MSC World America Cruise Review: Honest 7-Day Verdict

If you have ever wondered whether a mega-ship is your kind of vacation, this MSC World America cruise review is our honest answer. We spent seven days on a Caribbean sailing from Miami to Puerto Plata in the Dominican Republic, San Juan in Puerto Rico, and MSC’s private island, Ocean Cay, in the Bahamas. It was the biggest ship either of us has ever sailed on.

Everyone online seems to call MSC the answer to Royal Caribbean’s Oasis Class ships, and we kept asking ourselves the same two questions: is it really worth the money, and is it just too crowded? This was only our second cruise (the first was with Royal Caribbean), so we booked it, took notes between meals, and came back with strong opinions. Below you will find what we ate, where we went, what we would skip, and the mistakes we hope you can avoid.

Prefer to watch? That is our full cruise vlog above. Prefer to read? Keep scrolling.

The Quick Take on MSC World America

Short version: yes, we thought it was worth it, and we would sail with MSC again. The food was good across the board, the drink and internet packages were far more affordable than we expected, and there was always something to do without ever feeling bored or hungry. In our experience it was cheaper than comparable Oasis-class ships. The things we would change are small and mostly our own planning mistakes: a late dinner time that made us miss shows, and a missed lunch at Ocean Cay.

A note on how this post works: everything about our days, meals, costs and opinions comes straight from our trip. Where we mention general facts about the ship or a destination, we say so. Prices and menus change, so treat every number as what we paid when we sailed and double-check before you book.

Embarkation Day at PortMiami

After two days of traveling from North Carolina, we were more than ready to board. We headed to MSC Terminal AA and picked the late boarding slot of 1:30 PM. We had already finished online check-in, and that made all the difference: security and boarding were fast, with barely any queue.

💡Pro tip: Choose a later boarding time. You get a better chance that your cabin is ready when you step on, and in our case the lines were short.

This was our second cruise, and the first impression was simple: this place is huge. It feels like a floating city rather than a ship, and honestly, we never dreamed we would be doing something like this. By the numbers, MSC World America has 22 decks, 19 restaurants, 2 theaters, 18 bars and cafés, 7 swimming pools, thrill rides, a water park, a gym, a spa and a secret speakeasy bar (more on that later, shhh).

💡Pro tip: Book your shows as soon as you board. They sell out quickly, and we learned that the hard way.

Family of four smiling on the ship's deck with the Miami port behind them — Selfie time on deck as we left PortMiami behind.

Family of four posing at the ship rail on embarkation day — Selfie time on deck as we left PortMiami behind.

Our Inside Cabin and the Cruise Card

We found our cabin on Deck 12, right in the middle of the ship and next to the elevators, which saved us a lot of walking later. We skipped the balcony to save money and put it toward the drink package instead. The room was bigger than we expected.

If you are weighing an inside cabin against a balcony, here is how we thought about it. We were out exploring from morning until night and used the room mostly to sleep, so a balcony would have been money spent on a space we would barely use. We would rather spend it on things we enjoyed more. If you love a quiet morning coffee over the water, your answer may be different.

Your room key doubles as your cruise card. You use it to pay for drinks and onboard purchases, and you need it every time you leave and re-enter the ship. For about $5 extra, we thought the wristband was worth it, since you can wear it all day instead of keeping track of a card. We picked ours up on Day 2 to dodge the embarkation-day line.

First Lunch and Sail-Away

Because apparently the first thing you are supposed to do after boarding a cruise is start eating, so our first lunch stop was La Brasserie. It is one of the two complimentary buffet restaurants onboard, serving Mediterranean and international dishes. We figured we had better start getting our money’s worth, one plate at a time.

💡Pro tip: Grab a table by the panoramic windows for views of Miami.

Plate with rice and beans, pork chop and sides from the ship buffet — Our first plate onboard, from the La Brasserie buffet.

Exploring the Ship: Water Park, Promenade and Hideaways

After lunch we headed straight to the top deck, where the adventure attractions live: the adults-only pools, the water park and the water slides. Our favorite was the Cliffhanger, a swing ride that sends you out over the water at sea. It cost about $10 when we sailed, and it was totally worth it. We also loved Jaw Drop, a spiraling dry slide that drops you down to the World Promenade.

