MSC World America: What it's like onboard one of the world's biggest, most expensive cruise ships
Some may say size doesn't matter, but let me tell you… it does. So when MSC Cruises decided to build a new flagship vessel for the American market, there was really only one option – to go large.
As a result, MSC World America is a whopper and it's sure to make a splash in the States, which is home to the world's highest number of cruisers.
With more than 2,600 cabins, 22 decks, 19 places to eat, 18 bars and lounges and six pools, the ship –which launched out of the brand new PortMiami terminal earlier last month – has something for everyone, whether you want to party the night away, enjoy rides and waterparks with your kids or relax and be pampered. It's not the biggest cruise ship in the world but it's not far off, having the capacity to accommodate more than 6,700 guests. And at its recent launch, the ship's godmother – Hollywood actress Drew Barrymore – gushed how it was 'so cool' to become part of the MSC family.
The line's Swiss-Italian owners say the focus for their latest ship is on 'American comfort and European style', so alongside elegant continental design (think glass, marble and giant chandeliers) guests can expect sports bars, comedy shows, adrenaline-fuelled rides and an altogether bigger and better cruise experience.
'I took a £700 luxury train and now I can never get on the Tube again'
The attractions are spread across seven innovative 'districts' that all have their own vibe. Some are geared towards couples and others are more for families, while some have keycard-only access. However you choose to spend your time, you certainly won't get bored.
Thrillseekers should make a beeline for outdoor adventure park The Harbour, where the fun never stops. If you've got a head for heights, try the Cliffhanger – the only over-water swing ride at sea, towering 164ft above the ocean – or Jaw Drop @ The Spiral, a giant shark slide that whisks you down 11 decks to the shops and restaurants of the World Promenade.
The Harbour is also where you'll find the Aquapark, MSC Formula Racer simulators and Sportplex, complete with basketball courts, bumper cars and roller-skating rinks. There are also seven rooms specifically for children and teens, and exclusive Lego experiences to please little kids and big kids alike.
If you're looking for something a little more relaxing, try the MSC Aurea Spa where you can enjoy everything from a massage and facial to cryo flotation and acupuncture. And as well as a hair and nail salon, there's a separate barber shop with a full menu of grooming services for men.
The spacious cabins are also a real treat, decorated in soothing shades of cream and brown. Whether you opt to stay in an interior, ocean view, balcony or suite, you're guaranteed a super-comfy bed with a pillow menu and luxurious linen. The showers have full-size glass cubicles, not annoying curtains that stick to you, and there's no need to pack an adapter either as the cabins are kitted out with sockets for UK, European and American plugs.
To add an extra touch of luxe to your stay, upgrade to the MSC Yacht Club, where you will be treated like a VIP. Yacht Club guests enjoy bigger, better rooms – some span two decks – 24-hour butler service and access to an exclusive lounge, restaurant and sundeck.
However you sail, you can take pride in the knowledge that you're travelling on a world-class ship – saving the environment as you go. World America is MSC's second vessel to be powered by liquefied natural gas, which significantly reduces emissions and makes it about as green as you can get.
Sustainability is a big thing for MSC, which has its own non-profit foundation dedicated to protecting marine ecosystems and coral beds. The family-run company has also invested millions of dollars in Ocean Cay – its own private island in The Bahamas.
Since MSC snapped up the former sand excavation site in 2015, it has cleared tons of scrap metal, planted more than 75,000 trees, and transformed the island into a haven for birds and marine life – as well as for people wanting a dreamy Caribbean getaway.
Everyone who books a cruise out of Miami will get the chance to visit this beautiful island, which is renowned for its red-and-white lighthouse, white sands, chilled-out beach bars and a relaxed atmosphere. Guests can also visit the newly opened Marine Conservation Centre to learn all about the good work being carried out.
MSC Cruises' UK & Ireland chief Antonio Paradiso told me working to restore the island has been 'one of the best things' he's ever done. He said: 'We've basically brought it back to life. We listened to guests who wanted a beach day and we have delivered what we promised.
'We didn't want to build a theme park. We wanted to recreate a natural marine reserve and seeing turtles and fish come back to the island was a great achievement. It's like, 'wow, wow, wow!''
After spending the day at Ocean Cay, I can confirm that 'Wow!' was my reaction too – but it was also a joy to amble back to World America, wash the sand off my feet and get glammed up for a big night onboard.
I enjoyed putting my knowledge of botanicals to the test at The Gin Project, getting stuck in to the signature cocktails at the Elixir Mixology Bar and sipping pints at the Masters of the Sea pub, where the craft ales are made with desalinated seawater at the ship's full-scale microbrewery.
But before you tick off too many of the bars and lounges onboard, it's important to line your stomach – and you won't go hungry here. The ship has four main restaurants and two relaxed buffets, which are free to visit and enjoy at any time.
And whether you're hankering after a burger, a giant pizza slice, an ice cream sundae or some chicken wings, the onboard fast-food restaurants have got you covered. There are also six speciality restaurants for guests to enjoy including Eataly – the Italian chain's only restaurant at sea – the Butcher's Cut steakhouse, and picture-perfect Paxos, which will instantly transport you to a Greek island.
These all cost extra and on average, you can expect to pay around £50 per person for a three-course meal.
If you're still hungry for more or just have a sweet tooth, you'll be a regular at Jean-Philippe Maury's cafe. Here, you'll find a mouthwatering array of chocolates and macarons, all of which are hand-crafted onboard and make for great gifts to take home.
You'll also be bowled over by the West End-style shows that take place every night in the World Theatre and Panorama Lounge. I loved Queen Symphonic – which features the rock band's biggest hits performed live, while backed by a pre-recorded 36-piece orchestra – and Dirty Dancing in Concert.
With so much to see and do, one thing's for sure – if you book to sail on MSC World America, you'll have the time of your life.
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