My Honest Review of MSC Seashore (2025)
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My Honest Review of MSC Seashore (2025):
Free Cruise, Cool Vibes, & Cold Tacos
Why I Took a Free Cruise on a Ship I’d Never Heard Of
I hadn’t even heard of MSC Cruises until a friend told me about a travel hack that involved casinos and credit cards.
If you got a certain card and visited a few casinos in person in Atlantic City, you could match your way to top-tier casino status, which unlocked a bunch of free cruise offers.
I don’t gamble. Never have. But I do know how to match an offer like a boss.
The Deal, the Ship, and Why I Said Yes
The offer was a cruise for two. We had to put down a $400 deposit ($200 per person), plus taxes and fees (which came out to about $60 each). In exchange, we got a 3-night Bahamas cruise on the MSC Seashore, sailing out of Port Canaveral. They also threw in $300 of onboard credit, but it could only be used in the casino.
MSC is an Italian cruise line that’s trying to make a name for itself in the North American market. It’s affordable, and I was curious. The only other cruise I’d done was a Carnival sailing to the Yucatán years ago. So this felt like the next step in my cheap cruise adventures. I invited my friend Haley. She’s a mom who needed a break, and we tacked on Disney World at the end. Haley had cruised with Disney before, so we went into this knowing it might not live up to that level, but we were open-minded and hopeful.
First Impressions: Very Shiny, Very Themed
We boarded early and explored the ship. It was big, modern, and themed around New York City. Think Times Square backdrops, digital billboards, skyline murals. Our dining room was called Tribeca. Other restaurants were named 5th Avenue, Central Park, and Manhattan. There were crystal staircases, multiple pools, and a whole section for Yacht Club guests that we weren’t allowed to enter. Pretty standard for cruise ships, but it did add to that feeling of being on the outside looking in.
A few spaces really stood out. The Brooklyn Lounge had a full-on 70s aesthetic, with mustard yellow couches and leather textures. I loved the vibe.
La Cabaret Rouge was another favorite. It was moody and red-lit, with multiple levels and a really unique style. They hosted live performances there too, which made it one of my favorite experiences on the ship.
Top Deck Pool Vibes
After exploring the ship a little when we first arrived, once we had access to our room, we changed into swimsuits and headed straight to the pool on the top deck. It was packed. Lots of college-age groups. It felt a little like a spring break party. Later we discovered the adults-only pool that was quieter and a couple of decks down, that was much better.
We pulled our chairs into the shallow water, reapplied sunscreen every few hours, and just relaxed. I’ve reached the age where I care about SPF more than a tan, so I was that person wearing a hat and reapplying like it was my job.
One of the days as we were walking to the pool someone was at a table handing out free shots and I joked with Haley that I should have said "you think I'm old enough to drink?!"
The Food: Honestly? Mid.
I expected good food. It’s an Italian cruise line. But overall, it just wasn’t it. The buffet had cold mini tacos that were hard and sad. The main dining room served a rotating menu that was the same across all four restaurants. It wasn’t terrible, but it wasn’t memorable either. If you missed dinner, you’d see the same meals show up later that nigh in the buffet line.
We didn’t eat at the specialty restaurants, which cost extra, maybe those were the ones that were extremely amazing? Haley and I were both sticking to a budget and hoped the included food would be enough. It was... edible.
Entertainment Was the Real MVP
Where MSC really delivered was the entertainment. We went to every show and they were genuinely enjoyable. There was a rock show, a musical, a magician, a hypnotist, a comedian, and a few others. Haley also wanted to go to the trivia games. We went to multiple sessions, did a craft activity, and spent a good amount of time just lounging and enjoying the live performances.
We didn’t use the gym or spa, and skipped the thermal suite. It wasn’t a priority for this trip. Honestly, we were too busy lying in the sun or catching shows. Maybe my opinion of the cruise line would be different if we had? Or maybe cruising just isn't in my blood.
We attempted to use our $300 in casino credit. Staff advised us that slots were our best option. Spoiler: they were not. We lost money quickly and had no idea what we were doing. Neither of us found it fun. If anything, it reinforced our decision to avoid gambling in the first place.
The Ports: One Was Great. One Didn’t Happen.
Ocean Cay Marine Reserve
This was the stop we were most looking forward to. MSC’s private island looked incredible in photos, and we were ready for a full beach day. But as the ship approached, we noticed it kept circling. Turns out the current was too strong and they couldn’t dock. I get it. Safety is priority. But it was a letdown. It would’ve been our only true beach day, and losing it threw off the rhythm of the trip. If I had paid full price for the cruise, I would’ve been upset. Since it was a deal, I just accepted it and moved on. But still.
Nassau, Bahamas
The next day, we woke up already docked in Nassau. We walked into town, found the Queen’s Staircase, and ran into a local wearing head-to-toe Bahamian gear who told us to call him Bahama Boy. He gave us some history and took our photo.
After exploring the old town a little, we hit the beach, swam in the ocean, and relaxed for a bit. I wandered solo for a little while, which I always enjoy when I’m somewhere new. Eventually we ended up on a second-story balcony across from the Straw Market, eating ice cream and people-watching.
The Straw Market itself was packed and chaotic. Inside were small booths filled with typical souvenir items: magnets, purses, bracelets.
Would I Cruise MSC Again?
Probably not.
The ship itself was nice. The entertainment was better than expected. But the food was disappointing, the inclusions were more limited than I thought, and missing a whole port day definitely hurt the overall experience.
That said, if you can get a similar free cruise offer and go into it knowing what to expect, it can still be a fun and low-cost getaway. Just don’t expect luxury, or decent tacos.
About the Author
Hi, I'm Tara- travel strategist, itinerary optimizer, and firm believer that every trip should feel effortless (and maybe a little luxurious). From Disney parks to Turkish rooftops, I help smart travelers plan unforgettable adventures without the overwhelm.
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