Only the cruise industry can deliver a particular kind of spectacle—and this week, all eyes turned toward PortMiami as MSC Cruises welcomed its newest flagship, MSC World America, to her new home.
Sleek, towering and unmistakably modern, the ship arrived ahead of its April 9 naming ceremony, a moment that not only marks the debut of MSC’s first World Class ship to sail from the United States but also signals the beginning of a bold new chapter for Caribbean cruising.
Set against the sun-drenched skyline of Miami, MSC World America’s arrival coincides with the opening of MSC Cruises’ brand-new terminal at PortMiami—now officially the world’s largest and most technologically advanced cruise terminal. The $350 million facility, designed by the renowned firm Arquitectonica and built by Fincantieri Infrastructure, offers a seamless biometric check-in process, a six-level garage with over 2,400 spaces, and dedicated lounges for exclusive MSC Yacht Club guests.
MSC World America Naming Ceremony, Everson Bevelle, Cruise Director, Godmother, Drew Barrymore and Master of the Vessel, Captain Dino Sagani
On April 9, the ship will be formally named in what is expected to be a star-studded ceremony celebrating her design and MSC Cruises’ growing footprint in North America. This will be followed by an extraordinary 2-night voyage to Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, the line’s private island paradise in the Bahamas, before the ship begins her first full season.
From April 12, MSC World America will launch alternating 7-night Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries, calling at Puerto Plata in the Dominican Republic, San Juan in Puerto Rico, Costa Maya and Cozumel in Mexico, and Isla de Roatán in Honduras—each voyage offering a stop at Ocean Cay. These sailings blend sun-soaked exploration with an international onboard experience, fusing European sophistication with American comfort and service.
“This ship represents a vision of cruising that is both future-forward and warmly familiar,” said Rubén Rodríguez, President of MSC Cruises USA. “MSC World America brings not just size and scale, but soul—designed with innovation, sustainability, and guest experience at its heart.”
Miami, 9 April 2025, MSC World America Naming Ceremony, Officers Parade
Indeed, the ship sets a high bar with its next-generation amenities. Guests can look forward to multi-sensory entertainment, immersive culinary offerings, and new family zones, including the largest kids’ area in MSC’s fleet. Environmental advancements include LNG propulsion and energy-efficient design, aligning with MSC’s broader sustainability roadmap.
The ship’s debut—paired with the unveiling of the PortMiami terminal—is more than just a milestone for the cruise line. It’s a vote of confidence in the continued growth of the U.S. cruise market and Miami’s place as its undisputed hub.
As MSC World America prepares to embark on her maiden season, she does so with all the promise of a new era—where technology, service, and seafaring tradition meet seamlessly.
