Recently setting out on its maiden voyage from Galveston, Texas is the repurposed MSC Seascape, one of the giants of the cruise ship world.
With a passenger capacity of nearly 6,000, the Seascape opens more doors for those seeking a cruise to the western Caribbean and the Mexican Riviera from an easily accessed home port in the south-western USA.
And it does so by blending MSC's signature European style with design and service points that have been tailored to Texas taste buds and other more mainstream American/Canadian sensibilities. These qualities have been expressed in the tag line
"European style, American comfort," and were brought to life in a popular ad campaign featuring actors Drew Barrymore and Orlando Bloom that was launched last February.
But the ship's mission is even more foundational, in terms of its role to grow the MSC image and presence in North America.
"It's all part of a North American expansion journey on which MSC has embarked," said Lynn Torrent, president of MSC Cruises, during a special onboard event in Galveston two days before the ship departed on its inaugural journey. "The mission is to make MSC a household name in the U.S.," she said to the travel advisors, travel trade media and partners assembled in the ship's main Chora Theatre. About 1,100 people attended the event.
"The Seascape sailing from Galveston provides the option for Canadians looking for a cruise of a different nature," said Ian Patterson, MSC's country manager for Canada. He noted that this option has a compelling location appeal for potential cruise customers from western Canada.
For instance, direct nonstop flights from Vancouver and Calgary to Houston (112 km. north of Galveston) are operated by Air Canada. Patterson said travel advisors would soon be able to book those flights (plus others from Canada) for their clients through the MSC air program, and will earn 10% commission on those sales. As well they can earn commission on all ancillary products, such as shore excursions.
"We are considered the most competitive when it comes to paying commissions on our cruises to travel agents," said Patterson. "We're the third largest cruise ship company in the world and the USA is the largest cruise market in the world," he said. "So, to operate a ship from Galveston is a natural progression for MSC in North America."
The Seascape expresses the Texas side of its personality with a variety of entertainment and dining options. For example, the Lone Star Band, a country collective, takes up residence on the ship and performs throughout the cruise. There are also the Dueling Pianos shows in the Uptown Lounge and the Country Line Dance classes for cruisers who want to learn their Texas dance steps onboard.
When it's time to dine, guests can anticipate everything from Texas-style prime rib and Cajun-spiced pork loin to Southern-style comfort foods like slow-roasted turkey, roasted corn and collard greens. The breakfast menu includes huevos rancheros with refried beans, chicken and waffles with hot maple drizzle, and Tex-Max taco and barbacoa options at the omelet station.
The Seascape has 2,270 staterooms on board, with a variety of accommodations for all, from a single voyager to multi-generation travellers and even suites that can house up to six. The ship's maximum capacity is 5,877 passengers, including those in the private, all-inclusive luxury MSC Yacht Club section of the ship.
In total, guests can enjoy 11 dining venues, 19 bars and lounges and six pools, including an infinity pool. There is the unique glass-floored Bridge of Sighs on deck 16, which allows guests to take in spectacular views of the ocean, 22 metres above the infinity pool. There is also the amazing Pirates Cove Aqua Park for kids, and the crazy fun Robotron robotic arm ride for a roller coaster experience at sea.