No matter where I have lived, no matter what part of the country I’ve moved and adapted to, I remain a die-hard native New Yorker.
Despite my love and devotion to the “city that never sleeps”, every now and then I look to venture out on a luxury cruise ship in its entire splendor and explore this great big world.
Imagine my joy when I was introduced to the latest and the greatest in cruise experiences, resplendent with a NYC vibe and theme at every turn…
THE MSC SEASCAPE
With utter finesse and authenticity, the MSC Seascape not only pays tribute to New York City, but it captures the very heart and soul of it via cultural experiences and its nods to NYC design and personality, which is expressed through its public areas and venue names — the very essence of my home town.
Expect to be awestruck by a grand replica of Lady Liberty herself — The Statue of Liberty — at the center of its vibrant casino, as well as an expansive retail and entertainment promenade duly named Times Square — reminiscent of all things wonderful about the city that never sleeps.
And you might not sleep yourself. Here’s why:
Miniature skyscrapers featuring Times Square-like giant screens light up the stage inside the ship’s casino, and thousands upon thousands of sparkling Swarovski crystals shine within the staircases in the four-deck atrium.
Just like New York City, the dining is global and spectacular. The ship boasts 11 restaurants including 5 specialty spots and 20 unique bars, ranging from signature seafood and Asian cuisine to Mexican street food and a New York-style old-school steakhouse with new-school culinary delights. MSC Seascape’s main restaurants, dedicated dining venues for Yacht Club guests and a sprawling buffet complete the options.
BUTCHER’S CUT
MSC Seascape features MSCs signature American-style steakhouse; Butcher’s Cut, with al fresco dining allowing sublime views while you indulge. The menu is accompanied by bold New World wines and modern cocktails.
Is there anything quite like a good steak cooked to perfection and a glass of Cabernet?
HOLA! TACOS & CANTINA
Featuring select Mexican-inspired dishes with a twist, enjoy an impressive selection of tacos, tamales and an interactive guacamole station. Choose from a variety of signature frozen margaritas, fresh juices, horchata and a selection of homemade salsas and hot sauces.
KAITO SUSHI BAR
This sushi bar has a conveyor belt that constantly moves fresh and varietal sushi, allowing guests to hand-pick sushi creations.
KAITO TEPPANYAKI
Be seated and await the magic that comes from the very talented hibachi chefs, complete with comedic interactions and downright fabulous food prepared before your eyes.
The fried rice alone will have you eating seconds — and thirds.
OCEAN CAY RESTAURANT
Offering a menu of fine fish dishes, guests can feast on fresh seafood complemented by an expansive wine list.
After dinner, visit Venchi 1878 for some gelato or perhaps sip and savor a chocolate martini. The Wine Cave showcases the Seascape’s wine cellar where you can enjoy a tasting expertly paired with a selection of cheeses. The elegant rooftop Sky Bar cocktail lounge offers live music complemented by ocean views while the Champagne Bar offers a variety of champagne, prosecco and other choice bubbles in addition to an impressive array of caviar and chilled seafood.
For something more casual than and truly as adored as old New York, the Sports Bar offers craft beers, a fully stocked bar, game time bites and individual TV booths to watch the action. The Sports Bar is adorned with boxing gloves, hockey helmets, baseball bats and other memorabilia, and a billiards room beckons you to stay and play.
And if you do indeed intend to get some sleep while on board…The MSC Seascape features new cabins designed to accommodate all. Choose among several types of cabins and suites with balconies including the coveted aft suits, terraced suites with large balconies; and even suites with outdoor private whirlpools. The 2 palatial Owner’s Suites are worth viewing if you have the opportunity, as they are the largest and most luxurious of the MSC Yacht Club suites.
BE PREPARED TO BE WOWED!
THE MSC SEASCAPE YACHT CLUB
Head to the port curb and present your Yacht Club ID. From there let the ready-and-waiting staff whisk you away. Give yourself over to the yacht club experience for ultimate VIP perks, with actual white glove service. You’ll bypass the lines during check-in with champagne in hand before being escorted by a butler to your suite.
And then, you have arrived.
The yacht club suites are resplendent with elegant design, complete with king-sized beds adorned with Egyptian cotton linens and a memory foam mattress. All of the accouterments that you could ever want — from flat and still Italian bottled water, teas, nuts, wine glasses and a fully stocked mini-bar, await you. A generous-sized and well-appointed bathroom allows for ease in living, while a large screen state of the art television provides for your viewing pleasure including the Turner Classic Movies channel featuring 24-hour showings of old classic movies whenever you please.
And then there is your faithful and diligent butler, who studies and prepares for your every want and need, from your favorite newspaper delivered to your cabin daily, to your drink of choice, and the delicate pastries delivered to your cabin each afternoon.
In addition, MSC Yacht Club guests enjoy dedicated venues throughout the ship. The Top Sail Lounge is open from 6 a.m. to 1 a.m. and is a fabulous gathering point before dinner just upstairs in the exclusive Yacht Club dining venue. The expansive rooftop deck allows guests the indulgence of day beds, loungers, a pool and hot tub, a dedicated bar and seating to dine. MSC provides Yacht Club guests with a sprawling breakfast and lunch buffet, as well as special events like a white party with a DJ, and a Seafood Buffet lunch complete with grilled seafood brimming with lobster tails to your heart’s delight.
The premium drink package and complimentary Wi-Fi add convenience and amenities, along with the Thermal Spa where Yacht Club guests enjoy unlimited access.
For a decadent vacation, the MSC Seascape Yacht Club provides the most exclusive experiences in the cruising arena.