Latest news with #MSCCruises'
Yahoo
a day ago
- Climate
- Yahoo
MSC Cruises' ship meets Mother Nature in scary situation
MSC Cruises' ship meets Mother Nature in scary situation originally appeared on Come Cruise With Me. MSC Seascape recently faced the wrath of Mother Nature while in the Bahamas. Cruise Ships have state-of-the-art navigation and propulsion systems and can usually prepare to handle any weather situation that pops up, although sometimes they are vulnerable. They can weather heavy weather, storms, and sea conditions, but they have a weak in general are designed to withstand lots of forces applied to the decks and hulls and are built to last many, many years. Cruise ships can weather heavy seas, including 20-plus-feet swells and gusts exceeding 50 knots while at sea; however, the situation at the dock is a different story. MSC Seascape recently faced a squall line of wind and rain cutting through the Bahamas and over their exclusive island, Ocean Cay Marine Reserve. Seascape left Port of Miami Friday, May 29 for a Bahamian weekend cruise to Nassau on May 30 and 31 to Ocean Cay Marine Reserve. While Seascape was at the dock moored around 3 p.m., lines attached to the dock took heavy winds on their starboard side, and with too much pressure from winds, the lines exceeded their holding capacity. . How cruise ship captains keep you safe in bad weather (1:34) MSC Seascape was moored for the day for passengers to enjoy the private island and was scheduled to leave at 8 p.m. While passengers enjoyed the day on Ocean Cay, Mother Nature sent a squall line of weather that impacted their day. As passengers were heading back to the ship for safety and to get out of the wind and rain, the main bow lines began to snap/break, leaving the ships bow to go adrift. Immediately the alarm came from the ship. Crew sprang into action to secure the ship and hold passengers back from boarding as the ship unexpectedly pulled away from the dock and gangways, leaving everyone stranded. There was a passenger injured, but due to the fast-acting crew, there were only minor injuries, and the crew managed the emergency flawlessly as trained. In my 20-plus years working around ships and ports in the United States Coast Guard, I have a working knowledge and understanding of the dynamic forces that impact ships at sea and while moored at the dock. Let's look at some common questions: Cruise ships and weather: how do they deal with the ever-changing and unexpected storms? Cruise ships have weather forecasters on board, as well as crew trained to watch and forecast upcoming weather events that may impact their journey to destinations. What and how do they prepare for weather impacts? Cruise lines look at forecasts days ahead of their voyage, consider what they may face and constantly monitor while at sea or in a port. "Captains don't want to put a billion-dollar cruise ship in harm's way," is something Come Cruise With Me Executive Editor Dan Kline says a lot. . In this case with MSC Seascape at Ocean Cay, the ship was aware of a last-minute storm approaching. But like on land at home, in rare cases, storms can develop rapidly in hours or even minutes and can exceed expected forecasts. In this case, the storm produced heavy wind gusts that put significant pressure on the bow and starboard side where the securing/mooring lines failed, leaving the bow to go adrift. The bow of a ship is the lightest part of the ship and therefore more susceptible to being pushed around unless underway. When ships are at the dock, this is their weak point/most vulnerable spot as they are left to the winds, seas condition, and currents. As seen with Seascape, winds can impact the stability and security of the ship. When ships are at sea and underway (moving through the water), they have great control and can handle heavy storms and seas with ease. Ships' hulls direct the water around the ship efficiently and slice through the water, giving great control. This is similar to a Nascar racer driving at the Daytona 500. When driving at high speeds, the air/winds over the car apply down pressure, giving the car an ability to go faster with more control and stability. However, when cruise ships are docked/moored, or adrift without propulsion, they are in peril to Mother Nature and the forces of the seas and winds. Cruise ship mooring lines can hold enormous pressure, but they have a breaking point. Mooring line breaking strength (MBS) is how they are rated. Typically, a 4' mooring line (typically used by cruise ships) made of Dyneema (polyester, nylon, polypropylene) can hold a million pounds of pressure applied and extreme pressures. But forces like UV [rays], extreme heat, and salt water can alter or diminish the strength of the lines and their ability to optimally perform under high pressure when applied unexpectedly or relentlessly. In the case of MSC Seascape, the perfect storm, in a sense, struck the ship from the side and pushed the mooring lines beyond their limits. This can happen, and ships can only prepare for the expected, not something that very rarely happens. (The Arena Group will earn a commission if you book a cruise.) , or email Amy Post at or call or text her at 386-383-2472. This story was originally reported by Come Cruise With Me on Jun 1, 2025, where it first appeared.
