MSC World America
The Cruise Ship Exceeded Expectations and Set the Bar High for Cruising
Having been on ten cruises before sailing on MSC World America, I thought I knew what to expect: long lines to board, crowds at the buffet, and the daily Olympic event known as “finding a lounge chair by the pool.”
I was ready for it all.
Then MSC World America surprised me.
Not just a little. It surprised me a lot.
From the smooth boarding process in Miami to the food, entertainment, service, private island, and those quiet cups of coffee at sunrise, this ship exceeded my expectations in ways I honestly did not expect.
MSC’s Cruise Port in Miami
Our Uber ride from our hotel in South Beach, though only a few miles, took almost 45 minutes. I assumed this would be a precursor to the wait to get checked in and clear security.
But I was wrong.
The MSC Cruise Port is new and modern. I’m not even sure there was a scuff on the floor yet. We were checked in, through security, and on board in a matter of minutes! MSC has figured out the boarding process.
To read about our 36 hour stay in South Beach before the cruise, click here.
The Ship’s Aesthetics
Could the MSC World America live up to the cruise line’s investment in promoting the ship? Drew Barrymore and Orlando Bloom can’t be inexpensive spokespeople.
As a new ship, you would expect it to be beautiful, and it was. However, the ship lacked the MSC-signature Swarovski crystal staircases in the general areas, which really surprised me. I have been on a number of MSC cruise ships, and the crystal staircases made a stunning backdrop for photographs—especially on Formal Night.
But honestly, that was the only thing lacking on the ship.
An Interior Balcony Room (does that sound like an oxymoron?)
We had an interior balcony room, meaning our balcony overlooked the various restaurants, bars, and shops in what I can best describe as a “neighborhood.”
We could see the ocean without having to deal with wind. It made a very peaceful setting when sitting on the balcony. The light show within the neighborhood, especially at night, was spectacular.
Listening from our balcony to the gentleman playing the steel drum as the sun set put me in the Caribbean state of mind!
The room was comfortable, well-designed, and surprisingly spacious for a cruise cabin.
And our Room Steward was never seen but our room was always made and spotless.
Dining Options
The buffet and main dining room ranged from very good to excellent, and I had several dishes in the main dining room that were genuinely fabulous. If your budget allows, the specialty restaurants are worth adding for one or two nights.
We tried Butcher’s Cut, Paxos, and Eataly, and each added something special to the trip. If I had to choose just one, it’s Butcher’s Cut by a slim margin.
Hola! was an outstanding and economical lunch option, and I may or may not have abandoned the family once for a little a la carte sushi.
The buffet had lines, but the way they have structured the layout and flow of the buffet, I actually had very few complaints. People will always cut. Take a deep breath and let it go.
Onboard Entertainment
I find the onboard entertainment to be excellent on MSC compared to the other cruise lines. MSC limits the length of the shows to roughly 45 minutes, which allows you time to explore other offerings on the ship. Granted, it’s nothing compared to NCL’s Jersey Boys in production value, but it’s also not nearly two hours of sitting in a theatre.
There is always one show that unexpectedly moves me. Sometimes it is a vocalist, other times a dancer.
The Rock Show never disappoints.
Bars and Lounges
There were plenty of options when you wanted a cold beer or your libation of choice. My favorites were The Gin Project, Elixir, and Masters of the Seas. Unlike the bars around the pool where it can sometimes be a challenge to get the bartender’s attention, these bars were less crowded.
I tend to find a few bars that I like and return. One of these days I will attempt to try every bar on the ship, but until then, I find joy in the familiar. My moment to be Norm from Cheers.
Onboard Activities
The pool was lively! And for the first time on a Caribbean cruise, we had no problems finding lounge chairs on the pool deck! Bar service was incredible. In the past, waiters were few and far between. On this cruise, I don’t think I finished a drink before the waiter returned asking if I’d like another.
The casino drew the same cast of characters each night at the blackjack and other card tables. Surprisingly, some of the dealers remembered us from other MSC cruise ships. I’m not sure if it is a good thing to be remembered there or not—what does that say about me?
And the more I walked around the ship, the more I discovered unexpected gems.
There were plenty of games, live music, demonstrations, etc. throughout the ship, day and night! I thought I was good at trivia until my wife and I played in the main atrium. By the way, I still think my answer was correct…
Beyond the Ship Itself
I could go on and on about the ship and the number of pools and bars, a review of the food at the restaurants, or describe each of the evening shows. But that has been covered in the dozens of YouTube videos and blog posts on the ship.
I’ll summarize it for you…the ship is spectacular, the food is amazing, and the entertainment fits my taste (and attention span).
