I’m back onboard MSC World America, and this time around I already know what I’m getting into. This is my third cruise on the ship, with the first being her inaugural sailing from PortMiami in April 2025, so I’m well past the point of discovering where things are or wondering what the ship is like. What interests me more now is how World America has settled into regular service, what’s changed since those early sailings, and whether the restaurants, bars, entertainment, service, and overall onboard experience still hold up now that the new-ship shine has worn off a bit.
This week’s seven-night Eastern Caribbean itinerary takes us from Miami to Puerto Plata in the Dominican Republic, San Juan, two sea days, and then Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve in the Bahamas before returning home. It’s not the most port-heavy itinerary in the world, but the 11:00 p.m. departure from San Juan and full day at Ocean Cay make up for some of that. Since I’ve done these ports plenty of times before, the focus this week is going to be much more on the ship itself, which is fine by me because there’s still plenty onboard World America worth talking about.
Eastern Caribbean: MSC World America
7-day Eastern Caribbean cruise sailing from PortMiami to the Dominican Republic, San Juan, and MSC's private island in The Bahamas, Ocean Cay Marine Reserve.
| Date | Port | Country | Start | End |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 5 | Miami, FL | United States | 5:00 PM | |
| Sep 6 | At Sea | – | – | – |
| Sep 7 | Puerto Plata | Dominican Republic | 9:00 AM | 5:00 PM |
| Sep 8 | San Juan | Puerto Rico | 9:00 AM | 11:00 PM |
| Sep 9 | At Sea | – | – | – |
| Sep 10 | At Sea | – | – | – |
| Sep 11 | Ocean Cay Marine Reserve | Bahamas | 8:00 AM | 8:00 PM |
| Sep 12 | Miami, FL | 7:00 AM |
Brightline to Miami, Followed by the Usual PortMiami Chaos
For this cruise, I skipped the drive down I-95 and took Brightline from Boca Raton to downtown Miami, which continues to be, for me, the best way to get to PortMiami from South Florida. Under normal conditions, Boca to Miami takes about an hour on the train, and once you arrive downtown, the port is usually only another 10 to 15 minutes away by Uber. If I were heading to Port Everglades instead, the Fort Lauderdale Brightline station is generally about 15 to 20 minutes away from the cruise terminals.
One tip if you’re taking Brightline with a larger carry-on is to compare the Premium fare before automatically booking Smart. Premium includes the oversized bag allowance, so once you start adding baggage fees to a Smart ticket, the price difference can shrink pretty quickly. You also get lounge access at the station, snacks and drinks onboard, bigger seats, and in my experience, a less crowded coach. For a cruise day, where I’m already hauling luggage and have zero interest in starting the trip aggravated, that can easily be worth it.
Of course, those are the normal travel times. Today decided not to cooperate.
After arriving in Miami, I requested an Uber and then spent about 20 minutes watching the little car icon sit in the exact same spot on the map. The driver wasn’t moving. At all. Eventually I gave up, canceled, and requested another one while basically everyone else who got off my train climbed into their rides and disappeared.
My replacement eventually arrived, but what should have been a quick 10- to 15-minute trip to PortMiami took about 25 minutes because traffic around the port was a complete mess. We had seven ships in port today: MSC World America, Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas and Freedom of the Seas, Virgin Voyages’ Resilient Lady, Norwegian Luna, Carnival Magic, and Carnival Sunrise. Seven ships in Miami isn’t exactly unheard of, but today it felt like all seven had told every passenger to arrive at the same time.
PortMiami can be an absolute nightmare even on a good day, and it remains right up there with Port Everglades as one of my least favorite cruise ports to physically get into. But once I finally made it to MSC’s terminal, the experience completely changed.
MSC’s Miami Terminal Is How Embarkation Should Work
MSC absolutely nails embarkation at its new PortMiami terminal.
Because I’m Diamond with MSC, I was able to bypass some of the normal queuing and boarding groups, but the real reason the process works so well is the technology. Passport scan, security, facial recognition, and you’re on your way. I didn’t need to keep pulling up a QR code on my phone, didn’t need a paper boarding pass, and didn’t spend half the morning standing in lines while someone checked the same document four different times.
From clearing security to walking toward the ship took less than five minutes for me. Other cruise lines use facial recognition too, so MSC certainly didn’t invent the concept, but I haven’t seen it integrated as smoothly anywhere else in South Florida. Carnival, in particular, could take a serious look at what MSC has done here because this is how getting thousands of people onto a ship should work.
