"LIVE" from MSC Seascape - March 05, 2023

[Radio]

6 hours ago, Stem to Stern said:

I am really looking forward to trying this out.  Any intell regarding a menu for this venue would be greatly appreciated if you happen to have a spare minute.

I am working on that. . .

[Radio]

Hello everyone and good evening. I had a very nice relaxing day today. The weather today was beautiful with sunny skies and warm temperatures. There was a light breeze, but the weather really wanted to make you go outside and just hang out and relax.

 

Someone up in the MSC ivory tower has decided that they will make the MSC Signature Casino "Radio Friendly". At least for now things are starting to look very nice. I seem to remember that on sea days, that Oasis Class, or Quantum Class ship would experience the busiest days while at sea. Not MSC. . . The casino only appears to get busy after dining. Hmmm. . . I'm not sure how that really works.

 

I went to the tasting session today for the specialty restaurants, The food was very good, but there seem to be way too many people there. Sometimes it was difficult to hear the announcements. The more specialty dining that you get in a bundle will make each dining experience much less expensive. The shampoo items from each restaurant were very good.

 

The Captain,  Hotel Director, and several officers greeted us at the welcome back cocktail reception. There were snacks and different drinks offered. The moderator was our Cruise Director, and she thank all passengers for their loyalty to MSC.

 

We are scheduled in San Juan, PR tomorrow at 10am, so the slots won't be open all night as they were last night. I still have four nights left on board so hopefully, things will turn out nicely (in the casino)

Thanks for tuning in.

 

Radio

 

 

 

I like that MSC has two infinity whirlpools on the Port and Starboard side.

 

 

 

The Welcome Back party was held at Le Caberet Rouge lounge.

 

 

 

The Captain thanks all passengers for being so loyal.

 

 

 

The activities manager went over instructions on how to purchase a bundle dining package.

 

 

 

I walk through the glowing passageway to get to Le Cabaret Rouge on DECK 7

 

 

The Marina pool deck was very busy today.

 

 

 

 

The beautiful sea is so calming.

 

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Edited March 9, 2023 by Radio

[APDMOM]

On 3/7/2023 at 7:57 PM, Radio said:

Wow, thanks for the nice comments. "Your check is the mail"

I Love doing LIVE posts. I wish CC would update their "Select a Ship" on the MSC Boards.  You are unable to select Seashore or Seascape from the menu. . . 

 

Thanks again for the nice comments.

 

Radio

 

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I agree... seems like CC is not quite back up to speed since Covid.  At least we are seeing more live reviews again!  

 

The roll calls are not as active as they were prior to March 13, 2020.  Seems like people jumped ship to other social media but I find CC is still my favorite place for cruise info!

[Radio]

MSC Seascape DAY 5 - Daily Program

 

Radio

 

 

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Edited March 9, 2023 by Radio

[LiquidWu]

Many greetings to San Juan. I am still reading here with great pleasure. Please keep up the good work.

 

Since it snowed here today (which is very unusual for March here), I envy you especially for the great weather 🙂 Did you really have the 84F as published in the DAILY ? 

Edited March 9, 2023 by LiquidWu

[Radio]

Hello everyone and good morning. Welcome to DAY 5 of "LIVE" from MSC Seascape.

 

Welcome to San Juan, Puerto Rico. We approached the  San Felipe del Morro fortress around 9 and docked at Pier 3 by 10. All passengers should be cleared to go ashore in about 30 minutes. 

 

I don't really have any plans for today, however I may walk around and see what I can see. There are always things to see, do, purchase, and consume in old San Juan. 

 

It's been a long time since I have been here. The last time I was here is when there was a casino in the Sheraton hotel which is across the street. I'm not sure what took the place of the casino, but I am sure it may have had something to do with revenue. I remember seeing dozens of crew members in the casino playing blackjack and roulette.

 

All passengers will be back on board by 4:15 as we are leaving today at 5pm.

Thanks for tuning in. Here are a few pics from this morning.

 

Radio

 

 

A nice sunrise today

 

 

 

 

I like that they water, soap and air dryer is all motion sensitive.

 

 

Lots of donuts today in the buffet.

 

 

There is a US Coast Guard base here.

 

 

No chair hogs at 9:00 a.m.?

