MSC World America: The most American cruise ship ever
MSC Cruises’ newest ship, MSC World America, features 19 restaurants, 18 bars and lounges, and more.
- MSC Cruises plans to launch its new megaship, MSC World Atlantic, from Port Canaveral, Florida, in late 2027.
- The ship will be adding new venues, including Viva La Musica, a Latin-themed music and dance club.
- Familiar attractions such as the Cliffhanger Swing Ride and the MSC Yacht Club onboard concept will also be included.
Another giant ship is coming to Florida. MSC Cruises will launch MSC World Atlantic in late 2027, bringing world-class cruises to Port Canaveral.
The 6,758-guest capacity ship will combine popular elements from its predecessors, including MSC World America, which launched in 2025, with new additions, said Lynn Trent, president of MSC Cruises North America. “So in terms of our European style versus American comfort positioning, some things will be very similar,” she told USA TODAY. “It works really well here in the U.S., but there will be some new things happening within that space and experience.”
MSC World Atlantic opened for reservations on December 10th (announced in a video message from Drew Barrymore, Godmother of MSC World America). Here’s what travelers need to know:
What’s new on MSC World Atlantic?
Viva La Musica will debut as one of more than 30 restaurants and bars onboard. “The theme here is a vibrant new venue celebrating Latin culture with live music, dancing and energetic nightlife, and an alternative to MSC World America’s (Fizz) Champagne Bar in the heart of the (World) Galleria,” Torrent said.
There’s a cocktail bar, a stage, and plenty of “comfortable nooks” to sit and enjoy the music.
The ship also includes a retro-themed clubhouse and is scheduled to make its U.S. debut after entering service on MSC World Asia in 2026. “Think of a top-down remodel of the Box Bar and Sportsplex at MSC World America,” Trent said.
“This means we will feature a Lego family zone, bumper cars, basketball, roller skates, classic tabletop games and more,” she added. Like its predecessor, World America, World Atlantic has seven distinct districts, and the former felt firmly like a family-friendly ship when we boarded it in April. Kids can play on parts of the ship while parents relax by the pool, or all parents can gather together and have fun together.
Additional details about the new space are not yet available, but World Atlantic will also feature a number of familiar spaces and attractions. They include:
The harbor will feature a “cliffhanger,” a ride that allows guests to jump off the side of the ship (we tried it at World America and the view was worth the stomach ache).
Where does MSC World Atlantic sail?
The ship will sail seven-night itineraries in the Eastern and Western Caribbean starting November 13, 2027. Ports of call include Grand Turk Island in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic. Costa Rica and Cozumel, Mexico. and Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, the line’s private island in the Bahamas.
Trent said the cruise line wants to make the “best move forward” with Port Canaveral.
“This is a very large and important market, not only for us at MSC, but also for the industry,” she said. “This is a very fast-growing market. And, you know, it’s also a drive-up market. So we’re attracting guests and engaging with travel agents throughout the region.”
See our sister ship MSC World America below.
How much does MSC World Atlantic cost?
Cruises on the ship start at $762 per person, including tax, for two people. MSC fares include accommodation, many meals, entertainment and more.
Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Nashville. Please contact us at ndiller@usatoday.com.
