**Live** MSC Seascape 9/21-9/28 & 9/28-10/5 Caribbean Cruise

[DaKahuna]

Here is the latest itinerary — 

 

 

Here is why we are changing our itinerary and staying on the Atlantic side 

 

 

Now I have some lunch reservations to change.  We had made lunch reservations at Butcher’s Cut for the sea day between Cozumel and Ocean Cay, and the next sea day is now a day earlier than that. 

 

[billc23]

7 minutes ago, DaKahuna said:

I am not sure if they are true doors or not.  We’ve only stayed in the YC1 and YCP suites which are single room with an open shelf divider. 

Yes, there are true doors between the Bedroom and the living area. 

 

I am enjoying your write up very much. Thanks for posting

[morpheusofthesea]

2 hours ago, lahlah57 said:

Do you not care for the Jamaican port in general?

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories/jamaica-travel-advisory.html.   Level 3 is not good.

Edited Sunday at 09:06 PM by morpheusofthesea

[DaKahuna]

Today we had our lunch at Kaito Teppanyaki.  There were only four of us seated for lunch.  We had purchased our two meal package prior to sailing so had our choice of two different courses. 

 

Unfortunately I did not take any pictures as there are a number of YouTube video’s and if you have been to Teppanyaki before my experience has been the only thing that changes is the chef’s ‘show’.  Since open flames are prohibited on cruise ships, there is no onion volcano or other flaming tricks which are usually my favorite part.  

 

My wife and I both choose the salmon/shrimp and sirloin combination.  I have to say everything appears to be well prepared but we both found the sirlon to be rather tough.  I had thought about doing the $40 upgrade to A5 Wagu but decided to put that off until next week. 

 

I dropped my DW off at the salon, where she had a an appointment for a hair cut and went to the TSL to wait for her.  Ran into @Best Cat Mom and BCD and had a drink with them until my DW texted me that she was finished with her appointment. 

 

Now we are just relaxing in our room waiting until time to go to the Captian’s Reception in the TSP at 1700.  Tonight is Gala night - Steak and Lobster is on the menu! 

 

[Maui4us]

1 minute ago, DaKahuna said:

Today we had our lunch at Kaito Teppanyaki.  There were only four of us seated for lunch.  We had purchased our two meal package prior to sailing so had our choice of two different courses. 

 

Unfortunately I did not take any pictures as there are a number of YouTube video’s and if you have been to Teppanyaki before my experience has been the only thing that changes is the chef’s ‘show’.  Since open flames are prohibited on cruise ships, there is no onion volcano or other flaming tricks which are usually my favorite part.  

 

My wife and I both choose the salmon/shrimp and sirloin combination.  I have to say everything appears to be well prepared but we both found the sirlon to be rather tough.  I had thought about doing the $40 upgrade to A5 Wagu but decided to put that off until next week. 

 

I dropped my DW off at the salon, where she had a an appointment for a hair cut and went to the TSL to wait for her.  Ran into @Best Cat Mom and BCD and had a drink with them until my DW texted me that she was finished with her appointment. 

 

Now we are just relaxing in our room waiting until time to go to the Captian’s Reception in the TSP at 1700.  Tonight is Gala night - Steak and Lobster is on the menu! 

 

I hope we get to see a picture of you & your DW in your dinner attire!

[chrisgp999]

8 hours ago, morpheusofthesea said:

The more I find out, the less I know. Everyone associated with the port or the ship has a different opening date.

Remember this is still a government project.

[chrisgp999]

23 minutes ago, DaKahuna said:

 

There are two Owners Suites and two Royal Suites on Seascape. 

 

 

I am not sure if they are true doors or not.  We’ve only stayed in the YC1 and YCP suites which are single room with an open shelf divider. 

 

 

Can't speak for the Owner Suites but the Royal Suites have doors separating all areas from each other.

[DaKahuna]

11 minutes ago, Maui4us said:

I hope we get to see a picture of you & your DW in your dinner attire!

 

I am sorry to say your hopes will be shattered. 

 

[lahlah57]

1 hour ago, morpheusofthesea said:

It is not the same anymore. But it still looks nice from any ship's balcony.

😔That's what I heard!

[Georgia_Peaches]

Was your DW happy with her hair appointment?  I've never booked a hair salon appointment on a cruise ship but was considering it for an up-do for our wedding anniversary.

[FBrew]

10 hours ago, Best Cat Mom said:

We also did a Divina live thread, just a few weeks before @DaKahuna. We were pleased to serve as his advance team. There is a link in my signature to our live thread from our transatlantic on her last year and a Caribbean on her this past April. She's a cozy ship and the crew always talk about how much they like that the YC is a bit smaller. They say it allows them to get to know everyone better.

Thank you for the information and it was a great review.

[FBrew]

21 hours ago, DaKahuna said:

 

I quite liked Divina and did a live review, the link for which is in my signature. 