 

 

 

 

It appears that Norwegian Dawn is at Pier 4

 

 

 

Okay, we have arrived.

 

 

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Edited March 9, 2023 by Radio

[clochette]

What a great review, I have been thinking about trying MSC and you are really convincing me

[Hutcha]

Nice review. Could you include some details on the food? Pictures, menus, experience?

 

Thanks

[Radio]

Hello everyone! I am back on the ship with a few hours to spare. It was wonderful to be in San Juan after several years. I found out several fun facts while I was in the Sheraton hotel. 

 

Marriott has purchased the hotel and it will be renamed very soon. It also has been suggested that a NEW Casino will be built in one of the old restaurants inside Sheraton Old San Juan. The lower level of the Sheraton has a Walgreens which replaced the casino. They were mostly cruise passengers in there getting supplies, soft drinks and souvenirs. 

 

I had a very nice lunch at Vaca Brava, a couple blocks from the port. I had a larger Burger/ Sausage sandwich (Muu Longaniza) with fries. It was very good and it was even better when a cruise colleague decided he would our group to lunch.

 

I now want to find out about the NEW Casino which is under construction at the Sheraton.  Yes, the casino which was removed for Walgreens will be rebuilt during the upcoming renovation and renaming of the hotel.

 

Here are a few pics from today. . . Thanks for tuning in.

 

Radio

 

 

I left the ship around 11:30 this morning

 

 

 

I make a short walk over to the Sheraton hotel

 

 

 

 

 I was told that the new casino entry was just passed those iron gates.

 

 

 

 

I think that the Marriott corporation will make a lot of changes to the hotel.

 

 

 

This was filmed from the Pool area on the 9th floor of the Sheraton.

 

 

 

 

Vaca Brava

 

 

 

 

The Mascot of Vaca Brava

 

 

 

 

You could dine outside or inside.

 

 

 

 

The inside was very cool. Most of the tables were filled when we were there.

 

 

 

I love Old San Juan

 

 

 

MSC Seascape at Pier 3

 

 

 

 

Norwegian Dawn at Pier 4

 

 

 

Walking back past the Hotel and Señor Frog.

 

 

 

It's time to get back on board.

 

 

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Edited March 9, 2023 by Radio

[Radio]

Dance Lessons before sail away at the Marina Pool on DECK 18 . . .

 

Radio

 

 

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Edited March 10, 2023 by Radio

[Match Game 72]

Those are some nice looking donuts!

[bafinegan]

Probably should have asked earlier, but how was the safety drill done on embarkation?

(loving the review by the way)

[Radio]

1 hour ago, bafinegan said:

Probably should have asked earlier, but how was the safety drill done on embarkation?

(loving the review by the way)

Very simple. You watch the video then call a number from your cabin and you are registered. Go drive your muster station, they scan your card and it is all done.

Edited March 10, 2023 by Radio

[sabres431]

34 minutes ago, Radio said:

Very simple. You watch the video then call a number from your cabin and you are registered. Go drive your muster station, they scan your card and it is all done.

Can the video be watched any time or is there a specific time period you have to do it in?

[Radio]

6 hours ago, sabres431 said:

Can the video be watched any time or is there a specific time period you have to do it in?

It can be done at any time, however it is best to do it as soon as your cabin opens. It is a short video. And the process is simple to do.

[Radio]

MSC Seascape leaving the pier slowly in San Juan, PR.

We're on our way to Puerto Plata, DR.

 

Radio

 

 

 

[Radio]

MSC Seascape - DAY 5 Daily Program

 

Radio

 

 

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[Radio]

Laundry Prices and Promo

 

The Promo prices are much less if purchased before your cruise.

 

Radio

 

Laundry Pricing 

 

 

 

 

 

Promo Laundry

 

 

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[sabres431]

7 hours ago, Radio said:

It can be done at any time, however it is best to do it as soon as your cabin opens. It is a short video. And the process is simple to do.

Yes, I would want to do it immediately and be done with it.

[Radio]

Hello everyone and good morning. Welcome to DAY 6 of "LIVE" from MSC Seascape.

 

We will are approaching the pier slowly at Puerto Plata in the Dominican Republic. Celebrity Beyond is scheduled to join us today..

 

The facilities at the Puerto Plata terminal (Taino Bay ) are very new. Taino Bay just opened 2 years ago and cruise passengers love the facilities. There should be several large freshwater pools, and a lazy river. 

