It’s official! One of the anticipated new cruise ships of 2025 – MSC Cruises’ MSC World America – has formally entered service as of April 12, 2025, with the embarkation of her maiden voyage.
However earlier than these first paying passengers have been welcomed onboard, my husband and I have been invited onboard for a 3-day preview crusing following the official naming ceremony in Miami, Florida, on April 9, 2025.
After Actress Drew Barrymore formally christened the World-class ship, we set off on an unforgettable mini cruise to MSC’s personal island within the Bahamas, Ocean Cay: MSC Marine Reserve. Alongside the way in which, we obtained the total run of the 6,762-guest ship at effectively beneath her most capability.
Whereas we finally loved our time onboard – and felt honored to be a small a part of cruise historical past – I’m going to spill all the things I considered MSC Cruises’ new addition: The professionals and the cons.
The Dimension
It’s no secret that MSC World America is among the greatest ships at the moment crusing the excessive seas. Coming in at 215,863-gross tons and with room for practically 7,000 visitors onboard (not counting the two,138 crew members), this ship isn’t a lot smaller than the world’s largest Icon of the Seas.
For context, Royal Caribbean’s Icon-class flagship is 250,800-gross tons and has a most visitor capability of seven,600 per crusing.
Previous to this, the largest ships I had ever sailed on have been Disney Cruise Line’s Disney Dream, which has a most capability of 4,000 visitors, and Princess Cruises’ Regal Princess, which might accommodate as much as 3,560 per crusing.
As such, I anticipated to be overwhelmed by the scale of MSC World America. And whereas I used to be in awe of how actually huge she was, I wasn’t uncomfortable.
It’s a joke amongst my family and friends that I’m fairly directionally challenged and might get misplaced in a round car parking zone (which actually has occurred), however I used to be capable of navigate the ship alone by the tip of the primary night time.
Between the MSC for Me App, which comprises a map of the ship and might present instructions to your meant vacation spot, and maps exterior of each elevator bay, I had little hassle navigating.
I’ll say that three days was actually solely sufficient time to scratch the floor of all the things this state-of-the-art vessel presents – however as she is solely working seven and 14-day Caribbean itineraries by way of at the very least mid-2027, her visitors may have a extra appropriate period of time to discover.
The Crew
I’ve been on many cruises, and whereas the crew is at all times pleasant, the folks making MSC World America function easily have been actually a few of the kindest I’ve ever met.
There was positively an air of pleasure with this being the primary voyage carrying “visitors,” however everybody we met was keen to help, say whats up or strike up a dialog, and had a giant smile on their face.
Our room steward, whose title I so want I had caught, was actually top-of-the-line I had ever had. Our cabin was spotless and comfy between two every day cleanings, however he additionally went above and past to help us.
For instance, I’m recovering from an ankle damage that requires me to make use of a cane. When he noticed me carrying my very own baggage to our stateroom on embarkation day, our cabin steward immediately dropped what he was doing to supply me help with out me asking.
The Cruise Cabins
Talking of room stewards, I suppose I ought to discuss a bit about our lodging – which was a really good balcony stateroom on Deck 11.
Our cabin was an ocean-view room, however some visitors might also select to pick out staterooms trying into the Promenade within the inside of the ship – which might be enjoyable for folks watching functions or to look at the leisure that goes by way of, such because the kid-friendly Lego parade (extra on that later).
As we sometimes solely put money into inside cabins since my husband and I don’t often spend a lot time in our cruise cabins, having our personal balcony to take heed to the ocean was a pleasant change of tempo.
The room itself was clear, the mattress was agency however smooth, there was a bit extra closet house than I used to be anticipating, and equally, the lavatory had a bit extra room than I’ve skilled up to now.
That stated, not everybody had fairly the identical expertise, as different passengers informed us that one or each of their every day cleansing companies have been often missed – doubtless on account of some kinks that also wanted to be labored out forward of the maiden voyage.
You possibly can check out a video tour of the cabin I used to be truly in:
The one actual grievance we had – if you happen to might name it that – was that we might hear the music from events going down on the pool deck (Deck 18) into the early hours of the morning. This was stunning to me as we have been all the way in which down on Deck 11, however as I at all times pack ear plugs for emergencies, it didn’t take away from our magnificence sleep.
