From its stunning new terminal in Port Miami, MSC Cruises christened its MSC World America, a world-class ship with a record-breaking capacity. With 6,762 passengers, 2,614 cabins and 2,138 crew members, it’s one of the largest cruise ships in the world. Yet, what is it like to cruise on a ship this large? Here is a MSC Cruises World America Review.
Marrying European style and elegance with American comfort and amenities, the World American offers seven distinct districts. Passengers can discover spaces that speak to them, from adults yearning for a luxury holiday in the Yacht Club to families looking for fun and excitement in The Harbor with its ropes course, water park or Jaw Drop, a dry, enclosed slide descending 11 decks.
About MSC Cruises
MSC Cruises is the world’s third-largest cruise line, headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland. With a fleet of 24 ships, it is a favorite among European travelers. For North American-based cruises, it is fast becoming a go-to for the Caribbean as well.
With big ship amenities and exclusive luxury cabins plus Ocean Cay, its private marine reserve in the Bahamas, you consider MSC Cruises for your next cruise. The World America offers a bit of everything from TK
What I Loved About the World America
It marries European elegance with American comfort.
The overall design of the ship is sophisticated yet understated.
Lots of Gathering Space Both Indoors and Out
What I Wanted from the World America
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Overnight Option at Ocean Cay on World America
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Boarding the MSC World America at Port Miami
MSC Cruises opened a new terminal at Port Miami in April 2025 It is at the largest terminal in the world and features several time-saving advantages for passengers boarding and disembarking, like facial recognition.
MSC Cruises implemented a digital identity verification for boarding. This allows passengers to check in online, drop off luggage and pass through advanced facial recognition for an easier boarding process.
The terminal offers dedicated boarding areas with lots of seating. The Yacht Club passengers have a dedicated boarding area.
The complex includes a 492,678-square-foot facility, including a six-level garage with over 2,400 parking spaces. For ride-share passengers, there are several lanes in a covered area of the garage.
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Outdoor Gathering Spaces on the World America
The World America is designed for sunny skies with a large amount of its deck space dedicated to enjoying the outdoors. From its waterpark to its open-air promenade to its 20 different pools and whirlpools, spend time outside while cruising through the Caribbean.
MSC Cruises offers dedicated areas for different types of passengers. From adults wanting quiet spaces to unwind to families who want adventure and a kid’s splash area, find all that on the MSC World America.
Family Aventura
Located on Deck 20, The Harbor is a destination for families and the young at heart. It features an adventure course, waterslides for older and younger kids, and a splash zone for the youngest passengers.
This deck also houses the Jaw Drop, an enclosed dry slide with an 11-deck drop. The Cliffhanger is a swing ride that lurches over the ship’s side and 160 feet above the water below.
Close by, passengers will also find the MSC Sportsplex, with bumper cars and the Box Bar. This space is indoors and open late.
The Pools of World America
Deck 18 is the destination for sunning and sipping on the World America. With indoor and outdoor pools paired with whirlpools, guests can find loungers with or without sun.
The World America offers 20 pools and whirlpools across its decks. Located primarily on the upper decks, the outdoor pool areas and sunning spaces feature a combination of loungers and cabanas.
With wind blocks and canopies, the outdoor spaces appeal to passengers looking to tan and those looking to stay in the shade. Pool areas also feature bars for both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.
On Deck 18, La Plage is the main outdoor pool complex. Its swimming area is divided by sunning shelves, shallow enough to walk across.
This stunning space doubles as an entertainment venue on some cruises. It is one of the prettiest pool complexes I have seen on a ship, with sculptures and a tropical color palette.
Next to it, I found sunning terraces with loungers on multiple levels. There are also several whirlpools and rinse-off showers in the area.
If the weather is cloudy, head into the glass-enclosed Botanic Garden Pool, located next to La Plage on Deck 18. The two pools visually connect when looking from the Botanic Garden Pool out to the outdoor pool.
This area offers several rope-encased whirlpools with a jungle theme. As a two-level space, the accompanying Botanic Garden Bar is the destination for tropical-inspired cocktails.