But what are the two things I believe make the MSC World America—and MSC as a cruise line—special?
The Attention to the Customer Experience
Consistently, MSC team members go above and beyond to please the passengers.
Two experiences on the MSC World America were prime examples of this.
First, we were at the Elixir bar. My wife wanted a drink, but the liqueur needed for the drink was not carried at that bar. The waitress found that only one bar on the ship stocked the liqueur. She took it upon herself to run to that bar to get a bottle so that my wife could have the drink she wanted. We didn’t even know that she did that for us until she returned, bottle in hand!
The other example was while I was in line at the buffet at breakfast. I was staring at a buffet station, trying to figure out what the item was and how it was supposed to be prepared. It was Congee. I have never heard of Congee before. The young cook behind the counter asked if she could help me. I asked a couple of questions. Rather than giving me a quick answer, she came from behind the counter and explained what everything was.
These seem like insignificant things, but they really aren’t. It’s a culture they are building. One that I appreciate.
Premium Options at an Affordable Price
We have been on several different cruise lines, and I have liked them all. But this has come at a much higher price.
MSC provides an incredible experience, whether or not you upgrade a drink package, select specialty dining, or do an excursion on shore. The base rate for accommodations is the best I consistently find when shopping for a cruise.
The MSC World America, which I compare to Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas (a mega-ship I previously sailed), is roughly half the price for a 7-night cruise. If your budget allows, that price difference can pay for upgrades and excursions.
MSC’s Ocean Cay (Private Island)
My favorite part of sailing with MSC is their private island.
Unlike the private islands of other cruise lines, MSC Ocean Cay is a very chill experience. You won’t find a loud, party environment. Instead, you will find a spacious island to enjoy the sun, beach, and ocean. You can find your own private space to relax.
I enjoy snorkeling in the lagoon or sunbathing on a floating mat. The lagoon is home to a couple of lemon sharks. The lifeguard told me they are named Salt and Pepper, and yes, they are harmless.
I’ve climbed the lighthouse with my granddaughters, played with a hermit crab I found under a palm tree, and feasted on lobster rolls from the food truck.
At night, the lighthouse erupts into a wonderful light show!
Ocean Cay is my tropical happy place.
The Cruise Ports
We had two stops other than Ocean Cay, Puerto Plata and San Juan.
This was our first time in the Dominican Republic. Puerto Plata was a very cute port city with a street painted in pink and another with umbrellas as cover. An ancient fort gave us a glimpse of history.
Not far from the fort, we found a kid selling empanadas for $1 each! Oh, these hidden gems!
We visited a monkey sanctuary near the cruise port. This turned out to be one of the highlights of the day and the cruise for me.
Having been to San Juan a few times in the past, we opted to do something different. We took the ferry from San Juan to Cataño.
What’s in Cataño? We didn’t know.
We paid the $3.50 roundtrip fare for all of us! As a senior citizen, it only cost me $.50 roundtrip for the ferry!
What did we find in Cataño? Colorful piers and a couple unique looking buildings. We walked and walked—and found nothing. That failure was on me. What I thought would be a unique adventure turned into a nothing-burger.
We returned on the ferry with a storm chasing us across the bay.
Quickly, we found the restaurant we enjoyed years ago. Thankfully, it was still there. We waited out the storm while I enjoyed Mofongo and some rum concoction.
My MSC Simple Pleasures
There are three things on MSC that I find pure enjoyment.
First, their New York-style pizza is to die for. As soon as we board the ship, our first stop is at the buffet for pizza. Then, throughout the cruise, usually about 3:00 pm and again around 11:00 pm, I find myself back at the buffet for a slice or two.
Second, the gelato is the best outside of Italy. There is an extra charge for it, but I will gladly pay a few bucks for the pistachio gelato.
Lastly, MSC has the best coffee. When cruising, I tend to get up early and quietly escape the room. I will go to the buffet, pour a couple of cups of coffee, and sit outside at the back of the ship. The sun rises as I take my first few sips from the dark blue mugs. It is so peaceful. I tend to jot down notes from the cruise and thoughts of gratitude while I indulge in the second mug.
By the end of the cruise, you realize you’ve greeted the same early risers each morning with a smile and a warm “good morning”.
My Final Verdict on the MSC World America
I cannot wait to sail on MSC World America again. Even after a full week aboard, I came home, watched a few YouTube videos, and realized we may have experienced less than a third of what the ship offers.
This is the mark of a great cruise ship. It doesn’t leave you feeling like you checked every box. It leaves you wanting to go back.
MSC World America exceeded my expectations. MSC Ocean Cay remains my tropical happy place. And MSC, once again, reminded me why it has become one of my favorite cruise lines.
