MSC World America: Things to Know Before You Sail
Back in January, I wrote that cruising is more affordable than most people think, and that MSC’s newest ships would rival anything Royal Caribbean has on the water.
Since then, the question I keep getting is: “OK, but what is it like? And what am I paying for?”
The Short Answer?
MSC World America is a large, family-friendly cruise ship that entered service in April 2025 and sails seven-night Caribbean itineraries from Miami. Your fare includes your cabin, meals in the main dining rooms and buffet, basic drinks, shows, pools and kids’ clubs. Alcohol, pop, specialty restaurants, Wi-Fi, gratuities and a few of the headline attractions cost extra unless you book a package that includes them.
The Longer Answer
Ten things to know about MSC World America before you book, or before you board.
It’s Big (and Built Like a Small City)
There’s no way around this one. MSC World America has 22 decks and more than 2,600 cabins.
To keep it from feeling like a floating mall, the ship is divided into seven “districts”. Each has its own mood: a family zone, a pool deck, a quiet area at the back of the ship, a promenade, and so on.
If a big ship intimidates you, within a day or two, you will find the lay of the land, and its much less intimidating. One of the perks? You will never have nothing to do. You can find your favourite places and make them your hang-out spot.
Who will love it: families, multi-generation groups, and anyone who likes having 20 things to choose from after dinner.
Who might not: if your dream cruise is a small ship and a quiet book, this isn’t it. (Unless you book the Yacht Club. See number 8.)
It Sails From Miami
The ship is based in Miami and sails week-long Eastern and Western Caribbean routes.
For those of us in Ontario, that means a flight of about three hours from Toronto. My advice for a winter sailing is always the same: fly down the day before. January weather at Pearson has no respect for your cruise departure time, and unfortunately the ship won’t wait.
What's Included in Your Fare
MSC offers three main booking experiences: Bella, Fantastica and Aurea. All include your accommodation, meals in the main restaurants and buffet, standard entertainment, pools and gym access.
Bella: The best-value starting point, with MSC assigning your cabin.
Fantastica: Adds the ability to choose your cabin and location, request your preferred dinner sitting, and enjoy continental breakfast delivered to your cabin at no extra charge.
Aurea: Adds flexible My Choice dining in a dedicated restaurant or area, priority boarding, access to the spa’s thermal area and exclusive sun deck, plus a welcome package of Prosecco and chocolates.
I personally love the Aurea upgrade for the flexibility and relaxation it adds with daily access to the incredible thermal spa on board. Being able to dine around your plans, unwind in the thermal area and enjoy a quieter sun deck makes the holiday feel that little bit more special. This isn't for everybody, so I encourage you to book whatever suites your budget...you will still have a great time!
What Costs Extra
This is where people get caught, so here is the honest list:
Alcohol, pop, bottled water and specialty coffee, unless you have a drink package
Specialty restaurants. Eataly (Italian), Paxos (Greek) and Kaito (teppanyaki) are the well-known ones
Wi-Fi
Gratuities. MSC adds a daily service charge per person to your onboard account
Some attractions. The over-the-water swing, the bumper cars and the racing simulator each have a small charge
Shore excursions/ Spa
None of this is unusual for a big cruise line. The good thing? You can add the Premium drink package, and Wi-fi at the time of booking, often at a reduced cost.
Is the Drink Package Worth it?
If you’re having a couple of drinks a day, even up to five, it may be better value to pay as you go, depending on what you order. If you’re happy with the included water, regular coffee and tea, that may be enough.
But if you like a cappuccino at breakfast, a couple of beers by the pool and wine with your meals, without keeping a running tally, go for the package. Sometimes the value is simply being able to relax and order what you enjoy.
On our Adiventus group sailing in January, the premium drink package and Wi-Fi for one device are included in the group price. One less thing to think about.
Ocean Cay is Something to Talk About
Ocean Cay is MSC’s private island in the Bahamas, about 65 miles from Miami.
It has such an amazing story (You can find the making of this on YouTube!). It used to be an industrial sand extraction site. MSC cleaned it up and turned it into a 64-square-mile marine reserve.
What to know:
The ship docks right at the pier. You walk off. No tender boats.
There are eight beaches. The ones farthest from the ship are the quietest.
Food on the island is included and available at varius buffets and food trucks.
Snorkel gear, water sports and cabanas cost extra.
Ships often stay into the evening, and there is a lighthouse light show after dark.
