MSC World America News: Ship Will Offer 19 Stateroom Categories
(November 21, 2024) -- As MSC World America's arrival nears, the cruise line has revealed new details about the ship's varied accommodations.
The 6,762-passenger vessel will offer a total of 19 stateroom categories ranging from balcony cabins to 1,600-square-foot Owner's Suites in the ship's exclusive Yacht Club.
As the ship will be based in Miami, MSC Cruises has shared that MSC World America will feature re-imagined venues and concepts tailored specifically to the U.S. market. The staterooms will also follow this trend, mixing the cruise line's European style with American comfort.
The aforementioned Owner's Suites will be the cream of the crop aboard MSC World America, boasting a large bedroom with a walk-in closet, a bathroom with a full-size imperial bathtub, a separate living-dining area and a large private terrace with a hot tub and al fresco dining area.
Also located within the Yacht Club, the Duplex Suites span two decks. The lower level has a dining area, living room and guest bathroom , while the upper level features the main bedroom with its own bathroom. Some of the suites in this category will also have a two-level private sundeck and a private hot tub.
Outside of the Yacht Club, the ship will feature various balcony stateroom categories, including the Promenade View Balcony Staterooms that overlook the Promenade districts that's exclusive to World-class vessels. Another type of stateroom found only in this class of ships is the Infinite Ocean View cabin, which features a panoramic sliding window that turns into a glass balcony railing when open.
Another highlight of MSC World America's accommodations is that select cabins will offer the option to connect staterooms together through internal doors, an asset for multi-generational travelers.
MSC World America will debut on April 12, embarking on a seven-day roundtrip from Miami to the Eastern Caribbean, visiting Puerto Plata, San Juan, and Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, the cruise line's private destination in the Bahamas.
--Jorge Oliver, Editor
Photos of MSC World America From the Shipyard
(November 15, 2024) – MSC Cruises' newest and biggest ship MSC World America is nearing completion at the Chantiers de l'Atlantique shipyard in France – and Cruise Critic was there.
The 6,762-passenger ship, which will debut in Miami in April next year, debuts a raft of new concepts especially designed for a U.S. audience.
These include new dining, entertainment and bars as well as seven themed “districts” which will help guests navigate the ship.
“We’re designing this ship with North American guests in mind,” explained Lynn Torrent, Chief Commercial Officer for MSC Cruises in the U.S.
“We’ve taken European style and combined it with American comfort, which is really a clear point of distinction for MSC.
“We’re introducing new concepts that will resonate with our North American guests, while at the time we’re staying true to our European brand heritage. So really combining the best of both worlds.”
She explained the line had really put effort into thinking about the North American guest in terms of restaurants, bars and new spaces.
Forty Percent of MSC World America Has Been Changed for the U.S. Market
A total of 40% of the ship has been changed compared to sister ship MSC World Europa, which is unusual for a second in class.
The biggest changes can be found on Deck 16, a sundeck on MSC World Europa, this is now a family-friendly water and sports space.
Centered around a recreation of the line’s lighthouse on its private island of Ocean Cay, the area includes waterslides, a ropes course and a first at sea – an over-the-side-of-the-ship swing called The Cliffhanger.
You’ll also find the Jaw Drop @ The Spiral, a dry slide that you enter through a shark’s mouth, and which carries you down 11 decks through a tunnel of darkness and light to the Promenade Deck.
In the Promenade, the line has introduced a new food concept: Paxos, a Greek-style taverna where you can have a sit down meal or grab and go.
Just along from here is Sweet Temptations, where the menu has been tweaked for the U.S. market; and the Sports Bar, which as well as having 35 TVs, has more U.S.-themed memorabilia and art.
There are other subtle tweaks elsewhere on the ship. For example the Gin Project has more U.S. gins, and the Masters of the Sea pub will brew lighter lagers and offer more IPAs for the American palate.
Along the Galleria, inside the ship, you’ll find the majority of bars, restaurants and shops. Some of these will be familiar such as Hola! Tacos, Butcher’s Cut and Kaito Teppanyaki, with two new venues – the only Eataly at sea, serving authentic Italian cuisine; and opposite, a New York-style comedy club, The Loft, where you’ll find the tea room on MSC World Europa.
