MSC World America Completes First Year of Service

MSC World America Completes First Year of Service

The MSC World America recently completed its first year of service after entering service for MSC Cruises on April 12, 2025.

As part of the company’s World-class series, the vessel was built at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in St. Nazaire, France.

Along with its sister ship, the MSC World Europa, the 5,400-passenger ship debuted as the largest ship in MSC’s fleet.

With a series of tweaks aimed at the U.S. market, the MSC World America was designed for year-round service in the Caribbean.

After crossing the Atlantic with no guests onboard, the vessel made its official debut in Florida, following a christening ceremony at MSC’s new cruise terminal in PortMiami.

Actress Drew Barrymore served as the vessel’s godmother, cutting the ribbon that broke a celebratory bottle on the bow of the ship.

The MSC World America then kicked off a series of seven-night cruises to destinations in the Eastern Caribbean and the Bahamas.

For its maiden voyage, the LNG-powered ship sailed to Puerto Plata in the Dominican Republic and San Juan in Puerto Rico, as well as MSC’s private island destination of Ocean Cay.

As it enters its second year of service, the MSC World America will continue to offer weeklong cruises from its homeport of Miami.

In 2026, the vessel’s schedule includes itineraries to both the Western and Eastern Caribbean, visiting a range of destinations, such as Cozumel in Mexico and Roatán in Honduras.

MSC is now getting ready to add two additional World Class ships to its fleet in the near future, including the MSC World Asia.

While its name pays homage to Asia, the 208,500-ton vessel is set to offer year-round cruises in the Western Mediterranean starting in December 2026.

In late 2027, the company is welcoming the MSC World Atlantic, which will sail from Port Canaveral to the Caribbean and the Bahamas.

MSC Cruises orders a pair of World-class ships

MSC Cruises orders a pair of World-class ships

MSC Cruises and Chantiers de l’Atlantique have announced orders for two additional LNG World-class ships – numbers 7 and 8 – valued at US$4Bn

The announcement was made at a double celebration event to mark maritime milestones for two other LNG World-class ships currently under construction at Chantiers de l’Atlantique’s shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France: the float-out of MSC World Asia and the coin ceremony of MSC World Atlantic.

MSC Group executive chairman, cruise division Pierfrancesco Vago said, “We mark a proud moment today for MSC Cruises and Chantiers de l’Atlantique as we celebrate important milestones for our future – the float out of MSC World Asia, the coin ceremony of MSC World Atlantic and the order of two new ships.

“The World-class platform is a symbol of our vision to set new standards for the future of cruising. These are some of the most energy-efficient ships in the world, and we continue our commitment to LNG, ensuring we are ready for future renewable fuels. We look forward to continuing with our innovative and successful collaboration with Chantiers de L’Atlantique – our long-term partner for more than 20 years.”

Chantiers de l’Atlantique general manager Laurent Castaing added, “We are deeply grateful to MSC Cruises for their renewed confidence. What our shipyard is achieving today is truly exceptional – four new ships ordered in 2025. The World-class series, now totalling eight vessels, is a testament to our teams’ expertise and to MSC’s vision. It exemplifies our shared commitment to elevating the passenger experience while advancing environmental performance.”

MSC Cruises’ World class consists of MSC World Europa (2022), MSC World America (2025), MSC World Asia (2026), and MSC World Atlantic (2027), with the yet-to-be-named World-class 5, 6, 7 and 8 ships to follow by 2031.

The two new orders will be subject to access to financing, as per industry practice.

MSC Reveals New Venues for World Asia

MSC Reveals New Venues for World Asia

MSC Cruises today unveiled details of new and redesigned entertainment venues for MSC World Asia, which will start sailing in the Mediterranean in December 2026.

Among the highlights, the Clubhouse will be a new venue designed for families to enjoy classic table games, bumper cars, basketball, roller skating and the ship’s Lego family zone.

The two-deck Luna Park, which is also featured on sister World Class ships the MSC World Europa and MSC World America, will have a new design for a new bar, interactive game shows, parties, LED displays and themed events. The main arena will have immersive digital displays, ceiling projections and dynamic lighting and sound to host daily youth activities.

The venue is also MSC World Asia’s main nightlife venue, featuring live DJ sets and party experiences, the company said.

The Harbour has been redesigned with an Asian theme, and the expansive outdoor park will feature Cliffhanger, an over-water swing ride sending guests over 50 meters above the ocean, making MSC World Asia the only ship in Europe to offer the attraction.

The Harbour will also be home to the longest dry slide at sea, beginning from a new Asian pagoda. The Tree of Life @The Spiral will transport guests 81.3 meters down 12 decks in just a matter of seconds.  Families can also explore a thrilling high ropes course, waterslides, a dedicated children’s playground and complimentary food at The Harbour Bar & Bites.

In addition, the MSC World Asia will also feature the Panorama Lounge with its backdrop of panoramic ocean views.  The venue during the day hosts dance classes and acoustic performances, with cocktail hours and cabaret-style entertainment in the evenings and live music at night.

The MSC World Asia’s open-air boardwalk, the World Promenade, will be an open-air space located at the heart of the ship, where dining, lounges, Sports Bar and entertainment options are paired with ocean views.

The MSC World Asia during winter 2026-27, will sail seven-night itineraries to Barcelona, Marseille, Genoa, Civitavecchia, Messina, and Valletta with embarkation available in every port.  In summer 2027, the ship will operate seven-night voyages to Barcelona, Marseille, Genoa, Naples, Messina, and Valletta.