Latest news with #MSCWorldAmerica
USA Today
5 days ago
- Business
- USA Today
This major cruise line canceled around 5 months of cruises. See the impacted dates.
MSC Cruises canceled around five months of cruises. The cruise line scrapped planned sailings between Nov. 8, 2026, and April 11, 2027, on its MSC Meraviglia ship, and the vessel will spend its winter 2026-2027 season in Miami rather than New York. 'In response to the demand we are seeing, this will mark the first season with four ships homeporting in Miami, as MSC Meraviglia joins MSC World America, MSC Poesia, and MSC Seaside,' the cruise line told USA TODAY in an emailed statement. 'All four ships will sail from our new, state-of-the-art MSC Cruise Terminal at PortMiami, offering an exciting mix of newly introduced sailings and guest-favorite itineraries to the Caribbean and The Bahamas.' The ship will sail six-and-eight-night cruises with stops in Turks and Caicos, the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico and more, the company said. Impacted guests were given multiple options, including rebooking on one of Meraviglia's new cruises from Miami – or any seven-night sailing from Miami, Port Canaveral or Galveston, Texas – or opting for a future cruise credit or refund. Cruise cancellations are relatively uncommon but can happen for various reasons, including full-ship charters or when a ship needs to go into dry dock. Norwegian Cruise Line also scrapped more than four months of cruises on two ships due to fleet redeployment in July.
%3Amax_bytes(150000)%3Astrip_icc()%2FTAL-header-exterior-msc-world-america-MSCAMERICA0425-cfbce8e88a3d4d4086dcb301de549b99.jpg&w=3840&q=100)
Travel + Leisure
27-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Travel + Leisure
A Stunning New Megaship With an Eataly Restaurant, a Ropes Course, and an 11-story Slide Recently Debuted in Miami—and I Was One of the First Aboard
MSC World America Very affordable entry-level fares—some as low as $800 per person per week. The World Promenade, an open-air area filled with flashing LED palm trees, a towering atrium, and the tail end of The JawDrop @ The Spiral, the ship's 11-story dry slide. The Harbour, an all-ages area that's home to the Cliffhanger over-water swing, a vertigo-inducing ropes course with zip lines, and a waterpark. Il Mercato Buffet is one of the most pleasant places on the ship for a quick meal or late-night snack with a sea view. Being a travel writer with a family comes with its fair share of guilt—never more so than when I'm in a beautiful place and my husband and daughter are at home. And so it was recently, when I reached them by video call while I was laying on a sandy Caribbean beach, piña colada in hand. Later, I called them from my balcony on the MSC World America, with turquoise waters below me. When I sent my 13 year old a video of the dessert buffet, she replied, 'Stop it—I don't want to see anymore!' Sharing, it seems, is not always caring. But how could I not be enthused? I'd hopped aboard the ship for a three-day inaugural sailing that included a gala naming ceremony attended by Orlando Bloom and Drew Barrymore. As the ship's godmother, Barrymore got the honor of cutting a ribbon to release a magnum of Champagne, which smashed against the bow and officially christened the vessel. I was eager to see World America up close because my family and I had sailed on a similar vessel, MSC World Europa, in the Mediterranean last fall. There's an indisputably European vibe on that ship, influencing the service style, the cuisine, and the entertainment, all of which are tailored to guests from the Continent. So I was curious how World America, which will sail in and out of Miami year-round, would be different. The World Promenade. Ivan Sarfatti/MSC Cruises 'I think the expectation for Americans is not the size of the ship or the shape of the different spaces, but it's more about service,' said Bernard Stacher, MSC's senior vice president of shipboard hospitality operations, when I spoke with him aboard the ship. 'It's more about food and entertainment choices, about knowing the name of your server at dinner,' he explained. For example, World America has a comedy club instead of the tea room found on World Europa, and it has an Eataly restaurant rather than a Nordic-influenced Chef's Garden. The new ship also has a sports bar, a (bigger) candy store, tons of theme park–style attractions, and a 'Dirty Dancing' musical revue. Really, is there anything more American than that? 