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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.
Yahoo
25-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Review: Norwegian Aqua taps into Gen X for Port Canaveral debut
You don't have to be in Generation X to enjoy Norwegian Cruise Line's new ship, but it doesn't hurt. An osprey stops by The Haven, Norwegian Cruise Line's ship-within-a-ship concept for suite-level guests, on board the new Norwegian Aqua on Tuesday, April 15, 2025. (Richard Tribou/Orlando Sentinel) The 10-deck dry slide The Drop is lit up on board Norwegian Cruise Line's new Norwegian Aqua. (Richard Tribou/Orlando Sentinel) Blue is the night light of choice for Norwegian Cruise Line's new Norwegian Aqua. (Richard Tribou/Orlando Sentinel) The Ocean Boulevard promenade on Deck 8 is lit up at night on board Norwegian Cruise Line's new Norwegian Aqua. (Richard Tribou/Orlando Sentinel) Norwegian Aqua's Sukhothai is the first Thai specialty restaurant on board a Norwegian Cruise Line ship. (Richard Tribou/Orlando Sentinel) Norwegian Aqua's Sukhothai is the first Thai specialty restaurant on board a Norwegian Cruise Line ship. (Richard Tribou/Orlando Sentinel) Norwegian Aqua's Sukhothai is the first Thai specialty restaurant on board a Norwegian Cruise Line ship. (Richard Tribou/Orlando Sentinel) The Metropolitan Bar is one of the venues getting more seats on board Norwegian Cruise Line's new Norwegian Aqua. (Richard Tribou/Orlando Sentinel) A traditional tandoor oven is used to make naan at Indulge Food Hall on board Norwegian Cruise Line's new Norwegian Aqua. (Richard Tribou/Orlando Sentinel) The Observation Lounge wraps around 270 degrees of the top decks of Norwegian Cruise Line's new Norwegian Aqua. (Richard Tribou/Orlando Sentinel) An organized beer pong table is among a slew of games in The Stadium area on board Norwegian Cruise Line's new Norwegian Aqua seen docked in Miami on Sunday, April 13, 2025. (Richard Tribou/Orlando Sentinel) Rock venue Syd Norman's is a popular smaller music concept on board Norwegian Cruise Line's new Norwegian Aqua. (Richard Tribou/Orlando Sentinel) Unique shadows are cast on Ocean Boulevard, the wraparound promenade deck on board Norwegian Cruise Line's new Norwegian Aqua. (Richard Tribou/Orlando Sentinel) The glass walkway is part of the wraparound Ocean Boulevard on Deck 8 of Norwegian Cruise Line's new Norwegian Aqua seen docked in Miami on Sunday, April 13, 2025. (Richard Tribou/Orlando Sentinel) The adults-only Vibe Beach Club seen on board Norwegian Cruise Line's new Norwegian Aqua when docked in Miami on Sunday, April 13, 2025. (Richard Tribou/Orlando Sentinel) Hasuki, the teppanyaki venue on board Norwegian Cruise Line's new Norwegian Aqua is one of the venues with extra seating. (Richard Tribou/Orlando Sentinel) The Aqua Game Zone features a variety of new and old video games along with virtual reality rides and other games on board Norwegian Cruise Line's new Norwegian Aqua. (Richard Tribou/Orlando Sentinel) "Revolution: A Celebration of Prince" features part of the audience watching as if at a concert aboard Norwegian Cruise Line's new Norwegian Aqua while docked in Miami on April 13. (Richard Tribou/Orlando Sentinel) The Haven, reserved for higher end guests, has its own infinity pool on board Norwegian Cruise Line's new Norwegian Aqua. (Richard Tribou/Orlando Sentinel) NAMA sushi has an updated design on board Norwegian Cruise Line's new Norwegian Aqua. (Richard Tribou/Orlando Sentinel) Hidden away on the ship is the new venue Swirl wine bar on board Norwegian Cruise Line's new Norwegian Aqua. (Richard Tribou/Orlando Sentinel) Hidden away on the ship is the new venue Swirl wine bar on board Norwegian Cruise Line's new Norwegian Aqua. (Richard Tribou/Orlando Sentinel) New seating arrangements take shape on Ocean Boulevard, the wraparound walkway on Deck 8 on board Norwegian Cruise Line's new Norwegian Aqua on Sunday, April 13, 2025. (Richard Tribou/Orlando Sentinel) Norwegian Cruise Line's new ship Norwegian Aqua sits anchored offshore from the line's private Bahamas island Great Stirrup Cay on Tuesday, April 15, 2025. (Richard Tribou/Orlando Sentinel) Norwegian Cruise Line's new ship Norwegian Aqua sits offshore from the line's private Bahamas island Great Stirrup Cay on April 15. (Richard Tribou/Orlando Sentinel) Norwegian Cruise Line's new ship Norwegian Aqua sits offshore from the line's private Bahamas island Great Stirrup Cay on Tuesday, April 15, 2025. (Richard Tribou/Orlando Sentinel) Norwegian Cruise Line's new ship Norwegian Aqua sits offshore from the line's private Bahamas island Great Stirrup Cay on Tuesday, April 15, 2025. (Richard Tribou/Orlando Sentinel) Norwegian Aqua sails into PortMiami ahead of its April 13 christening ceremony. (Courtesy/NCL) Norwegian Aqua, as seen docked with Royal Caribbean's Symphony of the Seas in the background at PortMiami for Aqua's christening ceremony on April 13. (Richard Tribou/Orlando Sentinel) Norwegian Aqua sails into PortMiami ahead of its April 13 christening ceremony. (Courtesy/NCL) The top deck of the new Norwegian Aqua cruise ship features the Aqua Slidecoaster, which is part roller coaster, part water slide, seen here while the ship was docked at PortMiami ahead of its christening ceremony on Sunday, April 13, 2025. (Richard Tribou/Orlando Sentinel) Norwegian Aqua sails into PortMiami ahead of its April 13 christening ceremony. (Courtesy/NCL) Norwegian Aqua is docked at PortMiami for its christening