Royal Caribbean’s Freedom of the Seas was also using the MSC terminal today while work continues on Royal’s new terminal nearby, which made the efficiency even more noticeable considering how many people were passing through the building.
Aside from the traffic getting there, embarkation was as smooth as a bus driver’s pants.
Then you actually step onboard World America, and things get a lot less dramatic.
I’ve said this since my first sailing: boarding MSC World America is weirdly anticlimactic. You basically get deposited into a hallway and make your way onto Deck 6. There’s no giant atrium, no huge wall of glass, no dramatic first look at the ship, and no real moment where a first-time cruiser is going to stop and say, “Wow.”
For a ship this big and elaborate, the arrival feels surprisingly sterile. That’s more about the ship’s design than anything MSC can realistically fix, but the first few minutes onboard definitely don’t tell you much about what’s waiting once you start exploring.
Stateroom 11283: Fantastica Deluxe Balcony
On MSC, you can usually head to your cabin shortly after boarding to drop off your carry-on luggage, even if the room itself isn’t ready yet. They basically want you to drop your stuff and get out of the way until housekeeping finishes. The all-clear for rooms came around 2:00 p.m., so that’s when I headed back to properly check out my digs for the week.
I’m in Fantastica Deluxe Balcony stateroom 11283 on Deck 11 aft. MSC does cabin bookings a little differently because you’re not just picking a room category, you’re also choosing an “experience.” Bella is the basic level, Fantastica is the middle option, and Aurea adds more perks. For me, Fantastica works because I want to choose the exact stateroom I’m in, especially since I avoid connecting rooms whenever possible.
MSC Cruises Experiences Explained: Bella vs Fantastica vs Aurea
On my previous World America cruises, I stayed in balcony cabins overlooking both the ocean and the World Promenade down on Deck 8. The promenade is MSC’s answer to the Boardwalk neighborhood on Royal Caribbean’s Oasis-class ships, and those rooms are actually fun if you like people-watching because there’s always something going on below you.
There’s also always something going on below you.
That means noise, especially during the day and evening, so this time I was looking forward to having a traditional balcony facing nothing but the ocean. After several sailings looking down into the promenade, I was perfectly happy trading people-watching for peace and quiet.
The room itself is pretty standard as far as cruise ship balcony cabins go. There are two twin beds that convert into one larger bed, a television, a sofa that can be used as another bed, a closet, and enough storage for two people. You could absolutely put more than two people in here, but once you start adding extra passengers and all their luggage, you’re going to start wondering where the hell you’re supposed to put everything.
The balcony has two chairs and a small table, and while there’s nothing particularly exciting about it, the layout works. I actually like it better than the balcony I had a couple of weeks ago on Regal Princess because there’s enough room to sit outside without constantly playing furniture Tetris. The bathroom is pretty straightforward and standard as well, but MSC gets points for using a proper glass shower door instead of a curtain.
Where power is concerned, each side of the bed has a USB-C port, while the desk and vanity have two U.S. outlets, two European outlets, USB-A, and another USB-C. Between phones, watches, tablets, cameras, and whatever else we all apparently need to charge every night now, there’s plenty of power without having to start unplugging lamps.
The minibar refrigerator comes stocked with soda, water, and beer, but don’t assume those are included because you have a drink package. They aren’t. If you want the refrigerator emptied so you can use it for your own drinks or water, just ask the room steward.
The MSC for Me Wristband: Useful, But It’s No Princess Medallion
One piece of onboard tech that’s worth mentioning is the MSC for Me wristband. They sell these in the Photo Gallery on Deck 7 for $15, with some discounts if you buy more than one, and Yacht Club guests get them included.
The wristband can open your cabin door, be used for purchases and drinks, and handle a lot of the same everyday things you’d normally use your cruise card for. It’s waterproof and also works while you’re on Ocean Cay, so you don’t have to think about taking it off before heading into the pool or ocean. You’ll still need the physical cruise card when going ashore in regular ports, so don’t bury that thing at the bottom of your suitcase.
It’s convenient, but I wouldn’t call it “smart” in the same way I would Princess Cruises’ Medallion. The Princess system is much more deeply integrated into the entire onboard experience, while MSC’s wristband feels more like a handy replacement for carrying the cruise card around.
For $15, though, I can see the appeal, especially if you’re someone who spends half the cruise wondering where you put your card.
Sailaway From Miami
World America left Miami on schedule at 4:30 p.m., and the main pool deck was where most of the sailaway action was happening. The party up there is starting to look more and more like Carnival’s sailaway parties, right down to some of the music, which I’m not necessarily saying is a bad thing.