'In Europe, our American guests get a little bit of a European experience,' said Stacher. 'Well, over here, the Europeans are getting a little bit of a toned down version of the American experience.' All the tweaks are in service of MSC's continued efforts to crack the U.S. market. The company has been operating in North America since 1998, but World America, with its capacity for more than 6,700 passengers, is by far the brand's biggest play yet. It's also an unabashed shot across the bow of Royal Caribbean International, which operates Icon of the Seas, currently the largest cruise ship at sea. As a resident of Italy, I felt particularly well positioned to weigh in on MSC's attempt to blend its European roots with American-style service. And I found the staff to be so ebullient on World America that they're likely to give any European visitors a bit of welcome-to-America culture shock: folks, we are exceedingly chatty people. At the same time, I was impressed by the speed and efficiency with which MSC was able to handle all those thousands of passengers. The company's new state-of-the-art cruise terminal in Miami allows for super-fast self-check-in, even when World America is at full capacity and there are other MSC vessels in port. And while my husband and daughter weren't able to join me, I did get to explore the ship with my sister as my cabin mate. Between the two of us, we put the ship to the test. Here's a closer look at the amenities, restaurants, staterooms, and services that make up the World America experience. The Staterooms My sister and I had a Deluxe Balcony Stateroom, which measured about 180 square feet. Once we unpacked and slid our suitcases under the beds we had plenty of room, with a small couch, two twin beds (which can be made up as a double), plus a table and two chairs on the balcony. As I noted in my review of the Yacht Club experience on World Europa, MSC furnishes its staterooms with Italian-made Dorelan mattresses and pillows, which really are quite comfortable. If I had any quibbles, it was the lack of small extras like bottled water and bathroom amenities beyond shampoo and body wash. Otherwise, our room did what it was supposed to do, which was to provide a comfortable, unfussy place to sleep and relax. In total, there are 2,614 cabins on World America, and about 1,700 of them have balconies—though some have obstructed views or overlook the World Promenade rather than the ocean. Upgrading to the Aurea or Yacht Club categories afford more space and perks. The former includes daily access to the Aurea Spa thermal area and a dedicated restaurant, while Yacht Club, MSC's ship-within-a-ship concept, offers an upscale experience with dedicated restaurants and a premium drinks package; guests in these suites also get guaranteed reservations at specialty restaurants and theatre shows, plus other VIP perks. There are also less expensive cabins with fixed windows or portholes, as well as some very affordably priced interior cabins, including some designated for solo travelers. Bars and Restaurants Top Sail Lounge inside the Yacht Club. Ivan Sarfatti/MSC Cruises There are seven complimentary options, including two buffets, four sit-down restaurants, and a pizza and burger spot. As is the case on many big ships, passengers can choose early or late dining when they book, and they will be assigned to one of the four restaurants with table service, where they'll have the same table and, likely, the same server for the duration of the cruise. Specialty restaurants, which come with an extra charge, are where MSC really leans on its Mediterranean roots. I sadly wasn't able to get into Eataly, the brand's only restaurant at sea, which was wildly popular. I did get to dine at Paxos Greek restaurant and had sushi at Kaito. The other specialty options are Butcher's Cut steakhouse and the casual Hola! Tacos & Cantina. There are plenty of other pay-as-you-go options, including a sports bar, an English-style pub, a sweets shop, a gelateria, and—for the virtuous—a juice bar. Fizz Champagne Bar. Ivan Sarfatti/MSC Cruises In terms of bars, it seemed like one was always in sight; had we been on a longer cruise, I imagine we would have settled