MSC World America

The 2025-built MSC World America cruise ship is the second in a 4-unit “MSC WORLD Class” series of passenger liners designed and constructed for MSC Cruises. The first vessel, MSC World Europa, was launched in December 2021 and inaugurated in December 2022. The two optional vessels (ordered in 2022) will be launched in 2026 (MSC World Asia) and 2027 (MSC World Atlantic).

The vessel (IMO number 9837432) is currently Malta-flagged (MMSI 249193000) and registered in Valletta.

History – construction and ownership

MSC Cruises (MSC Crociere) is a passenger shipping company headquartered in Genoa and Naples. Established in 1960, MSC Crociere is a subsidiary of MSC (Mediterranean Shipping Company), the world’s second-largest containership operator. MSC Crociere is also the largest privately owned cruise company in the world.

By annual passenger volumes, MSC ranks as the third-largest cruise shipowner, following Carnival Corporation and RCG–Royal Caribbean Group.

As of 2021, MSC is the largest passenger shipping company in Europe. By 2026, MSC is projected to become the world’s third-largest cruise company (surpassing NCLH in combined berth capacity) with a 29-ship fleet, including 15 newbuilds (2017–2027) and a record USD 13-billion shipbuilding program.

MSC Cruises WORLD-Class liners

On April 6, 2017, during the MSC Meraviglia delivery ceremony at STX France Shipyard (Saint-Nazaire), MSC signed a shipbuilding MoU with STX France for two new vessels (World Class) at a total cost of ~EUR 4.5 billion (~USD 4.8B). The ceremony was attended by Emmanuel Macron (President of France), Bruno Le Maire (Minister of Economy), Pierfrancesco Vago (MSC’s Chairman), and Laurent Castaing (STX France’s CEO).

The contract for the first WORLD-Class ship (World Europa) was officially signed on May 31, 2017.

The order for two optional ships (3rd and 4th units) was announced in January 2020, making MSC the largest customer of Chantiers de l’Atlantique, with a total of 21 ships built there.

The 3rd and 4th vessels (World Asia and World Atlantic) were officially ordered on November 13, 2023.

An option also exists for a 5th ship from the same class.

WORLD Class vessels have a maximum passenger capacity of 6774 (5079 lower berths). Construction cost per ship is EUR 1.125 billion (USD 1.255B). Built by Chantiers de l’Atlantique (formerly STX France), each vessel has a gross tonnage of 215,863 GT, LOA 333 m (1093 ft), waterline beam 41 m (135 ft) / max beam 54 m (177 ft), height 75 m (245 ft), and a draft of 9.2 m (31 ft).

When first unveiled by MSC in April 2016, the design concept envisioned a 205,000-GT ship with 2760 staterooms and a maximum capacity of 6850 passengers—then the world’s largest by passenger capacity. By gross tonnage, MSC’s World Class ranks among the world’s largest cruise ships.

Early renderings and videos suggested an OASIS-Class-style interior with a long, wraparound Promenade lined with dining and bar venues (Aurea Restaurant, Raj Polo Tea House, Gin Bar, Zest Juice Bar, Elixir Mixology Bar, Fizz Champagne Bar, Malt Lounge & Smoker’s Bar, Emporium Coffee House), Promenade-view cabins, and an aft family pool deck.

The Lido Deck is covered by a retractable glass roof with solar panels and features a large resort-style pool, six Jacuzzis (four cantilevered), a kids’ Aquapark with a pool and three waterslides (aft, near the funnels), and an adults-only aft Sundeck with two pools. Forward is the MSC Yacht Club with its own private Sundeck, pool, and Spa pool.

Districts / themed zones

MSC World America has seven themed districts, each offering unique ambiances, amenities, and activities.

FAMILY AVENTURA

The FAMILY AVENTURA district is designed for families and children, anchored by The Harbor—an outdoor park with a high ropes course and numerous attractions. Highlights include the Cliffhanger Swing, an over-water ride located starboard-aft on Deck 20. Its four seats (two 2-seat swings) are lifted outward over the ship’s edge, propelling riders 50 m (164 ft) above the sea.

The Cliffhanger Swing provides panoramic views and a thrilling sensation of flying above open water.

AQUA DECK

The AQUA DECK district delivers the classic pool-deck experience with two large pools, expansive sunbathing areas, daytime wellness offerings, and nighttime entertainment.

ZEN AREA

Located aft, the adults-only ZEN AREA offers twin pools, sweeping wake views, and a tranquil retreat for relaxation.

