MSC Cruise Line, a popular European brand for many years, has recently made a splash in America. Their newest ship, the MSC World America, welcomed guests for the first time several weeks ago, and we were on board for the naming ceremony and media sailing.
This brand-new ship is an excellent option for a family vacation. Read our guide to sailing on the MSC World America cruise ship.
Disclosure: Our sailing on the MSC World America was complimentary. All opinions are my own. This post contains affiliate links, and a purchase/click through may result in a commission paid to us at no cost to you.
The MSC World America
Overview
MSC (Mediterranean Shipping Company) is a privately held, family-owned European company that started as a shipping company but has become a popular European cruise line.
MSC World America is its first ship created with the American guest in mind. Her godmother, Hollywood star Drew Barrymore, was on hand to officially name the ship on April 9, 2025.
Sailings on the MSC World America
The MSC World America is currently sailing out of a brand-new PortMiami cruise terminal (AA). She offers 7-night cruises in the Eastern and Western Caribbean with stops at Ocean Cay, MSC's private island. I think 7 days is the perfect amount of time on this ship - it's large and you'll need plenty of time to explore the various amenities and dining venues.
Amenities on the MSC World America
The MSC World America offers seven distinct districts with different restaurants, activities, and amenities. All of them are open to all guests except the MSC Yacht Club, which is exclusive to guests with a stateroom in that category.
The ship is 1,092 ft long, has 2,614 staterooms, and can accommodate 6,762 guests. Its gross tonnage is 215,863.
The Districts are:
- MSC Yacht Club
- Family Aventura
- The Aqua Deck
- World Promenade
- World Galleria
- The Terraces
- The Zen Area
The Harbour
The Harbour is my favorite part of the ship, and will likely also be a favorite for families. This area includes waterslides, the High Trail ropes course, the Jawdrop multi-level dry slide, and the Cliffhanger (an overwater swing ride). If you plan to do the ropes course, be sure to travel with closed-toed shoes, as they are required.
We experienced the Cliffhanger on the first day, and I really loved it. It's the biggest thrill I've experienced at sea and a lot of fun. It can be a little scary, though, so consider whether or not you can handle heights.
Other Exciting Activities
The ship also offers other exciting activities, including Formula One simulation racing. There's also the SportsPlex, a multi-use area used for basketball and bumper cars. The app shows the scheduled times for the various activities.
Kids' Clubs
The kids' clubs on MSC, named Doremiland (pronounced Do-Re-Mi like the song), are offered in different age ranges. There are five clubs in total: the baby club (0-3), the mini club (3-6), the junior club (7-11), the young club (12-14), and the teen club (15-17).
Throughout the sailing, the kids' club offers a variety of age-appropriate activities. The most unique, in my opinion, is the LEGO play areas. There are separate areas in the kids' clubs and a family play area where parents can play or supervise LEGO play.
If you are traveling with babies, there are two baby club play options. The first is the MSC Baby Time, where parents can accompany their kids in the club to play. Another option is the MSC Baby Care, where you'll sign up for a specific window where your child will be watched. This booking must be made in advance, and there is a limit to how many babies they can accommodate at one time.
Pools
The MSC World America offers 20 whirlpools and pools throughout the ship. The Aqua Deck is the traditional cruise pool deck, but there are other pools on the ship.
The Zen Area neighborhood offers an adult-only pool with lots of seating for sunbathing. My favorite area, however, is the Botanic Garden pool. This area of the ship is filled with greenery and has a retractable glass roof.
MSC Aurea Spa
While I didn't have the opportunity to get a spa treatment during my three-night sailing, I did tour the MSC Aurea Spa. Of all the cruise ship spas I have visited, this was my favorite.
The Thermal Suite is especially nice. It offers a salt room, multiple cold and hot showers/plunges, and even a snow room. The spa also offers many treatments. For a seven-day sailing, I would absolutely book both a treatment and some time in the Thermal Suite.
Entertainment on Board the MSC
MSC World America offers a wide variety of entertainment options - from large-scale shows to smaller, intimate performances.
