On Location: Stars, glamour & maritime traditions at MSC World America christening

MSC Cruises is going all out for the launch of its new flagship, the MSC World America.

On April 9, the company christened the ship at a ceremony held at its new, state-of-the-art cruise terminal in Miami. PAX was on location to witness the momentous occasion.

During the ceremony, MSC World America's godmother, actress and TV host Drew Barrymore, cut the ribbon, triggering the breaking of the bottle on the ship's bow—a gesture rooted in time-honoured maritime traditions intended to wish the ship good fortune.

The actress was joined by actor Orlando Bloom, her partner in MSC Cruises' "Let's Holiday" campaign, launched to coincide with the Super Bowl.

“It’s a tremendous honour to be the patron of MSC World America. I’ve always been passionate about travel. It’s always allowed me to recharge my batteries and have amazing experiences,” said Barrymore.

“Over time, this beautiful new ship will allow millions of people to experience unforgettable moments, and I’m sure they’ll be amazed by everything MSC World America has to offer.”

Following the event, MSC World America embarked on an inaugural three-night cruise to Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, the company's private island in the Bahamas.

Guests also had the opportunity to attend a gala dinner and enjoy exclusive performances, including one by Gloria Estefan. During the christening ceremony, they also got a sneak peek at Dirty Dancing the concert 

The show takes the beloved film to the next level with live singers, dancers and musicians, bringing the screening of the iconic movie to life.

In addition to getting a sneak peek at the MSC World America's amenities and services, guests were able to explore Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve.

The island houses a marine conservation center, which will serve as a base for researchers and students involved in the "Super Coral" program, which aims to restore coral reefs damaged by climate change. MSC World America passengers were able to learn more about this ecological initiative.

A new chapter in cruising

MSC says its new, ultramodern ship, the second in MSC Cruises' World Class, heralds a new chapter in the world of cruising.

MSC World America has 19 cabin types, from luxurious suites to family-friendly connecting cabins, balcony cabins, to affordable interior options

The new ship aims to introduce a “a new world of cruising” with re-imagined venues and concepts tailored specifically to the U.S. market, such as a new sports bar and comedy club concepts.

MSC World America debuts two new lounge concepts – All-Stars Sports Bar, offering a game-day atmosphere with all-American fare and bar games, and The Loft, a multi-purpose venue for comedy, karaoke and more.

The drink menus have also been Americanized with more bourbons, U.S.-style beers and gin from craft American distilleries, says MSC.

Also new is The Loft, an adults-only venue for comedy shows, duelling pianos and classic karaoke nights.

Another venue is Elixir, a mixology bar, which serves handcrafted beverages with refreshing Fever Tree mixers and fresh ingredients.

Introduced aboard MSC World Europa, Elixir comes with a new focus on bourbon and bourbon-based cocktails—alongside an array of other spirits.

Masters of the Seas is a British-style pub will be at the heart of MSC World America’s Terraces district with a lively and warm atmosphere for enjoying live music and drinks.

The pub features MSC's second full-scale micro-brewery at sea, offering a newly-developed range of signature beers from brew master Teo Musso of Baladin Brewery—an American-style lite beer, IPA and Pilsner—that are made from desalinated sea water.

The Gin Project, meanwhile, has 20 craft gins—sourced with a focus on American and Canadian craft gin distilleries complimented by a curated selection of international favourites and a menu of classic botanical cocktails prepared by gin-tenders in the Terraces district.

The enhanced Sweet Temptations, which debuted on MSC World Europa, comes to MSC World America with a new look and more selection of confectionary wonders, like self-serve frozen yogurt bar, make-your-own ice cream bars, hot crepes and waffles, donuts, and candies.

It also has the only Eataly restaurant at sea. 

MSC World America will sail its inaugural season in the Caribbean, departing from PortMiami. Each itinerary will include a stopover at Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve.

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