MSC Yacht Club on MSC World America Will be the Largest in the Fleet
Taking up the whole of the front of the ship, from Decks 15 through 22, the exclusive MSC Yacht Club is the largest in the fleet.
This ship-within-a-ship area has 152 suites, including the 624 square feet Royal Suite, which has two rooms and a hot tub on the wraparound balcony.
The MSC Yacht Club also has the Top Sail Lounge, a dining room just for MSC Yacht Club guests and a top deck sun deck, with pool and hot tubs.
--Adam Coulter, U.K. Executive Editor
MSC World America News: New Bar and Lounge Concepts Revealed
(October 21, 2024) -- MSC Cruises has shared new details of some of the bars and lounges set to appear on their newest ship, MSC World America.
Highlights include a new sports bar and a new comedy lounge as well as a revamped confectionary that debuted on MSC World Europa.
“MSC World America offered us a great opportunity to look at the amazing slate of bars and lounges we developed for her sister ship—MSC World Europa—and update them to make sure we’re delivering everything our guests want in the American market," said Neil Palomba, MSC Cruises USA's executive vice president of operations
The ship will feature 18 bars and lounges, while the drink menus will be enhanced with upscale cocktails, more bourbons, American-style beers and gin from craft American distilleries.
All-Stars Sports Bar will be one of the new venues set to debut aboard MSC World America. Located on the ship's Promenade district, this venue will feature signature sports bar games including interactive darts, digital shuffleboard and foosball, as well as a large terrace with ocean views.
Another newcomer will be The Loft, a multi-purpose adults-only venue located in the Terraces district where passengers can enjoy comedy shows, dueling pianos and karaoke.
MSC has also confirmed that several bars that debuted on MSC World Europa will also make an appearance aboard MSC World America with a new twist. Examples include Elixir – Mixology Bar, featuring a new focus on bourbon and bourbon-based cocktails; the British-style pub Masters of the Sea, which will offer a newly-developed range of signature beers -- including an American-style lite beer, an IPA and a Pilsner -- made from desalinated sea water; and The Gin Project, a bar boasting 20 craft gins sourced with a focus on American and Canadian craft gin distilleries.
The cruise line has also shared details of two venues that specialize in sweet treats: Sweet Temptations and Jean Philippe Chocolat & Café.
After debuting aboard MSC World Europa, Sweet Temptations will get an enhanced makeover on MSC World America. The venue will feature a fresh new look and a larger collection of confectionary delights. The menu will feature hand-crafted shakes, Venchi chocolates and gelato, self-serve frozen yogurt, make-your-own ice cream bars, crepes, waffles, donuts and a variety of candy.
A staple in many MSC ships, Jean Philippe Chocolate & Café features the creations of award-winning French chocolatier and pastry chef Jean-Philippe Maury.
MSC World America is on track to debut in April 2025. The ship will be based in Miami, offering seven to 14-day itineraries to the Eastern Caribbean and Western Caribbean.
MSC World America to Offer World's Only Eataly Restaurant at Sea
(September 25, 2024) -- MSC Cruises has announced a brand-new partnership with Eataly, with the only outpost of the popular Italian restaurant to debut on MSC World America in April 2025, including exclusive dishes only available onboard.
The line has also revealed two new Promenade dining venues for the second World-class ship. New Greek restaurant Paxos will offer a Mediterranean, seafood-forward menu, while Promenade Bites is a new casual option for hot dogs, chili dogs, street corn, corn on the cob and cotton candy.
Also new for MSC World America is The Harbour Bar & Bites, a top-deck option for savory snacks such as empanadas, burritos, corn dogs, wraps, cookies and brownies, plus cold beverages in the Family Aventura district.
Bernhard Stacher, Vice President of Global Hotel Operations, MSC Cruises, said: "As an international cruise line with a strong European heritage, we are committed to taking our guests on a gastronomic journey of discovery with the onboard dining experience as we believe that the best memories are made when sharing good food together.
