A 5-Day Bahamas Cruise Aboard MSC Seashore: Our Experience

Getting there: Smooth sailing from Orlando

We flew into Orlando Airport and took a shuttle to our hotel the day before the cruise. We used the Coco Beach Express shuttle service, which was convenient and affordable. The shuttle runs every hour, but you do need to reserve a specific time to guarantee a seat. The roundtrip cost was $50 per person, covering both the transfer from the airport to the hotel and from the cruise port back to the airport after the trip.
We stayed at the SpringHill Suites Cape Canaveral, which exceeded our expectations. The rooms were spacious and spotless, and the breakfast offered a nice variety of hot and cold options. The hotel arranged a shuttle to the cruise port the next morning for $10 per person — though, with a group of four, we realized that an Uber might have been slightly cheaper. Fortunately, the hotel is just a short distance from the cruise port, making this a very convenient choice.

Effortless embarkation at Cape Canaveral

Embarkation at Cape Canaveral was by far the quickest and smoothest we've experienced. We arrived at our designated time of noon and dropped off our suitcases with the port valet.
Within 10 minutes, we were on board the MSC Seashore. One feature I particularly appreciated was being able to head directly to our room to drop off our personal luggage and pick up our room key. We then headed to the buffet and the bar. We had great seats on Deck 19 right next to the Horizon Bar to watch the Sail Away party.

Miami: A scenic boat tour of Biscayne Bay

Our first port of call was Miami, where we took a Biscayne Bay boat tour with the Miami Tour Company. The tour started and ended at Bayside Marketplace, giving us some free time to explore the shops and grab a bite to eat. The 90-minute boat ride offered a glimpse into the luxurious lifestyles of Miami’s elite, as we cruised past some of the most extravagant waterfront homes. The weather in December was perfect —sunny and mild— and the tour was a great way to see the city from a different perspective.

Ocean Cay: MSC’s private paradise

Next, we visited Ocean Cay Marine Reserve, MSC’s private island. We’re always excited for a private island stop, as it offers a relaxing, all-inclusive beach day. The island is beautiful, and since we had the drink package onboard, all of our beverages were included, even here. We had reserved an umbrella ahead of time for just $10 (booking on the island would have cost $20), which was a great deal. We took the shuttle to North Beach, set up our umbrella and settled in for a peaceful afternoon. North Beach is serene and offers stunning views of the turquoise ocean — truly a highlight of the trip.

Nassau: Shopping and dining at the Straw Market

Our final stop was Nassau, where we spent the day strolling around the port area. We visited the Straw Market, a great place to pick up souvenirs, and had lunch at Senor Frogs, where the lively atmosphere and delicious food made for a fun midday break.

Final thoughts: A wonderful MSC experience

Overall, our MSC Seashore cruise was an unforgettable experience. The ship was absolutely beautiful — modern, spacious and packed with amenities. The food exceeded our expectations, with the pizza being a particular highlight. Service was top-notch, and the staff were always friendly and welcoming. Despite the ship’s size, it never felt overcrowded. With 18 bars to choose from, we were always able to find a cozy spot to relax, enjoy a drink and people watch. We were fortunate to score a last-minute deal, which made the entire trip feel like incredible value. I’d definitely cruise with MSC again — it’s an excellent cruise line that strikes the perfect balance of luxury, relaxation and adventure.

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