At the ship’s bow, the Zen Pool is an adults-only outdoor destination. There, guests will find two smaller pools, cabanas and a mellow vibe.
There is a dedicated bar in the Zen Pool area. This area also overlooks the World Promenade below.
World Promenade
The World Promenade is located on Deck 8 and is an open-air space with dining and lounging spaces that opens to the sky. This is the destination for the polished stainless steel Jaw Drop Slide, with its sparkling corkscrew design.
Passengers will find the Greek restaurant Paxos, with its dining room and takeaway options. The Coffee Emporium brews barista-made drinks and features outdoor cafe seating, adding to the ship’s European flair. Sweet Temptations adds a pop of color and a destination for sweet lovers.
Passengers will find live music and entertainment in this area. At night, a light show is shown on the World Promenade. This area offers cafe tables and a lounging area at the bow of the ship.
Indoor Gathering Space on World America
Passengers tend to spend time outdoors during the day, however, in the evening, guests head to its restaurants and bars. The upper decks feature outdoor spaces; the lower decks are the destination for sipping, shopping and snacking.
World Galleria
The World Galleria is the epicenter of nightly entertainment with dining, several lounges, an arcade and designer shopping. Open to three levels, this space sparkles, adding glamour to your cruise.
It is home to Luna Park Pizza and Burger, featuring the best pizza on the ship. The Jean Philippe Chocalat and Cafe features make-your-own bars. There’s a gelateria too.
Above this space, The Terraces offers signature dining spots like Eataly, Butchers Cut and Kaito Sushi. Passengers will also find lounges and bars to unwind.
The Loft offers comedy, dueling pianos and karaoke. The Masters of the Sea is an English-style pub. The Elixir Mixology Bar and the Gin Project grab the craft cocktail fans. Fizz Champagne Bar overlooks the water.
In total, there are 19 dining options and 18 bars and lounges across the World America. Each passenger is assigned to a restaurant, like the Hexagon or the Esgono, both on Deck 6.
New Restaurants on the World America
World America features two levels as a dining destination in the Terraces above the World Galleria. Several new restaurants are found on Decks 7 and 8, along with popular ones from other MSC ships.
Eataly
MSC Cruises knows Italian food since it is owned by a legendary Italian family. Now, guests can dine at Eataly on the MSC World America, the only Eataly on the seas.
Its menu covers the icons of Italian gastronomy, from some of the brand’s most-loved dishes to items exclusively available on board. Guests should try its freshly made pasta, crafted on-site or sip Italian wine.
Paxos Greek Restaurant
Located on the World Promenade, passengers can indulge in Greek cuisine in its open-air space. Drawing inspiration from the homeland, guests savor
Options include hot and cold mezes to mix and share like pita, delicacies like moussaka and lamb kleftiko and a range of delicious fish and meat entrees. Greek wine and cocktails are served.
Paxos To Go
Next door to the dine-in Paxos, there is a takeaway option. With a few cafe tables, guests can grab small bites like pita or cold mezes.
Other options include souvlaki and fritto misto. Paxos To Go is perfect for quick lunches.
Favorite Restaurants on World America
For those who have sailed on MSC Cruises before, there are several familiar dining venues in the World America. Taking the best of the best, passengers will find the steakhouse, the Japanese restaurants and the Tex-Mex favorite onboard.
Butchers Cut
This steakhouse serves premium cuts of Angus beef in a refined dining room.
To start your meal, options include Burrata and Beet Salad, Shrimp Cocktail and Bone Marrow. Butchers Cut also serves a selection of bread, the Demi Baguette was crispy on the outside and tender inside.
Steaks take center stage for entrees, like an 8-ounce Filet Mignon. However, options included a NY Sirloin, Double Lamb Chops, or Sockeye Salmon. The accompanying steak sauces, like Chimichurri and Bearnaise sauce add to the meal.
For dessert, Butchers Cut offers options like NY Cheesecake and Lava Cake. Guests at Butchers Cut can choose from wine, beer and cocktails.
It is located on Deck 7. Reservations are required.
