MSC Cruises’ second World Class ship offers fresh new dining and entertainment options. Caribbean itineraries include the line’s private island in the Bahamas.

MSC Cruises’ newest ship, the MSC World America, debuted on April 9 when her christening and naming ceremony took place at PortMiami. The MSC World America is the second of MSC Cruises’ World Class ships and brings a new world of cruising designed to highlight the line’s signature blend of European design and American comfort.

Actress Drew Barrymore, the godmother, christened the ship, following the maritime tradition of cutting a ribbon and breaking a Champagne bottle over the bow. Guests then had several entertainment opportunities. One was the special Outdoor Surprise—a performance by celebrated singer and songwriter Gloria Estefan, the “Queen of Latin Pop.”

Reimagine your adventure at sea and set sail for unrivaled experiences—start charting your path with our Cruise Guide.

Actress and TV personality Drew Barrymore cut the ribbon at the MSC World America’s naming ceremony. (Cindy Bertram Photo)

Actress and TV personality Drew Barrymore cut the ribbon at the MSC World America’s naming ceremony. (Cindy Bertram Photo)

More about the MSC World America

The MSC World America is the first ship in MSC Cruises’ fleet that features seven different onboard districts, each with its own atmosphere, facilities and experiences. The ship spans 22 decks and has 2,614 staterooms. She has the largest MSC Yacht Club, the line’s ship-within-a-ship experience featuring enhanced suites, butler service and private restaurant, bar and pool.

Diverse Dining Options For Every Palate

The MSC World America’s 19 different dining venues include four main restaurants, plus a bevy of specialty restaurants. Among the options:

  • Paxos, a Greek restaurant, on Deck 8 in the Promenade District
  • Luna Park Pizza & Burger, a fast casual eatery in the Galleria District
  • Butcher’s Cut, an American-style Steakhouse on Deck 7
  • Hola! Tacos & Cantina, on Deck 7, offers Latin American and Mexican street food-inspired cuisine for lunch and dinner.
  • Kaito Teppanyaki Grill, on Deck 7 is a Japanese specialty restaurant where chefs create a visual spectacle for diners.
  • Kaito Sushi Bar, on Deck 7, serves the freshest sushi, sashimi and tempura prepared by expert sushi chefs.
  • Eataly, located on Deck 8, is the only Eataly restaurant at sea. The menu includes some of the brand’s most beloved dishes and items that are exclusively available onboard.

Bars and Lounges on This New Cruise Ship

The MSC World America has 20 bars and lounges, including the Comedy Club, Masters of the Sea pub, Gin Project Elixir-Mixology Bar, Coffee Emporium and Jean-Phillipe Chocolate Shop & Cafe. The All-Star Sports Bar, located in the Promenade District on Deck 8, is a great place to grab a drink and enjoy watching games while enjoying bar food with a classic American flair. It also has sports bar signature games (interactive darts, digital shuffleboard and foosball) and features a large terrace with beautiful ocean views.

The new MSC World America sails to Caribbean ports of call. (Photo credit: MSC Cruises)

The new MSC World America sails to Caribbean ports of call. (Photo credit: MSC Cruises)

Entertainment Options Abound on MSC’s Newest Ship

Accommodating 1,150 guests on Decks 6 and 7, the World Theatre is a stunning entertainment venue hosting original productions each night of the cruise. It has four brand new shows:

  • “Dirty Dancing in Concert” – a live-to-film concert experience of the classic film
  • “Hall of Fame” – the ultimate pop concert featuring the iconic music and unforgettable moments of pop legends
  • “Odyssey” – a captivating acrobatic spectacle set against the dreamlike backdrop of an ethereal journey influenced by Homer’s Odyssey
  • “Momentous” – one of the largest illusion shows ever produced features a renowned guest artist with impressive moments of magic

The Panorama Lounge, located on Decks 6 and 7, has an interactive floor featuring unique designs that transform the space. Graced with Swarovski chandeliers, it has 462 seats. Guests enjoy two live theatrical music concerts on various nights of the week:

  • “Queen Symphonic” – an exclusive version of the international hit concert “Queen Rock Symphonic”
  • “Cinesonic” – a breathtaking concert of cinematic scores brought to life through state-of-the-art projections and breathtaking performances by the cast of singers, dancers and acrobats

The Loft, located on Deck 8 in the Terraces District, is an adults-only, multi-purpose venue where guests sing, laugh and dance in a sophisticated, intimate atmosphere. It is home to comedy shows, dueling pianos and karaoke nights.

New Fun Experiences on the MSC World America

In addition to beautiful pool areas, including the Botanic Garden Pool on Decks 18  & 19, the Sportplex and the MSC Formula Racer with life-size racing simulators,  new fun options include:

  • Cliffhanger, the only over-water swing ride at sea, which features a four-seat swing and towers 165 feet above the ocean. The ride starts close to the deck before powered arms lift the seats into the starting position and over the edge of the ship.
  • The Jaw Drop – This 11-deck-high dry slide through the jaws of a shark is one of the longest dry slides at sea.
Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve in the Bahamas. (Cindy Bertram Photo)

Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve in the Bahamas. (Cindy Bertram Photo)

Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve

MSC Cruises ships dock at Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, the line’s private out island in the Bahamas. On the celebratory sailing of the MSC World America, the MSC Foundation officially opened its brand new Marine Conservation Center. It features a fully equipped Bio Lab, a land-based coral nursery with a multifunctional lecture hall, a welcome hub and more.

Where the MSC World America is Sailing

After the naming and christening ceremony at PortMiami, the ship did a special celebratory sailing, taking invited guests to Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve. Then she began her inaugural season of seven-night Eastern and Western Caribbean cruises from her state-of-the-art cruise terminal, which was built in partnership with PortMiami and Miami-Dade County. Ports of call include Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic; San Juan, Puerto Rico; Costa Maya and Cozumel, Mexico; and Roatan, Honduras. And all itineraries include a stop at Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve.

 A Bit More About MSC Cruises and the New Cruise Ship

The MSC World America is an energy-efficient cruise ship that runs on LNG fuel. Designed for sustainability, she can use shore power connectivity and smart technology. A recycling program and noise-reducing propellers minimize environmental impact.

MSC Cruises, with a growing presence in North America, is a global brand with 23 modern ships offering cruises across five continents with more than 300 destinations.

With diverse dining options, amazing entertainment and seven different districts onboard, along with itineraries that include a stop at Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, MSC World America is definitely worth thinking about for your next group cruise.

Reimagine your adventure at sea and set sail for unrivaled experiences—start charting your path with our Cruise Guide.

By Cindy Bertram

Lead photo: The World Galleria is a three-level indoor promenade with shops, bars and entertainment. (Photo credit: MSC Cruises)