One nice thing about being back onboard for a third time was already running into crew members I remembered from the inaugural season and previous cruises. That familiarity is one of the things that starts making repeat cruises on the same ship feel different, because you aren’t walking into an entirely new environment anymore.
The other thing I noticed was that the ship didn’t feel overwhelmingly crowded. I expected this Labor Day week sailing to be packed, but MSC was still selling interior, oceanview, and balcony staterooms the day before departure, so we clearly weren’t at absolute full capacity. There were plenty of people around, but even the main pool at sailaway wasn’t completely jammed.
That would become something to watch once we hit our first sea day.
Main Dining Room Dinner on World America
Dinner can be a little confusing for first-time MSC cruisers because World America doesn’t just have one giant main dining room with a traditional early and late seating. There are several dining rooms spread around the ship, including La Foglia on Deck 5 and Esagono, Hexagon, and Bubbles on Deck 6, with dining assignments and times varying depending on the fare and experience you booked.
Bella and Fantastica guests generally have assigned dining, while Aurea guests get My Choice Dining, which gives them more flexibility rather than locking them into the same fixed seating every evening. Fantastica passengers get some priority when requesting their preferred dining time, but it’s still assigned rather than true anytime dining.
Yacht Club makes things easier because Yacht Club guests eat in their own private restaurant with flexible dining during the restaurant’s operating hours. The menu changes nightly just like the regular dining rooms, but the service and atmosphere are much more personalized and generally much quieter, which is one of the big reasons people are willing to pay the premium for Yacht Club.
I wasn’t headed to the main dining room tonight, though.
Salmon Poke Bowl
raw salmon in traditional poke marinade, wakame, edamame
Greek Salad
tomato, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, Kalamata olives, feta
Mozzarella-Stuffed Meatball
with fresh mozzarella and a hint of basil
Fire-Roasted Tomato Cream Soup
basil pesto
Caesar Salad
crispy romaine lettuce, garlic croutons, Parmesan cheese and Caesar dressing
Shrimp Cocktail
classic horseradish cocktail sauce, fresh lemon
French Onion Soup
Gruyère crostini
Lasagna
layered with tomato and Parmigiano Reggiano
Grilled Calamari Steak
creamy white beans, lemon caper sauce
Slow Roasted Prime Rib
baked potato, steamed broccoli
Southern-Style Fried Chicken
French fries, coleslaw
Chef's Indian Vegetarian
today's curated lentil and vegetable selection
Pennette Pasta
choice of Bolognese, Alfredo, or fresh tomato basil sauce
Grilled Chicken Breast
mashed potatoes, seasonal vegetables
Grilled Atlantic Salmon
rice pilaf, seasonal vegetables
New York Strip Steak
choice of herb butter, chimichurri, or green peppercorn sauce
Broiled Cold Water Lobster Tail
$19.99hot drawn butter
Linz Heritage Angus
$19.998-oz grilled filet mignon or 14-oz bone-in New York strip steak with your choice of sauce
Side Dishes
steak fries or loaded baked potato, sautéed mushrooms, grilled asparagus, sautéed vegetables, steamed rice, or whipped potatoes
Coconut Pistachio Dacquoise
coconut biscuit, pistachio mousseline, raspberry coulis
Crema Catalana
caramel sauce
Grandma's Chocolate Cake
with layers of dulce de leche and chocolate fudge
New York Cheesecake
strawberry compote
Pumpkin and Oat Cake
cinnamon sauce
Ice Cream and Sorbet
