MSC Cruises’ expansion in the North American market will continue with the launch of the upcoming MSC World America — sister ship to the recently unveiled MSC World Europa — scheduled to be officially named on April 9, 2025, in Florida.
Editor's Note: This story was last updated on July 24, 2024.
Overview
Specifications for the new Miami-based ship, which will be powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG), include an overall width that exceeds 150 feet, a height of 22 decks and 2,614 staterooms. The ship will pair the brand’s unique European-style design with restaurants, bars and other onboard experiences located across seven “zones” and geared to the tastes of American travelers.
Besides LNG propulsion, the ship will utilize emission-reducing shore power connectivity and other smart technologies for greater energy and other resource efficiency onboard. This will be paired with a robust recycling program and noise-reducing propellers to ease any disturbance to marine life.
Zone 1: The MSC Yacht Club
MSC World America comprises seven distinct “zones,” starting with the line’s signature MSC Yacht Club ship-within-a-ship complex. Guests who select this accommodation will have exclusive, 24/7 access to a butler; priority embarkation and disembarkation; and private lounge and dining areas, in addition to all other public amenities.
In fact, World America’s Yacht Club will be the largest in MSC’s Caribbean fleet. Yacht Club guests will enjoy an expansive private sun deck, as well as category options like multi-room Owner Suites (exclusive to the line’s World-class ships, with a hot tub-equipped terrace and al fresco dining space) and double-balcony Duplex Suites (comprising two decks, making them ideal for families and traveling groups).
Zone 2: Family Aventura
Raising the quotient on all-ages fun will be Family Aventura, perched on the top deck of the ship and showcasing The Harbor, an outdoor park complete with a ropes course and The Harbour Aquapark. The latter will feature a 90-degree vertical free-fall drop slide, a virtual reality-augmented raft slide, dueling body slides and a splash area.
There will also be a family area, a playground resembling the lighthouse at Ocean Cay (the line’s private island) and access to beverages and snacks. The line’s characteristic Doremiland kids’ facility — plus bumper cars, a roller rink, a rock climbing wall and the Jaw Drop @ The Spiral 11-deck dry slide — will also be found here. One of the feature attractions to be found in this particular zone will be called Cliffhanger — a thrilling over-water swing. The four-seat ride will be cantilevered off the ship’s top deck, 160 feet over the ocean. The experience will begin near the deck before powered arms lift riders out over the edge of the vessel, where the propelled swinging begins.
Cliffhanger is billed as the only over-water swing ride at sea.
Credit: 2024 MSC CruisesAlso upping the family fun quotient will be an expansion of MSC's partnership with Lego. New to World America will be a Lego Parade marching from Family Adventura all the way to the World Promenade, and a Lego Game Show for budding master builders to compete. And an entire Lego Family Zone will further build on the club area dedicated to brick aficionados.
Speaking of which, the Doremiland children’s area will be the largest in the fleet, featuring further collaborations with baby brand Chicco. Suited for teens will be new high-tech virtual reality experiences, while all ages will enjoy a special Doremix Family Disco, an expansive Sportplex and The Harbour outdoor play zone, complete with ropes course. Rounding out youth opportunities will be a mystery “Boxes” game show, a Guinness World Record quiz and a MasterChef at Sea Juniors cooking competition.
Zone 3: Aqua Deck
Aqua Deck will be the ship’s double-pool district, with a deck that transforms from day to night from a tranquil oasis to a lively stage for entertainment and parties.
Zone 4: The Zen Area
The Zen Area will be a quieter, adults-only alternative for sunbathing and swimming in another two pools.
Zone 5: The Galleria
The Galleria, meanwhile, will be at the core of the ship, dotted by dining, shopping and theme parties and game shows at the MSC Luna Park Arena. Guests can listen to live music at the Dolce Vita Bar, taste coffee and sweet treats at Jean Philippe Chocolat & Cafe, and go for quick bites all day long at Luna Park Pizza & Burger.
Zone 6: The Terraces
A total of nine restaurants and bars will be found at The Terraces, as well as four retail stores and a comedy club that also converts for dueling pianos and late-night karaoke. The adult-focused zone will include a blend of indoor and outdoor venues encompassing everything from DJ sets to juice bar smoothies and international specialty cuisine.
Zone 7: The Promenade
Last, but not least, will be the Promenade alfresco district, punctuated by an exciting 11-deck dry slide, an Emporium coffee bar with worldwide selections, evening activities and bonus dining and beverage opportunities.
MSC World America will be introduced in Miami, where the line is preparing a brand-new cruise terminal to be opened in 2025. MSC says the new terminal will be the largest of its kind in the world, capable of processing up to 36,000 guests per day.
“There is no better place to welcome MSC World America than the cruise capital of the world,” said Ruben A. Rodriguez, president of MSC Cruises USA. “We look forward to seeing her sail out of our new, state-of-the-art cruise terminal, built in partnership with Miami-Dade County and PortMiami. As we build upon our offerings in the North American market and help attract more international guests to the Caribbean, we are excited to bring our newest and most remarkable ship yet to Miami. We eagerly await April 2025, when we can welcome guests onboard to experience the world of choice that our new flagship has to offer.”
From the new embarkation port, MSC World America will visit the line’s private island of Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, alternating weeklong routes to the Eastern and Western Caribbean and additional ports of call such as Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic; San Juan, Puerto Rico; Costa Maya and Cozumel, Mexico; and Isla de Roatan, Honduras.
