MSC World America has finally arrived in, well, America! The newest cruise ship at sea sailed into Miami, Florida, on Monday, April 7, ahead of its 7-night inaugural voyage on the 12th.
At nearly 216,000 gross registered tons (GRT) with a passenger capacity of over 6,700, the mega-ship is one of the largest cruises ever built, trailing behind Royal Caribbean's Oasis and Icon Class. Currently, Icon of the Seas is the world's largest ship, measuring over 248,000 GRT.
She's packed from bow to stern with new dining venues and attractions, like the only over-water swing ride at sea, with a design that resembles Royal Caribbean's Oasis Class, which revolutionized the guest experience with its neighborhood design.
Read more: MSC Cruises Ships by Size
Though there isn't a Boardwalk or lush Central Park, MSC World America does have the Family Aventura zone, the Aqua Deck, the Terraces, the lively half-covered outdoor Promenade, the Galleria, the adults-only Zen Area, and the exclusive Yacht Club.
Onboard, guests can enjoy everything from a massive water park to a high ropes course, exclusive shopping, live music, a comedy club, tons of bars and restaurants, and an 11-deck dry slide.
Aside from the slew of amenities, what's appealing about MSC World America is the price point.
Whereas a 7-night cruise on an older Oasis Class ship, like Symphony of the Seas, out of Miami costs roughly $945 per person in Mar. 2026, a weeklong voyage on World America is more affordable, starting at around $795 for an inside cabin.
Voyages on Carnival Celebration, Carnival's newest ship sailing from Miami, start at $770 during the same month. However, Celebration is significantly smaller than World America, measuring just 183,000 GRT.
The price difference between Icon of the Seas and MSC World America is even more stark. A 7-night cruise in Mar. 2026 on the world's largest ship starts at over $1,700 per person for a standard interior cabin. Comparatively, a balcony on World America costs can be reserved for as little as $1,095.
Read more: MSC Cruises Guide
MSC World America sails from America's largest cruise terminal
MSC's four-story building can serve 36,000 passengers per day with two berths — and a third expected to be finished in 2028. The $450 million terminal measures nearly 500,000 square feet and has an amazing view of Biscayne Bay.
MSC World America is the second World Class ship to enter service. MSC World Europa hit the high seas in 2022. A third World Class ship, MSC World Asia, is scheduled to launch in 2026, followed by MSC World Atlantic from Port Canaveral, Florida, in 2027.
Compared to World Europa, roughly 30% of the ship's public areas are different on World America. The changes, including a brand-new sports bar and the first-ever Eataly at sea, were made to appeal to a North American market, whereas World Europa focuses on European tastes and preferences.
World America will sail exclusively from Miami, Florida, to the Eastern and Western Caribbean, calling at ports like Costa Maya, Mexico; San Juan, Puerto Rico; and the line's private island in the Bahamas: Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve.
Read more: I paid $740 for an inside cabin on the MSC World Europa
Elizabeth Wright
Elizabeth graduated from New York University's Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute with her M.A. in Journalism in May 2023. Growing up, she traveled frequently with her family and fell in love with cruising after sailing on the Oasis of the Seas during her freshman year of high school. Having sailed on nearly 30 cruises across different lines, including Royal Caribbean, Carnival, MSC, and Princess, she loves sharing her insight and expertise on all things cruising!
