Thursday, May 21, 2026

Lost Shaker of Salt- Day 4

 Costa Maybe... YES!
MSC Day #4 
Costa Maya, Mexico 


White Night aboard the MSC Seascape! 

Morning
We woke up and neither of us was feeling 100%. I did not sleep well due to the stuffiness of the room and Chris was having terrible neuropathy pain all night but we got dressed and ready for the day because ANY day onboard a cruise ship is better than a day at home. We went back to Hola Tacos because the breakfast was really good! 


Hello to the NEWEST SHIP IN THE WORLD (at the time) Norwegian Luna! 
It was gorgeous and I would LOVE to sail on her but I thought she would be a little bigger! 

Just 7 weeks ago, we were unable to dock at Costa Maya due to the weather and had to miss this port on The Harmony of the Seas- February 2026. 

Seriously... Hola Tacos is where it is at on this ship! 
I now wish we would have tried the lunch/ dinner options becasue this seriously was the best food we had the entire cruise! 


Hola Tacos for FREE Breakfast was SO GOOD! 
It was EASILY the best food we experienced on this sailing! Do not skip on this one! 

After breakfast, while the majority of the passengers got off the ship to explore Costa Maya, we opted to go to the Infinity Pool in hopes of enjoying this area a little less crowded than a seaday. This worked out well as we had the Infinity Pool all to ourselves for about an hour before more passengers arrived. The bartenders at the Infinity Bar were wonderful and kept the drinks flowing nicely. Unfortunately, there was ZERO sun coverage at the Infinity Pool but we kept the sunscreen applied and we did not burn at all. TIP- The first port day is usually the PERFECT time to enjoy a nice quiet ship and this is almost always the day we enjoy the adults-only areas of the cruise ship. 


The Infinity Pool at 9:30AM on Port Day #1.


We literally had the whole thing to ourselves! 

We stayed at the Infinity Pool area for nearly 4 hours before getting out and going to lunch! 

Afternoon
After our massages we were hungry so we went to the Marketplace Buffet for lunch. While this buffet had countless things to offer, the food was still just "mid" and I was reminded, I am just not a buffet person. This is one thing Carnival does INCREDIBLY well with Guy's Burgers, Blue Iguana and Shaq's Chicken. Even Royal Caribbean offers Cafe Promenade and Sorento's Pizza as quick lunch and mid-day options. MSC only offered the Marketplace Buffet. 

We played some trivia in Times Square but did not win, unfortunately. We also made a visit to Venchi Chocolate and Chris was able to enjoy a "Chocolate Tasting" for $40- which included 10 chocolate pieces. He really enjoyed this but it seemed way overpriced to me! 


This is a really cool place on board... Especially if you like chocolate! 

We then went and laid out in the Jungle Pool area for a while before it started to get really humid since the roof was open! We decided to go to the Loft Cafe on Deck 8 to get an afternoon coffee followed by a cocktail. Then we began heading back to the balcony to enjoy the sail away. There were a few late arrivers but no real pier runners. However, we did learn there was a medical emergency and a passenger had to be transported off the ship. It was terrible to watch and I pray for her and her family. TIP- Always get Travel's Insurance. Even a small policy can cover expenses for a medical emergency. We use Alliance Annual plan and it is not that expensive and covers quite a bit. We pay $350/ year for ALL FOUR OF US! Thank God we have never had to use it- but I will always reapply annually because you never know when you may need it! 

Our balcony was in the sun for sail away but this also meant we were able to enjoy the sunset and it was gorgeous on this evening! 


Goodbye Norwegian Luna & Enchantment of the Seas!


Sail away from a balcony is one of my favorite things on a cruise. 

Evening
It was "White Night" on MSC Seascape and I believe at least 95% of the ship was dressed in White. We have been on 29 cruises but I have never seen a set of passengers get this excited about a theme night! I truly enjoyed this vibe! 


I love a sunset on a cruise ship but seeing it from your balcony is PRICELESS! 


White Night and a gorgeous sunset! 


Sunset Selfie! 


Sunset on a cruise ship Balcony is PRICELESS! 

Dinner in the MDR was good as the service was once again phenomenal. Our Head waiter and his team did a great job of balancing the two larger party tables and our small table. We were in and out of the MDR in 50 minutes. The food was still only Applebee's level (if that) but there were a few dishes that were memorable. 

Check out "Let's Talk Ship" for Day #4 

We love a day on an "emptier" ship and this one did not disappoint! 


Our view at dinner was worth the mid-level food! 


Vegetable Rolls
Chris -3.0 & Kellie- 2.5
These were crispy but not a lot of flavor. 


Stuffed Mushrooms
Chris- 4.5 & Kellie 4.0
These were the best appetizer thus far. 


Barramundi
Kellie -3.5
This was actually good for our experience thus far. It didn't have anything on Babin's Seafood (one of our favorite restaurants in our neighborhood) but it was really good for MSC food. 


Coconut Cake 
Kellie- 3.0
Light and moist but a bit too coconutty!