MSC World America stays true to this philosophy, which is why we have partnered with Eataly – an emblem of Made in Italy and Italian culinary artistry. We share a passion for high-quality, authentic food made with fresh ingredients and together we are creating a unique experience that can only be enjoyed on board MSC World America."
MSC World America will offer 19 dining options, from the main dining rooms to the exclusive MSC Yacht Club and popular venues such as Butcher's Cut and Kaito Teppanyaki.
-- Kerry Spencer, Cruise Critic contributor
MSC Introduces The Harbour Area for Families
(July 24, 2024) -- MSC Cruises announced Wednesday that its newest megaship, MSC World America, will feature an entirely new top-deck area designed specifically for families when it debuts in Miami in April 2025.
The sister-ship to MSC World Europa, MSC World America will be the first MSC Cruises ship to make its debut in the United States, with features geared specifically to the American passenger.
In addition to boasting the largest kids' club in the fleet, MSC World America will introduce "The Harbour" -- an upper-deck area that is a first for the MSC Cruises fleet, containing attractions that include a thrill ride, a water park, an 11-story dry slide, a themed playground, a ropes course and new complimentary grab-and-go food options.
Passengers can cool off in The Harbour Aquapark, which includes a 90-degree vertical drop slide, or head down one of the longest dry slides at sea, the Jaw Drop @ The Spiral.
The Harbour also offers a rock climbing wall designed specifically for MSC's youngest passengers, a ropes course, and a Lighthouse-themed playground modelled after the one at MSC's Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve private island.
Other new attractions include complimentary food venues, and The Cliffhanger, the only over-water swing ride at sea.
Bookings for MSC World America are now open.
-- Aaron Saunders, Senior Editor, News and Features
MSC World America to Debut Largest Kids Club in Fleet
(June 16, 2024) — MSC Cruises has revealed MSC World America, the line's second World Class ship launching in April 2025, will contain the fleet's largest kids club and brand-new programming in partnership with the LEGO Group.
Doremiland kids' area on the 6,762-passenger megaship will span more than 10,000 square feet across seven rooms within Family Aventura, one of the ship's seven individual districts that is dedicated to families.
Among the new experiences will be a Lego Parade, with Lego characters set to parade through the ship from Family Adventura to the World Promenade, once per cruise.
A new Lego Family Zone is a space for families to play and build with Lego bricks; the Lego Game Show will feature timed challenges to determine a winner; Boxes is another family game show that will see participants take on bling challenges to win prizes; and the Doremix Family Disco will invite parents/carers and children to dance together with participants vying for the title of best dancer; while new for teens is Star Shooters, an adventure course in the Sportplex.
Steve Leatham, Head of Entertainment for MSC Cruises, said: "We set ourselves the goal to create the most exceptional kids and family offering at sea with MSC World America. Our aim is to give our younger guests the freedom to express their creativity, play, socialize and explore with amazing spaces and programs that have to be seen to be believed."
Matteo Mancini, Senior Manager of Youth Entertainment for MSC Cruises, added: "We specifically listened to our young guests from North America to design our kids and family offering. We are bringing a variety of extraordinary facilities and new experiences never seen before!"
-- Kerry Spencer, Contributor
MSC World America Cliffhanger Thrill Ride to Debut on New Ship
(April 8, 2024) -- MSC Cruises' newest thrill ride at sea is set to swing by next year with the arrival of MSC World America.
'Cliffhanger,' the first and only over-water swing ride at sea, will be part of Family Aventura, one of the ship's seven distinct districts.
Reminiscent of a giant swing with four seats, Cliffhanger will tower 160 feet above the ocean on MSC World America's top deck. The thrill ride's four seats start off close to the deck before powered arms lift them into the starting position up and out over the edge of the ship. Riders are then propelled back and forth, dangling above the ocean.
Aside from Cliffhanger, other attractions set to appear on MSC World America include an 11-deck high dry slide, a water park with slides that include a VR experience, and six pools and 14 hot tubs.
The cruise line has introduced unique rides in the past, such as MSC Seascape's Robotron.