please ask your waiter about our daily selection of ice cream and sorbets
No Sugar Added Ice Cream
please ask your waiter about our daily selection
Valdo Prosecco DOC
$14.00 / $49.00Italy
Mer Soleil Chardonnay
$86.00California
Meridian Chardonnay
$14.00 / $49.00California
Gérard Bertrand Côtes des Roses Rosé
$15.00 / $54.00France
Bonterra Cabernet Sauvignon
$58.00California
Wolf Blass Yellow Label Shiraz
$14.00 / $49.00Australia
🖼️ Menu Images
Duck and Chicken Terrine
toasted rye loaf, apple celery salad, almonds
Fried Vegetable Dim Sum Dumplings
Thai sweet chili sauce and mixed daikon greens
Nordic Salad
iceberg lettuce, watercress, radish, cherry tomatoes, shredded carrots, creamy lime dressing
Roasted Tomato Cream Soup
mozzarella and basil pesto
Panciotti Stuffed with Asparagus and Mascarpone Cheese
carrot emulsion, vegetable mosaic, toasted hazelnuts
Risotto with Cream of Leeks and Clams
parsley butter
Sliced Tuna Steak
in salmoriglio sauce made of extra virgin olive oil, garlic, parsley and oregano over a ragout of potatoes, Pachino cherry tomatoes, olives and Ligurian pesto
Succulent Roasted Boneless Prime Rib of Beef
shallot chianti wine sauce, string beans, Roma tomato, truffle-ricotta potato flan
Chef's Indian Vegetarian
today's curated lentil and vegetable selection
Grilled or Steamed Fillet of Salmon
garden vegetables, hollandaise sauce
Broiled Beef Filet Mignon
thyme-roasted vegetables, natural jus
Grilled Chicken Breast
lemon oil, roasted vegetables, green asparagus
Sauces for your Steak
Madeira sauce, green peppercorn sauce, creamy mushroom-mustard sauce
Every day a different selection of fresh-baked bread
Honey wheat bread with cranberries - Country white rolls - Olive oil focaccia - Cheese grissini
International Cheese Selection from the Trolley
fruit and vegetable preserves, jellies, honey, dried and fresh fruit
Coconut Pistachio Dacquoise
coconut biscuit, pistachio mousseline, raspberry coulis
Crema Catalana
caramel sauce
Tiramisù
mascarpone cream, ladyfinger biscuits dipped in coffee and bitter cocoa powder
Grandma's Chocolate Cake
with layers of dulce de leche and chocolate fudge
New York Cheesecake
strawberry compote
Pumpkin and Oat Cake
cinnamon sauce
Selection of Ice Cream and Fruit Sorbets
ask your waiter about our daily selection
Ice Cream
ask your waiter for our daily selection
Petits Fours
Marinated Sea Scallops
crunchy vegetables, ginger-turmeric sauce, papadum crisp
Pan-Fried Trout Fillet Roll in Herb Crust
soft cornmeal mush, butter sauce with capers and herbs
Fresh Fruit Plate
🖼️ Menu Images
A Stop at The Gin Project
Before dinner, I stopped by The Gin Project, which remains one of my favorite bars on World America.
When the ship first launched, this place had an impressive lineup of gins from all over the world. That selection has thinned considerably since then, and now you’re mostly looking at brands MSC can source in the U.S., but the concept is still fun. You choose your gin, tonic, and botanicals, and they build the drink from there.
Fever-Tree
$3.00Mediterranean, Indian, Elderflower, Refreshingly Light tonic water
Fentimans
$3.00Grapefruit, Rose Lemonade, Indian tonic water
Owen's
$3.00American tonic water
Lyophilized / Freeze-dried Flavor Enhancers
Strawberry, raspberry, blueberry, apple, pineapple
Dehydrated Flavor Enhancers
Lemon, orange, lime
Fresh Flavor Enhancers
Lemon, orange, lime, blueberries, apple
Greens Flavor Enhancers
Rosemary, thyme, basil, mint
Veggie & spicy Flavor Enhancers
Cucumber, ginger, black pepper
Budweiser
$9.00Pale lager, 5% ABV
Corona Extra
$9.00Pale lager, 4.6% ABV
Heineken