 

I compared a number of things between theYC on Divina and the Retreat on Celebrity.  All in all, in my opinion the YC wins out.  Both have their strong points for bang for the dollar, it’s YC in my opinion. 

 

Thank you for the information and I enjoyed your review. Enjoy your cruise.

[FBrew]

10 hours ago, morpheusofthesea said:

These are the differences between Retreats and Yacht Clubs....#1 MSC Yacht Club Restaurant is OPEN port days. Celebrity Luminae is NOT open port days.

#2 MSC YC has reserved seating in the theatre for YC guests at all shows. Celebrity only Gala night.

#3 Royal Suite on MSC has 2 cushion deck lounges on the balcony. Celebrity RS can only accommodate 1 non cushioned deck lounger.

#4 MSC has reserved pergolas/cabanas for RS & OS.. Celebrity on sundeck; it is FCFS chair hoggers that get those.

#5 More attentive butlers on MSC . Celebrity hosts give one their telephone number which many times is forwarded to room service.

#6 Walk-in showers on MSC YC, Celebrity has low profile tub/shower combos in CS and SS.

#7 Elevator OVERRIDE key cards for suite guests on MSC. No such amenity on Celebrity.

#8 No non-suite paying Diamond card holders taking up real estate in YC venues. Celebrity has non suite Zeniths in our venues.

#9 MSC All suites are within a gated community with a short climb up or down to all venues. Celebrity depends on what ship.

#10 MSC a new pristine Ocean Cay out island with its own employees and no bugs crawling all over the lounges. Celebrity has mostly Nassau.

#11 MSC offers Individual escorts on and off the ship. Celebrity one must assemble and be escorted off in groups (always waiting for some straggler).

#12 For those that enjoy buffets MSC YC has its own buffet at the One Pool Deck

#13 Celebrity has one great feature that MSC lacks; Cafe al Bacio has no peer on MSC for its selection of 12-14 mouth-watering pastries.

#14 YC has the best entertainers on the ship providing evening music in the TopSail Lounge, nothing in the Retreat Lounge.

#15 YC Pool Deck has a pool, only Celebrity E-class ships have a pool.

#16 MSC YC has much better price than the Retreat

Thank you for all the information and comparing the 2 cruiselines. You did an excellent job. 

[DaKahuna]

 

56 minutes ago, Georgia_Peaches said:

Was your DW happy with her hair appointment?  I've never booked a hair salon appointment on a cruise ship but was considering it for an up-do for our wedding anniversary.

 

She was very happy.  She had a picture of how she wanted it cut and it came out just the way she wanted.  She said the lady onboard was better than her normal hairdresser at home. 

 

Edited Sunday at 11:35 PM by DaKahuna

[DaKahuna]

This afternoon was the Captain’s Welcome in the YC.  The Captain acted as the host and actually did all the introductions. He comically stated that it’s very seldom anyone actually introduces the Cruise Director as the Cruise Director is usualky the one doing all the introductions.

 

Anyway, it was a quick and uneventful event.

 

when it finished I went back to the room and made ready for dinner.
 

Tonight was Gala Night and the restaurant was very busy.  We started with French Onion Soup (not on the menu but always available) and I had the Williams Salad.

 

 

 

My DW said the soup was too salty for her taste.

 

my salad was good. 
 

For our mains my DW went with just the beef and I went with the surf and turf, which the new sommelier paired with a nice French Pinot Noir

 

 

 

 

For dessert my DW had the tiramisu and I had the Crepe Suzette along with coffee (mine with Bailey’s) 

 

 

 

 

 

After dinner we retired to our room.

 

We changed into comfortable clothes with every intention of going to the casino when my wife decided she wanted to just stay in the room.

 

I went to the casino to cash out some OBC through the bubble roulette machine and ended up taking a little of the casino’s money with me along with all of mine.

 

 I then went to Butcher’s Cut to make sure thatvour lunch reservation for the next sea day was changed from Thursday to Wednesday due to our itinerary change. 
 

There was a ‘martini bar like event going on in the foyer.

 

 

I am now sitting in the TSL enjoying an espresso martini and listening to a very talented saxophonist play some smooth jazz.

 

 

 

Edited Monday at 03:12 AM by DaKahuna

[Georgia_Peaches]

8 hours ago, DaKahuna said:

am now sitting in the TSL enjoying an espresso martini and

I love a nice espresso martini. On Celebrity they pour them from a ready made mix and I don’t like them bc they’re too sweet. I believe on MSC they make them from scratch. Am I right?  Yours looks delicious!

[MonsterJoe]

28 minutes ago, Georgia_Peaches said:

I love a nice espresso martini. On Celebrity they pour them from a ready made mix and I don’t like them bc they’re too sweet. I believe on MSC they make them from scratch. Am I right?  Yours looks delicious!

I am of the same opinion on (any) ready made mixes.

They're made from scratch all over the ship.  They even put it a blender, and while it's not a frozen drink, it aerates it nicely.

