First look at MSC World America, the latest megaship to sail the Caribbean

Brand-new MSC World America, MSC Cruises‘ 24th cruise ship and latest flagship, arrived in its Miami home port last week. TPG got a sneak peek before the ship’s inaugural sailing, and one thing is indisputable: People can’t take their eyes off of her.

She is, indeed, a sight to behold. At 20 decks high, she’s the world’s eighth-largest cruise ship by tonnage (216,638 gross registered tons). A veritable city at sea, the ship houses 8,900 people (passengers and crew). To put that in context, Vermont’s state capital of Montpelier is home to 8,024 people, according to 2024 data.

Yes, MSC World America is large enough to be the seat of power for an entire state. She’s a direct competitor to Royal Caribbean’s massive Icon of the Seas, the world’s largest cruise ship, which tops out at 248,663 gross registered tons.

With Italian roots in both cargo and cruising, MSC Cruises is a respected brand across Europe. The company expanded to the U.S. market 19 years ago and has carefully and methodically built its reputation here. Over the last decade, the line has learned a lot about what Americans want (and don’t) in a voyage and has adjusted its ships and their amenities to accommodate those red, white and blue desires.

With this vessel designed and built specifically with U.S. cruisers in mind, MSC World America is certainly the line’s boldest bid to capture the hearts of U.S.-based mass-market cruisers on a grand scale. Will it work? Here’s what TPG thinks about the new ship.

Related: What is the largest cruise ship in the world?

Will Americans fall in love with MSC World America?

Did you watch this year’s Super Bowl? If so, you saw an MSC Cruises commercial featuring actor Drew Barrymore. In it, she represents American style — larger-than-life, loud, irreverent and rambunctious — while her travel companion, English actor Orlando Bloom, personifies the Old World (refined, cultured, a bit reserved). Despite their differences, they both find the spaces and experiences aboard MSC World America to be a perfect match for them.

Americans can be a jaded bunch, so if you saw that commercial, you may have thought, “There’s no way one ship is going to make both of those very different people happy.” I wondered about that, too … until I experienced my first day on board.

MSC World America is packed with 19 dining venues, bars, theaters, a 4D cinema, arcade games and even a Formula One simulator, kids clubs, a massive gym (plus a salon and a barbershop), the Cliffhanger overwater swing ride, water and dry slides, a casino and so much more.

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Theater lovers also have choices aboard the ship, including “Queen Symphonic,” “Dirty Dancing in Concert,” “Odyssey” (an “acrobatic spectacle,” according to MSC), the “Momentous” magic show and the “Hall of Fame” concert.

The ship’s massive footprint allows it to cater to a wide variety of travelers. If you want the energy and buzz of a crowd, you’ll find it. If you want to sit and listen to a sophisticated jazz band while sipping a Negroni, you’ll find that, too.

Families will gravitate toward the Harbour and Doremiland zones on board. Friends traveling together will likely have a blast visiting the line’s private island, Ocean Cay, during the day and hitting the bars and comedy and karaoke clubs at night. Couples hoping to unplug may start their day people-watching from an alfresco table fronting World Promenade’s Coffee Emporium before heading to the spa for a couples treatment.

It’s all part of the same ship, but depending on where you spend your time and what activities you take advantage of, you’ll enjoy vastly different experiences — just the way MSC Cruises intended it when it dreamed up the concept behind MSC World America.

First impressions

Here are TPG’s first impressions of MSC World America.

The districts do their job

While it’s not a new concept, MSC World America is divided into districts. There are seven of them: Aqua Deck, Family Aventura, MSC Yacht Club, The Terraces, World Galleria, World Promenade and the Zen Area.

These neighborhoods ensure travelers find their ideal vacation spots and pastimes while also interacting with like-minded individuals. It’s the perfect way to connect with others seeking similar pursuits as you.

Here are some highlights of a few of MSC World America’s districts.