At the back of the ship you will find the adults-only pools and lounge with a great view over Miami. Toward the front are the sports courts and a huge gym with views over the main pool deck and the ocean, plus more indoor pools, jacuzzis and hot tubs.

Next came the World Promenade, an open-air space at the back of the ship stretching nearly half a kilometer, lined with shops, cafés, bars and restaurants. We stayed there as the ship left Miami at 6:00 PM and started its journey toward the Dominican Republic. A bit of general background: MSC World America is one of the newest ships in the MSC fleet and sails Caribbean itineraries from Miami, which is why this route works so well for families driving or flying in from the East Coast.

Food and Dining on MSC World America

With this much food, we should tell you how the dining actually works, because it was one of our favorite parts of the trip.

The main dining rooms

For our first dinner we went to one of the three main dining rooms on Deck 6: Esagono, Hexagon and Bubbles at the back. You can check the menus in the MSC app beforehand, which helps you decide whether you want a sit-down dinner or one of the complimentary buffets instead.

Dinner is a three-course meal: one appetizer, one entrée and one dessert. If you have a bigger appetite, extras were $5 each when we sailed. Portions run a little smaller than typical American portions, but they were the perfect size for us. Dinner starts with a basket of fresh bread, and complimentary red or white wine comes with your drink package. Cocktails cost extra.

Pro tip: If you can, choose an early dinner time. Most shows start between 8:00 and 9:00 PM, and our 8:30 PM dinner meant we missed most of them.

Grilled shrimp and lobster on risotto with asparagus — Shrimp and fish from one of the main dining rooms.

Sliced prime rib with French fries and vegetables in a bowl — Shrimp and fish from one of the main dining rooms.

Buffets, coffee and pub stops

There are two complimentary buffet restaurants, La Brasserie and Il Mercato, and we used both. Overall, the food and drinks across our cruise were really good, and somehow, even after saying “I’m so full, I can’t eat anymore,” we were ready to eat again a few hours later. That is cruise life.

Sea Day: Water Thrills, Breakfast and Gala Night

Day 2 was our first sea day, and it started with breakfast. Even with a pretty long line, it was amazing: steak and eggs, Eggs Benedict, Pain Perdu, and my personal favorite, the karage chicken.

Pain Perdu French toast topped with whipped cream and berries — Pain Perdu, one of our sea-day breakfast favorites.

Eggs Benedict with smoked salmon and bacon on a plate — Pain Perdu, one of our sea-day breakfast favorites.

After breakfast we spent the day on the top deck trying the water attractions again. The Drop and the Cliffhanger were our favorites, because apparently relaxing by the pool just was not exciting enough for us. We had to hang over the side of the ship too.

Two people riding a swing ride high above the ocean on a ship — Out over the water on the Cliffhanger.

If your kids are not into adrenaline, do not worry. There are plenty of other things to do, from ping-pong and arcades to LEGO, bumper cars and even roller skating. Whether your kids are thrill-seekers or would rather stay far away from the edge of the ship, there is something for everyone. If you are planning a family trip with different comfort levels, our Six Flags Great Adventure rides and food guide covers a similar “who rides what” situation on land.

Gala Night dinner and the first show

That evening was Gala Night. We started with steak tartare and lobster bisque, then I had my favorite of the whole menu: the duo of lobster tail and jumbo shrimp. The filet mignon with mushroom demi-glace was amazing too, and of course there was room for dessert. We finished with Baked Alaska and Grandma’s Chocolate Cake.

After dinner we went to the theater for our first show of the cruise, Momentous, featuring Reed Masterson. A fancy dinner, a live show and nowhere to drive home afterward is exactly my kind of night.

Couple in formal black outfits posing under a crystal sculpture on the ship — Dressed up for Gala Night.

Two people in black suits standing on a lit staircase on the ship — Dressed up for Gala Night.

Four people in formal black outfits in the ship atrium beside a crystal staircase — The whole family dressed for Gala Night.

Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic: Cigars, Coffee and Taíno Bay

Day 3 was Puerto Plata. We only had about five hours in port, so we kept the plan simple: a cigar factory tour, a walk around town, and an afternoon at Taíno Bay. The Dominican Republic is well known for its cigars, so a factory visit felt like a fitting way to spend a short stop.