GALLERIA

The GALLERIA district is a lively midship hub filled with dining venues, shops, boutiques, and entertainment spaces.

Onboard retail options include:

• “Luxury at Sea” – pre-owned accessories (Hermes, Chanel, Dior, Louis Vuitton)
• “Bulova Pop-Up Shop” – Bulova watches and jewelry
• “Sif Jakobs Lab-Grown Diamonds” – certified 14k gold and lab-grown diamond jewelry
• “TimeVallee” – luxury timepieces (Cartier, Chopard, Hublot, IWC, Panerai, Tag Heuer, Baume & Mercier)
• “Omega Shop” – Omega collections
• “World of Jewels” – multi-brand jewelry boutique
• “Effy Jewellery Store” – fine jewelry from Effy
• Shopping Gallery – 364 m² retail area
• MSC Shop – MSC Cruises and MSC World America branded merchandise

Guests can enjoy live music at Dolce Vita Bar and treats at Jean Philippe Chocolat & Café.

THE TERRACES

THE TERRACES district offers adult-focused dining and entertainment, including nine restaurants and bars, retail outlets, and a comedy club.

Guests can explore global cuisine, watch live performances, and participate in karaoke and DJ-hosted events.

PROMENADE

The PROMENADE is an open-air space featuring an 11-story-high dry slide and sweeping sea views. Guests can enjoy scheduled activities, premium coffee at the Emporium Bar, and the oceanfront ambiance.

MSC YACHT CLUB

The MSC YACHT CLUB district delivers MSC’s signature ship-within-a-ship experience, offering luxury, privacy, and 24/7 butler service. Amenities include priority embarkation/disembarkation, exclusive dining, a private lounge, and an expanded two-deck sundeck with panoramic views.

Highlights include:

• A redesigned two-deck sundeck with dining/bar areas on the lower level and a whirlpool and pool on the upper level
• Two new Owner Suites (YC4) with walk-in closets, full-size bathtubs, separate living/dining areas, and two large terraces with Jacuzzis
• Two-deck Duplex Suites with two terraces, a jacuzzi on the lower deck, and an upper-deck bedroom
• Dedicated spa treatment rooms and unlimited access to the Thermal Area

The MSC Yacht Club complex includes 152 suites, a Sports Bar, a Comedy Club, and six specialty restaurants.

The ship offers extensive public spaces, including 40,000+ m² (430,000+ ft²) of public areas, 15,000 m² (161,000 ft²) of outdoor deck space, 3440 m² (37,000 ft²) of main pool deck area, seven pools, 13 Jacuzzis, 760+ m² (8200 ft²) of children’s facilities (LEGO & Chicco-designed), multiple bars and lounges, 19 dining venues (six specialty), and 21 bars and lounges. Major themed areas include the Zen District, Family District, the Aquapark (the fleet’s largest), and a teens-exclusive Sundeck.

The dining lineup includes three buffets (Luna Park Pizza, Il Mercato, La Brasserie) and six specialty restaurants such as Kaito Teppanyaki & Sushi Bar, HOLA! Tacos & Cantina, Eataly, La Piazzetta, Butcher’s Cut, and Jean-Philippe Maury Chocolaterie. Additional casual venues include Paxos on the Go, Promenade Bites, The Harbour Bar & Bites, La Boca Grill, and Luna Park Pizza & Burger.

MSC World America features a striking arrow-shaped G-bow and a Y-shaped stern opening onto the World Promenade. The 7-deck-high World Promenade spans 104 m (341 ft) and transitions into the 300 m² (3200 ft²) World Galleria, partially covered by a kinetic dome with a LED ceiling displaying UHD images and videos. The Promenade ends at “The Spiral” (The Venom Drop)—a stainless-steel dry slide spanning 11 decks (76 m / 250 ft), connecting Deck 22 to Deck 8.

The main show lounge is The World Theatre (1153 seats), offering nightly productions, daily enrichment activities, and entertainment. Additional attractions include bumper cars, a roller disco, Cinema/Luna Park Arena (300-seat multipurpose venue), and the Botanic Garden Pool (under a retractable glass roof).

Entertainment programming includes:

• Concert-style shows at Luna Park Arena
• Five grand-scale productions at The World Theatre (Eko, Amelia Earhart, Cadmo The Landwalker, Yellow Submarine, A Night on Broadway)
• Four themed experiences in Panorama Lounge with interactive floors and LED screens
• Surprise “Earth and Ocean” live exhibits performed throughout the ship
• The Sundowner DJ Party (poolside holographic event)

Kids venues

MSC World America features the line’s largest children’s area—766 m² (8245 ft²) with seven dedicated venues for toddlers through teens (0–17 years). All facilities are complimentary and supervised by certified staff.