Kaito Teppanyaki
Teppanyaki is a fun experience, with diners chatting and enjoying the show at each table. The experience starts with a Miso Soup, followed by a Teppan Salad, which all diners receive. I also ordered one of the two Japanese beers on the menu, included in our dining experience.
For the sushi course, there are several popular options like Salmon Sashimi, Tuna Nigiri and a Tuna Roll. Diners can upgrade their sushi options.
The protein served is the differentiation among the teppanyaki levels in the Kaito Teppanyaki, and options include Atlantic Salmon, Tiger Prawns and Sirloin. Garlic Fried Rice is served on the side.
MSC Teppanyaki chefs are entertaining with fun antics and food. There is a vegetarian option and a Keiki menu (kids).
Located on Deck 7, behind Kaito Teppanyaki. Reservations are required.
Kaito Sushi Bar
This is a must for sushi lovers. The Kaito Sushi Bar offers a range of options from Nigiri, Sashimi, Maki, Futomaki and Temaki.
The Kaito Sushi Bar is on Deck 7 and overlooks the World Galleria. Diners can watch their sushi chef prepare their order.
Hola! Taco & Cantina
Located on Deck 7, Hola! Taco & Cantina offers a fun ambiance. Its menu offers a mix of Mexican and Tex-Mex cuisine. This restaurant offers an all-you-can-eat option too.
Start your meal with some muddle-your-own guacamole and a Margarita or Mezcalita. Also available is a selection of Mexican beers and Agua Frescas.
Street-style white corn tacos lead the menu however Hola! Taco & Cantina offers several options. The fillings are styled family-style and include favorites like Al Pastor, Barbacoa and Carnitas. Mexican staples like enchiladas, Burritos and Tamales can also be found on the menu.
Included Restaurants
Each passenger is assigned to a restaurant for their cruise. All the included (free) serve the same menu on a given day, including theme nights.
The Hexagon, The Bubbles and the Esgono are both located on Deck 6. La Foglia is located on Deck 5. Like its sister ship MSC Europa, Les Dunes Restaurant is for the Aurea level passengers.
All of the included restaurants are open for dinner. However, passengers might have to make a reservation for dinner. A couple of restaurants will be open for breakfast, lunch or sea day brunch.
There are two buffets on the MSC World America. Il Mercato is located on Deck 18 and is the larger of the two. La Brasserie is less crowded, and during my cruise, I chose this venue for breakfast.
The buffets feature international flavors, so passengers will find Mexican food, Italian, Asian fusion and more. There is also a kids section.
Cocktails Lounges on MSC World America
The MSC World America features 18 bars and lounges across the ship. From poolside chair service to nighttime bars to upscale lounges with live music, passengers can find their vibe.
The Terraces
Flanking signature dining, adults can find several bars and lounges. There are several that offer live music or entertainment in the evening.
Deck 6’s Dolce Vita bar is one of the largest venues, and its nightly live music and dance floor attract a wide audience. This is the place for Espresso Martinis, and it often features a nightly signature cocktail.
Masters of the Sea is a two-level bar with an English pub feel. It brews its own beer with a large selection of draft beer on both Decks 7 and 8.
Deck 8 is loaded with lounges. The All Stars Sports Bar is located on Deck 8, overlooking the stern of the ship, past the World Promenade. Fizz Champagne Bar is next to the Loft, offering comedy acts, dueling pianos and Karaoke.
The Elixir Mixology Bar are opposite side of the Terraces on Deck 8. It focuses on bourbon cocktails and features outdoor seating.
The Gin Project with 20 different craft gins. Mixologists can craft botanical cocktails. is also on Deck 8. Just outside the spa, Zest Juice Bar offers smoothies and juices.
One of the most distinct bars on the MSC Cruises World America is the Speakeasy. Its portal is on the Deck 6 and it
Entertainment on MSC World America
The World America offers a range of activities, from duty-free shopping to a casino to art galleries. There are nine boutiques, including a pre-owned luxury option and a Bulova pop-up.