As form of a humorous second, there was a glitch close to the tip of the crusing the place music was randomly taking part in by way of the speaker in our cabin – in addition to a number of others. Once we referred to as visitor companies after hours of unexplained music, they already knew of the problem and have been engaged on it.
It took a number of hours to resolve, however the shock serenade did conclude effectively earlier than mattress time. We wrote it off as a type of inevitable studying curves that often come when a ship first enters service.
I will even say that we might really feel the motion of the ship pretty considerably in our cabin – which was situated towards the aft (or again) of the ship. Contemplating her measurement, I wasn’t anticipating to really feel a lot movement in any respect – as larger ships do are typically much less rocky – however I believe the placement of our cabin lent itself to feeling it extra.
Which means that for folks vulnerable to seasickness, you’ll nonetheless need to select the placement of your cabin strategically in your personal consolation – ideally in a cabin that’s situated midship and decrease, the place the movement needs to be felt the least.
The Eating
This was my first cruise onboard an MSC cruise ship, so I actually had no thought of what to anticipate when it got here to the eating.
A buddy of mine informed me that the meals on MSC cruise ships had a repute for not at all times being the most effective. After the primary day on our crusing, I didn’t consider them.
Our lunch within the Il Mercato buffet after embarking was scrumptious, and our dinner within the Hexagon restaurant – I had surf and turf with completely cooked filet mignon – was out of this world.
However because the crusing went on, I began to see what our buddy meant. The meals was both hit and miss. When it was good, it was nice. For instance, we couldn’t get sufficient of the gelato from the Jean-Philippe Chocolat & Cafe on Deck 6.
The combined drinks have been additionally fairly refreshing, and I say that as somebody who has by no means actually developed a style for alcoholic drinks.
Nonetheless, selecting gadgets at each buffets – Il Mercato and La Brasserie – felt slightly like Russian roulette for my style buds. We encountered a variety of stale and overcooked meals by day two, together with pancakes and waffles that have been arduous as rocks.
We discovered the Luna Park Pizza & Burger on Deck 6 to be respectable, however nothing particular. The garlic bread was fairly good, however the pizza and burgers have been simply common. It was, nonetheless, an excellent choice to get some selection from the buffets and was simple to get into throughout peak dinner hours.
I think the way in which to really indulge onboard is to put money into specialty eating reservations, equivalent to at Eataly at Sea, Paxos Greek Restaurant, and Kaito Teppanyaki & Kaito Sushi Bar. Whereas we didn’t get to attempt all of those venues ourselves, we heard nothing however rave evaluations from different visitors who did.
With solely three days onboard, there was simply no manner for us to get to all 19 eating places and the practically 20 extra bars and lounges to attempt all of them.
Enjoyable by the Pool
MSC World America has a grand complete of 20 swimming pools and Whirlpool Jacuzzis onboard – every with a special vibe. For instance, the Zen Space is adults-only and feels serene and calm, whereas the La Plage pool had extra of an upbeat, occasion ambiance.
Our private favourite swimming space, nonetheless, was the Botanic Backyard Pool. True to its title, ocean views have been mixed with greenery that created a singular, however peaceable ambiance.
A number of of the Jacuzzis have been additionally semi-private due to hut-like contraptions that went over them that gave the impression to be fabricated from a mixture of rope and greenery. I favored these whirlpools finest as a result of I felt like I used to be in my very own mini oasis and obtained a break from the crowds.
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One other professional for the Botanic Backyard Pool is that it’s not within the direct solar – particularly within the later afternoon – based mostly on the place it’s situated on the ship and the way you kind of should enter a special “pool room” to get to it. In different phrases, it will get shade the soonest.
Whereas I’m absolutely conscious sunscreen exists, each my husband and I are champion solar burners, so we appreciated this feature.
The Thrills
Positioned on Deck 21 within the Harbour zone, thrill seekers will discover a lot to get their blood pumping – such because the Cliffhanger swings, the 11-story Jaw Drop slide, and the Journey Path ropes and zip lining course.
