shower occurred. A very productive day in Cozumel. I passed on cocktails and went directly to the Green Wave for dinner. Just a fair menu tonight IMHO. I ordered the Stuffed Mushrooms, Shrimp Cocktail, the Penne all’Amatriciana pasta course, the Lamb Shank entree with Mint Sauce, and the Coconut Cake for dessert. The MDR has been disappointing, adequate, but not outstanding, as on my recent sailings on Seashore or World America. I did the usual long walkabout on the way forward, and some guests dressed for White Night, but it will catch on with the Galveston sailings. This is the first cruise on MSC for the vast majority of guests. It was a good, productive day in Cozumel.
Saturday, November 15th / Day at Sea / Day 7 
Finally, smoother seas overnight. I slept well, but I woke up earlier than intended. I was waiting for my 8:30 a.m. room service delivery, but it didn’t arrive until 9:30 a.m. My first clue that I had not changed my time last night. We changed the ship's time four times in a seven-day period. Very confusing for guests and crew. The good news is that the weather has improved significantly, and it's perfect, in fact. I had breakfast on the balcony, and it was delightful. I stayed out enjoying the weather and sea air while Antonio cleaned my cabin. I went up to the Jungle Bar on Deck 16 with the group, had Bloody Marys, and discovered my mistake in time; I had mentally thought we were on Tampa time, but we were heading to Galveston. I had a reservation at Hola! Cantina at 12:15 p.m. for a big meal, as the rest of the day will be cabin time and College Football. I really enjoyed Holas! and the service was excellent. I had a great table on the outside window and watched the Harmony of the Seas, my home for the next week, sail alongside for the entire hour (photo). Guacamole, Pico de Gallo, Queso Fundido, four different Street Tacos, Flan, and two frozen MangoRitas made for a great and filling meal. I was in my cabin streaming the OU/Bama game when I discovered that it was on ESPN Caribbean on the cabin TV (thanks, Mike), which had a bigger screen for sure. Very exciting and close game all the way to the very end … Oklahoma 23, Alabama 21 in Tuscaloosa. I had prepared the cabin as a man cave today with Cokes & snacks and enjoyed several football games. I did some prepacking during the later games, then retired early to stream the news before bed. It was a great sea day on the ship, doing precisely what I wanted.
Sunday, November 16th / Debarkation Day
I was up early and finished packing, then went to the MDR for a nice early breakfast. I was back at the cabin to pick up my bags, as we are supposed to be out of them by 8:00 a.m. I went up one deck to the Jungle area, and only a few guests were waiting up there. I took a lounger, relaxed, and made some telephone calls. At about 10:00 a.m., they made the first final announcement as all debark numbers were called. Since I was on Deck 16, no problem getting an elevator, and basically, few guests were left on Deck 6. They were actually taking down the exit signs. Perhaps it’s best to wait, as I did, as it was so smooth. It only took 15-20 minutes to walk to the Royal Caribbean pier, where I checked my bag with the first porters I encountered. Easy Peasy.
Highlights
Sailing with good friends
Kaito Tappenyaki
Hola! Cantina
Zensi Spa
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