[DaKahuna]

1 hour ago, Georgia_Peaches said:

I love a nice espresso martini. On Celebrity they pour them from a ready made mix and I don’t like them bc they’re too sweet. I believe on MSC they make them from scratch. Am I right?  Yours looks delicious!

Yes, mine last night in the TSL were made from scratch. 
 

They were delicious, as was the Sidecar I had for my nightcap.

 

[Georgia_Peaches]

1 hour ago, DaKahuna said:

They were delicious, as was the Sidecar I had for my nightcap.

 

I've added the Sidecar to the list of drinks I plan to try when we board...had to look it up when you mentioned it and it looks delicious as well!

[Best Cat Mom]

Just now, Georgia_Peaches said:

I've added the Sidecar to the list of drinks I plan to try

It's one of my go to libations for after dinner. I find the lemon a nice pallet cleanser. Drink up!

[jcpc]

4 hours ago, Georgia_Peaches said:

I love a nice espresso martini. On Celebrity they pour them from a ready made mix and I don’t like them bc they’re too sweet. I believe on MSC they make them from scratch. Am I right?  Yours looks delicious!

You don't have to drink the "ready made mix" on Celebrity if you want an espresso martini.  Just tell the bartender to make it from scratch and he will.

[DaKahuna]

Good afternoon.  

 

 We arrived at Grand Turk this morning and had already docked by the time our alarm when off at 0730.  The opened the gangway just before 0800 if I remember correctly. 

 

 We made our preparations and went to breakfast in the YC restaurant.  

 Both my DW and I had omelettes, here was ham, cheese, and onion and mine was ham, cheese, onion, peppers, and spinach.  To look at them on the plate it is hard to see the difference. 

 

 

 

I asked for Tabasco to go with mine and was brought a large bottle of Sriracha sauce

 

 

 

I also had an English muffin to go with my omelette.

 

 

After finishing off a couple of cups of coffee (mine with Bailey’s) and some fresh squeezed orange juice, we decided to visit the One Pool for a photo op as we were docked, port side to the pier and our cabin is on the starboard side. 

 

 

 

I hate what the vandals did to the Welcome Sign .. 

 

 

Imagine the skill that it must take to dock/park a huge cruise ship in such a narrow channel.  You can definitely see the contrast between where they have dredged the channel and where they have not. 

 

 

 

We realized that we had neglected to pack one very critical item of mine for any Caribbean cruise - my customary ball cap.  So a trip ashore was warranted to correct this oversight. 

 

I overpaid for a ball cap and a t-shirt from Ron Jovi but I now have the necessary protection to go out in the sun for more than 5 - 10 minutes. 

 

Some pictures of the port area .

 

 

 

 

 

As many may be well aware, Grand Turk is famous for the fact that John Glenn’s space capsule landed off shore.  There is a little area in the port where they have some pictures and mock ups.  Unfortunately it was a very popular place for the guest and I only mananged to get two pictures as we did not want to wait in the long queue. 

 

 

 

 We browsed in most of the shops before going back to the air conditioned comfort of the ship, where we joined @Best Cat Mom and BCD for a drink before we all left for our respective cabins to prepare for lunch. 

 

 

[Georgia_Peaches]

3 hours ago, jcpc said:

You don't have to drink the "ready made mix" on Celebrity if you want an espresso martini.  Just tell the bartender to make it from scratch and he will.

I didn't realize they had an espresso maker at the martini bar.  Thanks for the tip!

[DaKahuna]

Lunched today was in the YC Restaurant, this is going to be a common theme these two weeks so going forward, I think I’ll only point out where lunch was if we eat somewhere other than the YC restaurant. 

 

 Anyway, we were quickly seated and it was obvious that most guest were still ashore as the restaurant was relatively quiet and seats were plentiful.  

 

 I had my usual glass of champagne to open up my taste buds while deciding what to have for lunch. 

 

 We ended up with my DW having the Wellness Salad and I had the Caesar Salad with Shrimp Tails 

 

 

 

 For our main course we both went with Fish and Chips .. 

 I asked the waiter to check with the chef and see if it would be possible to get the penne pasta from the everyday menu with a bolognese sauce instead of the tomato basil.  He reported back the chef said that yes, we could so we asked for one order to share. 

 

 

 

 

I am please to report that we were able to have some good old fashioned American ketchup to go with our fish & chips .. 

 

 

To go with my pasta the assistant waited recommended a Merlot.  This is one I have enjoyed in the past on Celebrity and it went well with the bolognese sauce. 

 

 

Dessert was the Tutti Fruity which was very delicious.  However, if it shows up on the menu again, or next week, I am going to ask for a shot of Bailey’s to pour over the pistachio ice cream. 

 

After lunch we adjourned to our cabin where we are both relaxing and watch the clouds go slowly by.  

 

[DaKahuna]

11 minutes ago, Georgia_Peaches said:

I didn't realize they had an espresso maker at the martini bar.  Thanks for the tip!

 

This is news to me as well.   I don’t recall ever seeing one but will keep an eye out on Solstice next April.