by Brian Major
Last updated: 7:00 AM ET, Wed April 23, 2025
More cruise
ships sail in Caribbean waters than in any other global region. Still, the territory
has never witnessed a ship quite like MSC Cruises’ MSC World America, which debuted this month as the company’s newest ship.
The 6,764-passenger,
215,863-ton liner provides guests with an array of staterooms in multiple
configurations, expansive indoor and outdoor activity areas, diverse dining
options and a full menu of entertainment options.
Yet these elements
are found aboard other mega liners. MSC World America differs from almost every
other ship deployed in Caribbean waters because of its Euro-centric onboard
style.
Company officials
hope the ship’s European touches, combined with diverse contemporary amenities,
facilities and services, will appeal to an American clientele seeking new
vacation experiences.
MSC sought to popularize
the company’s singular brand messaging in January via a broadcast commercial
campaign that launched on a global stage – the National Football League’s Super
Bowl LIX broadcast.
Featuring A-list
entertainers Drew Barrymore and Orlando Bloom, the commercial presents
the popular celebrities, respectively, as American and European style icons who
blend well together despite some cultural differences.
MSC is
positioning World America as just such an experience: a ship offering European
design, with restaurants, bars and diverse experiences featuring Continental
qualities, yet still created to cater to North American guests.
Underscoring the
company’s commitment to the North American cruise market, MSC World America is
based at the company’s new terminal at PortMiami, from where it now offers
seven-night Caribbean itineraries calling at some of the region’s most popular
ports.
The early
reviews from travel advisors indicate MSC will find an audience for its newest
ship.
“MSC World
America does a more than acceptable job of providing an experience that spans
U.S. and European clientele by adding dining venues that did not exist on
previous ships,” said Stephen Scott, CEO of TravelHub 365, who sailed aboard World America's inaugural voyage in April. “The entertainment
was spectacular.”
Scott said the
ship fits a recognized passenger profile. “I would target travelers and
families who don't think they could have a great time on a cruise vacation or
feel like they do the same thing every year,” he said. “There was something to
do for everyone on this ship, including a massive and well thought-out water
park."
“As we build
upon our offering in the North American market and help attract more
international guests to the Caribbean, we are excited to bring our newest and
most remarkable ship yet to Miami,” said Rubén A. Rodríguez, president of MSC
Cruises USA.
Here are a few
features that distinguish MSC World America:
Distinct Districts
Yacht Club
accommodations aboard MSC World America continue the ship-within-a-ship element
of contemporary cruising, enabling guests to maintain a private retreat while
also experiencing MSC World America’s full complement of amenities and
activities.
Guests in this exclusive
retreat at the ship’s forward top decks enjoy keycard-only access, a private restaurant
and lounge and around-the-clock butler service plus priority embarkation and
disembarkation.
The outdoor Family
Aventura park gives families a common activity area that combines fun activities
with quick-dining options. The area is highlighted by the Harbour, which features
a high ropes course and the Cliffhanger swing attraction, which extends over
the ocean from the ship’s 20th Deck.
There’s also a family
dwelling area and a playground modelled after Ocean Cay’s lighthouse. Doremiland
is action-focused kids’ area within Family Aventura that offers bumper cars,
roller rinks and water slides.
Cruisers
seeking a kids-free environment emphasizing relaxation and serenity will enjoy
World America’s adults-only Zen Area, located high up at the stern of the ship.
This exclusive oasis offers a rejuvenating space for sunbathing, poolside
lounging and panoramic ocean views. Guests can enjoy a cocktail at the facility,
which is open into the evening.
MSC World America’s World Esplanade offers a taste of European café society (Photo by Brian Major)
Staterooms
As befits a
massive mega-ship, MSC World America offers multiple stateroom sizes and configurations.
At the top of the pyramid are 1,614 square-foot Owner’s Suites in the MSC Yacht
Club and Duplex Suites with dedicated entertainment spaces. Duplex suites
feature outdoor space for lounging and sunbathing; several feature private
whirlpools.
The ship’s
flexible cabin options include cabins that connect through internal doors, providing
an ideal accommodation option for multi-generational holiday option. A variety
of Promenade View Balcony come in various layouts and sizes and overlooks World
America’s aft outdoor promenade.
In addition to a
selection of outside balcony staterooms, Infinite Ocean View staterooms feature
windows that guests can slide open via electronic control to connect inhabitants
with the sea with sweeping horizon views.
Dining
Options
World America
offers 19 individual dining options, including six specialty restaurants. Butcher’s
Cut is a steakhouse, Kaito Sushi and Teppanyaki and Hola!, serving tacos and cantina
fare.
The ship’s four
main restaurants feature globally inspired cuisine and familiar American
favorites. World America also offers guests two buffet restaurants, Il
Mercato and La Brasserie, which emphasize casual dining.
The Luna Park district
on Deck Six evokes a seaside amusement pier and features a pizza and burger
eatery offering complimentary casual fast food and quick snacks around the
clock.
Onboard Activities
While there are
other activity areas across MSC World America, outdoor entertainment is focused
around the World Esplanade, whose side-by-side restaurants, bars and lounges are
reminiscent of European café society. Ocean views and LED light shows held here
create a magical after-dinner atmosphere.
Inside, the World
Galleria spans Decks Six, Seven and Eight and offers bars, restaurants, shops
and boutiques, plus showrooms, theaters, lounges and a casino. The space’s
ceiling features innovative LED and kinetic lighting.
World America’s
European character is reflected in bars including the Gin Project, where
cruisers will find an extensive selection of craft gins and gin-tenders who
craft classic cocktails. Masters of the Sea is MSC Cruises’ classic British pub,
which features a full-scale micro-brewery serving signature beers.
Itineraries
MSC World
America is currently deployed on alternating seven-night Eastern and Western
Caribbean itineraries, with calls in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic; San
Juan, Puerto Rico; Costa Maya and Cozumel, Mexico; Isla de Roatan, Honduras;
and MSC’s Ocean Cay Marine Reserve in The Bahamas.
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