The long-anticipated arrival of MSC Cruises’ MSC World America is here, and I’m off on the inaugural sailing of the line’s new flagship. Fresh from the shipyard in France, World America is the second of the line’s World-class vessels, the first being World Europa, launched in 2022.
This class of ship is the largest ever built for MSC and very closely resembles the layout of Royal Caribbean’s Oasis-class ships, with a Y-shaped design that “splits” the ship down the center to create an outdoor area that’s home to shops, restaurants, and bars. On Royal, this would be called The Boardwalk, while on World America it’s called the World Promenade.
On each side of the promenade are two “towers” of staterooms that look down upon the activities below, with some having ocean views as well. More on that in a bit, as I’m staying in one of these staterooms.
Since many are familiar with Royal’s wildly popular Oasis-class ships, which, since the first was launched in 2009, were consistently the world’s largest until the arrival of Icon of the Seas, let’s compare how the World-class stacks up.
When it comes to passengers, both classes carry around 6,700 passengers—still low compared to Carnival Cruise Line’s recent announcement that their new Project Ace ships will carry 8,000! Oasis-class ships are larger by gross tonnage, with World America coming in at 216k GT and the newest Oasis-class ship, Utopia of the Seas, coming in at 236k.
MSC is betting big on the World-class ships, as two more are under construction: MSC World Asia, arriving later this year and sailing the Med, and MSC World Atlantic, coming in 2027 and sailing from Port Canaveral (Orlando), FL.
Along with this being the inaugural sailing for World America, it was also the official debut of MSC’s new cruise terminal (Terminal AA) at PortMiami. The massive terminal is the largest in the world and offers cruisers a pretty seamless experience—hang on, details about that are just a minute away!
Coming in at just under a half-million square feet, the four-level terminal has an attached parking garage with 2,400 parking spots, 18 biometric face scanners for check-in, and 22 e-gates to get you onto the ship as quickly as possible. This new terminal will be used by both MSC Cruises and their luxury brand, Explora Journeys, and was built to accommodate three ships at a time—the first in the world to do so.
Now that all that is out of the way, let’s cruise!
MSC World America Inaugural Cruise Itinerary
MSC World America will be sailing eastern and western Caribbean routes from Miami, with each itinerary including a stop at their private island, MSC Ocean Cay Marine Reserve in The Bahamas. For this 7-day inaugural cruise, we’re stopping in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic; San Juan, Puerto Rico; and Ocean Cay, with three sea days tossed in.
I’m especially looking forward to visiting Ocean Cay on Friday, as they just opened their new Marine Conservation Center on the island. It offers guided tours and exhibits based on coral restoration and efforts to protect the world’s oceans.
Since opening Ocean Cay in 2019, MSC has consistently expanded the island’s amenities. During my last visit in June 2024, there was quite a bit of construction happening, and a newly released map shows additions besides the Marine Conservation Center—like more bars, a new dining hall, expanded beach areas, and more.
Plus, there’s a rumor circulating that a smaller island offshore is being developed for Explora Journeys small vessels as their own private paradise. MSC hasn’t confirmed this yet, so it’s speculation for now—but with construction ramping up, I’m sure more details will emerge.
Checking in at MSC Cruises’ New Miami Terminal
For this cruise, I took the Brightline train from Boca Raton to Miami. For those who live in South Florida, it’s a godsend for avoiding I-95 traffic and the chaos of getting to the port tunnel.
I booked Premium seating, which includes access to the Premium lounge (stocked with snacks and drinks—including alcohol), a $10 Uber voucher each way, and bigger seats in a 2-1 layout (versus 2-2 in Coach).
After doing the math for Premium seats, Brightline terminal parking ($10/day x 8), and Uber from the port back to the station, it was cheaper—and way less aggravating—than driving. For those planning to park at the cruise terminal, be aware: it’s $35 per day.
My train had a 10-minute delay, which we pretty much made up, and I arrived at Miami Central Station around 12:35pm. As I was coming down the escalator, I ordered my Uber—“one minute away.” By the time I got outside, my ride had arrived.