Venues include Baby Club (6–36 months), Mini Club and Junior Club (3–11 years), and Young Club and Teen Club (12–17 years).

New fleet-first facilities include:

• LEGO Celebration Room
• TEENS LAB (21 gaming consoles, 7 VR stations, 50+ games)
• 3,2,1 KNOCK (Asian-style family game show)
• BEAT THE MUSIC (music-guessing app-based family competition)
• Z ACTIVE (football, basketball, pickleball, zorb balls, hoverboards)
• DRONE ACADEMY 2.0 (VR-based drone race with 15 obstacles)
• CABIN 12006 – THE EXPERIENCE (Nickelodeon-themed activities)
• MSC DANCE CREW (teens’ dance competition)

Fleet-first family activities include LEGO Parade, LEGO Family Aventura, LEGO Family Game Show, Boxes Family Game Show, Doremix Family Disco, Star Shooters, Luna Park VR experiences, Doremiland (largest playground in the fleet), and The Harbor family zone.

The Harbour (family activity zone)

Located aft on Decks 21–22, The Harbour offers family-themed activities and complimentary dining options. Its design supports day-to-night transitions, with live music for adults and high-energy attractions for children.

The Harbour Aquapark includes slides, a splash pool, and a VR-enhanced raft slide.

The Jaw Drop at The Spiral is one of the longest dry slides at sea, descending 11 decks through the World Promenade.

The Rock-Climbing Wall features challenging routes for children.

The 2-level High Trail Ropes Course covers 577 m² (6210 ft²) and includes Sky Rails (zip lines).

The Harbour Lighthouse playground is modeled after the Ocean Cay lighthouse and features a slide and play stations.

The Harbour Bar & Bites offers complimentary grab-and-go food.

The Family Dwelling Area offers shaded seating and relaxation.

The Cliffhanger over-water swing lifts riders beyond the ship’s edge.

Together with Doremiland and the Sportsplex, The Harbour forms the Family Aventura District.

New venues (fleet firsts)

The Harbor (Deck 20) is a new outdoor “family complex” with an aquapark, High Trail Ropes Course, Zip-Line, sensory playgrounds, and the Harbour Lighthouse. Relaxation areas offer shaded seating and top-deck sea views. Food trucks serve snacks and beverages throughout the day.

World America also introduces a new Sports Bar and a new Comedy Club (names TBD).

Additional new venues introduced with MSC World Europa include:

• Chef’s Garden Kitchen (microgreens-based menu, hydroponic garden, by Michelin-star chef Niklas Ekstedt)
• La Pescaderia (seafood grill with alfresco dining)
• Luna Park Pizza & Burger (buffet, family games, American comfort food)
• Butcher’s Cut (American steakhouse)
• Kaito Teppanyaki & Sushi Bar (Asian specialty)
• Hola! Tacos & Cantina (Latin American street food)
• Masters of the Sea Pub (British-style gastropub with onboard microbrewery)
• Coffee Emporium (specialty coffees, MSC Lavazza blend)
• Raj Polo Tea House (Indian-inspired tea venue)
• The Gin Project (70+ craft gins)
• Elixir Mixology Bar (cocktail bar with outdoor terrace)
• Zest Juice Bar, Malt Lounge & Bar, Sweet Temptations (gelato & desserts)

The main complimentary dining venues are four MDRs (Bubbles, La Foglia, Esagono, Hexagon) and three buffets (Il Mercato, La Brasserie, Luna Park Pizza & Burger). Les Dunes Restaurant is exclusive to Aurea passengers.

All-Stars Sports Bar (Promenade District) offers alfresco seating, large HDTVs, darts, digital shuffleboard, and foosball.

The Loft (Terraces District) is an adults-only comedy club hosting nightly stand-up acts, dueling pianos, and karaoke.

Introduced on the MSC Seascape, the ROBOTRON ride features a robotic arm with a 3-seat gondola that rotates and flips 53 m (174 ft) above sea level.

Decks and cabins

MSC World America staterooms (2614 total, 19 categories) include 159 suites, and ~65% of all accommodations feature step-out balconies. The vessel offers 65 ADA/wheelchair-accessible cabins (33 Inside, 24 Balcony, 8 Junior Suites).

Seven cabin categories are new to the MSC brand.

Promenade-view cabins overlook the Lower Promenade.