ceremony on April 13, 2025. (Richard Tribou/Orlando Sentinel) Norwegian Aqua seen docked in PortMiami for its christening ceremony on Sunday, April 13, 2025. (Richard Tribou/Orlando Sentinel) Norwegian Aqua seen with the Miami skyline in the background as the ship was docked at PortMiami for its christening ceremony on Sunday, April 13, 2025. (Richard Tribou/Orlando Sentinel) Show Caption1 of 36The Aqua Slidecoaster is part roller coaster, part water slide offering a thrilling, wet option on board Norwegian Cruise Line's new Norwegian Aqua. (Richard Tribou/Orlando Sentinel)Expand Norwegian Aqua debuted earlier this month with a christening ceremony in Miami, but will spend the summer sailing out of Port Canaveral. The first of four ships in what the line calls its Prima Plus class, it's about 10% larger than 2022's Norwegian Prima and 2023's Norwegian Viva. With the extra space, the line has added larger cabins, more seats in the restaurants and, for those in of a laugh, you might manage to find somewhere to sit for the comedy show. While the ship offers many of the same features of its smaller sister ships including the popular Indulge Food Hall (now with a vegetarian-focused offering), a 10-deck dry drop slide and a crazy collection of outdoor games from mini golf to darts to beer pong, there's some major shifts and some unique tweaks that make it its own vessel worth a sail. Here are some of the best: Party like it's 1999: The big stage show offering on board is 'Revolution: A Celebration of Prince.' The line partnered with the late musician's estate to create a whirlwind production pulling from crowd-pleasing hits while opening up the stage floor for passengers to watch the show like it was a concert. It's not just musicians on stage, though, but acrobatics, choreography and even a fashion show shoehorned into less than an hour. 'Structurally the way the show is designed, we didn't want it to be sort of biographical. We didn't want it to be linear. We wanted to sort of structure the show in these kind of sections, these thematic sections,' said Bryan White, vice president of entertainment production for NCL's parent company. 'So one of the sections, we internally call it roots. Another section we call relationships. So once we had that kind of framing device, we were able to take our long list of songs and say, 'Here's what we think musically is going to sound interesting.'' The end result jumps around, and gets you 'Little Red Corvette' and 'When Doves Cry' as well as some deep cuts and even mashups like one that pairs 'Kiss' with with Prince protege group Vanity 6's 'Nasty Girl.' Other shows on board include a jaw-dropping revamp of a popular NCL original aerialist and magic show called 'Elements: The World Expanded' and the return of a Fleetwood Mac 'Rumours' show, all running under an hour. Plus for all those children of the 80s who ever spent a day home sick from school, the line is bringing back 'The Price is Right LIVE' game show for some sailings. Hold on tight: NCL got rid of the go-kart track found on its sister ships and replaced it with an adrenaline-inducing ride called the Aquacoaster that combines a roller coaster and water slide. A pair of two-seater rafts slowly crawl into place on a rising ramp. What riders don't see is a massive mechanical arm creeping up behind them like the hand of God and hurling them up the ramp and into a high-speed ride whipping around a classic water slide tube. While the line says it's the first hybrid roller coaster and water slide, it's similar to Disney Cruise Line's AquaDuck and AquaMouse, but only if Mickey and Donald had taken 10 shots of espresso. Level up: The Aqua Game Room is right up the alley for anyone who used to hit the arcade with a pocket full of quarters. But while it pays homage to the classics including Pac-Man, Centipede and Donkey Kong among others, it's not stuck in the 80s. There are virtual reality simulators and updated racing and shooting games. There are also ticket-spitting fan favorites like Skee-Ball and Whack-a-Mole and even a mini bowling alley. Thai food: The ship has specialty restaurants galore bringing back its popular steakhouse, teppanyaki, sushi, French, Mediterranean and Mexican venues, but it's now home to the line's first dedicated Thai offering, Sukhotahi. The menu doesn't disappoint. The tom kha gai soup with a magical mix of coconut milk, lemongrass and lime will set Thai food fan bellies in a good place before diving into entrees like yellow, green and red curries, cashew chicken, pad Thai and roasted duck. Red red wine: Boat drinks with little straws are fine and all, but fans of the divine grape will be pleased with Swirl, a small but unique wine venue nestled away on Deck 6 behind the more expansive Whiskey Bar with just a few seats. The venue offers vintages from around the world. Wine not your thing? There are 13 other bars on board that have you covered. Overall, if people enjoyed the layout of the Prima and Viva ships from NCL, they'll enjoy the extra space of Norwegian Aqua. Finding a seat won't be as challenging. A walk around the outdoor deck 8 promenade will still be inviting. And the entertainment on board keeps skewing a little younger. Generationally, this isn't your grandparents' cruise ship. In fact, you might just be the grandparent now. Norwegian Aqua will continue seven-night Eastern Caribbean sailing from Port Canaveral through August before a stint in New York. It will return to Florida sailing out of Miami this October.