From the station to Terminal AA at PortMiami is a short 8-10 minute ride. Signage clearly directs you, and entering the terminal is a breeze. If you’re parking, drop off your luggage first, then go park. If you’re using a ride-share, pull in and a porter grabs your bags. Everything is undercover, so you’re not getting wet even if it rains.
After handing off my luggage, I walked to the terminal entrance, which had the ship name above the doors, so you know you’re in the right place. Inside, the terminal is bright, spacious, full of seating, modern art, and huge LED screens. If you’re sailing Yacht Club, there’s a special waiting area for you.
When I arrived, boarding was already underway, so I walked right in. But if you do have to wait, this is one of the nicest, best laid-out terminals I’ve ever seen—far better than the older ones at PortMiami that just weren’t built for today’s mega-ships.
If you completed check-in beforehand, you head straight to one of the 18 face scanners, each manned by a terminal worker. You scan your passport, smile for a photo, and you’re in. Boarding pass not needed.
Next is security—carry-ons go through x-ray, you walk through the metal detector, and that’s it. The final step is where a ship security officer scans your boarding pass and clears you to board.
The whole process took less than 10 minutes.
Now here’s where I had one of those “WTF moments.” When I stepped on the ship… I was underwhelmed. You enter a hallway. No excited “welcome aboard!” No festive energy. Just… a hallway.
Was it just the gangway I used? Maybe. But it didn’t feel like the “wow” moment most ships give you.
Thankfully, a few steps in, you’re in the middle of the action. But that initial entry? Yeah, it fell flat.
MSC Muster Procedure
One of the first things you should do when you step onboard is find your muster station, indicated on your cruise card, and check in. MSC, like nearly every cruise line today, uses electronic mustering instead of the old-school drill where everyone gathered in life jackets for instructions.
Now, you simply head to your station, have your card scanned, and watch a safety video—either on your phone or on your stateroom TV. One important note: your cruise card isn’t activated until you check in at your muster station. That means you can’t grab your first drink until you do it—so make this your first stop.
MSC World America Stateroom 10279
For this trip, I’m in verandah stateroom 10279, located all the way aft on Deck 10. This wasn’t my original booking—I started with an inside stateroom but took advantage of MSC’s bidding upgrade option, which can sometimes be cheaper than booking the upgraded category outright.
When bidding opened, I placed the max bid for each balcony stateroom type. A few days later, I was notified that my bid for a balcony stateroom with Promenade and partial ocean views was accepted.
Important for solo travelers: MSC charges the bid x2, so my $350 max bid ended up being $700 total—but still less than the original price of that room category.
Unlike Carnival or Holland America, which restrict room access until they’re fully ready, MSC lets you drop off your luggage. There’s a sign on the door saying the room isn’t fully cleaned yet, but you’re welcome to drop and go.
The room is cozy but efficient. It has a king bed (can be split), large TV, stocked mini bar, safe, one USB port per bedside, and two more at the desk. The desk also has two US and two European outlets.
Closet space is surprisingly good—there’s a large closet, a shelving unit with drawers, and more drawers under the counter. The bathroom, however, is tight. Sitting on the toilet, your knees hit the sink. Taller folks may struggle. The shower is decent-sized, with a glass door instead of a curtain.
The balcony has two chairs and a small footrest. It overlooks the Promenade and Lanai below, and while you can see the ocean, it’s limited. You’ll be looking directly across at your neighbors and down at the action.
And action there is—until midnight, I heard music and noise from the Promenade. If you’re an early sleeper or want a peaceful balcony, this room is not for you.
Also, despite the deck plan not indicating it, this is a connecting room—just a heads up.
And as for power and lights, you must insert your actual keycard into the room’s energy slot. Unlike other lines, a random card won’t work—the chip in your key activates it.
MSC World America Stateroom 10279 Full Stateroom Tour Video
MSC World America: Initial Impressions
After settling in, I explored—and wow, this ship is massive.