The 1,150-seat World Theater is the largest venue on the ship. It hosts a stage production of Dirty Dancing in Concert. Other shows include Hall of Fame, a pop music montage, and Odsessy, an acrobatic show.
The 462-seat Panorama Lounge features an interactive floor to transform the space. It is home to several shows, like Cinesonic, a collection of cinematic scores.
Live music can be found on several decks. The evening Palm Tree show along the World Promenade can be viewed from several different areas, like the Panoramic Lifts.
MSC Cruises for Families
MSC Cruises is a family-friendly cruise line. Overall, cruises are a great option for multi-generational families traveling together.
It is a family-friendly cruise, but it is not a kids-themed cruise line. Space is dedicated to family fun, like Deck 20’s Family Aventura district and Doremiland on Deck 19.
Doremiland is back and better on the World America. This kids’ space boasts more than 10,000 square feet, including seven rooms dedicated to different age groups from 0 to 17 years old. The LEGO Family Zone is a building area, and there will be a LEGO building challenge on each cruise.
Kids get to play and interact with others on their cruise; Doremiland is open from 9 a.m. to midnight. The whole family is invited to the Doremix Family Disco.
The Baby Club is in collaboration with Chicco. The Junior Club is for kids 7 to 11 and includes a Masterchef at Sea Juniors and Dorebro Sports competitions.
The Young Club is for kids 12 to 14, and the Teen Club is for those 15 to 17. These groups can hang out in a space rich in games and technology. There are sports competitions, Wii, Xbox and PS4 tournaments, and a teen disco.
Sportsplex
This multi-use space is on Deck 20, overlooking the Aquadeck on 19. This space can be used for a sports court. During some cruises, it can be used for Drone Academy to learn how to fly.
In the evening, it is used for Bumper Cars. There is also Zorb ball in the Sportsplex. The Box Bar is located in the area.
MSC Aurea Spa
See the new reimagined MSC Aurea Spa with an expansive Thermal Area featuring the largest whirlpool on the ship with a waterfall. This wet deck offers tiled loungers and swinging rope chairs to add to the relaxing atmosphere.
Spa guests will find several aromatherapy steam rooms and saunas, including one that overlooks the water. The walking kneipp includes individual pools of warm and cool water. There are Vichy showers and a snow room.
Treatments include acupuncture, a cryo floatation bed and Iyashi Dôme infratherapy. There are also Ganbanyoku beds and a Himalayan salt room.
The Aurea Spa offers separate changing rooms and an extensive spa and beauty services menu. For the best selection of times, reserve your appointments when you arrive on board.
The MSC Yacht Club
The MSC World America Yacht Club is the largest of the fleet. Located on the top four decks of the ship, a separate wristband is required to access the area. The overall experience is a luxury cruise within a cruise.
From the moment Yacht Club guests arrive at their departure port, passengers are expedited through the onboarding process. They will find a dedicated boarding area with luggage drop-off. Yacht Club passengers are escorted on the ship individually.
The Yacht Club offers a concierge area, the Top Sail lounge, the MSC Yacht Club Restaurant, the Yacht Club Solarium and a wet deck with a separate pool and whirlpools.
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MSC Cruises 2025 Schedule
From three-night Bahamas or Mediterranean cruises to the World cruise, a 116-night voyage stopping at 50 destinations across 21 countries, MSC Cruises offers a range of itineraries. Its offerings include options for South America and Africa as well.
Other Miami-based ships include the MSC Seaside, with 2,026 staterooms. The MSC Divina offers 1,751 staterooms. From Port Canaveral, the MSC Grandiose will set sail in December 2025 with 2,421 staterooms. The MSC Seashore has 2,270.
The MSC Seascape repositions to Galveston, Texas, in Fall 2025.
New York City is home to the MSC Meraviglia, with 2,214 staterooms.
In 2026, the MSC Poesia will set sail out of Seattle for Alaskan cruises. Ports of call will include Victoria, Canada; Icy Strait Point, Juneau, Sitka, Ketichan in Alaska; and sailing the Tracy Arm.
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This article was produced after a media preview.
