By
Laura Hyde |
MSC Cruises’ 6,764-guest MSC World America is the second of four World-class ships French shipbuilder Chantiers de l’Atlantique is building for the Swiss cruise line. The ship, which represents an investment of $1 billion, has been designed to combine European style with American comfort in order to appeal to the US market.
MSC World America is the first ship in MSC Cruises’ 23-ship fleet to feature seven districts. Each one has been designed to offer onboard guests a range of experiences, bars, restaurants, entertainment and leisure facilities which will enable them to “create a one-of-a-kind holiday that is uniquely theirs”, according to the cruise line.
Located at the front of the vessel, the MSC Yacht Club is a ship-within-a-ship complex for selected passengers with keycard-only access. The largest MSC Yacht Club in the fleet features a large sundeck with a private pool and whirlpool bath; the MSC Yacht Club Grill & Bar, which provides breakfast, lunch and afternoon snacks; the Top Sail lounge with forward-facing ocean views and space for live music performances every evening; and the MSC Yacht Club restaurant, which serves à la carte Mediterranean and international cuisine.
MSC World America sailed into Miami, Florida, ahead of its naming ceremony and two-day christening cruise to Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve in The Bahamas
The Aqua Deck, which features two pools and three bars, is a “chameleon of a space”, offering tranquillity in the mornings, afternoon entertainment and high-energy parties in the evenings.
Situated on the top deck, the Family Aventura district has been designed for multigenerational families. It is home to bumper cars, roller rinks and family-oriented Lego experiences in the MSC Sportplex; numerous water slides in the Aquapark; The Jaw Drop – one of the longest dry slides at sea; and Doremiland, which has facilities for children of all ages. The district also includes the Harbour, an outdoor area with a high ropes course and The Lighthouse playground, which is modelled after the lighthouse on Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, MSC Cruises’ private island in The Bahamas. Another highlight is the Cliffhanger, the only over-water swing ride at sea, which extends 50 metres above the sea.
At the stern of the ship on deck 18 is the adults-only Zen Area, which provides space for sunbathing and swimming in two pools, one of which is underneath a retractable roof.
The heart of the ship, The Galleria on deck 6, includes numerous shopping boutiques; high-tech entertainment in the MSC Luna Park Arena; and a selection of bars, lounges, cafes and dining venues including Dolce Vita Bar, Jean Philippe Chocolat & Café and Luna Park Pizza & Burger. The Galleria is covered by an LED ceiling with a changing display.
In the Family Aventura district, guests will find the Harbour, an outdoor area designed for family fun
Spanning indoor and outdoor spaces on decks 7 and 8, The Terraces have been designed with couples in mind. The district features nine restaurants and bars – including Kaito Sushi, Eataly, Elixir Mixology Bar, and the Masters of the Sea English pub – as well as four retail shops, and a comedy club that also serves as a late-night karaoke bar.
The Promenade is framed by the central spiral 11-deck-high dry slide, The Jaw Drop. The district is home to Greek restaurant Paxos, the Coffee Emporium, Sweet Temptations ice cream parlour and the new All-Stars Sports Bar, while entertainment is provided in the evenings at the street theatre.
Exclusive to World-class ships, Infinite Ocean View cabins offer horizon views thanks to a panoramic sliding window
MSC World America offers passengers 19 different cabin options. Infinite Ocean View cabins are exclusive to World-class ships and provide guests with horizon views thanks to a panoramic sliding window that turns into a glass balustrade when open. The balcony cabins come in various layouts and sizes, and include the Promenade View cabins, which overlook the outdoor Promenade district. There’s also the option to ‘connect’ cabins via internal doors to accommodate larger groups and multigenerational travellers.
Located in the MSC Yacht Club, the Owner’s Suites span more than 150 square metres and feature a double bedroom with a walk-in wardrobe and a bathroom with a full-size imperial bathtub. The cabin also includes a separate living-dining area, along with a large private terrace with a whirlpool bath and dining area. The second Yacht Club-exclusive accommodation are the Duplex Suites, which span two decks. These provide guests with a dining area, lounge and guest washroom downstairs, and a main bedroom with bathroom and bathtub upstairs. Outside, the Duplex Suites include a private sundeck and whirlpool.
After being officially christened by actor and talk show host Drew Barrymore in Miami, Florida, on 9 April 2025, MSC World America is spending its inaugural season sailing alternating seven-night Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries. Each cruise will include a stop at Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve.
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