Big news out of the cruise capital of the world! MSC Cruises’ newest flagship, MSC World America, docked in Miami this morning signaling the start of the line’s next chapter in their quest to disrupt the cruise market in North America.
As the first MSC World Class ship to sail from the U.S., this new vessel is designed to take on Carnival’s Excel-class and Royal Caribbean’s Icon-class ships with family oriented features, world-class amenities, and a mix of European elegance MSC is known for in a ship they say is tailored for the American cruiser.
I’ll be onboard for her inaugural sailing on April 12th, bringing you daily updates straight from the ship. Be prepared to hear the good and the bad as I seek to find out if MSC World America flips the script and addresses the recurring theme found in reviews of their other ships sailing from the US which constantly focus on food quality, service, and activities.
You can count on my honest take, as I will be sailing as a revenue passenger, unlike travel agents and “influencers” who will be treated to a pre-inaugural trip on the 9th in return for positive press and content.
The arrival MSC World America coincides with the grand opening of the brand-new MSC Miami Cruise Terminal at PortMiami, which I wrote about the other day. This state-of-the-art facility—the largest and most advanced cruise terminal in the world—officially welcomed MSC World America.
The 492,678-square-foot terminal is truly a game-changer. With a seamless biometric boarding process (think online check-in, easy luggage drop-off, and cutting-edge facial recognition), a massive six-level garage with over 2,400 parking spaces, and an exclusive MSC Yacht Club lounge for luxury travelers, it’s clear that MSC Cruises is setting a new standard for the industry.
Before MSC World America begins her regular Caribbean sailings, she’ll be christened on April 9th during a naming ceremony at the new terminal. Following the festivities, the ship will embark on that special 2-night preview cruise to Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, for invited guests.
Then on April 12th, MSC World America sets sail from PortMiami for her first seven-night Caribbean itinerary. Guests (myself included!) will head to Puerto Plata in the Dominican Republic, San Juan in Puerto Rico, plus a stop at one of my favorite places – Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve in The Bahamas.
Stay tuned for my firsthand reports starting April 12th, and let me know in the comments if there’s anything specific you’d like me to cover while I’m onboard!