Jenny Block on board the MSC World America
JENNY BLOCK | Contributing Writer
JennyEBlock@icloud.com
Just when I thought cruise ships could not get any bigger or more extravagant or more well-equipped to do nearly anything and everything, along comes the official launch of MSC Cruises’ brand-new ship, MSC World America. And this ship is MASSIVE!
To say the MSC World America has everything would be a huge understatement. MSC’s goal with this new release was to offer the comfort American cruisers have come to expect coupled with the kind of culture offered by European lines.
Well, MSC, congratulations: Mission accomplished.
MSC World America’s inaugural cruise left Miami on April 12. But from April 9-12, invited media and VIP guests were welcomed aboard for a preview cruise that I was thrilled to take part in.
There was a media briefing the very first afternoon that included appearances by “godmother” Drew Barrymore and her partner in advertising the new ship, Orlando Bloom.
They star in an adorable commercial that speaks to the line’s desire to delight an American audience both with the new and the familiar.
A naming ceremony was held, also with Barrymore, who was as charming and adorable in person as you may imagine watching her on big and small screens over the years. She seemed downright tickled to be the godmother and over the moon to cut the ceremonial ribbon.
That evening, there was a gala dinner, and, afterwards, drones filled the sky with absolutely incredible images, including the ship itself and MSC’s new tagline: “Let’s Holiday.”
And just when it didn’t seem like things could get any more over the top, there was a private, outdoor concert poolside with Gloria Estefan where you could dance right up next to the stage or even ankle deep in the pool. And guests absolutely did both.
The whole celebration was wild.
The next two days allowed for all kinds of opportunities to check out the massive ship. Just to give you an idea of its size, MSC World America was built for 6,700+ passengers and 2,100+ crew. It has six pools and 14 hot tubs. It has 20 bars and lounges. It has two buffets, four main dining rooms and six specialty restaurants, including Paxos, Eatly at Sea, Kai Sushi, Kaito Teppanyaki, Hola Tacos & Cantina and Butcher’s Cut Steakhouse.
The ship is divided into seven districts: The Yacht Club, the World Galleria (complete with LED domed ceiling), MSC Luna Park, the Zen Area (for adults only), the Aqua Deck, the World Promenade, the Terraces and Family Aventura.
It also has three live venues, a slide that drops 12 decks, and “The Cliffhanger,” which allows guests to dangle their feet and swing out over the ocean.
There are shows, activities, bumper cars, a zip line, a ropes course, a comedy club, a speak easy, a spa, a casino, a candy shop, a smoothie and gelato shop, a pizza and burger joint … Even a cotton candy stand! Everywhere I looked there was something going on: scuba divers and sea life swimming overhead on LED screens, live painting, a sunset concert.
Whatever you were in the mood for, you could likely find it without even looking very hard.
I think what I liked the best about the ship, though, is how it offered so many different kinds of places and spaces to spend time in. There were areas that were clearly for kids, although adults were more than welcome. There were loud spots and quiet spots. There was furniture set up clearly for gatherings of groups and little hideaway spots clearly for more intimate conversations.
It’s a giant ship. But it often felt quite cozy, depending on where you were on the ship. I loved that I could choose the mood and that choosing to be on a ship didn’t automatically mean that the mood was chosen for me.
Because it was a super short cruise, we only made one stop. But it was a really good one: Ocean Cay Marine Reserve, MSC’s private island. It is basically my heaven on earth.
The island offers visitors access to multiple beaches and lagoons, including private areas and cabanas for Yacht Club guests, food trucks, a cool lighthouse you can climb up, cabanas for rent, excursions like snorkeling and jet skiing, shops to browse and a ton more.
We had one full day there and one half day. To be honest, I think I could be happy spending a week living on a ship docked at the island. I mean, what more could one possibly need.
The cabins were simple and well-designed. It is obvious that they are intended as bedrooms with private baths, where you spend the majority of times in your living rooms and dining room (i.e., the ship). Unless, that is, you are in the Yacht Club.
The suites and the service there are truly incredible. Some even boast multiple rooms and two stories. Plus, you have use of the private club and dining and the best service at sea to be sure.
I didn’t travel in the Yacht Club this trip. But it is definitely my favorite way to cruise on MSC.
I go on a lot of cruises, and I love a lot of lines. And what I love most is a thoughtfully designed ship and staff that care. You certainly get both on MSC.
And while MSC World America won’t be docking in Galveston any time soon, one of the MSC fleet will be operating out of Galveston starting this fall. It is the MSC Seascape, and she is a beauty — not as big as MSC World America, but equally well-appointed and staffed.
If you want the comforts that Americans know and love but you also long for the style and comfort of all things European, MSC World America just might be your sweet spot — and Miami, where the ship calls home, is only a hop, skip, and a jump away, after all.