MSC Yacht Club Duplex Suites have two decks, large terraces with Jacuzzis, and alfresco dining areas.

AUREA Suites also include balcony Jacuzzis.

Infinite Oceanview cabins feature French Balconies (down-sliding window opening to a glass balustrade).

The ship has 22 decks, 16 of which are accessible to passengers, with cabins on 12 decks.

Decks are named after major port cities in the Caribbean, South America, the USA, and Canada: Cozumel (5), Nassau (6), Santos (7), Miami (8), Seattle (9), Port Canaveral (10), Halifax (11), Los Angeles (12), Montevideo (14), Rio de Janeiro (15), Fort-de-France (16), Buenos Aires (18), New York (19), Ocean Cay (20), San Juan (21), Ocho Rios (22).

Itineraries

MSC World America’s itinerary program was announced on March 30, 2023, when bookings for World America’s inaugural 2025 voyages (April–October) were opened. Like the sistership World Europa, World America is USA-based and homeported in Miami, Florida.

From PortMiami, the ship operates two 7-day roundtrip itineraries: Eastern Caribbean (visiting Puerto Plata, Dominicana, San Juan, Puerto Rico, and Ocean Cay, Bahamas) and Western Caribbean (calling at Costa Maya and Cozumel, Coxen Hole, Isla Roatan, plus Ocean Cay). Both routes can be combined into 14-day B2B/back-to-back cruises.

The Maiden Voyage departed Miami on April 12, 2025 (Eastern Caribbean itinerary).

The vessel (STX France, Chantiers de l’Atlantique yard/hull number X34) has a volume of 215,863 GT, a deadweight (DWT) of 18,000 tons, and a maximum draught of 9.2 m. The powerplant consists of five Wartsila marine diesel engines (model 14V46DF) with a combined output of 80 MW (107,280 hp). Propulsion is provided by two aft 5-blade propellers and seven azimuth thrusters (4 bow + 2 stern) with a combined output of 44 MW (59,000 hp). The registered shipowner is COMPANIA NAVIERA WORLD 2 SA, while the registered manager is MSC CROCIERE SPA.

The vessel’s construction (hull/yard number X34) officially began with the steel-cutting ceremony on October 24, 2022, at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique Shipyard (STX France) in St Nazaire. During this event, Pierfrancesco Vago (MSC Cruises’ Executive Chairman) officially announced the newbuild’s name—“MSC World America.”

Physical construction and assembly commenced on May 31, 2023, with the keel-laying/coin ceremony at Chantiers de l’Atlantique, attended by Henri Doyer (MSC’s Program Director) and Ruben Rodriguez (President of MSC Cruises USA). The ceremony’s godmothers were Silvia Turbia (MSC’s Head of Corporate Events) and Severine Blandin (STX France’s Newbuild Project Manager).

The LNG tanks were installed on November 7, 2023.

The vessel was launched/floated out from drydock in May 2024. Initial sea trials in the Bay of Biscay (December 12–14) were conducted by several hundred personnel monitoring machinery and system performance.

The ship’s first Master is Captain Dino Sagani.

Final sea trials (Bay of Biscay) were completed on February 13–15, 2025. The vessel was officially delivered on March 27 and departed Saint-Nazaire for a transatlantic crossing to Miami. On the same day (Mar 27), MSC and Chantiers de l’Atlantique celebrated a triple milestone—the delivery of MSC World America, the keel-laying of MSC World Asia (2026), and the steel-cutting of MSC World Atlantic (2027). Attendees included Pierfrancesco Vago (Executive Chairman of MSC Group’s Cruise Division), Captain Gianluigi Aponte (Founder and MSC Group Chairman), Laurent Castaing (General Manager of Chantiers de l’Atlantique), Marc Ferracci (France’s Minister for Industry and Energy), MSC’s newbuild team, and shipyard personnel.

Unlike many MSC ships, MSC World America’s godmother is not Sophia Loren but Drew Blythe Barrymore (born 1975, USA). The christening ceremony took place at PortMiami on April 9, followed by the Maiden Voyage (inaugural Caribbean cruise) on April 12.

Inaugural itineraries (2025)

MSC opened bookings for World America’s 2025 cruises (April 12–October 25) on March 30, 2023. The inaugural season, similar to that of World Europa, is based on Caribbean itineraries with homeporting in the USA (roundtrips from PortMiami, Florida).

Below are the ship’s two 7-day itineraries, with prices in USD per person (double occupancy).

