We recently sailed on MSC World America with our extended family and wanted to give a straightforward, real-world take on the experience. In short: it’s a big, bold ship with a lively atmosphere, great value and one I would definitely book again for the right occasion.
I originally chose this sailing for the price, activities for kids and to see what MSC is doing with its newest ship, designed specifically for the American market. For such a large ship, embarkation was smoother than expected. MSC has built a brand new, state of the art terminal and it helped make for a great boarding experience.
The ship itself is impressive and the moment we stepped onboard, the energy hit us — bright spaces, modern design and a very active feel. It’s massive, visually striking and full of places to explore. It does take some time to learn your way around, but once you do, it’s easy enough to navigate. Compared to lines like Celebrity or Princess, the vibe is much more energetic and family-forward, but with a distinctly international feel.
Our stateroom was comfortable, clean, and
a bit more spacious than we expected. It had good storage and a nice bathroom layout. The biggest surprise for us was that our Oceanview window opened! For those of you who've sailed on a Celebrity Edge-class ship, think Infinite Veranda. Last, but not least, service from our cabin attendant was good. Definitely a challenge, as we were sharing the cabin with our 8 and 10 year old granddaughters.
The main dining was mixed, but much better than what I expected, based on my one previous experience with MSC. Some meals were very good, while others were just okay. This was probably more of an issue with the nightly menu offerings, than the actually quality of the food served. Important to point out that even when we got something we didn't really care for, our waiters were more than happy to bring us something else.
The buffet has plenty of options and the food quality was good, but given the size of the ship, does get busy during peak times. To help offset this, the ship offers a 2nd buffet on the deck above and crew directs you from one to the other depending on crowds. They also have this cool graphic on the screen to show you when to expect those peak times. Thought it was a great idea!
With grandkids in tow, we did not really experience the bars and nightlife. However, we did find a couple of lounges and bars that became favorites throughout the week. Probably #1 was Dolce Vita. Between the coffee drinks, virgin frozen drinks and all the trivia games, we usually spent a couple of hours there pretty much every day. Masters of the Sea Pub and The Gin Project were great places to sneak into during the day for a family game of Catan.
Entertainment onboard the ship was quite good. They actually have 2 primary areas for production shows, the Theater and the Panorama Lounge. Both venues have their own production casts and provide original, energetic shows. We attended all the shows and they were excellent. If you're into live music, you're in luck as you can find it all around the ship.
The outdoor spaces are all well-designed
and spread out. The main pools get crowded, but they offer multiple pools, including an area for adults only, so not impossible to find a seat in the sun. On sea days, the water slides and family zones were constantly busy, but it just adds to the lively environment. Finding a quieter spot takes a little exploring, but they’re there.
Service onboard was outstanding. Every crew member we encountered was very friendly and willing to do whatever they could to ensure we were having a great vacation.
The MSC for Me app did the job, though it’s not as intuitive as apps on other lines. Just set your expectations accordingly.
So, who will love MSC World America? Travelers who enjoy a big, modern ship with lots to do. This would include families, groups and anyone looking for a solid value. Who might not? Guests who prefer a quieter atmosphere, more elevated included dining, or a premium-line feel without upgrading to Yacht Club.
Would we sail MSC World America again? Absolutely, especially if we're sailing with grandkids. When you know all this ship offers, it can deliver a really fun, high-value vacation.
Thinking about MSC World America, or trying to decide between cruise options? I’m always happy to help you find the right fit!
Click here to schedule your complimentary personal consultation.