$9.00Pale lager, 5% ABV
Stella Artois
$9.00Pale lager, 5% ABV
Corte Giara, Pinot Grigio
$14.00 | $35.00Veneto-Italy, white wine
Dashwood, Sauvignon Blanc
$14.00 | $35.00Marlborough-New Zealand, white wine
Antigal Aqui, Malbec
$14.00 | $35.00Mendoza-Argentina, red wine
Josh, Cabernet Sauvignon
$14.00 | $40.00California, red wine
Astraea Ocean
$17.0045% ABV, USA (Seattle), Citrus gin
Bloom London
$15.0040% ABV, USA, Citrus gin
Brooklyn
$17.0040% ABV, USA (New York), Citrus gin
Leopold's Small Batch
$17.0040% ABV, USA (Colorado), Citrus gin
Malfy
$16.0041% ABV, Italy, Citrus gin
St. Augustine New World
$17.0047% ABV, USA (Seattle), Citrus gin
Astraea Meadow
$17.0045% ABV, USA (Seattle), Floral gin
Astraea Mist
$17.0045% ABV, USA (Seattle), Floral gin
Atian Rosé
$17.0043% ABV, South Africa, Floral gin
Astraea Forest
$17.0045% ABV, USA (Seattle), Herbal gin
Junipero Smoked Rosemary
$17.0049% ABV, USA (California), Herbal gin
Gin Mare
$17.0042.7% ABV, Spain, Herbal gin
Revitalist
$17.0043% ABV, USA (Pennsylvania), Herbal gin
Ungava
$17.0043.1% ABV, Canada, Herbal gin
Barr Hill Tom Cat
$17.0043% ABV, USA (Vermont), Spiced & Nutty gin
Whitley Neill Aloe & Cucumber
$17.0043% ABV, England, Spiced & Nutty gin
Barr Hill
$17.0043% ABV, Scotland, Luscious gin
Gray Whale
$17.0043% ABV, USA (California), Luscious gin
Tempt
$17.0043% ABV, USA (Miami), Luscious gin
BUSS No.509 Passion Fruit
$15.000.0% ABV, Belgium, Non or Low Alcoholic gin
Free Spirit
$15.000.0% ABV, England, Non or Low Alcoholic gin
Seedlip Garden 108
$15.000.0% ABV, England, Non or Low Alcoholic gin
Seedlip Grove 42
$15.000.0% ABV, England, Non or Low Alcoholic gin
🖼️ Menu Images
For someone who likes gin, it’s a nice change from the usual cruise ship bar where the menu is trying to offer 40 completely unrelated cocktails to everybody at once. The Gin Project knows what it is, and even with fewer bottles than when World America debuted, I still keep ending up there.
Dinner at Butcher’s Cut
Dinner tonight was at Butcher’s Cut, MSC’s signature steakhouse and a restaurant I’ve eaten at several times now.
Burrata & Beets
Arugula, pine nuts, aged balsamic
Beef Carpaccio
Parmesan shavings, capers, truffle oil, arugula
Oysters Rockefeller
1/2 dozen oysters, creamy spinach, bacon
Smoked Tomato Soup
Crispy basil
Shrimp Cocktail
Classic cocktail sauce
Lobster Bisque
Cognac, dry sherry cream
Wagyu Tartare
$20.00Sturgeon caviar
Crab Cake
Jumbo lump crab, cajun remoulade, apple slaw, baby greens
Classic Caesar Salad
Garlic croutons
Bone Marrow
Caramelized onions, salsa verde, ciabatta crostini
Seafood Tower
$49.00Lobster, snow crab, blue crab, languoustine, jumbo shrimp, scallops, oysters
Wagyu Sliders
Aged cheddar, brioche, caramelized onion
Wedge Salad
Vine-ripened tomatoes, chilled iceberg, ranch or classic blue cheese dressing
Broiled Lobster Tail
Drawn lemon butter
Chilean Sea Bass
Fresh spinach, cherry tomato, brown butter
Roasted Corn-Fed Chicken Breast
Corn and lima sauce, pan drippings
New York Strip Steak
Flavorful 14-oz NY strip
Grilled Double Lamb Chops
Herb-marinated, mint jelly
Broiled Filet Mignon
8-oz of our most tender cut of loin beef
Rib-Eye Steak - Classic Cut
A 16-oz rib-eye, richly marbled and flame-grilled for bold flavor and natural juiciness
Dry-Aged Porterhouse
$40.00Classic 24-oz cut, robust flavor
Wagyu Sirloin
$30.006-oz of premium Ozaki Wagyu beef, exceptional marbling
Dry-Aged Tomahawk
$65.00Rich and bold, 36-oz steak to share
Rib-Eye Steak - Large Cut
$30.00Our Butcher's Cut signature 22-oz, well marbled for peak flavor, deliciously juicy
All Steaks Can Surf
$16.00Butter lobster or garlic jumbo shrimp