(MAIDEN VOYAGE) 7-day “Eastern Caribbean” itinerary — from US$500 pp

(Inaugural) 7-day “Western Caribbean” itinerary — from US$550 pp

The following table shows the B2B/back-to-back 14-day itinerary that combines both cruises (Eastern + Western itineraries).

Godspeed!

MSC WORLD ship technology

In mid-January 2020, MSC and Chantiers de l’Atlantique unveiled the PACBOAT R&D project, focused on integrating Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC) technology into LNG-powered cruise ships. PACBOAT processes LNG to generate electricity via fuel cells.

• PACBOAT project partners include France’s CEA (Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission), ADEME (Environment and Energy Management Agency), ENTREPOSE Group (product design and manufacturing), BUREAU VERITAS SA (marine certification), CHANTIERS DE L’ATLANTIQUE (shipbuilder/integrator/coordinator), and MSC CRUISES (shipowner, part of MSC Group).
• SOFCs operate at very high temperatures (~750°C / 1382°F) and are ~60% more efficient than Hydrogen-based PEM fuel cells. LNG-fueled SOFCs reduce greenhouse gas emissions by ~30% compared to standard Wartsila dual-fuel engines.
• In 2022, MSC’s SOFC program expanded with partners GE (General Electric), Lloyd’s Register (LR), and Ceres. GE developed a multi-megawatt (up to 10 MW) SOFC concept capable of replacing traditional diesel generators.

Key “MSC World Class” features include a new-generation LNG powerplant, advanced wastewater treatment systems, innovative marine architecture with a Y-shaped superstructure (enhancing views and increasing balcony cabin numbers), and a G-bow hull (90-degree vertical bow) improving stability, hydrodynamics, and fuel efficiency.

In January 2020, Wartsila was contracted to supply engines, fuel systems, and propulsion equipment for both MSC World ships (2022 and 2024). Each vessel is fitted with 5× Wartsila 46DF engines (dual-fuel, 14-cylinder, with NOₓ reduction units), 2× Wartsila LNGPac systems (fuel storage and supply), 7× Wartsila thrusters (4 bow, 2 stern), and 2× Wartsila 5-blade fixed-pitch propellers. Machinery deliveries were scheduled for mid-2020 (World Europa) and mid-2022 (World America).

This ship class is the industry’s first to adopt LNG-powered SOFC technology capable of generating all onboard electrical and thermal power without conventional combustion—reducing greenhouse gas emissions by ~30% compared to traditional LNG-powered vessels.

• SOFCs produce electricity through the electrochemical oxidation of LNG.
• Benefits include fuel flexibility, low emissions, high efficiency, long-term stability, and favorable operating costs.
• High operating temperatures (500–1000°C) eliminate the need for platinum catalysts and resistance to CO poisoning.
• SOFCs are commonly used in stationary power generation (up to 2 MW units). Their heat recovery potential makes them ideal for marine applications.

MSC World America is equipped with two LNG-powered SOFCs (Bloom Energy), each rated at 75 kW (total 150 kW). While in port, the Bloom Energy Server achieves ~60% efficiency and ~30% CO reduction without methane slippage.

MSC WORLD-class vessels are also equipped with the BIO-SEA B02-0300 ballast water treatment system (BIO-UV Group), combining mechanical filtration with UV disinfection. The system is chemical-free and compliant with IMO treatment standards (300 m³/h flow rate).

In January 2021, STX France contracted ALMACO to supply and install the vessels’ laundry and catering equipment. The catering zones (~5000 m² / 53,820 ft²) include 12 galleys and 58 pantries. ALMACO also fitted 46 provision stores (~2150 m² / 23,140 ft²). The Girbau-supplied laundry systems are integrated with the ship’s wastewater-recycling plant.

MSC’s ZOE

On February 1, 2019, MSC revealed its in-cabin digital assistant ZOE. Developed by Harman International (Samsung Electronics subsidiary), ZOE represents the cruise industry’s first voice-enabled stateroom assistant.

• ZOE is available in all staterooms and supports voice-activated assistance via advanced speech recognition.
• ZOE speaks seven languages, answers cruise-related questions, provides onboard service information, and handles reservations/bookings.
• The device features far-field microphones, a high-quality speaker, a quad-core processor, Bluetooth phone connectivity, and an upgradable knowledge base.
• Passenger data (itinerary preferences, tour selections) is securely stored in the cloud for reuse on future voyages.

The device (~15 cm tall) can be activated at any time. Guests must sign a waiver approving personal data storage.

Debuting with MSC Bellissima (2019), ZOE is being introduced across all MSC newbuilds and progressively rolled out fleetwide.