into a favorite. One that's not so apparent is the ship's secret speakeasy: in order to gain entry, a staff member has to slip you a token and tip you off to the hidden location of the entrance. It's as fun as it sounds. Where World America Sails World America will be based in Miami, sailing from MSC's massive new terminal, which is, as of May 2025, the world's largest. It's worth noting that our check-in process was seamless, and my sister and I were on board within minutes of arriving at the terminal. From Miami, the ship will offer 7- and 14-day cruises to the Western and Eastern Caribbean. In the west, itineraries include stops along Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula and at Roatán, Honduras. In the east, stops include San Juan, Puerto Rico and Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic. Every itinerary includes at least one day at Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, the line's private island in the Bahamas—more on that below. Shore Excursions On my short preview cruise, the only time I got off the ship was for a few lovely, relaxing hours on Ocean Cay. This private island reserve has sandy beaches, a lagoon with snorkeling, plus a restaurant, food trucks, and plenty of bars. (Yacht Club guests have their own private beach, restaurant, and bar.) I donned a snorkel and fins and managed to find a few tropical fish in the lagoon. There are also excursions, at an extra cost, that include activities such as jet skiing, paddleboarding, kayaking, and climbing the island's lighthouse. My take is that you could easily skip the paid excursions, spend the day under a beach umbrella, and not feel like you missed out on much. That said, it's important to be one of the first guests off the ship when arriving at Ocean Cay, in order to stake out a prime spot on the far side of the lagoon, with its sheltered beach. Amenities and Entertainment If you can imagine it, World America probably has it—and in multiples. Outdoor amenities include seven pools (one with a retractable roof), four waterslides, 13 hot tubs, a ropes course, the one-of-its-kind Cliffhanger swing, and an 11-story dry slide. We dipped into the main Mar Azul pool, but had the cruise been full of little kids, we might have headed to the Zen Area, where there are two pools, hot tubs, and a bar reserved for adults. The Cliffhanger, which swings out over the sea, was less scary than I thought it would be; the ropes course was scarier than I expected. As for the JawDrop slide? Fun, but I was relieved when my ride was over. For more passive entertainment, the ship has a Vegas-style casino with slots and table games, and two theaters with Broadway-style shows. The 'Dirty Dancing' show, with its live band and solid dancing and singing, was a definite step up compared to the performances I saw on World Europa. Across the ship, especially in the World Promenade and Galleria areas, there are pop-up entertainers, roaming musicians, photographers, and other diversions. I also made time for a Balinese massage and a facial at the Aurea Spa, which also offers hair and nail services and a number of techy rejuvenation treatments. The Aurea Spa Thermal Suite is a fee-based area (unless you've booked in Aurea or Yacht Club class) that offers saunas, whirlpools, a salt cave, and relaxation areas. I didn't get to try it, but the facility looked inviting when I took a quick tour. Family-friendly Offerings The Harbour play and water area. MSC Cruises MSC has long billed itself as oriented toward families, and the company has upped its game with World America. In addition to the water park and Harbour diversions, the ship has five kids clubs for various age cohorts. There's also a multi-room LEGO construction zone, numerous video game stations, classic arcade consoles, three Formula 1 simulators, and a bumper cars area that doubles as a soccer pitch. Kids certainly aren't going to go hungry or thirsty, as there's plenty of kid-friendly fare at the buffets, including a twice-daily dessert spread. Paid treats include gelato, DIY ice cream bars, chocolate, hot chocolate, and 'freakshakes,' those made-for-social-media concoctions. Accessibility There are 65 ADA-compliant cabins on World America. Most public areas are accessible to wheelchairs and electric scooters, and fat-tire beach wheelchairs are available at Ocean Cay.