Deck 8’s World Promenade has Paxos Greek Taverna, All Star Sports Bar, the Sweet Temptations candy/ice cream shop, several stores, and the Coffee Emporium.
Inside, the World Galleria spans decks 6, 7, and 8 and is a hub of activity. There are restaurants, bars, shops, and entertainment venues, plus the casino (which already stole a couple hundred bucks from me with no exciting wins).
For sun and pool time, head to deck 18. You’ve got the Zen Pool (adults only), the main Lido Pool, and the indoor botanical garden pool with hot tubs. The huge buffet is also up there.
Deck 20 is home to the Sportsplex with:
- Jaw Drop dry slide (Deck 20 to Deck 8)
- Adventure Trail ropes course
- The Cliffhanger (overwater swing ride)
- Bumper cars
- Water park with slides
Yes, it’s overwhelming at first. Bars everywhere. Pizza or tacos? Water slide or cocktails? It’s a lot. My advice? Pace yourself.
World America is beautiful—elegant décor, lots of shiny stainless, big LED screens, and stylish glitz. However, something’s missing: MSC’s signature Swarovski crystal staircases. These icons appear only in the Yacht Club on the World class ships—nowhere else.
Despite the size, the ship never felt crowded. Food spots are scattered strategically to avoid congestion. In addition to the buffet and pool eats, you’ve got options like pub food at the sports bar, sweets and hot dogs near the Promenade, and Greek to-go from Paxos.
Deck 6’s Luna Park area has pizza, burgers, and an arcade. And drinks? They’re everywhere.
One bar I was pumped to try was The Gin Project. Tons of gins, tonics, and garnishes to create your own G&T. But it’s tiny. No bar seating. It’s more of a walk-up bar where you take your drink to a table by the railing that overlooks the pub below.
Atmosphere? Cool. Moody and dark. But no chance to chat with the bartender or fellow drinkers. Still, the drinks were fantastic.
Dinner at Hola! Tacos
Not gonna lie—I avoid main dining rooms on most cruise lines. Service is often slow, food meh, and it all feels rushed. I plan to eat in the MDR at least once this cruise, but let’s just say… low expectations.
World America has several specialty dining options (all extra cost), including:
- Butcher’s Cut steakhouse ($55 pp)
- Eataly at Sea Italian ($55 pp)
- Paxos Greek Taverna ($49 pp)
- Kaito Sushi ($49 pp or a la carte)
- Kaito Teppanyaki ($55 pp)
- Hola! Tacos ($25 pp or a la carte)
- All Star Sports Bar (a la carte)
You can pay à la carte or buy a dining package:
- 3 restaurants: $139
- 4 restaurants: $179 (Note: only 1 visit to Butcher’s Cut included)
I bought the 4-dinner package and reserved Butcher’s Cut, Eataly, Paxos, and Teppanyaki. As a Diamond loyalty member, I also got a bonus dining credit, which I used for a second visit to Butcher’s Cut.
Pro tip: DO NOT waste a dining credit on Hola! Tacos. Why? Because you can get all-you-can-eat tacos for $25—way cheaper than burning a $45+ value credit. And honestly? It’s totally worth visiting.
When I arrived, I was greeted by familiar faces from MSC Seascape—many crew were brought over to launch World America.
I kicked things off with a Mezcal Negroni (because tacos + tequila = yes), and my server just started bringing out food:
- Chips, salsa, queso
- Every taco on the menu
- Chicken quesadilla
- Arroz con leche for dessert
For $25, it’s a solid deal with tasty food and bottomless tacos. No regrets.
Wrapping Up Day 1
After dinner, I wandered the Promenade, caught a light show featuring the LED “palm tree” structure, listened to a live trio, and eventually headed to bed.
Once in bed, I could still hear the bass and music from below. As mentioned, if you want peace and quiet, skip the Promenade-facing staterooms.
But things quieted down after midnight.
Day 2 is a sea day as we sail toward Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic. Stay tuned for more updates from the first sailing of MSC World America—and as always, thanks for following along!
MSC World America Day 1 Daily Program
Click here for the entire version as a PDF.
