The Vibe
The MSC World America commercials starring actors Orlando Bloom and Drew Barrymore emphasize how the ship offers American comfort with European style. And there is some truth to that, although to marginalize this description based on geographic virtues means missing out on universal attributes. From deck to deck or bow to aft, the megaship can go from festive to relaxing, casual to elegant, childish to grownup.
How I Felt
Invigored. The World America’s Galleria district (of which there are seven) greets guests with vivid lighting, mirrors and overhead light shows that, combined, make for a colorful introduction. The ship demands attention the minute you enter it.
The Digs
The ship offers 2,614 cabins that hold up to 6,764 guests, with 25 room and suite categories. My Deluxe Balcony stateroom was comfortable, quiet and roomy. I never once stubbed my toe during my stay, something I tend to do even back home in a larger dwelling. Those looking for opulence can find it at several MSC Yacht Club suites, some with hot tubs and up to a sizable 1,119 square feet.
The Agenda
As always, my goal is to see as much of a ship as possible, and the World America offers a plethora of activities, its districts catering to everyone from kids to shoppers to adults seeking solace.
The All-Stars Sports Bar, in the World Promenade district, embraces the American way of watching sports, with multiple big screens, chicken wings, beer, American sports team paraphernalia and staples like darts. More lowkey is the Masters of the Sea, the English-style pub where guests can enjoy a pint and watch a musical performance. It’s also where one can find the shipboard Oceanic Craft Brewery, which uses desalinated seawater for three of its beer selections.
Those seeking thrills are bound to find them on rides like the Cliffhanger, a one-of-a-kind, over-water swing that rocks guests back and forth toward the ocean that lies some 165 feet below. The Jaw Drop slide, another adrenaline-inducing activity, takes riders down a spiraling 11-deck plunge that ends in the World Promenade. Those looking for a wet glide can find it at the ship’s water park area that has four large waterslides.
At the World Theatre, standout live entertainment offerings include Dirty Dancing in Concert, which brings back ‘80s nostalgia with performances choreographed with movie highlights on a large screen. Another standout performance takes place at the Panorama Lounge, where Queen Symphonic weaves the iconic music of British band Queen with a live orchestra, while dancers and acrobats give it that extra dazzle.
The Eats
There are 19 dining venues, including six specialty and four main restaurants. Among my favorite specialty options were Butcher’s Cut American steakhouse, where I enjoyed a caviar-topped wagyu tartare appetizer followed by a hearty surf-and-turf main dish comprised of lobster over filet mignon. The Il Mercato Buffet (one of two buffet-type eateries) offered a rotating variety of ethnic eats, from Dal Indian lentil curry to Asian noodles, as well as standard fare and comfort food for diners of all ages.
Why I would Go Back
Besides the variety and quality of activities, the liveliness and the food offerings, price plays a role, starting at $795 per person for seven-night cruises. The MSC World America is currently departing from PortMiami and sailing to the eastern and western Caribbean for seven-to-15-night excursions.
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