The MSC Seashore and its sister ship, the MSC Seascape, are the largest ships ever built in Italy.
Article from CruisesNews magazine no. 58 – September 2021
MSC Seashore, the new flagship of MSC Cruises, represents the evolution of the Seaside class but presents substantial differences compared to its predecessors. With a gross tonnage of 170,412 tons and a length of 339 meters, MSC Seashore, and its future sister ship MSC Seascape, are the largest ships ever built in Italy.
Up to 65% of the ship's hotel areas have been completely redesigned. Key changes include a 16-meter increase in length, a major transformation of the aft area, and an expansion of the MSC Yacht Club. Other changes include the relocation of specialty restaurants to Deck 8, with its stunning views of the waterfront, and a return to a single buffet on the Lido Deck.
The public areas are concentrated on decks five through eight, as in the Seaside class, but with changes to the layout and some upgrades. Deck five houses the Reception and Seashore Bar, the heart of onboard life, which keep the atrium lively with music and guest strolls. Here, the Image Gallery continues up to a beautiful glass-adorned staircase that connects to the upper deck.
Deck 6 begins with the Madison Theatre at the bow and features the inviting Times Square area, decorated with LED panels that recreate the famous New York landmark, a variety of shops, and the adjacent Venchi Chocolate Bar. The Shine Bar, overlooking the Atrium, is a consistent landmark of the Seaside class, always elegant and welcoming.
Deck 7 still houses the theater at the bow, leaving plenty of room for the MSC Signature Casino, which retains its central ellipsoidal bar but changes its position relative to its sister ships. The most significant change is at the stern, with the intriguing Boulevard du Cabaret culminating in Le Cabaret Rouge, a beautiful two-deck venue dedicated to live shows and musical entertainment.
All specialty restaurants have been relocated to the aft end of deck 8, a more lively and visible area than their previous location.
Wellness and fitness are the main focus of the entire forward section of Deck 8, with ample space in the MSC Aurea Spa, offering numerous treatments and relaxation areas, as well as a modern gym and a barber shop. In the central area is Liberty Plaza, featuring a large-scale replica of the Statue of Liberty, flanked by the Sports Bar, the Pool Room, and the Brooklyn Café. Both the Sports Bar and the Pool Room also offer comfortable seating on the outer deck.
Deck 8 also impresses in the aft area. All the specialty restaurants have been relocated here, bringing them together in a more vibrant and visible area than their previous location. In addition to the signature Ocean Cay, Butcher's Cut, and Kaito Teppanyaki, the Kaito Sushi Bar has been added with its traditional mobile counter and extensive menu of hot dishes.
The Infinity Pool, which closes off the aft deck after passing through the Uptown Lounge, is one of the highlights of MSC Seashore. Divided into two sections by a walkway, it features sun loungers submerged in the water and ample space around it. It's one of the most beautiful spots to experience the ship and the panorama from the stern.
The Infinity Pool is one of the highlights of MSC Seashore.
On the upper decks, the first thing that catches the eye is the return to a single buffet restaurant, now prepared for table service rather than self-service. The Marketplace occupies the aft half of Deck 16, extending to the pool area and offering several small lounges that provide a degree of privacy despite its considerable overall size.
The Sky Bar is one of the new features resulting from the transformation of the stern, a spot with sea views that you shouldn't miss, at any time of day or night. It's always pleasant to take a stroll on the Bridge of Sights or ride the panoramic elevators.
The MSC Yacht Club has also been expanded on the MSC Seashore. The main new features are a larger outdoor sun deck and the creation of Owner Suites, which are even larger and more luxurious than the traditional Royal Suites.
Up to 65% of the ship's hotel areas have been redesigned from scratch.
Dining is offered in three main restaurants, as on the other Seaside-class ships. All three are dedicated to New York-themed cuisine and are located on decks 5 (Central Park Restaurant), 6 (Tribeca Restaurant), and 7 (5th Avenue Restaurant). Specialty restaurants are conveniently located on deck 8. New additions to the MSC Seashore include the Kaito Sushi Bar and the excellent Hola Tapas & Cantina, which has brought Mexican cuisine to replace the Spanish cuisine found on other ships.
Children and teenagers will find endless opportunities for fun on the MSC Seashore. In addition to MSC Cruises' dedicated children's services (Junior Club, Mini Club, Baby Club Chicco, Teens Club), there's the Hall of Games, a large playroom on deck 18, and Pirates Cove Aquapark, a real water park located on the outer decks in the center of the ship.
From the Long Island Pool to the Infinity Pool, the MSC Seashore offers exceptionally picturesque spaces where guests can relax and connect with the sea. The new Seaside EVO class will undoubtedly enhance its services, adding new dining options and inviting atmospheres to enjoy even inside the ship.
