I recently sailed aboard the MSC Seascape on a 7-night round-trip from the port of Galveston, Texas, and it was my first time trying MSC. MSC has just inaugurated their brand new terminal and I wanted to try their Galveston Cruises. As someone who loves exploring new ships and destinations, I was excited to experience this modern vessel. Here’s my honest post-cruise review.
First Impressions and Embarkation: Galveston Port
If you’re flying into IAH-Houston International Airport, I recommend you fly in a day early and stay the night in Galveston. IAH is easily 1-2 hours from Galveston, depending on the traffic. Driving from inside the loop will take you about 1.2 hours, believe me, you don’t want the Houston traffic stress. Shuttle buses provided by the cruise line are available, but you must book at least a week before the sail date. Ubers and taxis are available but pricey- around $100-190 each way.
Cruising out of Galveston
If this is your first caribbean cruise out of Galveston, you might want to stay a night at least. There are plenty hotels and restaurants in Galveston, and the Galveston port terminals are only an 8-minute drive from the boardwalk where most are located.
One of my favorites is the Grand Galvez, a gorgeous hotel, a little pricey but worth it for the Texas experience. Otherwise, if you can, fly into Hobby airport, only about 45 minutes to Galveston. Shuttle buses are available from the hotels to the terminal.
MSC Cruises has a brand-new port terminal in Galveston, I was excited to see it since it is the second terminal just recently added, after Royal Caribbean, so lots of exciting cruise news for Galveston.
About a week or two before sail-date, download the MSC App, you’ll be able to check-in, printout your tickets and see you assigned embarkation time. Embarkation was smooth and efficient; we were on board within about 30-45 minutes of arriving.
Walking into the grand atrium wowed me with its dazzling design, lights, and European elegance. Truly a beautiful ship. I loved the brown and cream décor, I believe chocolate is the theme; their chocolate bar “Venchi” is wonderful.
The MSC Seascape, a 169,000+ gross ton ship launched in 2022, feels massive yet well-laid-out with plenty of open deck space. It holds over 5,000 passengers but rarely felt overwhelmingly crowded.
Staterooms and Yacht Club Luxury
As a solo traveler, I try to budget where I can. I stayed in an interior cabin in the Fantastica category. The room was perfect for a solo traveler, the bed was firm and comfortable, ample storage and a compact but functional bathroom. Housekeeping was excellent.
For those seeking ultimate indulgence, the MSC Yacht Club is a true standout- private lounge, dedicated restaurant, pool deck, and butler service. Although I haven’t experienced it, many of my clients loved it and rave about it as a ship-within-a-ship experience.
Dining and Food Experiences
MSC shines with variety: 11 restaurants and numerous bars. The main dining room offered solid multi-course meals with Italian influences and good service, though it could feel a bit rushed at peak times. The buffet area is much bigger than in other cruise lines, with international options, fresh pasta, and excellent pizza. The food was great, but I noticed every lunch hour had the same – hot dogs, burgers, brisket, and pizza. I wonder if it was because we were sailing out of Texas, so more locally friendly? Could be. 
I loved their Chocolate bar, “Venchi”, where you can purchase Italian chocolates, indulge in chocolate and caramel cocktails. The last day of the cruise, they had a 30% off sale on their chocolates, which made my day!
I splurged on a couple of specialty restaurants like Hola! Tacos & Cantina and enjoyed elevated options. The drink package (pre-purchased) was also convenient and worth the price, if only for the chocolate cocktails! As always, it’s best to purchase any packages before the sail date; the price goes up significantly once you are onboard. Continental breakfast is available for free in your cabin, as well as in the main dining room and buffet area.
Entertainment, Activities, and Onboard Fun
Plenty of activities to do during sea days. If you’re traveling with kids, they loved the thrilling Robotron robotic arm ride with ocean views, a zip line, multiple pools (including an aft infinity pool and adults-only areas). The theater productions were high-energy, and the comedy hour was fun.
The ship’s design offers both high-energy spots and quiet retreats.
All three of these port are easily accessible if you have a wheelchair or a scooter. If you have time to browse around, there’s plenty of shops where you can purchase leather boots, souvenirs and typical mexican silver accessories.
Galveston Cruises Ports of Call: Cozumel, Costa Maya, Roatan
Our Western Caribbean itinerary included sea days followed by Costa Maya (Mexico), Roatan (Honduras), and Cozumel (Mexico). The order will vary depending on the length of your cruise. I enjoyed beach time, snorkeling in Roatan’s clear waters, and shopping/excursions in Cozumel. Ports were well organized, with easy disembarkation at each port. I booked my excursions through Shore Excursions Group. Much cheaper than the cruise lines’ offers.
Pro Tip: Important MSC Cruises Policy: MSC does not allow guests to bring their own liquor, water, or sodas on board the ship. They will confiscate it. Although many cruisers have found creative ways to get around the rules.
Also, in Cozumel, Smoking and Vaping are not allowed in public areas; they will confiscate whatever you take off the ship.
Service, Value, and Final Thoughts
The international crew was friendly and hardworking. Service was attentive, especially in the main areas. As a value-oriented cruise, MSC delivers a lot for the price: a beautiful ship, great entertainment, and good food. Although extras (drinks, Wi-Fi, specialties) add up, I didn’t find them outrageously priced. Always book ahead of time, though.
I didn’t purchase the cruise lines’ WI-FI because I wanted to an eSIM on a cruise, and I was super happy with Gigsky. It worked well in the middle of the Gulf of America.
Would I sail MSC USA again? Absolutely. It’s a gorgeous, fun ship perfect for families, couples, or solos seeking variety out of Galveston. My 7 nights on the MSC Seascape came to an end far too quickly. I had a blast and highly recommended for first-timers or those wanting a fresh alternative to other lines.
Continue Planning Your Cruise
Still planning your next cruise? Visit my Cruise Lines & Cruises guide for honest cruise line reviews, destinations, inspiration and planning tips – everything you need to book your next cruise!
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Happy Sailing! Evie
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