Skift
10-07-2025
- Business
- Skift
MSC Cruises Targets U.S. Market With New Ships and Port
MSC is big outside the U.S. but remains small in North America's lucrative waters. To fix that, it has debuted a ship for American tastes, a new Texas terminal, new Alaska cruises, and has another ship coming in 2027. MSC Cruises launched its biggest push yet into the American cruise market this year, betting a new flagship and expanded U.S. operations can help the world's largest privately held cruise company gain ground against its publicly held rivals. "It's time that we make a bigger mark in the U.S.," said Lynn Torrent, who was appointed president of MSC Cruises North America in May. The family-owned Italian cruise line deployed MSC World America in April, a 1,090-foot vessel that carries 6,764 passengers and ranks as the eighth-largest cruise ship globally. The ship features the usual bells and whistles: sports bars, comedy clubs, and a ride that dangles passengers 160 feet above the ocean. It's about three football fields long, but, alas, there's no football field. MSC operates 23 ships but remains a minor player in the lucrative North American market, where Royal Caribbean Group and Carnival Corp. dominate. Appealing to Americans MSC Cruises invested in a 60-second Super Bowl TV ad featuring actors Drew Barrymore and Orlando Bloom to raise its profile among American consumers earlier this year. The company plans to expand its U.S. footprint further. Construction is underway on a new terminal in Galveston, Texas, where MSC Seascape will begin Western Caribbean sailings in November. That will give MSC four U.S. homeports, making it easier for travelers from central and western states to board its ships. MSC also announced its first Alaska cruises for summer 2026, using the mid-sized MSC Poesia, sailing from Seattle. The company said early sales for the seven-night Alaska itineraries have been strong, though it didn't provide specific booking numbers. A fourth World-class ship, MSC World Atlantic, will begin operations from Port Canaveral, Florida, in 2027. That will let it expand coverage of itineraries and weeks of the year. Lynn Torrent, president of MSC Cruises North America, since May. Source: MSC Cruises. New Ship This Year MSC World America, which debuted this year, sails seven-night itineraries from Miami to the Eastern and Western Caribbean, with passengers split roughly 50% to 60% North American and the remainder international. Torrent said the company differentiates itself by blending "European style and American comfort," appealing to travelers who want cultural diversity aboard their ships. The MSC World America includes seven distinct themed districts and a so-called yacht club, or ship-within-a-ship area for selected guests. "Notwithstanding the size of the ship, our guests and travel advisors don't feel like they are on a big ship that's crowded because of all the different spaces," Torrent said. Bahamas, Ocean Cay, a new private destination. Source: MSC Cruises MSC's Private Destination MSC has created Ocean Cay, a private island in the Bahamas, following the growing trend among cruise lines of inventing destinations they fully control. MSC has also tried to distinguish itself through environmental initiatives, too. The MSC Foundation Marine Conservation Center opened at Ocean Cay in April, focusing on coral restoration and climate change research. Passengers can attend lectures and join guided excursions with marine experts. "We see from research that more and more travelers are looking for deep and meaningful travel experiences that resonate with them," Torrent said. "We see Ocean Cay as a key point of distinction for our brand." The executive said that early feedback on MSC World America has been positive, and that MSC will continue to emphasize what she calls its unique positioning. "This European style and American comfort, we feel it's distinct, it's ownable and it's relevant," she said.
