MSC Seascape arrived at its new homeport in Galveston on Friday ahead of MSC Cruises' first-ever sailings from the Texas port. Starting Sunday, the ship began its seven-night Galveston cruises to the Western Caribbean, with stops in Costa Maya and Cozumel, Mexico; and Isla de Roatan, Honduras. Departing every Sunday, the ship will continue these sailings year-round from the port's new state-of-the-art Cruise Terminal 16, generating a significant economic impact for the region.
MSC Seascape is one of MSC Cruises' largest and most innovative ships, boasting a variety of new entertainment and dining options inspired by the Lone Star State, along with a range of existing high-tech activities and international cuisine. Guests will find everything from family-friendly offerings to exclusive luxury on board.
As part of MSC Seascape's arrival in Galveston, NBC's Today is giving guests the chance to embark on their own page-turning adventure with a brand-new "Read With Jenna" installation aboard the ship, sponsored by MSC Cruises. This one-of-a-kind, on-deck reading nook, along with the Read With Jenna Jr. Children's book nook brings books and storytelling to the high seas. Both spaces will showcase some of Jenna's favorite Read With Jenna titles and offer a serene, cozy spot for readers to curl up with a good book or discover a new favorite.
Jenna Bush Hager, Host of Jenna and Friends on NBC's Today, said, "I'm so thrilled to bring Read With Jenna to MSC Seascape! Guests will be able to peruse 20 of my favorite page-turners, chosen from six years of my Read With Jenna book club. They're all ready to be your next beach read! Younger readers can check out my Read With Jenna Jr. picks, with options from elementary to high school-age books. For me, reading is the ultimate vacation — so enjoy!"
MSC Seascape's Onboard Offerings
- Expanded Texas-Inspired Flavors: New food and beverage options will highlight Southern, Texan and Gulf Coast flavors, with new menu items across the ship joining the five existing specialty dining venues serving international fare. The onboard drink selection will also feature regional favorites with bars and lounges offering a curated selection of Texan and Southern inspired drinks.
- Boot Scootin' Entertainment: MSC Seascape's new entertainment lineup will feature a Texas flair with experiences including The Lone Star resident country band, Dueling Pianos, country line dance classes and a Big Texas Sailaway party. These new additions will join an existing lineup of full-scale theater productions.
- Family Offerings: Families can enjoy cutting-edge entertainment options ranging from a Formula 1 racing simulator to Robotron—a thrilling amusement ride offering the adrenaline of a rollercoaster at sea paired with a personalized DJ experience. With over 7,500 square feet of dedicated kids' space, younger travelers will find endless entertainment.
- MSC Yacht Club: For cruisers looking to elevate their sailing experience, MSC Cruises' exclusive ship-within-a-ship concept, MSC Yacht Club, provides upscale accommodations in a keycard-access-only area featuring a private restaurant, lounge, outdoor bar and grill, sun deck and pool. Guests sailing in MSC Yacht Club also receive priority embarkation and disembarkation, a dedicated 24/7 butler, premier room service, VIP seating in all entertainment venues and a personal concierge.
Economic Impact
In tandem with MSC Seascape's arrival, MSC Cruises joined representatives from the Galveston Wharves, local and state government, and more, to cut the ribbon on The Port of Galveston's new Cruise Terminal 16, which will further enhance the sailing experience for guests. As the fourth busiest cruise port in the U.S. and the only cruise port in Texas, The Port of Galveston plays a major role in the local economy, providing:
- 4,547 jobs
- $291 million in personal income
- $733 million in business revenue
With the opening of Terminal 16, the port is projected to welcome an additional 3.9 million passenger movements and 445 sailings at its four cruise terminals in 2026, further strengthening cruising's positive economic impact on the region.
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