Review: Colossal MSC World America cruise ship seems familiar, but has unique offerings
It's hard to not compare MSC Cruises' World Class ships and its largest-ever offering, the MSC World America, to similarly massive ships sailed by Royal Caribbean. But while World America may look like its competitor's ships, it has touches that set it apart.
The MSC World America docks at MSC Cruises' private Bahamas island Ocean Cay on Thursday, April 10, 2025. (Richard Tribou/Orlando Sentinel) The main pool along with several whirlpools and bars can be found in the Aqua Deck district on board the MSC World America. (Richard Tribou/Orlando Sentinel) The Cliffhanger is a swing ride that juts out over the side of the ship 160 feet above the water on board the MSC World America. (Richard Tribou/Orlando Sentinel) The Aquapark has a drop slide, side-by-side races and a tube ride with optional virtual reality on board the MSC World America. (Richard Tribou/Orlando Sentinel) "Dirty Dancing in Concert" is the main theatrical production on board MSC World America. Performers put on a sneak peek at the ship's naming ceremony at PortMiami on April 9. (Courtesy Ivan Sarfatti for MSC Cruises) The MSC World America docks at MSC Cruises' private Bahamas island Ocean Cay on Thursday, April 10, 2025. (Richard Tribou/Orlando Sentinel) A chandelier hangs large in the World Galleria district on board MSC Cruises' new ship, the MSC World America, in PortMiami on Wednesday, April 10, 2025. (Richard Tribou/Orlando Sentinel) The Jaw Drop twisting dry slide takes riders down 11 decks to the World Promenade district on board MSC Cruises' new ship, the MSC World America, in PortMiami on Wednesday, April 10, 2025. (Richard Tribou/Orlando Sentinel) The 11-deck Jaw Drop twisting dry slide has riders climb into an open shark mouth, but the slide tube comes out the other on board the MSC World America. (Richard Tribou/Orlando Sentinel) The High Trail Ropes Course has two optional ziplines among three levels of challenges on board the MSC World America. (Richard Tribou/Orlando Sentinel) The High Trail Ropes Course has two optional ziplines among three levels of challenges on board the MSC World America. (Richard Tribou/Orlando Sentinel) The main pool along with several whirlpools and bars can be found in the Aqua Deck district on board the MSC World America. (Richard Tribou/Orlando Sentinel) The Miami skyline can be seen in the background from the Family Aventura district on board MSC Cruises' new ship, the MSC World America, docked in PortMiami on Wednesday, April 10, 2025. (Richard Tribou/Orlando Sentinel) There are 20 pools and whirlpools on board the MSC World America including some indoors. (Richard Tribou/Orlando Sentinel) A digital America flag is projected along the ceiling of the World Galleria district on board MSC Cruises' new ship, the MSC World America, in PortMiami on Wednesday, April 10, 2025. (Richard Tribou/Orlando Sentinel) Riders on the Cliffhanger swing ride get a view of Miami 160 feet above the water line on board MSC Cruises' new ship, the MSC World America, in PortMiami on Wednesday, April 10, 2025. (Richard Tribou/Orlando Sentinel) The MSC Sportsplex transforms into a bumper car arena on board the MSC World America. (Richard Tribou/Orlando Sentinel) A chocolate bald eagle sculpture is seen within sweets shop Jean-Philippe Chocolat & Café on board MSC Cruises' new ship, the MSC World America, in PortMiami on Wednesday, April 10, 2025. (Richard Tribou/Orlando Sentinel) The Doremiland kids area offers a bevy of Lego activities on board the MSC World America. (Richard Tribou/Orlando Sentinel) Lego characters join a parade on the World Promenade district on board the MSC World America on Friday, April 11, 2025. (Richard Tribou/Orlando Sentinel) The Doremiland kids area offers a bevy of Lego activities on board the MSC World America. (Richard Tribou/Orlando Sentinel) The MSC Sportsplex hosts a variety of activities on board the MSC World America. (Richard Tribou/Orlando Sentinel) The Gin Project makes custom gin drinks on board the MSC World America. (Richard Tribou/Orlando Sentinel) Live music can be enjoyed from both the Masters of the Sea venue and the Gin Project that share a two-deck space on board the MSC World America. (Richard Tribou/Orlando Sentinel) Dirty Dancing in Concert is one of several titles that feature music and dance in the main theater on board the MSC World America. (Richard Tribou/Orlando Sentinel) Jean-Philippe Chocolat & Café has a large selection of gelato flavors on board the MSC World America. (Richard Tribou/Orlando Sentinel) Jean-Philippe Chocolat & Café has treats galore on board the MSC World