World Promenade

World Promenade at the ship’s aft is, by far, my favorite district. I found myself heading to The Lanai at dawn to stake out a comfy chair to watch the ship’s wake and prepare for the day.

By 9 a.m., those in search of premium coffee and tea are lining up at Coffee Emporium.

By the afternoon, folks are streaming through World Promenade to enjoy the sunshine and watch as adventurous individuals who hopped on the dry slide some 11 decks above come racing down the corkscrew funnel before being deposited safely on the promenade.

Here’s where you board the Jaw Drop dry slide on Deck 19.

And here’s where you’ll end up on Deck 8.

At night, diners enjoy Paxos. I really wanted to dine here, but there just wasn’t time. The restaurant serves fish (there’s a counter displaying fresh options in the foyer) and Greek specialties such as moussaka, slow-roasted lamb kleftiko, pita bread and dips, and hot and cold mezze. There’s a to-go window for those who don’t want a sit-down lunch or dinner. Paxos is a for-fee specialty restaurant.

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Paxos on World Promenade. ANDREA ROTONDO/THE POINTS GUY

Sweet Temptations is another standout Promenade feature. It offers milkshakes, gelato, frozen yogurt and doughnuts, among other options. You can even take a crepe-making class here. Fees apply.

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Sweet Temptations. ANDREA ROTONDO/THE POINTS GUY

Across from Sweet Temptations, you’ll find the All-Star Sports Bar.

It’s the place to visit to follow a game or to play one.

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All-Star Sports Bar. IVAN SARFATTI/MSC CRUISES

As for accommodations, you’ll find that some overlook this part of the ship. Note, though, that cruisers tend to have a love-hate relationship with staterooms like these, so think it through before booking. If you love people-watching and hearing nightly music from your balcony, you will love it. If you prefer the ultimate in quiet, maybe a stateroom elsewhere on the ship will better serve your vacation style.

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A balcony with a view of the Promenade. ANDREA ROTONDO/THE POINTS GUY

Aqua Deck

Decks 18 and 19 comprise the Aqua Deck, where you’ll find two pools, a vast number of loungers, a bar and a quick-service restaurant with outdoor seating on both the port and starboard sides. Mar Azul is the main pool.

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Mar Azul pool is the perfect place to cool off on a hot day. ANDREA ROTONDO/THE POINTS GUY

Just steps from Mar Azul, the Botanic Garden Pool is an open-air space on pleasant days with a magrodome roof that closes during inclement weather.

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Botanic Garden pool. ANDREA ROTONDO/THE POINTS GUY

Zen Area
If you’re not interested in the casino or Broadway-style shows, there’s still plenty to keep you amused. Cruisers can seek out spots such as the Botanic Garden Pool, the adults-only Zen Pool, the World Promenade Lanai and Aurea Spa for quiet contemplation.

Related: The 7 best cruise ship spas

Family Aventura

MSC World America’s Family Aventura district hammers home exactly why this ship is so family-friendly. This multilevel entertainment complex has something for kids of all ages and their parents.

This district is home to Aquapark, a watery play area with four waterslides: the U Drop, the Twin Racer dueling slides and VR Slide.

You’ll also find the Splash Pad spray zone there.

The Lighthouse Playground has a slide, the High Trail Ropes Course, a rock-climbing wall and The Harbour Bar & Bites for quick eats.

The JawDrop @ The Spiral (which we discussed above) is also part of Family Aventura, as is the Cliffhanger overwater swing ride. It’s not for the faint of heart!

MSC Sportplex comes to the table with 16 bumper cars.

There are also opportunities to challenge others to a game of pickleball, enjoy a Rollerblade disco and play in a gaming space.

Doremiland rounds out the family-focused offerings with seven different kids rooms, live entertainment and the new Lego Family Zone.

MSC Yacht Club

Sixteen MSC Cruises ships, including MSC World America, have a ship-within-a-ship concept called the MSC Yacht Club. It’s a VIP section of the ship with cabins and suites, a private pool, a whirlpool, a sundeck, a lounge and a restaurant. Only guests paying to stay within the Yacht Club get keycard access to this special area.