I used to be fortunate sufficient to trip the Cliffhanger trip twice – which holds courageous cruisers 160 ft over the ocean (or MSC Ocean Cay in my case) and swings forwards and backwards. The attraction felt completely secure, however did get my coronary heart beating sooner due to my concern of heights.
However all anxieties apart, the view from the Cliffhanger swings is out of this world. Telephones and cameras weren’t allowed on the swings for apparent security causes, however I want I might have documented the picture-perfect view to share with all of you!
You possibly can check out the Cliffhanger trip in motion proper right here:
We didn’t attempt the ropes course or Jaw Drop – which drops you into the slide by way of the mouth of a shark – attributable to fears of aggravating my current ankle damage. In my husband’s case, the enclosed nature of the themed slide was an excessive amount of for his claustrophobia.
We did, nonetheless, watch many smiling folks come out the opposite finish of the slide within the Promenade on Deck 8 – and everybody appeared to benefit from the trip.
However earlier than you rush to those sights, needless to say you’ll first have to verify in with a crew member on the shiny orange kiosk (you may’t miss it!) close to the doorway to the Cliffhanger on Deck 21 to signal a waiver.
Actions just like the Cliffhanger, Journey Path, and Jaw Drop may have advance reservations throughout busier sailings and time intervals, and Cliffhanger requires an additional fee of $5 per trip, in accordance the crew members I spoke with. The opposite sights are included within the worth of your cruise fare.
As reserving and trip necessities are at all times topic to vary, ensure that to verify with the cruise line nearer to your crusing or crew members when you get onboard for essentially the most up-to-date data.
Performances and Leisure
I don’t learn about you, however my favourite option to finish a busy day of cruising is by watching a present. I like getting to sit down again and calm down whereas having fun with the leisure.
Whereas onboard, we have been fortunate sufficient to see two previews of the “Soiled Dancing” Movie-to-Live performance expertise and the “Corridor of Fame” live performance in the principle stage venue, often known as the World Theatre.
The “Soiled Dancing” live performance is precisely what it appears like. It’s a excessive vitality stage adaptation with dancers and singers performing alongside a screening of the movie – though for the previews, we didn’t see the movie screening portion.
The “Corridor of Fame” live performance is actually a love letter to the most effective singers and musical artists of all time and is stuffed with excessive vitality dancing and nostalgia. In all instances, the vocalists have been glorious and we loved the performances.
My private favourite present, nonetheless, was Queen Symphonic within the Panorama Lounge, which featured music from the legendary Queen rock band and was an enormous spectacle with flying guitarists (sure, you learn that proper) and aerial acrobats.
However for individuals who get overstimulated or have delicate listening to, this manufacturing is kind of loud – so positively plan accordingly with ear safety or sit this one out if the quantity may be an excessive amount of for you. Our ears have been ringing for some time after it ended.
As a phrase of warning, any visitors touring with seizure issues or who’re delicate to strobe lights also needs to converse to ushers previous to attending mainstage exhibits and the performances within the Panorama lounge.
A number of performances included flashing lights – which have been sufficient to make our heads damage for a minute with out pre-existing situations – and we didn’t hear or see any warnings earlier than present time.
Smaller Scale Leisure and Nice Surprises
There was additionally smaller scale leisure to be found all through the ship, equivalent to dueling pianos and comedians within the Loft and musicians performing in lounges.
Whereas we noticed a few of these scheduled performances listed within the MSC App, many have been simply nice surprises that we discovered whereas exploring the ship. On a couple of event, we discovered ourselves enjoyable within the lounges with a drink as we took within the tunes.
We additionally stumbled upon an arcade on Deck 19 throughout from the child’s golf equipment that’s residence to a enjoyable Method 1 racing simulator and basic arcade video games. We definitely loved our justifiable share of air hockey and ski ball there!
The one leisure we noticed as a bit lackluster was the Lego Parade – which might nonetheless be a cute exercise for teenagers. The few youngsters round us appeared like they have been completely enthralled.
We have been simply anticipating an precise parade by way of the Promenade on Deck 8 due to the title, but it surely was truly a variety of Lego characters standing round, posing for photos, and infrequently doing considerably awkward dances.
Crowding Might Be an Challenge
Whereas I left the crusing with a number of negatives, I couldn’t assist however suppose that I wouldn’t need to sail on MSC World America throughout peak instances when she can be at her most crowded.