The Vivonte Cigar Factory tour

We booked the tour at Vivonte Cigar Factory for $20 per person. It is an educational visit that walks you through the history of the industry and the entire cigar-making process, led by a guide. A coffee, tea, soda, water, smoothie or tropical drink is included, along with an after-tour cigar or cigarillo and a shot of mamajuana. The operator also offers paid transportation from around the North Coast, so check their website for current options, inclusions and pricing before you book.

Two people rolling cigars at a workbench in a cigar factory — Trying our hand at rolling at the cigar factory.

Man in a straw hat rolling a cigar at a cigar factory workbench — Trying our hand at rolling at the cigar factory.

Walking the town and a sweet stop

From there we wandered the town. We found a street covered in colorful umbrellas, and a bright pink alley called Paseo de Doña Blanca where we stopped for plenty of photos. We also stopped by Central Park for coffee, a milkshake and ice cream at Butterfly Ice Cream Shop & Austrian Pastries (Heladería Mariposa).

💡Pro tip: The ice cream shop only accepted cash in US dollars when we visited, so bring small bills.

Family walking under colorful umbrellas in a Puerto Plata street — Walking under a canopy of rainbow umbrellas.

Family posing in front of a pink wall with a bicycle planter — Walking under a canopy of rainbow umbrellas.

Horse-drawn white carriage on a street in Puerto Plata — A horse-drawn carriage waiting on the street in Puerto Plata.

Two boys smiling in the back of a horse carriage on a Puerto Plata street — A horse-drawn carriage waiting on the street in Puerto Plata.

Back to the ship and an afternoon at Taíno Bay

After a few hours in town we headed back to the ship for lunch and then spent the rest of the afternoon at Taíno Bay. It is beautiful and clean, with lots of free activities: a lazy river, beachfront lounge areas and several pools to choose from. There are shops and bars, and music plays through the streets, which gives the whole place a fun Caribbean vacation feel. If you would rather not venture out and explore the Dominican Republic on your own, Taíno Bay is a great place to relax and enjoy the day.

Family posing at the Taino Bay sign with a cruise ship behind palm trees — Taíno Bay, with our ship in the background.

That night it was back to the ship for dinner in the same restaurant.

San Juan, Puerto Rico: El Yunque Rainforest and Old San Juan

Day 4 was Puerto Rico, but you know the rule: no adventure on an empty stomach. We started with breakfast at Il Mercato, the second complimentary buffet restaurant onboard.

In San Juan we had a late all-aboard time (11:00 PM), which opened up room for something bigger. We booked a third-party excursion to El Yunque Rainforest, which some locals call “El Junke.” As general background, El Yunque is the only tropical rainforest in the U.S. National Forest System, so it is a genuinely special place to spend a few hours.

Our tour lasted about four hours in total, including transportation and all the activities, and it cost $59 per person. It included round-trip transportation from a meeting point in San Juan, only about a 10-minute Uber ride from the cruise port. It was fantastic and we are so glad we did it. If you want to book the same type of tour, here is our Puerto Rico excursion link (an affiliate link, so we may earn a small commission at no cost to you). Before you go, check the U.S. Forest Service El Yunque page for current conditions and access.

Person swinging from a rope over a rocky pool in the rainforest — Swinging out over the water at El Yunque.

Person lying on a mossy rock slide with water flowing around them — Swinging out over the water at El Yunque.

We went back to the ship for a quick dinner, got changed, and headed out again to see Old San Juan. By the time we arrived, almost everything had closed. Even so, we enjoyed walking the colorful streets, taking in the colonial architecture and soaking up the atmosphere. It gave us one more reason to come back and see San Juan in daylight. If Old San Juan is on your list, plan some daytime hours for it, and see the National Park Service’s San Juan National Historic Site page for the forts and history.

The Hidden Speakeasy Bar

Back on the ship that night, we found one of the coolest hidden experiences onboard: the Speakeasy Bar. To get in you need an invitation or one of the little coins handed out by crew members. We were lucky enough to be invited by one of the crew, and you enter through a classic red telephone booth that opens into the ship’s secret bar.

This is one of the reasons it is always nice to tip your room steward, bartenders and restaurant servers. They really do go above and beyond, and sometimes you end up with unexpected experiences like this. And what happens in the Speakeasy stays in the Speakeasy, shhh….

Red British-style telephone booth in front of a London mural — The red phone booth that leads to the Speakeasy.

