In April 2025, Jill and I embarked on two unforgettable three-night cruises, both marking historic inaugural sailings. Our first adventure was aboard MSC World America, followed by NCL Aqua. Each ship showcased its unique charm and promised exhilarating experiences at sea—promises they effortlessly fulfilled.
Between cruises, we made the most of our day in vibrant Miami, where we strolled through a captivating sculptural garden and explored an intriguing science museum.
Click HERE to read a short introduction to our fun-filled week.
This story highlights my experiences aboard MSC World America, where modern elegance blended with cutting-edge innovation.
Between cruises, we made the most of our day in vibrant Miami, where we strolled through a captivating sculptural garden and explored an intriguing science museum.
Click HERE to read a short introduction to our fun-filled week.
This story highlights my experiences aboard MSC World America, where modern elegance blended with cutting-edge innovation.
Jill and me aboard MSC World America
Miami, Florida (April 9 – 12, 2025) MSC hosted a star-studded christening ceremony for its newest ship, World America. Although I was aboard, I missed the moment when actor and entrepreneur Drew Barrymore, serving as godmother, cut the ribbon, sending a bottle of champagne crashing against its hull. My luggage, lost somewhere within the ship, had yet to be delivered to my stateroom—so mingling among the dressed-to-impress guests in shorts, T-shirt, and flip-flops didn't seem appropriate. What a bummer!
(For the record, my luggage finally showed up at 7:30. I quickly showered, dressed, and joined Jill for dinner at 8. All’s well that ends well, right?!)
(For the record, my luggage finally showed up at 7:30. I quickly showered, dressed, and joined Jill for dinner at 8. All’s well that ends well, right?!)
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But the celebration was far from over. That evening, Gloria Estefan, one of the most successful Latin crossover artists in music history, electrified the crowd with her signature Miami sound. She launched into Dr. Beat, powered into Conga, and delivered hit after hit.
And the best part? I WAS THERE! Well, I was there, but the real magic was Gloria Estefan with her energetic presence. The audience thought so, too, as they greeted her performance with cheers and applause. |
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Last year, I sailed on World Europa—the first ship in MSC’s World Class fleet, a new generation of cruise ships with a futuristic design, LNG-powered engines, and innovative onboard experiences. It was an unforgettable experience, especially since I stayed in the Yacht Club, an exclusive, luxury retreat within MSC’s larger ships, offering personalized services, private venues, and VIP perks.
World America—the second of four ships in the World Class fleet—was designed specifically for the North American market, with entertainment and amenities tailored to U.S. guests. One example was the All-Star Sports Bar, which features interactive darts, digital shuffleboard, and foosball, along with classic sports bar food like wings and sliders.
World America—the second of four ships in the World Class fleet—was designed specifically for the North American market, with entertainment and amenities tailored to U.S. guests. One example was the All-Star Sports Bar, which features interactive darts, digital shuffleboard, and foosball, along with classic sports bar food like wings and sliders.
World America at Great Stirrup Cay, The Bahamas
Yet, for the most part, World America was strikingly similar to World Europa. In fact, it was déjà vu all over again, and I felt as if I was reliving my previous sailing—except, of course, for the Yacht Club experience.
World America is a mega cruise ship—at 216,000 gross tons, it can accommodate nearly 6,800 passengers across 16 passenger decks. And like its sister, World America was designed to deliver grand experiences on the open seas—with seven unique districts, each tailored for different activities. World America was a destination in its own right.
With so much to do on board, I thought, I never have to leave this ship to have a great time.
I explored each district—spending more time in some than in others—and what I found was this: there’s something for everyone aboard World America. Perhaps one day you’ll do the same, but until then, I’ll share these few—my favorites—with you.
World America is a mega cruise ship—at 216,000 gross tons, it can accommodate nearly 6,800 passengers across 16 passenger decks. And like its sister, World America was designed to deliver grand experiences on the open seas—with seven unique districts, each tailored for different activities. World America was a destination in its own right.
With so much to do on board, I thought, I never have to leave this ship to have a great time.
I explored each district—spending more time in some than in others—and what I found was this: there’s something for everyone aboard World America. Perhaps one day you’ll do the same, but until then, I’ll share these few—my favorites—with you.
