If you’re considering a cruise aboard MSC’s newest ship, MSC World America, I’m here to give you the full scoop! Having just returned from an unforgettable 3-night inaugural sailing, I’ve got all the details to help you decide if this cruise should be your next getaway. From exhilarating attractions and culinary delights to incredible entertainment and relaxation spaces, here’s my honest review of what it’s really like aboard MSC World America. (Full disclosure: I was hosted on this cruise!)
Table of Contents
First Impressions and Ship Overview
From the moment I stepped aboard, MSC World America impressed me with its sheer size and innovative design. With seven distinct districts, the ship feels like its own floating city, packed with diverse activities and plenty of space to explore. The layout ensures you’ll never feel crowded, even on sea days. Each district has its own vibe, from vibrant family fun zones to serene adults-only retreats.
I was lucky enough to have a balcony room onboard, which we set up to be two twin beds, and a couch could be pulled out into another bed for kids. The room was an average size for a balcony room onboard a large-sized ship, and the bathroom is well designed, so it’s easy to get into for its small space (no trying to have to fit around the door to get to the toilet).
Thrills and Adventure Onboard MSC World America
Let’s start with some heart-pumping fun. One of my absolute favorite experiences onboard was Cliffhanger, the first and only over-water swing ride at sea. Imagine soaring 160 feet above the ocean; it was thrilling, breathtaking, and surprisingly peaceful all at once. For me, the best part was being able to look straight down as you swing out, especially the great view when we were parked at Ocean Cay.
I also tackled Jaw Drop, one of the longest dry slides at sea, spiraling down through the ship’s core and ending at the Promenade. I’ll admit, I chickened out on a similar slide during my last MSC cruise, but this time I bravely took the plunge. Honestly, once I was on it, it wasn’t nearly as fast as I thought I’d be, so this is a great mid-level thrill experience for people who want an adrenaline rush but nothing too crazy.
If that isn’t enough excitement, there are other activities onboard, like the High Trail Ropes Course at the Harbour and the Sportplex turns the basketball court into bumper cars. It was quite a novelty to do bumper cars at sea!
The water park onboard, called the Aquapark, even has a VR waterslide; something I’ve never experienced on any of my other cruises. It brings a whole new dimension to the standard cruise ship water park experience. If you’re a thrill-seeker, there’s also a drop slide, but personally, I was too scared to try it out.
Dining Options on the Ship
MSC World America has an impressive array of food options, though a lot of the good stuff is at an additional cost. One of my highlights was dining at Eataly, the first and only one at sea. This spot offers authentic Italian cuisine paired with stunning ocean views. It’s the perfect mix of sophistication and comfort, making it ideal for a special dinner or a leisurely lunch.
Beyond Eataly, the ship features an impressive range of dining options. There’s something for everyone, from the included dining options like Il Mercato Buffet and the main restaurants, to specialty restaurants like Hola! Tacos & Cantina, offering vibrant Mexican street food, and Kaito Teppanyaki & Sushi Bar, where skilled chefs prepare your meal with flair right before your eyes. There are also plenty of spots to get snacks (I was obsessed with the empanadas on deck 20 at The Harbour Bar & Bites). For coffee, there’s Coffee Emporium at the Promenade (there’s no chain option like Starbucks onboard), and there’s also the Zest Juice Bar. And if you want elevated drinking experiences, there is an English pub, a mixology bar, a gin bar, and a champagne bar.
Pool Days and Relaxation
When it came time to unwind, the Aqua Deck quickly became our favorite hangout. With seven pools and thirteen hot tubs onboard, we never had to worry about securing a spot. Whether lounging by the pool, soaking in a hot tub, or dancing to live DJ sets, the Aqua Deck offers the perfect setting to enjoy sunny days at sea. I especially enjoyed the indoor area, where there’s a hot tub with ocean views.
For a quieter experience, the Zen Area provides an adults-only retreat with stunning ocean vistas. It’s peaceful, serene, and ideal for those looking to recharge away from the excitement. If you’re looking to sunbathe or quietly read a book, this is the place for you.
Additionally, the spa’s thermal suite is simply divine; I easily could have spent the entire day there. Don’t miss the sauna rooms with a view, the snow room, and the salt room.
Entertainment Galore
MSC World America excels in entertainment offerings. One of my favorite nights onboard featured the spectacular Queen Symphonic show; a live concert tribute to the legendary band Queen, blending a pre-recorded orchestra performance with live singing and dancing and a smidge of acrobatics. The Panorama Lounge is also a gorgeous venue for the show.
One of their headline shows is Dirty Dancing in Concert, which unfortunately I didn’t get to see, but MSC calls it a live-to-film concert experience. Since my cruise was so short, I didn’t get to experience as many of the shows as I would have liked, but others to check out include Odyssey, an acrobatic show influenced by Homer’s Odyssey, and Momentous, which they claim is one of the largest illusion shows ever produced at sea.
Aside from theatrical shows, there’s also a secret speakeasy hidden onboard. I never actually figured out how to get into it, but I’m told making friends with the crew will show you the way. But find the telephone box, and that’s the entrance.
If you like to party, Luna Park is the dance club venue onboard, amongst other things. I went to the Miami Nights party, which I was impressed to see even had set pieces and dancers to amp up the hype. Unlike the other ships, it actually did feel like a nice club (frequent cruisers will know, often the clubs on ships are empty and dead).
We also went to the White Party while docked at Ocean Cay, which featured a DJ set on the beach. That one I definitely wouldn’t miss if Ocean Cay is on your itinerary! So don’t forget to pack an all-white outfit like I did.
MSC’s Private Paradise: Ocean Cay
One of the highlights of cruising with MSC is visiting Ocean Cay, their private island in the Bahamas. Our day spent here was nothing short of paradise. Crystal-clear waters, pristine white sandy beaches, and the iconic lighthouse made for stunning photo opportunities. The island offers plenty of activities, like you can book a clear kayak or rent a jet ski at additional cost, or you can simply relax and soak up the sun. What’s also cool about the island is they basically took a trash island and renovated it. MSC has a whole conservation and restoration effort called MSC Foundation, where they do things like coral reef conservation and more. They even just opened a new Marine Conservation Center on the island during this inaugural cruise.
At night, the lighthouse does a fun little light show, with graphics projected onto the lighthouse itself. It’s a little over 5 minutes long, and you’ll probably catch it as long as you don’t go down to the White Party on the beach too late.
Final Thoughts and Overall Impression
Overall, MSC World America exceeded my expectations in every way. MSC is normally considered a more budget cruise line, but this ship feels like a more elevated experience, especially if you’re willing to pay to upgrade for the more fine dining experiences or the MSC Yacht Club.
The variety onboard ensures every guest – from thrill-seekers to foodies, families, and relaxation enthusiasts – will find something to love. The ship perfectly balances excitement and tranquility, adventure and relaxation, luxury and accessibility.
It was an honor to be aboard MSC World America’s inaugural sailing, and honestly, I can’t wait to book my next cruise since I’d love the chance to sail on a longer itinerary and fully experience the ship. Whether you’re planning your first cruise or your fiftieth, MSC World America promises a unique experience filled with unforgettable moments and exceptional service.
So, should you sail aboard MSC World America? Absolutely! Pack your bags, and get ready for a great holiday aboard MSC’s newest marvel.
