MSC World America, MSC Cruises’ newest flagship, has completed its deepwater system tests during a final sea trial in the Bay of Biscay (Atlantic Ocean).
This vessel, the 23rd in the MSC fleet, builds upon the established World-class platform with updated venues and tailored experiences designed for the U.S. market - merging European styling with American comfort. Notably, the ship is the first to incorporate seven distinct onboard districts that integrate bars, restaurants, entertainment, and leisure facilities to accommodate a variety of traveler preferences. The sea trials focused on verifying the performance of the engines, assessing maneuverability, measuring fuel consumption, and confirming the reliability of safety systems, speed, and stopping distances.
Following the trial, MSC World America will receive its final finishing touches at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in Saint Nazaire (France) with delivery scheduled for March 27th. The vessel will be officially named on April 9th at the new MSC Cruise Terminal in PortMiami, the largest cruise terminal in the world. Its maiden voyage is set to commence with a repositioning sail to Ocean Cay Bahamas, preceding its deployment throughout the Caribbean Sea.
Technical specifications for MSC World America are impressive: the 22-deck ship has a gross tonnage of 216,638, a length of 333.3 meters, and a beam of 47 meters. With capacity for 6,762 passengers and 2,138 crew, it features 2,614 cabins and provides 38,400+ square meters of public space. Onboard amenities include 18 bars and lounges, 19 dining venues - encompassing 4 main restaurants, two buffets, dedicated MSC Yacht Club venues, and six specialty restaurants. New dining concepts such as the Greek restaurant Paxos and the sole Eataly restaurant at sea are set to debut, alongside two new lounge concepts: the All-Stars Sports Bar, which simulates a game-day atmosphere with American fare and bar games, and The Loft, a versatile venue for comedy, karaoke, and more.
The inaugural season from Miami begins on April 12th, featuring alternating 7‑night Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries with stops at Puerto Plata (Dominican Republic), San Juan (Puerto Rico), Costa Maya and Cozumel (Mexico), Isla de Roatan (Honduras), and Ocean Cay.
From an environmental perspective, MSC World America is powered by LNG, facilitating a transition toward bio and synthetic renewable LNG fuels. The ship is equipped with shore power connectivity, allowing engines to be turned off while in port to reduce local emissions - a feature supported by the new MSC Cruise Terminal. Additionally, the vessel incorporates an advanced wastewater treatment plant and an integrated onboard recycling management system to minimize waste.
Looking ahead, MSC Cruises’ current order book includes the delivery of MSC World Asia in 2026 and a 4th World Class vessel slated for 2027.