MSC World America Frequently Asked Questions

• MSC Cruises

When Does MSC World America Launch?

MSC World America is set to make its highly anticipated debut in North America in April 2025. The official naming ceremony for this new flagship will take place in Miami on April 9, 2025. This significant event marks the beginning of MSC World America's journey, and it is an important milestone for MSC Cruises as they expand their presence in the North American market.

Prior to its launch, the construction of MSC World America has been progressing steadily. The physical construction of the ship began with a steel-cutting ceremony on October 24, 2022, at Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France. The keel-laying ceremony followed on May 31, 2023, and the ship was floated out from the drydock in May 2024. The initial sea trials were conducted in the Bay of Biscay from December 12-14, 2023, to ensure the ship's machinery and systems were functioning optimally.

How Big is MSC World America?

MSC World America is an imposing vessel, boasting impressive dimensions that ensure a spacious and comfortable experience for its passengers. Here are some key measurements:

The ship measures 332.8 meters (1,092 feet) in length, 47.2 meters (154 feet) in width, and stands at a height of 68 meters (223 feet). Its draft is 9.15 meters, indicating its depth in the water.

In terms of gross tonnage, MSC World America has a significant volume of 215,863 tons, reflecting its massive size and capacity. This tonnage, combined with its draft, highlights the ship's substantial presence in the water.

The ship is designed to offer ample public and outdoor spaces, enhancing the passenger experience. It features 15,000 square meters (161,000 square feet) of dedicated outdoor space and an impressive 420,000 square meters of public space. This includes the World Promenade, a unique Y-shaped aft area that provides breathtaking ocean views, dining, entertainment, and lounging facilities. The indoor World Galleria is another notable feature, lined with restaurants, shops, and state-of-the-art LED and kinetic light ceilings.

These expansive spaces ensure that passengers have a wide range of activities and areas to enjoy, making their cruise experience both memorable and comfortable.

When Was MSC World America Built?

The construction of MSC World America has been a meticulous and well-planned process. Here is an overview of the key milestones in its construction timeline:

The physical construction of MSC World America began with a steel-cutting ceremony held on October 24, 2022, at Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France. This ceremony marked the official start of the ship's build process and was attended by key figures including Pierfrancesco Vago, MSC Cruises' Executive Chairman, who also announced the ship's name during the event.

The keel-laying ceremony, another significant step in the construction process, took place on May 31, 2023. This ceremony was attended by Henri Doyer, MSC's Program Director, and Ruben Rodriguez, MSC Cruises USA's President, among others. The godmothers of the ceremony 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, marking another crucial phase in the ship's build. The vessel was then launched and floated out from the drydock in May 2024. The initial sea trials were conducted from December 12-14, 2023, in the Bay of Biscay, to test the ship's machinery and systems.

MSC World America is scheduled to be completed and ready for its launch in April 2025. The christening ceremony is set to take place on April 9, 2025, at PortMiami's new MSC Terminal, marking the official completion of the construction process and the ship's entry into service.

Where Was MSC World America Built?

MSC World America was built at the renowned Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard, located in Saint-Nazaire, France. This prestigious shipyard, also known as STX France, has a long history of constructing some of the world's most advanced and luxurious cruise ships.

The construction of MSC World America officially began with a steel-cutting ceremony held on October 24, 2022, marking the start of the physical build process. The keel-laying ceremony followed on May 31, 2023, and the ship was later floated out from the drydock in May 2024. These milestones highlight the meticulous and well-coordinated efforts at Chantiers de l’Atlantique in bringing this magnificent vessel to life.

The expertise and facilities at Chantiers de l’Atlantique have been instrumental in ensuring that MSC World America meets the highest standards of quality, design, and functionality, reflecting the shipyard's reputation for excellence in shipbuilding.

What Are MSC World America Itineraries?

MSC World America is set to embark on an exciting inaugural season, offering a range of captivating itineraries that cater to the diverse tastes of its passengers. Here’s a glimpse into the destinations and ports of call for its maiden voyages.

Inaugural Season Destinations

The ship will be based in Miami, Florida, and will operate in the Caribbean region. This strategic homeporting allows for easy access to a variety of Caribbean destinations, ensuring a memorable and relaxing cruise experience for all on board.

Caribbean Itineraries and Ports of Call

MSC World America will offer two primary 7-day itineraries: the Eastern Caribbean and the Western Caribbean. The Eastern Caribbean itinerary includes stops at Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic, San Juan, Puerto Rico, and MSC Ocean Cay, Bahamas, which is a private island exclusive to MSC Cruises passengers. This itinerary provides a blend of cultural experiences, historical sites, and pristine beaches.

The Western Caribbean itinerary features stops at Costa Maya, Mexico, Coxen Hole, Roatan Island, Honduras, Cozumel, Mexico, and again, MSC Ocean Cay, Bahamas. This route offers a mix of ancient Mayan ruins, vibrant Mexican culture, and the serene beauty of the Caribbean islands.