Sushi night and lamb night

For dinner that evening we switched things up. The kids were craving sushi, so they went to the sushi restaurant, while we returned to the main dining room for the one thing we really wanted to try: the roasted leg of lamb. The kids had their sushi night and we had our lamb night. Everybody wins. That is one thing we really enjoyed about MSC World America: there were so many restaurants, bars and food options that we never got bored.

Sea Days, Drinks and the White Night Party

Sailing back toward the Bahamas meant more sea days, and they were the perfect time to unwind and explore the parts of the ship we had not seen yet.

Coffee, pub and a favorite cocktail

First came coffee. There is a good coffee shop, the Coffee Emporium, but believe it or not our favorite espresso and cappuccino came from Dolce Vita.

Of course we also stopped at Masters of the Seas, the English pub, for a whiskey sour. It is a lively two-story, British-style pub with dark wood, leather furniture, a stage for live acoustic music and a spiral staircase up to The Gin Project bar. It is also home to an onboard microbrewery with house-made beers on tap, and you can order classic pub food for a small extra charge.

Our most favorite drink of the whole trip was the Nut So Smokey at Elixir bar. It was a $5 upcharge on our drink package, and it is a rich, nutty, slightly tart twist on a bourbon drink made with Bib & Tucker Double Char bourbon, macadamia nut syrup and sweet & sour mix. Elixir is a stylish lounge on Deck 8 with an outdoor terrace overlooking the ocean. Some premium specialty drinks may carry an upcharge even with a package, so ask before you order.

White Night Party

Then it was time for the White Night Party. Everyone dressed in white and danced out on the pool deck to pretty much every kind of music you can imagine. The energy was amazing, and boy, did we enjoy that night. It was definitely one of the most fun nights of the cruise.

Four people in white outfits standing in a mirrored ship corridor — Dressed in white for the White Night Party.

Couple in white outfits posing beside a wall sign on the ship — Dressed in white for the White Night Party.

Ocean Cay, Bahamas: MSC’s Private Island

Our last full day was spent in paradise. White sandy beaches, crystal-clear water and palm trees everywhere, exactly what you picture when you think of the Bahamas. For general background, Ocean Cay is MSC’s private island, a former industrial site that has been turned into a marine reserve, and the welcome sign says as much.

The ship pulled in early, so we had the whole day until sunset. It was so hot that we only lasted a few hours. We rented a beach cabana, and they placed us at North Beach, which turned out to be a great spot to relax. We recommend renting a cabana or lounge chairs, because there is no shade on the beach apart from the restaurant and bars. Most activities on the island are included with your cruise, and the only extra we noticed was climbing the lighthouse, which is a paid excursion.

Family standing behind the Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve Bahamas sign — Welcome to Ocean Cay, MSC’s private island in the Bahamas.

Family on a white sand beach at Ocean Cay with turquoise water behind — Welcome to Ocean Cay, MSC’s private island in the Bahamas.

Now for the lesson. We missed the included lunch at the food court, but luckily we snagged one of the famous lobster rolls for $8 before heading back, and it was definitely worth it. Our one disappointment: we were really looking forward to the lighthouse light show that evening, but the ship had to depart earlier, so it never happened. Even so, Ocean Cay was the perfect way to end an unforgettable seven days. Then it was back to the ship for our last dinner and one final show. The next day we sailed back to Miami.

What Our MSC World America Cruise Cost

We know cost is a big part of whether a cruise is worth it, so here is what we paid. Our total for the MSC cruise was $5,641.11, which includes the cruise charges and $100.09 for parking. This total does not include tips or gratuities, and your price will depend on your cabin, dates and packages. If you are planning on going to cruise check your price here.

List of cruise-related charges including MSC Cruises payments and parking — What we paid for the cruise, parking included.

What was included in our experience: the main dining rooms, both complimentary buffets, the drink package and internet package we chose, and most activities at Ocean Cay. What cost extra: the Cliffhanger $10/person, specialty cocktails like the Nut So Smokey, extra dining-room courses, the wristband and our port excursions. We also saved money by choosing an inside cabin.