America. (Richard Tribou/Orlando Sentinel) Jean-Philippe Chocolat & Café has a small section carved out to make unique cofees on board the MSC World America. (Richard Tribou/Orlando Sentinel) Mixed-drink venue Elixer on board the MSC World America. (Richard Tribou/Orlando Sentinel) Luna Park Pizza & Burger is a free quick service food option in the World Galleria on board the MSC World America. (Richard Tribou/Orlando Sentinel) Unique coffees can be found in the Coffee Emporium on board the MSC World America. (Richard Tribou/Orlando Sentinel) The Coffee Emporium on board the MSC World America features a hands-on section that allows travelers to smell the scents used in various types of coffee flavors. (Richard Tribou/Orlando Sentinel) Kaito Sushi is one of several dining options along The Terrace district on board the MSC World America. (Richard Tribou/Orlando Sentinel) Bars and restaurants pepper two levels called The Terraces, one of the districts on board the MSC World America. (Richard Tribou/Orlando Sentinel) An old telephone booth is the entrance for a secret speakeasy bar on board the MSC World America. (Richard Tribou/Orlando Sentinel) An 80s-themed party takes over the Luna Park venue on board the MSC World America. (Richard Tribou/Orlando Sentinel) The MSC Yacht Club has its own sun deck on board the MSC World America. (Richard Tribou/Orlando Sentinel) The observation deck within the MSC Yacht Club on board the MSC World America. (Richard Tribou/Orlando Sentinel) The MSC Yacht Club has its own lounge and observation deck on board the MSC World America. (Richard Tribou/Orlando Sentinel) Mirrored surfaces are replete on board the MSC World America. (Richard Tribou/Orlando Sentinel) The Gin Project venue takes the top deck while beer-focused Master of the Sea pub takes the lower deck in a shared space on board the MSC World America. (Richard Tribou/Orlando Sentinel) The Gin Project venue on board the MSC World America. (Richard Tribou/Orlando Sentinel) The MSC World America docks at MSC Cruises' private Bahamas island Ocean Cay on Thursday, April 10, 2025. (Richard Tribou/Orlando Sentinel) The MSC World America docks at MSC Cruises' private Bahamas island Ocean Cay on Thursday, April 10, 2025. (Richard Tribou/Orlando Sentinel) A seagull rests atop a closed shade umbrella with the MSC World America docked in the background at MSC Cruises' private Bahamas island Ocean Cay on Thursday, April 10, 2025. (Richard Tribou/Orlando Sentinel) The MSC World America docks at MSC Cruises' private Bahamas island Ocean Cay on Thursday, April 10, 2025. (Richard Tribou/Orlando Sentinel) The MSC World America sails into PortMiami for the first time Monday, April 7, 2025. (Jake Butters/MSC Cruises) The MSC World America sails into PortMiami for the first time Monday, April 7, 2025. (Jake Butters/MSC Cruises) The MSC World America sails into PortMiami for the first time Monday, April 7, 2025. (Jake Butters/MSC Cruises) The MSC World America sails into PortMiami for the first time Monday, April 7, 2025. (Jake Butters/MSC Cruises) The MSC World America sails into PortMiami for the first time Monday, April 7, 2025. (Michel Verdure/MSC Cruises) The MSC World America sails into PortMiami for the first time Monday, April 7, 2025. (Michel Verdure/MSC Cruises) The MSC World America sails into PortMiami for the first time Monday, April 7, 2025. The global cruise industry sailed with a record 34.6 million passengers in 2024, and despite global political change and economic question marks, the projections are pointing up in 2025. (Michel Verdure/MSC Cruises) The MSC World America sails into PortMiami for the first time Monday, April 7, 2025. (Michel Verdure/MSC Cruises) Show Caption1 of 55The Jaw Drop dry, twisting slide takes riders on an 11-deck trip on board MSC Cruises' new ship, the MSC World America, in PortMiami on Wednesday, April 10, 2025. (Richard Tribou/Orlando Sentinel)Expand
The 22-deck, 6,764-passenger, 216,638-gross-ton ship arrived in April in PortMiami and has settled into year-round, seven-night Caribbean itineraries.
Just like Royal's Icon and Oasis-class ships, World America is so big, that the line carves its space up into neighborhoods, although MSC calls them districts. They're filled with nearly 40 restaurants, bars and lounges, so it feels like a little city at sea.
In fact, from behind, people would be hard-pressed to tell the difference between an Oasis-class ship from World America with both featuring a multi-deck, twisting dry slide as a centerpiece of an open-air deck.
One thing the brand does successfully, though, is lean into its European identity, especially the Italian flair of its founders.