We went to the Cocktail Bar once again after dinner and thanks to the food not being great, we didn't even have to stop and take a break between dinner and cocktails, which was nice. We loved Ashish Rao, the bartender, and we were really able to make a relationship with him during our cruise. I have always joked that when I retired I am going to bartend (it's great money) and he is one I would like to mimic... He was incredible! 


This reminded me SO MUCH of the Alchemy Bar (Carnival). 
We LOVED this bar and shut it down nightly! 


The Bee's Knees... SERIOUSLY so good! 
This is a $16 cocktail so I had to pay an additional $2 (plus gratuities) with each order but it was WORHT it. All of the ingredients were made FRESH every day and this really made all the difference! 

We shut down the Cocktail Bar at 10PM, (they close SUPER early) and then went to the Sports Bar to enjoy more live music with Christo De Rey. We made our way up to the Main Pool on Deck 18 for the White Night Party of which we had heard so much about. But this was a sleeping Carnival Party to say the very least. Lots of people but they were all much like us... just swaying side to side and looking like a fool. I enjoy the Carnival Deck parties or the Royal Caribbean Promenade parties were EVERYONE is umping up and down and literally shaking what their mama gave them... Breaking a sweat! This was not that... We still had fun but I was expecting a more "College Spring Break" vibe. 


This was the White Night Party atmosphere about 10 minutes after it started! 


It was not what we were expecting but we still had fun! 


We didn't care... We don't like the crowds as much so this was fine- it just wasn't what we were expecting! 


Gelato from the Marina Pool. 
This was $3.95 plus gratuity but there was a lot in here! 

We went to the Late Night Adult Quest in Uptown Lounge and we really enjoyed this vibe. I think the smaller venue really allowed for more people to participate. Chris even threw in his shorts. PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT- The Quest is an Adults- Only scavenger hunt on most cruise lines. This asks for things like belts, socks with holes in them (just a normal sock) and then things like "5men's pants tied together" of which Chris participated in. I also give them a "thong"... one of my flip-flops! It is a lot of fun but be forewarned it can be a little raunchy! 


We have yet to win any trivia but the cruise is now OFFICIALLY a success... We have taken a picture with the Cruise Director! 

We closed down the Uptown Lounge Bar around 1AM and then called it a night! It was a great day spent on the MSC Seascape! 

Up Next... Roatan, Honduras!

 God is Good... ALL THE TIME! 

Click on a link to see our past cruising adventures:
Harmony of the Seas- February 2026








 


Carnival Conquest- 2006

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Wednesday, May 20, 2026

Lost Shaker of Salt- Day 3

 Gala Night Sea Day #2 April 7, 2026 


We really enjoyed getting dressed up like the "good ol' cruising days". 
(At least I did)

Morning
Once we reached smooth sailing at approximately 9PM on Night #2, it was a very smooth cruise and this allowed for much better sleep but as a perimenopausal woman in her 40 forties, I was desperately needing a fan. The stateroom still stayed very cool compared to many other cruise lines we have sailed but the hot-flashes are not forgiving. We were up around 7AM and made our way to Loft Cafe for coffee and light pastries. TIP- The Loft Cafe on Deck 8 Forward is an incredible coffee shop that truly offers coffee shop vibes and has tons of seating. The coffee is a little more customizable here than anywhere else on the ship as well as they have several different syrup options. I also appreciate the fact it is a full service bar with bartenders. HOWEVER- The Full service was not great during the morning hours it seemed.
SMOOTH SAILING on Day #3
This is a GREAT option for breakfast and the pastries' were actually good.

Check out the Loft Cafe!


We went back to the room to enjoy the balcony in the shade before going to breakfast at Hola Tacos. TIP- This was easily the best food on the ship period. They offered traditional breakfast options like omelets but also Huevos Rancheros and even Queso. The service was just as good if not better than the MDR and Butcher’s Cut as we were in and out in less than 40 minutes. This is NOT to be missed while sailing on the MSC Seascape. 

Do not sleep on Hola Tacos-It as AWESOME!

The Hola Tacos Breakfast Menu

The Churros were not bad at all.

This queso was AMAZING... I cannot believe I ate this for breakfast but it was mighty tasty!

The Hola Tacos Breakfast Burrito was really good and I loved the fresh guacamole!

After breakfast we went back to the balcony as it was a gorgeous day and the seas were smooth as glass. We stayed on the balcony in the shade for over an hour before going to the Jungle Pool Beach Bar for freshly squeezed orange juice. TIP- The Jungle Beach Bar is the only place on the ship with a fresh OJ machine and it is delicious. This is free if you have the Premium Beverage Package and does not count towards your 15 drinks. We sipped our fresh OJ and laid out in the corner of the Jungle Pool area for over an hour. 

This is a perfect day aboard a cruise ship... AND even INSIDE with AC.


We then went to the Casino Bar and met a couple from Magnolia, just miles away from our hometown of Conroe, TX. We talked to them for a while before going to “Tour de Brunch” in the MDR. This brunch offered food from “around the world” with about 8 different main dish options. We arrived after 12PM and it was very busy, but we did not have to wait for a table which was nice. The service was not as good for this meal as I feel we were forgotten a bit. The food was mid-level at best but I enjoyed seeing all the offerings from other passengers' tables. 