The best part? You don't need to splurge on anything to enjoy this special day!
The Fun Stuff
For a ship this size, I expected a lot...and it did not disappoint!
An outdoor family area with a ropes course and playground
An 11-deck dry slide
A swing that carries you out over the side of the ship (I loved this and did it about 10 times!)
A Formula One VR racer
Waterslides, including one with virtual reality
Bumper cars and roller skating
A comedy club, dueling pianos and karaoke
Weekly white dress party is a highlight!
Some of these things cost extra, but you can pre-purchase a fun pass ahead of time for a great price. A little goes a long way here.
And then there’s the speakeasy… but that’s a secret. Ask your favourite bartender if they can get you an invite. I won’t spoil the surprise, but it was AMAZING—and one of my favourite experiences on board.
The Yacht Club is a Ship Within a Ship
The MSC Yacht Club is a private area at the top of the ship with its own keycard access, restaurant, lounge, pool and sundeck. It comes with butler service, priority boarding, drinks and Wi-Fi included, and a private beach at Ocean Cay.
It costs considerably more. What you get is a small, quiet, all-inclusive ship, with all the entertainment of the big one a short elevator ride away.
It’s worth a look for a milestone trip, or for the grandparents on a family sailing who’d like somewhere calm to retreat to.
There are Quiet Corners
Even without the Yacht Club, you can find some peace.
The Zen Area at the back of the ship is set aside for sunbathing and ocean views. There is also a covered pool, which is the place to be on a windy sea day.
One tip from people who have sailed: the main pools open later in the morning and close earlier in the evening than you might expect. Check the daily schedule on your first day.
A Few Things Canadians Should Know
Bring your passport, valid until at least 6 months past your return date.
Onboard prices are in U.S. dollars. Everything is charged to your cabin account.
Buy travel insurance when you book, not the week before. Winter flights and cruise departures are a risky combination.
Book specialty dining and excursions before you sail. The popular times go first.
Pack a light sweater. Ships are air-conditioned with enthusiasm. If packing light is your struggle too, I feel your pain. I wrote about my travel capsule wardrobe challenge.
Where Our January 2027 Sailing Goes
Our group sails from Miami on January 30, 2027, and returns February 6.
Day | Port |
January 30 | Miami, Florida |
January 31 | At sea |
February 1 | Roatán, Honduras |
February 2 | Costa Maya, Mexico |
February 3 | Cozumel, Mexico |
February 4 | At sea |
February 5 | Ocean Cay, Bahamas |
February 6 | Miami, Florida |
Roatán sits on one of the largest barrier reefs in the world, so it’s the snorkelling day. Costa Maya is the jumping-off point for Mayan ruins. Cozumel is beaches and more snorkelling. And Ocean Cay comes last, which is exactly how I’d plan it.
Details and current pricing are on the MSC January 2027 page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is MSC World America a good ship?
For the right traveller, yes. It suits families, groups and anyone who likes a lively ship with plenty of dining and entertainment. It is new, having entered service in 2025. If you prefer a small, quiet ship, look at the Yacht Club or a different style of cruise.
What is complimentary on MSC World America?
Your cabin, meals in the main dining rooms and buffet, casual food such as pizza and burgers, basic drinks (water, iced tea, lemonade, drip coffee, tea and some juices), theatre shows, pools, waterslides and kids’ clubs. Lunch at Ocean Cay is also included.
Do I need a drink package on MSC?
Only if you’ll use it. Pop, bottled water, specialty coffee and alcohol are not included in a standard fare. If you would order several of those each day, a package usually costs less than paying as you go.
Do you need a passport for a Caribbean cruise from Miami?
Yes. Canadians flying to the United States need a valid passport, and you will need it to board the ship and at ports of call.
Is it cheaper to book an MSC cruise through a travel agent?
The cruise fare is usually the same. A group booking through an agency can include extras that you would otherwise pay for. On our January 2027 sailing, the drink package and Wi-Fi are part of the group price.
Booking through a travel agent is always reccomended for the best service and best knowledge about the cruise. They do the work, and you enjoy yourself!
Is This the Ship for You?
If you want a small ship and silence, probably not.
If you want one trip that keeps a seven-year-old, a seventeen-year-old and a seventy-year-old happy, with your costs known before you leave home? This is a very good choice.
Thinking about joining us in January, or wondering which ship suits you? Send me a note or drop a question in the comments 😉
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