World Galleria
The World Galleria stands as the heart of the ship—a stunning, multi-level entertainment hub brimming with lounges, specialty restaurants, shops, and more. It was designed to feel elegant and upscale—and I can say, without a doubt, it was!
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One of the most memorable features was the expansive LED dome, which blended artistry with cutting edge technology. The captivating light shows, like ‘Old Glory,’ transformed the space, as waves of red, white, and blue rippled across the ceiling as if stirred by a gentle breeze. These displays brought a touch of magic to this indoor promenade.
One evening, while Jill joined a group of industry colleagues—fellow journalists—I hung out at The Gin Project, a bar tailored to gin enthusiasts who appreciate upscale cocktails and unique flavors. As part of MSC’s commitment to tailoring World America to the American market, The Gin Project featured an impressive selection of small-batch gins (50) and handcrafted tonics (15) sourced from the U.S. and around the world.
“What’ll you have?” asked the friendly cocktail server.
Knowling little about gin or tonic, I simply replied, “Surprise me.”
Soon, he returned with a drink crafted by the bartender—a delightful mix of BUSS N°509 Elderflower gin from Belgium and Fever-Tree Mediterranean tonic from the United Kingdom, finished with a slice of orange. The result? A refreshing and flavorful masterpiece that tickled my taste buds and left them calling for more!
From my previous experience aboard World Europa, which had nearly 6,800 guests, I expected the galleria to be lively, and at times, overwhelming (a polite way of saying, “crowded and noisy”)—particularly during peak hours when guests gathered for drinks, dinner, and entertainment. Yet, on this christening cruise with fewer than 3,200 guests, World Galleria had an entirely different atmosphere—it was refreshingly relaxed and almost tranquil, making it the ideal place to explore and unwind, even for a seasoned cruiser like me who gravitates to quieter, more serene spaces.
One evening, while Jill joined a group of industry colleagues—fellow journalists—I hung out at The Gin Project, a bar tailored to gin enthusiasts who appreciate upscale cocktails and unique flavors. As part of MSC’s commitment to tailoring World America to the American market, The Gin Project featured an impressive selection of small-batch gins (50) and handcrafted tonics (15) sourced from the U.S. and around the world.
“What’ll you have?” asked the friendly cocktail server.
Knowling little about gin or tonic, I simply replied, “Surprise me.”
Soon, he returned with a drink crafted by the bartender—a delightful mix of BUSS N°509 Elderflower gin from Belgium and Fever-Tree Mediterranean tonic from the United Kingdom, finished with a slice of orange. The result? A refreshing and flavorful masterpiece that tickled my taste buds and left them calling for more!
From my previous experience aboard World Europa, which had nearly 6,800 guests, I expected the galleria to be lively, and at times, overwhelming (a polite way of saying, “crowded and noisy”)—particularly during peak hours when guests gathered for drinks, dinner, and entertainment. Yet, on this christening cruise with fewer than 3,200 guests, World Galleria had an entirely different atmosphere—it was refreshingly relaxed and almost tranquil, making it the ideal place to explore and unwind, even for a seasoned cruiser like me who gravitates to quieter, more serene spaces.
World Promenade
The naval architects gave World America a distinctive plumb bow—a vertical bow rising straight from the waterline, with a sleek and streamlined appearance. (I snapped the photo on the right below from the cruise terminal before I boarded, which explains the reflection in the image.) And within this design, they created a striking Y-shaped aft—an open-air space that offered expansive views of the ocean.
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While at sea, I liked nothing more than standing at the very back of the World Promenade, where I gazed at the mesmerizing wake of the ship. For me, this was one of the most peaceful experiences a cruise could offer.
As one of the seven unique districts aboard World America, the promenade delivered an array of specialty shops and dining options. It was also a lively venue for pop-up events by day and stunning light shows at night.
On a side note, if you’re wondering about the vertical helix in the left-hand photo above—it’s the Jaw Drop @ The Spiral, an exhilarating slide that drops eleven decks from top to bottom. I’ll readily admit, I didn’t quite have the stomach to take the plunge.