Miami Herald
26-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Miami Herald
MSC Cruises plans to take key title back from Royal Caribbean
MSC Cruises hasn't tried to hide the fact that it's trying to lure Royal Caribbean cruisers to try out its unique style of family cruising. A dominant cruise line in Europe, MSC Cruises is relatively new to North America, but determined to quickly establish itself as a cruise line of choice for Americans. Related: Cruise lines face new passenger fee; MSC Cruises brings new thrill The Switzerland-based global cruise line is propelling forward with a major initiative to establish a strong U.S. footprint, and Royal Caribbean cruisers are a key target audience. If that wasn't already clear, this year's launch of MSC World America proved it. MSC World America is MSC's answer to Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas, the world's largest cruise ship. Both megaships sail seven-night Caribbean cruises from Miami featuring huge thrills and an emphasis on spaces and experiences for kids and families. While Royal Caribbean remains a top choice among U.S. cruisers, MSC Cruises is winning over many by offering cruises at a lower price point than most cruises on Icon of the Seas and newer Royal Caribbean ships. But lower prices aren't the only tactic MSC is using to attract Royal Caribbean cruisers. As MSC Cruises has made moves to compete directly with the cruise lines best known for offering thrilling vacation experiences, it's fueled a growing war of cruise ship thrill rides. That war includes an ongoing battle between Royal Caribbean and MSC Cruises for one key title when it comes to cruise ship thrills: world's longest dry slide at sea. Sign up for the Come Cruise With Me newsletter to save money on your next (or your first) cruise. In late 2022, MSC Cruises claimed the world's longest dry slide at sea title from Royal Caribbean as it launched its first World Class ship, MSC World Europa, sister ship to MSC World America. MSC World Europa's 250-foot Venom Drop slide surpassed the 10-story Ultimate Abyss dry slide featured on most of Royal Caribbean's Oasis Class ships. Royal Caribbean didn't appreciate being one-upped and took the title back by introducing a taller, 259-foot Ultimate Abyss slide on Utopia of the Seas when it launched in 2024. Now, MSC Cruises wants the title back. Related: MSC Cruises bets on a new kind of entertainment The cruise line has revealed that its next World Class ship, MSC World Asia, which launches in the Mediterranean in late 2026, will be the next ship to claim the title of longest dry slide at sea. MSC World Asia's dry slide, Tree of Life @The Spiral, will surpass all those designed before it at 266.7 feet and spanning 12 decks. Inspired by the trees in Singapore's famous Gardens by the Bay, the slide will also be a striking architectural feature of the ship's World Promenade - an open-air space at the heart of the ship featuring dining venues and entertainment options paired with ocean views. Be the first to see the best deals on cruises, special sailings, and more. Sign up for the Come Cruise With Me newsletter. The recently launched MSC World America also features a dry slide - the 11-deck-high Jaw Drop - as well as standout thrill ride Cliffhanger, the only over-water swing ride at sea. MSC Cruises' innovative cruise ship thrill rides also include Robotron, the first robotic arm ride at sea, featured on MSC Seascape. The ride offers a roller coaster-like experience that flips and spins riders as they soar nearly 175 feet above the sea. MSC will soon bring the unique thrill ride to a new U.S. market as MSC Seascape begins sailing from Galveston, Texas, for the first time in November. Related: MSC Cruises is coming for Royal Caribbean's title Like Royal Caribbean, MSC Cruises has a robust new ship pipeline, and more thrills are sure to come as the cruise line continues to rapidly grow its fleet. In May, the cruise line signed an order for two more World Class ships to complement the four already delivered or under construction. With the addition of these new ships, the MSC Cruises fleet will expand to 27 ships by 2030. Those plans include a new ship that will sail from Port Canaveral, Florida, beginning in 2027, alongside Royal Caribbean's upcoming Icon Class ship, Star of the Seas. In addition to expanding its World Class, MSC Cruises is expected to soon reveal plans for a new and even bigger class of ships that will claim the world's largest cruise ship title from Royal Caribbean's Icon Class. (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
USA Today
12-06-2025
- Business
- USA Today
How to score big savings on the best Caribbean cruises