Forest Mushroom
Forest mushroom
Peppercorn
Peppercorn
Chimichurri
Chimichurri
BÉARNAISE
Béarnaise
CRISPY FRIES / YUKON GOLD MASH
Crispy fries or Yukon gold mash
CREAMED SPINACH / LOADED BAKED POTATO
Creamed spinach or loaded baked potato
ONION RINGS / SAUTÉED WILD MUSHROOMS
Onion rings or sautéed wild mushrooms
BROCCOLINI / ASPARAGUS
Broccolini or asparagus
Lava Cake
Molten bittersweet chocolate and vanilla ice cream
Banana Date Cake
Toffee sauce, banana ice cream and candied orange zest
Cheesecake
Fresh strawberries, toasted Graham crust, mint
Fresh Fruit
Seasonal tropical fruit
Ice Cream & Sorbet
Please ask your waiter for the daily selection
The Red House
$18.00Titol vodka, Campari bitter, Fever-Tree soda water
My Darling
$18.00Tanqueray N°TEN gin, fresh orange and lemon juice, tarragon, simple syrup
The Derby
$18.00Woodford Reserve bourbon, Campari bitters, Martini Dry vermouth
Sazerac
$18.00Absinthe, Hennessy VS cognac, sugar cube, Fee Brothers Old Fashioned bitters, Angostura bitters
Vile Mule
$18.00Grey Goose vodka, fresh lime juice, simple syrup, ginger beer
The Last Word
$18.00Hendrick's gin, maraschino liqueur, green Chartreuse, holly squeezed lime juice
Rose French
$75.00Bombay Sapphire gin, simple syrup, fresh lemon juice, Angostura orange bitters, rosé sparkling wine
The Bee'S Knees
$18.00Bloom gin, fresh lemon juice, honey syrup
Ginger Cucumber Gimlet
$18.00Belvedere vodka, cucumber, simple syrup, fresh lime juice, ginger syrup
Aviation Fizz
$18.00Tanqueray N°TEN gin, Martini Bianco vermouth, crème de violette, Fever-Tree tonic
Virgin Cucumber Mojito
$11.00Fresh lime juice, mint leaves, brown sugar, cucumber syrup, club soda, cucumber and lime slices
Paloma Fizz
$11.00Fresh grapefruit and lemon juice, Fever-Tree tonic, rosemary
Elderflower & Ginger
$11.00Elderflower cordial, fresh lemon juice, ginger, mint syrup ginger beer
Yuengling Lager
$9.00USA
Budweiser
$9.00USA
Miller Lite
$9.00USA
Blue Moon
$9.00USA
Guinness Pub Draught
$9.00Ireland
Angry Orchard Apple Cider
$9.00USA
Tanqueray N'Ten
$16.00Premium cider
Laurent Perrier, Brut
$25.00Reims-France
Domaine Chandon, Brut Classic
$15.00Napa Valley-California
Caymus, Conundrum White Blend
$19.00Napa Valley-California
Santa Margherita, Pinot Grigio
$19.00South Tyrol-Italy
Robert Mondavi, Private Selection Chardonnay
$14.00Central Coast-California
Belle Glos, Pinot Noir
$23.00Monterey County-California
Robert Mondavi, Private Selection Cabernet Sauvignon
$14.00Central Coast-California
Terrazas De Los Andes, Malbec
$17.00Mendoza-Argentina
DOM PÉRIGNON VINTAGE
$330.00Epernay-France
Laurent Perrier, Brut
$100.00Reims-France
LAURENT PERRIER, CUVÉE ROSÉ
$125.00Reims-France
Veuve Clicquot, Yellow Label Brut
$110.00Reims-France
Domaine Chandon, Brut Classic
$60.00Napa Valley-California
CA' DEL BOSCO, FRANCIACORTA CUVÉE PRESTIGE
$83.00Lombardy-Italy
BARON DE LADOUCETTE, GRANDE CUVÉE SANCERRE BLANC
$98.00Loire Valley-France
Caymus, Conundrum White Blend
$74.00Napa Valley-California
Chateau Ste. Michelle & Dr. Loosen, Eroica Riesling
$68.00Columbia Valley-Washington
Francis Coppola, Director'S Cut Chardonnay
$85.00Sonoma County-California
Markus Molitor, Mosel Riesling
$60.00Mosel-Germany
Mer Soleil, Chardonnay
$86.00Napa Valley-California
Pascal Bouchard, Montmains Les Vieilles Vignes Ier Cru Chablis
$75.00Burgundy-France
Robert Mondavi, Private Selection Chardonnay
$56.00Central Coast-California
Santa Margherita, Pinot Grigio
$74.00South Tyrol-Italy
Schlumberger, Riesling D'Alsace
$78.00Alsace-France 2016
Kim Crawford, Sauvignon Blanc
$58.00Marlborough-New Zealand
Meerlust Estate, Chardonnay
