Cruising on MSC World America: Tips, Tools, and Tricks
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I don’t think I need to tell you there’s a lot that goes into picking the right cruise line—especially if you’re chasing that perfect mix of luxury, vibes, and value.
You gotta figure out which ship actually delivers on what it promises.
Then there’s the food (because baby, if it’s dry or bland… we leaving early).
You wanna know the vibe—is it giving grown and sexy or spring break chaos?
And you’ve gotta check if the ship has real activities, not just bingo and buffet lines.
It’s enough to make you say, “Ready, set… yeah, nah.”
But here’s the thing:
When you really come down to it, cruising on MSC World America presents an incredible opportunity to live your best soft life while seeing the world—and I’m gonna give you the full tea so you can do it right.
In this MSC World America cruise guide, I’ll be answering 6 of the most common “Is this ship for me?” type questions folks ask. And you already know I’m coming with the honest scoop—from a real one who’s been on over 50 cruises and just sailed the preview sailing of this brand-new ship.
Let’s just say…we already had a soft spot for MSC. But this cruise ship, just reinforced it.
These are the answers I wish I had when I first started cruising outside the big three (Royal, Carnival, and NCL). Hopefully, this clears up all the “is it worth it?” questions so you can maximize your experience without wasting a dime.
#1. What’s the best way to approach booking a trip on MSC World America?
There’s a few ways to book your cruise—but the key is making sure you know what you want ahead of time: vibes, budget, cabin style, and activities. Because baby, all ships ain’t created equal.
Here’s what I recommend:
Approach #1: Start by watching full ship reviews—like ours.
Our YouTube video breaks down everything from the food to the districts (areas onboard the ship) to the surprise moments that had us shook—in the best way.
Pro tip: Don’t just watch the promo videos from the cruise line. You want real people reviews from folks like us who’ll tell you the truth with no fluff.
Approach #2: Look at the Yacht Club options.
Yacht Club is their luxury, all-inclusive section of the ship and whew—it’s a whole vibe. Think private butler, exclusive restaurant, and your own pool deck.
Seeing some of these cabins in person actually made me speechless. It’s giving “I’ve arrived,” period.
Approach #3: Book with a travel advisor who knows MSC.
MSC does things a little different, and not every travel agent gets it. Book with somebody who’s actually sailed this ship and can help you avoid beginner mistakes (psst… hey, that’s us).
Related post: “What You Need to Know about MSC Seascape, 2022” →
#2. What should I be doing before and during the cruise to have the best experience?
To really enjoy yourself and not miss out on the good stuff, here’s the breakdown:
Daily:
Check the app for activities you don’t wanna miss
Grab a cocktail from Elixir or the Gin Project (thank me later)
Hit up the food spots early so you beat the crowds
Weekly (if you’re on a longer cruise):
Try a new specialty restaurant every other night
Book your spa day in advance—it fills up quick
Take a moment on the balcony or top deck to just breathe it all in
Monthly (aka for the planners):
Book your excursions early (especially if you're doing a Caribbean sailing)
Watch cruise ship walkthroughs on YouTube to build your wishlist
Make a vision board—yes, for your cruise. Manifest that Yacht Club suite!
Tool I swear by: The MSC app
It shows you the daily schedule, restaurant menus, deck maps, and even lets you book dinner or shows.
#3. How long will it take to feel like I’ve truly relaxed?
Let’s keep it real—most people don’t relax ‘til Day 3. Between boarding, exploring, and getting your bearings, it takes a minute to settle into the groove. But once you do? Whew. You’re floating.
Focus on mini-goals each day like:
Day 1: Explore the ship and unpack
Day 2: Try your first specialty restaurant and catch a show
Day 3: Full spa mode, hit the pool, maybe book a massage
As Oprah says, “You can have it all. Just not all at once.”
So instead of rushing everything, focus on the flow. That’s where the magic is.
You’ll know you’ve reached cruise bliss when:
You lose track of time
You forget what day it is
You start planning your next cruise before this one ends
#4. Is there a faster way to get the bougie experience without breaking the bank?
Absolutely. Here’s my fav time-saving, coin-saving tips:
Book early = best prices
Look at “Bella” category cabins if you don’t care about location
Skip the drink package and try pay-as-you-go if you’re a light sipper
Be sure to join their loyalty program. You automatically get a discount. And, MSC stacks discounts for loyalty, military, and first responders.
Use a travel advisor (yup, that’s us!) to watch for promos like “Kids Sail Free”
But most importantly?
Adopt the mindset: Luxury is a vibe, not a price point.
You don’t need a penthouse to have main character energy on this ship.
#5. How do I know what to focus on next once I’m onboard?
Once you're onboard, it’s easy to get overwhelmed—so many places to eat, things to do, shows to catch.
Here’s the deal:
If you’re brand new to MSC: Stick to the basics—buffet, main dining room, and explore the bars.
If you’re a casual cruiser: Hit a few specialty restaurants and try at least one show.
If you’re a cruise pro: Book the thermal spa, explore the grown up fun stuff like the F1 or flight simulators, and find your go-to quiet corner on deck.
And don’t forget—the vibe YOU bring sets the tone. You ain’t gotta do everything. Just do what feels good.
#6. What tools or resources should I use for a better experience?
Here’s what we used and loved on MSC World America:
MSC App: Already told y’all—it’s a must.
Portable charger: You’ll be snapping pics constantly. Keep your phone alive.
Noise-cancelling earbuds: For real rest or meditation moments
Magnetic hooks: The walls are metal—create more storage, boo.
#7. What am I doing wrong if I’m not vibing with the ship?
If you’re not loving the cruise, pause. It’s usually not the ship—it’s the approach.
Here’s what to check:
Are you trying to do too much too fast?
Are you comparing everything to your last ship?
Did you skip Yacht Club when it was really the vibe you needed?
Solution:
Create your pace. MSC isn’t about wild pool parties—it’s about elegance, good eats, and next-level service.
Start with:
Exploring the food (still thinking about the chicken tenders at the Pizza and Burgers spot!)
Finding your favorite cocktail bar
Picking 1 or 2 events a day to attend
Don’t sleep on that White Night party, any shenanigans on the deck or World Promenade, or the dueling pianos at the Loft either!
Now you’ve got the real scoop on cruising with MSC World America, booking like a pro, and how to fully tap into your luxury travel era.
If you stay flexible, focus on fun, and let the ship surprise you—you’ll come back glowing and already planning your next voyage.
