Lets Holiday!

Welcome Aboard the MSC World America! As this dazzling new ship made its grand entrance in Miami, I was there to witness a celebration like no other. From breathtaking performances to innovative features, this vessel promises an unforgettable holiday. Curious about the highlights? Read Vanessa Lee's review below.

AS THE NEWEST SHIP in the MSC Cruises fleet arrived in Miami in April, invitees to the naming ceremony, part of a three-day inaugural cruise, heard this catchy refrain often: "Let's Holiday!"

DREW BARRYMORE AND ORLANDO BLOOM CREDIT ANTHONY DEVLIN, GETTY IMAGES FOR MSC CRUISE

Echoing Drew Barrymore and Orlando Bloom's inspiring and charming commentary about the dazzling MSC World America in the commercial that ran during the Super Bowl and on the ship on numerous occasions, 'Let's Holiday' became a mantra for the guests and staff as we kicked off a fabulous celebration of this remarkable vessel. A perfect muse for holidaymakers, aka cruisers, this ship is a brilliant showpiece for her more than 6,000 guests; it was successfully named by her Godmother, the delightful Ms. Barrymore, to the accompaniment of some excellent performers, words from the Captain, Dino Sagani, and senior executives from MSC. Later in the evening, guests enjoyed an incredible pyro-drones show (think fireworks without the fire) over Miami followed by a performance from the iconic Gloria Estefan. The festivities were a suitable send-off for a ship that is the second in the World Class series after MSC World Europa, with two more to come, including the MSC World Atlantic arriving in 2027 and sailing from Port Canaveral.

This clever tagline, 'Let's Holiday,' has caught on – due, in part, to the very watchable video featuring Drew and Orlando and their superb chemistry, featuring numerous ship locations, with the ship herself also a dazzling star, designed with European style and sensibility and thoughtfully offering guests North American comfort. This is the first ship from MSC Cruises (they have 23 now), which was expressly built with the Canadian and American client in mind – and I can assure you, she's a winner!

MSC WORLD AMERICA IVAN SARFATTI

The MSC World America made her historic debut in PortMiami, where MSC Cruises had just opened their state-of-the-art cruise terminal, which looks much like an airport – massive and full of whizz-bang features, including facial recognition, to ensure cruise guests board their ships seamlessly. Including facial recognition. The terminal is big enough to allow three MSC Cruises ships to dock simultaneously and when you arrive on board this revolutionary ship – with its seven distinct districts, 19 dining venues, 18 bars and lounges, six spectacular pools, an MSC Formula Racer, a Sportplex, and so much more – you will be wowed! Each of the seven districts has a unique atmosphere, facilities and experiences, expertly designed to enhance the onboard experience and ensure guests of all ages can create their one-of-a-kind holiday, whether family-oriented, multi-generational, for couples or singles.

POOL DECK COURTESY MSC CRUISES

The seven districts include the Zen area on Deck 18 Aft, which, as you might imagine, is an adults-only exclusive oasis with panoramic ocean views designed as a haven of relaxation and rejuvenation for swimming, sunning and unwinding in peace. On Decks 19 and 20, you find the Family Aventura, a place packed with adventure where families enjoy entertaining activities and delicious bites as they, too, soak up the sun. Moving midship on Decks 18 and 19 we discovered the ultimate leisure spot of the Aqua Deck and the main pool with upbeat music, activities and more drinks and tasty snack options.

EATERY RESTAURANT COURTESY MSC CRUISES

Moving inside the ship, there are many venues to discover, especially on Decks 6, 7 and 8, the heartbeat of MSC World America, where you can enjoy the Galleria and a host of bars, restaurants, and shopping opportunities. The Terraces on Decks 7 and 8 offer sophisticated entertainment options from DJ sets, karaoke, and dueling pianos to live comedy and the first Eataly At Sea offering a menu that covers the icons of Italian gastronomy, from some of the brand's best-loved dishes to items only available onboard. On the Promenade on Deck 8 (one of my favourite places) with great ocean views, the new Greek restaurant Paxos was a big hit, as was the All-Stars Sports Bar. And that's where the thrilling 11-deck dry slide arrives, pumping out thrill-seekers who jumped on the slide on Deck 19. I asked the young man working the Jaw Drop @ The Spiral slide how he knew when people were coming down – "I can hear the screams," he jokingly said!

And there's more – so much more that I think you need to sail this ship and see for yourselves. The CliÀanger on Deck 20 is an over-water swing ride at sea, featuring a four-seat swing towering 50 metres above the ocean. Try it for a one-of-a-kind, edge-of-your-seat ride! There's a whole kid's area with seven rooms in which Lego® is a big feature, as is The Harbour family area with an Aquapark and four slides, bumper cars and roller skating, and a high trail ropes course. There's just so much more than you can imagine!

CLIFFHANGER IVAN SARFATT

The entertainment on the ship was fabulous, with a fantastic show in the World Theatre, "Dirty Dancing in Concert," as well as three other shows debuting, including "Hall of Fame" and "Odyssey". The stunning Panorama Lounge features two shows – "Queen Symphonic", showcasing Queen's greatest hits, and "Cinesonic". The spectacular entertainment options on this ship are incredible and included in your fare.

Other highlights for me were the four smaller main restaurants, The Butcher's Cut, Fizz, the Champagne Bar, Elixir, a mixology bar, and the delicious Chocolatier, Jean-Philippe Maury. The MSC Aurea Spa and the spacious accommodations with an unrivalled choice of suites and staterooms to suit every guest were also key elements of this exciting new ship.

FIZZ CHAMPAGNE BAR COURTESY MSC CRUISES

Endless fun around the clock is yours for the taking as you discover a new world of cruising, sailing seven and 14-day itineraries roundtrip from Miami to the Caribbean and their lovely private island, Ocean Cay Marine Reserve in the Bahamas. The MSC World America has arrived, and everyone has taken notice! This incredible ship offers a superb vacation for every Canadian, in Canadian pricing with many inclusions available and a new air program to come. There's something for everyone, including the marvellous Yacht Club, a ship-within-a-ship, a luxurious option for guests who want more discerning service. What are we waiting for? Let's Holiday!

MSC WORLD AMERICA IN MIAMI COURTESY MSC CRUISES

WHERE PRIVACY MEETS LUXURY

One of the best aspects of the new MSC World America is the exclusive Yacht Club and the privileged feel of a ship-within-a-ship concept on all MSC vessels. On this ship, the Yacht Club has reached new heights as the largest in the fleet, offering 152 spacious suites with excellent amenities to ensure you are well-pampered. Ensconced in the lap of luxury, guests in the Yacht Club enjoy a private 208-seat restaurant, the spacious and lovely Top Sail Lounge, direct access to the Aurea Spa, and an expansive private pool area, secluded sun deck and a Grill Restaurant and Bar.

YACHT CLUBTOP SAIL LOUNGE IVAN SARFATTI

New to the MSC World America Yacht Club experience is an additional complimentary casual dining option at La Brasserie. Special shore excursions are offered; there's an exclusive Yacht Club area on Ocean Cay, MSC's private island, 24-hour butler service and a dedicated concierge, included Wi-Fi and unlimited drinks and wine throughout the ship. Guests enjoy priority Yacht Club check-in, are greeted by butlers, and are personally escorted on the ship, where special key card access opens up this haven of calm with an inviting atmosphere suited to the most discerning guests. It's well worth the extra cost for this rarified experience.

YACHT CLUB OWNERS SUITE COURTESY MSC CRUISES