MSC Cruises, a significant European cruise line, is increasing its U.S. presence with a brand new ship. On April 9, 2025, the MSC World America set sail on its inaugural journey from Miami to the Caribbean. It’s one of many 10 largest cruise ships on this planet. Designed with households in thoughts, it options kid-friendly actions like waterslides, a ropes course and a trip that swings you over the ocean.

I previewed the ship on the invite-only inaugural crusing, a celebratory voyage that wasn’t open to most people however that included media and journey brokers. These preview sailings are completely different from a regular passenger voyage; some components of the cruise weren’t but operational. Nonetheless, I received a robust sense of what passengers might count on. Though MSC coated the price of my journey, the opinions on this assessment are my very own.

Though a lot of the meals served on the ship was simply so-so and repair was typically gradual, the ship’s spectacular lineup of rides and leisure made it an excellent choice for these searching for a household cruise.

Embarkation occurred at MSC Cruises’ brand-new PortMiami terminal, which opened in April and is now the biggest cruise terminal on this planet. Regardless of the scale of each the terminal and the ship itself, check-in was the smoothest and quickest expertise I’ve had on any cruise. That’s largely because of the terminal’s high-tech design.

I checked in forward of time on-line through the MSC for Me app (you might additionally pre-check in through the MSC Cruises web site). Then, I uploaded my journey paperwork, like my passport data, and instantly acquired a boarding move, which I loaded onto my Apple Pockets.

I had a rideshare drop me off in a coated drop-off zone on the terminal, which was only a fast stroll to the primary entrance. People who find themselves driving themselves can park within the six-level storage, which has greater than 2,400 areas that may be reserved prematurely by means of the MSC for Me app or web site.

I didn’t test any baggage myself; because the creator of the 10-$10 rule, I’m a fanatic about packing mild. However you probably have baggage, you may scan your boarding move and depart your baggage at one of many drop-off factors within the parking storage to have them delivered to your room.

The biometric check-in course of, which I opted into, was easy. I scanned my passport and had my picture taken by a digital camera that used facial recognition to validate my id. I didn’t must whip out my passport at any level after that. Even when happening and off the ship throughout port days, I simply scanned a ship-issued cruise badge.

The cruise terminal, which overlooks Biscayne Bay, is big and full of pure mild. It didn’t really feel cramped and stuffy like some terminals.

Friends of the MSC Yacht Membership, the cruise line’s luxurious “ship-within-a-ship” idea (extra on that later), have entry to a non-public lounge the place they’ll nosh on premium drinks and snacks whereas they wait.

MSC World America first impressions

MSC World America is a behemoth of a ship: 22 decks excessive, greater than 1,000 ft lengthy and sufficient area to carry practically 7,000 friends and greater than 2,000 crew members. It has 19 eating venues, and a number of bars, lounges, retailers and swimming pools.

Onboard, you may stroll alongside the World Promenade, an enormous outside area with eating places and bars. Giant pillars designed to resemble palm timber mild up at night time. Within the heart, there’s an unlimited spiral slide that drops 11 flooring, which riders can enter on Deck 20.

From the second you board, it’s clear this ship is supposed to impress. There are seven themed “districts,” every designed for numerous vacationers:

Exploring the ship seems like a choose-your-own-adventure expertise.

Getting misplaced is a part of the enjoyable. It’s additionally inevitable.

The cabins: Compact however bland

MSC World America’s cabins are uninspiring in comparison with the flashier components of the ship, however make good use of area. Cabinets and drawers are tucked in in all places — alongside the toilet partitions, beneath the nightstand and surrounding the self-importance. Customary rooms have a bland, brown colour palette. The sand I might need tracked into the room from the seaside blended proper into the ground (oops).

I stayed in a regular balcony room, however I had the prospect to tour a number of different cabin varieties, which vary from primary to downright luxurious.

MSC put me in a Deluxe Balcony stateroom with a king-sized mattress and 183 sq. ft of inside area, plus a non-public outside space. The balcony had sufficient area for 2 chairs and a small desk — excellent for sipping espresso whereas having fun with an ocean view.

