The biggest cruise ship in the MSC Cruises’ fleet will offer the world’s first-ever over-sea swing plus a host of new features.
The 22-deck, 6,762-passenger MSC World America – which follows on from MSC World Europa launched in 2022 – is the second of the line’s three World class category cruise ships, with MSC World Asia scheduled for 2026.
Our Man On The Ground was invited on a behind-the-scenes media tour at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in France to see how work is progressing on the 23rd ship being launched by the world’s third largest cruise brand. Taking three years to build, it is the 18th MSC vessel to be constructed at the shipyard in Saint-Nazaire and will be officially handed over to MSC in March 2025.
While the ship, which will sail out of Miami in the Caribbean, has been specifically tweaked for North American cruise passengers, MSC is planning to attract British cruisers to MSC World America. There will be fly-cruises out of the UK and guests, such as families visiting Florida’s theme parks, can add on a cruise aboard MSC World America and join and leave the ship in Miami.
Speaking at a press conference ahead of the tour, Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman of MSC Cruises, said the British market is “fantastic” for the line. He explained that while MSC World America has amenities geared to American tastes, it would incorporate the European vibe and quality found on other ships in the Monaco headquartered fleet.
“We wanted to create the ultimate cruise experience in the Caribbean. We saw the potential to create so much more, with opportunities to improve, give more experiences and add more features.”
Around 30% of the public areas on MSC World America are different from those on its predecessor. These include a new American-themed sports bar, which is part of the promenade area. It will screen sports on large TV screens and have a games area including interactive darts, a digital shuffleboard and foosball. Elsewhere, the Raj Polo Tea Lounge on MSC World Europa has made way for The Loft, an adult-only venue for comedy shows, duelling pianos and karaoke. Elsewhere, La Pescaderia fish restaurant has been replaced with the Paxos Greek-style taverna and MSC World America will showcase the first-ever Eataly at sea, serving authentic and high quality Italian dishes.
In another first for MSC, the ship will be divided into seven distinct zones. This change has been designed to help passengers find their way around the huge vessel, which will become the largest MSC ship based in America and help them plan how they want to spend their time on board.
The ship tour revealed how these areas were taking shape. They include The Terraces, a mix of indoor and outdoor restaurants, shops and entertainment venues, the quiet adult-only area and the MSC Yacht Club, which is the line’s exclusive self-contained ship-within-a-ship concept with its own suites, dining room, lounge and sun deck separate from the rest of the ship.
One of the most eye-catching zones is Family Aventura on the top deck. It has been designed with something for all age groups, from the water playground for young children and shaded areas for a quick bite through to a ropes course and all-new Cliffhanger ride for thrill-seekers. Described as the world’s only over water swing ride, riders are propelled back and forth 50 metres above sea level.
Familiar favourites on MSC World America will include the Hola! Tacos Mexican restaurant, Butcher’s Cut steakhouse and Jean Philippe Chocolat & Café. Bars include the Gin Project craft gin bar and Masters of the Sea pub, which has its own microbrewery and will brew more IPAs to cater to American tastes.
The next major milestone for MSC World America is in December, when it is floated out to sea for the first time to complete sea trials. After being delivered to MSC next spring the ship will embark on a transatlantic crossing and embark on its maiden season in April 2025, after being christened at MSC Cruises’ brand new Miami cruise terminal.
Author Bio:
Known as the ‘River Cruise Queen’, Jeannine Williamson is an award-winning travel writer, cruise expert and our cruise correspondent, who has clocked up thousands of nautical miles.
Images courtesy of MSC Cruises
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