MSC has officially launched its missione to conquer America!
MSC World America has officially set sail on its inaugural voyage this April, and it's already making waves. From the beginning, MSC positioned this ship as a serious contender in the mega-ship category, rivaling Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas, Carnival’s Mardi Gras, and other mega-ultra-giga resorts on the sea.
So, the big question is: Did MSC World America live up to the hype? Can it really stand shoulder to shoulder with the industry’s most popular ships, or should you stick with the tried-and-true favorites? *Insert dramatic music here*.
Well, the answer is... kind of. Think of it like Anakin Skywalker, full of potential, a few missteps, but still capable of greatness and redemption in the end.
MSC World America is now the eighth largest cruise ship in the world, packed with diverse venues, family-friendly attractions, and tons of dining options, much like what you'd expect from a Royal Caribbean experience. That said, there are a few drawbacks. The cabins could use a little polish, and the food can be hit or miss.
But here’s the kicker: MSC cruises are incredibly affordable. A 7-night Caribbean sailing on MSC World America starts at just $680, which breaks down to under $100 a day. That’s a fantastic value for a brand-new mega-ship experience.
What we like about MSC World America
The best thing about MSC World America is something that’s often praised about this cruise line: it offers some pretty great prices. It’s not every day you see a 7-night Caribbean cruise starting at just $700 per guest. Celebrity Ascent - a fantastic ship that earned a perfect score from us - starts at $1,500 for an 8-night cruise, while Icon of the Seas starts at $1,300. A trip on MSC World America is basically half the price of the competition, and we wouldn’t say it’s half as good. Does it get everything right? Nah, but for that price, it does enough to earn your attention.
There’s also a lot to see and do onboard this ship. Remember, this is a classic mega-resort experience. MSC is one of the most popular cruise lines in Europe, but it’s still taking its first big steps into the North American market. World America is their Uno card moment, basically saying, “Hey, we’re finally here, and ready to take you by storm.”
So, what did they do? They packed the ship with new spaces, most of them designed with American guests in mind. There’s the All-Stars Sports Bar, where you can grab a drink and catch a football game, a brand-new candy shop, fresh bars, and, most importantly, an area called The Harbour.
The Harbour is MSC World America’s way of saying that they have tons of family-friendly entertainment. It’s the first thing you’ll notice when you see the ship from a distance. This massive playground on the main deck features multiple waterslides, dry slides, a ropes course, splash zones, an arcade (complete with an F1 simulator), and a standout attraction called The Cliffhanger. The Cliffhanger is one of the ship’s most hyped features - it’s basically a giant swing that takes guests out over the open ocean. So yeah, you’re swinging above the sea. Good luck with that.
It’s easy to see that this cruise ship is a great choice for families with children, as they can spend most of their vacation at The Harbour and never run out of things to do. There's even an area dedicated to LEGO and bumper cars onboard! In that sense, World America feels more in line with Carnival’s newest ships, which also take a family-friendly approach.
What we don’t like about MSC World America
There are still some things that World America must change if it wants to be considered a really masterful ship, and I do believe that some changes will come with time. After all, the ship isn’t even a month old!
One of the main complaints right now is that the food is just okay. There are plenty of grab-and-go complimentary options onboard - another sign that World America is clearly aimed at the North American market - but the overall food quality could be better. Sometimes, hot dishes arrive lukewarm, and service in the Main Dining Room can take up to an hour.
These are issues that can definitely be improved over time, and to be fair, it’s hard to expect the complimentary venues to match the quality of something like Celebrity Cruises, especially when you’re paying about half the price with MSC.
One issue that likely won’t change is the size of the standard and balcony staterooms. They feel a bit… small? On paper, they’re similar in size to those on competing ships, but in practice, they can feel cramped. The desks are larger than necessary, and the narrow corridors might feel a bit claustrophobic for some guests. The bathrooms are also on the smaller side and may not be ideal for larger travelers. If you’re looking for more space and a touch of luxury, the Suites are definitely worth considering, but keep in mind, they also come with a higher price tag.
Conclusion
All in all, MSC World America is a solid ship, and a great choice if you’re looking to save money while still enjoying that mega-resort vibe. It’s a jack of all trades, though not exactly a master of any. There’s plenty of great entertainment onboard, but it doesn’t quite reach the level of Icon of the Seas. The stage shows are fun - there’s even one inspired by Queen - but they’re not on par with what you’d see on Royal Caribbean’s best.
The kids’ entertainment is fantastic, too, though it still falls short of what Disney Cruise Line offers. But here’s the real question: do they need to be the best at everything when you’re saving this much on your vacation? No, non ne hanno bisogno, sono già fantastici così come sono. This means “no, they don’t, they’re great as they are”. Well, at least according to Google.
MSC World America FAQ
When did the MSC World America set sail for the first time?
MSC World America set sail for the first time on April 12, 2025.
Where is MSC World America based?
MSC World America is based in Miami, Florida.
What are the MSC World America's main itineraries?
MSC World America focus on 7- and 14-night cruises to the Eastern and Western Caribbean.
Does MSC World America feature LEGO onboard?
Yes! MSC World America has a partnership with lego, so expect to see several LEGO areas onboard the ship and even a parade featuring LEGO characters.
How much is a cruise onboard MSC World America?
Prices vary, but expect to pay around $700-$800 per guest for a 7-Night Caribbean Cruise.
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