Miami Herald
2 days ago
- Miami Herald
Video: Norwegian Cruise passenger injured in weather accident
Although the tropics were quiet as the Atlantic hurricane season kicked off on June 1, May 30 and 31 brought unusually high winds to multiple ports around the world where cruise ships were docked. Winds gusts in certain ports were so strong that large cruise ships struggled to remain tied up at their docks, creating rare dangerous situations for both passengers and crew from multiple cruise lines. Related: MSC Cruises' ship meets Mother Nature in scary situation Unfortunately, two of the three windy-weather related incidents even led to passenger injuries. In all cases, fast-acting crew members and port workers prevented the situation from becoming much worse though. Whether a ship is docked in Alaska, Italy, or The Bahamas, cruise ship crew members are well trained to respond when Mother Nature decides to push mooring ropes and bollards to their breaking points. Doug Parker shared more details on all three of the cruise ship accidents Mother Nature caused during the windy weekend, and other cruise news including Carnival Cruise Line's latest effort to enforce cruise rules, on the June 2 edition of Cruise News Today. Want the latest cruise news and deals? Sign up for the Come Cruise With Me newsletter. Transcript: Cruise News Today with Doug Parker. Good morning. Here's your cruise news for Monday, June 2. A windy weekend - Yeah, high winds knocked a gangway into the water off Holland America's Westerdam on Friday while docked in Ketchikan, Alaska. Gusts around 69 miles an hour caused the ropes to snap and the ship detached from the pier. Tugboats though quickly came in and assisted the ship back to the pier now. No injuries were reported and a crane did lift the gangway out of the water. All passengers eventually re-boarded the Westerdam safely. Related: Carnival Cruise Line faces first storm of hurricane season And meanwhile in Sicily, strong winds caused a mooring bollard to give way sending a Norwegian Epic passenger into the water on Friday. The gangway collapsed as the ship started drifting away from the pier sending the woman into the bay. She was rescued by her husband and both were treated for minor injuries. The Norwegian Epic was delayed leaving port. Now closer to home, an MSC ship broke free from the dock during a squall at Ocean Cay that injured one guest as well. Busy weekend. Be the first to see the best deals on cruises, special sailings, and more. Sign up for the Come Cruise With Me newsletter. Carnival Cruise Line is reinforcing its "Have Fun. Be Safe" policy with updated reminders now in every stateroom fleetwide. Rules include a 1 a.m curfew for minors, noise restrictions, and a $500 fine for doing things like smoking or tossing items overboard. And all illegal substances are prohibited even if it's legal in port. This push follows a series of onboard incidents including a recent brawl in Galveston involving 24 passengers. Related: Carnival Cruise Line bans TikTok influencer after booze scam And cruise stocks were up on Friday. Carnival Corporation: up slightly, 23.22, Royal Caribbean: up 1.1 percent, 256.97, Norwegian: up slightly, 17.65, and Viking: up a half percent - that's at 44.64. If you have a lead on a story, let us know: tips@ Have yourself a great Monday. I'm Doug Parker with Cruise News Today. Copyright 2025 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved
Forbes
27-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- Forbes
MSC World America Dining Guide - Everything You Need To Know
MIAMI, FLORIDA - APRIL 09: Guests enjoy ice cream at the Jean-Philippe Maury Chocolate Cafe onboard MSC Cruises' new ship, MSC World America in Miami on April 09, 2025 in Miami, Florida. (Photo byfor MSC World America) Getty Images for MSC World America A new era of cruise dining is here, and it tastes absolutely incredible. MSC World America is more than just delivering global destinations on a luxurious cruise line. It's a gastronomic destination in its own right, long before it drops anchor or touches land. Once upon a time, cruise food was synonymous with piles of buffet fare and rigid dining schedules that felt more like a college campus dining hall, where quantity often overshadowed quality. But those days are gone. Today, dining aboard a cruise is an invitation to embark on a world-class culinary adventure that redefines what is possible at sea. MSC World America is leading the charge, blending European sophistication, global flavors, and American favorites into a dining experience that's nothing short of unforgettable. Imagine indulging in authentic Mediterranean dishes crafted with the freshest ingredients, followed by perfectly prepared steaks or American comfort foods reimagined with a modern twist. The ship's diverse restaurant offerings cater to every craving, from specialty dining venues with unique cuisines to casual yet elevated options perfect for the whole family. As someone who has been called a "foodie" more times than I can count (and happily so), experiencing this level of culinary creativity is a dream come true. Food isn't just fuel—it's a passion, and MSC has transformed dining at sea into an art form. Here's why MSC World America