MSC World America Will Feature Seven Distinct Districts
(April 3, 2024) -- From 'Aqua' to 'Zen,' MSC World America will offer seven distinct districts when the ship arrives in 2025.
MSC Cruises shared the latest details of its upcoming World-class ship, which is set to be homeported in Miami and will offer seven-night itineraries to the Western Caribbean and Eastern Caribbean.
The seven districts -- Family Aventura, Aqua Deck, Zen Area, Galleria, The Terraces, The Promenade and MSC Yacht Club -- offer a mix of innovative and iconic MSC elements.
As the name suggests, the Family Aventura district will be devoted to family-fun entertainment and amenities. Located on the ship's top deck, this district will be centered around The Harbor, a new outdoor park featuring bumper cars, a roller rink, water slides, a dry slide, a high ropes course and a playground modeled after Ocean Cay's lighthouse. MSC's kids' club, Doremiland, is also set to be a part of the Family Aventura district.
The Aqua Deck district will be centered around MSC World America's two main pools. Here, cruisers will be able to enjoy a wellness atmosphere in the morning, an upbeat entertainment vibe in the afternoon and high-energy parties at night. The adults-only Zen Area will be located high up at ship's stern and will be MSC World America's relaxation enclave, with twin pools and light music.
At the heart of the ship, the Galleria district will be lined up with dining, shopping and entertainment venues, such as Dolce Vita Bar, Jean Phillippe Chocolat & Café and Luna Park Pizza & Burger. Galleria will also be home to MSC Luna Park Arena, the ship's entertainment venue that will host themed parties and gameshows.
Elsewhere, The Terraces district is set to become MSC World America's main nightlife spot, with five specialty restaurants, four bars, and a comedy club that will also feature dueling pianos and late-night karaoke.
The outdoor Promenade is set to feature an 11-deck slide as its centerpiece. This district will also house drink and dinner options, including the Emporium coffee bar.
As the sister ship of MSC World Europa, the 6,674-passenger MSC World America will MSC largest ship to debut in North America. The ship's first revenue sailing -- a seven-day Easter Caribbean voyage -- is scheduled to depart on April 12, 2025.
MSC World America's Ship Naming Set for April 2025 in MSC's New Miami Terminal
(March 19, 2024) -- MSC Cruises is gearing up for a double Miami celebration in 2025, when it welcomes its brand new ship MSC World America in the cruise line's brand new terminal in PortMiami.
The 6,674-passenger ship will be christened in April 9, 2025, in MSC's upcoming Miami terminal. The four-story building has represented a $100 million investment and will be capable of accommodating 36,000 passenger movements per day while featuring enough berthing space to serve three latest generation ships at once.
MSC World America's traditional naming ceremony will be followed by a celebratory sailing to MSC's private island in the Bahamas, Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve.
"There is no better place to welcome MSC World America than the cruise capital of the world. We look forward to seeing her sail out of our state-of-the-art cruise terminal built in partnership with Miami-Dade County and PortMiami," said Rubén A. Rodríguez, president of MSC Cruises USA. "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.”
Following its Miami debut, MSC World America will embark on alternating 7-night Eastern Caribbean and Western Caribbean itineraries, starting on April 12, 2025. Featured ports of calls include Puerto Plata, San Juan, Costa Maya, Cozumel, and Roatan. All MSC World America itineraries will feature calls in Ocean Cay.
Like sister ship MSC World Europa -- which debuted in 2022 -- MSC World America will be powered by LNG (liquified natural gas) and is set to become MSC's first U.S.-based ship to feature this technology. The ship will span 22 decks and feature more than 430,000 square feet of public space, including 13 restaurants 20 bars and lounges, six pools, 14 hot tubs and three entertainment venues.
The ship will also offer 2,614 cabins, including infinite ocean view cabins, balconies that overlook the outdoor World Promenade and connecting family staterooms, as well as the cruise line's signature MSC Yacht Club suite complex.
MSC World America will become the 23rd ship in MSC Cruises' fleet and the largest, along with sister ship MSC World Europa. The cruise line will welcome two new World-class ships in 2026 and 2027.