We’ve just returned from an incredible journey aboard the MSC World America, and let us tell you, it was a cruise vacation for the books! As seasoned cruisers and travel writers, we’re always on the lookout for new experiences, and this ship certainly delivered. But even with all our experience navigating the seas, we made a few blunders and, thankfully, got quite a few things gloriously right. So, pull up a deck chair, grab a refreshing drink, and let’s dive into our honest, no-holds-barred review. Whether you’re a first-time cruiser contemplating your next cruise booking or a seasoned sailor with countless voyages under your belt, we hope our insights will help you maximize your enjoyment of this magnificent cruise ship.
Before we even stepped foot on the MSC World America, we did our usual deep dive into research. This isn’t just any cruise ship; it’s MSC Cruises’ latest marvel, designed to impress with innovative features and a focus on sustainability. Our particular itinerary took us to some stunning Caribbean locales, promising a blend of relaxation and adventure. We approached this trip with an open mind, eager to see how MSC’s “World Class” concept translated into a real-world cruise vacation. We’d heard about the ship’s futuristic design, its expansive family-friendly zones, and its dedication to environmentally conscious practices. All of these factors played a role in our cruise booking, and we were brimming with anticipation.
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5 Mistakes We Made (So You Don’t Have To!)
Even the most experienced cruisers can stumble, and we’re not afraid to admit it! Learning from our missteps is part of the fun, and we hope sharing these will make your MSC World America experience even smoother.
1. Underestimating the Size of the Ship and Its Offerings
Let’s be real, the MSC World America is massive. We’ve been on big ships before, but this one felt… different. We arrived thinking we had a handle on the scale, but we were pleasantly surprised (and slightly overwhelmed) by the sheer volume of activities, restaurants, and hidden nooks.
- The “We’ll Get to It Later” Trap: We found ourselves saying, “Oh, we’ll check out the Luna Park Arena tomorrow,” or “We’ll definitely hit that specialty restaurant on the last night.” The truth is, with so much to do, “later” often turned into “never.” The ship is designed to keep you entertained, and if you don’t plan a little, you might miss some gems.
- Not Using the MSC For Me App to Its Fullest: We downloaded the app, sure, but we didn’t fully leverage its capabilities from day one. This app is your best friend on the MSC World America. It helps you navigate, see daily schedules, book shows, and even make dining reservations. We learned this lesson a bit too late, spending valuable time wondering what was happening where.
- Forgetting Comfortable Walking Shoes: This goes hand-in-hand with the size. We packed some stylish footwear, but we seriously underestimated the amount of walking we’d do just getting from one end of the ship to the other, let alone exploring all the decks. Our feet paid the price!
2. Over-Scheduling Shore Excursions (and Missing Out on Ship Time)
We love a good shore excursion, and the destinations on our itinerary were calling our names. We booked a few incredible adventures, but in our eagerness, we might have gone a little overboard.
- The All-Day Excursion Dilemma: Some of our shore excursion choices were full-day affairs. While amazing, they left us exhausted and with very little time to enjoy the ship itself on port days. We realized we were rushing back, showering, and then trying to cram in a quick dinner before collapsing.
- Not Balancing Port Days with Sea Days: We treated every port day as an opportunity to pack in as much as possible. This led to us feeling a bit burnt out. We wished we had chosen one or two port days to simply relax on the ship, enjoying the less crowded pools and amenities while others were exploring ashore.
- Not Considering the Ship’s Own “Port Day” Offerings: MSC World America doesn’t just shut down when in cruise port. There are often special activities, sales, and even quieter moments to enjoy on board. We completely overlooked these opportunities in our quest for land-based adventures.
3. Not Exploring All Dining Options Early On
MSC World America boasts an impressive array of dining experiences, from included buffets and main dining rooms to exquisite specialty restaurants. We, however, fell into a comfortable rut.
- Sticking to the Same Main Dining Room: We were assigned a main dining room for dinner and, out of habit, pretty much stuck to it every night. While the food was good, we missed out on experiencing the other complimentary main dining rooms, each with a slightly different ambiance.
- Hesitating on Specialty Restaurants: We debated whether to try a specialty restaurant early in the cruise, and by the time we decided, some of our top choices were fully booked for our preferred times. We eventually got into one, and it was fantastic, making us regret not trying more!
- Ignoring the Smaller, Quicker Bites: Beyond the main meals, there are numerous places for snacks, pizzas, and casual bites. We sometimes forgot these existed and would wait for meal times, when we could have grabbed a delicious slice of pizza or a quick treat.
4. Overpacking for the Caribbean Heat (and Underpacking for AC)
We’ve cruised the Caribbean countless times, so you’d think we’d have packing down to a science. Apparently not entirely!
- Too Many Sundresses, Not Enough Layers: We envisioned endless days in light, breezy sundresses. While we wore them, we completely underestimated the power of the ship’s air conditioning! We found ourselves shivering in restaurants and show lounges, wishing we had packed more cardigans or light jackets.
- The “Just in Case” Outfit Overload: We brought far too many “just in case” outfits that never saw the light of day. This meant a heavier suitcase and less space for souvenirs. We forgot that laundry services are available on board, albeit for a fee.
- Forgetting a Reusable Water Bottle: We ended up buying bottled water more often than we would have liked. A reusable water bottle is a lifesaver on a cruise ship, allowing you to fill up at water stations and stay hydrated without constantly generating plastic waste.