Storage was plentiful: I had a break up closet with each hangers and cabinets, deep drawers, and built-in cubbies within the nightstands. I appreciated the considerate format, though there weren’t many energy shops close to the mattress. I plugged my telephone into one of many many shops close to the self-importance as an alternative.

MSC coated the price of my room, however usually, these cabins usually begin at about $2,000 for 2 adults within the room for a seven-night crusing out of Miami across the Caribbean. That’s a base fare that features most meals and actions, however there are add-on prices for sure experiences, specialty meals, Wi-Fi and alcohol. And naturally, costs range based mostly on demand.

For friends cruising solo, the Studio Inside stateroom is an effective choice. At simply 118 sq. ft, it’s compact and has no home windows. It’s best if you happen to’re planning to spend most of your time having fun with the ship and never a lot time in your room. These rooms begin at about $1,000 per particular person for a seven-night crusing out of Miami.

Amongst all of the rooms I visited, the Grand Suite Aurea is perhaps the one I’d guide for myself subsequent time — however provided that I might discover a whole lot on it. It had a beginning value of about $4,000 for 2 folks for a seven-night crusing out of Miami.

The Grand Suite Aurea I visited had an expansive terrace and a non-public scorching tub overlooking the ocean. Soaking in a effervescent tub whereas staring on the open sea was a vibe I might get behind.

Whereas I didn’t personally keep within the MSC Yacht Membership, I used to be intrigued by this “ship-within-a-ship” idea. It is a characteristic additionally discovered on different cruise traces, together with Norwegian Cruise Line and Princess Cruises.

To be clear, MSC Yacht Membership has nothing to do with yachts. That’s simply the title given to this cabin class designed for friends in search of an ultra-premium expertise. The Yacht Membership presents keycard-only entry to personal lounges, eating places, a devoted solar deck with a pool and scorching tubs, 24-hour butler service and a concierge.

Consider it as a resort room with Membership-level entry. Advantages of reserving an MSC Yacht Membership fare embody nicer rooms with upgraded finishes and entry to some unique areas, like a non-public pool.

The MSC Yacht Membership Deluxe Suite accommodates as much as 4 friends. There is a Nespresso machine contained in the room, plus each day turndown sweets from Venchi, a high-end Italian chocolatier.

For much more area and drama, the Yacht Membership Duplex Suite comfortably sleeps 4, measuring 495 sq. ft and spanning two decks. The decrease degree features a residing and eating space, plus a full lavatory. Upstairs, the master suite presents a second lavatory with a bath. The ground-to-ceiling home windows and balcony views give the entire area a grand, open really feel.

The value is steep although. Anticipate to pay costs beginning at about $7,000 for 2 adults on a seven-night crusing out of Miami.

With 19 eating choices, there’s no scarcity of selection aboard MSC World America. The road presents a mixture of American consolation meals and worldwide flavors (largely European).

For essentially the most half, meals high quality was good however not nice. The meals included with the cruise fare — such because the buffets — resembled faculty dorm meals, with out a lot spice or taste. It was all tasty, however hardly the foodie heaven that different opponents provide. The specialty eating places, which value further, had higher choices.

Among the many eating places included in your cruise fare, Luna Park Pizza & Burger was one of many higher choices. The meals wasn’t notable (suppose chili canines, rooster wings, burgers, fries and nachos) however I beloved the old-school diner vibes, with its retro neon-light wall artwork and cozy cubicles.

The ship additionally has two buffets with the same old mixture of meals. There’s a salad bar, children part, and tons of American fare like pizza and burgers. There was additionally an excellent quantity of European aptitude, with an intensive antipasti part.

I additionally appreciated most of the health-conscious choices within the buffet, just like the kale and candy potato bowl I had for breakfast.

Even the dessert part provided wholesome choices. That, pictured above, is a wholesome donut. Sure, as an alternative of fried dough, that’s an apple slice below the frosting.

Don’t fear although. There are actual donuts, too.

Essentially the most disappointing a part of the entire cruise was the primary eating room, the Hexagon, the place I had dinner every night time of my three-night crusing. I ought to have left after the primary night time, however I went again two extra nights to see if something would enhance.