The Main Dining Room Tour de Brunch menu (Sea Day #2)

The French Toast Kellie- 2.5

Carbonara Pasta Kellie-2.0 This sauce was awful... Flavor was not terrible!

Bread and Butter Pudding Kellie 3.0 & Chris- 3.0


Afternoon
After brunch we went back to the balcony and were able to stay in the shade for only about 30 minutes before it was fully in the sun and were HOT so we went to the Cabaret Lounge for afternoon trivia- we didn't win! But the wake view was absolutely perfect on this gorgeous day!
Balcony Selfie time...

This is why I cruise... and cruise SO OFTEN! This is absolutely PERFECT!

Hello Mariner of the Seas! We will see you in less than 2 months for "The Suite Life of Chris & Kellie"! Stay tuned for that!

We then went to the Cocktail Bar in the Specialty Restaurant Lounge. This very quickly became our favorite spot on the whole ship and gave Carnival Alchemy Bar vibes. The bartender Ashish Rao from Mumbai was incredible and the sole bartender at this bar. He made some of the best drinks I have had in a very long time. We sat at talked to him for a long time before leaving to go to Friend’s Trivia in the Cabaret Lounge. Unfortunately, I did not win but we still had fun! In fact, this is our first cruise EVER we have not won a single trivia!


We went to the Love and Marriage Show as the matinee in the Main Theater and it was funny and very well attended. TIP- Be sure to arrive at all shows in the Main Theater about 5-10 minutes early as there is not enough seating for 5,500 passengers and it gets really crowded in the last 10 minutes before a show. 

MSC Spa Entrance- Check it out!

We loved the layout of this Spa!


We opted to enjoy the gorgeous afternoon in the Infinity Pool area on Deck 8 aft. This was less of a pool and more of a shallow bathtub but we enjoyed the sun and the calmness of no kids. TIP- Even when sailing on “off-peak” weeks in the school year, we still had 1,269 passengers less than 18 years old on our cruise and I was a little shocked. I will say that most of the kids were much better behaved than Carnival or Norwegian clientele it seemed. 

Another view of the Infinity Pool from the Aft Elevators. Check out the AFT ELEVATORS:

Hello Cancun, Mexico!

Let's Get some GELATO!
Day 3- Let's Talk Ship
A gorgeous day on a cruise ship... everything else doesn't even matter!

Evening
We spent about 2 hours in the Infinity Pool and then showered and got ready for Gala Night onboard. TIP- Gala Night is MSC’s Formal Night and I will say that overall the guest were much more dressed up than our experience the past few years on Carnival, Royal Caribbean or Norwegian. It very much reminded us of Princess Cruise Lines Formal Night and we liked that. 

We are all "prettied up" for Gala Night!

I (personally) LOVED getting to dress up for Gala Night!

Dinner in the MDR was not as nice as we would have thought for the “Gala Night” dinner and the service was not as fast as the previous two evenings; but it is a formal night and the service is just always slower. We also for the first time ordered "Two Entrees" as we wanted to share the Filet Mignon. Supposedly MSC charges $5 per additional entree beyond 1. We expected a charge and we did have a "charge" on our account BUT it was for $0. That could have been standard or it could have been since we mentioned the steak not being very good at all- It's hard to tell! It was also VERY HOT in our corner on this meal and by the time our dessert arrived, we were so hot we were uncomfortable! 


The MDR Gala Night Dinner Menu 


Lobster Bisque Chris- 3.0 & Kellie- 2.5 This was good flavored but it was not as rich or thick & creamy as I would personally prefer.

Caesar Salad Chris-1.5 & Kellie- 1.0 This seemed not even mixed together and the dressing had "clumps" in it!

Lobster Chris-4.0 (the whole dish but the Lobster itself was 2.0) Kellie- 2.5 overall

Filet Mignon Chris 2.0 & Kellie-1.0 This didn't even taste like the right cut of meat as it was very chewy and overcooked. Even the neighboring table had a tough cut of meat. The potatoes, asparagus and sauce were DELICIOUS and easily the most flavorful thing we had up to this point but we couldn't even finish this TINY steak!

Another look at this cut of "filet".

Baked Alaska Both- 3.5 We enjoyed this ending to our meal!

Gala Night Review
Overall, we really enjoyed this evening! 

After dinner we went back to the room to get into more comfortable clothes and then went to the Sports Bar for live music with guitarist Christo de Rey- this guy was INCREDIBLE and easily the most entertaining musicians we have experienced on any cruise! If you like Classic Rock, be sure to check him out!

He last set was over at 11PM so we went back to enjoy the balcony! I was not feeling 100% so I showered and went to bed early. Overall it was a great sea day aboard the MSC Seascape!

Up Next- Costa Maya, Mexico

God is Good... ALL THE TIME! 

Click on a link to see our past cruising adventures:
Harmony of the Seas- February 2026








 


Carnival Conquest- 2006
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