msc cruise vlog Archives - Northern Viking Explorer

September 15, 2026September 15, 2026

MSC Poesia Alaska Cruise Day 1: Sail Away from Seattle 🚢

MSC Poesia Alaska Cruise: Sail Away from Seattle - Day 1 Vlog

Our next Alaska adventure begins aboard the MSC Poesia! Join us for Day 1 of our 7-night Alaska cruise as we board the ship in Seattle, explore some of the public spaces, check out our aft balcony cabin, enjoy sail away, and experience our first evening onboard.

This sailing takes us to Ketchikan, Icy Strait Point, Juneau, Victoria, and scenic cruising through Endicott Arm toward Dawes Glacier. But first, it was time to get settled in and start exploring the MSC Poesia.

🎥 Watch our complete Day 1 vlog here:
https://youtu.be/QOROOzXwsRs

🚢 Boarding & Exploring the MSC Poesia

After making our way through the Seattle cruise terminal, boarding went smoothly and we were excited to finally step aboard. We started exploring some of the ship’s public spaces, including the colorful atrium, Zebra Bar, theater, and upper decks.

One of our first stops was the Lido Deck pool area. There are two outdoor pools, several small elevated whirlpools, a kids splash area, a stage, and plenty of loungers. We had beautiful weather in Seattle, which made it a great place to start getting familiar with the ship.

MSC Poesia outdoor pool deck with swimming pool, elevated whirlpools, loungers, and stage area. — Exploring the outdoor pools and elevated whirlpools on the MSC Poesia shortly after boarding in Seattle.

🍕 Lunch at the Villa Pompeiana Buffet

Once we had explored for a while, it was time for lunch at the Villa Pompeiana Buffet on Deck 13.

There was a wide selection to choose from, including pizza, pasta, roast beef, salads, curries, ramen, fruit, desserts, and plenty more. We also discovered outdoor seating at the back of the buffet with views over the aft of the ship.

That location turned out to be especially convenient because our cabin was only two decks below via the outdoor aft staircase.

🛏️ Our Aft Balcony Cabin 11250

Our home for the week was Aft Balcony Stateroom 11250 on Deck 11, located right at the back of the MSC Poesia. This was our first time staying in an aft-facing balcony cabin, so we were especially excited about the views we would get throughout our Alaska cruise.

The room itself was on the smaller side, but we found the layout comfortable and there was a good amount of storage throughout the cabin. It included a king-size bed that could be separated into twins, nightstands with drawers, a vanity with several charging options, a TV, mini bar, closet space, and a compact bathroom.

Of course, the highlight was the aft-facing balcony. It was angled and not particularly wide, but it gave us a completely different view from a traditional balcony on the side of the ship. We were really looking forward to sitting out there and watching the wake as we sailed toward Alaska.

MSC Poesia aft balcony cabin 11250 on Deck 11 with king-size bed, seating area, and balcony. — Our aft balcony cabin, Stateroom 11250 on Deck 11, would be home for our 7-night Alaska cruise.

We also have a complete tour of this cabin here: https://youtu.be/2zU-h8ofhwY

🌊 Sail Away from Seattle

After settling into our cabin, it was time to head outside for sail away from Seattle. The weather was absolutely beautiful, with blue skies, sunshine, and great views as the MSC Poesia pulled away from the city and began the journey north toward Alaska.

The pool deck quickly came to life with music, dancing, and passengers gathering outside to celebrate the start of the cruise. Between the skyline views, the warm weather, and the energy around the ship, it was a fantastic way to begin our 7-night Alaska adventure.

Passengers dancing during the MSC Poesia sail away party on the outdoor pool deck. — The sail away party gets underway on the MSC Poesia as we begin our Alaska cruise from Seattle.

🍽️ Dinner at Il Palladio

For our first dinner onboard, we headed to Il Palladio Restaurant on Deck 6.

We were happy to have been assigned a table for two, and because we had the early 5:00 p.m. seating, the dining room was especially quiet that evening. It made for a relaxed start to the cruise before we headed out for the evening entertainment.

🎭 Welcome Aboard Show & Evening Entertainment

Our first night included the Welcome Aboard Show in the main theater. It was designed as a preview of the entertainment coming throughout the week, with singing, dancing, comedy, and other performances.

Afterward, we checked out Big Band at Sea, featuring a full live band with brass instruments and vocals. It was a relaxing way to finish a busy first day aboard the MSC Poesia.

MSC Poesia Welcome Aboard Show featuring the Big Band sampler performance in the main theater. — The Welcome Aboard Show on MSC Poesia included a Big Band sampler, giving us a preview of some of the entertainment offered during the cruise.

