5 Things to Know About the Brand-New MSC World America

MSC World America has officially set sail in the Caribbean after MSC Cruises and godmother Drew Barrymore christened the ship in Miami on April 9. 

The new World class ship, the seventh MSC ship to call North America home and 23^rd in the fleet overall, represents a larger push for MSC Cruises into the U.S. market. The Italian-based company has long been known for its European sensibilities, and it is now leaning into “European style meets American comfort” on MSC World America. 

“It is the first time we designed a ship with the U.S. guest in mind, while at the same time really staying true to our European brand DNA,” said Lynn Torrent, president of MSC Cruises North America. 

But what does all that mean for guests sailing on the brand-new ship? Which clients should travel advisors recommend it to, and what should they expect when they get on board?  

Travel Market Report embarked on the inaugural sailing of MSC World America from Miami to MSC Cruises’ private island in the Bahamas, Ocean Cay, to explore the ship and experience all it has to offer. We also heard from travel advisors and MSC executives while on board, including Erin Douglas, MSC Cruises’ vice president of strategic partnership, who told TMR that the cruise line’s “commitment to the North American market speaks for itself” with the addition of new U.S. home ports, large investment in Miami, and recent “Let’s Holiday” brand campaign. 

Here are the biggest takeaways on what advisors should know about MSC World America, MSC Cruises’ second World class ship to hit the waters. 

It’s a big ship with a small ship feel

Almost everything is bigger – some may even say more “American-sized” – on MSC World America. The ship has the largest MSC Yacht Club and the largest Doremiland kids’ club in the MSC Cruises fleet, plus more entertainment and family spaces. 

And yet, we and the travel advisors we spoke to found that the onboard experience was still personalized and simple to navigate, as if you were on a smaller ship. The crew were all knowledgeable, answered all questions without issue, and greeted everyone warmly. 

“I think with some of the bigger ships, what’s happening is they’re losing that customer relationship,” Shelby Frenette, cruise expert and owner of TravelFun.Biz, told TMR. “I felt like they really got it right here.” 

MSC Cruises organized this new ship into seven districts – Family Aventura, Aqua Deck, The Terraces, World Galleria, World Promenade, Zen Area, and MSC Yacht Club – designed to help guests and their travel advisors conceptualize and plan out their seven or 14 days on vacation. 

While it may seem like a lot – and it is – once on board, guests can still seamlessly walk between these areas and get to where they’re going with an efficient elevator system and touch screen navigation throughout.  

The style is fun and playful yet refined

MSC Cruises has really struck a balance of elegance and excitement on MSC World America. Guests can feel comfortable dressing up given how fancy the ship is or dressing casually because of how fun it is. 

The modern, sleek decor elevates the ship’s style, while the whimsical, family-friendly areas throughout – such as The Harbour or Luna Park – make it feel relaxed and approachable. The World Promenade is reminiscent of a quaint European city street, while the World Galleria could be likened to an upscale American shopping mall. 

Roxana Lupa, a travel advisor with TravelFun.Biz, told TMR, “this one’s for the girls that love that luxury lifestyle, to dress up all nice – the Instagram girlies.” 

And there are certainly many Instagrammable spots on this ship. The Botanical Garden pool area, the Palm Light Show on the Promenade at night, and Sweet Temptations candy shop are all great spots for photo ops. Plus, a few of the thrill rides have built-in cameras to capture guests’ most exciting moments, and there are many areas of the ship that bring guests closer to the sea. 

“That’s why we come here. We want to be at sea, we want to feel the fresh air and see the ocean,” Douglas said. “Some of the venues that offer that al fresco indoor/outdoor is an amazing experience.” 

It’s perfect for multi-gen families – and the young at heart

One of the most repeated phrases about MSC World America while on its inaugural sailing was “there’s something for everyone.” Therefore, travel advisors told TMR that multi-generational families are the biggest client base for the ship. 

MSC World America has every age group covered in its kids’ club, from ages 0 to 17. The kids’ club has seven rooms, each dedicated to a different age range, including a babysitting service area, playroom for toddlers, and separate game rooms for pre-teens and older teenagers.  

Programming is bountiful, from video, arcade, and virtual reality games to hosted game show activities and a new MasterChef Junior experience. Kids can sign in and out of the areas, eat meals there, and be taken care of while parents get in valuable alone time. 

“We’ve dedicated a huge amount of real estate on this ship to the kids’ club,” Douglas said. “One of the biggest things about going on vacation is you want to make sure that your kids are busy, stimulated, and enjoying themselves, and we really tick all of those boxes.” 