'We're not trying to be an American cruise line only for Americans,' said new MSC Cruises USA president Lynn Torrent. 'We do have this European DNA and that's real, and we need to own it and lean into it. But we need to have our American guests feel comfortable. So it really is a balance.'
So in the hallways, for instance, are historical black-and-white photos of space shuttle launches, but they were labeled as 'Kennedy Space Centre.' Pool depths are in both meters and feet. Elevators are called lifts. A family area on the top decks is called 'The Harbour.' But at least restrooms are no longer labeled 'WC' for 'water closet,' something one would find on earlier MSC ships.
Perhaps the most European thing is the bumper cars with the steering wheel on the right.
And while the ship may have many similarities, the interior leans into a modern design that has been a hallmark of the MSC ships before it. Mirrors are everywhere. And a lot of the ships sparkle. At the same time, a digital ceiling that stretches down the entire World Galleria entertainment district occasionally quite often displays a massive American flag.
Taking a closer look, travelers will find World America isn't a clone. It has its own identity.
Here are some of the best features on board:
The Cliffhanger: Who knew a simple little swing could be such a thrill? A pair of two-seater swings juts out over the edge of the ship 160 feet above the water with just a simple T-bar keeping riders safe from sliding out.
'That's it?' exclaimed Lindsay Bonfanti before holding on for the less-than-minute-long ride that drew a few more exclamations questioning her decision-making.
For those who love heights and a hit of adrenaline without putting in any work, this ride fits the bill.
More thrills to be found: The Family Aventura district has other fast-paced options including a ropes course with two small zip lines built in. One swings riders out over the chasm of the open-air aft section of the ship more than 11 decks below.
The small water park has five slides including a speedy drop slide that shoots riders down as if being dropped out bomb-bay doors. There's also a pair of timed, side-by-side slides that allow for healthy competition and a tube ride with an option virtual reality headset that makes for a trippy, wet trip through the jungle. Just remember to not be laughing out loud with your mouth open when you hit the bottom.
Over in the sports court, the line breaks out bumper cars for some healthy head-on collisions.
But for those who don't mind climbing into an open shark mouth, the Jaw Drop twisting slide is a welcome, free offering, the tube of which is transparent for much of the ride offering great views on the way down.
Dirty Dancing: It's music and dancing that most people know. Baby gets put in a corner momentarily. The choreography is spot on. The dancers nail the lift. They had the time of their lives, and fans of the film will likely walk away from the short production in the main theater with a hit of nostalgia. The line also doubles down on the partnership by airing the film and putting on its own dance party themed to the 1980s hit film that itself used music from the summer of 1963.
Dialing into other nostalgic, but popular music, the line has a show playing the hits of Queen, marrying a live rock band with orchestral and aerialist accompaniment in the Panorama Lounge. Another main stage show 'Hall of Fame' pulls from a variety of pop legends such as Beyonce and Justin Timberlake.
So many flavors: MSC goes beyond simple vanilla, chocolate and swirl. Think gelato. Think multiple venues around the ship. Think massive selection. One of the best tempts travelers walking down the main World Galleria section of the ship within the Jean-Philippe Chocolat & Café venue, which also features hand-crafted chocolates, 14 flavors of macarons and a tidy little coffee bar tucked in the back. But 16 gelato and sorbet flavors from pistachio to hazelnut to mango to stracciatella. There's some pretty rich vanilla and chocolate too.
When in doubt: Pizza. The ship has plenty of dining options including the first Eataly-branded Italian specialty restaurant and a Greek venue with fresh seafood called Paxos.
But perhaps the most satisfying dish on board is free. Freshly made pizza made in authentic stone ovens is a must-have from Luna Park Pizza & Burger, plus it's open beyond normal dining hours, so a great place to wander into after a few drinks.
Or before dinner. Or between lunch and dinner.
Pour another one: Champagne bar: Check. Mixed drinks: Check: Hand-crafted beer. Check.
The line has 18 bars and lounges, but one of the most interesting is The Gin Project venue, taking up the upper level of a space shared with the Masters of the Sea pub, both of which share a view of a live music stage. The level of detail on the history of gin with old photos and antiques filling the walls amid the nooks and alcoves of the bar is similar to the feeling you get the first time you walk into a TGI Fridays and marvel at all the crazy stuff on the wall.
Plus coming up with your own libation from among 70 types of gins is a fun game of choose your own adventure. Start with an 'earthy' or 'fruity' or 'grassy' gin for instance. Then choose a tonic style from among several options, and then finally the décor and flavor enhancements.
And it's worth mentioning that coffee fans won't find a Starbucks, but can get that caffeine high in a new, one would dare say, more adventurous way at the Coffee Emporium, pulling from Mediterranean beans and styles including French, Italian, Turkish and Moroccan.
Cheers to that.
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