⭐ A Great Start to Our MSC Poesia Alaska Cruise

Day 1 gave us a great introduction to the MSC Poesia. We explored the ship, enjoyed the pools and buffet, settled into our aft balcony cabin, experienced a beautiful sail away from Seattle, and finished the evening with dinner and live entertainment.

Next up is a full sea day as we continue north toward Alaska!

🎥 Watch MSC Poesia Alaska Cruise: Sail Away from Seattle – Day 1 Vlog
https://youtu.be/QOROOzXwsRs

🚢 MSC Seascape Caribbean Cruise Day 7 – Final Sea Day Fun, Italian Night & Dreamscape Show

MSC Seascape Caribbean Cruise: Final Sea Day Fun & Italian Night - Day 7 Vlog

Our final day aboard MSC Seascape had arrived, and while it’s always a little bittersweet knowing a cruise is coming to an end, we were determined to make the most of every moment. Day 7 was a relaxing sea day filled with great food, fun activities, entertainment, and one final chance to enjoy everything this beautiful ship has to offer before returning to Galveston. ☀️

🍳 Breakfast at Butcher’s Cut

We started our morning with breakfast at Butcher’s Cut, MSC Seascape’s specialty steakhouse, which offers a complimentary breakfast service. We enjoyed fresh pastries, coffee, juice, a smoothie bowl, and steak and eggs while taking in beautiful ocean views from our table by the window.

After breakfast, we stopped by the Loft Café for coffee and a few extra pastries before heading to one of the most important events of the day.

🎭 MSC Seascape Disembarkation Presentation

At the Chora Theatre, we attended the disembarkation presentation where MSC explained the procedures for departure day. Guests learned about luggage collection, departure zones, walk-off options, and timing for the following morning.

One pleasant surprise was seeing the captain and senior officers participate in the presentation while also recognizing many of the hardworking crew members who help make each cruise memorable.

MSC Seascape Captain and crew members on stage during the disembarkation presentation at the Chora Theatre, recognizing staff and sharing departure day information with guests. — Captain and crew members take the stage during MSC Seascape’s disembarkation presentation in the Chora Theatre, helping guests prepare for departure day while recognizing the hardworking staff who made the cruise memorable. 🚢👏

☀️ Pool Olympics, Snow Party & Sea Day Activities

The afternoon was packed with activities around the Marina Pool on Deck 18.

The MSC Pool Olympics brought plenty of laughs as guests competed in fun challenges including relay races, inflatable tube competitions, and team games in the pool.

Immediately afterward, the Snow Party took over the pool deck with music, dancing, and foam bubbles flying through the air. Despite the windy conditions, guests were fully engaged and enjoying the lively atmosphere.

We also watched the entertaining Officers vs Guests competition, featuring bottle flipping challenges, singing contests, team games, and plenty of friendly competition between crew members and passengers.

Of course, no sea day would be complete without a stop for ice cream 🍦 and some relaxing time in the hot tubs while soaking up the Caribbean sunshine.

🎤 MSC Seascape Crew Talent Show

Later in the afternoon, we attended the MSC Seascape Crew Talent Show in the Chora Theatre.

This special performance showcased talented crew members from various departments throughout the ship. From singers to performers representing different areas of the vessel, it was a wonderful opportunity to see another side of the people who work so hard behind the scenes during every cruise.

Performer singing during the MSC Seascape Crew Talent Show in the Chora Theatre, illuminated by colorful stage lighting and visual effects. — A talented MSC Seascape crew member performs during the Crew Talent Show in the Chora Theatre, showcasing the incredible skills and entertainment talents of the ship’s hardworking staff. 🎤✨

🍝 Italian Night in the Main Dining Room

One of the highlights of our final evening was Italian Night in the Cala Jondal Restaurant.

As we entered the dining room, the wait staff welcomed guests with singing, dancing, decorations, and festive Italian-themed celebrations. The entire restaurant was transformed with Italian colors, music, and energy.

Our dinner included:

Caprese Salad
Fried Calamari with Marinara Sauce
Chicken Parmigiana
Linguini alle Vongole
Tiramisu
Lemoncello Cake

The food was excellent, and it was a fun way to celebrate our final evening aboard MSC Seascape.

✨ Dreamscape Production Show

Following dinner, we headed back to the Chora Theatre for Dreamscape, one of the ship’s signature production shows.

Dreamscape featured:

Live singers
Dancers
Aerial performers
Acrobatics
Contortionists
Stunning costumes
Large video screens and visual effects

The show combined music, color, and high-energy performances into an entertaining production that quickly became one of our favorite shows of the cruise.

At the conclusion of the performance, MSC also took time to recognize many of the crew members who helped create an unforgettable experience throughout the week.

📸 Officer Selfies in the Atrium

Before calling it a night, we attended the Officer Selfie event in the atrium.

