QUICK TRIPS

IVAN SARFATTI

QUICK TRIPS Innovator of the Seas

SET SAIL on the amenity-rich yet eco-conscious MSC Seashore

IVAN SARFATTI

By Paul Rubio

IVAN SARFATTI

IVAN SARFATTI

MSC Seashore highlights include, clockwise from above: Luxurious cabin options; Pirates Cove Aquapark; an infinity pool; docking at Ocean Cay; the Jungle Pool; Kaito Sushi Bar.

Big-ship cruising is back—in a big way. After a lengthy pandemic pause, major cruise lines are rolling out one stunning ship after another, freshly minted with state-of-the-art amenities, elevated dining spaces, and contemporary designs in tune with the desires of today’s cruising elite.

One such vessel is the MSC Seashore, a new incarnation of the Italian brand’s slick Seaside class fleet, dubbed Seaside Evo (which stands for evolution). With nearly 140,000 square feet for outdoor endeavors, the 2,270-room mega-ship features the highest ratio of outdoor space per guest of any MSC ship and several firsts for the brand. Think: a seafront boardwalk, an aft infinity pool (bringing the total pool count to six), a massive aquapark, and an impressive glass skywalk. The onboard excitement never ends thanks to more than 300 entertainment activities per sailing, plus prolific amenities to enjoy at your leisure. It’s not uncommon to start a day with some fitness, pampering, and sport in the Aurea Spa and Gym and Deck 20’s Sports Arena, followed by sunbathing and languishing over a boozy lunch. Later, play some blackjack, enjoy live music, attend an acrobatic show, and then retreat to the virtual reality–fueled Hall of Games or hit one of the late-night bars.

Specialized options for dining and drinking are many. Standouts include the vibrant Kaito Sushi Bar, where nigiri and sashimi are delivered via conveyor belts; Venchi 1878 Chocolate and Coffee Bar, a new outpost at sea by the eponymous Italian gourmet chocolatier; and 1920s-inspired lounge Le Cabaret Rouge, where you can catch a different song and dance performance nightly.

The latest and greatest in cruise excess notwithstanding, the MSC Seashore’s strongest attributes are its eco-conscious design and approach. While big cruising and environmental responsibility are not commonly aligned, MSC is poised to change this narrative, delivering on an action plan for zeroimpact cruise operations. In this vein, the MSC Seashore houses some of today’s most advanced environmental technologies, evidenced in the onboard wastewater-treatment systems, fresh-water production plant, noise-management system, and more. Furthermore, one of the ship’s regular destinations, Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, is a working restoration and conservation project. The private island off Bimini is a former industrial wasteland that MSC has transformed into a thriving, 64-square-mile marine reserve flanked by sparkling white-sand beaches.

Overall, the MSC Seashore marks the dawn of a new generation of big-ship cruising that considers at once grand amenities for luxury travelers and the industry’s environmental impact. Experience this innovator of the seas on sailings to the Caribbean and Bahamas from Port Miami through November 2022 and on itineraries through South America and Europe in the months following. (msccruisesusa.com) «