In AMERICA, the ethos that bigger is better is often the norm. Appropriately, MSC Cruises’ new, 6,762-passenger MSC World America cruise ship offers larger-than-life experiences through its seven immersive districts as it sails the Caribbean. This means everything from ultra-private five-star dinners and a gin-themed bar to a massive LED dome and a heart-pumping over-water swing.
It was time for Switzerland-based MSC Cruises to fuse European sophistication with a North American-inspired mentality. This message was driven home at the sleek ship’s April 2025 launch, which featured a splashy ribbon-cutting ceremony with beloved Hollywood icon Drew Barrymore.
“Canadian guests have praised the ship for blending the comfort that they appreciate with the sophisticated European style that MSC Cruises is known for,” says Ian Patterson, Country Manager of MSC Cruises Canada. “Its innovative design, world-class entertainment, and diverse dining options have made it a standout choice for Canadians seeking a fresh, immersive way to experience the Caribbean.”
From MSC Yacht Club suites to Infinite Ocean View cabins, MSC World America has accommodation to suit every style.
Floating City Design: Seven Districts, Endless Experiences
Upon boarding, MSC World America’s notably high energy is impossible to ignore. It contrasts the quieter vibe on MSC Cruise’s luxurious and more intimate Explora Journeys fleet, my foray into the cruising world. I knew to expect as much; MSC World America is of the “floating city” cruise ship variety. And it wears this designation like a badge of honour.
MSC World America features seven unique districts, letting guests tailor their vacation experience. The Promenade is a lively indoor-outdoor space with great views, a new concept introduced on MSC World Class ships. Photo: MSC Cruises
Building on its sister ship, MSC World Europa (est. 2022), MSC World America’s seven districts offer completely different vibes – from the shops at the Galleria to the twisting waterslides at the Aqua Deck and themed game nights in the Family Aventura district. The ship’s new additions, like the All-Star Sports Bar, filled with televisions, interactive games – and beer, naturally – as well as The Loft comedy club, make North Americans feel more at home.
Dining on MSC World America: From Eataly to Global Flavours
MSC World America introduced Eataly, the first at-sea location of the renowned Italian market-style eatery. The 94-seat restaurant features freshly made pasta, carefully sourced ingredients, and an open kitchen, offering guests an authentic culinary journey celebrating Italy’s finest flavours in an elegant yet informal setting.
Ironically, given its North American focus, one of the ship’s most talked-about features is its 94-seat Eataly restaurant – the first at sea for the Italian-based, internationally renowned market-style eatery. A meal here comes with a side of sea views, best enjoyed on the seaside terrace. Diners can expect comforting menu items, like creamy burrata, Ozaki Wagyu beef carpaccio, seafood risotto and roasted suckling pig. Crafted on board, Eataly’s famous tagliatelle, mandilli and tonnarelli pastas and pizzas remain menu staples. Only at this Eataly will you find the black truffle tagliatelle and a breaded veal chop.
MSC World America offers a dining experience for every taste, with over 30 bars, lounges, and venues ranging from fine dining to casual and informal options.
Meanwhile, if you’re craving Greek food, the seafood-forward Paxos Greek Restaurant features a fresh fish counter. Spots like Kaito Sushi Bar, Kaito Teppanyaki, Butcher’s Cut Steakhouse and Latin street food-inspired spot Hola! Tacos & Cantina round out a broad dining spectrum. For dessert, the milkshakes at Sweet Temptations and cotton candy from Promenade Bites are difficult to pass up.
Bars and Nightlife: 20 Ways to Raise a Glass
The ship’s 20 bars are a world of their own, each with a distinct character. The Masters of the Sea British pub and microbrewery features a new range of beers from brewmaster Teo Musso; The Gin Project offers 20 craft gins and unique G&Ts; and craft cocktail spot Elixir serves up social media-worthy creations (my favourite is the strawberry daiquiri). A sultry speakeasy beckons – ask for an invitation and look for an iconic British symbol to spot its entrance.
Wellness and Serenity at Sea
Aurea Spa
Places like the adults-only Zen Area or the wellness-forward Botanical Garden Pool, where whirlpools are covered with canopies of greenery, offer peace and quiet. So does the Aurea Spa, with its expansive thermal suite. To really splurge in the serenity department, the luxurious MSC Yacht Club is an exclusive ship-within-a-ship escape, with butler service, gourmet private dining and a private pool.
Entertainment for All Ages
Clearly, each day on this floating city cruise can bring a completely different experience. This means everything from rowdy pool parties, casino wins, and late-night karaoke sessions to elegant evening wear, a large-scale Dirty Dancing musical, and bubbly at the Champagne bar. The challenge is keeping up with the ship’s boundless energy as you cram it all in.
For Canadians and other North American travellers, MSC World America provides a cruise experience that blends European refinement with high-energy entertainment, diverse dining, and immersive floating-city design.
WHAT TO BOOK
Ocean Cay Bahamas is a 95-acre island dedicated to marine conservation and sustainability with a state-of-the-art Marine Conservation Centre, only accessible via MSC Cruises. Photo: MSC Cruises
Caribbean & Antilles
Round Trip From: Miami, Florida
Visiting: Isla de Roatan, Honduras • Costa Maya, Mexico • Cozumel, Mexico • Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve,Bahamas
Price Details
Stateroom Type: Interior
Promotion Escape to sea * cruise only
Starting at CA$ 945.74 p.p.*
Always included
Full board available in buffet and main restaurant
Broadway style entertainment
Activities for the whole family
Teen and youth clubs
Training facilities
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