My favorite spot in the promenade was undoubtedly the Coffee Emporium—visible at the bottom right-hand corner in the left-hand photo above—a charming coffee bar serving a variety of brews from around the world. It quickly became my go-to destination for the perfect cup of freshly brewed coffee.
As one of the seven unique districts aboard World America, the promenade delivered an array of specialty shops and dining options. It was also a lively venue for pop-up events by day and stunning light shows at night.
On a side note, if you’re wondering about the vertical helix in the left-hand photo above—it’s the Jaw Drop @ The Spiral, an exhilarating slide that drops eleven decks from top to bottom. I’ll readily admit, I didn’t quite have the stomach to take the plunge.
My favorite spot in the promenade was undoubtedly the Coffee Emporium—visible at the bottom right-hand corner in the left-hand photo above—a charming coffee bar serving a variety of brews from around the world. It quickly became my go-to destination for the perfect cup of freshly brewed coffee.
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One unforgettable afternoon, I watched an acrobatic troupe perform on the promenade. They displayed breathtaking feats of strength, flexibility, and coordination, with synchronized movements, daring stunts, and innovative choreography set to music. The most memorable moment featured two women perched atop a saddle on a mechanized contraption, their long, flowing dresses swaying gracefully, as they moved to and fro high above the deck.
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The World Promenade quickly became my go-to hangout aboard the ship, delivering new surprises and treasured moments with every visit.
Family Aventura
The Family Aventura district, located on the upper decks of the ship, was designed as a spirited hub of fun and adventure for kids (and kids at heart) of all ages. This area featured Lego building rooms, expansive play zones, exhilarating water activities, a daring high ropes course, and a charming lighthouse-themed playground that features a slide and interactive play stations.
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But the centerpiece attraction was Cliffhanger—a swing that lifts passengers an impressive 160 feet above the ocean. Some hailed it as the most thrilling ride at sea, while others called it the most stomach-turning. For me, it was a bit of both when I decided to give it a try with Jill.
“Are you brave enough to ride it?” Jill teased on our first day aboard World America. “I’m game if you are,” I replied, masking the butterflies in my stomach. |
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We stood by for a while, watching as others soared through the air—their laughter and smiles suggesting they were thoroughly enjoying themselves. This bolstered my confidence as Jill and I stepped up for our turn. We eased into our seat, as the attendant lowered a sturdy T-shaped bar across our laps.
At first, Cliffhanger seemed harmless enough as we gently swung back and forth, out and over the water. But then, the swing gained speed, sending us higher and further over the edge of the ship. The thrill was undeniable—but so was the nausea. I’m pleased to report that I managed to hold it together, avoiding what could have been an unfortunate (and embarrassing) episode. Thankfully, we were still docked, so I didn’t have to contend with rolling ocean waves, which surely would have made matters worse. The ride, though intense, was mercifully brief—perhaps two to three minutes. Later, I chatted with a few fellow guests who boasted, like triumphant heroes, about the number of times they braved Cliffhanger. For me, it was strictly a one and done experience. Still, I was glad I accepted Jill’s challenge—if for no other reason than to have this amusing anecdote to pass along! |
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World Theatre
The World Theatre is not part of any district. Instead, it stands on its own as a state-of-the-art venue with a sophisticated, modern design, plush seating, and world-class entertainment—a rotating lineup of performances, ranging from concert-style shows to full-scale theatre productions.
On our final evening aboard World America, Jill and I experienced Queen Symphonic, a spectacular tribute to the legendary band Queen. The production seamlessly blended a dynamic live performance—singers, dancers, and musicians—with the grandeur of a 36-piece orchestra, specially recorded for this show and projected on a massive screen behind the stage.
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The show culminated with the song everyone had been waiting for—one of the most iconic rock anthems ever created, We Are the Champions. The melody soared as the singers delivered the powerful lyrics—the energy in the theater was nothing short of euphoric as the audience sang along and waved their arms.
It was a brilliant performance—one that is difficult to capture in a few paragraphs or a handful of photos. So, trust me when I say it was one of the most dynamic shows I’ve ever witnessed aboard a cruise ship—and one you shouldn't miss if you have the opportunity to see it!
And there you have it—the highlights of my three unforgettable days aboard MSC’s newest mega cruise ship, World America. It was an experience to remember!