 

There will also be a tropical bird aviary and a monkey jungle type attraction right at Taino Bay. There will be several restaurants, and a duty free store. I am looking forward to exploring all the attractions, shopping, and facilities at Taino Bay.

Here are a few pics. Thanks for tuning in. 

 

Radio

 

2 Infinity Whirlpools on DECK 8 look very inviting.

 

 

 

We can see the pier.

 

 

 

Beautiful blue waves as we navigate the channel.

 

 

 

 

MSC Seascape approaches the pier slowly

 

 

 

 

It doesn't look like it would be too far of a walk to the terminal at Taino Bay

 

 

 

 

It is nice that there will be Tuk-Tuks tucks for passengers that do not want to walk on the pier.

 

 

 

Wow, 5 line handlers are securing the lines

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

These Premium Aurea suites have a great view.

 

 

 

 

Our current location

 

 

 

Taino Bay, Puerto Plata

 

 

 

 

Taino Bay Map.

 

 

 

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[1kaper]

On 3/5/2023 at 10:43 AM, Radio said:

The Grand Mall was attached between Marriott and Doubletree and had about 30 stores

 

We stayed at the same hotel when we sailed out of Miami about 8 years ago.  Had a terrible experience at food spot in the mall.  But we did sushi nearby and it was amazing. 

I was supposed to be on the next cruise but we had to change.  Friends of mine will still be boarding Sunday. 

[nyc12345]

Good review and thanks for sharing with us.

 

Do you have any information on the pricing/menus of the specialty restaurants?  Don't see them listed when I log in to the online portal and not sure how to book them in advance. 

[jules815]

Thanks again for your photos and videos. We're also excited to be making a stop in San Juan when we cruise in September. It's always been one of our favorite ports and it's been a few years for us as well. Excited to hear all about Puerto Plata. It will be a new port for us, which hasn't happened in a long time.

 

 

[Ottawa_Cruiser]

I am not sailing Seascape, but you're sure making me want to! What a beautiful ship. Great review. I am really looking forward to sailing on Meraviglia.

[Radio]

Hello everyone, and good evening. I will just put all the cards out on the table and suggest that Taino Bay / Puerto Plata may be one of the best ports of call I have been to in the Caribbean.

 

It's kind of like Costa Maya, or Grand Turk, or maybe even like Falmouth Port. . . This is better than all of them. I loved the shops, Caribbean/Mexican food choices. The pool was fantastic, and there seemed to be plenty of seating for everyone. The lazy river is very nice as it goes to several tunnels on its way around the Taino Bay area.

 

There were dozens of cabanas and day beds and there were even padded loungers with umbrellas. All of these are complementary and available on a first come first serve basis. 

There seemed to be maybe 30 bars, and maybe 15 places to eat. This was topped off by a very large Duty Free store (Dufry).

 

There were also several very, very clean restrooms around the port area. The Taino Bay facility is not for locals. It is only for cruise ship passengers. All passengers are allowed to leave the port area if they choose. You can choose a  ship  excursion, a Taino Bay excursion, or an excursion on your own.

 

It was a great port of call, and prices for the tours seemed to be good value. I've spoken with many passengers that went on tours, and it seems that everyone loved their tour.

 

When I get home,  I want to see what other cruise ships include this port of call on their itinerary.  It's not hard to award this port of call with the "Radio Seal of Approval"🚢

 

Here are some pics from today. Thanks for tuning in.

 

Radio

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I got off the ship at around 11:30

 

 

 

 

There is a big difference in n the design of Celebrity Beyond and MSC Seascape.

 

 

 

Photo opportunities where everywhere.

 

 

 

 

There were plenty of maps throughout Taino Bay.

 

 

 

 

You can see the ship easily from here.

 

 

Is this a Taino Bay mascot?

 

 

 

 

Lazy River was very popular.

 

 

It appeared to be fun for all age groups.

 

 

 

 

The pool looks very clean, and very refreshing

 

 

 

I read report that the lazy river just opened last month.

 

 

 There were several tunnels that the lazy river goes through.

 

 

 

 

The tropical birds seemed to be everywhere.

 

 

 

The pools were very inviting.

 

 

 

It was a little cold when you first got in, but then it was wonderful

 

 

 

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