The world’s newest cruise ship has arrived! MSC World America.
Purposely built for the North American market, this groundbreaking cruise ship marks a bold step forward for MSC Cruises as it continues its rapid global expansion.
With its innovative design, advanced environmental technologies, and a guest experience curated for American travelers, MSC World America is making waves in the cruise world.
Spanning over 215,000 gross tons and capable of accommodating more than 6,700 passengers at full capacity, MSC World America is one of the largest cruise ships ever constructed.
MSC World America features 13 dining venues, including a diverse mix of international cuisine, specialty restaurants, and 20 bars and lounges. Guests can explore seven distinct districts on board, which offer unique atmospheres and a range of experiences that cater to all cruise passengers.
Having just disembarked from MSC World America’s inaugural voyage, I had the opportunity to experience the cruise ship’s offerings firsthand. In this post, I share an in-depth look at what guests can expect on board and highlight MSC World America’s key features that cruisers can look forward to.
A Deeper Look at MSC World America:
MSC World America is designed to deliver an elevated cruise experience with a strong focus on variety, comfort, and adventure. From its expansive selection of dining venues and thoughtfully designed staterooms to its first-at-sea attractions, the ship aims to cater to a wide range of cruisers.
Now, let’s take a closer look at the key elements that define life on board MSC World America.
Next Level Food & Dining
Dining is a central part of the MSC World America experience, with a wide range of venues reflecting international influence and a growing emphasis on quality and variety.
Cruise guests will find a balance between complimentary dining options and specialty restaurants, each offering a unique culinary experience and atmosphere.
Included Dining:
MSC World America offers many dining options, ranging from sit down meals, to quick bites on the go.
The main dining rooms, Hexagon, Esagono, Bubbles, and La Foglia, are all located on Deck 5 and serve curated multi-course meals. The menu offers a wide variety of options, and the service is great.
For more casual dining options, cruisers can head to La Boca Grill on the Aqua Deck for poolside burgers, pizza, and fries.
One of the highlights of MSC World America is the buffets (yes, there are two of them!). Mercato Buffet and La Brasserie Buffet span two stories, though it took me two days to realize this (a testament to the sheer size of MSC World America.)
Luna Park Pizza & Burger is a go-to spot for late-night bites, with crowd-pleasing staples like chicken fingers, burgers, and pizza. Meanwhile, The Harbour Bar & Bites is a great place to grab a drink or a light snack while enjoying the fun atmosphere of the Harbour District.
Specialty Dining:
For those looking for an enhanced culinary experience, MSC World America offers a variety of specialty restaurants, each available for an additional fee.
Among the standout options is Hola! Tacos & Cantina is a lively venue offering street food–inspired Mexican dishes with bold flavors and a casual, upbeat setting. Having tried Hola! Tacos & Cantina on MSC Seascape, we knew we were in for a delicious meal, which did not disappoint.
We also had the chance to sample food at Kaito Sushi. This Japanese-themed venue is located in the World Galleria, which provides a stunning backdrop while you eat. The sushi was impressively fresh, and tasty.
Butcher’s Cut, the ship’s American-style steakhouse, offers premium cuts in a sleek, contemporary space.
We also had the chance to enjoy a meal at Paxos, the ship’s Mediterranean-inspired venue. As someone who loves Greek-style and Mediterranean cuisine, it felt like this menu was designed for me!
Located along the World Promenade, Paxos offers exceptional food and a beautifully designed setting. With its coastal-inspired décor and views of the Promenade, the ambiance truly elevated the dining experience.
Finally, Eataly’s onboard presence adds another layer of sophistication to the ship’s dining options. With a beautifully designed restaurant that reflects the brand’s Italian roots, it offers an upscale dining experience for guests looking to explore high-quality Italian cuisine.
Modern Cabins
MSC World America features a total of 2,614 cabins and suites, offering a range of accommodations to suit different preferences and travel styles. During our cruise vacation, we stayed in a balcony cabin and were impressed by the stateroom’s comfort and functionality.
This cabin had a modern design with a thoughtful layout that offered ample storage space without feeling crowded.
The bed was especially comfortable, which is always nice after a day of exploring ports of call. Overall, this cabin struck a strong balance between comfort and practicality.
World-Class Onboard Entertainment
MSC World America offers a diverse range of entertainment.
One of the standout performances during our sailing was Dirty Dancing, presented in the impressive World Theater. This full-scale production features live vocals, dancing, and an atmosphere that engages the audience fully.
Beyond the theater, live music can be found throughout the ship in various bars and lounges, creating a vibrant ambiance from day to night. Another highlight was the Queen Symphonic show in the Panoramic Lounge, a powerful tribute to the legendary band.
Whether you’re looking for Broadway-style productions, intimate musical sets, or themed performances, MSC World America delivers entertainment suited for all cruisers.
Inside MSC World America’s 7 Distinct Districts:
Aqua Deck – Stunning Main Pool Area
The Aqua Deck serves as the ship’s aquatic hub, featuring two main pools and several hot tubs. This lido deck transitions from a peaceful morning retreat to a lively afternoon and evening venue with entertainment and themed parties.
It’s an ideal spot for cruiser passengers to relax or engage in poolside activities throughout the day.
World Galleria – The Heart of MSC World America
At the heart of MSC World America lies the World Galleria, a stunning indoor promenade featuring an immersive LED ceiling. This district is home to a variety of dining options, shops, and entertainment venues.
One of the World Galleria highlights is MSC Luna Park Arena, which features themed parties and game shows. Later on, at night, MSC Luna Park Arena transforms into a nightclub.
We loved taking a stroll along the World Galleria during our cruise and visiting the different bars, lounges, and restaurants. The open concept makes moving from one space to the next easy, so you can make the most of your time on board.
