MSC Cruises

Although both MSC and Royal Caribbean’s biggest cruise ships offer unique experiences and a variety of different activities onboard, one is definitely a better bang for your buck. 

I recently cruised on both MSC World America and Icon of the Seas, but I felt one of those ships gave me more for the price I paid.

In April 2025, I cruised on Icon of the Seas. About three months later, in July of 2025, I embarked on my first-ever MSC cruise aboard MSC World America. There were noticeable differences on each ship, but the main one was the price tag.

MSC Cruises has made a bold entry into the North American market, and they aren't slowing down anytime soon. 

Compared to other mainstream cruise lines, MSC fares tend to be more affordable, especially considering they allow guests to bundle popular add-ons like drink packages and Wi-Fi into their total price at the time of booking. 

MSC Cruises is perhaps one of the most controversial cruise lines at sea. Let's just say that its reputation when it comes to food is not the best. 

If you browse Reddit, you'll see warnings like, "MSC has the worst food of any cruise I've been on" and "I can assure you the buffet is horrible."

Although I had previously sailed with MSC Cruises in Europe, I wasn't sure how their newest ship would stack up, especially sailing from Miami, Florida, where American cruisers have different expectations for cruise dining than Europeans. 

MSC World America turned heads the moment she arrived in Miami. As the newest and snazziest ship in MSC Cruises' fleet, she's unlike any other vessel at sea. 

Recently, I sailed aboard MSC World America on a 7-night Caribbean cruise. It didn't take long to see why she's generating so much buzz. 

From the elegant World Galleria to the fast-casual dining, entertainment, activities, and more, MSC World America delivers a cruise experience that feels fresh yet familiar, particularly if you're used to sailing on Royal Caribbean's Oasis Class. 

For my 10th cruise, I sailed on a new-to-me cruise line: MSC Cruises. Having sailed on other lines such as Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Princess, Celebrity, and Disney, I was eager to see what sets MSC apart from its competitors, especially since it is a European-based company. 

Overall, I loved my time on the brand-new MSC World America. As the line's newest ship, it was packed with innovative features and new dining options. 

Guests sailing aboard MSC's newest ship shouldn't overlook the exclusive thermal suite. Featuring heated lounge chairs, a thalassotherapy pool, two saunas, a steam room, and more, it offers a relaxing escape from the ship’s crowded public spaces and amenities. 

I spent time in the Aurea Spa's thermal suite on my recent cruise on MSC World America and was surprised by how much I enjoyed it. Although it isn't included in MSC's standard cruise fare, the spa sanctuary can be easily justified — it isn't for everyone, though.

After getting a taste of the suite life on MSC Cruises' newest ship, I'm not sure I can go back to staying in standard cruise cabins.

The spacious stateroom, exclusive amenities, and elevated service made my sailing on MSC World America one of the most memorable yet. 

The next edition of the record-breaking Icon Class is on the horizon, just over one year after Royal Caribbean welcomed its largest cruise ship ever to its fleet. Star of the Seas will welcome paying passengers aboard on August 16, setting sail from Port Canaveral, Florida, to the Bahamas. 

Royal Caribbean and Carnival Cruise Line are two of the most well-known names in the cruise industry. However, MSC Cruises, a European line based in Geneva, Switzerland, has infiltrated the global market. 

MSC Cruises was founded in Naples, Italy, in 1988 as part of the Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), which has grown into the world’s largest container shipping business, operating a fleet of over 800 vessels.