$90.00Stellenbosch-South Africa
Allegrini, Amarone Della Valpolicella Classico
$135.00Veneto-Italy
Belle Glos, Pinot Noir
$92.00Monterey County-California
Caymus, California Cabernet Sauvignon
$80.00Napa Valley-California
CHÂTEAU LAGUINE, GRAND CRU CLASSÉ HAUT MEDOC
$175.00Bordeaux-France
Col D'Orcia, Brunello Di Montalcino
$80.00Tuscany-Italy
Decoy By Duckhorn, Cabernet Sauvignon
$60.00Sonoma County-California
DELAS FRÈRES, HAUTE PIERRE CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE
$110.00Rhone Valley-France
Duckhorn Vineyards, Merlot
$110.00Napa Valley-California
Fontanafredda, Barbaresco
$65.00Piedmont-Italy
Franciscan Estate, Cabernet Sauvignon
$58.00Napa Valley-California
Marques De Riscal Reserva
$65.00Rioja-Spain
Robert Mondavi, Private Selection Cabernet Sauvignon
$56.00Central Coast-California
Tenuta Dell'Ornellaia, Le Serre Nuove Dell'Ornellaia Bolgheri Rosso
$180.00Tuscany-Italy
Terrazas De Los Andes, Malbec
$68.00Mendoza-Argentina
TORRES, ALTOS IBÉRICOS RIOJA RESERVA
$55.00Rioja-Spain
🖼️ Menu Images
I started with both the shrimp cocktail and beef tartare, followed by a New York strip with broccolini and a loaded baked potato. Everything was excellent. The steak was cooked exactly how I wanted it, the beef tartare was great, and the shrimp were… well, shrimp. There’s only so much drama you can squeeze out of a shrimp cocktail.
Service was excellent thanks to my friend Lawrence, who I originally met on the inaugural sailing when he was working at Paxos. He’s since moved over to Butcher’s Cut, and it was great seeing a familiar face again.
After all that food, there definitely wasn’t room for dessert, but Lawrence apparently didn’t care what I thought and brought me ice cream anyway.
First-Day Impressions
Like I mentioned earlier, the ship itself felt less crowded than I expected for Labor Day week, but that doesn’t mean there weren’t plenty of people onboard. World America carries more than 6,000 passengers when full, and MSC attracts a much more international crowd than you’ll typically find on a U.S.-based cruise line. That’s part of the experience, but it also comes with some differences in things like queuing, personal space, and especially elevator etiquette.
Every time I sail MSC, the elevators amaze me. The doors open and people immediately start pushing their way in before anyone already inside has had a chance to get out. Line cutting is also something I notice more here than on a lot of other ships, and it’s one of those little things that sounds stupid until it happens over and over all day long.
I also thought there might be fewer kids and teenagers onboard now that school is back in session.
There aren’t.
Still, there wasn’t any one area of World America that felt uncomfortably crowded today, and that’s a good sign. The ship does a decent job spreading people throughout its various neighborhoods, lounges, restaurants, pools, and other public spaces, but tomorrow is the first sea day, and that’s always when a big ship gets its real crowd test.
MSC World America Daily Planner – Day 1
Also available as a PDF by clicking here.
| TIME | EVENT | LOCATION |
|---|---|---|
| 12:00 am | Paradise Lotto | Signature Casino Deck 7 Aft |
| 01:00 am | Curfew for unaccompanied minors 17 & under | |
| 11:00 am | Acupuncture: Free Tongue & Pulse Analysis | MSC Aurea Spa Deck 8 Fwd |
| 11:00 am | Free Foot Analysis and Body Composition Assessment | MSC Gym Deck 20 Mid |
| 11:00 am | Free Skin & Hair Consultation | MSC Aurea Spa Deck 8 Fwd |
| 11:00 am | Free Spa Massage Tasters & Spa Tours | MSC Aurea Spa Deck 8 Fwd |
| 11:00 am | Free Foot Analysis | MSC Gym Deck 20 Mid |