But it’s not just kids – it’s young couples, groups, and grandparents, too. There’s a spot for everyone to stake out and relax or rejuvenate however they see fit. From chill to thrill, one moment you can be swinging high above the sea on the Cliffhanger, and the next you can be getting a massage in the MSC Aurea Spa. 

“I think it’s a great ship for families, for multi-generational families, and for groups,” Lianabelle Pinero, cruise specialist and owner of Nautical Dreams Travel, told TMR. “I sell a lot of groups, and now that I’ve experienced it, I wouldn’t hesitate sending them here because there’s so much to do. If they want to have fun, there’s Cliffhanger, there’s the nightlife, the dining venues. It’s great for groups. It has something for everyone.” 

Beyond the first-at-sea Cliffhanger, thrill seekers will also enjoy the ropes course, Jaw Drop slide, and the U-Drop waterslide. There are also plenty of fun activities for families and other groups such as Doremix Family Disco, bumper cars, LEGO Game Show, Boxes Family Game Show, and the Star Shooters adventure course. 

“There are a lot of busy places, a lot of places where you can go, meet people, enjoy the interaction, but then there are quiet areas too where you have a little bit of solitude,” Tina Robinson-Quirke, travel advisor and owner of TRQ Travel, told TMR. 

And for those who want to stay out all night, MSC World America is also very much for them with more nightlife that travel advisors say cater to the “young at heart.” From the big stage shows like Dirty Dancing to intimate DJ sets, every night is a party, and guests stay out late. 

Steven Letham, MSC Cruises’ vice president of entertainment, said the goal was for every entertainment venue “to feel like it has a slightly different vibe and slightly different offering so people can choose what they want to do each day.” He highlighted the ship’s Vegas-style magic show, Dueling Pianos experience, and 44-piece symphonic orchestra performance as must-sees. 

MSC World America also brings immersive entertainment, such as street theater with musicians and acrobats roaming in and out of some of the smaller restaurants, as well as Luna Park parties: one is European Alps-themed with a snow machine and Euro fashion, and another is Miami-themed with Latin music and dancers. 

The food offering is elevated

Travel advisors that TMR spoke with on board were impressed with the improvements MSC has made in its food and beverage offering. The main sit-down restaurants and buffets both have a variety of quality dishes, as did all the to-go spots. 

Leadership at MSC is especially excited about Paxos, a small Greek restaurant on the Promenade that also offers a to-go menu. Bernie Stacker, senior vice president of shipboard hospitality operations, called it “spectacular and really transports you over to the Greek Isles.” 

MSC World America has also debuted the only Eataly at sea, one of its specialty restaurants. At the same time, loyal MSC Cruise guests will return to old favorites such as Hola Taco and Butchers Cut. 

The ship also has many drinking gems like the champagne bar, hidden speakeasy, The Gin Project, and Elixir Mixology Bar. For families, Jean Philipe offers a build-your-own-chocolate-bar experience and gelato on the go, All-Star Sports Bar has classic American bar food, and Sweet Temptations has the ultimate oversized milkshakes. 

“There are so many more culinary options on this ship. The specialty dining has been amazing,” Robinson-Quirke said. “They did a very good job to tailor it to more Americans and what American families and couples and guests enjoy – with the comedy club, with more lounges, the craft beer, the Gin Project, the secret speakeasy, the hard-to-find places, the little surprises that are on board.  

“But also, to have more places where you can get a grab and go – burgers, pizza, chicken, fries, cotton candy, popcorn – you can get a snack to go.” 

MSC Yacht Club is a great value

Speaking of food, Robinson-Quirke specializes in selling MSC Yacht Club and says there are more dining options there, as well, that will be refreshing and different for repeat Yacht Club clients. This includes a designated buffet restaurant for Yacht Club members only and a made-to-order grill. 

Overall, travel advisors told TMR that MSC offers the best value of any luxury ship-within-a-ship experience on a cruise ship. The area has special key card access, so the spaces are quiet and private – “a beautiful oasis away from the hustle and bustle of the main ship,” Stacker said. 

MSC Yacht Club also offers butler service, private pools, luxury amenities, priority gangway access, and reserved seating at certain shows. Accommodation options in this section are especially spacious, including duplex suites, royal suites, and owner’s suite with a whirlpool bath. 

“This [Yacht Club] is much larger,” Robinson-Quirke said. “The top sail lounge is enormous and beautiful, so elegant. The suites are beautiful, very beautifully designed, all the little touches, all the amenities that you need. They were done very well.”