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5. Not Taking Advantage of Onboard Lectures and Workshops
MSC World America offers a surprising number of educational and interactive activities, from culinary demonstrations to destination talks. We initially dismissed these, thinking we’d prefer to relax.
- Missing Out on Local Insights: We bypassed the port talks early on, assuming we knew enough about our destinations. When we finally attended one, we were impressed by the in-depth information and local tips provided, which enhanced our understanding of the places we visited.
- Skipping the Enrichment Opportunities: There were various workshops – from dance classes to arts and crafts – that we initially thought were “not for us.” Looking back, they could have been a fun way to try something new and meet other cruisers.
- Underestimating the Value of Quiet Moments: Sometimes, a well-attended lecture or workshop provides a wonderful opportunity for a quieter, more reflective moment amidst the hustle and bustle of the cruise ship. We only realized this towards the end of our cruise vacation.
4 Things We Got Gloriously Right!
It wasn’t all blunders and lessons learned! We also hit some home runs that we’re eager to share. These successful strategies truly enhanced our MSC World America experience.
1. Investing in the Aurea Experience
Our cruise booking included the Aurea Experience, and it was a game-changer. For first-time cruisers and frequent travelers alike, we highly recommend considering this upgrade.
- Priority Boarding and Disembarkation: This alone is worth it. Skipping the long lines on embarkation day and disembarkation day significantly reduced stress and added valuable time to our vacation. It’s amazing how much smoother the start and end of your cruise vacation can be with this perk.
- Access to the Aurea Spa Thermal Area: This was our sanctuary. The thermal suite, with its saunas, steam rooms, and relaxation areas, was a haven of tranquility. After a busy day exploring a cruise port or a lively night on the ship, this was the perfect place to unwind and recharge.
- Flexible Dining and Dedicated Dining Area: Not being tied to a fixed dining time was incredibly liberating. We could eat whenever we pleased, and having a dedicated, less crowded dining area for Aurea guests made dinner a more relaxed and enjoyable experience. The food quality was consistently excellent, and the service was impeccable.
2. Booking Specialty Dining Packages in Advance
Remember our mistake of hesitating on specialty restaurants? We rectified that by pre-booking a dining package for some of our preferred venues.
- Guaranteed Reservations: This ensured we got to experience the culinary delights of some of MSC World America’s fantastic specialty restaurants, like Butcher’s Cut (the steak was phenomenal!) and Hola! Tacos & Cantina (fresh, vibrant flavors). We highly recommend trying at least one or two specialty dining experiences; they truly elevate the dining aspect of your cruise vacation.
- Cost Savings: Booking a package beforehand usually offers a better value than paying for individual meals onboard. We appreciated the fixed price and the opportunity to sample diverse cuisines without breaking the bank.
- Anticipation and Variety: Having these special dinners planned out added an extra layer of excitement to our trip. It broke up the routine of the main dining room and gave us something different to look forward to each time.
3. Taking Advantage of the Zipline and Dry Slide
We’re big kids at heart, and MSC World America’s thrill attractions did not disappoint! We made sure to experience these early in the cruise vacation.
- The Thrill of the Zipline: Soaring high above the deck, with incredible views of the ocean, was an exhilarating experience. It’s a unique feature for a cruise ship, and we loved the rush of adrenaline. It’s not just for kids; we saw plenty of adults embracing their inner adventurers!
- The Ocean Plaza Dry Slide: This multi-story dry slide is a riot! It’s fast, fun, and a fantastic way to feel like a kid again. We went multiple times and laughed the entire way down. It’s a great way to cool off and add some excitement to a sea day.
- Go Early or Late: We learned that going right after breakfast or closer to dinner often meant shorter lines. This maximized our fun time and minimized waiting. These unique activities truly set the MSC World America apart and add a distinctive flair to your cruise vacation.
4. Planning Our Shore Excursion Mix Wisely
While we over-scheduled initially, we quickly adjusted our strategy for the remaining ports, and it paid off handsomely. This is crucial for any cruise vacation.
- Mixing Guided Tours with Independent Exploration: Instead of always booking official shore excursion tours, we opted for a mix. For some ports, we took a guided tour to see the main sights, but for others, we simply grabbed a taxi or walked to explore at our own pace. This gave us flexibility and a sense of discovery.
- Prioritizing Experiences Over Checklists: We focused on what truly interested us rather than trying to see “everything.” For example, in one cruise port, we chose a relaxing beach day over a bustling city tour, and it was exactly what we needed to recharge.
- Researching Cruise Port Transportation: Before arriving at each cruise port, we did a quick search on local transportation options. Knowing whether taxis were readily available, if there was a public bus, or if the main attractions were walkable saved us time and hassle. This allowed us to maximize our time ashore and truly immerse ourselves in each destination.
Final Thoughts: A Unique Cruise Vacation Experience
Our journey on the MSC World America was, without a doubt, a memorable one. It’s a cruise ship that blends innovation with classic comfort, offering something for every type of traveler. From its futuristic design to its diverse dining and entertainment options, it truly aims to be a destination in itself.
We hope our honest account of our triumphs and tribulations provides valuable insights for your own cruise booking and upcoming cruise vacation on this magnificent vessel. Learn from our mistakes, embrace our successes, and prepare for an unforgettable experience. Whether you’re splashing in the Aquapark, savoring a gourmet meal, or exploring a vibrant cruise port, the MSC World America is ready to impress. Happy cruising!