MSC World America

World Galleria and World Promenade: Like MSC's Meraviglia-Class ships, its World-Class ships have a spectacular indoor Galleria. Here, the World Galleria is 374 feet long and features three levels and a vibrant LED dome that displays everything from artistic renderings of the U.S. flag to serene sea creatures in an ocean of blue. It's also home to atmospheric bars (see below) and specialty dining venues (at an additional cost) that include Butcher's Cut steakhouse, Kaito Sushi Bar & Teppanyaki, Hola Tacos & Cantina, and the only Eataly at sea. In addition, World-Class ships boast an open-air aft World Promenade where guests can enjoy LED light shows and several bars and eateries that have both indoor and outdoor dining. These include the new Greek-themed Paxos, the Coffee Emporium, All-Stars Sports Bar, and Sweet Temptations for crepes, pastries, candy, and gelato. 

The Multiple Pools: The six pools onboard MSC World America each have a different vibe. Pools include the buzzy Mar Azul Pool that has a live DJ, the serene indoor Botanic Garden Pool, and the adults-only aft Zen Pools. The Lighthouse Playground on deck 20 has a shallow splash pool for toddlers, and the thermal area (enjoyed with an extra-cost day pass) within the Aurea Spa features a large jetted pool with a refreshing waterfall feature.

Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve: This 95-acre Bahamian island is the perfect spot to enjoy a relaxing beach day — just don't expect waterslides, ziplines, or pools with swim-up bars. Like its name implies, Ocean Cay is designated as a marine reserve and MSC is actively rebuilding coral reefs around the island via its new Marine Conservation Center. That said, the island hosts a lively beach party where everyone wears white and the island's lighthouse puts on a brilliant LED show. 

The Bar Scene: MSC World America has 18 bars and lounges to choose from. Guests wanting a Gin and Tonic can head to The Gin Project and choose from 50 different craft gins, 15 tonics, and a selection of herbs and botanicals. Just a deck below and connected by a spiral staircase is Masters of the Sea Pub, which features a microbrewery and a range of beers on tap (including three brewed onboard). The Fizz Champagne Bar serves bubbly by the glass or bottle, while Elixir Mixology Bar concocts bespoke cocktails. Dolce Vita Bar, located on deck 6 in the Galleria, is a popular gathering spot and serves a bit of everything.

Eco-Friendliness: MSC World America is the Italian-owned, Geneva, Switzerland-based cruise line's third ship to be powered by LNG (Liquified Natural Gas), which will facilitate MSC's plan to be 100% carbon neutral by 2050.

European Ambience: MSC's Italian heritage — the cruise line was founded in 1988 by the Aponte family after about two decades in the cargo shipping business — translates to a European-tinged onboard experience: The onboard coffee and gelato are superb, dinner service is deliberately slower-paced, and the guest mix includes far more Europeans than on most U.S.-operated cruise lines.

Kid-Friendly Activities and Amenities: MSC World America features the cruise line's largest-ever Doremiland kids' club (ages six months to 11), tween (12-14) and teen (15-17) hangout spaces, and several arcade areas and Formula One race car simulators. On decks 19 and 20, the new Family Aventura District includes The Harbour, which is home to both the aforementioned hangout spaces as well as thrills in the form of Cliffhanger (a swing ride), Jaw Drop (an 11-deck corkscrew dry slide), Harbour Aquapark (which has four waterslides), Sportsplex (featuring court games and bumper cars), Adventure Sky Trail (a ropes course), and a LEGO Family Zone (MSC has a partnership with the Danish toy brand). The Luna Park Arena on decks 5 and 6 will host a LEGO Game Show in which guests can compete in timed challenges.

MSC Yacht Club: This exclusive ship-within-a-ship enclave that offers elevated suite accommodations and amenities is the largest in the MSC fleet. It accommodates 152  butler-serviced suites ranging from a 269-square-foot Deluxe Suite to a 1,119-square-foot Owner's Suite with a private whirlpool. Amenities include the private MSC Yacht Club restaurant, the panoramic Top Sail Lounge, an exclusive sun deck and pool, access to the Aurea Spa's thermal suite, and a private beach club on Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve. Guests who book MSC Yacht Club enjoy exclusivity while also having access to the dining and entertainment around the rest of the ship.

All Constellations of Groups and Families: MSC World America offers 20 different cabin types to match all budgets and group sizes, from solo cabins and affordable interior ones to Balcony rooms that sleep up to four and the Premium Aurea Suites that sleep five and include a bunk bed.

Grown-Ups Looking For Nightlife: MSC World America offers plenty of adults-only spaces, including 10 venues with live music, a sizeable casino, fun theme parties, and late-night bars that keep the party going until the wee hours. The 8,180-square-foot MSC Gym by Technogym and the 12-plus thermal experiences in the Aurea Spa can help guests sweat out their after-hours indulgences.

Main Dining Rooms Have Rigid Seatings: MSC has tweaked its menus and improved the variety of its complimentary dining venues to better suit the U.S. market. However, unlike several competing mainstream cruise lines that offer flexible dining times and open seating in at least one of their main dining rooms, MSC has stuck with early (5 p.m.) or late (8 p.m.) seating times and assigned tables in each of its four main dining rooms. These are noted on guests' keycards,, and those who show up late may be denied seating, with the only other complimentary dining options being the Il Mercato Buffet or the casual Pizza & Burger eatery.

While Cruise Fares are Low, Extras Add Up Quickly: MSC has always offered great-value base cruise fares — starting at less than $100 per person per night — but extra costs for beverages, specialty dining, service charges, arcade games, and even coffee and gelato will all end up on guests' onboard account and can add up pretty quickly.