Truly Floats Your Boat!

by Karen Holly Berliner

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, 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, also expect an expansive retail and entertainment promenade duly named Times Square and 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 as well, accented by thousands upon thousands of sparkling Swarovski crystals within the staircases in the four deck atrium. Just like New York City, the dining is global and spectacular. Featuring 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 old school steakhouse with new school culinary delights, there is something to satisfy all palates. 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 Seascapes wine cellar where you can enjoy a tasting paired with a cheese selection. The elegant rooftop Sky Bar cocktail lounge offers live music complimented by ocean views while the Champagne Bar offers a variety of champagne, prosecco and other choice bubbly’s accompanied by 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 has walls adorned with boxing gloves, hockey helmets, baseball bats and other memorabilia. A billiards room beckons you to stay and play. And if you do indeed intend to get some sleep---

The MSC Seascape features new cabins designed to accommodate all. Choose among several types of cabins and suites with balconies including the coveted aft suites, terraced suites with large balconies; 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!

Head to the port curb and present your yacht club ID. From there let the ready and waiting staff take you away. Give yourself over to the yacht club experience as indeed you will be treated from there to the very last moments of your return, with the utmost in white glove service.

(Yes, with actual white gloves on hand.)

Yacht Club staff persons meet and greet you and whoosh you seamlessly through check in protocols, handing you champagne to sip as you proceed. A butler then escorts you onto the ship and to your suite when you are ready.

--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, to 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 6am to 1am as a fabulous gathering point and entrée spot to dinner just upstairs in the 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 a sprawling breakfast and lunch buffet, as well as special events like a white party complete with a DJ or a Seafood Buffet lunch complete with grilled seafood brimming with lobster tails to your hearts 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.

The MSC Seascape Yacht Club provides the most decadent of experiences in the cruising arena.

And then, you have arrived.

The yacht club suites are resplendent with elegant design, complete with kingsized beds adorned with Egyptian cotton linens and a memory foam mattress. All of the accoutrements that you could ever want for from flat and still Italian bottled water, teas, nuts, wine glasses and a fully stocked mini-bar, await you. A generous sized and 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.