MSC World America. Photo by Jill Weinlein
The colossal MSC World America sailed into her home port of Miami, Florida on April 7, 2025 to such fanfare. Her impressive 1,092 feet long size deems her one of the largest cruise ships in the world. She is 154 feet wide and 223 feet high, and when she is sold-out, she can carry 6,762 guests and 2,138 crew members.
You can take one of the high-tech elevators to your stateroom or suite, but be prepared to walk a lot on the ship each day you are onboard.
Staterooms on MSC World America. Photo Jill Weinlein
Staying in a Deluxe Ocean View Balcony Stateroom #10260 during her inaugural sailing, I walked over 15,000 steps on the first day, and 16,500 steps the following days. All this exercise enhances one’s appetite, so each day I dined at different venues on and off the ship to experience the international food and drink options.
There are 19 dining venues, including 6 specialty restaurants, four main restaurants and grab-and-go stations. There are practically as many bars and lounges onboard as there are level on the ship. She has 22 decks, and 20 bars and lounges.
Here are my favorite spots to grab a drink, snack or sit down for a multi-course meal.
Kaito Sushi Bar. Photo Jill Weinlein
1. Kaito Sushi Bar
Sitting at the modern sushi bar off the World Galleria, I ordered a fine selection of sushi, rolls, nigiri and fresh sashimi. These items can be paired with sake, champagne, beer or wine. This is an elegant, immersive dining experience for sushi enthusiasts.
Also in this space sits the Kaito Teppanyaki grill. This is where passengers can sit around a hibachi table to watch the master chefs prepare delicious fare in an interactive setting. Be prepared to be in awe as these chefs ignite your senses with the vibrant dishes prepared in front of you.
Butcher’s Cut Specialty Restaurant. Photo Jill Weinlein
2. Butcher’s Cut Steakhouse
Another specialty and stylish restaurant in the World Galleria area is Butcher’s Cut. This elegant steakhouse features dry-aged, prime cuts and a variety of delicious side dishes and wines to ensure an epicurean experience for meat lovers.
Butcher’s Cut Surf and Turf. Photo Jill Weinlein
Make a reservation at Butcher’s Cut for a sizzling and succulent Surf-and-Turf dinner with a variety of side dishes. Select a loaded baked potato, sautéed mushrooms and artisan breads with two different butters. The steaks are served with four different types of sauces such as a Béarnaise sauce and chimichurri sauce to enhance one’s meal.
Eataly At Sea. Photo Jill Weinlein
3. Eataly at Sea
The renowned Italian brand, Eataly at Sea is the first and only collaboration at sea with MSC Cruises. Keeping with the brand’s ethos, they prepare their beloved authentic pasta, pesto and Italian dishes with fresh Italian ingredients. Crafted onsite, the venue features an open kitchen and a warm, elegant dining room atmosphere. As the global ambassador of high-quality Italian food and wine, this specialty restaurant provides a memorable culinary journey celebrating Italy’s finest flavors. Sit at one of the tables next to a window for sea views.
Hola! Photo by Jill Weinlein
4. Hola! Tacos & Cantina
Those craving Mexican cuisine can make a reservation for a vibrant specialty venue Hola! Located in the World Galleria, it’s the restaurant for those seeking creative Latin American and Mexican street food. This beautifully designed social dining experience prepares authentic cantina-inspired dishes.
Sip a tequila based cocktail or mezcal margarita with an order of guacamole and chips. The pork is slow-roasted to fill tortillas, the salsas are homemade and have a kick of heat, and on the grill the succulent chicken, fish and carne are cooked to perfection. Menu items include quesadillas, enchiladas, tamales, salads, soups and desserts.
Paxos Greek Restaurant. Photo Jill Weinlein
5. Paxos Greek Restaurant
MSC Cruises’ latest flagship immerses guests in Greek culture too. Paxos Greek Restaurant is located in the colorful World Promenade district. The menu features a variety of Mediterranean mezes, moussaka, and lamb kleftiko. Listen to live music while enjoying an al fresco dining experience.
There is a fresh fish board displaying today’s catch, plus a dining counter and multiple indoor tables and outdoor terraces.
Paxos Greek Restaurant. Photo Jill Weinlein
Paxos On The Go
Attached to Paxos Greek Restaurant is a grab-and-go Paxos On The Go for flavorful Greek bites, for a small charge. Menu items include Greek favorites such as souvlaki and fritto misto. Sit at one of the tables and watch the activity parading by, as you listen to the music around this lively area of the ship.
Luna Park Pizza & Burger. Photo Jill Weinlein
6. Luna Park Pizza & Burger
For grab-and-go items or sit down for slices of cheesy pizza and juicy burgers with fries, Luna Park Pizza & Burger is an ideal spot for lunch, snack or dinner. Set in a food court style, guests can roam to various stations to select their favorite food items.
Jean-Philippe Chocolat & Cafe. Photo Jill Weinlein
7. Jean-Philippe Chocolat & Café
This eye-catching chocolate shop also has a coffee bar where guests can enjoy a variety of coffees and pastries. There is also a gelato bar and creative cones dipped in chocolate that will satisfy anyone’s sweet tooth.
MSC World America. Photo Jill Weinlein
8. Botanical Garden Bar
The Aqua Deck has the Botanical Garden Bar near two of the six pools on the ship. The large indoor pool has a retractable roof for fresh air. It’s located in the adults-only Zen poo, that is a tranquil and serene area at the aft of the ship. This area also has some of the 14 different hot tubs on the ship.
Lighthouse Bar. Photo Jill Weinlein
9. Lighthouse Bar
One of the prettiest spots for an Aperol Spritz, Bahamian beer, or craft cocktail is at the tip of the peninsula at Ocean Cay Marine Reserve. Walk out to the Lighthouse, and for a fee you can climb the circular stairs up to the very top for breathtaking views. After all the steps, step into the nearby bar at the base of the lighthouse. It’s an ideal spot to take in the turquoise blue water before going back onboard the MSC World America.
Masters Of The Sea. Photo Jill Weinlein
10. Masters Of The Sea
The beauty of this ship is its European influences with an American vibe. Inside the classic British-style pub named Masters Of The Seas on Deck 7, there is an onboard microbrewery, where beer masters brew exclusive MSC beers from recycled seawater.
There is also live entertainment inside the pub, and the artwork and prop collection reflect brewing traditions and nautical heritage.
View from Hexagon Restaurant Dining Room. Photo Jill Weinlein
Main dining options are available at four well designed dining rooms: La Foglia on Deck 5, and Hexagon, Bubbles and Esagono. All are open for dinner and at least one or two are open for breakfast and lunch. When one opens for weekend brunch, be sure to experience the multi-course meal with specialty drinks. It’s an international menu of items ranging from Italian to Mediterranean delights, plus brunch favorites. There are also some vegetarian or vegan offerings.
Speciality Brunch Beverages. Photo Jill Weinlein
The two buffet-style dining areas up at the top. Il Mercato is popular for early breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks. Stations include a full American breakfast, South Asian delights, a pizza and a pasta bar, salads and fruit, breads and desserts.
Sailings on MSC World America are open now. Sail on 7-night Western Caribbean cruises starting in Miami, FL, to Honduras, Mexico and the Bahamas. On the Eastern Caribbean sailings the ship will visit the Bahamas, Jamaica, and the Cayman Islands.
