Miami.- The port of Miami was the scene of the inaugural sail of the MSC World America, the new and ambitious cruise of the renowned Naviera MSc Cruises. For three days, personalities, artists, journalists and authorities met to celebrate the start of operations of this boat that promises to mark a before and after in the cruise industry.
The event included intense activities on board and a visit to Ocean Cay MSc Marine Reserve, the private island of the shipping company in the Bahamas. One of the most prominent moments was the ship’s appointment ceremony, which was attended by MSC executives and Miami-Dade County authorities, such as Mayor Daniela Levine Cava. The MSC World America godmother was the American actress Drew Barrymore.
Once the appointment was given, the sky of the port of Miami illuminated with an impressive drone show. Subsequently, the legendary Cuban American singer Gloria Estefan delighted those present with a live presentation in which she performed successes of the Miami Sound Machine time, as well as popular songs in Spanish as “Conga”.
The second day of navigation was full of activities on Ocean Cay Island, where attendees enjoyed music, beaches and aquatic experiences. The day concluded at night with an lively party on the seafood known as the “White Party”, which included a live DJ and a show of lights projected from the island’s lighthouse. Ocean Cay offers various beaches for the enjoyment of visitors, as well as recreational and aquatic activities for the whole family.
The MSC World America impresses with its dimensions: 22 floors, 216,638 gross tons, 1,094 feet long and 154 feet wide. It has capacity for 6,762 passengers and 2,138 crew, with a total of 2,614 cabins and more than 413,000 square feet of public spaces.
New era for cruises
This new generation of cruises fuses European design and elegance with the comfort to which the American public is accustomed. The ship has seven thematic districts adapted to different types of travelers, 19 restaurants including the exclusive Eataly on the high seas, and 18 bars and rooms, including the All Stars Sports Bar and The Loft Comedy Club.
One of its great novelties is The Harbor, an outdoor family space with swings on water, water park, string circuit, free relaxation areas and fast food. In addition, the ship has a unique swing that allows passengers to float in the air outside the ship with all safety measures.
It also highlights “The World Promenade”, a walk with stores, restaurants and one of the longest dry slides in the maritime world, as well as “The World Galleria” of three levels, vibrant and full of gastronomic and commercial options. For those who seek luxury, the MSC Yacht Club largest in the Caribbean offers 24/7 butler service and exclusive areas with restricted access.
The inaugural season began on April 12 with alternate itineraries of 7 nights. The eastern Caribbean routes will include stops in Puerto Plata (Dominican Republic), San Juan (Puerto Rico) and Ocean Cay. For their part, travel through the Western Caribbean will take passengers to Costa Maya and Cozumel (Mexico), the island of Roatán (Honduras) and Ocean Cay.
In an exclusive interview for Diario Las Américas, Rubén A. Rodríguez, CEO of the North American Cruise Division of the MSC Group, stressed that the MSC World America is a latest generation cruise designed to offer high experiences with avant -garde technology, improved entertainment and world -class comforts. “This ship perfectly combines the European style with American comfort,” he said.
Rodríguez explained that the ship offers revolutionary entertainment as “Dirty Dancing in Concert” and has an expanded gastronomic offer that includes the only Eataly restaurant in the high seas. Its immersive activities and latest technology accommodations guarantee an unforgettable trip for guests of all ages.
In terms of sustainability, the Executive stressed that the MSC World America will be one of the most energy efficient ships in the world, thanks to the use of LNG as fuel and latest generation engines. “This will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 20%, with a reduction of 85% in nitrogen oxides and almost total sulfur oxides and particles,” he said. In addition, the ship has advanced waste management systems and electrical connection in port.
Among the exclusive innovations, he stressed that it is the first MSC ship to implement the concept of districts on board, combining restaurants, bars and entertainment. “The Harbor is an outdoor revolutionary space for families, and we debuted with Cliffhanger, the first swing on water in the world,” he added. He also stressed that the ship has the largest MSC Yacht Club in the Caribbean, offering a personalized and luxurious experience.
On the destinations, Rodríguez indicated that the MSC World America will sail through the Eastern and Western Caribbean, visiting the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Mexico and Honduras, including the private island Ocean Cay. Passengers can enjoy exclusive excursions and learn about marine conservation initiatives of the MSC Foundation.
Finally, Rodríguez concluded that the MSC World America represents the evolution of the cruise industry towards more immersive and sustainable experiences. “This ship establishes a new standard in modern cruises and leads the way to a more responsible future,” he said.
The MSC World America not only represents a new chapter for MSC Cruises, but also an important impulse for the tourism in southern Florida and the Caribbean.