is steering culinary traditions into bold, exciting new waters. And why you'll want to be on board for this delicious journey. TBD MSC World America Say goodbye to boring buffets and scheduled meal windows; MSC World America is all about flavor, freedom, and fun. Craving comfort food? Feeling adventurous? Need vegan-friendly vibes? They've got it all. With flexible dining packages, you're in the driver's seat. Eat what you want, when you want, where you want. And the best part? Transparent pricing means no nasty surprises, just delicious food without the drama. From elegant European fine dining to bold global flavors that pack a punch, the specialty restaurants onboard are a foodie's dream. Think authentic Italian pasta worth writing home about or Asian-inspired dishes so good they might just ruin takeout for you forever. Pair it all with expertly crafted cocktails or perfect wine pairings, and you've got meals that feel more like celebrations. Bon voyage and bon appétit, your taste buds are in for a wild ride! Here's a glimpse of the outstanding restaurants onboard: Eataly is new to MSC World America Ivan Sarfatti Making its debut on MSC World America, Eataly takes you on a true Italian culinary adventure. Featuring authentic, high-quality ingredients sourced from Italy, every plate embodies Italian tradition. From freshly made pasta to perfectly paired wines, Eataly is your onboard immersion into Italian culture. Paxos Greek Restaurant delivers flavors straight from the Aegean on MSC World America. Ivan Sarfatti For Mediterranean lovers, Paxos Greek Restaurant delivers flavors straight from the Aegean. Fresh seafood, traditional moussaka, and lamb kleftiko combine with stunning decor to create an idyllic escape while at sea. Paxos is a true taste of the Mediterranean. Kaito Sushi Bar and Teppanyaki (MSC World America) Ivan Sarfatti Love Asian cuisine? Kaito Sushi Bar and Teppanyaki serve expertly crafted dishes, blending traditional flavors with contemporary techniques. Enjoy fresh sushi or watch skilled chefs sizzle premium ingredients tableside for an interactive dining adventure. MSC World America - Butcher's Cut Ivan Sarfatti When it comes to American classics with a fine-dining twist, Butcher's Cut Steakhouse delivers. Serving premium angus beef aged to perfection, alongside bold New World wines. MSC World America - Sweet Temptations Ivan Sarfatti Satisfy your sweet tooth at Sweet Temptations, where dessert becomes an art form. From crazy-shakes and handmade gelato to pick-and-mix candy and make-your-own ice cream bars, this venue is as fun as it is delicious. MSC World America surpasses expectations with these standout specialty restaurants, each a gastronomic gem that adds a meaningful layer to your cruise experience. MSC World America gives you dining freedom like never before. Here's how they're spicing things up: For the grab-and-go crowd, Paxos on the Go and Luna Park Pizza and Burger have you covered with eats so good, you'll wish you ordered seconds (perfect fuel for your next adventure—maybe on the beach?). When it comes to dining options, we introduced more grab-and-go dining options throughout the ship for those looking for a quick, satisfying bite. We also curated an ideal blend of European flavors and American favorites to deliver a diverse and delicious onboard experience. Guests onboard have the choice to dine at Paxos, a new authentic Greek restaurant, which sits right across from the new All-Stars Sports Bar — created specifically with our American guests in mind — which captures the spirit of a classic all-American bar, from the lively atmosphere, sports programming, games and menu." Food is a universal language that has the power to bring people together, and MSC fosters this connection with its thoughtfully curated menus, perfectly balanced flavors, and inviting ambiance. You could be laughing and bonding over tacos (and how much you spilled in your lap) at Hola Tacos and Cantina or grabbing some gelato to enjoy the breathtaking ocean views, every meal feels like a shared celebration of good food, good company, and unforgettable experiences. With over 20 dining options on board, including specialty restaurants and casual eateries, MSC World America offers something for every palate. Bernhard Stacher, SVP of Shipboard Hospitality Operations at MSC Cruises, put it best by saying, 'Dining isn't just about eating; it's about creating moments.' On MSC World America, those moments are the heart of the journey. Ready to savor the world's finest flavors? Step aboard MSC World America and discover cruise dining like never before. With a wide variety of dining options, from international cuisines to specialty restaurants, every meal feels like an adventure in itself. MSC World America - MSC Yacht Club Grill & Bar Ivan Sarfatti PRO TIP: Not a fan of big crowds or prefer a more exclusive voyage? The MSC Yacht Club is your perfect escape. Picture this: a luxurious, private oasis within the ship, complete with its own secluded decks, personalized butler service, and exclusive dining options that elevate your entire cruise experience. Escape the hustle and bustle while enjoying the best that MSC World America has to offer. It's truly the best of both worlds!
