While onboard a cruise, it is easy to get into a relatively set routine, such as heading straight to the buffet on embarkation day or for lunch each day. Likewise, you may love spending the days sitting by the pool without looking into the ship's activities. 

Some MSC cruisers will be disappointed to learn that they will not be visiting Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve (Ocean Cay) on their cruise. The European cruise line's idyllic private island in the Bahamas will temporarily close in 2024 as it makes way for some upgrades. 

MSC Cruises, the world’s largest privately held cruise line, opened its private island in December 2019 and has become a popular port of call on many of its Caribbean sailings. 

Beautiful sunsets and crystal blue seas are the quintessential views you expect to find on a cruise. For me, seeing the ocean resemble a sheet of glass never gets old - and always leaves me in awe that something so powerful can also be equally as peaceful.

I recently returned from my first-ever European cruise onboard MSC Seashore. As someone who had only ever cruised to the Caribbean and Bahamas prior to this trip, I was intrigued to see how the experience would compare. 

I was excited to visit three different countries -- Italy, Spain, and France -- via cruise ship, two of which I had never been to before! Plus, MSC Cruises was a brand-new cruise line for me. What better way to sail the Mediterranean than on a European cruise line!

Whether you are taking a cruise to the Caribbean, Europe, or Alaska, you are sure to need a bag to carry all of your essentials off of the ship with you while in port. 

The type of bag, though, may vary. If, for instance, you plan on spending most of your time ashore at the beach, you will want a good beach bag that is large enough to carry your towels, sunscreen, a hat, book, etc. 

If exploring different culturally rich destinations in Europe, you will want an anti-theft bag, as many of these places are, unfortunately, known for pickpocketing.