Queen Symphonic is a musical performance offered in the Panorama Lounge. Featuring live vocalists and musicians, aerial performers, and a filmed orchestra, this show celebrates the music of Queen. It's a must-see - we were so impressed with the quality of the music.
Hall of Fame is a concert-style show at the World Theatre. It features some of the most popular music, including songs by Justin Timberlake, Dua Lipa, and Whitney Houston. This was another fantastic performance.
Dirty Dancing in Concert is a signature show at the World Theatre. It features the iconic music from the movie Dirty Dancing. We loved watching this—it's a must-do.
The LEGO Parade, featuring popular LEGO characters, is a must-see for all families on board the MSC World America.
The Palm Tree Show is a light show in the World Promenade section of the ship. It runs frequently throughout the sailing.
Dining On The MSC World America
You'll never go hungry when on board the MSC World America. There are plenty of food options throughout the ship, including specialty restaurants and venues (which cost extra), and included venues. Check the MSC app to see what is available whenever you are hungry.
The ship offers four main dining rooms, with two different dining times. You'll be assigned a time and specific venue, along with your table, which you'll have throughout your entire sailing. Your servers will stay with you.
If you'd like to dine elsewhere, the specialty restaurants are offered for an additional fee. Make reservations in advance.
Two buffets are open at different times for breakfast and lunch (and dinner, if you choose). An international brunch is offered on sea days in one of the main dining rooms.
The specialty restaurants on the MSC World America include:
- Eataly at Sea
- Paxos
- Kaito Sushi
- Butcher's Cut
- Kaito Teppanyaki
- Hola! Tacos
There are also some additional dining venues for snacks and à la carte food (at an additional price), including Sweet Temptations, All Star Sports Bar, Coffee Emporium, Jean-Philippe Chocolat & Café, and Zest Juice Bar.
In addition to restaurants, there are also lots of bars and lounges. These include themed bars, like the Masters of the Sea English pub (which brews its own beer), Fizz Champagne Bar, a London-themed secret Speakeasy, Dolce Vita Bar, Gin Project, and the Elixir Mixology Bar.
Shops
Want to do some shopping while onboard? There are lots of shops onboard, selling various products including MSC-branded souvenirs, LEGO sets, jewelry, handbags, watches, and more.
MSC Yacht Club
Guests booking a cruise on the MSC World America (and every MSC ship) can book the MSC Yacht Club. This premium experience does cost more but offers a "ship within a ship" experience. You'll need to book a Yacht Club room to book the Yacht Club.
Benefits include:
- A premium stateroom in this exclusive section of the ship
- A butler
- Access to the Top Sail Lounge
- Priority elevator access
- Priority embarkation and disembarkation
- Access to the Thermal Spa
- Exclusive access to the private pool deck just for Yacht Club guests
- An exclusive Yacht Club restaurant
- A premium beverage package
- 24-hour room service
- Much more
Staterooms
There are lots of different stateroom categories on the MSC World America, including solo cabins, Yacht Club cabins, and Aurea suites.
We had a Deluxe Balcony stateroom, which includes a bed (that can be split into two single beds), a couch, a single bathroom, a closet, a television, a balcony (with two chairs and a small table), and a movable small table. The room was very comfortable for the two of us, and had lots of space for our clothes.
During our sailing, we also toured several other staterooms. That included an infinity balcony room, which doesn't have a balcony and instead has floor-to-ceiling windows. We also saw an MSC Yacht Club Duplex Suite (two levels) and two studios (which are solo cabins). There are lots of great options.
New PortMiami Terminal
In addition to the new ship, MSC recently unveiled its brand-new PortMiami cruise terminal. It is the world's largest cruise terminal and the only one that can accommodate three cruise ships simultaneously. Standing at 492,678 square feet, it offers 42 luggage scanning machines, 18 biometric face pods to verify passports and identification, and 22 eGates for embarkation.
You can find out more information on the MSC World America on their website.
JW Marriott Marquis Miami
Before our sailing, we stayed at this nearby hotel, which offers a pool, bowling lane, game room, restaurants, and more.
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