First-Time Cruise Mistakes to Avoid

We made a few mistakes, and they are the reason this list exists. Here is what we would tell a friend before their first big-ship cruise:

Not booking your shows right away. Popular shows fill up quickly, so book the ones you really want as soon as you are onboard.
Not requesting your dinner time early. We did not ask ahead of time and ended up with a later dinner than we wanted, which cost us most of the shows.
Packing way too much. You probably will not wear half of what you bring. Pack outfits you can mix and match.
Leaving your swimsuit in the checked bag. Keep your swimsuit, flip-flops and sunscreen in your carry-on so you can hit the pool even if your cabin is not ready.
Thinking earlier boarding is always better. Our later boarding time meant shorter lines and a cabin that was more likely to be ready.
Paying for a balcony you may barely use. If you will be out exploring all day, ask yourself whether you really need it.
Not understanding gratuities. Check whether a service charge is already included in your drink package or other purchases so you do not double-tip. You can always tip extra for great service.
Not checking the daily schedule early. Look at it in the morning and decide which activities you do not want to miss.
Trying to do everything. On a mega-ship you simply cannot. Leave time to relax.
Not learning the ship layout early. Know where your cabin is and which elevators are closest. It saves a lot of backtracking.
Ignoring all-aboard time on port days. This matters most with third-party excursions. The ship is not going to wait for you.
Not checking meal times on port or private-island days. This one got us at Ocean Cay, where we missed the included lunch.
Overplanning sea days. Some of the best moments are just relaxing, eating and discovering things you did not know were there.
Waiting in long lines on embarkation day. We waited until Day 2 for our wristbands and there was almost no line.

Heading to another big trip afterward? Our one-day Universal Studios Orlando tips use the same “plan the day, then stay flexible” approach.

MSC World America FAQ

Is MSC World America worth it?

For us, yes. The price and value were excellent, the food was good, and the drink and internet packages were much more affordable than we expected. In our experience it was cheaper than comparable Oasis-class ships.

Is an inside cabin worth it on MSC World America?

It was for us. We spent almost all of our time out exploring, so we saved money with an inside cabin and spent it on things we enjoyed more. If you want private outdoor space, a balcony may suit you better.

What is included in the cruise fare?

In our experience, the main dining rooms, the two complimentary buffets (La Brasserie and Il Mercato) and most activities at Ocean Cay were included. Items like the Cliffhanger, specialty cocktails, extra dining-room courses and port excursions cost extra. Always check what is included in your own booking.

Do you need to book shows on MSC World America?

Yes, we recommend booking your shows as soon as you board because they sell out quickly. Also request an early dinner time, since most shows start between 8:00 and 9:00 PM.

What time should you board at PortMiami?

We chose the 1:30 PM boarding time, and it was perfect. Completing online check-in beforehand made security and boarding fast, and a later slot gave our cabin a better chance of being ready.

What can you do with kids on MSC World America?

Besides the water park and slides, there are ping-pong tables, arcades, LEGO, bumper cars and roller skating, so there are options for both thrill-seekers and kids who would rather stay far from the edge of the ship.

What is there to do at Ocean Cay?

Most activities are included. We rented a beach cabana at North Beach for shade, relaxed on the beach, and grabbed an $8 lobster roll. The lighthouse climb was the only extra we noticed. Check the lunch times so you do not miss the included meal like we did.

Is MSC World America Worth It? Our Honest Verdict

So, is MSC worth it? Absolutely. For the price and value, it was an excellent vacation. The food was excellent, the drink and internet packages were much more affordable than we expected, and between the water park, the shows, the speakeasy and the private island, we never ran out of things to do. The things that did not go perfectly (our late dinner, the missed lunch and the canceled light show) were mostly lessons we can fix next time.

Who we think will enjoy it most: families and friend groups who like having endless choices, who want a mega-ship with a water park and activities for all ages, and who care about value. If you want a quiet, small-ship feel, this may not be your style. We loved MSC World America and would definitely cruise with MSC again.

Woman in a bright pink dress on the staircase of the ship atrium — Colorful outfits on the grand staircase.

Two people in matching colorful patterned outfits on a ship staircase — Colorful outfits on the grand staircase.

Thanks for sailing along with us. If you want to see it all in motion, watch our full MSC World America cruise vlog on YouTube, and explore more family travel stories here on ErwinaandTheBoys.com. Have you sailed with MSC? Tell us your favorite tips in the comments. Until our next adventure, goodbye, MSC World America.

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