How to score big savings on the best Caribbean cruises Show Caption Hide Caption MSC World America: The most American cruise ship yet MSC World America, the newest ship from MSC Cruises, features 19 dining venues, 18 bars and lounges and many more. How to score big savings on the best Caribbean cruises Last-minute deals are a surefire way to save big when booking a Caribbean cruise, but let's be honest: Most of us can't cut it that close. Taking off work, securing flights for the whole family, and finding a stateroom that can comfortably accommodate everyone (and that is in a desirable location of the ship) all become a heck of a lot harder to do when you're a few weeks or even months away from departure. Let's not add that unnecessary stress to our plates, OK? With a little strategizing, you can snag an unbeatable discount on one of the best Caribbean cruises for families. You can save even more with kids sail free promos, which are offered by nearly every major line. Bonus add-ons such as $100 in onboard credit, 'free' gratuities, and specialty restaurant inclusions further boost the value of your bottom line. So, where to start? The best places to search for deals are on cruise planning websites (which feed you offers from many online travel agencies) and directly on the cruise lines' sites. You can also keep tabs on deals by subscribing to email lists for alerts. Broaden your results by signing up with multiple cruise sites and lines. Once you're tapped into a network of deals, it's time to put some money-saving tools into play. Here are three ways to score big savings on the best Caribbean cruises for families. FIND YOUR MATCH: From kids to teens to grandparents, these are 12 best family cruise lines for all ages 1. Book a cruise during 'wave season' Think of wave season as the cruise industry's Amazon 'Prime Day' – only this buying window stretches for a few months. Every year from January through March, cruise lines roll out some of their most competitive prices after the holidays wind down. Deals advertised during wave season entice travelers to 'hit the waves,' so the cruise lines can fill their ships for the year(s) ahead. This is a win-win for the lines and families, who can save a pretty penny on sailings that give them plenty of time to plan. GO BEYOND: 101 fresh new family vacation ideas for the best trip ever Just about every major line gets involved in wave season. You'll find deals on all types of ships – including big, small, and expedition – and itineraries. Occasionally, cruise lines offer discounts on sailings during more sought-after times of year, like mid-summer or holidays. Common wave season deals include discounts of up to 50% off, BOGO offers, onboard credits, and extras such as free cabin upgrades and complimentary packages. 2. Be strategic with Black Friday and Cyber Monday specials Not all Black Friday and Cyber Monday promos are good deals. Some lines have even been known to raise prices around this time. The true value typically lies in more generous extras like significantly reduced deposits, 'free' shore excursions, and higher onboard credits. Some lines will also have an option to include airfare. Sign up for deal alerts on the best Caribbean cruises for families, at least a few months beforehand, to glean how prices and offers are trending. This will allow you to spot a deal better when you see one. You don't need to wait until the end-of-month retail rumpus, either. A handful of Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals are quietly made available in early November. CARIBBEAN DREAMS: These 6 cruise lines offer the best Caribbean cruises for families Additionally, some cruise lines will advertise a deal for Black Friday or Cyber Monday, and keep it rolling through wave season – only rebranding it and perhaps refreshing some of the extras. So, don't get discouraged if you're financially stretched too thin during the holiday season, and not quite ready to book. 3. Plan to cruise during the fall September, October, and November are among the cheapest months of the year to cruise in the Caribbean. There are two reasons for this: It's hurricane season, and kids are back in school, so the demand is much lower. The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30. Any ship sailing within this time frame technically has a greater chance of being rerouted away from a storm. Despite all this, June, July, and August are some of the most popular months for Caribbean cruises. However, that's not the case for the latter part of hurricane season, which peaks from mid-August to mid-October. NO HIDDEN FEES: 7 best all-inclusive cruise lines in the world Even with a higher probability of storm activity, the chances of your cruise being affected are still relatively low. In the most likely scenario, you would have to call at a different port or spend an extra day at sea in order to move further away from a storm's path. You also might run into some rain or choppy seas, but that can happen at any time of the year. If you don't have your heart set on a particular destination, and your family is down to go with the flow, then sailing in the fall might be your ticket to the best Caribbean cruises for families. Want to slash your chances of getting seasick? Consider a Southern Caribbean itinerary. Due to their southern location and climates, islands such as St. Lucia and Aruba rarely see tropical activity. How to score big savings on the best Caribbean cruises for families originally appeared on More from FamilyVacationist: The views and opinions expressed in this column are the author's and do not necessarily reflect those of USA TODAY. and are owned and operated by Vacationist Media LLC. Using the FamilyVacationist travel recommendation methodology, we review and select family vacation ideas, family vacation spots, all-inclusive family resorts, and classic family vacations for all ages. TourScoop covers guided group tours and tour operators, tour operator reviews, tour itinerary reviews and travel gear recommendations. If you buy an item through a link in our content, we may earn a commission.