| 12:00 pm | MSC Gym Orientation & Class Sign Up | MSC Gym Deck 4 Mid |
| 02:00 pm | A Gift for you: EFFY Momentum Pendants & Charms Tracker | Fine Jewellery Deck 8 Mid |
| 02:00 pm | Guess the Carat Weight | Fine Jewellery Deck 8 Mid |
| 03:00 pm | MSC Cruise and Travel Show | World Theatre Deck 7 Fwd |
| 03:00 pm | Live music with Nalo Steelpan | Mar Azul Deck 18 Mid |
| 03:00 pm | Arts&Crafts: Open House | Dolce Vita Bar Deck 6 Mid |
| 03:00 pm | Sports: Welcome to your Sports Program | MSC Sportsplex Deck 20 Mid |
| 03:00 pm | Wellness: Welcome to your Wellbeing Program | World Promenade Deck 8 Aft |
| 03:45 pm | DJ Poolside Vibes | Mar Azul Deck 18 Mid |
| 04:00 pm | Win a Heart Diamond Necklace | MSC Aurea Spa Deck 8 Fwd |
| 04:15 pm | Free Spa Raffle | MSC Aurea Spa Deck 8 Fwd |
| 04:30 pm | Sailaway Party | Mar Azul Deck 18 Mid |
| 04:45 pm | FREE Ladies Spa Party with Acupuncture | MSC Aurea Spa Deck 8 Fwd |
| 05:00 pm | Friends of Bill W (unhosted) | Business Center 2 Deck 6 Fwd |
| 05:00 pm | Free Raffle Pick Up & Meet your Port Shopping Guide Mick | Port Shopping Desk Deck 6 Mid |
| 05:30 pm | Sunset Stretch | MSC Gym Deck 20 Mid |
| 06:00 pm | Solo Travellers Get Together | Champagne Bar Deck 8 Mid |
| 06:15 pm | Live music with Katherine, DJ Duo & Royal Rush Band | Dolce Vita Bar Deck 6 Mid |
| 06:30 pm | Luxury at Sea - World of Certified Pre-Owned Handbags | Luxury Accessories Deck 8 Mid |
| 07:00 pm | TimeVallée's Grand Opening | TimeVallée Deck 7 Mid |
| 07:00 pm | Omega's Grand Opening | Omega Deck 8 Aft |
| 07:00 pm | Sunglasses Sales | Shopping Gallery Deck 6 Mid |
| 07:00 pm | Live music with Chris J Clarke & Diego | Masters Of The Sea Deck 7 Mid |
| 07:30 pm | Dance Class: Mambo | Dolce Vita Bar Deck 6 Mid |
| 07:30 pm | Theater Show: Momentous | World Theatre Deck 7 Fwd |
| 07:30 pm | Gaming Lessons | Signature Casino Deck 7 Aft |
| 08:00 pm | Queen Symphonic: A Rock & Orchestra Revolution! | Panorama Lounge Deck 7 Aft |
| 08:00 pm | #MSCkids: Lucky Box | The Studio Deck 19 Mid |
| 08:00 pm | Liquor Tasting | Shopping Gallery Deck 6 Mid |
| 08:00 pm | DJ Music Vibes | Elixir Bar Deck 8 Mid |
| 08:15 pm | Palm Tree Show | Gold Promenade Deck 8 Aft |
| 08:15 pm | Shuffle Board Tournament | All-Stars Sports Bar Deck 8 Aft |
| 08:30 pm | EFFY Jewelry Welcome Aboard Toast | Fine Jewellery Deck 8 Mid |
| 08:30 pm | Live music with Nalo Steelpan | World Promenade Deck 8 Aft |
| 08:30 pm | Be a Karaoke Superstar! (18+) | The Loft Deck 8 Mid |
| 09:00 pm | Cartier Show Case | TimeVallée Deck 7 Mid |
| 09:00 pm | LGBTQAI+ Get Together | Elixir Bar Deck 8 Mid |
| 09:00 pm | Omega Speedmaster Showcase | Omega Deck 8 Aft |
| 09:00 pm | World of Jewels Grand Opening | World of Jewels Deck 8 Aft |
| 09:15 pm | Palm Tree Show | World Promenade Deck 8 Aft |
| 09:30 pm | Dance Class: Bachata | Dolce Vita Bar Deck 6 Mid |
| 09:30 pm | Theater Show: Momentous | World Theatre Deck 7 Fwd |
| 09:30 pm | Movie Time: Formula 1 (PG-13) | Mar Azul Deck 18 Mid |
| 10:00 pm | Palm Tree Show | World Promenade Deck 8 Aft |
| 10:00 pm | Queen Symphonic: A Rock & Orchestra Revolution! | Panorama Lounge Deck 7 Aft |
| 10:00 pm | TAG Heuer - Designed to Win | TimeVallée Deck 7 Mid |
| 10:15 pm | Dueling Pianos (18+) | The Loft Deck 8 Mid |
| 10:15 pm | Party: Miami Nights - Where the heat meets the beat | MSC Luna Park Deck 6 Fwd |
| 11:00 pm | Night Club After Dark with DJ (18+) | Panorama Lounge Deck 7 Aft |
| 11:15 pm | #MSCTeensLive: I-Pop Competition | The Studio Deck 19 Mid |
| 11:15 pm | Dueling Pianos (18+) | The Loft Deck 8 Mid |