It’s an oasis on board a massive, sometimes crowded ship.

Related: What is the MSC Yacht Club? Take a look at MSC Cruises’ luxury suite area

This is what the Yacht Club’s private dining looks like.

And here are the sundeck, pool, whirlpool and VIP lounge.

World Galleria

World Galleria is one of the most exciting areas aboard MSC World America.

Spanning decks 6 through 8, you’ll find several specialty restaurants, as well as live music and comedy venues, fun selfie spots and cool LED digital art that flows across the ceiling. If you love being surrounded by people, this artery of the ship will energize you.

Dining and drinking on board MSC World America

There are so many restaurants and bars aboard MSC World America that you likely won’t be able to try them all. The main dining rooms include Esagono, Hexagon, Bubbles and La Foglia. Aurea Class cabins and suites get their own dining room: Les Dunes.

There are two buffets (Il Mercato Buffet and La Brasserie) for those who don’t need to be waited on. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, the standout items include thin-crust pizza, the “Wholesome Treats” counter and desserts.

MSC World America also offers a variety of specialty (for-fee) restaurants, including the first Eataly Italian restaurant at sea, Butcher’s Cut steakhouse, Hola! Tacos & Cantina, Kaito Sushi and Kaito Teppanyaki, and Paxos and Paxos On the Go, the latter of which serve Greek fare.

Casual eats are also available at Lunar Park Pizza & Burger (Deck 6) and Promenade Bites (Deck 8).

Related: The ultimate guide to cruise ship food and dining

There is also a plethora of bars and lounges across the ship. There’s no doubt you’ll find a handful you frequent daily. We previously mentioned the Coffee Emporium and All-Star Sports Bar on the World Promenade.

My favorite spot was Elixir Mixology Bar, while TPG’s Gene Sloan gravitated toward The Gin Project. Dolce Vita Bar is a fantastic place to people-watch and enjoy live music, while Fizz Champagne Bar is great for celebrating life either before or after dinner. And those aren’t the only options.

There’s even a secret speakeasy onboard! Butter up your favorite bartender, as they can invite special guests to this VIP venue that’s hidden away on MSC World America.

If you’re a chocophile, you must grab a table at Jean-Philippe Chocolate & Cafe for coffee, gelato and high-end chocolate treats.

Related: Cruise drink packages: A line-by-line guide

‘Greatest hits’ Caribbean itineraries

MSC World America, sailing out of Miami, offers seven-night Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries. Depending on your chosen route, you may visit Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic; San Juan, Puerto Rico; Costa Maya and Cozumel, Mexico; and Roatan, Honduras.

All sailings include a call on beautiful Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, MSC Cruises’ private island in the Bahamas. If you’ve ever dreamed of visiting an exclusive private island, like Richard Branson’s Necker Island in the British Virgin Islands, Ocean Cay is the next best thing.

Related: Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve: Everything you need to know

These are “greatest hits” itineraries. Each day, you can explore a new port of call, or if you’ve “been there, done that,” stay on board and spend your hard-earned vacation time sampling everything the ship has to offer — and there’s a lot. There was no way for me to see and do it all in three days. I’m not positive seven is enough either if you’re the type of person who wants to do it all.

MSC World America is a good value

Seven-night sailings start at $674 per person, including taxes and fees. That’s less than $100 per person, per night with many complimentary food and beverages, plus access to sundecks and pools, slides, whirlpools, a day at a private island and tons of entertainment options.

Of course, like any mass-market cruise line, you can also pay for lots of extras, including beverage packages, specialty restaurants, spa treatments, shore excursions and ship pastimes like bumper cars, arcade games and the Cliffhanger swing experience.

But, if you’re the type of person who enjoys the main dining rooms or buffet, lounging by the pool and going to the nightly shows or hanging out in the bars, an MSC World America cruise can be a fantastic value.