Guests had the opportunity to meet officers from around the ship and take complimentary photos using their own phones. It was another example of how visible and approachable the officers were throughout our sailing.

Ken and Andrea posing with MSC Seascape officers during the Officer Selfie event in the ship's atrium on the final evening of the cruise. — Ken and Andrea pose with several MSC Seascape officers during the Officer Selfie event in the atrium, giving guests a chance to meet members of the ship’s leadership team and capture a memorable photo from their Caribbean cruise. 📸🚢

🌊 Final Thoughts on MSC Seascape

As our seven-night Caribbean cruise aboard MSC Seascape came to an end, we reflected on what a fantastic week it had been. From exciting ports and beautiful sea days to great entertainment, excellent dining, and friendly crew members, MSC Seascape delivered a memorable vacation experience.

Day 7 was the perfect way to finish our cruise, combining relaxation, fun activities, great food, and outstanding entertainment before returning to Galveston the following morning. 🚢

🎥 Watch the Full Video

Watch the complete Day 7 vlog here:

MSC Seascape Day 6: Cozumel, Cenote Chaak Tun Cave Swim & Playa del Carmen Adventure 🌊🚢

MSC Seascape Caribbean Cruise: Cozumel - Cenote Chaak Tun Cave Snorkel - Day 6 Vlog

Day 6 of our MSC Seascape Caribbean cruise brought us to Cozumel, Mexico, where we set off on one of the most unique excursions of our trip. We booked the MSC Cruises Caverns and Underground Swim and Shopping in Playa del Carmen excursion, which took us across the water to the mainland and deep into the fascinating Cenote Chaak Tun cave system. From underground caverns and crystal-clear waters to exploring the streets of Playa del Carmen, this turned into an unforgettable day ashore before another fun evening aboard MSC Seascape.

Ferry to Playa del Carmen & Cenote Chaak Tun Adventure ⛴️🌴

Our day began with a ferry ride from Cozumel to Playa del Carmen, followed by a short shuttle ride to Cenote Chaak Tun. After getting fitted with water shoes, life jackets, helmets, and snorkeling masks, we entered the underground cave system for an incredible guided adventure.

Inside the cenotes, we explored ancient limestone caverns filled with impressive rock formations, stalactites, stalagmites, and crystal-clear freshwater pools. We navigated narrow cave passages, learned about the geology of the area, and spent time swimming through the refreshing underground waters. The cave system was much larger than we expected, and the experience felt like stepping into another world.

Passengers aboard the ferry departing Cozumel, Mexico, with MSC Seascape docked at the cruise pier as the ferry heads toward Playa del Carmen on a sunny Caribbean day. — Passengers aboard the ferry to Playa del Carmen enjoy views of MSC Seascape docked in Cozumel before beginning their Cenote Chaak Tun cave adventure. 🚢🌊

Exploring Playa del Carmen 🏖️🛍️

After our cave adventure, we returned to Playa del Carmen for some free time. We spent time wandering through the colorful streets, browsing local shops, and soaking in the atmosphere of this popular beach destination.

We also made our way down to the waterfront to enjoy views of the beautiful beach and Caribbean Sea before heading back to meet our excursion group. While our time was limited, it gave us a great glimpse of Playa del Carmen and left us wanting to return for a longer visit in the future.

Back on MSC Seascape 🚢

After the ferry ride back to Cozumel and returning to the ship, we cleaned up and headed out for another evening aboard MSC Seascape. Tonight featured a fun western-themed atmosphere throughout the ship, complete with themed music and menu selections in the main dining room.

Dinner at the Cala Jondal Restaurant included Texas-style favorites such as smoked brisket, pulled pork quesadillas, cornbread, and peach cobbler. It was another enjoyable meal and a great way to end an action-packed day ashore.

“In Concert” Show & Officers in Motion 🎸🎭

The evening entertainment included the “In Concert” production show in the Chora Theatre. This high-energy performance featured live music, talented singers, dancers, and rock classics that had the audience fully engaged throughout the show.

Afterward, we headed to the ship’s atrium for the popular Officers in Motion event, where MSC officers joined guests for a fun evening of dancing and entertainment. It was a lively way to wrap up another fantastic day onboard.

Final Thoughts

Day 6 combined adventure, exploration, and entertainment into one memorable cruise day. From swimming through the underground waters of Cenote Chaak Tun to exploring Playa del Carmen and enjoying another great evening aboard MSC Seascape, this was easily one of the highlights of our Caribbean cruise.

If you’re visiting Cozumel on an MSC cruise and looking for something unique beyond the beaches, this excursion is definitely worth considering.

🎥 Watch our MSC Seascape Day 6 vlog here:
https://youtu.be/T-4QHUnPIcs

Tag: msc cruise vlog