Cruise Critic’s 2025 “Best Cruise for Families” Award winner MSC Sets Sail in Galveston
Being the new kid on the block sailing out of Galveston, MSC, the largest cruise line in Europe, had to pull out all the stops to draw the attention of the Texas market. You cannot have missed.
The ads featuring Drew Barrymore and Orlando Bloom boasting European style and American comfort and wondered if they really deliver. The MSC Seascape, named the best cruise for families overall by Forbes vetted, won big receiving Best Cruise for Families 2025 award from Cruise Critic. Making Galveston a homeport, MSC Seascape launched in November and has definitely raised the bar for family-friendly cruising. Whether you are veteran cruisers or are considering a first-time family adventure this ship will not disappoint.
What makes a great family cruise a true holiday?
First and foremost it should be a vacation for every member of the family – one that provides happy memories and leaves the kids begging for the next one. As a veteran of many family vacations spent onboard a wide variety of ships I have four criteria by which I judge what kind of “memorable” the holiday will ultimately be. In each category there must be lots of options and availability.
- Space – cabins and suites, public areas, designated areas, restaurants and dining rooms.
- Activities. If you want to avoid the dreaded “I’m bored” there must be a wide variety and a plethora of activities with a wide and diverse appeal to all ages – adults included.
- Food. Many options, diverse selection and tastes, flexibility as to setting and time.
- Service and crew. If each family member can go home knowing the name of their favorite member of the crew, happy memories will follow.
My standard for family cruising is how many smiles, how much laughter and how much joy does the group experience every day.
How did SeaScape stack up?
Cabins and Suites:
With 2,270 cabins split into 12 categories families of all sizes and intergenerational groups as well as a wide range of budgets can be accommodated. The rooms are all nicely appointed and functional. Budget friendly options include the Premium Interior suites, which can sleep up to 5 and measure 301 square feet, a range of rooms with fold out sleepers and interconnecting options. If you want to splurge there is a 527 square foot two bedroom grand suite and children are also welcomed in the exclusive Yacht Club suites.
Public areas:
Considering the number of guests on the ship there are many family-friendly options for wide open spaces with thirteen water features including a kids splash pool, six swimming pools, multiple jacuzzis, the Infinity pool on the stern with amazing ocean views, ping pong and foosball tables located above the Jungle pool and the Pirates Cove Aqua Park with designated areas for different age groups with waterslides, water cannons, an adventure trail and giant splash bucket. For adults looking for a date night, Seascape has a beautiful atrium with multiple bars including a Champagne bar and a sports bar as well as nightly entertainment in La Cabaret Rouge or the Chora Theater.
Activities:
Seascape boasts one the the largest kids clubs at sea – Doremiland with 7,500 square feet with zones for 5 designated age groups from infants to age 17 and plenty of activities and amenities including crafts, LEGO fun, interactive activities and video games. Best of all are the new friendships that are made in the clubs.
Fun fact – if you are celebrating your child’s Birthday you can order a special Doermi cake by contacting Guest services.
There is a separate Video Game Hall and the older kids and teens will love the immersive XD cinema, F1, flight and motor bike simulators and for guests ages seven and older the very exciting Robotron – billed as the ultimate thrill ride – a hi-tech robotic arm that twist and turns high above the sea and allows riders to choose music, speed, and light settings for a one-of a kind experience.
Family-friendly excursions include snorkeling, kayaking, glass-bottom boats and wildlife experiences.
Food:
With 11 restaurants Seascape has something for everyone. The selections at the Marketplace Buffet are huge and the selections are equally impressive with a wide variety of cuisines and a Kids Corner area with foods just for kids. High chairs and children’s menus are available in all restaurants. MSC has curated menu items with the help of the Observatario Chicco Baby Research Center.
Foods are clearly labeled with several gluten-free and vegetarian options. While almost any type of special diet can be accommodated, I have found that it is best to notify the ship of special requests well in advance. There are four complimentary restaurants which offer international menus that change daily.
I suggest checking out the main restaurants if the Marketplace Buffet is feeling too crowded during busy meal times especially for breakfast and lunch. Room service is always available and kids think it’s a fun alternative. Be aware of the delivery charges.
MSC offers a service where kids can dine with the entertainment staff daily in the buffet restaurant and for a “Happy Dinner” option, kids are given dinner while adults enjoy appetizers, then are escorted by the staff to the kids club while adults enjoy their dinner.
Date night suggestions for specialty restaurants are Butcher’s Cut, premium steakhouse and Ocean Cay, an elegant seafood restaurant. Late night options include pizza and other offerings from the Marketplace Buffet. Chocolate treats and gelato are available at Vencho 1878.
My rating:
MSC is extremely family oriented and looking forward to growing in the Texas market by attracting loyal cruise guests in this sector. Sailing on Seascape provides a reasonable option for a family vacation, but you must be aware of all the additional charges such as the drink packages, activity fees and dining options. While the ship is large, MSC has designed a spacious and beautiful ship with many areas designated for children and families making sailing feel special. The activities, amenities and spaces are all designed to provide many happy holiday memories for your entire family. On our cruise a good time was had by all. Give the new kid on the block a try and I don’t think you will be disappointed.
Insider tips:
Don’t miss
- Movie nights on Deck 18
- Soft-serve ice cream buffet on Deck 18 $4 kids size gelato available by the Jungle pool
- Adults only Infinity Pool – incredible views – go early to get a sunbed.
- Read with Jenna Book Nook In a nod to the Texas native, Seascape has the world’s only Cruise into Reading nook featuring her Today Show book club selections for adults and a special section for children from elementary school through high school.
- The resident country band, line dancing lessons and dueling pianos.
Good to know:
- Great place to catch the sunset without a crowd – Le Cabaret Rouge
- Theme parties can be a lot of fun for families. Plan ahead for outfits.
- Wi-Fi is excellent.
- The elevators can get clogged so try to find the glass elevators at the back of the ship in your first couple of days before everyone else does. You can access them from Uptown Lounge: They go all the way up to the pool deck with incredible views and typically shorter waits as they’re a little bit more tucked away than the other elevators onboard.
Know before you go:
MSC is not an all-inclusive cruise line. Research the many package offerings, extra charges for family activities including late night childcare, drink packages including soft drinks, fitness classes and spa charges, gratuities.There are also unexpected family oriented things you can ask for such as booking a Youth Club staff member to escort your child to the appropriate club after they eat while you enjoy finishing your meal. While you are checking out the additional charges, also research “freebies” onboard.
Book the Kids Club on embarkation day as soon as possible as the days and evenings frequently fill up quickly. You can fill out an online form but you will still have to book once you are onboard. While KIds Club activities are generally free but be certain to ask about additional charges.
Check out MSC Seascape Facebook groups for information and comments from people who have sailed previously.
Hoping to secure its position as the best cruise for families overall, MSC is offering some very attractive special rates including kids sail free offerings.
