As a record-breaking 21.7 million Americans set sail on ocean cruises in 2026, cruise lines respond with more than a dozen new ships launched in 2025 and 2026. The MSC World America offers all the attractions of a mega ship with an affordable ship-within-a-ship experience that rivals the much smaller luxury cruise lines.
Launched in April 2025, the second in MSC’s World Class line, the World America was tailored specifically for the North American market. It sails from its homeport in Miami, Florida, to the Eastern and Western Caribbean. Ports of call include Roatan, Honduras; Costa Maya, Mexico; San Juan, Puerto Rico; and the Ocean Cay Marine Reserve, MSC’s private island in the Bahamas.
As described by AAA Newsroom, AAA forecasted an 8.4% year-over-year increase in cruising from 2024 to 2025 and a 4.5 increase from 2025 to 2025 among U.S. travelers. This represents the fourth consecutive year of record numbers. The article also states that mega ships are increasing in popularity, especially in the Caribbean.
On the MSC World America
Designed with seven themed districts that include restaurants, entertainment venues and family attractions, MSC offers something that will appeal to each of the 6,700 guests on board. Families with children are guaranteed to have fun in The Family Aventura area with its water slides and in the technology-driven Doremiland. For sun and water lovers, the Aqua Deck has pools and hot tubs, and includes the adults-only Zen Area.
The World Galleria and the surrounding terraces are the ship’s design-forward indoor gathering spaces. Specialty dining, uniquely themed bars and multiple performance venues make this a popular evening destination.
In contrast, the World Promenade is a boardwalk-style outdoor space with more dining, bars and activities. The MSC World America Yacht Club will attract guests who want the option to enjoy this varied menu of attractions but also want a more secluded shipboard experience.
The Yacht Club experience
Spanning the front of decks 15-22, the dedicated Yacht Club is a premium space offering privacy and personalized service for those willing to pay a slightly higher price tag. Hosting about 300 guests, the Yacht Club models a high-end small-ship environment at a much lower cost.
The core of the Yacht Club experience centers on exclusivity combined with five-star service. The VIP treatment starts and ends with priority embarkation and disembarkation, guided by the Yacht Club staff. Once on board, guests enter the Yacht Club spaces via a dedicated key card to ensure a selective environment.
Throughout the week, Yacht Club guests benefit from the attentive service of a personal butler. Dressed in the traditional butler’s tails and white gloves, the men and women in these roles are personable, attentive and focused on providing the best possible hospitality experience.
Complementing the butler service is a 24-hour concierge desk, always available to answer questions and facilitate guests’ requests. Dinner reservations, spa services or booking curated excursions are just a few of the tasks the team performs with a gracious smile.
The Yacht Club public spaces
Public spaces exclusive to Yacht Club guests abound both inside and out. With massive forward-facing windows, the large Top Sail Lounge is a pleasant gathering spot for drinks, afternoon tea or listening to an evening musical performance. It is also the perfect spot to watch a sunset.
There are no long lines, and reservations are not necessary at the dedicated Yacht Club Restaurant, where an elevated à la carte menu is available for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Alternatively, the Yacht Club Grill serves a more casual, al fresco option for breakfast and lunch.
Located at the very top of the ship with breathtaking ocean views, the private sundeck has a pool, a large whirlpool and more than enough lounge chairs for those looking to relax in the open air. The staff is equally attentive, bringing guests their preferred beverages throughout the day.
Yacht Club suite choices
The MSC World America offers a variety of suite types in the Yacht Club. Interior cabins come with all the Yacht Club privileges at an entry-level price. A Deluxe Suite is about 1.5 times larger than a standard balcony cabin and includes a comfortable sitting area.
For those looking for more space and luxury amenities, the Owner’s Suites, Royal Suites and some Duplex Suites provide larger balconies with private outdoor whirlpools. Families will appreciate spreading out over two levels in any Duplex Suite.
All suites feature comfortable king beds that convert to two twin beds, a pillow menu, spacious closets, espresso coffee makers, a stocked minibar and an interactive TV. The bathrooms are equally well appointed and roomy.
The many Yacht Club privileges
One of the best features of a Yacht Club suite is the all-inclusive experience. The included Premium Beverage Packages let guests try a variety of alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks without worrying about the cost. High-speed internet for two devices per person is also standard, so switching between a phone and a tablet is never necessary.
Yacht Club guests also receive complimentary access to the Therman Suite in the Aurea Spa. This includes the therapeutic Thermal Pool along with the varied saunas, steam rooms and heated loungers.
There are additional privileges at the MSC Ocean Cay Marine Reserve. This is MSC’s private island in the Bahamas, where Yacht Club guests have their own private space at the Ocean House Beach. Along with the included loungers and umbrellas, Yacht Club guests can also reserve beach cabanas for extra shaded relaxation. The beach comes with its own restaurant and bar serving only Yacht Club guests.
The best of both worlds
Cruising in the MSC World America Yacht Club gives guests the best of two worlds. By combining a private sanctuary with the option to try multiple specialty restaurants and performance venues throughout the ship, guests can tailor their vacation experience and choose how much or how little interaction they want with everyone else on this big ship.
Building on its success with World America, MSC will launch another United States-based ship in November 2027. Homeported in Port Canaveral, Florida, the MSC World Atlantic will also offer year-round Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries, including stops at the MSC Ocean Cay Marine Reserve.
Rose Palmer is a retired Ph.D. chemist and a multiple award-winning travel writer, photographer and podcaster who has been recognized with two Lowell Thomas journalism awards. She has traveled to more than 60 countries and shares her personal travel stories at Quiltripping because she believes that “Life is a patchwork of experiences.” Her content is routinely syndicated to the Associated Press and has been featured in numerous U.S. news outlets, including the Seattle Times, the Miami Herald, MSN and other newspapers and TV stations throughout the U.S.