Duration of Cruises

Both itineraries are designed as 7-day round-trip cruises from Miami, offering a week-long getaway that combines relaxation, exploration, and entertainment. For those seeking a longer cruise experience, these itineraries can be combined into 14-day back-to-back cruises, allowing passengers to explore both the Eastern and Western Caribbean in a single trip.

These itineraries are carefully crafted to provide a unique and enriching experience, ensuring that every guest can enjoy a memorable voyage aboard MSC World America.

How Many Decks Are on the MSC World America?

MSC World America is a multi-deck cruise ship, designed to offer a vast array of amenities and experiences across its various levels. Here’s a breakdown of the deck structure:

Total Number of Decks

The MSC World America boasts an impressive 22 decks, each carefully designed to provide a unique set of experiences and facilities for its passengers. This extensive deck layout ensures there is ample space for a wide range of activities, dining, entertainment, and relaxation.

Decks with Passenger Cabins

Passenger cabins on MSC World America are spread across several decks. Specifically, the balcony cabins are located on decks 9 to 16, offering stunning ocean views and comfortable living spaces. The suite rooms are also distributed across these decks, providing luxurious accommodations with spacious balconies and premium amenities.

Specialized Decks and Areas

MSC World America features several specialized decks and areas designed to enhance the onboard experience. The World Promenade, a distinctive Y-shaped aft area, spans seven decks and offers breathtaking ocean views, dining, entertainment, and lounging facilities. This promenade is lined with stunning LED light shows, adding to its allure.

The World Galleria is another notable area, an indoor space that continues from the World Promenade and is lined with restaurants, shops, and boutiques. It features a kinetic dome ceiling with a LED screen that projects UHD images and videos throughout the day and night.

These specialized areas and decks contribute to a rich and varied onboard experience, ensuring that every guest can find something that suits their preferences and interests.

How Many Passengers Can MSC World America Accommodate?

Maximum Passenger Capacity

MSC World America is designed to accommodate a maximum of 6,762 passengers when fully occupied. This capacity, combined with its extensive facilities and amenities, ensures that the ship can provide a comfortable and enjoyable experience for all on board.

Typical Passenger Numbers

While the maximum capacity is 6,762 passengers, the typical passenger numbers can vary depending on the itinerary and the time of year. However, the ship is generally expected to operate with a passenger load that allows for a balanced and comfortable experience, ensuring that all amenities and services are accessible without overcrowding.

The ship also accommodates 2,138 crew members, who are dedicated to providing exceptional service and ensuring the smooth operation of the vessel. This crew-to-passenger ratio is designed to maintain high standards of service and comfort.

Space Ratio and Comfort

MSC World America boasts an impressive space ratio, which is a key factor in ensuring passenger comfort. With 420,000 square meters of public space and 15,000 square meters of dedicated outdoor space, the ship offers ample room for passengers to enjoy various activities, dine, relax, and explore without feeling crowded.

This thoughtful design and generous use of space contribute to a more relaxed and enjoyable cruise experience, allowing passengers to make the most of their time on board.

Conclusion: Exploring the Wonders of MSC World America

As we conclude our journey through the frequently asked questions about MSC World America, it's clear that this ship is poised to revolutionize the cruise experience in North America. With its launch scheduled for April 2025, MSC World America is set to make a significant impact in the Caribbean cruise market.

This magnificent vessel, measuring 332.8 meters in length, 47.2 meters in width, and 68 meters in height, is not just a ship but an immersive experience. Its 22 decks are meticulously designed to offer seven distinct onboard districts, each with its own unique atmosphere, facilities, and experiences. From the stunning World Promenade with its LED light shows to the indoor World Galleria with its kinetic dome ceiling, every aspect of MSC World America is crafted to provide an unforgettable holiday experience.

MSC World America’s itineraries, which include both Eastern and Western Caribbean routes, promise a rich and varied cruise experience. With stops at vibrant destinations like Puerto Plata, San Juan, Costa Maya, and the exclusive MSC Ocean Cay, passengers will have ample opportunities to explore, relax, and enjoy the beauty of the Caribbean.

The ship’s capacity to accommodate 6,762 passengers and 2,138 crew members ensures a high level of service and comfort. The thoughtful design and generous use of space, including 15,000 square meters of outdoor space and 420,000 square meters of public space, further enhance the passenger experience.

As MSC World America prepares to set sail, it embodies the perfect blend of European elegance and North American preferences, promising a unique and memorable experience for all who board. Whether you are looking for relaxation, adventure, or simply a chance to unwind in style, MSC World America has something for everyone.

As the launch date approaches, excitement is building, and it’s clear that MSC World America is more than just a ship – it’s a journey waiting to happen.