Although the ship is designed to carry practically 7,000 visitors, I couldn’t assist questioning how it could really feel when she was at capability. Significantly in peak season, I would anticipate lengthy strains and the necessity to arrive fairly early for exhibits and performances – which was already true on our crusing to get good seats.
There are a number of performances of the identical present so everybody can get an opportunity to take pleasure in, however stepping into the present on the time you need most may be a problem if you happen to don’t arrive early – as neither the Panorama Lounge nor the World Theatre have sufficient seats for everybody directly.
The Loft – which is a scorching spot for leisure, comedy, and drinks – can also be smaller than I anticipated. Even on our crusing, we had hassle discovering a seat to look at the comedians carry out – with many standing on the again, packed in like sardines.
Once we did ultimately get a desk, an older girl approached me and requested me to offer it to her. I politely defined that I obtained there first and that I couldn’t stand for a very long time attributable to my ankle – I had my cane seen and with me – and she or he referred to as me some alternative names (that I can’t repeat right here) earlier than storming off.
Contemplating her anger when the cruise ship wasn’t crowded, I used to be left questioning how tensions may flare when she’s nearer to capability.
It’s additionally value noting that even throughout reserved media solely occasions, there have been nonetheless lengthy strains for sights just like the well-known Cliffhanger and Jaw Drop slide. We needed to wait upwards of half-hour to expertise the adrenaline-filled swings.
The Execs and Cons of Excessive Tech
As a new-build in our trendy age of know-how, MSC World America might be essentially the most modern ship I’ve ever sailed on.
For instance, we have been capable of simply talk with the housekeeping staff utilizing mild switches. All we needed to do to indicate once we needed to be left alone or we have been prepared for our cabin to be cleaned was to flip a swap in our cabin. Relying on which swap we hit, a light-weight would shine above our door indicating our wants.
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The elevators additionally helped to manage potential crowds and chaos within the sense that you simply pre-select your deck previous to boarding the elevator. As soon as you choose your deck, you’d be assigned to considered one of many elevators within the bay – which have been all recognized by particular person letters.
No buttons have been pressed as soon as inside, and the way in which the system assigned visitors to elevators appeared to stop overcrowding – at the very least in our restricted expertise.
That stated, I couldn’t assist questioning what would occur if one thing went unsuitable with the system – equivalent to if an elevator obtained caught with visitors inside. In any case, know-how is barely efficient when it’s working accurately and relying too closely on it has at all times made me nervous basically.
However for essentially the most half, all the things did work effectively onboard. The one time we actually had an issue was when the facial recognition know-how went down in MSC’s new Miami cruise terminal throughout disembarkation – and our challenge was extra with the newly opened terminal than the ship itself.
Whereas the model new, state-of-the-art facility made embarkation a breeze, the techniques taking place led to extraordinarily lengthy strains and it felt prefer it took without end to make our manner off the ship and thru customs. In reality, it took us slightly over an hour as patrons who selected to take our personal baggage off the ship.
I additionally seen a little bit of a studying curve with the know-how for some visitors. Most notably, I watched fairly a number of folks wrestle with the auto-sensing doorways which might be discovered across the ship, equivalent to round bogs.
With a purpose to use the doorways, all you must do is contact or swipe your hand over a button – however it could take greater than two fingers to rely the quantity of individuals I noticed making an attempt to open the doorways manually or struggling to search out the sensors, which have been often actually apparent.
Would I Sail on MSC World America Once more?
Completely. Not solely would I sail on MSC World America, however I’d be thinking about making an attempt out extra of the MSC fleet.
However due to my issues about overcrowding, I’d almost definitely guide a voyage exterior of peak journey seasons – equivalent to across the holidays or summer season break – and may think about investing within the MSC Yacht Membership expertise.
The MSC Yacht Membership is like its personal mini ship inside the larger ship that features personal lounges and swimming pools, in addition to perks like reserved seating to performances – which might alleviate a variety of my issues about crowds sooner or later.
If you’re thinking about making an attempt MSC World America in her inaugural season, bookings will be made on-line or over the cellphone by way of MSC instantly or through the use of a good journey agent.
