A full, honest review of our recent sailing — from secret speakeasies to sunset lattes, plus a few things we didn’t expect.
🚢 First Impressions: This Ship is a Floating Marvel
We just returned from sailing MSC World America, and if we had to sum it up in one word? Massive.
This is one of the newest mega ships in MSC’s fleet, and it’s nothing short of stunning. Designed with sleek European flair, high-tech features, and seven themed zones, it somehow manages to feel both enormous and intimate.
From the glittering atrium to the infinity-style aft pool, this ship invites you to explore — and we did. Thoroughly.
🌟 Trip Highlights: The Moments That Made It
🔐 The Speakeasy: MSC’s Best-Kept Secret
This was, without question, the highlight of the cruise. Hidden behind a red phone booth and wrapped in secrecy, this experience felt like stepping into a 1920s time machine — complete with live jazz, flapper dresses, smoking cocktails, and a full storyline.
If past lives are real, Paul swears he’s been here before.
We won’t spoil how you get in… just know it’s not something you can book online. Ask quietly. Be patient. And keep an eye out for the right crew.
☕ Coffee Emporium: Cruise Lattes Done Right
We’ve tried coffee all over the cruise universe, but the lattes here? Wow. Smooth, rich, and totally worth the upcharge. It became our daily ritual.
🍝 Eataly: A Culinary Love Letter to Italy
Dinner at Eataly was a standout experience. Lisa’s burrata appetizer was creamy and rich, Paul’s seafood fritto was perfectly crisp, and the carbonara may just rival what we’ve had in Rome. Dessert? Tiramisu so good we forgot to film it. (Okay, almost.)
We capped it off with grappa and limoncello… one of us liked it. One of us made a face.
👏 Crew Shoutouts: These People Made Our Trip
MSC brought the charm with their amazing team. Special love to:
- Jitendra (Assistant Bartender)
- Marieta (Gin Bar)
- Christine & Marrella (Speakeasy wranglers)
- Gustie (Room steward)
- George (Speakeasy entertainer)
🏝️ Ports & Shore Days: The Highlights
- Ocean Cay: Gorgeous and serene. Bring your own float to save $29 and skip the umbrella rental if you don’t mind hunting for shade. Pro tip: Your drink package does work here!
- Puerto Plata: This time we opted for a chill beach day, but we’ve done the waterfalls and ATV rides before and LOVED it.
- San Juan: LED kayak night tour — glowing water, starry skies, total magic.
🧠 Things to Know (and a Few Surprises)
- Bottled water is included in the Bella package.
- Pool loungers go fast. Don’t be that person who “claims” one all day.
- Want the speakeasy invite? Build rapport with crew.
- Umbrellas on Ocean Cay are $29 — shade is scarce.
- This is a very European cruise — don’t expect American-style everything.
✅ Would We Cruise MSC World America Again?
Absolutely — with a few notes.
This isn’t a party ship or a Disney-style experience. It’s modern, moody, and more “global cool” than “all-American comfort.” For us, that made it fun and fresh. But it’s not for everyone.
🎥 Want to See It All in Action?
Check out our full ship tour, secret bar adventure, and port experiences on our YouTube channel!