Review: MSC World America

At first glance, MSC Cruises’ ultra-wide World Class vessels appear to be the line’s answer to Royal Caribbean’s Oasis and Icon ships.

After all, MSC’s newest, MSC World America, features an open horseshoe-style stern reminiscent of the Oasis, a dry slide descending between split-level pools, and a vertical blunt bow with a large variety of attractions similar to Icon. At 216,638 gross tons, the ship ranks among the top ten biggest cruise ships in the world – but that’s really where the similarities end.

World America is every bit an MSC vessel as its predecessors, offering sophisticated European style (with plenty of mirrors but fewer Swarovski crystals this time) blended with American comfort. At least that’s the line’s objective, and for the most part, it delivers.

The ship sails year-round from Miami to the Caribbean and the line’s private island, Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve in the Bahamas. Lynn Torrent, president of MSC Cruises North America believes the ship is a “huge milestone” toward making MSC a “household name” in the region. 

Following the debut of its sister ship, MSC World Europa, World America has been tailored to the U.S. market with additions such as a sports bar, a dedicated comedy club, the return of Eataly (last seen on MSC Divina), localized craft beers and family-focused areas like The Harbour, MSC’s first outdoor theme park.

RELATED: Ship Preview: MSC Cruises’ MSC World Atlantic

Private Accommodations

I stayed in a stylish Balcony Stateroom, which offered plenty of space in the bedroom, generous storage, a firm but comfortable mattress and a lengthy sofa and a vanity desk with both USB-C and USB-A charging ports. Each nightstand also featured USB-C charging ports. 

However, the entry-level bathroom felt tighter than expected for a new cruise ship. While there is more space around the toilet than on MSC’s Seaside-class ships, the showers are smaller — especially for larger guests —offering little room to dry off.

If clients are considering an upgrade, the MSC Yacht Club offers exceptional perks for the price. The ship-within-a-ship concept provides access to the ship’s exclusive restaurant, observation lounge, pool and private sun decks.

Cliffhanger and Other Engaging (and Restful) Attractions

One of the ship’s most talked-about features is the Cliffhanger ride, a swing that extends over the side of the ship from deck 20, and swings passengers out over the water.  It’s thrilling and scenic — but note the 264.55-pound weight limit. By contrast, the 11-deck-tall Jaw Drop @ The Spiral dry slide has a higher 400-pound limit. 

The Family Aventura district also includes MSC’s largest-ever Doremiland youth club, a LEGO Family Zone, an indoor sports court with bumper cars, a multilevel ropes course and an elaborate water park with four waterslides.

Aquatic options across the ship include six pools and 14 whirlpools, two of which flank the adult-only Zen Area district.

Meanwhile, the MSC Aurea Spa offers plenty of relaxing options. I took advantage of a thermal suite pass, and enjoyed classic amenities like aromatic-infused showers, dry saunas and a steam room along with hot-and-cold foot baths, heated loungers and my favorite feature: a hydrotherapy pool with a cascading warm waterfall.

Casual and Fine Dining

Dining and entertainment are where World America truly shines. MSC has significantly elevated its offerings since Divina first arrived on the American market a dozen years ago, and its partnerships —with Eataly, for example — really reflect that growth. While the Italian specialty eatery was not available to media on the brief three-night preview, I recently visited its Las Vegas location and can attest to the brand’s culinary excellence.

The main dining room and buffet showed noticeable improvements. The buffet spans two decks and offers generous seating. While not prepared a la minute, the food was impressive — I particularly enjoyed MSC’s signature pizza (among the best at sea), mushroom shell pasta, Asian dumplings, grilled shrimp and more.

We sampled some bites from Kaito Sushi Bar & Teppanyaki, Hola Tacos & Cantina and Paxos, the new Mediterranean restaurant. Each of their flavorful dishes are worthy of their respective upcharges.

For drink options, I enjoyed World America’s extensive selection of great bars and watering holes. The double-decker Masters of the Sea pub brews three beers right onboard, and The Gin Project, pairs premium cocktails with exceptional live music. The Coffee Emporium is another popular spot featuring Lavazza coffee.

Pro tip: try the delicious Lavazza Colada, a cold brew espresso spiked with rum, pineapple juice and coconut syrup while taking in the refreshing al fresco promenade at the back of the ship. Or, check out the All-Stars Sports Bar where guests can pour their own beers.

Inside, the World Galleria mirrors the World Promenade with its own stretch of complimentary and specialty restaurants and retail shops. The three-deck space sits below a giant LED ceiling animating ocean surface activity to creatively simulate being under the sea.

Pop-Up and Staged Entertainment

Live entertainment energizes every part of the ship. At the promenade, occasional pop-up acrobatic performances enliven the European atmosphere, while the Panorama Lounge — a stern-facing observation spot by day — turns into a live entertainment venue by night. MSC offers some of the best live music at sea — the “Queen Symphonic” show, which pairs a live band with a video-displayed, pre-recorded orchestra, was a particular standout. 

At the World Theatre, “Dirty Dancing in Concert” is presented in two formats: a matinee screening of the whole film with live musical accompaniment, and a short evening showcase of the film’s most iconic numbers. The concept was compelling, and I’d love to see it expanded to other music-forward films.  Another show, “Hall of Fame,” is a more traditional revue of legendary pop artists performed with the same musical bravado.

Elsewhere along the galleria, The Loft hosts both stand-up comedians and dueling pianists in a more intimate club space, while Luna Park Arena converts from a two-story bleacher-lined sports venue to a party or event space.

MSC World America is the line’s most American-friendly ship to date. While MSC could improve its bathroom layout and reevaluate its attraction weight limits, the ship delivers a well-rounded experience that is both relaxing and entertaining.