Miami Herald
21-05-2025
- Business
- Miami Herald
MSC Cruises takes another bold step in its ambitious growth plan
MSC Cruises' answer to Royal Caribbean's Icon Class is only getting started. After the Switzerland-based global cruise line launched its newest megaship, MSC World America, from Miami last month, some might have thought the cruise line would take a breather before moving on to another mega-sized announcement. Related: Royal Caribbean unveils its biggest and boldest innovation yet Like Royal Caribbean's giant Icon of the Seas, MSC World America is a huge ship, accommodating more than 6,700 passengers, and it's making a big impression on cruisers as it joins Icon of the Seas in sailing seven-night Caribbean cruises from Miami. A market leader in Europe, MSC Cruises designed MSC World America to sail with its own unique style that blends European sophistication with American comfort. And the cruise line has big plans to introduce more Americans to its signature style of cruising as it continues to grow its presence in North America and throughout the globe. MSC Cruises already has another World Class ship in development for the North American market, along with one for Europe. And now, the cruise line is making plans for even more World Class ships to come. Sign up for the Come Cruise With Me newsletter to save money on your next (or your first) cruise. MSC is ordering two more World Class ships to complement the four already delivered or under construction. With the addition of two more ships to its pipeline, the MSC Cruises fleet will expand to 27 ships by 2030. The two new ships, the fifth and sixth in the World Class, are expected to be delivered in 2029 and 2030. Each will be designed to build upon the innovation of the World Class, which combines advanced environmental technology with the latest advancements in passenger experiences. MSC Cruises has not yet revealed where these two ships will sail, or whether either of them will sail in North America. Related: A way too early review of MSC World America They will follow the existing World Class ships, MSC World Europa and MSC World America, as well as two more already under construction at the Chantiers de l'Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire in France - MSC World Asia and MSC World Atlantic. Although many cruisers may assume MSC World Asia is being built to sail in Asia like MSC World America was built for the American market, that's actually not the case. MSC Cruises' World Class ships are named for the continents and oceans of the world, and their names don't necessarily indicate where they will be deployed. The naming convention is meant to showcase that the global cruise line sails in all parts of the world. Be the first to see the best deals on cruises, special sailings, and more. Sign up for the Come Cruise With Me newsletter. MSC World Asia will offer Mediterranean cruises upon its launch in late 2026, and MSC World Atlantic will sail from Port Canaveral, Florida beginning in 2027. As the cruise line accelerates its global expansion, North America continues to be a key growth market. In addition to adding MSC World America and MSC World Atlantic to sail from Florida, the cruise line is also preparing to launch its first cruises from Texas. Related: MSC's Ocean Cay is different from what other cruise lines offer Beginning in November, MSC Seascape will move from Miami to its highly anticipated new homeport of Galveston. Sailing from a brand-new terminal that's currently under construction at the Port of Galveston, MSC Seascape will offer cruises to the Western Caribbean. For its Galveston debut, MSC Seascape will sail with some new Texas-inspired touches featured alongside the cruise line's signature blend of European style and American comfort. Further emphasizing its focus on North America, MSC Cruises will also launch its first Alaska cruises in 2026. MSC Poesia will homeport in Seattle for the summer 2026 Alaska cruise season. (The Arena Group will earn a commission if you book a cruise.) Make a free appointment with Come Cruise With Me's Travel Agent Partner, Postcard Travel, or email Amy Post at amypost@ or call or text her at 386-383-2472. Copyright 2025 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
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.