On the primary night time, it took greater than an hour for our entrees to reach. We opted to skip the dessert we ordered simply to get out of there. Our neighboring desk, which had been seated earlier than us, nonetheless hadn’t acquired their meals by the point we left. It felt irritating moderately than leisurely.

On all three nights, it was so loud that I might barely hear my tablemates. And I’m the one who is at all times chilly, however this restaurant was stuffy and scorching.

The cruise’s specialty eating places — which value further — provided a lot increased high quality dishes in comparison with the choices included within the cruise fare. Eataly at Sea, an Italian market and restaurant, options made-from-scratch pasta, contemporary burrata and thoughtfully sourced substances. It even has a wall of contemporary basil rising, a pleasant contact. Butcher’s Lower, a steakhouse, served the most effective steaks I’ve had on a cruise.

Candy Temptations, a gelato, crepe and milkshake store, provided a number of over-the-top, photo-worthy dessert creations.

Alcoholic drinks will be bought on the cruise with an add-on bundle or individually. For me, The Gin Venture was essentially the most memorable bar on the ship. It provided 20 craft gins, and you might design your individual gin and tonic from a mixture of substances.

The perfect boozy drink I had wasn’t at a bar, however moderately on the Espresso Emporium. It’s designed as a contemporary espresso home for espresso connoisseurs with French, Italian, Turkish and Moroccan-style espresso.

I ordered a Lavazza Colada, which mixed rum, pineapple juice, coconut syrup and espresso. The presentation wasn’t nice, but it surely was surprisingly refreshing.

Leisure: High-tier reside reveals

MSC World America’s leisure lineup is mainly nonstop. My favourite present was Queen Symphonic, the place performers sang and danced to Queen’s biggest hits in a theater.

There’s additionally Soiled Dancing in Live performance, a high-energy efficiency with singers, dancers and a band performing hits from the film.

Though it wasn’t prepared for my preview crusing, I’m desperate to see Odyssey, which guarantees to be an “acrobatic spectacle set against the dreamlike backdrop of an ethereal journey influenced by Homer’s ‘Odyssey.’”

The Comedy Membership in The Terraces district additionally presents an virtually fixed stream of leisure, together with dueling pianos, stand-up units and karaoke nights.

The Household Aventura district is full of actions. There is a Lego-building space the place adults and youngsters can construct to their hearts’ content material. There’s additionally a Lego Parade, the place costumed characters march by means of the ship.

For an additional charge per recreation, you may play on the arcade.

The water park options a number of slides, together with ones for older children and tweens. You can too attempt the Cliffhanger, an over-water swing trip. It’s thrilling, just a little terrifying and a must-try for adrenaline junkies (grown-ups included).

The ropes course can be enjoyable — however remember that it may not be a sensible choice for youthful children. It’s surprisingly scary even if you happen to don’t usually have a worry of heights.

Positioned within the adults-only Zen Space on the rear of the ship, the Botanic Backyard Pool is a peaceable, climate-controlled retreat. A retractable glass roof protects the world from wind and rain. With greenery, loungers and a spa-like environment, it felt like a secret backyard tucked away from the primary pool decks.

MSC knocked it out of the park with the health heart. Most cruise ship gyms are high quality for some bicep curls, however this one is nice. It has two full squat racks, which is a unicorn discover in cruise or resort gyms. There are additionally a number of free weights, cable machines and cardio gear with ocean views.

Ocean Cay: MSC’s non-public island

This crusing included a cease at Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, MSC’s non-public island within the Bahamas. We arrived within the night and stayed in a single day, giving us an opportunity to take pleasure in a nighttime lighthouse present and seaside occasion.

Ocean Cay isn’t enormous. It’s attainable to stroll round the entire island in a single go (if you happen to’re a severe stepper like me, that’s). However there’s area for everybody to unfold out alongside the seaside. For teenagers or non-swimmers, there is a protected inlet with calmer waters.

From the family-friendly Lego zones to the adults-only Zen space, the MSC World America presents an unbelievable number of experiences — and for essentially the most half, delivers.

Is it excellent? Not fairly. Some service hiccups have to be ironed out. The meals wasn’t notable, but it surely felt well-suited for households with children who would favor French fries and pizza over to different choices. General, the ship’s rides and different sights might simply add as much as an excellent trip.