We plopped our stuff down on some lounge chairs and literally ran into the ocean. Now that I think of it, I believe this is the first tropical trip I’ve ever taken during winter. The concept of swimming in warm southern waters during late November felt almost unbelievable. It was proof that island life really is the best life.
After swimming, I broke off from the group to partake in the lighthouse climb. I wanted to get some great aerial photos of the island and the ship. It’s an experience I highly recommend. Learning about the island was fascinating and the views were picture-perfect. So perfect that I took a good thirty photos from the top of the lighthouse.
MSC Seashore Godmother Sophia Loren
Photo: Kate Russell
For lunch, we had the choice of dining on the ship or on the island. Ocean Cay was serving delicious jerk chicken, fried plantains, and Caribbean-style corn on the cob, which is grilled and covered with garlic, parsley, cheese, and spices. Obviously, with a menu like that, I ate on the island. Surprisingly, the jerk chicken was some of the best I’ve ever had in my entire life. Savory, flavorful, and fall-off-the-bone perfect.
After lunch, it was time to head back to my cabin to shower and change clothes for the big event. Christening ceremonies are formal events, and everyone dresses up for the occasion. Even more special was the fact that the Seashore was being christened simultaneously with Ocean Cay, a first for the cruise industry. When Sophia Loren arrived, she was met with a standing ovation from everyone. She’s not only a Hollywood legend, but has been the Godmother to 16 MSC ships, making her cruise royalty.
MSC is actually a Swiss company, but its main Mediterranean hub is in Italy, so the brand has a massive Italian heritage and presence. In fact, over half of the passengers on the ship were European, and I’ve been told that’s normal for MSC. If any of you plan on sailing with them, they are very much a European cruise ship that just happens to be based in the Bahamas.
Because of this, Sophia Loren hosted the ceremony speaking both English and Italian, an impressive skill I always admire. Finally, the big moment came. A countdown from 10…9…8… Everyone counted down until we hit 0. That’s when she cut the ribbon, sending a bottle of champagne shattering into the side of the ship, a symbol of luck in the maritime industry.
A joyous cheer filled the ship and the island. Hands were shook, cheeks were kissed, and Sophia Loren even shed a tear as she thanked everyone in attendance for helping create such a magical moment. After the ceremony, a formal gala dinner took place in the dining rooms, and I met back up with everyone at my table. We all shared stories of our day and swapped photos we took on the island, all while eating a fabulous dinner of lobster, filet mignon, and a truly wonderful carrot cake for dessert.
Nile Rodgers and Chic Performing
Photo: Keith Langston
Afterward, the entire ship gathered within the Seashore’s main atrium, a giant four-story open space filled with balconies that serves as the heart of the ship. The night’s entertainment was provided by Grammy- winning legends Nile Rodgers and Chic. They performed all their massive hits like “Le Freak” and “Good Times,” as well as numerous hit songs that Nile Rodgers helped create as a producer, including “I’m Coming Out” and “We Are Family”. There was dancing, champagne, and an undeniable energy running through the whole ship.
It was a fantastic night that I’ll never forget. The joy, the energy, and the feeling of community that was formed. Though we were all strangers, we were in a special place at a special time, and somehow, without ever verbally saying so, we all knew it. As evening turned into nighttime, the party shifted from the atrium to the ship’s many bars, lounges, and casino. I, however, had other plans. There was a bowl of gelato and a certain pinball machine calling my name, and with everyone else preoccupied with their partying, I’d be able to play as many times as I wanted.
Shortly after midnight and after countless rounds of pinball, I returned to my room and discovered a surprise. When I opened my door, I saw that a gift had been left on my bed. It was a replica of the MSC Seashore, made of solid metal (and I mean solid metal. I was literally stopped at airport security because of it). It was gorgeously crafted and is currently placed on the center of my dresser so I can always remember my first cruise.
As I slid open the door to my balcony, I could see flashing lights on the beaches of Ocean Cay. A dance party was set to go until about 2 A.M. when the ship would start heading back for Miami. But I wanted to enjoy the ocean all around me, the salty breeze, and the stars in the sky. I knew that when I woke up, we’d be back in the States. The magic would be gone, and the trip would transition from a wonderous adventure to a great memory.
Sure enough, when I opened my eyes the next morning, we were already docked in Port Miami. Check-out was 8:30 A.M. (I’ve been told this extremely early check-out time is normal in the cruise industry and is pretty much universal). As I walked off the ship and back into the real world, I couldn’t help but already miss everyone and everything on board. I now understand why cruise people are cruise people. It’s an experience that, until you try it, you’ll just never fully understand. Cheers to the Seashore on her maiden voyage and the wonderful experience she provided for my first cruise. May we both have many, many more ahead of us.
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