World Promenade – Semi-Open-Air Walkway
The World Promenade is located towards the aft of the cruise ship and features a semi-open-air walkway. At the World Promenade cruise, passengers will find Paxos, All-Stars Sports Bar, Sweet Temptations, Coffee Emporium, and various shops.
One of the key features you notice as you walk through the World Promenade is the Jaw Drop at The Spiral. Because of the slide’s elegant design, it looks like a piece of art that towers over the World Promenade.
The World Promenade is a dynamic space for relaxation and entertainment while taking in the fresh ocean air.
Zen Area – Adults Only Retreat
Positioned towards the back of the cruise ship, the Zen Area is an adults-only district that offers two pools, lounge chairs, and day beds under pergolas (which I love!)
With its relaxing ambiance and incredible ocean views, it’s perfect for cruise passengers seeking an escape from the more active areas of MSC World America.
The Zen Area is conveniently located near the buffet, making it easy for cruisers to enjoy a snack while taking in the sun.
The Terraces – Dining, Shops, Bars & Entertainment Aimed For Adults
The Terraces offer a blend of indoor and outdoor experiences, housing nine restaurants and bars, four retail shops, and a comedy club that doubles as a dueling piano bar and karaoke venue. This district caters to guests looking for diverse dining options and lively evening entertainment.
Located on decks 7 and 8, The Terraces blend indoor and outdoor experiences. Cruisers can enjoy a mix of restaurants with outdoor seating, bars, lounges, shops, and entertainment venues in this district.
One of the highlights of the Terraces is The Loft. This venue is home to cruiser favorites like Karaoke, Duelling Pianos, and comedy shows.
Family Aventura – The Ultimate Family Area at Sea
Located on the upper decks, Family Aventura is designed for families and children. It features The Harbour, an outdoor park with a ropes course and a playground inspired by the Ocean Cay lighthouse.
At The Harbour, thrill-seeking cruise passengers can enjoy three waterslides: the Jaw Drop Slide dry slide, which spans 11 decks, and the first-at-sea Cliffhanger, which hangs 50 meters above the ocean.
There’s also the MSC Sportsplex, an indoor space where cruise passengers can play sports, rollerskate, and do bumper cars.
The district also includes Doremiland, the largest kids’ area in the MSC fleet, offering activities for various age groups, from toddlers to teenagers.
Kids & Teens Club Information:
MSC World America improves family cruising with its innovative youth programming, particularly through its partnership with the LEGO Group.
Central to this offering is Doremiland, the largest and most technologically advanced children’s area in the MSC Cruises fleet, spanning over 10,000 square feet across seven distinct rooms tailored for guests children ages 6 months to 17.
A standout feature within Doremiland is the LEGO Family Zone, a vibrant space where children and parents can engage in creative play. This area includes dedicated LEGO building rooms for different age groups, allowing young builders to explore their creativity with various LEGO bricks and sets.
Children participating in these activities have the opportunity to earn a Junior LEGO Master Builder certificate, recognizing their building achievements.
Beyond LEGO® experiences, Doremiland offers kids clubs for specific age groups:
- Baby Club (0-3 years)
- Mini Club (3-6 years)
- Junior Club (7-11 years)
- Young Club (12-14 years)
- Teen Club (15-17 years)
With these dedicated spaces for children and teenagers offerings, MSC cruises allow young guests to make new friends, participate in new activities, and learn new things during their cruise vacation.
This supervised space allows parents to enjoy the rest of the cruise while their kids are in a dedicated area that is safe for kids and teens.
Related: Cruise Ship Kids’ Clubs: Everything You Need to Know
Expanded MSC Yacht Club
Situated at the ship’s forefront, the MSC Yacht Club is an exclusive area offering a ‘ship-within-a-ship’ experience. Guests enjoy luxurious suites, a private restaurant, a lounge, a pool area, and 24/7 butler and concierge services.
Having stayed in MSC Yacht Club on MSC Seascape, I knew the Yacht Club on World America would be stunning. Although I didn’t get to stay in MSC Yacht Club on this voyage, I did get to tour it.
The MSC Yacht Club area surpassed my expectations with elegant decor, a sophisticated atmosphere, and attention to detail.
This district provides a serene and upscale cruise experience for passengers seeking personalized service and privacy. When you stay in MSC Yacht Club, you get all the benefits of being on a big ship while having a quiet oasis to return to when looking for a different vibe.
Related: MSC Yacht Club: 25 Things You Need to Know Before Your Cruise
Who Is MSC World America For?
MSC World America is designed to appeal to a broad spectrum of cruise travelers, offering something for everyone. Families will appreciate the abundance of kid-friendly attractions, casual dining options, and onboard areas tailored to younger guests.
Couples can enjoy a more refined experience with intimate bars, stylish lounges, and specialty restaurants, perfect for a romantic night out.
Those seeking peace and relaxation will find it in the adults-only Zen Pool area. At the same time, travelers who prefer a more exclusive, small-ship atmosphere can retreat to the MSC Yacht Club, which offers a private and elevated cruise experience.
MSC World America delivers a well-balanced cruise experience catering to varied interests and travel styles. Having sailed on MSC World America’s inaugural voyage, I look forward to returning as it was such a pleasant experience.
The only consideration is its sheer size, guests with mobility challenges or difficulty walking long distances may find the scale of the ship to be a limitation.
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Do you plan on sailing onboard MSC World America? Please let me know in the comments below.
Happy Cruising!
Ethan
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Ethan Schattauer, a seasoned cruiser since the age of four, has gone on over 40 cruises with his family. Drawing from his extensive travel experiences, Ethan offers a fresh and youthful perspective on the world of cruising. He also writes about cruise cuisine, onboard experiences, and practical tips, providing valuable insights for cruise travelers worldwide.
